Next week is the start of National Heritage Week. The week, from September 5th-12th, begins with a family day at the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Come and meet characters out of history, take an historic walk, or tour Ashtown Castle. Supported by ESB, Duchas the Heritage Service has organised over 350 events around the country. You can get a free programme from freephone 1 800 600 601. Details are also available on their website www.heritageireland.ie
My favourite British hotel group is without doubt the Malmaison. If you are planning to go to Manchester (00 44 161) 278 1000, Newcastle (00 44 191) 245 5000, Glasgow (00 44 141) 572 1000 or Edinburgh (00 44 131) 468 5000, during the autumn, I suggest you book yourself into one of these temples of design and comfort. Each hotel has great leisure facilities and excellent bistro-style restaurants. Bedrooms are fitted out with comfort in mind and the biggest beds and deepest baths you are likely to come across. All the bedrooms also have CD players, so bring your favourites. Best thing of all about the Malmaisons is the price, for the quality and style you cannot beat them. Weekends for two will cost from £150 stg. Their website on www.malmaison.com
Autumn breaks are on the horizon and here is a suggestion for somewhere different. Now that the tourist traffic is starting to die down, go and visit the oldest of our heritage sites in the Boyne Valley, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. While there you could stay in the Newgrange Hotel in Navan. Recently built in the gothic style, the hotel is offering weekend breaks, two night B&B and one dinner for £89.50 until the end of September and £84.50 from October. Phone (046) 74100.
A great way to have a family or group holiday in luxury and comfort is to rent a villa. Prices can be surprisingly reasonable. Having your own pool and the weather to go with always makes it hard to depart. Villa and Golf Holidays have a selection of villas in Portugal, Spain, Canaries and Tunisia. As the name suggests, there is golf available locally at most of their sites. You can get a brochure from your local travel agent or from 66 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 (01) 662 5866.
When you think of CIE Tours naturally you think American tourists, big coaches, Bunratty and Blarney. But you might be surprised to hear that CIE Tours have a terrific range of tours to Britain and Europe. For example, a five-day tour of Scotland including whisky tasting, looking for Nessie, visiting the home of Braveheart and taking in Glasgow and Edinburgh, flights, accommodation, most meals, entrance fees, luxury coach, costs £469. The European tours visit Paris, Venice, Barcelona, Copenhagen etc. Details from CIE tours 35, Lr Abbey Street, Dublin 1 or (01)703 1888.