I have found an easy way to book a holiday without wading through lots of brochures and then turning pages trying to find prices. It is an Irish internet site with all flights departing from Ireland. www.fly2thesun.com is the brainchild of McNeill Rigby Travel, based in Belfast: it is very easy to get information. The site will be updated daily and the last-minute offers are worth watching. Your inquiries will be dealt with by email or on the freephone number, 1800-409495.
Tracing ancestors and family history has become very popular. In September, the Ulster Historical Foundation is conducting a course in Belfast and Dublin, "Searching for that Elusive Irish Ancestor", which will include research in both the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and the National Archive in Dublin. Workshops, tours, entertainment and accommodation are included in the weeklong programme, which is divided between Belfast and Dublin, though you can choose to go to one section or other if it suits your research. Details from Ulster Historical Foundation, 12 College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DD 04890-332288, enquiry@uhf.org.uk.
The Irish punt has taken a beating against the dollar lately - but not the Canadian dollar. One of the best ways to see this vast country is to take a tour. CIE Tours has been organising trips to Canada for many years and the selection of tours is well worth a look. One of the nicest times to visit Canada is in the Fall, when the colours are incredible. In September the 10-day Canadian Eastern Journey visits Niagara Falls, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto for less than £1,000, and includes all accommodation and tours. Tel: 01-7031888 or ask your local ITAA travel agent.
A reader recently wrote to tell of a problem with not receiving a holiday booked with a British travel company. Before you do business with any travel agency, ask them if they are licensed and members of the Irish Travel Agents Association ITAA or, if British, a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, ABTA. All members of both associations must be licenced and bonded to protect your holiday.
The San Patricios was an Irish battalion which fought with Mexico in the Mexico-US war of 1846-1848. This year, the Society of St Brendan is participating in a salute by the Mexican government and people to the San Patricios in September. The event will be part of a 14-day tour of Mexico which will visit Puebla, Mexico City and Oaxaca. In Oaxaca, a Spanish translation of the Tain will be published and an exhibition of work by Louis Le Brocquy and Anne Madden opened. Details from Society of St Brendan, 42 Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, 012885858.
A NEW service from Luxair, between Dublin and Luxembourg, begins on July 12th and runs every day except Saturday, with fares from £148 return.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie