Christmas getaway options in Kilkenny, Wexford

A number of getaway offers to hotels in Kilkenny and Wexford Christmas options for those wanting a change of space and pace, writes Brian Byrne.

Hotel Kilkenny is offering an adults only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which sounds like real relaxation for those who don't have child-centred duties over the holiday.

For €395 per person sharing, there's a welcome reception on Christmas Eve, with dinner and entertainment and a complimentary festive drink, before retiring.

The Christmas Day start is with a full Irish breakfast and then an opportunity to have a swim at the health and fitness club before a traditional Christmas lunch. In the afternoon there's a visit from magician Andy James, and later in the evening a full dinner followed by live musical entertainment.

After breakfast on St Stephen's Day, guests can depart at leisure and enjoy medieval Kilkenny. To stay over until the following morning is possible for €55 per person sharing.

A similar adults only two-night stay over New Year is available for €199pps. More information from see www.hotelkilkenny.ie.

For those who would like a similar experience, but with the opportunity to bring the children too, the Ferrycarraig Hotel in Wexford is offering two- and three-night packages over Christmas, and a New Year package too. The prices for the Christmas options are all inclusive two-night for €349pps, or three-night from €499 per person sharing. For children 1–3 years, accommodation is free of charge. For those 4–8 years, €195 for the three-day package, and €235 for those 9–16 years.

New tourism initiative in Munster Vales

A new tourism initiative to attract visitors to the mountain and other attractions of middle Munster has been launched, writes Brian Byrne. The Munster Vales programme was devised by tourism services providers in the areas of the Ballyhouras, the Galtees, Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountain ranges and their associated valleys.

The initiative is a subset within the Ireland's Ancient East idea, and is aimed at focusing attention on the many attractions beyond the major iconic destinations.

Pictured above at the launch in Lismore Castle are Triona O'Mahony, Destinations & Marketing Manager, Munster Vales; Sinead Carr, Chair of Munster Vales Board, with Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Brendan Griffin; and Marie Phelan of Tipperary Tourism.

The Munster Vales marketing concept was initiated when a number of smaller tourism providers realised that while the Ireland's Ancient East programme could bring in big numbers to the iconic attractions, they were 'not getting on the stage' in terms of attracting visitors. "We contacted the various councils in the region and asked them if there was something we could do," says Sinead Carr, chair of the Munster Vales board. "They gave us funding to carry out a feasibility study to see if there was enough in attractions to bring in tourists to the area."

The Munster Vales is considered as the 'historic heartland of Ireland', and abounds in heritage, legendary trails, and activity opportunities. This is what the initiative has pulled together, and is ready to target not just the international tourists who are brought in by Failte Ireland to the greater Ireland's Ancient East, but the very important domestic tourism market.

Hilary Creedon of Ireland's Ancient East is fully behind the Munster Vales concept. "Our brand promise is thousands of heritage years of Ireland, and Munster Vales is very much a part of that. We have stories to tell, but we must remember that our visitors are on holiday, and it is crucial that they get this information in a fun way."

The initiative includes a dedicated social media programme, and the provision of top-quality media to the providers in the region. Kinsale-based photographer Jakub Walutek has provided a range of beautiful images from the region and has also produced the first of four marketing videos, which was launched at the Lismore event.

"We have already produced a number of 'bundles' of attractions which are being made available to where prospective visitors can find them," says Triona O'Mahony, the Munster Vales destination and marketing manager. "They can also log on to MunsterVales.com and see them."

The keynote speaker at the launch was Breifne Earley — adventurer, author, blogger and podcaster — who recalled that the Irish leg of a 29,000km around the world cycle race which he won in 2015 actually took him through the Munster Vales area. "I have no doubt that when people realise the quality of the attractions here, that they will come in numbers. But let us do like we did with The Gathering, let's talk about it, invite our relations and friends to come, and their friends. What you have done here is first class, so keep it going."

travelfox.ie Celebrity Cruises from Dublin

travelfox.ie have some Celebrity Cruises on offer for 2018 where you pay for one cruise and the second guest only pays 50 per cent of the cruise fare! And both will receive free classic drinks. However, you need to book by 14 November 2017.

One such cruise takes in Italy, France and Spain on Celebrity Constellation. Guest 1 is charged from €1,860 while guest 2 pays from €1,115. You fly out from Dublin Airport on 23 June 2018 for seven nights. The cabin type is Ocean View Stateroom and ports of call are Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice (Villefranche), Ibiza, Palma Mallorca and Barcelona.

The Best of Western Mediterranean on Celebrity Reflection departs Dublin Airport on 28 May 2018 and is for 11 nights. Cabin type is Ocean View Stateroom. Ports of call for this trip include Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice (Villefranche), Barcelona, Gibraltar, Malaga, Categena and Ibiza. Guest 1 pays from €2,575 while Guest 2 pays from €1,505. 

If you fancy a cruise to Scotland and Iceland on Celebrity Eclipse you can treat a loved one and love paying half plus free drinks. Guest 1: pays from €2,140 while Guest 2 pays from €1,070. This cruise sails from Dublin on 10 May 2018 and is for 10 nights. Cabin type is Balcony Stateroom. Ports of call include Dublin, Belfast, Reykjavik, Akureyri, Lerwick/Shetland and back to Dublin. 

Fancy spending Christmas in Spain?

If you fancy doing something different this Christmas like jetting off to the sun, travelfox.ie are offering some great bargains which include flying out on the 19  December from Dublin or on 21 December from Cork, to the Costa Del Sol to escape our dreary winter, writes Trish Whelan.

Hotels include the 3* Ecuador Park Apartments in Torremolinos, with self-catering accommodation, priced from €399pp; or the 3* Bajondillo Apartments, self catering from €549pp. Or you can stay at the 3* Barracuda, half board, from €499pp, or at the 4* Marconfront Beach Club, for an all-inclusive cost from €799pp. 

If you fancy the 4* Las Palmeras in Fuengirola, half board accommodation, the cost is from €569pp. 

All prices are based on 2 people sharing.

Prices include: Aer Lingus flights, 10kgs of hand luggage, transfers and 10 nights accommodation. Christmas dinner may not be included in some of the half board options and may have an additional supplement locally.

If interested, you can contact the company on 021 4976293 or res@travelfox.ie for more information or to book. These offers have limited availability, so it’s advised to book early.

Autumn break offers coming online

There’s no doubt that autumn is on our doorsteps, and summer and its holidays fast becoming more distant memory, writes Brian Byrne.

But there’s the redeeming thought that, for those not buried in school runs and frantic work rates, there’s opportunity to relax with an autumn hotel break without having to drive too far, and at better than high-season prices.

Three I have in mind include an Autumnal Midweek Haven break at the Monart Destination Spa (above) near Enniscorthy in County Wexford. A range of relaxing treatments focusing on restfulness are on offer in what they bill as ‘the ultimate 24-hour recharge break’. Can’t say I’ve ever experienced them, but Tension Release Massage, a Silky Skin Body Scrub or a Reviver Facial are among the treatments. The break is available from Monday to Thursday from €169 per person sharing. See www.monart.ie.

There’s also the new ‘Tea and Pamper' Midweek Escape for autumn 2017 at Hotel Kilkenny. The deal includes full Irish breakfast, afternoon tea of savoury and sweet treats all created from the finest Irish produce, and a choice of a thirty-minute treatment at the hotel’s Orchard Wellness treatment rooms. Packages from Sunday to Thursday all for €184pps. More info at Hotelkilkenny.ie.

In Wexford town, Ferrycarrig Hotel is offering three-night couples break with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival, deluxe en-suite room and full Irish breakfast each morning, along with full use of the health and fitness suite and pool and an evening meal at Reeds Restaurant (above). This escape is available from €189pps. More at ferrycarrighotel.ie.

Spoil yourself. You know you want to.

City break offers from Travelfox

New York

Travelfox are offering city breaks to destinations such as Edinburgh, Malaga, Krakow or to the bright lights of New York or Las Vegas, writes Trish Whelan.

Prices are based on flights from Shannon. Alternative airports may be available.

All offers are subject to availability, early booking is essential and prices are based on two people sharing.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh - You can spend Valentine's Day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Fly on 13 February 2018 and stay in the 4* Novotel Edinburgh Hotel for two nights, B&B. Prices from €239pp.

Krakow, Poland - Fly from Shannon to Krakow and spend four nights B&B in the 4* Galaxy Hotel. Prices from €279pp departing 4 December 2017.

Malaga

Malaga, Spain - Fancy a city break to Malaga? Why not spend three nights in the 4* Silken Puerta Malaga, B&B in October. Prices from €349pp departing 21 October 2017.

Las Vegas Nevada - Spend 4 nights in the 3* Circus Circus, room only. A great place to visit this November. This is not a direct flight. Prices from €599pp departing 3 November 2017.

New York - Head off on a shopping trip to the Big Apple this November and spend three nights in the 4* Hudson New York. Prices from €749pp departing 23 November 2017 (for three nights, room only).

Boston - How about a shopping time in Boston? Spend three nights in the 4* Boston Park Plaza, room only. Prices from €599pp departing 23 November, room only.

You can contact Travelfox at Tel 021 4976293 or email them at res@travelfox.ie. They're also on Facebook.

Irish Ferries supports Spraoi again

As Waterford gears up for the annual Spraoi Festival, which takes place in the city over the August Bank Holiday Weekend from 4-6 August, Irish Ferries has announced it will once again be lending its support to the event.

Now in its twenty-fifth year, Ireland’s oldest city will host hundreds of performers, an array of street theatre entertainers and countless live music acts likely to create a three-day carnival atmosphere that is unique among Irish festivals.

As the official travel partner for the event, Irish Ferries will assist organisers in attracting participants from overseas by providing transport to all of the acts travelling to Waterford from Britain, France and further afield.

On the Irish Sea, Irish Ferries operates up to 16 daily crossings between Dublin and Holyhead and Rosslare and Pembroke. On its French routes, the Oscar Wilde cruise ferry operates sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff with the vessel Epsilon operating a weekend return sailing from Dublin to Cherbourg.

Bookings can be made online at irishferries.com or by calling 0818 300 400.

Pictured are Spraoi Festival performer Shauna Farrell and Mark Stuckey, Chief Purser on board the MV Oscar Wilde, at an event to announce Irish Ferries support of this year’s Festival.

Tuscany holiday offer from Travel Department

Travel Department is offering €150 off an amazing trip to Tuscany until 28 July.

Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, many famous artists including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci have called Tuscany home throughout the centuries. The area is not only rich in art and culture but is also world renowned for its medieval hill towns, lush vineyards, olive groves and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

On this 7-night holiday you will visit the beautiful city of Florence with its famous Piazza Della Signoria and travel to Lucca, a walled city that was the birthplace of Puccini. You will also visit Siena (above), a city famous for its remarkable sloping square, Piazza del Campo, and the small medieval town of San Gimignano.

A highlight for many is the trip to Pisa, which is home not only to the tower, but also to some magnificent cathedrals and baroque buildings.

The holiday will be based in beautiful Tuscan town of Montecatini with a full day excursion to Florence, an excursion to Siena and San Gimignano as well as an excursion to Pisa and Lucca.

Prices start from €779pp including seven nights 4-star half-board accommodation, return flights from Dublin, transfers and all taxes & charges, with flights departing in August, September and October 2017.

To book call 01 6371600.

Classic Tuscany for less

Montecatini

Travel Department is offering €150 off an amazing trip to Tuscany for a limited time only, specially chosen by Travel Department Product Executives who are experts on Italy and responsible for organising Travel Department’s ever-popular Italian getaways, writes Trish Whelan.

Tuscan landscape San Gimignano

Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, many famous artists including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci have called Tuscany home throughout the centuries. The area is not only rich in art and culture but is also world renowned for its medieval hill towns, lush vineyards, olive groves and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiore

On this 7-night holiday you will visit the beautiful city of Florence with its famous Piazza Della Signoria and travel to Lucca, a walled city that was the birthplace of Puccini.

Sienna

You will also visit Siena, a city famous for its remarkable sloping square, Piazza del Campo, and the small medieval town of San Gimignano. A highlight for many is the trip to Pisa, which is home not only to the tower, but also to some magnificent cathedrals and baroque buildings. Join this Italian adventure which has the perfect mix of culture, relaxation and history. The holiday will be based in beautiful Tuscan town of Montecatini with a full day excursion to Florence, an excursion to Siena & San Gimignano as well as an excursion to Pisa & Lucca.

Prices start from €779pp* including 7 nights’ 4-star half board accommodation, return flights from Dublin, transfers and all taxes & charges, with flights departing in August, September and October 2017.

*The special offer runs until 28 July. Call 01 - 6371600

Ferrycarrig Hotel midweek offer

Fancy a 'Midweek Bliss' couple of nights in the sunny south-east? Well, perhaps the Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford might have what you need.

Situated on the waters edge of the River Slaney with every one of the hotel’s 102 rooms offering a view, the hotel has put together a 2-night mid-week stay with breakfast, a treatment in their new treatment rooms, afternoon tea for two plus dinner at their award-winning restaurant ‘Reeds’ on one evening, all from €179pps.

A 25-minute treatment at Riverwood Wellness treatment rooms is included where you can choose between a Riverwood Mini Facial, Pressure Point Scalp Massage or Back Massage.

For reservations call 053-9120999 or see ferrycarrighotel.ie.

Two-wheeler influx to Innsbruck next week

If you're not already booked to go, then it's probably too late, as the Crankworx professional mountain biking competition rolls off in Innsbruck in Austria next week, writes Brian Byrne.

But keep an eye out on your favourite sports channel to see some pretty spectacular performances from the cream of mountain-biking's competitive side. Up to 10,000 spectators are expected.

For those who understand the terms, Downhill, Slopestyle, Dual Speed & Style, Whip Off and Pump Track Challenge legends together with the fans, rising stars, industry innovators and the next generation of mountain bike riders are there for five days of competition, concerts, and mountain bike culture.

Known as the 'Super Bowl of freeride mountain biking', Crankworx began in Whistler, Canada, in 2004. The Crankworx World Tour travels to Rotorua, New Zealand; Les Gets, France; Innsbruck; and culminates back in its Canadian hometown of Whistler.

Haven Holidays offer

News likely to appeal to families who have yet to book a summer holiday is the announcement from Irish Ferries of a price reduction at a number of popular UK Haven Holiday resorts.

 

Bookable by July 1st and valid for arrivals between 9th June and 28th July inclusive, savings amount to €125 (7 nights) and €70 (4-nights) respectively.

 

Typically, this means that holidaymakers can enjoy a 7-night bargain break at the all-action park of Hafan Y Mor in North Wales, arriving June 26th and staying in a two bedroom deluxe holiday home for only €899 for a family of six including return car ferry crossing.

 

Along with evening entertainment aimed at ensuring happy kids mean happy parents, each park boasts activities to suit all the family including outdoor and heated indoor pools, children’s paddling pools, slides, flumes, lazy rivers, go karting, bike hire, kid’s clubs, ten-pin bowling, pitch & putt, tennis courts and much more.

 

For bookings and further information call 0818 300 400 or visitwww.irishferries.com/haven.

Emerald Star in fleet upgrade programme

Katrina McGirr of Waterways Ireland with Mark Roding of Emerald Star.

A €1.6m investment in Emerald Star will see a substantial upgrading of its Shannon-based fleet over the next few years, writes Brian Byrne.

Announced last night by the company's regional operations manager Mark Roding, the new 'Horizon' class cruisers will offer an enhanced boating experience for the company's customers, in 2+2, 5- and 8-berth configurations.

Three of the new cruisers, which are being built in Poland to the company's specification, have already been delivered to Ireland. At a cost of up to €250,000 each, they include such features as top deck barbecue areas that are covered against the sun ... or rain.

A Horizon class cruiser.

Emerald Star is the iconic company among a number of providers to the growing Shannon cruise market. It was established in the 1970s by Guinness, and is now owned by European giant Le Boat.

It currently has 50 boats based in Carrick-on-Shannon, and a further 20 at its Portumna hub.

Half of Emerald Star customers are Irish, with Germany and the UK coming as next most important. At last night's presentation, it was noted that the company gets many repeat customers, some of whom have been coming for 30 years.

The demographic runs from people in their 20s through to their 70s, 'and we had one customer last week who was in the 90s'. "Traditionally, the customers did tend to be older, because they were customers who had more time. But with the growing interest in short breaks by busy people who are 'time-poor', we're seeing much younger customers. What tends to happen is they'll try it for a few days, and usually come back for a longer holiday."

New Horizon boats have modern, airy saloons.

Mark Roding emphasised that while boating is an 'activity' holiday, the level of activity is completely dictated by the customers themselves, so it suits a broad range of people and interests.

To rent and drive a boat in Ireland you have to be 21 or over, but no special licence is required.

Detailing the course of business over the last decade, Mark Roding said it was hit hard by the recession, but the parent company adapted by taking boats from Ireland to use on its mainland European hubs, which trimmed the costs here during the downturn.

"That meant, though, that when the economy improved, we were short on capacity, so that's the reason we are investing in new boats." The investment and building programme was initiated in 2014, and the design of the new vessels was the result of in-depth discussions with the company's existing customer base.

"The clear answer was that customers wanted new boats, whether they were people who have been coming for years, or brand new customers. They want all mod cons, and the only way to do that is provide new boats, rather than modifying the existing stock."

He complimented the cross-border Waterways Ireland agency for proving some 'amazing' cruising facilities on the Shannon and on the Erne. He also noted that mooring facilities were free along the Shannon, except for those in Athlone which are owned by the local authority.

Waterways Ireland’s Katrina McGirr said the overall river cruising market in Ireland is growing alongside the upsurge of inward tourism generally here. She added that as well as the investments by Emerald Star, other providers have also made investment plans to pick up on the market growth.

Emerald Star prices range from €600 for a 7-night booking to €3,655, depending on boat size and time in the season. There are also prices available for shorter bookings.

An Emerald Star cruiser.

Activity holiday for all ages and interests.

Hala Madrid!

All I had ever heard about Madrid were great things, writes Kate Robson. The architecture, the food, the culture, the people.

Cheap flights thus made for a killer birthday gift, especially when two tickets means that the recipient (him) is obliged to bring me along! Excited at the prospect of a few days off work, lots and lots of tapas (me) and two internationally renowned football stadiums (him) it was an eagerly anticipated few days.

Trivago offered some astoundingly good deals for accommodation. Being a chancer I dragged down the price filter to €50, and found loads of value options I ended up booking a room, ensuite, air conditioning, big double bed, flat screen television and best of all ... smack in the middle of the old part of the city. Sounds too good to be true? I thought so ... but as it turned out the accommodation just perfect and located just off Puerta del Sol. One of the most popular squares in the old town, it is truly a beautiful spectacle and offers the perfect people watching spot and my goodness was there a lot of people! Also, like all of Madrid it was easily accessible via the city's underground system, which really is top notch.

On route to Santiago Bernabéu, Matej, although a firm Bayern Munich fan, was like a giddy child as apparently all things football are 'awesome!'. Perhaps I had lost my senses due to too much direct sunlight or perhaps Matej's excitement was contagious. Either way, our trip to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — the Real Madrid stadium for those like me who didn't know a thing about football — was actually fun! Definitely the highlight of our trip and highly recommended!

Unfortunately, having walked through the midday heat to see the Atletico Madrid stadium, it transpired Paul McCartney was playing there that night. Therefore, it was closed to the public with nothing having been mentioned on their website. Turns out collaborating with Kanye West is not the most unforgivable thing Mr McCartney he has done in recent years!

To be honest, though although Matej was disappointed, I didn't mind too much as Madrid Rio Park was very close by.

Featuring the Arganzuela Footbridge, a stunning piece of contemporary architecture, the park was high on my list of things to do. Away from the city center it is filled with locals taking a dip in the river, walking their dogs or bathing in the sun. It is a beautiful garden of peace in an otherwise fast pace city.

Tapas also, as predicted were amazing. After doing some research we heading out in search of a place called Naviego.

Having got lost several times we realised that there are beautiful tapas places on every corner and, not going to lie, we indulged in a few. Definitely would recommend working up a hunger and going on a tapas hunt!

Other things to see and do in Madrid, if you have more time to explore, include exploring the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city with its cafes and restaurants which line the arches of the magnificent square which has Philip III's statue in the centre. It is a world heritage site.

The main transversal exhibition hall on 1th floor of Museo del Prado. Photo by Schnäggli via Wikipedia.

The Museo Nacional Del Prado, affectionately known as The Prado, is the main Spanish national art museum, located right in central Madrid. It was founded by King Ferdinand VII of Spain in 1819 and now is home to over 7,000 paintings. Goya, Velazquez, Rubens, Fra Angelico, are but some of the artists. Information available from its website, www.museodelprado.es/en/visit-the-museum.

Art lovers should also visit the Museo Reina Sofia, to see Guernica, Picasso's mural-sized oil painting on canvas which he painted in response to the bombing of Guernica which is a Basque Country village in northern Spain.

Facade of Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid. Pic by Luis García (Zaqarbal) via Wikipedia.

If you are inclined to sample a bull fight, Madrid's main bullring is Las Ventas which is also used for rock concerts and political meetings, or attend a Real Madrid game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

As far as a big city goes, Madrid truly is inherently beautiful and perfect for those looking for a short city break!

Texaco invites motorists on ‘Road to Adventure’

Texaco is inviting motorists to take a ‘road to adventure’ in a new forecourt promotion now running at participating service stations across the country, writes Trish Whelan.

Said to provide proof that the forecourt sector is as active as ever in its drive to win new customers and retain the loyalty of others, motorists purchasing fuel valued €30 or more are being offered the opportunity to win one of eight week-long holidays to Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, each one valued at €3,000, with no limit on the number of entries any one motorist can make.

Using latest smart phone technology, those purchasing the qualifying amount of fuel are asked to upload a picture of their receipt to a dedicated website together with name and contact details thereby eliminating the need for form filling or mailing.

Running until early-May, winners can decide the dates and details of their holiday which must be booked before the end of August and taken before the end of August next year. 

Pictured below at the launch is their Marketing Manager, Bronagh Carron.

A landmark year for Slovenia

In Slovenia, the year 2017 is marked by the anniversary of the death of the greatest Slovenian architect, Joze Plecnik. The country will also join in with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the event which significantly influenced the issuing of the first books written in the Slovenian language. The town of Ptuj is already getting ready for the Kurentovanje Festival, one of the greatest Slovenian ethnological events and one that is not to be missed.

Slovenia is a country of small ski resorts which offer a pleasant and homely atmosphere. The diverse terrain is suitable for beginners and children as well as experienced skiers. Obtain a single SkiPass ticket with which you can ski at all Slovenian ski resorts. Numerous ski schools and ski instructors, who speak different languages, will make sure that you really enjoy the snow. After skiing, take a walk around town, since most of the ski resorts are close to major towns.

Etihad Airways moves to Terminal 1 at Dublin

Etihad Airways has this week moved its Dublin flight operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport, for both departures and arrivals.

They 5-Star Certified Airline says “Our guests are invited to check in at Area 6 in Terminal 1. This move follows extensive investment in passenger and retail facilities at the airport.”

Access to the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge for its First or Business Class and Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold members will not be affected by the move, as the Lounge is located air-side between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. 

Slovenia, the green destination

As Slovenia enters 2017 it is pushing to become a major green destination, following the declaration last September that it is the first green tourist destination country in the world.

The country achieved a record 96pc level of compliance with the required sustainability criteria according to a comprehensive assessment by the international organisation Green Destinations.

As the European Green Capital 2016, the country’s premier city Ljubljana (above) was at the forefront of the environmentally and socially aware European Union all year. A national Slovenia Green programme for assessing and promoting sustainability in tourism is making increasingly more recognisable as a country of sustainable tourism that is friendly to local communities and the natural environment.

Slovenia is also ending 2016 with a golden vintage of its ‘green gold locally brewed beer. This year, visitors can taste this delicious brew from the first and only beer fountain in the world, located in Zalec.

Plan your winter adventure in Idaho

Picture of Mount Baldy courtesy Sun Valley Resort.

Ski enthusiasts who have tried North America as a change from the usual European venues have usually come away very impressed, writes Brian Byrne. And while more usual destinations include Bannf in Canada and Vermont in the US, Idaho is another perfect winter getaway.

With 28,000 vertical feet of terrain on over 18,000 acres, Idaho offers skiers spectacular scenery, 18 world-class resorts and exceptional ski trails located within the Idaho State Parks. Start planning your unique, family-friendly winter adventure!

Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort is America’s first destination ski resort that offers visitors the choice of two different mountains with activities for all skill levels, from beginners to advance. Also famous as Idaho’s most luxurious resort, it offers visitors excellent snow conditions on 3,200 feet of vertical drop, 26,000-square-foot family centre with everything from lessons to rentals to themed adventure trails for kids.

Brundage Mountain Resort
Located in the mountains of central Idaho, Brundage Mountain has a reputation for the best snow in Idaho thanks to over 320 base area inches of snowfall annually, 1,500 in-bounds of skiable terrain, 7,640 feet summit elevation and its longest trail “Temptation”. The mountain is open seven days a week during the winter season.  Located next to the Alpine Village, skiers should visit the Brundage Adventure Center, a one-stop shop for all their recreation needs, from tourist information to purchase of lift tickets and season passes.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Open year-round, it is a family friendly destination located in the Idaho Panhandle, 85 miles from Spokane, WA and 66 miles south of the Canadian border of British Columbia. The resort offering includes 2,900 acres of varied terrain for skiing and snowboarding as well as 32 kilometres of Nordic trails for cross-country, snowshoeing and snow biking. The nearby intimate village offers also additional activities for non-skiers such as an on-site spa, dining and shopping areas.

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is located only 16.5 miles north of Boise and is open for full winter operation mid-November through mid-April. It boasts 2,600 acres of terrain for day skiing and 165 acres for night skiing, 78 designated runs together with a Terrain Park, several lodges with unique winter camping experiences in yurt and live music entertainment at the Simplot Lodge.

For more information, visit visitidaho.org/

Very convenient conveniences

If you're caught short in Germany, keep an eye out for this sign in the window of a pub, cafe, or other building open to the public for business, writes Brian Byrne.

It indicates the premises is part of the 'Nette Toilette' (Nice Toilet) scheme, and you can go in and use the convenience without necessarily feeling you have to buy something.

What happens is the premises gets a monthly payment from the local authority to allow its facilities to be used by the general public and not just customers.

The network, launched in 2000, now has 210 member cities in Germany and is also spreading into Switzerland.

As an example, the City of Bremen pays out some €150,000 a year to participating premises and gets in return a system of public conveniences that would otherwise cost them €1.1m a year to operate.

The cost includes a relatively small payment to the private company that runs the branding, which also operates a website where you can find the nearest participating restroom..

Could work here, couldn't it?