Woman's Way Travel

Travel news Review

DAY TRIP:
KILLRUDDERY
HOUSE AND
GARDENS

Photographer – James Fennell

Let me preface this review by stating Adults can enjoy the farm market BOOKING By Amy Wall. All prices are correct at the time of going to print
that I have a thing for beautiful which takes place every Saturday NEW YEARS’ NOW!
estates. I could happily spend or take a yoga class in the Stable ESCAPE
hours wandering around perfectly- Studio. Mums and dads can attend
manicured gardens and exploring Claphandies – a weekly class for Ring in 2019 with a fantastic trip
stunning old houses. However, I am babies, wobblers and toddlers to e Algarve. Highlights of this
aware that it’s not everyone’s cup of with parents. Outdoorsy types can seven-night break include a guided
tea. While I swoon over rose gardens walk the estate with Mike’s Hikes. tour of Lagos, a visit to Sagres, a full
and antique interiors, others may Meanwhile children can visit the day excursion to the city of Seville
find it a tad, well, boring. What I’m animals which live on the estate, with a chance to see Barrio de Santa
saying is that it can be hard to find take to the treetops at Squirrel’s Cruz and the Spanish Square, a
an estate and gardens that appeals Scramble – an adventure tree park special New Year’s Eve dinner with
to all ages but Killruddery House that features zip-lines – or enjoy entertainment, plenty of leisure time
and Gardens in Co Wicklow has it some crafts at Me + The Moon, a and more. is package is available
cracked. workshop for children’s creativity. from €799pps and flights depart
There really is so much going on. As from Dublin airport on December 27.
Home to the Brabazon Family for me? I spent my day first touring Accommodation is on a half-board
(the Earls of Meath) since 1618, I the house and then happily enjoying basis and the price includes flights
paid a visit recently, on a beautiful a coffee in the beautiful gardens and transfers.
sunny Saturday. We drove from before paying a visit to the chickens. For details call 01 637 1600 or log on to
Dublin and it took about half an Before I even knew it, I had www.traveldepartment.ie
hour. On arrival you feel like you’re managed to while away an entire
a million miles away from the city, day. The whole experience was
but a quick five minutes will bring fantastic and with so much to do,
you back to the bustling Southern it’s a fantastic place to spend a day
Cross in Bray. Getting out of the car with loved ones. From the outset,
and seeing the house for the first it’s clear that Killruddery is a place
time, I was delighted. Exquisite old that is dearly loved, not just by its
house? Check. A sign for previously inhabitants but by the community
mentioned perfectly-manicured at large as well. I’m already eagerly
gardens? Check. But the other thing awaiting my next visit and I really
I noticed was the amount of families think that this is the type of place
who were there too. I quickly you return to again and again –
learned that while Killruddery even if it is just to sip a coffee and
appeals to people like me, it’s also spend some time in nature. Highly
a prime day-trip destination for recommended.
young (and old) families. You see For more information log on to
the estate and gardens is not the www.killruddery.com
only thing this place has to offer.

36 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel newsLUXURIOUS BREAK GRAB YOUR GOLF CLUBS

Treat yourself to a stay at the five-star K The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore has a fantastic offer
that golf fans are sure to love. Located just 10 minutes
Club this autumn and avail of their fantastic away from Esker Hills Golf Club, with this package you
can enjoy two nights’ bed and breakfast, a round of golf
‘sleep, shop and savour’ package. You for two at Esker Hills Golf Club, a Hot Rock Steak dining
experience on an evening of your choice and two tickets to
can enjoy an overnight stay with full Irish the Tullamore D.E.W visitor centre with tour and whiskey
tasting from €160pps midweek and €235pps at weekends.
breakfast, a complimentary car valet and For details call 057 932 5600 or log on to
www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie
wash at Kildare Village with Hands Free
Stunning Sri Lanka
Shopping and a 10 per cent discount card.
On this 13-night group tour, you’ll get
The package also includes a ernoon tea to immerse yourself in the culture and
sights of beautiful Sri Lanka. Highlights
for two with a glass of Laurent Perrier include visits to a selection of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites including the
Champagne and a 20 per cent discount on ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the
Lion’s Rock fortress in Sigiriya, trips
spa treatments in the award-winning K Spa. to regional villages and markets, white
water ra ing, a safari game drive and
This package is available until December so much more. You’ll also enjoy lots of
relaxation time during your say. This
23 and costs €149pps for one night and package is available from €2,199pps
and includes flights, transfers, four-star
€259pps for two nights. Please note, the hotel accommodation, one night’s lodge
accommodation, daily breakfasts, three
complimentary car valet and wash must be evening meals and excursions with a local
guide. Flights depart in March 2020.
pre-booked and is subject to availability. For full details call 01 637 1633 or log
on to www.tdactiveholidays.ie
For details call 01 601

7200 or log on

to www.kclub.ie DRTERAIPM

Canaries
Christmas
Spend Christmas in the

sunshine with this great o er

from TUI Holidays. You can

enjoy seven nights at the

Monte Feliz Apartments in

Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria,

on a self-catering basis

from €639pps. Flights

depart from Dublin airport

on December 19. For details

call 1850 453 545 or log

on to www.tuiholidays.ie

PURE MAGIC

Give little elves the Christmas experience of
a lifetime by taking them to visit Mr Claus
himself. TUI Holidays is now booking for
their 2019 day trips to Lapland. Depart on
December 7 or 14 and spend the day in Santa’s
hometown. Prices start from €719 per adult
and from €599 per child.

For details call 1850 453 545 or log on to
www.tuiholidays.ie

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel news Last minute sun GOOD NIGHT?

Grab some sunshine this autumn and According to a new survey
enjoy seven nights at the three-star conducted by Hastings Hotels,
Roc Costa Park Hotel in Torremolinos, 43 per cent of people rate their
Costa del Sol, on a half-board basis from partner’s snoring as the most
€399pps. Flights depart from Dublin annoying habit in bed. As part
airport for travel this month. of their National Sleep survey,
For details call 01 536 3586 or log on to the hotel group questioned
www.clickandgo.com 8,500 people to find out what’s
influencing our sleeping habits.
New year sunshine Other annoying habits included
stealing the duvet and using
Kick 2020 off with a bang with this gorgeous screens. Respondents also stated
package from TUI Holidays. You can enjoy that the perfect combination
seven nights at the Eugenia Victoria Hotel in for a good night’s rest is a
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, on a half- decent mattress, comfortable
board basis from €549pps. Flights depart bedding and the correct room
from Dublin airport on January 2. temperature. Hastings Hotels
For details call 1850 453 545 or log on to take a goodnight’s sleep very
www.tuiholidays.ie seriously with their cloud beds
which are made bespoke by King
Explore the East TRHETEUMRNASOTFERS Koil in Kildare.
For more information log on to
Embark on a 12-night dream holiday to China The Shaolin Masters www.hastingshotels.com
with this wonderful package from Travel have returned to Monart
Department. Highlights include a visit to Destination Spa in Co Wwainrmterer
Bejing, time spent in the Forbidden City, a Wexford. In residence until
trip to the Great Wall, take in the sight of December 7, Master Zhang Enjoy a special ‘winter
the 26-metre high wooden statute of the and Master Jiang will teach warmer’ at the beautiful
Maitreya Buddha, enjoy a rickshaw tour of and carry out performances Brooklodge and
Hutong old town and more. This package of Shaolin life and Chinese Macreddin Village this
also includes two nights in Shanghai and Culture. Visitors to Monart winter. Available from
a full day excursion to see the Terracotta will be able to take part November to February
Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. in group classes covering 2020, you can enjoy
This package is available from €2,349pps meditation and movement an overnight stay with
including flights, transfers, five-star half- skills and more. The Masters breakfast the following
board hotel accommodation and excursions will also offer Shaolin Warrior morning and a one-hour
with expert local guides. This package Massage treatments. During spa treatment from a select
departs in November 2019 and regular 2020 the Shaolin Experience at menu at The Wells Spa
departures take place from March next year. Monart, guests can enjoy per person. This package
free access to all the Shaolin is available from €102pps
For more information call 01 637 1600 or classes. The Shaolin Warrior midweek. Weekend, bank
log on to www.traveldepartment.ie Massage is also available to holiday and single room
book at €120. supplements apply.
DBRREEAAMK For more details call 053 For details call 0402
923 8999 or log on to 36444 or log on to
www.monart.ie www.brooklodge.com

When in Rome

Enjoy a two-night stay at the Pineta Palace
Hotel in Rome on a bed and breakfast basis
from €151pps. Flights depart from Dublin
airport on December 6.
For details call 01 804 7100 or log on to
www.abbeytravel.ie

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel news Big investment A tasty break Oswheseot

Fáilte Ireland recently announced its Head to Knockranny House Plan a visit to
single biggest investment to date in a Hotel in Co Mayo on Kilkenny this
visitor attraction. The National Tourism November 15 and 16 for a season and avail of the new
Development Authority is investing weekend of ‘gastronomy ‘Sweet 99’ package from the
€6.64 million to develop a new, state-of- and astronomy.’ This unique stunning Lyrath Estate. You
the-art museum in Galway city. Located package includes a two-night can enjoy an overnight stay
at the Spanish Arch, the current Galway stay with breakfast, dinner on with breakfast along with a
City Museum will be redeveloped and one evening, a guided night four-course evening meal and
renamed the Atlantic Museum Galway. safari where you can discover a sweet treat in your room on
Fáilte Ireland hopes that the move will the dark skies of Mayo, use arrival. This package is available
generate a massive €29.3 million in of the thermal suite in Spa from €99pps and is available on
revenue for the region within its first Salveo and €10 o all spa selected dates midweek until
five years of opening. As part of the new treatments. Prices start from January 2020.
tourist attraction, visitors will be able €205pps in a classic room. For more information call
to take in the view from the top of the 056 776 0088 or log on to
Spanish Arch. For details call 098 www.lyrath.com
28600 or log on to
www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie

GMRUMEAS-TTOF-OBER! TAKE TO THE SEAS AANMDAAZLINUGCÍA

BRILLIANT BABYMOON Fly to Barcelona and enjoy a On this seven-night holiday,
seven-night cruise on-board you’ll get the chance to
Are you an expectant mum in need of a little the Royal Caribbean Allure discover Spain’s most
TLC? The Montenotte Hotel in Cork has just of the Seas from €1,149pp. vibrant region. Staying in
the package for you. The hotel's ‘babymoon’ The itinerary includes Palma, the Andalucían town of
package includes a two-night stay with a full Marseille, Florence, Rome and Antequera, highlights of this
Irish breakfast each morning, a three-course set Naples and this package covers package include a guided
evening meal, a pregnancy tailored spa treatment flights, all meals and snacks, walking tour of Antequera,
for mum and a visit to the hotel’s in-house entertainment and more. a trip to the UNESCO World
cinema. This package is available from €399 and Flights depart in May 2020 and Heritage City of Córdoba, a
includes access to the 20-metre swimming pool. balcony cabin upgrades are full-day excursion to the city
available from €200pp. of Granada and some time
For more information call 021 453 0050 or log on For details call 01 539 7777 or spent in beautiful Seville.
to www.themontenottehotel.com log on to www.clickandgo.com Accommodation is in a four-
star hotel on a half-board
Hello sunshine basis and this package
includes excursions with
Enjoy seven nights at the Tabaiba Apartments in Costa expert local guides. Prices
Tequise, Lanzarote, on a self-catering basis from €399pps. start from €759pp and
Flights depart from Dublin Airport on January 13, 2020. flights depart throughout
For details call 1850 453 545 or log on to www.tuiholidays.ie November.

For more information call
01 637 1600 or log on to
www.traveldepartment.ie

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel newsChristmas in TTIEMNE EORUITFIEN
the Algarve
Soak up the sun on
Make it a Christmas to remember with Christmas morning in
this seven-night trip from the Travel Tenerife. You can enjoy
Department. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a seven nights at the
festive dinner at your hotel before spending Globales Tamaimo Tropical
Christmas Day at your leisure. As part of this Hotel in Puerto de Santiago
holiday you’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of on a self-catering basis
Seville, a trip to the historic town of Silves from €719pps. Flights
and a full-day excursion that includes a visit depart from Dublin airport
to Lagos. There’ll also be plenty of time to on December 20.
relax, unwind and enjoy the festive season For details call 1850
in the sunshine. Prices start from €679pps 453 545 or log on to
and include flights, four or five-star hotel www.tuiholidays.ie
accommodation on a half-board basis,
transfers and excursions with expert local Find your
guides. Flights depart on December 19. festive spirit
For details call 01 637 1600 or log on to
www.traveldepartment.ie Before the hectic pace of
festive season kicks in, why
Lovely Limerick not steal away for a night
and enjoy a stay at Faithlegg?
Spend two nights at the four-star Limerick Strand Hotel this Christmas. Arrive You can enjoy an overnight
on Christmas Eve to a Christmas hamper before enjoying dinner in the River stay and a full Irish breakfast
Restaurant followed by live entertainment. Guests travelling with children will the following morning
receive the all-important milk, cookies and carrot in their bedroom for Santa from €55pps. This offer is
and Rudolph. On Christmas morning, wake up to a Bucks Fizz breakfast, then available when the Winterval
enjoy a five-course Christmas Lunch. Christmas High Tea will be served in in Waterford City opens its
the Terrace Bar later that evening. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking doors from November 23.
out on Stephen’s Day. This package is Winterval celebrates the
available from €399pps. winter season and visitors
For details call 061 421800 or log on to will be able to get into the
www.strandlimerick.ie Christmas spirit by posting
letters to Santa, ice skating,
Christmas Off to market browsing the Christmas
Preview markets and catching
Soak up the festive atmosphere of the unique light show at
Travel Special Cologne’s Christmas markets with Cathedral Square.
this city break. Spend three nights For more information log on
CHRISTMAS AT THE CONRAD in the three-star Centro Hotel to www.faithlegg.com
Kommerz in Cologne, Germany, on
Enjoy a two-night stay at the Conrad Dublin this Christmas. a room only basis from €199pps.
Arrive on Christmas Eve to a traditional welcome of Flights depart from Dublin airport
mulled wine and mince pies before enjoying some festive for travel in December.
gourmandises at Lemuel’s that evening. On Christmas
morning, take a hearty breakfast before the main event of For details call 01 539 7777 or log on
Christmas Day lunch at the Coburg where Santa himself is to www.clickandgo.com
due to stop by for little ones. Each child will receive a bespoke
gift and Santa will be providing some festive fun and games.
This package is available from €575pps. A supplement applies
for children under 12 years of age sharing a parent’s room.
For full details call 01 602 8900 or log on to
www.conradhotels.com

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOME from HOME
Woman’s Way visited Ireland’s most anticipated holiday park

e Irish staycation has the television. “Trying a
a lot to compete with: e small boy is now weekend break
seaside holidays in sunny seemed like the
resorts with pools, a tween and activity way to restore my
beaches and waterparks breaks are something I faith in a holiday
to entertain, well-priced find myself googling in
restaurants and bars and an effort to find a holiday at home”
the excitement of visiting that will keep everyone
somewhere new. Our last happy. e Center Parcs
holiday at home was eight opening in Longford
years ago. We had just ticked my boxes, with
bought a house and could words like forest lodge, spa
stretch to a July week and restaurant while he
in Sligo and Westport. loved the idea of the water
It rained for four days park and aerial adventure.
out of five. We spent a Trying a weekend break,
fortune on cinemas, at the invitation of
indoor pools and leisure Woman’s Way, seemed like
centres to keep the small the ideal way to restore my
boy entertained. Staff at faith in a holiday at home.
the two hotels we stayed
in offered little in the way e weather was
of recommendations for certainly on board as
local restaurants or places we drove in blistering
to visit. All told, it was a sunshine towards
disappointing experience Longford, showcasing
and one I wasn’t keen Ireland in all its beauty.
to repeat. Until the We stopped in Belly
advertisements for Center Cafe in Mullingar for a
Parcs began showing on delicious lunch – highly
recommend – which is just
15 minutes or so from the

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TRAVEL FEATURE

resort, worth keeping in mind The Village Square is the TOP TIPS but it wasn’t available, which
if you are staying in Center heart of the park, housing › B ook your activities was a disappointment.
Parcs for a week or so. the restaurants, cafe, shops, and restaurants well in
sports plaza, with a host of advance – they fill up Saturday’s activity was
Check in was quick and indoor activities, and the quickly. laser combat, (paintball
painless: it’s drive through Subtropical Swimming › T here is a takeaway without the paint) something
and when you hand over Paradise. This indoor service available from all I hadn’t tried before, although
your reservation number, waterpark – heated to over 29 of the parc’s restaurants. the tween wasn’t as keen:
you receive ‘smart’ bracelets degrees all year round – was › D o a grocery shop before leisure centres with broken
for all guests that open your first on our agenda. There’s a you go. equipment had turned him off
lodges as well as lockers wave pool, slides, lazy river the idea. It’s a group activity
in the activity areas like and rapids (my favourite!), It’s an informal restaurant and we lined up to get our
the subtropical swimming as well as a water play area serving family favourites bucket hats fitted with sensors
paradise. for smaller children. The like burgers, steaks and ribs and laser guns. The combat
selection of activities around with a children’s play area zone has forts, trucks and
The lodges are nicely the pool area is fantastic, from to keep them busy while you huts to hide behind and our
designed and well-appointed. snorkelling and mermaid finish your meal in peace. A two instructors divided us
The open-plan living, dining lessons to mini jet skis. clever idea is the kid-height into two teams and talked
and kitchen area has all The tween had a fab time buffet station with the usual us through the rules of
the mod cons needed for a trying aqua jetting, a mini suspects: chips, goujons and engagement, and we were off.
short or long stay: a decent- submersible, shooting around sausages. My fajitas were It was so much fun: the best
sized TV with a selection of underwater James Bond style. seriously tasty and I was part of two hours running
channels, a fridge, oven, hob keen to try the homemade around, firing guns, hollering
and dishwasher with lots of After all that activity, it watermelon-mint lemonade
cupboard space. Our lodge was time for sustenance at new-found friends, adults
had two twin bedrooms, one and dinner was in Huck’s and kids alike. And the tween
with an en-suite toilet, and American Bar and Grill. loved it.
a family bathroom. A small
outdoor patio space with With an hour or two to
barbecue is a nice touch, and spare in the afternoon, I
disposable barbecues are on cycled to Aqua Sana, the
sale in the village shop. It’s a park’s stunning spa with
car-free resort and after you no less than 21 hot, cold
settle in to your lodge, you and meditative experiences
have to drop your vehicle to including outdoor hot tubs,
the car park for the duration reflexology foot spas, a lava
of your stay. We headed for sauna and volcanic steam
the Cycle Centre where there room. There are a number of
is a fantastic selection of bikes restful rooms too with water
available for hire, from adult beds and heated loungers. It
and junior mountain bikes was heavenly. WW
to tandems and trailers. You
can also bring your own and A visit to Centre Parcs solves
there are bike parking areas many of the staycation issues:
throughout the park. a variety of activities, indoors
and out, a range of eating
By Tara Corristine options on your doorstep
and comfy, cosy beds. See
www.centerparcs.ie for more
information

WOMANSWAY.IE 59

ICE QUEEN Woman’sWayvisitedIceland
this winter and it was every bit
as enchanting as we hoped

Iceland: home to Bjørk, hot The Northern Radisson BLU
springs and, well, ice – and Lights
plenty of it. Unfortunately, Blue Lagoon
rumour has it, this Nordic tall in the heart of the spot to view the Northern
island, with a population city, this four-star hotel Lights, one of Iceland’s austere landscape around
fewer than 350,000, isn’t dates back to the turn of biggest draws. Mother it. is spectacular vista
just magical, it’s also a tad the twentieth century Nature paints a stunning is why Instagram was
pricey. However, thanks and contrasts a historic fluorescent green rainbow invented!
to the Icelandic low-fare facade with contemporary across the night sky and
WOW Airlines, travelling interiors. After checking the only sound is the ‘oohs’ Back in Reykjavik, lunch
there from Dublin is more in, we spotted a bar and and ‘ahs’ of the onlookers, was courtesy of Út Í Bláinn
affordable than ever. gym but, eager to sightsee mesmerised. Bistro. e delicious fish
we left the suitcases in soup warmed us (utiblainn.
And so, eager to make our elegant bedroom and e next morning, we is, €20) but the real selling
good on our bucket list, ventured out. left the city to tackle the point here is the stunning
the Woman’s Way team famous 300-kilometre dome setting that offers
boarded one of WOW’s Using our budget- Golden Circle - but in a 360-degree view of the
increasingly popular friendly City Pass (€46 addition to the darkness, capital.
flights, and a little over two for 72 hours), we began the roads are icy with
hours later, found ourselves at the National Gallery of sporadic flurries of snow. A delightful tradition in
swapping our umbrellas Iceland and discovered that An hour - and endless
for winter woollies – just as Reykjavík is a wonderful decades of the Rosary -
well because it’s December destination for those later, we safely arrived
and temperatures are a who have an interest in at the Geysir Hot Spring
pneumonia-inducing art. After admiring some Area. As we rambled about
minus nine degrees! Picasso and Munch, we the boiling mud pits -
dropped by the trendy and remaining dry despite 30
While the majority of cosy Fiskfélagid restaurant metres of water erupting
our itinerary is centred where we devoured its every few minutes - we
around Reykjavík, we were Around Iceland set menu. decided that the difficult
keen to explore some of A highlight includes the journey was worth it.
the country’s other famous caraway cured salmon
attractions so we rented (fiskfelagid.is, €70 for four Nearby is the
a car from friendly and courses). magnificent Gullfoss
well-priced City Car Rental Waterfall where water
(citycarrental.is). Driving Refuelled, we ventured dramatically plunges
to the capital, we were to the Grótta Island from a height of 32 metres,
hypnotised by Iceland’s Lighthouse, the perfect a stark contrast to the
bleak yet beautiful
landscape. With the
snowcapped Mount Esja
looming in the horizon,
we felt detached from
the rest of the world and,
even though it was just
two o’clock, the darkness
of nighttime created an
additional layer of mystery.

For the first two nights
of our stay, we called the
effortlessly chic Radisson
Blu 1919 home. Standing

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TRAVEL FEATURE

Arbaer Open Air outside. Overlooking Ásmundarsafn - we dramatic history.
Museum the harbour, we ravaged journeyed back to the 18th No trip to Iceland
their Christmas Appetiser century courtesy of the
Ásmundarsafn Adventure menu, which open-air Arbaer Museum. is complete without a
Vigfús Birgisson included succulent smoked Here, Reykjavík’s early pampering in the Blue
lamb – a local speciality history is preserved in a Lagoon, one of the 25
Iceland is to while away the (koparrestaurant.is, €42 series of restored homes - wonders of the world. So
hours in outdoor thermal with sparkling wine). giving us a sense of what it popular is this natural spa
pools - that evening, we was like to be an Icelander that advance booking is
visited Laugardalslaug, We followed in the over 200 years ago. essential. Complete with
Reykjavik’s largest. Having famous footsteps of Neil a mud mask and a glass
worked up an appetite, we Armstrong and checked at evening, we enjoyed of wine, that afternoon,
dried off and called into into the four-star Radisson a well-earned aperitif in we soaked in geothermal
Kopar, one of the city’s Saga for the third day of the cool Port 9 wine bar seawater wishing that time
most beloved restaurants. our Nordic adventure. (port9.is) before Tacos would stand still (€49,
Excellent value for money Tuesday in the family-run bluelagoon.com).
e warm welcome we and conveniently located Coocoo’s Nest, sandwiched
received on arrival was just a short stroll from the in between a series of Unfortunately, tide
the perfect antidote to city, the premises is awash bars and restaurants in and time wait for no man
freezing temperatures with 1960s flourishes the fashionable marina - or woman - and after
including marble tiles, area (€18, coocoosnest. admiring our radiant skin,
GET THERE statement furniture in the is). is tasty eatery is not we checked into our final
foyer and the well-stocked only scrumptious but also hotel, the Park Inn by
WOW air operates daily flights from Mímisbar. Our bedroom brilliant value. Radisson Keflavik, which,
Dublin to Iceland, from €49.99 one way offers splendid views of amongst other things,
(wowair.ie). Rooms in the three Radisson Reykjavík. e Saga makes e next morning, we offers free transfers to the
hotels listed range from €105 - €200 per an ideal base for those with popped into the National nearby airport. But we
night, B&B (radissonblu.com, parkinn. busy itineraries. Museum of Iceland, still have one night left
com/airport-hotel-keflavik). Visit conveniently positioned and, that evening, we ate
visitreykjavik.is for additional information. In between visits to a trio beside the Radisson Saga, in its world-class Library
of fabulous art museums - and lost ourselves in a restaurant where its
Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstadir variety of exhibitions that langoustine sandwich is to
and the otherworldly illustrate the country’s die for (€24)! We retired to
our generously sized suite
Coocoo’s Nest and, sprawled across our
enormous bed, reflected on
By Domhnall O’Donoghue a thrilling stay.

As we waited in the
airport, we discovered that
Iceland is one of the biggest
book publishers in the
world. Like all good stories,
we accept that our Nordic
adventure must come
to end. However, we’re
counting down the days
until the sequel. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 61

CÔTE OF MANY COLOURS

Woman’s Way recently visited the French
Riviera - a destination guaranteed to leave
your Instagram followers in a swoon

We all know that the sound of transformed. New restaurants Gamely led by a professional TOUR DE FRANCE
an email pinging in your inbox - check. Upgraded public areas perfumier, over the course of
can either make your heart - check. Best of all, an events’ 90 minutes, we mix and match Day Two of our trip gets off to
sink or soar. Will it be a note programme teeming with fun the likes of orange, bergamot limbering start with yoga on the
from the boss, for instance, activities to take part in during and lavender and attempt to hotel’s private beach, Régence
revealing additional work that our stay - check. create the next Chanel No.5. Plage. Even though this age-old
might see you in the office till all While we all eventually receive practice is the perfect tonic to
hours? Or, will it be a delightful And, so, after refuelling in a signed diploma stating that stress and stiffness, the calming
invitation from the Radisson our host’s chic beach-club we’ve successfully completed vista in front of us nearly does
Blu Nice to visit their recently- restaurant with a world-famous the workshop, the results of our all the work of the various
refurbished hotel located on the Niçoise salad, we put these endeavours are only so-so and downward-facing dogs we
famed Promenade des Anglais? programmes to the test and unlikely to find themselves on attempt.
begin a three-day itinerary the shelves of Brown Thomas
Luckily for Woman’s Way, the that’s set to leave everyone anytime soon. Warmed up by the class, we
email that we recently received back in the office jaloux (thank then channel our inner Stephen
fell into the latter category and heavens for our Leaving Cert But, when we re-emerge into Roche and make good use of the
before we know it, we find French!) the scorching sunshine, we’re hotel’s many bikes and venture
ourselves in the French Riviera’s now armed with a fascinating along the busy promenade and
crown jewel, sipping chilled rosé A VISIT TO THE insight into how the world of across the yacht-covered port
on the hotel’s rooftop terrace OLFACTORY perfumery works - and that, for before negotiating the winding
- one that claims some of the today, is more than enough. roads along the Riviera’s
most stunning coastal views in Seemingly suspended above celebrated coast. When we reach
the region. Although, if anyone the Mediterranean Sea in the Fragonard, Eze our destination, Villefranche-
deserves to put their feet up picturesque town of Eze are
and sip on un verre du vin it’s the laboratories and factories By Domhnall O’Donoghue
the Radisson Blu Nice seeing as of the renowned parfumeur,
the much-loved hotel has just Fragonard. First opened in
completed an extensive, multi- nearby Grasse in 1926, and
million-euro refurbishment. named after the local painter,
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, this
After checking in, we discover sweet-smelling, family-run
that our bedroom - just like all business is now a nationwide
the other 331 bedrooms - now enterprise. Here, in Eze,
enjoys a contemporary feel with we’re set to discover if we’re
a design that encapsulates their the next Elizabeth Arden or
seafront location. Jo Malone by taking part in
one of their perfume-making
However, it’s not only the workshops!
bedrooms that have been

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel spotlight

sur-Mer, the numerous beeps Villefranche-sur-mer her bare bum! St-Paul-de-Vence
and shouts we received earlier Needless to say, every pupil
from irate drivers quickly fade way through the flower markets away. Home to
away. in Cours Saleya, mesmerised by needs some sustenance to hundreds of modern galleries,
the multi-coloured geraniums help them concentrate so as ateliers and shops, over the
Amongst many other assets, and mauve fuchsias, we learn we continue to learn about years, this hilltop destination
this adorable seaside town various facts about France’s the city, we visit a selection has been a firm favourite with
possesses a charming centre fifth-largest city including a of local businesses to sample luminaries such as Picasso
along with never-ending little etymology and folklore. their wares. First up is Chez and Sartre who were frequent
beaches that have been lionised Rene Socca to try the pancake- visitors. One step along her
on the silver screen in iconic We’re told that Nice comes like chickpea speciality that, cobbled, windy streets and it’s
films such Hitchcock’s To Catch from the Greek word ‘nike’ along with exciting the taste easy to see the attraction.
a Thief and the 1983 James Bond meaning victory and, rather buds, also lines the stomach
caper, Never Say Never Again. hilariously, we discover that - just as well, as up next is a That evening, as we devour
the city’s heroine is a spirited wine sampling in Cave Pierre a delicious meal in Calade, we
Feeling like film stars, rather washer-woman called Catherine Bianchi, the city’s oldest wine hear news that on account of
appropriately, that evening Segurane who, legend has it, cellar dating back to 1860. Mon French air strikes, the status of
we venture to Cannes, a town defeated the 20,000-strong dieu - alcohol and it’s not even our flights home hangs in the
whose relationship with showbiz Turkish army by flashing them midday! balance, possibly forcing us to
needs no explanation. Here, on remain a little longer in Nice.
the rooftop terrace of the five- Socca After sobering up, there
star Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & are then visits to olive oil As we watch the sunset
Thalasso, we sip Champagne connoisseur Maison Brémand transform the blue skies into a
and nibble on hors d’oeuvres 1830, ice-cream experts transfusion of opulent colours,
- thereby undoing all the good Fenocchio, and biscuit and we cross our fingers and hope
work from earlier in the day! For chocolate masters La Cure that indeed this will be the case
the night, we’re celebrities and Gormande. If all of that isn’t - what we would give for just
can do whatever we please. enough, there’s lunch to one more evening of this magic!
attempt in Brasserie Gaglio -
A TASTE OF FRANCE although we soon find ourselves Unfortunately, it soon emerges
reassuring our self-conscious to be just wishful thinking and,
The final day of our waiters that the reason we can’t reluctantly, we make for the
Mediterranean adventure finish our meals has nothing airport the next day. We’ll just
requires empty stomachs and have to book a return trip later
comfortable shoes as it involves to do with the yummy food in the year! WW
a tour of the old city of Nice itself but, rather, the morning’s
along with a series of food and over-indulgences. Ryanair and Aer Lingus
wine tastings. As we make our flying directly from Dublin to
ART ATTACK Nice. Rates at the Radisson
Blu Nice start from €284
Knowing that we’ve another per room per night B&B,
meal scheduled that evening in and the experiences and
the Radisson’s rooftop Calade excursions listed here can
restaurant, we hop on the 400 be booked directly through
bus and visit the charming their concierge (radissonblu.
village of St-Paul-de-Vence com/en/hotel-nice). For
just a fifty-minute journey further information, visit
nicetourisme.com.

WOMANSWAY.IE 39

LSOYWOEOREVOUALIKLNL!ILGNEEG:
Strolling along Seville’s
mixture of sprawling WHERE TO VISIT 35 ramps, constructed to allow a Discover the rather poetically- By Domhnall O’Donoghue
avenues and cobbled streets former sultan to ascend mounted named spaces within including
for the first time, the main Seville Cathedral on horseback to bask in the the Patio of the Maidens, the
thing you’ll notice is oranges. and La Giralda beautiful panoramic views. Today, Patio of the Dolls and the Pond
Whether they’re dangling from we mere mortals must climb to of Mercury, before exploring the
trees, littering the ground or Listed as a UNESCO World the top on foot. immaculately preserved gardens.
perfuming the air with their Heritage Site and arguably
distinctive fragrance, oranges Seville’s most iconic building, Alcázar of Seville Plaza de España
unapologetically dominate. You’ll Santa Maria de la Sede is the
soon realise that this particular largest Gothic cathedral in the Used as a location in numerous Originally designed for the
fruit perfectly encapsulates its world. Originally a mosque, it films and television shows, Ibero-American Expo, the Plaza
spirit and atmosphere - sweet, was converted in the 13th century including Game of Thrones, the de España has since become an
vibrant and full of zest! but following a pesky fire, it had Alcázar of Seville - another architectural treasure. Wowing
to be rebuilt from scratch - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - tourists in the María Luisa Park
Simply put, Seville is process that took more than 500 transports you back in time. since 1929, it is book-ended by
Andalucia’s crown jewel and years to complete, resulting in a two imposing towers, and thanks
within moments of arriving, cornucopia of architectural styles. Over the centuries, the to its clever, semi-circle design, it
you’ll understand why. Bursting Given its prestige, it’s fitting that residence has hosted a wealth appears to give visitors a warm,
with magnificent architecture, Spain’s most famous adopted son, of civilisations, cultures and welcoming embrace - and, who
such as the University of Seville, a certain Italian explorer by the dynasties, from the Almohads to can refuse a good hug!
housed in the Royal Tobacco name of Christopher Columbus, is the Christian kings to the current
Factory or the golden Torre del buried here. Spanish royal family who resides Casa de las Dueñas
Oro, this Spanish getaway is a here when in town, making it
feast for the senses. Home to Standing at an impressive the oldest active royal palace in Until her recent death, the
celebrated artists like Murillo and Europe. fabulous, Duchess of Alba was one
Velázquez, Seville also provides a 97.5 metres, the cathedral’s bell of Spain’s best-loved personalities.
backdrop to numerous colourful tower, La Giralda, was once the With palaces and castles dotted
festivals such as the famous Holy tallest of its kind in the world. It all over the country, the toyboy-
Week, where the streets are lined doesn’t have stairs; instead, it has loving royal was happiest in Casa
with dramatic costumes, religious de las Dueñas. Recently opened
iconography and eerie music. to the public, thanks to its pretty
gardens and collection of art and
Whether you venture over antiquities, it’s the perfect place to
in the lead-up to Easter or in while away a couple of hours.
temperature-friendly autumn,
this Iberian destination will, like Plaza de Toros de la Réal
one of its many oranges, provide Maestranza
you with a boost of vitamin C.
Possessing a striking white-

34 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel spotlight

soak up some Sevillian sunshine.
Rooms start at €200 per night
during low season.

Hotel Casa 1800

(hotelcasa1800sevilla.com)
Within arm’s reach of La Giralda
and surrounded by bars,

restaurants and boutiques,
Hotel Casa 1800 enjoys, amongst
other things, a prime location.
But, that’s only the start of its

La Brunilda Tapas Hotel Casa 1800 enviable features. Following two
years of sensitive restoration
where most of the architectural
elements were returned to their

Duck and Crispy Rice you in channelling your inner original glory, this elegant and
to give it its English marquess - even for a night or lofty mansion deftly marries
translation - which two. However, this 18th-century modernity with nineteenth-
customers can wash palace, on Calle Santiago, comes century nobility. Hotel Casa 1800
down with something with a warning: the property is is flooded with light thanks to
from their list of so exquisite that you’ll be tempted the central courtyard where
Andalusian wines. to abandon your sightseeing breakfast and afternoon tea
itinerary, don one of their soft are served, offering guests an
La Brunilda Tapas dressing gowns and sip on sangria opportunity to compare notes
in the privacy of your bedroom! about where best to visit in the
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza (labrunildatapas.com) Elsewhere in the palace, there’s a city. Rooms start at €95 per night
Tapas food has relaxing spa to enjoy, courtyards during low season.
and patios to discover and a
now evolved into a rooftop from where you can Visit visitasevilla.es for
further information
sophisticated cuisine

and-yellow façade, Seville’s with endless admirers around

bullring is one of the city’s most the world. However, there’s Partner Promotion

popular landmarks. As a stage something extra special about Highlights of Cuba

for bullfighting, the Baroque- sampling baby squid or slivers

style arena is considered one of of beef in its country of origin.

the world’s most challenging With queues lining up outside, La

environments so you’d be advised Brunilda Tapas is located in the

to leave your cape in the hotel and heart of Seville and its versatile

take a less perilous tour instead. menu is adored by locals and

Triana visitors alike - and deservedly
so. A tip of the hat goes to their

is eclectic and bohemian yummy Tuna tataki served with From
district on the other side of couscous and vegetables.
the river was once a haven for €2,999
flamenco artists seeing as gypsies La Azotea Sevilla
weren’t allowed inside the main Departs 14 May (€2,999), 19 Sep & 03 Oct (€3,099) 2018
city walls. To this day, their spirit (laazoteasevilla.com)
lives on in the quarter’s many With four restaurants dotted Fully Guided | 11 nights | 4* B&B & 5 nights All-Inclusive
bodegas, notably Casa Anselma. throughout the city, each with What’s included:
contrasting menus, La Azotea
WHERE TO EAT combines delicious, quality Return flights from Dublin to Havana, all via Toronto
food with casual, relaxed 5 nights in Havana with a half day walking tour of Old Havana, an afternoon
ConTenedor environments. In their Santa Cruz excursion of 1950’s Havana in vintage classic cars and a half day visiting the
offering, their rice paper rolls haunts of Hemingway including his former home
(restaurantecontenedor.com) stuffed with cheese, prawns and A full day excursion to Pinar del Rio with a visit to a ‘veguero’ (tobacco farmer)
One of the most celebrated leeks are worth the visit alone. and a boat trip through the ‘Cueva del Indio’ (Indian Caves)
restaurants in the city, the Enjoy a scenic rail journey with a tour of the village of Hershey
effortlessly trendy Restaurante WHERE TO STAY 5 nights in Varadero including a full day sailing on the Varadero sea by
ConTenedor is an extraordinary Catamaran with dolphin watching and snorkelling
fusion of gastronomy and culture, Palacio de Villapanés Hotel *10 nights accommodation and 1 overnight flight
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up 15 mouthwatering dishes (palaciovillapanes.com) Choose from over 100 destinations worldwide The World is Waiting ...
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particular highlight is their best- living like royalty then allow W: traveldepartment.ie T: 01 637 1656
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Per person prices are based on two sharing. Single room supplements apply. For full T&Cs, visit our website or call us. Prices, taxes,
flight times and availability all subject to change. E&OE.

CÔTE OF MANY COLOURS

Woman’s Way recently visited the French
Riviera - a destination guaranteed to leave
your Instagram followers in a swoon

We all know that the sound of transformed. New restaurants Gamely led by a professional TOUR DE FRANCE
an email pinging in your inbox - check. Upgraded public areas perfumier, over the course of
can either make your heart - check. Best of all, an events’ 90 minutes, we mix and match Day Two of our trip gets off to
sink or soar. Will it be a note programme teeming with fun the likes of orange, bergamot limbering start with yoga on the
from the boss, for instance, activities to take part in during and lavender and attempt to hotel’s private beach, Régence
revealing additional work that our stay - check. create the next Chanel No.5. Plage. Even though this age-old
might see you in the office till all While we all eventually receive practice is the perfect tonic to
hours? Or, will it be a delightful And, so, after refuelling in a signed diploma stating that stress and stiffness, the calming
invitation from the Radisson our host’s chic beach-club we’ve successfully completed vista in front of us nearly does
Blu Nice to visit their recently- restaurant with a world-famous the workshop, the results of our all the work of the various
refurbished hotel located on the Niçoise salad, we put these endeavours are only so-so and downward-facing dogs we
famed Promenade des Anglais? programmes to the test and unlikely to find themselves on attempt.
begin a three-day itinerary the shelves of Brown Thomas
Luckily for Woman’s Way, the that’s set to leave everyone anytime soon. Warmed up by the class, we
email that we recently received back in the office jaloux (thank then channel our inner Stephen
fell into the latter category and heavens for our Leaving Cert But, when we re-emerge into Roche and make good use of the
before we know it, we find French!) the scorching sunshine, we’re hotel’s many bikes and venture
ourselves in the French Riviera’s now armed with a fascinating along the busy promenade and
crown jewel, sipping chilled rosé A VISIT TO THE insight into how the world of across the yacht-covered port
on the hotel’s rooftop terrace OLFACTORY perfumery works - and that, for before negotiating the winding
- one that claims some of the today, is more than enough. roads along the Riviera’s
most stunning coastal views in Seemingly suspended above celebrated coast. When we reach
the region. Although, if anyone the Mediterranean Sea in the Fragonard, Eze our destination, Villefranche-
deserves to put their feet up picturesque town of Eze are
and sip on un verre du vin it’s the laboratories and factories By Domhnall O’Donoghue
the Radisson Blu Nice seeing as of the renowned parfumeur,
the much-loved hotel has just Fragonard. First opened in
completed an extensive, multi- nearby Grasse in 1926, and
million-euro refurbishment. named after the local painter,
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, this
After checking in, we discover sweet-smelling, family-run
that our bedroom - just like all business is now a nationwide
the other 331 bedrooms - now enterprise. Here, in Eze,
enjoys a contemporary feel with we’re set to discover if we’re
a design that encapsulates their the next Elizabeth Arden or
seafront location. Jo Malone by taking part in
one of their perfume-making
However, it’s not only the workshops!
bedrooms that have been

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

Travel spotlight

sur-Mer, the numerous beeps Villefranche-sur-mer her bare bum! St-Paul-de-Vence
and shouts we received earlier Needless to say, every pupil
from irate drivers quickly fade way through the flower markets away. Home to
away. in Cours Saleya, mesmerised by needs some sustenance to hundreds of modern galleries,
the multi-coloured geraniums help them concentrate so as ateliers and shops, over the
Amongst many other assets, and mauve fuchsias, we learn we continue to learn about years, this hilltop destination
this adorable seaside town various facts about France’s the city, we visit a selection has been a firm favourite with
possesses a charming centre fifth-largest city including a of local businesses to sample luminaries such as Picasso
along with never-ending little etymology and folklore. their wares. First up is Chez and Sartre who were frequent
beaches that have been lionised Rene Socca to try the pancake- visitors. One step along her
on the silver screen in iconic We’re told that Nice comes like chickpea speciality that, cobbled, windy streets and it’s
films such Hitchcock’s To Catch from the Greek word ‘nike’ along with exciting the taste easy to see the attraction.
a Thief and the 1983 James Bond meaning victory and, rather buds, also lines the stomach
caper, Never Say Never Again. hilariously, we discover that - just as well, as up next is a That evening, as we devour
the city’s heroine is a spirited wine sampling in Cave Pierre a delicious meal in Calade, we
Feeling like film stars, rather washer-woman called Catherine Bianchi, the city’s oldest wine hear news that on account of
appropriately, that evening Segurane who, legend has it, cellar dating back to 1860. Mon French air strikes, the status of
we venture to Cannes, a town defeated the 20,000-strong dieu - alcohol and it’s not even our flights home hangs in the
whose relationship with showbiz Turkish army by flashing them midday! balance, possibly forcing us to
needs no explanation. Here, on remain a little longer in Nice.
the rooftop terrace of the five- Socca After sobering up, there
star Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & are then visits to olive oil As we watch the sunset
Thalasso, we sip Champagne connoisseur Maison Brémand transform the blue skies into a
and nibble on hors d’oeuvres 1830, ice-cream experts transfusion of opulent colours,
- thereby undoing all the good Fenocchio, and biscuit and we cross our fingers and hope
work from earlier in the day! For chocolate masters La Cure that indeed this will be the case
the night, we’re celebrities and Gormande. If all of that isn’t - what we would give for just
can do whatever we please. enough, there’s lunch to one more evening of this magic!
attempt in Brasserie Gaglio -
A TASTE OF FRANCE although we soon find ourselves Unfortunately, it soon emerges
reassuring our self-conscious to be just wishful thinking and,
The final day of our waiters that the reason we can’t reluctantly, we make for the
Mediterranean adventure finish our meals has nothing airport the next day. We’ll just
requires empty stomachs and have to book a return trip later
comfortable shoes as it involves to do with the yummy food in the year! WW
a tour of the old city of Nice itself but, rather, the morning’s
along with a series of food and over-indulgences. Ryanair and Aer Lingus
wine tastings. As we make our flying directly from Dublin to
ART ATTACK Nice. Rates at the Radisson
Blu Nice start from €284
Knowing that we’ve another per room per night B&B,
meal scheduled that evening in and the experiences and
the Radisson’s rooftop Calade excursions listed here can
restaurant, we hop on the 400 be booked directly through
bus and visit the charming their concierge (radissonblu.
village of St-Paul-de-Vence com/en/hotel-nice). For
just a fifty-minute journey further information, visit
nicetourisme.com.

WOMANSWAY.IE 39