TRAVEL TREATS
KING OF THE CASTLE:
Mayo may still be hanging out for an all-Ireland, but its most famous hotel, Ashford Castle in Cong, is winning titles for fun. It was unveiled as Ireland & the UK’s No.1 resort hotel and No.9 resort hotel in Europe for 2017 at the annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, announced this week. It also won best hotel and best resort hotel at a gala event in Dublin.
LOAD OF OLD WAFFLE:
Has the world gone completely around the twist? Apparently close to 20% of us now choose holiday destinations based on how appetising pictures of the local food look on Instagram. This is surely taking it a step too far. Needless to say, New York is the most Instagrammed food destination and the top trending dish is egg waffle icecream cones with toppings. And there was me thinking my beloved bacon and cabbage might get a look in.
BRAND NEW LOOK:
As most people know by now, the former Falcon and Thomson holiday companies have become TUI... which is bound to cause confusion for some of our educators and members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland. The old Thomson Cruises have been rebranded as Marella Cruises. They have a seven-night Magic Of Spain cruise from €1,179pps, flying from Dublin. Call 1800-927404.
HEY, BIG SPENDERS:
So how much do you spend on your holidays? My bank manager reckons I go through twice as much as I can afford and, as the end of the month approaches after a little golf break, I might be forced to agree. A recent survey that covered the North found they spend £3,280 on their family holidays, much more than, say, those in Scotland (£2,650) or the East Midlands (£1,240). Travel@mailonsunday.ie