While I was off Surfin’ USA it is worth remembering that back home many watersports fans were Surfin’ Andalucia.
The Andalucians were back in Ireland to remind us, as if we needed any reminding, what a great region it is.
Of course the first thing that we associate with Andalucia is the flamenco dancing and of course it is the best place to go to both watch and learn this passionate dance.
It is also known for its opera and attendees at the event held in the sumptuous surroundings of Trinity College were treated to the FlamencOpera and the internationally renowned tenor and base player Miguel Sanchez, the flute player and the acoustic guitarist Adriano Lozano.
Andalucia is served with direct flights from Ireland to Malaga, Aleria and Seville.
Fancy a trip to Marbella? Thought you might. TUI has three nights from Dublin, November 6, to the Vincci Seleccion Estrella del Mar from €516pp, based on two adults sharing. Visit http://www.tuiholidays.ie.
And if you see a bandana-wearing old beard guy out on the water, give him a wave.
The sea is free
Still on matters maritime.
Ireland’s largest free family-friendly maritime festival SeaFest is in full swing at the Port of Cork and lasts through the weekend with a bunch of stuff going on today and tomorrow.
There are more than 100 free events and more than 100,000 of us are expected to attend.
Sustainability which is very close to this writer’s heart is everywhere at the SeaFest. Dirty oceans kills sealife and puts our planet at risk.
Visit http://www.seafest.ie.
The Dallas story
I’m back from the American Travel Fair with a new bandana courtesy of my friends at the Fort Worth stand.
They were giving them away and well we were just kinda made for each other.
Which just goes to show you that it’s not all cowboy hats in Dallas-Fort Worth.
This week saw the arrival of the inaugural American Airlines Dreamliner flight from Dallas to Dublin which will run through to September 28. Visit http://www.americanairlines.ie. http://www.visitdfw.com.
Ferrari bumpety
Neeow!
If you’re a petrolhead, I’m not, but there are plenty who are, then this deal to Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix will be just for you.
Cassidy Travel has a three-day trip in September to the big race. From €559pps, it includes three days’ general admission to the event with accommodation in the 4-star Best Western Hotel Blaise & Francis in Milan.
Flights from Dublin depart September 6. Call Cassidy Travel on (01) 8786888, visit any of their nine stores across Dublin or the website http://www.cassidytravel.ie. http://www.monzanet.it,
And for those of you who like a bit of Lewis Hamilton, here’s an old photo of me partying with him at his favourite annual hang-out, the Crop Over in Barbados.
Canada, Hey!
It may look peaceful here but Toronto is a madhouse just now with sporting fever with the Toronto Raptors leading the legendary Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the NBA finals with thousands taking to the streets to celebrate after each of their wins. They need one more to take the trophy against all odds.
I have a vested interest in all things Canadian as my grandfather lived much of his adult life there, my uncle went there too and my brother married a Torontonian, spent eight years there and my god-daughter was born there.
When I visited him in the Eighties the Raptors were about to be thrust onto the sporting map though few outside Toronto were paying much attention. Now look at them!
Just another great reason to visit this fabulous city.
Budget Travel USA is offering six nights at the 4* Chelsea Hotel, departing in September with prices from €739pp. Visit https:/usa.budgettravel.ie or call (01) 435 0056. http://www.seetorontonow.com.
Roysh, it’s the InterCon
All the Movers and Shakers can be found at The InterContinental Dublin – see above and their summer cocktail parties are legendary, hic!
The InterCon is offering 10% off its Summer Story Package including Complimentary Breakfast, free cancellation 24 hours prior to arrival, 10% off all spa treatments, access to The Spa, heated in-door pool, thermal suite and gym and complimentary wi-fi.
But get moving, you’ll need to book by June 10. Valid for stays until August 31. Visit www.intercontinental.com/IC/Dublin
And a reminder of what a great hotel it is… my review https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-intercontinental-what-a-ledge/(opens in a new tab)
