http://www.aerlingus.com Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Sweet home ChicaGay

16th June 202516th June 2025 funtime65

If you want a break, have a Kit Kat the marketeers say so I did just that and came to the Windy City, sweet home ChicaGay.

I’ve taken a Spring Lover too although maybe not tell The Scary One back home.

We’re sat in the Kit Kat Lounge watching Kinley Preston stride the table.

As we tear into buffalo wings, onion rings and curly fries and sipping from a choice of the hundreds of cocktails.

And Miley Cyrus belts out Party in the USA on the big screens.

And we entice our entertainment in to pick us out for a teasing wink.

By flashing our dollars towards her.

But all too quickly they vanish although where scantily-clad Kinley put her George Washingtons only she knows.

Nothing as it seems

That’s magic: Justin at the Magic Lounge

But that’s the beauty of Halsted Street in the iconic Chicago of Andersonville where nothing is ever as it seems.

And so that if you need a laundromat in your travels, say if you’ve been waiting for your lost luggage to arrive from Dublin.

Then don’t be surprised, well actually be, when your host opens the wash to reveal a secret door to the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Joey Cranford’s speakeasy is a living tribute to the days of Victorian vaudeville with posters and ephemera adorning the walls and glass cases.

And he walks us through the history of magic as we sip How Houdini Died rum punches, a knowing nod to Harry’s demise.

Where the magic happens

The lounge is a living, breathing workspace and entertainment hub celebrating Chicago-style Magic.

With two theatres, eats, drinks and a card school.

We’re told Chicago-style Magic grew out of small card acts performed by the owner of a German-American restaurant.

Mine host Joey has given himself a day off today from picking our cards (well, he is the boss).

So Justin Purcell entertains our party with his sleight of hand.

Our hour flies by and alas our spin cycle is done and we are back out on Halsted Street.

Out on Halsted Street

But the gaybourhood fun doesn’t stop there as we are headed for the beating heart of Halsted Street, Sidetrack.

And meet Art, owner and protector of the Andersonville queer community for more than 40 years.

Having turned a small gay bar which he maintained through the worst days of homophobia.

To the international multi-bar buzzing venue it is today.

It is our good fortune that today is Sunday so it’s quieter and there’s no line snaking down Halsted to get in.

So we can enjoy our Frozé and Black Cherry Buzz fruity vodka slushy without having to be cheek by jowl with fellow customers.

Happy to get Sidetracked

Although that is much of the vibe of Sidetrack which we will discover on Tuesday’s Pride evening.

In truth, it hasn’t always been easy to be out on Halsted Street, although contrary to perceptions I am straight.

Which is fine in this inclusive district which straddles the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, Wrigley Field, the second oldest in the States.

Our guide Victor Salvo walks us through his neighbourhood stopping off at the pillars of gay American and international history,

The legacy of the global community who suffered so the party I have joined for today’s tour can enjoy.

It truly is a Sweet Home ChicaGay. And anyone, straight, queer or somebody who just wants a Spring Liver can enjoy.

And as I’ve been saying all week, I’ve been travelling with Aer Lingus.

For the American Travel Fair, IPW, and staying at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

America, Countries

Holidos and Don’t sensors working overtime in the US

15th June 202515th June 2025 funtime65

You can look but don’t touch. This is Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

Now, despite being a seasoned traveller I am always learning and even the stuff I know I have to remind myself.

Particularly when you arrive in the country jet-lagged and travel-weary at Stupid O’Clock.

And more about my journey to Chicago, which like every trip I do was an odyssey, in due course.

Follow the Dorothy road

Over the Rainbow: Hilton Palmer House Hotel

But back to the iconic Hilton Palmer House Hotel on E Monroe Street in Downtown.

You are reminded of the area’s rich theatre history.

By the framed pictures of the greats who have stayed and played the hotel.

And there are few bigger than Judy Garland, whose Wizard of Oz tour stopped off here.

I doubt mind that Judy, who is waiting for me outside my room had to fuss herself.

With negotiating the snacks and water tray atop the mini-bar.

Look but don’t touch

Look carefully, and again no touching, and you’ll see a small note on said tray.

Saying that it is sensory and if your curiosity, hunger, thirst, or all three get the better of you.

You will be billed.

Magic water in Orlando

Drink up: This one was free with our party

Which many moons ago cost me while staying at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando Universal.

And I had innocently and noisily reached for the Fiji water only to change my mind about drinking it when I saw the price.

The thrills, spills and entertainment of Universal soon took over.

And I put it out of my mind until I was informed on check-out that I had drunk said water virtually and would have to pay.

Fear not, of course, the trick is to ask at the desk for bottled water which the kindly staff will gladly provide.

And so refreshed after a sleep of sorts with my body clock all over the shop.

Chicago-go-go

I’m channeling my inner Judy Garland/Dorothy and exploring Gay Chicago on an LGBTQ+ tour.

Satisfied to have avoided and able to share the first in this Chicago series.

Of Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

I travelled with Aer Lingus through Edinburgh and Dublin with pre-clearance to attend the American Travel Fair IPW.

America, Countries, Sport

On board with Brian Wilson in California

12th June 202513th June 2025 funtime65

Turns out I was on board with Brian Wilson in California all along by skipping the wave.

Because like Brian I’m more natural at singing the praises of surfin’ than actually doing it.

As my guides from waterskiing in Malta through paddle boarding on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Barcelona will testify.

Surfin’ for us and everyone else for whom walking on sand makes more sense is about the Good Vibrations.

Wouldn’t it be nice

And there is nothing better than catching The Beach Boys themselves in California.

I guess we should have guessed all along about Brian’s aversion to surfing when we watched him on board Sloop John B.

On the overhead video during lunch break of the annual American Travel Fair in Anaheim.

As his Beach Boys channeled his vision on set below and Mike Love and I pressed flesh.

The home of surfing

As is the tradition of the Great American Song Surfin’ USA name checks as many locations as you can in a three-minute hit.

Apart from, and Brian has taken his reasons for omitting it to the Next World, Huntington Beach.

Now Huntington Beach bills itself as Surf City USA.

And while we didn’t exactly follow Jan and Dean’s advice.

And buy ourselves a ’30 Ford wagon called Woody we did get a party growin’.

Surfin’ Dogg

With a little help from a Surfin’ Dogg.

The dudest of rappers putting on a set which had us all dancin’ into the early hours.

Not that Surfin’ dogs are anything unusual on this stretch of the Pacific 44 miles south of Los Angeles.

As I first discovered when Huntington Beach rolled into Dublin and reached out to us.

And I discovered that anyone can surf with Huntington Beach even putting on dog surfing competitions.

With Bono, a Brazilian Labrador the champion although this one doesn’t wear the shades.

Anyone maybe other than me and the Beach Boys genius.

But then for his fans he will always walk on water.

And I’ve something in common with him as I’m on board with Brian Wilson in California.

So Do It Again, get out to the USA and when you do go through Ireland with Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.

To Los Angeles, sample round trip £636.

Countries, Deals, Europe

See Naples and fly

9th June 20259th June 2025 funtime65

And not just because of Scotland footballer McMaradona but because of Aer Lingus’s summer sale we want to see Naples and fly.

Vidi what we’ve done there playing with the aphorism ‘See Naples and die’.

Said to have been coined by the German renaissance writer Goethe to mark the southern Italian city’s beauty.

Naples, of course, is renowned too as the home of pizza.

And, of course, the Neapolitans’ dish is as far removed from a Domino’s as two dishes with the same name can be.

Pizza napulitana

Only there’s the rub Neapolitans call their delicacy pizza napoletana or in the vernacular pizza napulitana.

Now true pizza lovers will recognise their napulitana by its soft, thin dough with high edges.

And it’s pomodorini del Piennolo del Vesuvio, tomatoes fresh off the volcanic plains to the south of Mount Vesuvius.

While the cheese traditionally must be mozzarella di bufala campana.

Apizza variation on a theme

Now as is the way pizza the Neapolitan diaspora took their food habits with them to the New World.

And you can enjoy as many varieties as there is food although the Neapolitans who settled down on the east coast will beg to differ.

Particularly the enclave in New Haven, Connecticut who preserved the old tradition of Apizza (pronounced Ah Beats).

With Sally’s Apizza the upper crust of pizza in New Haven and I (and Frank Sinatra) can testify to that!

Of course, you might say that travelling from Britain to New England is the long way round for Neapolitan pizza.

All roads lead to Naples

And you’d be right but who says you can’t do both.

Particularly with Aer Lingus to Boston, the capital of New England, a well-trodden path.

But, of course, Naples while not exactly on our doorstep is only three and a half hours airport to airport.

From where you can put all thoughts of home Domino’s behind you with a pan (our collective noun) of pizza parlours.

While you can eat on the go by ordering a pezzo (a slice of pizza) out of any outlet which is what the Italians do.

Set sale

The Aer Lingus offer is up to 20% off fares & bags to destinations across Europe and the UK.

It is a limited time sale until June 17, for travel from August 1 to October 22.

So get a slice of the action… well the airline did pick Pizza City out for special mention.

And you’re welcome for offering you the tagline See Naples and Fly.

America, Countries

The original Supermen in their Ohio home town

23rd May 202523rd May 2025 funtime65

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s the original Supermen in their Ohio home town.

It’s apt that the pride of Ohio should be chosen to represent Metropolis in the new Superman film which will be out in our cinemas in July.

David Corenswet will be the latest to pull on the Clark Kent specs and skintight blue and red cossie.

Following in the footsteps of Bud Collyer, Christopher Reeve, Nicolas Cage and Henry Cavill among the dozens to have channeled their Man of Steel.

Few though, outwith Superman Superfans will know of the original Supermen, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Two Cleveland teenagers with a passion for science fiction and comics, who created the first superhero in 1932.

Get in on the Action

Fans can, of course, can visit the site of their family homes.

‘This is the house where Superman was born,’ reads a sign hanging on the fence in front of 10622 Kimberly Ave, where in 1932 18-year-old Jerry Siegel invented the Man of Steel.

The apartment house where Joe Shuster, who illustrated Superman, lived is now a vacant lot, but the fence around it has been hung with 2×3-foot metal panels.

They reproduce the cover and first 13 pages of Action Comics #1, the first Superman story, which was published on April 18, 1938.

Rightly, you get a handle that Cleveland is the home of Superman from the moment you touch down at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

With a display of memorabilia, while there’s another display at the Cleveland Public Library, where Siegel and Shuster both drew inspiration.

And you can also visit the observation deck at the Terminal Tower.

On a pedestal

Snippets of Superman: In the origin city

The Siegel and Shuster Society, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Superman’s creation in Cleveland, is spearheading the planning of Siegel and Shuster Tribute Plaza outside the Huntington Convention Centre of Cleveland.

The project will feature a Superman statue designed by a local artist; statues of Siegel, his wife Joanne (upon whom Lois Lane was modelled) and Shuster.

The original Supermen in their Ohio home town.

And a phone booth famous for the hero’s quick costume changes.

So there’s already a lot of Superman for the Superfan already in Cleveland .

And super flights out from Ireland’s national airline carrier.

Out to the Metropolis of the Oo Es of Eh with Aer Lingus.

But with this summer’s anticipated Superman blockbuster the Ohio metropolis is readying itself for even more spotlight.

The new Supermen

With the city’s filming locations including:

Public Square, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and surrounding buildings, was transformed into Metropolis’ bustling centre.
The Leader Building stood in as the exterior of the Daily Planet.
Key Tower became the headquarters for the fictional Stagg Enterprises.
The Cleveland Arcade where Superman and Lois Lane kiss beneath the historic glass ceiling.
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, hosted an explosive action sequence.
Cleveland City Hall transformed into Metropolis’ City Hall.
Detroit–Superior Bridge is featured in a high-intensity confrontation.
Ontario Street and the former Cleveland Greyhound Station were part of fast-paced street scenes.
PNC Plaza offered dynamic urban visuals.
Terminal Tower appeared in sweeping skyline shots of Metropolis.
Superior Avenue, temporarily renamed “Concord Street,” was reimagined as a major city thoroughfare.
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, about a 30-minute drive east from downtown, was used to depict a vintage U.S. Army base.

Central America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin

21st May 202521st May 2025 funtime65

I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.

If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.

A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .

And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.

And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.

Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.

Mariachi Murty

Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.

And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.

While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.

And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.

A new Mexican wave

Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.

Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.

Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.

With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.

Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.

But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.

Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.

Cancun cookin’

Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.

Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.

All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.

And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.

From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.

Friends across the water

And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.

Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.

Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown

13th May 202513th May 2025 funtime65

The hour has arrived and Ireland is ready, so steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown with confirmation of a regular season game this autumn at Croke Park.

The big touchdown has been 30 years in the planning and will be a homecoming of sorts for the Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers who are rooted in Ireland.

Long-term American Football fans speak wistfully about the Pride of Pennsylvania, the Steelers’ visit to Dublin back in 1997 for a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.

But there will be more than a passing connection too in the Minnesota Vikings through head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Viking Irish

Despite the moniker Minnesota boasts a large Irish community.

Dating back to three demob soldiers in 1838, who will no doubt see the historic game as an opportunity to ‘come home.’

Minnesotans will, of course, be able to avail of direct routes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul with Aer Lingus.

One of 18 transatlantic routes it operates, and with pre-clearance.

Back in the late 19th century the flow of peoples was very much going westwards.

With Archbishop John Ireland a pied piper for Irish from the eastern seaboard and further afield.

The good cleric even attempted to settle his compatriots from the Old Sod.

In an area that reflected their roots, Connemara Patch around Graceville in 1880.

The immigrants who spoke only the Irish language struggled in the new colony.

Because of the cold but they were assimilated into greater Minnesota.

Minnesota mini-Ireland

Irish life and culture is rightly celebrated to this very day.

Every August the Irish Fair of Minnesota sees Irish-Americans come out in force for the craic.

Where you can dance, drink (this is Dyland and Prince’s state), sing and even learn how to play the bodhran (see picture). And all for free.

Being Irish too they take great pride in their St Paddy’s Day festivities in March in Saint Paul which date back as far as 1851.

When 300 waved the flag, made and listened to speeches.

And, of course, the Irish need little encouragement there, and fired a salute.

More surprising perhaps is the part played in early parades by The Irish Catholic Temperance Society.

With the 1956 iteration seeing the Benevolent Society of Erin host a dinner complete with toasts of cold water.

Croker is the real thing

Move aside: Croke Park, the home of the GAA

Thankfully these days since the revival of the parades in 1967, they have replaced the uisce (water) with uisce beatha (water of life/whiskey).

And now 100,000 revellers take to the streets with the Irish Music and Dance Association hosting dancing and live music.

All of which will be on display in Dublin’s Croke Park and throughout the city on Sunday, September 28.

Win lose or draw.

So steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown whether it’s Pittsburgh steel or the sharpness of a Minnesota Viking.

And for visitors from these shores to Minnesota-Saint Paul will shell out only €548.25 for flights with Ireland’s national airline carrier.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Green for go for Paddy Day deals

13th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was punching his weight in the White House in raising Ireland’s plane prowess… and here ain’t it green for go for Paddy Day deals?

The Micheál, over in Washington DC for the annual presentation of the shamrock, and The Donald did bants across court.

All smiles: The Donald and The Micheál. http://www.bbc.co.uk

With the President talking up Irish UFC champ Conor McGregor and his tatts.

And inviting Micheál to cite his Irish boxing dad and arranging a reunion at his own golf resort at Doonbeg. Co. Clare.

Ireland’s greatest exports

The Taoiseach was, of course, over in the US to promote Ireland and he was quick to promote its aviation industry.

With Ryanair and AerCap taking Seattle Boeings.

As a proud son of the Great Diaspora I gladly endorse that Ireland’s greatest export is, of course, its people.

And St Paddy’s Day and its promotions get bigger every year.

Ireland’s low-budget airline Ryanair is offering 20% or more on select hotels.

Book by 21 March for travel until 8 September.

The US of Aer

And if it’s North America you want then the national airline carrier is offering travel to its destinations.

Including its newest destinations, Nashville, beginning on 12 April and Indianapolis from May 3.

The Aer Lingus St Patrick’s Day Sale comes in at €249 each way as part of a return trip.

With the offer running to March 21 for travel during May, June, and September.

Ireland rocks: The Donald and The Micheál

Aer Lingus flies 16 direct routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to North America.

And so it’s a big thank you to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and to our Irish airline providers.

For making it green for go for Paddy Day deals.

Countries, Ireland

Riverdance and Aer Lingus tour

19th February 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Only in Ireland could they popularise a dance that looks like jumping up and down on hot coals with your hands tied behind your back but they have… and 30 years on we’re marking it with a Riverdance and Aer Lingus tour in double jig time.

Eurovision hadn’t seen anything like it, and they’d seen everything, when Irish-American hoofers Michael Flatley and Jean Butler took to The Point (now 3Olympia Theatre) stage in Dublin, sung by Anuna.

To fill in the seven-minute interval.

Now jigging with your hands behind your back might daunt some, particularly with 300 million people watching worldwide.

But not our Diaspora Dancers whose jigging spawned a worldwide phenomenon.

Which will be even bigger and better this year with a 30th anniversary tour which Ireland’s national air carrier is naturally getting on board to promote.

Atlantic crossing

Aer Lingus will support Riverdance as they perform across North America, the UK, and Ireland throughout 2025.

Riverdance will perform in 45 locations across the USA and Canada from January to June 2025.

And will, of course, include key Aer Lingus gateways.

Such as Michael’s sweet home Chicago and Jean’s city that never sleeps, New York.

And our favourites Boston, Toronto and Washington DC.

And homeward bound

Riverdance returns to its spiritual home of Ireland for a 14-week run at the Gaiety Theatre this summer.

And will also perform 30 dates across the UK later in 2025.

Including London’s Hammersmith Apollo, Manchester Opera House, and Liverpool’s Empire Theatre.

Before wrapping up their anniversary year in Belfast.

Introducing Indianapolis and Nashville

Of course the music never stops nor does Aer Lingus and they have two new destinations for 2025, Indianapolis and Nashville.

All of which brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to 24.

And all with US preclearance in Dublin and Shannon airports.

Which means you can hotfoot it for the 30th anniversary Riverdance and Aer Lingus tour in double jig time.

Countries

Black Flyday

29th November 202429th November 2024 funtime65

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the November Friday giveaway and we have Black Flyday on our radar.

The national airline carrier as usual are front and centre with 25% off Aer Lingus flights to Ireland.

Book by midnight on Tuesday to save on Dublin city breaks, Wild Atlantic Way adventures and Belfast. getaways.

Low-fare Aer travel

And so from our nearest airport here, Edinburgh, you can reach the Irish capital from £36.99, Cork from £28.99 and Belfast from £41.99.

All each way as part of a return trip.

Of course, others of the Irish diaspora, namely the Son and Heir are in that emigree city in England… London.

And he and his pals jump on any opportunity to get back.

Particularly at £58.99 from Heathrow to Dublin, Shannon £42.99, the answer to your prayers in Knock £42.99 and Cork £63.99.

Ryanfare

Of course, every day is a giveaway day with everybody’s favourite low-fare air carrier Ryanair.

And Michael O’Leary is only offering a buy one, get one half price deal for Black Friday.

Again, we’re looking out for ourselves and our local airport from North Berwick, and that’s Edinburgh.

And of those deals under £40 we’re taken by our old favourites Bergamo with a basic fare of £37.99 and Dusseldorf, Copenhagen and Brussels at £36.99.

Book by close of play today for travel between December 1 and 16.

The offer excludes travel during Christmas period, December 18 and January 8.

Canaries take flight

And make it easy on yourself with the extra days on the EasyJet offer which ends on Monday at 11pm.

With up to 20% off flights and up to £200 off holiday prices.

We’re picking out Edinburgh to Tenerife and staying at the Laguna Park 1 for two people from £957 for the sample dates of December 6-11.

Or for the same dates try a 1 bedroom apartment with street view and balcony or terrace with TUI for the same dates s/c at Villa Mandi for £489.72pp

Now as you’re bombarded with Black Friday offers just a nod to our flight providers and Black Flyday.

MEET YOU IN THE SKIES