Beast of an adventure

THE festival season continues in Ireland over the coming month with a uniquely Irish event taking place across Cork, Tipperary and Limerick between July 30 and August 2.

The attention-grabbing title is The Beast of Ballyhoura Adventure Weekend which involves mixed teams of four going on a mountain run and a bike race before engaging in kayaking, abseiling, orienteering and shooting. Log on to www.discoverireland.ie/shannon for details.

On a more sedate note, the Carlow Floral Festival Trail starts on July 31 and runs right through to August 8. It’s an opportunity for budding or experienced gardeners and nature lovers to obtain practical advice and tips from some of Ireland’s most respected gardening and nature experts. Check it out on www.discoverireland.ie/southeast; for details of other festivals throughout the country, log on to www.discoverireland.ie

- THE popular former manager of Cork’s Clarion Hotel, Charlie Sheil, is to head up operations at the newly-opened Gibson hotel in Dublin’s Point Village.

While the new hotel is very much family orientated, its unique design feature is a VIP bedroom area consisting of nine rooms, each leading out to its own private landscaped terrace. The hotel features a five-storey tall glass-fronted foyer atrium, a series of three internal courtyards with bespoke gardens, an outdoor heated dining terrace, relaxation area with gym room, sauna, steam room and two copper Japanese Zen baths.

Rates start from around €99 per room, but all-in show/concert packages are also available. Full details can be had on www.thegibsonhotel.ie

- DIRECT Holidays report heightened interest in Aquamania holidays in Turkey and Majorca this summer.

The all-inclusive Aquamania resorts are specially geared towards active families. Direct offer a choice of three properties — Club Mac Marte in Majorca’s Alcudia, and Turkey’s Paloma Grida Village (Belek) and the Paloma Club Sultan (Ozdere).

Prices start from €2,256, rising to €2,920 for two adults and two children for seven nights in specific date in August.

Details on 0818 200 110 or www.directholidays.ie

- NORWAY has become popular with Irish travellers interested in healthy holiday options with Geilo, one of only five designated National Park areas there, featured in packages currently being offered by Dublin-based Project Travel.

Geilo offers walking, hiking, cycling, fishing and rafting amongst other activities and clients (four people or more) can stay in self-catering lodges or (singles or couples) choose from a number of hotels.

Return flights from Dublin to Oslo, including four nights accommodation (Thon Hotel Highland) costs from €543, but clients need to factor in return train/coach fares to Geilo (paid locally) of €55.

Details on 01 2108391 or www.Project-Travel.ie