Making a splash

DISCOVERIRELAND.IE didn’t discover the latest tourist attraction but they’re hell bent on letting the world know about it — a wave that could make little old Ireland much larger in the growing world of surfing.

The world’s surfing radar honed in on the west of Ireland recently with the discovery of one of Europe’s biggest waves dubbed “prowlers” by the hardy surfers who ventured out on it. The experts are refusing to disclose its exact location (they have been waiting for five years for the perfect conditions to surf the wave), but say it breaks on an undersea reef about 2km off the west coast.

Aileen’s, the perfect wave at the base of the Cliffs of Moher that exploded on to the world’s surfing radar screen in recent years, would now appear to have a new rival as Ireland’s most spectacular surf spot. Needless to mention, the tourism body is spreading the news around the world in the hope that, in surfing terms, a country described as a “cold Hawaii” will attract more and more tourists interested in the sport.

For more information on surfing or other winter adventure breaks in Ireland, check out www.discoverireland.ie

- CONCORDE Travel has added the Sicilian resorts of Taormina, Taormina Mare, Giardini Naxos and Letojanni to their 2011 programme. Offering beach and mountain holiday options, Sicily offers a variety not available in many countries and it has the added bonus of allowing history buffs to delve into a rich culture. Concorde packages for next year will start from €594 including tax and flights from Dublin, with departures between May 25 and September 14. For details, visit www.concordetravel.ie or call [phone].

- THERE are just a few days left to book a range of special offer deals from Trailfinders to various destinations in the USA over the coming weeks.

The company offers a three night stay in a four-star hotel in Boston for €560 with departures from either Dublin or Shannon. A similar package to New York, but in a three star establishment is available for just a snip off €600, while four nights in a four-star Chicago hotel will cost the same. Trailfinders have four nights in Los Angeles and Las Vegas for between €659 and €689 and a special holiday combining St Patrick’s Day in New York with a Caribbean cruise.

Check out their tailor-made holidays on 01 881 4994, on 021 464 8888 or www.trailfinders.ie

- LOWER fares are proving a hit with passengers on Irish Ferries over the festive season, with the one way €99 fare (car, driver and passenger) on the Rosslare-Cherbourg service being particularly popular. Additional passengers can travel from €30 one way while upgrades to ensuite cabins are available from an extra €29.50. Bookings can be made online at www.irishferries.com or by calling 0818-300 400.