GO ADVICE: From a short homeymoon in west Cork to a tour of first World War battlefields, JOAN SCALESanswers your travel questions
‘Mini-mooning’ in west Cork
We’re getting married this July and hoping to go on a “mini-moon” in west Cork for a few days after the wedding. I’m finding it hard to find suitable accommodation within our budget. We would like somewhere romantic around Skibbereen/Baltimore and are happy to go with self-catering, BB or hotel. Our budget is €100 per night for the two of us. Do you know of anywhere? - Anon, NI
The first place that springs to mind is just perfect for what you are looking for, but the price is more than your budget. July is high season and that always pushes the prices up, but do have a look. Cottages for Couples (cottagesforcouples.ie) is a collection of lovely renovated cottages, stables and barns in Skibbereen, Baltimore, Glandore, Schull and Bantry, designed for romance and luxury.
The beds are either four-poster or king-size. Some of the units have Jacuzzis or hot tubs. All have been restored to show off the natural features, traditional stone walls, and exposed beams, with modern comforts like satellite TV, music systems and DVDs included. All the cottages are self-catering and some have on-site dining options. In July, the prices are about €139 per night.
In Baltimore, Casey’s Hotel (caseysofbalitmore.com) has a commanding spot overlooking the sea and is a lively place to stay, but I am sure they can find a quiet room for the honeymooners. During the summer, they have a special offer of three nights BB and dinner two nights for €215pps, which might fit in with your budget.
Skibbereen is a good base for exploring west Cork and also has some great pubs for music and craic. The West Cork Hotel (westcorkhotel.com) has rates of €94 per night in July, or three nights BB with two dinners from €214pps. The hotel was recently renovated and the rooms are comfortable. Near Union Hall, Lis Ardagh Lodge (lis-ardaghlodge.com) offers both BB and self-catering facilities that may suit your budget. BB in July is about €35pps per night and Union Hall is within walking distance.
Touring the battlefields
My husband and I are bringing our four children, aged 11-16, to see the first World War battlefields just before Easter this year. We are flying in and out of Brussels, and will have four full days for exploring. Could you suggest how best to organise our itinerary to maximise our time? We are very interested in the history and geography of this war. - EF, Dublin
Ypres (Ieper) is central to the first World War battlefields of Flanders in Belgium. It is also possible to visit the battlefields of the Somme in northern France from here. The Novotel at Ypres (novotel.com) is one that visitors from Ireland always enjoy, and it has special offers for families. You can find helpful information and accommodation for the area on visitflanders.com.
Alternatively, Albert was the main town of the Somme and is a good location to stay to visit the first World War sites in northern France, see visit-somme.com.
First World War venues in the Flanders area are the Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines, Tyne Cot Cemetery and the In Flanders Field Museum. Also not to be missed is the last post ceremony held at the Menin Gate every evening at 8pm.
Worth visiting in the Somme are Beaumont Hamel, Ulster Tower and Thiepval Memorial. The children might find Lochnager Mine Crater, at 27m deep and 91m across, a fascinating sight.
Best time to visit Jersey
A friend and I would like to travel to Jersey sometime around June. It seems to be difficult to get a straight forward all-in package. Can you recommend a nice hotel in St Helier and also when is the best time to go? - MH, Tipperary
Jersey used to be really popular and there were a good few travel agents around the country doing packages. The only one that I know still serving Jersey is J Barter Travel in Cork, which operates under the Travelnet.ie brand.
The travel agent has been sending people to Jersey for many years and will be able to put together a package for you, using the three times weekly Aer Lingus services from Dublin. Fares in June are about €130 return.
June would be a lovely month to visit Jersey as it’s just ahead of the British school holidays when prices increase. There is a wide selection of hotels to choose from. You can give an indication of your price range and the company will book it all for you.
Keeping up with Ryanair
I have had a number of questions lately from readers about Ryanair routes and services, particularly about Brest, Shannon-Edinburgh and Girona.
Brest is not operating this year and neither is Shannon-Edinburgh. The Girona route from Dublin will continue. Ryanair also fly from Dublin to Barcelona and Reus airports.
You can check Ryanair routings on ryanair.com/ie/ destination/allroutes and new routes and plans on ryanair.com/ie/new-routes. Ryanair add and change routes frequently, so keep an eye on the website.
Go Ask Joan:
E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com