DAVIN O'DWYERchecks out deals for the Grand National
The Irish invasion of Cheltenham is due to start in 10 days or so, but it’s already time to be planning for that other great springtime horse race, the Grand National at Aintree, which even the most bookie-allergic punter will put some money on. The famous National Hunt race is on Saturday, April 4th, this year, and a number of the usual agents are offering a variety of weekend packages.
Leopardstown Tours (01-2958901) has a range of two- and three-night packages from €567 per person sharing, including return flights to Manchester, hotel accommodation and breakfast in a choice of three hotels – the Premier Inn, the
Adelphi Brittania and the four-star Radisson — but the price doesn’t include entrance to Aintree.
Newbridge Travel (www.newbridgetravel.ie, 045-449522) is offering a similar range of packages, including accommodation at those hotels.
Tullys Travel (www.tullys.ie, 059-913610) has two- and three-night packages, from €539pps staying at a Travelodge to €865pps staying at the four-star Beatles-themed Hard Days Night hotel in Liverpool.
Keith Prowse Travel (www.keithprowse.com, 01-8783500) is offering packages from €283 per person, which includes two nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Knowsley, Liverpool, and a two-day ticket to Aintree in the Tattersall enclosure, but excluding flights. Its three-night package costs from €335 per person.
ForeignAFares (www.foreignafares.ie, 021-4278999/ 021-4374907) has a three-night package, departing Dublin for Liverpool on Thursday, April 2nd, and returning from Blackpool on Sunday, April 5th, with hotel and racecourse transfers, Tattersalls tickets for the three days of racing and three nights’ BB in a choice of hotels, including the Ibis Liverpool City Centre Hotel, for €799 per person sharing, plus €69 tax.