Anyone who has travelled on the Wexford-Dublin road lately cannot help but notice the sign for Wicklow's Historic Gaol. A major new visitor attraction which brings history to life through the eyes of the prisoners in Wicklow Gaol. Experience the sights, sounds and smell of an 18th and 19th century gaol. Hear the story of the 1798 rebellion and find out what happened to the prisoners who survived the journey to Australia. An interesting day out for anyone holidaying in the Dublin, Wicklow, or Wexford area.
If you are visiting Wales this summer with children there are two places worth going to. Celtica at Machynlleth is an attraction which traces the culture of the Celts. During July and August there will be various types of entertainment from story telling to performances of Celtic myths, music and special children's events. Programme of events from 00 44 1654 702702.
The other place is in South Wales near Pembroke. Oakwood is a huge outdoor funpark with lots of things to do. It is also home to a massive wooden rollercoaster and a treetops rollercoaster and Vertigo the tallest swinging bungee jump you will ever see. Great value for a family day out and worth waiting for the fireworks display at 10p.m.
Treat of the year is the luxury of three days at 47 Park Street, Mayfair. Visit for that special occasion in your life and stay at this beautiful blend of character and flair. Sterling £285 plus VAT per day will get you one of their sumptuous suites and breakfast served in it each morning. During your stay you can lunch one day in the Michelin starred La Gavroche. Spend your days sightseeing and shopping from this excellently located award winning hotel. Brochure from 00 44 171 491 7281.
The Beara Peninsula is rich in sites of historical and archaeological interest, from wedge tombs, to church sites of more recent origin. The area is dotted with stone circles, alignments and gallauns, Martello towers and Ogham stones. The Beara Way is currently being developed and will provide a 125-mile trail stretching from Kenmare to Glengariff, west to Dursey and back along the north side of the peninsula to Kenmare. More details and a map from Beara Tourist Association, Old Boys School, Castletownbere, Co Cork, (027) 70054.
Sherwood Forest, in the heart of England, will host, what else, but the Robin Hood Festival from July 31st to August 2nd. The programme will provide entertainment for all the family with minstrels, jesters, archers, puppets, falconers and crusaders doing their business. Now you can get to Sherwood easily from Dublin by taking the new Cityjet service to East Midlands Airport. Special offer at the moment of £79 return for two plus tax. Information from the British Tourist Authority on 01 670 8000 for accommodation. If you miss the festival you can always go to the Robin Hood Pageant at the end of October in Nottingham.