The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is the biggest event in recent retailing history, located where the M50 meets the N4, it houses some of the newest shops in Ireland. If you were planning on visiting it why not do it in style and make a weekend of it in Leixlip. The North Kildare town of Leixlip is about 10 minutes from Liffey Valley and the Cooldrinagh House Hotel has just the break for you. Two nights bed, breakfast and one dinner, and champagne on arrival. They will also have a transfer to Liffey Valley so you can let someone else do the driving. Leixlip is a cosy town and has some fine restaurants and there are interesting things to see in the area. The cost is £125 per person sharing and you can get more details from (01) 624 7040.
If you intend on visiting Scotland in the near future and will be flying into Glasgow with Aer Lingus you can take advantage of the special rate they have organised with Scottish Citylink buses anywhere in Scotland for £5 return. All you have to do is show the bus driver your Aer Lingus ticket and you can go as far as John O'Groats or any of the towns in between.
The British Tourist Association and Vauxhall Motor Company have produced a touring map for Britain that is just perfect for television and movie buffs. It is called the Movie Map and shows film and television locations all over Britain. You can check out Castle Howard, where Bridehead's Revisted and The Bucaneers were made, or the street where Hycinth Bucket and her long-suffering husband Richard live. You can also go and see Nelson Mandela House, but it's not in Peckham, but in Bristol. It also tells you where you can see the cars of the stars and recommends some good routes to take in locations. You can get it from the BTA at 18 College Green, Dubin 2 or telephone (01) 670 8000.
Tyrolean Airlines will continue their new service from Dublin to Vienna during the winter and the cost has been reduced to £222, if you stay a Saturday night. This is the ideal time to visit Vienna as the city is getting ready for Christmas and all the markets appear. A great place to shop for different Christmas presents. Ask you local travel agent for details.
Would you brave the Irish Sea after the recent gales? If your stomach is stronger than mine and your urge to shop stronger, the plush Cheshire Oaks Designer Village is just a short trip away with Stena or Irish Ferries. Both the ferry companies have special shopping offers at the moment. With Stena (01 2047600) you can travel to Cheshire Oaks and Chester any Saturday until December 12th for £26. If you want to make it a two-day break then Irish Ferries (01 6610533) will include one night's accommodation for £46.50.
A number of travel agents in Ireland specialise in holidays to South Africa. A recent entrant to the market is Michael Stein Travel (01 475 5401). At present they have some good value inclusive holidays to Capetown and the Garden Coast. A week will cost from £825 to £999 depending on type of hotel. They also have some self-catering packages for Capetown city centre.