Galway Advertiser 2008/GA_2008_07_10/GA_1007_E1_103.pdf 

Extracted text

July 10 2008

L I F E STYLE

103

SPECIALS

HOLIDAY BREAK-AWAY
TRAVEL WITH UNA SINNOTT

French Odyssey
Experience your own French odyssey this summer with Emerald Star Get a copy of literary gourmet Rick Stein's French Odyssey with every cruise booked in France in June for summer 08. Emerald Star, Ireland's largest cruising company and member of le boat, is celebrating French cruising this summer by offering a free copy of Rick Stein's popular cook book, French Odyssey to those who book a cruise in France this summer. Stein's book is a journey of discovery through France's canal network to get to the Mediterranean and features more than 100 recipes inspired by his amazing experiences. A few years ago Rick Stein learned to enjoy a slower pace of life during his documented series - four miles an hour was the maximum speed of the cruiser that became home to him and his film crew as they wound their way through France's waterways. The number of Irish people cruising in France has risen by 15 per cent already in 2008 and first choice for the Irish holidaymaker is the famous Canal Du Midi or further south to the Camargue region where you can relax on some of the finest med beaches or enjoy the lock free cruising on the Etang de Thau. Whatever French odyssey you take this year, wouldn't it be nice to try some of Rick Stein's mouthwatering local French recipes while you cruise? Stein's book will direct you to the best of the best of local cuisine, street markets, and waterside restaurants along the historic Canal du Midi so you can fill your days with a stress-free blend of eating, cooking, and cruising at your own pace; the perfect way to explore the real France. Canal du Midi Cruise: A boating holiday a la difference!

Get a different perspective on Ireland
BY MARIA DALY If, like me, you love travelling around Ireland and discovering new places, your next step forward has to be a boating holiday. Emerald Star provides boating holidays in Ireland and Europe and should be your first stop when thinking about setting sail on the Shannon or Erne. These holidays are surprisingly popular, and no matter what time of the year you decide to take your holiday, you are sure to meet fellow boaters on your travels. Emerald Star has a large fleet of boats for hire depending on how many of you wish to sail.. The Shannon Star is a very comfortable boat that can sleep a maximum of nine. The bedrooms on board are surprisingly large and two of them even include en suites. There is also a large upper sun deck, so when the sun shines you can get out and enjoy it. The boats are also easy to sail, and after a quick tutorial, you should be well on your way to enjoying your holiday. Emerald Star offers a wide range of trips depending on the number of days you have hired the boat and where you want to go. You can take in centuries-old settlements and places of historical significance, but you are always assured of seeing lush landscapes and dramatic scenery. The Irish inland waterways offer a different holiday experience and give you a whole new perspective on the beautiful countryside, ruined castles, deserted hamlets, and ancient monastic settlements that surround you. Cruising at a very leisurely pace along Europe's longest inland cruising system, you will soon cast aside the pressures of today's more hectic lifestyles. Plan ahead of your holidays and decide on where you would like to stop. You can only sail during daylight hours, so, depending on what time of the year you decide to go, you have to make sure you can make it to your destination on time. We started in Portumna and travelled straight to Kilalloe for the first night. Kilalloe is a lovely village and is very much centred around the Shannon. There are plenty of places to eat and drink and everyone is very welcoming and helpful. The next night we stayed in Garrykennedy before heading off in the morning for Portumna. Carrick-on-Shannon, one of the major boating centres on the River Shannon, is a thriving town with much to offer on the social scene. At Portumna the delights of Lough Derg and further afield await. One of Ireland's finest lakes, it's renowned as a place of pilgrimage and surrounded by diverse culture. Portumna also provides easy access to Lough Ree and the entire Shannon waterway. Belturbet is a busy town, attracting anglers and boating enthusiasts, as well as being a focal point in the Emerald Star network. The Shannon/Erne waterway provides access to the Shannon itself, while the town is the gateway to Lough Erne and everything that spectacular labyrinth of waters has to offer. For more information log on to www.emeraldstar.ie or call (071) 9627633.

AUGUST SPECIALS

Spanish Spa Holiday Resort
Airflow House, Racecourse Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway

Telephone 087 052 0055

www.spanishsapholidayresort.com info@spanishsapholidayresort.com

WEATHER
THURSDAY
Rather cloudy with scattered showers. These showers will be heavy at times with the risk of thunder. There will be a gentle south-easterly wind. Max temp 15-18C (59-64F).

Information supplied by PA Weather Centre

FRIDAY
A rather cloudy day with few if any sunny spells. There will also be a few showers around, mainly light, but easing away during the evening. Light winds. Max temp 15-18C (59-64F).

SATURDAY
Mainly fine, but rain later.

SUNDAY
Sunny spells and scattered showers.

MONDAY
Windy with spells of rain.

TUESDAY
Blustery showers, some heavy.

WEDNESDAY
Mainly dry with variable cloud.