By Barry Coughlan
For anyone interested in nature, discovery and adventure, Birr Castle Demesne might provide an option for families over the coming Easter weekend in Ireland.
As always, particularly with an improvement in temperatures and, hopefully, a cessation to the lengthy recent rainy spell that engulfed the country, the outdoors beckon.
Easter activities in Birr have already started in fact and they continue right through to April 14 with activity options from Easter Egg Hunts to Biodiversity camps and family trails.
The wild fun “Connection” camps lets kids connect with nature in the great outdoors under the guidance of an experienced education team. The second camp (supported by Science Foundation Ireland) will take place between April 11 and 14 with booking essential.
Along with the Easter Egg Hunt, there is a variety of trails to explore as well as enjoying the Treehouse Adventure Playground, and 120 acres of parklands and gardens.
See www.birrcastle.ie for more details.
The world’s oldest original operating lighthouse – Hook Lighthouse is gearing up for a fun-filled Easter celebration.
On Easter, Sunday and Monday fun is to the fore for all the Hook Lighthouse presents an array of free family fun events with The Pirate Princess and her posse. Easter Fun and fun-filled Easter games take place each afternoon from 1 pm.
Enjoy family fun and games on the lawns and a Pirate Treasure Quest will be the order of the day.
The Hook Lighthouse resident artist Rose will host Easter art and craft workshops through the school holidays and Easter weekend from 11 am daily.
Guided tours are also on offer 7 days a week at Hook Lighthouse, sharing with visitors one of the most fascinating stories on Ireland’s Ancient East. For further details visit www.hookheritage.ie.
The Europa Hotel has undergone an extensive renovation program, which involved upgrading its guest bedrooms at a total cost of close to €11.4m (S12.4m).
The Belfast hotel has transformed 100 front-facing superior bedrooms, eighty classic bedrooms, and five suites, completely redesigning and upgrading them with modern amenities and beautiful furnishings.
Each room now features automated window blinds, individually controlled air conditioning and luxurious new bathrooms.
Additionally, the classic rooms have been fitted with new king cloud beds, while the superior rooms now boast super king cloud beds, offering guests the ultimate comfort and relaxation during their stay.
Andy McNeill, General Manager of the Europa Hotel said: “Our latest renovation program represents a significant investment by Hastings Hotels and took three years to complete.
“The Europa is one of the world’s most famous hotels and whilst we have stayed true to our rich heritage, we have thoughtfully re-imagined the design of our bedrooms to offer a new urban chic feel.
“The beautiful fabrics used pay homage to the Europa’s location in Belfast’s Linen Quarter and the textures and earthy tones help create a restful sleeping space.
“Soft geometrics and carpet design create a subtle backdrop to the rich, dark timber furniture with classic marble tops and the remote-control blinds mean that at touch of a button, guests can lie in bed and enjoy the stunning city views.
“The feedback has been really positive from guests who have been enjoying the newly renovated rooms and we are confident that this new investment will ensure we continue to attract visitors from around the world as well as welcome guests from the domestic market.”
A special Easter awaits families at the luxurious five-star InterContinental Dublin. The hotel, located in leafy Ballsbridge, embraces Easter with gusto with stunning spring floral displays and chocolate sculptures created by head pastry chef Orna Larkin.
From now up to April 12, a one-night stay with the family comes choc-full of memories in the making. Guests will be welcomed with champagne in their room and luxury handmade chocolate Easter eggs for the children.
Families can enjoy access to the hotel’s indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and gym facilities and rooms are prices from $520 a night.
Drivers will enjoy complimentary secure on-site parking and the hotel is to host a fun Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday in the Garden Terrace.
Book at www.intercontinentaldublin.ie.
A bucket-list golf vacation has become available this August through Carr Golf where guests can play two of the world’s most iconic championship links courses, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush on a week-long trip from August 19 to 26.
Clients need to make their own flight arrangements but the ground package is ready; tee times are confirmed, luxury transport secured and several luxury accommodation options in Dublin and Belfast are available.
The trip is structured to include three overnights in Dublin to start off and golf over the next three days in Royal Dublin, the Island and Portmarnock Golf Clubs.
That’s followed by four hotel stays in Belfast and golf experiences in Ardglass, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down Golf Clubs with departures possible from Saturday August 26 out of Dublin or indeed Shannon.
More information at www.carrgolf.com.