DESTINATIONS October 18, 2015
Armchair Travel
     The Bridges That Built London with Dan Cruickshank, BBC4, 7.00pm. Sunday October 18 Dan explores the Londons's Thames crossings. Beginning in the marshes of the estuary, he moves upstream to Vauxhall, where archaeologists have recorded London's oldest bridge, and also learns about the legend of London Bridge, before reaching journey's end at the Millennium Bridge near St Paul's Cathedral
     Hollywood in Éirinn, TG4, 8.00pm. Sunday October 18. Dennis Conway visits Ballyvourney in West Cork to meet locals involved in the making of Song for a Raggy Boy.
     The Travel Show, BBC News 24, 8.30pm Sunday October 18.
     Nazi Megastructures, More 4, 9.00pm. Sunday October 18.  The construction of Hitler's massive secret headquarters, in the Masurian woods about 8 km (5.0 mi) from the small East Prussian town of Rastenburg (now Kętrzyn, Poland), intended to be the heart of the Nazi war machine.
     Jamie's Super Food, Channel 4, 8.00pm. Monday October 19. In the last of the series Jamie Oliver discusses the importance of the simple things in life on Costa Rica's Nicoya peninsula. On the island of Ikaria, Greece he learns that adding a handful of nuts might add years to life and in Okinawa, Japan, he finds that locals treat food as medicine.

Paul Murton at Muckle Flugga, Scotland                                                            Photo: Timeline Films/BBC Scotland

     Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands, BBC2 N Ireland, 7.00pm. Tuesday October 20. Paul Murton visits the Outer Hebrides. On Eriskay, he discovers how the remote location helped preserve a unique way of life and also allowed locals to hide thousands of bottles of whisky when a ship ran aground in 1941, inspiring the 1949 movie Whisky Galore! On Barra, he collects cockles and visits the airport on the beach. On Vatersay, he helps fishermen trawling for lobsters.
     Lesser Spotted Journeys, UTV Ireland 8.00pm. Tuesday October 13, Joe Mahon visits Glenshesk, Co.Antrim and hears a ghostly tale in the ruins of a friary.
     Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands, BBC2 N Ireland, 7.00pm. Wednesday October 21. Paul Murton visits the Isle of Mull and its satellite islands. He begins on Erraid, which inspired writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Then to Ulva, and the grave of Lachlan MacQuarrie, one of the first governors of New South Wales. He explores Mull with rally driver Louise Thomas, then travels to the island of Inch Kenneth, and the story of Nazi sympathizer Unity Mitford. He ends his trip at Treshnish Islands, where he experiences a spot of `puffin therapy'
     Rachel's Coastal Cooking, RTÉ One, 8.30pm. Wednesday October 21. Rachel Allen continues around Ireland's south and west coasts, to the Dingle peninsula where she forages for ingredients
     Disappearing Britain, More4, 9.00pm. Thursday October 22.  Maureen Lipman and Larry Lamb explore the Britain's military past of Dover; Michael Buerk visits the Hovercraft Museum in Gosport, South Hampshire; Peter Davison visits the River Thames and Janet Ellis visits Britain's most controversial airbase - RAF Greenham Common, in Berkshire
     The Works Presents, RTÉ One, 11.15pm. Thursday October 22. John Kelly visits visual artist Sean Scully in Barcelona.  Sean celebrated his 70th birthday this year with some 15 exhibitions worldwide. He was born in Inchicore, Dublin in 1945 and is best known for his abstract paintings, using a grid of vertical and horizontal lines. He exhibited at the Venice Biennale this year for the first time and is the first Western artist to have a major retrospective in China.

In Dublin: Jamón Ibérico expertly sliced by Master Carver and Ham Controller, Mario Hiraldo         Photo: Pat Keenan

    In older times asking for something to eat in an Irish pub, almost alway brought the same old barman's quip:"what do you think this is, a restaurant?" In time we adapted with the 'doorstep sandwich' -massive cuts of black crusted white loaf, utterly buttered and a wedge of hard red cheese. And then, the best thing since the sliced pan, was a 'toastit' and it was sliced pan, ham, cheese toasted in a plastic bag, actually, some to think about it, I quite liked those. Anyway we're a lot more sophisticated now that, every year more than a million of us visit Spain.
     The tapas revolution is spreading worldwide. A few years ago in a Chicago tapas bar, having sampled four or more delicacies, a fellow traveller asked: "when is the main course coming?" I read recently that there are more than fifty Spanish tapas restaurants and bars in Tokyo, Japan.

World Tapas day- Spanish Tourism Office Team

     Spanish Tourism, Tasting Spain and Rioja DOCa, this year celebrated World Tapas Day by inviting the Irish travel trade and media to the Instituto Cervantes, Lincon Place, Dublin. Gonzalo Ceballos and his great team from the Spanish Tourism Office of Ireland were there and joining them wast the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, Jose Maria Rodriguez Coso and the Minister of State for Brand Spain, Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros. We enjoyed plates of Jamón Ibérico, expertly explained and sliced by Mario Hiraldo whose official title is Master Carver and Ham Controller.  Jamón ibérico is the cured and dried back leg of the black ibérico pig. Spanish laws require each pig has to live free-range on about two acres of land and a natural diet including acorns and wild herbs. No wonder shops charge close to €100 a pound.

Tapas restaurants and bars in or near Dublin
• Brass Monkey, 12 West Pier, Howth, Dublin www.brassmonkey.ie/
• Las Tapas, Old School House, Bray Rd, Cabinteely Village, Co. Dublin. www.lastapas.ie/
• Las Tapas, 3 Church Road, Greystones. www.lastapas.ie/
• Market Bar, 14A Fade St, Dublin 2. www.marketbar.ie/
• No.5 Vinoteca, 5-12 Merrion Row, Dublin 2. www.no5vinoteca.ie/
• Octapussy, 7-8 West Pier, Howth, Dublin www.octopussys.ie/
• Port House, 64A South William Street, Dublin 2. www.porthouse.ie/
• Port House Pintxo, Eustace St. Temple Bar, Dublin 2. www.porthouse.ie/
• Port House Ibericos, Ballinteer Road, 5/6 Pembroke Cottage, Dundrum, Dublin. www.porthouse.ie/
• Port House, Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. www.porthouse.ie/
• Viva España Tapas Bar, 27 South Richmond Street, Dublin. www.vivaespanatapas.com/
• Zaragoza, 18 William St South, Dublin 2. www.zaragozadublin.com/‎

I have put together some tapas photographs taken during trips to Spain

5 photos above: Café Catalunya, Carrer de les Vinyes, 10, 17500 Ripoll, Girona.                     Photos: Pat Keenan

     The old adage, 'you couldn't make it up' comes to mind. I came across this painting while taking the tour around the stately rooms of Castle Coole in Co. Fermanagh, and I snapped it , I often lazily use my camera as a notebook. It turns out he once owned the castle, and he had a townhouse in O'Connell Street, then Sackville Street, Dublin. At one time he bought a captured 14 gun American customs ship and used it to take his family sailing around the Mediterranean; he went digging for antiquities in Egypt; he presided over a slave rebellion in Jamaica; he was an MP (Member of Parliament) in both Dublin and Westminster; a member of Dublin Orange Lodge no.176 and an opponent of the Act of Union. When he died, his family inherited his bankruptcy. He was Somerset Lowry-Corry, the 2nd Earl Belmore, the eldest son of the first earl.

Castle Coole: Somerset Lowry-Corry, 2nd Earl Belmore                     Detail of painting by Hugh Douglas Hamilton Photo:Pat Keenan

     Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Sean Ó’Nualláin, GoCar Member at the launch of new on-street parking locations in Dublin city centre for GoCar, Ireland’s only car sharing initiative. New Government legislation will now allow local authorities to designate exclusive parking spaces for car sharing clubs with Dublin City Council the first to enact this legislation. The new bases are a significant breakthrough for GoCar allowing it to offer its service where demand is at its highest.
     The new on-street bases are located at key city centre areas including Mountjoy Square, Parnell Square, Merrion Square, St. Stephens Green, Leinster St South and Lower Mount Street.

Crystal Ski Holidays Celebrate New Year's Eve on the slopes
Arinsal, Andorra: Spend 7 nights in the 3* Sant Roma Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €705pp.Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on four sharing. Travel: 27th December 2015
Arinsal, Andorra: 7 nights in the 3* Palarine Hotel, on a half-board basis, from only €949pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on four sharing. Travel: 27th December 2015
Tignes, France: 7 nights in the 3* Tignes 2100 Hotel, on a half-board basis, from only €1,015pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: 26th December 2015
To book  Crystal Ski Holidays on 01 4331080 or visit www.crystalski.ie

Amari Watergate Bangkok offers a Knockout Muay Thai Holiday!

     For boxing enthusiasts or those looking for a unique holiday experience, Amari Watergate Bangkok’s Muay Thai package is the perfect treat!
     The Muay Thai Package starts at 25,000 THB per person (approximately €650) in a Single Deluxe Room or 19,250 THB per person (approximately €500) sharing a Twin Deluxe Room. For more information please visit www.amari.com/watergate/special-offer.aspx or contact reservations.watergate@amari.com. The package is valid until 31 December 2016. Exclusive of taxes.

     Irish media and commemorative groups recently gathered in the European Parliament Offices, 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, for ‘La Somme 2016 – Walk in the Footsteps of our History’ - a presentation of the commemorations planned for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme next year
Jean Marc Todeschini, Minister of State for Veterans and Remembrance represented the French government, and he was joined by Ambassador of France to Ireland, Jean-Pierre Thébault.

Left: Ambassador of France to Ireland, Jean-Piirre Trébault. Right: French Minister of State for Veterans and Remembrance, Jean Marc Todeschini                   Photos:Pat Keenan

     While in Dublin, Minister ‪Todeschini‬ presented one of Ireland's last surviving World War II veterans, ninety-eight year old Sir John Leslie, a cousin of Winston Churchill, with Frances highest award the Legion d'Honneur. This was in recognition for his role in his role in liberating France.
     Dedicating his award to all of the Irish soldiers who fought in the war, Sir Jack said: "I accept this award graciously on behalf of all of the brave Irish men who lost their lives in pursuit of a greater good".
     Sir Jack enlisted in the Second Battalion of the Irish Guards in August 1937, at the age of 21. During the war, he commanded a British Army attempt to defend Boulogne Sur Mer from the Germans. He was captured and spent five years in a German Prisoner of War camp.
After the war he travelled the world before returning to his family home, Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan.
      The Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Today, this castle hotel in Ireland is led and managed by Sammy Leslie and governed by a Family Trust. Located in Glaslough, Monaghan, the Castle Leslie Estate is just 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 from Belfast. www.castleleslie.com/

Ceremonies, exhibitions and commemorative events 2016:
February to December 2016 The Fate of Soldiers at the Somme 1916 Trench Museum 
     Visitors descend into a tunnel 10 metres underground. They will experience, with the imitation 'mobilisation pamphlet' of an average soldier who fought here. Through scenes of the battles of the Somme, visitors relive the difficult living conditions of the war, before they discover the fate of the soldier who was featured in their mobilisation pamphlet. www.musee-somme-1916.eu

April 25, 2016 Villers-Bretonneux Commemoration: 101st Anniversary of Anzac Day
     A poignant ANZAC Day Dawn Service is held every year at 5.30am, on April 25, at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux. This ceremony pays particular homage to the Australians who served during the First World War and especially remembers those who fought on the French battlefields and in the Somme. www.anzac-france.com



Further Information
www.somme-battlefields.com/
www.centenaire.org/en
www.uk.france.fr/

www.nataleinpiazza.it

     American music in all its forms - jazz, gospel, country, hillbilly, the blues, rhythm and blues and the hybrid rock'n'roll - emerged, developed and matured together in the southern United States. Inspitations came from the rhythms and improvisations of Africa and the harmony and instrumentation of European folk and classical music
     From New Orleans, Mississippi, Texas and the Carolinas the influences merged into what the world now calls 'popular music'. Memphis, Tennessee on the great Mississippi river was an important player in the process. Maybe Memphis is not the exact birthplace of the blues, even though the first blues composition 'Memphis Blues' was written in 1912 by Memphis bornWC Handy, but it is, probably, the birthplace of rhythm & blues and rock & Roll.
     For an overview of that history and the complete Memphis music story, your first stop should be the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum, 191 Beale Street, a Smithsonian Institute exhibition which tells the story of the history and legacy of the peoples and musicians working in the South, the Mississippi Delta and Memphis up to the middle 20th century and their contribution to the music known today as the 'Memphis Sound.'(www.memphisrocknsoul.org/)

Elvis banner at Graceland

    And what bigger influence than Elvis, the white boy who 'discovered' black music. The King was born on January 8, 1935 in the small bleak town of Tupelo, Mississippi but the Presley family, in order to escape the poverty and destitution of sharecropping in the deeper South, traveled north across Tennessee to start anew in Memphis.
     After graduating there in high school, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Studio label in Memphis. His recording 'That's All Right' backed by 'Blue Moon of Kentucky' became the first of five hit singles for the Sun label.

Graceland: where the King lived and died

Second only to the White House
     Graceland (www.graceland.com/),where the King lived and died, is the second most visited home in the US after the White House.The house is as Elvis left it and is open to visit apart from the upstairs where Elvis died on August 16, 1977 of heart failure. The 'Platinum Tour' ticket entitles visitors to a self-guided exploration of the house with headphones; the mirrored ceilings, the jungle room festooned with leopard skins, the kitchen where those lethal peanut butter and banana sandwiches were deep fried, as well as a tour of his two customer decorated airplanes, the automobile museum with his Cadallacs, a pink Jeep, Rolls Royce and Harley Davidsons and the 'Sincerely Elvis' memorabilia museum.
     The King may indeed have left the house but you don't have to go far to find him. His grave and those of his two brothers and parents are in the garden at Graceland.

At Graceland: the grave of Elvis Presley

     The Stax Museum of American Soul at 926 East McLemore immortalizes, with exhibits and sound, the careers of great soul performers Ottis Redding, Booker T, Aretha Franklin.(www.staxmuseum.com/).

Aretha Franklin

     Incidentally, Aretha Franklin was born just a few blocks away in a slightly run down district at 406 Lucy Avenue and when I visited in 2005 the house was run down and abandoned. It was not on our tour itinerary but, at my request, our tour guide agreed to visit. While I stood looking at the house, the two small boys stopped play on the street. One asked why I was taking pictures. I said "Aretha Franklin lived in that house."  "There" said the second boy "I told you it was important" Well maybe not important enough. Over the years Memphis considered renovating it into a museum, even at one stage contemplated moving it to a more tourist favored area. But nothing ever came of it. And anyway, Aretha would hardly remember it, the family moved to Detroit when she was only two, and she was over 50 when she returned to visit in 1995.

Aretha Franklin was born here. now abandoned.

     Sun Studios at 706 Union Avenue (www.sunstudio.com), which they boast the birthplace of Rock'n'roll, has guided tours where you can listen to Elvis's first demo tape and some fascinating outtakes from sessions recorded by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ike Turner (before Tina) and other Sun legends and, you get to hold the very microphone used by Elvis to record his very first hit 'That's All Right'

That's all right: Pat Keenan and Elvis's microphone

Music to eat ribs by
     Americans love to sub title their towns and cities as in Memphis, 'the birthplace of rock'n'roll etc But the tag I liked best was 'Memphis, the pork BBQ capital of the world' There are probably many more towns and cities across the South with the same tag but with Memphis their speciality is what they call 'dry ribs, not because their meat isn't succulent and juicy but because sauce is added. However they are covered with assorted spices and then slow-cooked over hardwood coals in a barrel cooker, in a word, delicious.

Memphis locations visited                                                                    Map for HOLIDAYezine by Pat Keenan

     Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous, at 52 South Second Street (www.hogsfly.com/TheRestaurant.php), is the downtown dry ribs restaurant that supplied the catering for President Clinton's inaugural White House Gala. Another downtown institution is the BB King Club, 143 Beale Street (www.bbkings.com/memphis/). There my dry ribs went down a treat with a cold beer served in a jam jar, and a blues band live on stage. "You're in the South now, boy" was the laconic response when I questioned the use of jam jars. The club is a must visit and I'm told it was inspired by an authentic Mississippi Delta juke joint.

When the saints go marching in
     On stage we had four times Grammy Awards nominated blues/soul singer and electric guitarist Preston Shannon. BB King, who occasionally played there in 2005, was unfortunately not present and alas never will again, he died earlier this year, aged 89 in Las Vegas.  He was flown back to Memphis where his funeral procession came down along Beale Street, led by a marching brass band playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" His son walked behind carried  the last model of his guitar, always called 'Lucille'.

     Leave plenty of night time to visit Beale street. It is bit touristy  but putting that aside it boasts more music venues per square foot then any other part of of town and it still captures the essence of the Memphis Sound.

When the ducks go marching by
     You can't leave without seeing the ducks, for a long time a Memphis tradition at the Peabody Hotel,149 Union Avenue, where every day at at 11 am. real mallards 'march down the red to spend the day splashing about in the lobby fountain and then "march' back to their penthouse on the roof every day at 5pm. I imagine the contract to regularly clean the carpet is a lucrative one. This ritual began in the 1930s when Frank Shutt, general manager of the Peabody returned from his weekly hunting trip, a little the worse for wear from sipping' too much Tennessee whiskey and left his live duck decoys in the beautiful Peacock fountain. In those days it was legal to use live duck decoys. The following morning the dull pain in his head lightened when he found the hotel guests were enthusiastically enjoying the presence of real ducks in the fountain.Thus began a Peabody duck tradition. (www.peabodymemphis.com)
     On arrival in any new city it is always recommended that a city tour will give an overview and orientation for the rest of the visit. I joined the amphibious 'Ducks' tour of downtown and a splash into the Wolf River Harbour, an inlet of the Mississippi.

I have a dream: Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks
     The Lorraine Motel, in the southend of downtown Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, is now part of the very remarkable National Civil Rights Museum at 450 Mulberry Street (www.civilrightsmuseum.org). It also includes the site used by the gunman, across from the motel, the Main Street Rooming House, 422 Main Street. James Earl Ray initially confessed to shooting King but later retracted his statement.  Ray's fingerprints were found on the murder weapon.
The motel's owner Walter Lane Baily named the Motel after his wife Lorraine, who bizarrely died of a brain haemorrhage  just hours after King was shot. The museum is without doubt one of the most moving testaments to the history of civil rights and discrimination - anywhere in the world.
     On the very day of my visit they were laying to rest Rosa Parks in Detroit, as I was standing beside the actual Montgomery city bus from 1955. Inside a white sculpted Rosa Parks is sittnig on one of the front seats where 'she didn't belong' an act that sparked the first of many Civil Rights demonstrations. That day the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) buses reserved a seat, cordoned with black, ribbons on all their buses for Rosa.

Travel File
Pat Keenan flew with Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com/) from Dublin to Atlanta and on to Memphis. Delta have direct flights from Dublin to New York and Atlanta and extensive onward connections throughout USA.
For more information on Memphis visit www.memphistravel.com
For a wide range of made to measure inclusive holidays to the southern United States including Memphis contact: American Holidays (www.americanholidays.com),  Platinum Travel (www.platinumtravel.ie/)
In 2005 I stayed in The Wyndham Hotel, it is now The Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown, 300 North 2nd Street, with views from my room across Interstate 40 of the Memphis Pyramid

Further reading:
Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records by Robert M J Bowman
Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom by Peter Guralnick
Good Rockin' Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'N' Roll by Colin Escott
Sun King: The Life and Times of Sam Phillips, the Man Behind Sun Records by Kevin Crouch and Tanja Crouch

More Photos

Lisa Marie: one of Elvis's jets

Taking pictures in one of Elvis's jets airplanes

Graceland

Graceland

Graceland

Reflections: Howth Harbour

     I am very lucky to have come from Howth, growing up right beside the sea, all those walks with the dog, breathing in the fresh salty air, sinking my shoes into the soft sand.  The seagulls would swoop down low above our heads before diving into the water.  Dog walkers would bid each other good day as their four legged friends would chase each other yapping, as their tails would wag back and forth.
     I now live outside of Howth, but still very close to the sea and never really wanted to be too far away from the sound of the waves.  I am a frequent visitor to Howth to see relatives, and often go for a cup of coffee or sometimes a nice meal.  I absolutely adore fish, but don’t really like to cook it, just like to eat it.  Whenever I go out to a restaurant, especially in Howth, I always order fish.  Just over a week ago I visited The Oar House with my family.  This restaurant is situated along the West Pier with many others like Deep, Beshoffs and Aqua, all overlooking the fishing boats and the sea.
     The Oar House serves mostly fish but there are some meat dishes on the menu, however the kids like to eat fish which makes it very easy for us when we go out.  My daughter loves mussels in a creamy tarragon sauce, followed by delicious fish in a crispy batter and chips.  I ordered a mixed platter of prawns, mussels and crab claws with a glass of wine and my husband, who has very basic tastes, ordered the fish and chips.  It all tasted so good and the kids had a desert of chocolate brownies with mi-wadi.  I cannot fault the food and it always goes down well with my family.

Family favourite: The Oar House on the Wesr Pier

     We stayed that evening with my mum and the next day went for a walk along the harbour, watching the boats bobbing up and down in the water.  We then went to East Café for coffee and cake and chatted with the owners about the weather.
     On the odd occasion when I do cook fish at home, I normally shop in Beshoffs to buy fresh cod, not long after it comes off the boats.  It is lovely fried in a batter or with a pesto and herb crust accompanied with pome frites.
     After a run around in the playground, we want to treat the kids and can’t afford a fancy restaurant, we would go for an ice-cream in Mauds on the Harbour Road, almost opposite the Yacht Club.  You would often see people sitting on the benches provided, eating their take-away fish and chips from Beshoffs and now Leo Burdocks has opened up and that seems to be very popular.
     So whether it’s a family meal in The Oar House, a romantic night out in Aqua or take-away in Leo Burdocks followed by Mauds ice-cream, Howth has something for everyone.

The Oar House Seafood Restaurant, 8 West Pier, Howth Co. Dublin, Tel: 01-8394568 www.oarhouse.ie/

Somme 2016: Official centenary commemorations for the Battle of the Somme will begin on 1st July 2016 in locations such as Thiepval, Lochnagar and Beaumont-Hamel. Events will continue throughout the summer to remember the fallen from all nations, with a rich cultural, scientific and artistic programme continuing in Amiens.
     See also our blog at http://holidayezine.blogspot.ie/2015/11/la-somme-2016-walk-in-footsteps-of-our.html
Euro 2016: A record 24 sides will contest the 15th UEFA European Championship in France next year with more than 50 games taking place over 32 days in 10 host cities. From northern France to the Rhône Valley, the Atlantic Coast to the Riviera, host cities will be providing an extra special welcome to fans who can not only enjoy top class football but also the hospitality and atmosphere of some iconic sporting towns.
www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/finals/hosts/france/index.html

Lascaux IV: Located in the Vézère Valley, Lascaux IV will open in the summer of 2016, an extraordinary replica of almost the entire original cave. Visitors will enter the dark, damp replica cave in small groups for the most authentic experience possible, then discover the full story of pre-historic cave life and rock art through exhibitions and interactive displays.
Bordeaux Wine Museum: In June 2016 a new wine museum in Bordeaux is set to open. This will celebrate and showcase the region's flagship product and rich history of wine-making. Visitors can discover the relationship between wine and culture across the world from ancient times to the present day and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
www.laciteduvin.com/accueil.html


Porquerolles art exhibit: The Carmignac Foundation will soon host a contemporary art exhibit on the island of Porquerolles in the heart of the Port-Cros National Park Reserve. Starting in 2016, it will act as a focal point for the various movements in contemporary art both in France and abroad, and will become increasingly vibrant as paintings and sculptures are gradually created in harmony with their unique surroundings.
www.fondation-carmignac.com/
Normandy Impressionism Festival: Normandy's third Impressionist festival kicks off on 16th April 2016 with a whole host of exhibitions and events throughout Upper and Lower Normandy, drawing to a close on 26th September. The theme for this year's much-anticipated festival is Impressionist Portraits, with masterpieces being borrowed from around the world for landmark exhibitions.
Tonnerres de Brest: Enjoy all things nautical in the Breton port of Brest from 13th to 19th July 2016. Every four years since 1992, a major maritime festival has taken place here. Historic ships and pleasure craft from every ocean will gather and visitors can enjoy maritime parades, firework displays, concerts and other quayside events.

For more information on France, visit Atout France's new website www.france.fr

Travel Deals December 2015

Celebrate New Year with Crystal Ski Holidays

Crystal Ski Holidays: celebrate New Year's on Austria's slopes
     With vast ski areas, breath-taking mountain ranges and stunning glaciers, Austria really is a winter wonderland. You can save up to €300pp when you book your New Year's skiing getaway with Crystal Ski Holidays.
Soll, Austria: Spend 7 nights in the 2* Au Pension, on a B&B basis, from only €484pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: 26th December 2015
Mayerhofen, Austria: Spend 7 nights in the 3* Hotel Landhaus Roscher, on a B&B basis, from only €633pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: 26th December 2015
Zell am See, Austria: Spend 7 nights in the Hotel Garni Edelweiss, on a B&B basis, from only €652pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: 26th December 2015

New Year in in the snow with Crystal Ski Holidays

Italy: ski at Lavino

     Some time spent on the slopes is the perfect way to rejuvenate after over-indulging at Christmas time. Crystal Ski Holidays have seven night packages on offer from just €325pp for stunning resorts in Andorra and Italy.
Andorra - Depart 3rd January 2016 - 7 nights.• Stay at the 2star Manzano Apartments in, Pas de la Casa, on a self-catering basis, from €325pp (4 sharing) • Stay at the 2star Hotel Arinsal, Arinsal, on a b&b basis, from €399pp (2 sharing) • Stay at the 3star Hotel Palarine, Arinsal, on a half-board basis, from €495pp (2 sharing)
Italy - Depart 2nd January 2016 - 7 nights• Stay at the 3star Casa Canazei Apartments, Val Di Fassa, on a self-catering basis, from €359pp (4 sharing) • Stay at the 3star Golp Guja Apartments, Livigno, on a self-catering basis, from €409pp (4 sharing) • Stay at the 3star Hotel La Mirandola, Passo Tonale, on a half-board basis, from €475pp (2 sharing)
     To book or to order a guide call Crystal Ski Holidays on 01 4331080 or visit www.crystalski.ie
Or visit Crystal Ski Holidays in Duke Street, off Grafton Street to pick up the new 2015 / 2016 guide. Or contact your Travel Agent and ask about the Crystal Ski Holidays price.

Christmas Market in Belfast

Christmas Market in Belfast
     Last year it was winner of the ‘UK Best Large Specialist Market 2015’ award and it is again in full swing until Sunday 20 December with a festive village of over 90 wooden chalets will serve up traditional continental Christmas fayre alongside local food and crafts. On offer is a huge variety of authentic continental goodies including: crepes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrille, Spanish paella and nougat from Italy. Visitors can take a culinary trip around the world before relaxing in one of the bars, serving drinks from around the world until late into the evening.
     Why not turn your trip into a festive short break? Check out their great range of special offers on www.discovernorthernireland.com/autumnleaves

American Holidays: Holidays in the USA
     Orlando Summer 2016: Spend 7 nights in the International Palms Resort in Orlando from only €599pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin with Virgin Atlantic, taxes and 7 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Flight connections ex. Shannon, Belfast and Cork also available. Travel: May 2016, Ref No: 1003059
     Boston Family Offer: Spend 5 nights in the Royal Sonesta Boston from only €869pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, taxes and 5 nights' accommodation as stated. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: May 2016 Ref No: 1002504
     Orlando and St Pete's Beach: Spend 7 nights in the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando and 3 nights in the Sirata Beach Resort from only €829pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, taxes, 10 nights' accommodation as stated and 3 days' car hire with fully inclusive insurance. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Flight connections ex. Belfast, Shannon and Cork also available. Travel: May 2016 Ref No: 1005209
     Call American Holidays 01 673 3804 or call into 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2. Visit www.americanholidays.com

Bora Bora,Tahiti

Tahiti Tourisme: Top Tahiti Deals from the UK
     Carrier is offering a ten night, two island (Moorea and Bora Bora) holiday from £4,555 per person – including a saving of £1,220 per couple. The price includes five nights in a garden bungalow with pool at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, followed by five nights in an overwater villa at The St Regis Bora Bora, both on a bed and breakfast basis. Travel between 1 January to 31 March 2016. Return international flights and internal transfers are included. To book call: 0161 492 1355 or visit: www.carrier.co.uk.
     Turquoise Holidays is offering a ten night Bora Bora holiday from £4,395 per person – including a saving of over £2,400 per couple. The price includes accommodation in an overwater villa at The St Regis Bora Bora on a bed and breakfast basis, return international flights from London Heathrow via Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island flights. Travel until 31 March 2016 (excluding festive season). To book call: 01494 678 400 or visit: www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
     Turquoise Holidays is offering a seven night holiday at the Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa from £3,485 per person – including a saving of over £3,300 per couple. The price includes accommodation in a sunset overwater suite on a bed and breakfast basis, return international flights from London Heathrow via Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island flights. Travel until 30 June 2016. To book call: 01494 678 400 or visit: www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
     Turquoise Holidays is offering a ten night holiday to The Islands of Tahiti from £3,485 per person – including a saving of over £900 per couple. The price includes two nights in a lagoon view room at The InterContinental Tahiti with a half day surfing lesson with Michel Demont (European, South Pacific & Tahiti Champion!), four nights at The Moorea Pearl Resort in a premium garden pool bungalow, four nights in an overwater bungalow at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa transfers, inter-island and international flights. Travel until 31 March 2016. To book call 01494 678 400, visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk or email enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
     Austravel is offering an eight-night, two island (Tahiti and Bora Bora) holiday from £3,129 per person – a saving of up to £355 per couple. The offer includes one night at the Le Meridien Tahiti, six nights at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, and a final night at the Le Meridien Tahiti, all on a bed and breakfast basis. Return international flights and transfers are also included. Travel in March 2016. To book call: 0800 988 4834 or visit: www.austravel.com.
     Luxury Holidays Direct is offering a seven night, two island (Moorea and Bora Bora) family holiday from £6,299 per family – including a 35% saving (based on two adults and one child under 12). The price includes three nights in a garden pool junior suite bungalow at the InterContinental Moorea and four nights in a beach junior suite bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, both on a bed and breakfast basis. Travel until 20 April 2016. Return international flights and all internal transfers are also included. To book call: 020 8744 7299 or visit: www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com.
     For more on The Islands of Tahiti and other offers: www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk

Guyana wildlife

Nuevo Mundo: Experience the untouched beauty of Guyana
15 Day Guyana Tour: Spend 15 days in Guyana from only €5,995 + taxes. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, transfers, transfers, meals where specified and activities as outlined in the itinerary. Travel: April 2016 Subject to change and availability. Terms and conditions apply.  Visit www.nuevomundo.ie for more details on South America.
For more information, call 353 (1)-241-2360/89 or email info@nuevomundo.ie. Private consultation service available by appointment.

Best Christmas markets in France
     Amiens, Normandy: stunning alpine backdrop makes Amiens Christmas marketmagical - ice rink and merry-go-rounds, sample famous Amiens macaroons made from Valencia almonds and honey.
     Strasbourg, Alsace: Founded in 1570, Strasbourg's Christmas market is the oldest in France. Enjoy Alsatian delicacies and browse the hundreds of stalls selling crafts and decorations in the old town.
     Reims, Champagne: The Christmas market in Reims attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year, to experience the Nativity scenes, gourmet food stalls, light shows and concerts. The jazz bands, magicians and carol singers put on a show for both young and old.
     Avignon, Provence: Visit the winter wonderland in Avignon. This charming town is decked out with lights and there are plenty of chalets selling delightful handicrafts, food and drinks.
     Mulhouse, Alsace: Mulhouse's Christmas market at Place de la Réunion is a feast for the senses. As the centre of the textile industry, Mulhouse produces luxurious material decorations which amaze visitors each December.
     For more information on France, visit www.rendezvousenfrance.com.

Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens

     On our way to Wexford, our families stopped off at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens between Wicklow town and Rathdrum. (www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmvisit.htm)  We meandered through the winding paths through lush plants and lawns and took some wonderful photographs of the wildlife surrounding the gardens.  After we stretched our legs, it was time to relax and unwind in the café for a bite to eat before proceeding on to Gorey Wexford, and our destination the four star Amber Springs Hotel.
     While waiting our late check in, my friends and their family sauntered around the back of the hotel to see the Amber Gardens and discovered there was a falcon display.  My children were able to stroke and handle these lovely creatures, obviously under the trainer’s supervision.  It was a glorious day in August and the sun was shining, so what could we do, but have afternoon tea al fresco and watch the kids play in the outdoor playground.
     We finally checked in to our hotel and were given very spacious inter-connecting family rooms.  We stayed on a very good deal of three nights’ B&B.  Two of the evenings we ate in Notes Bar as the food was so good.  I could not resist the fish and chips and devoured it but on the third night we visited Gorey town to eat in a lovely restaurant called Kitty’s.  In the hotel there are two really good restaurants called Kelby’s (all the ingredients come from Redmond farm) and Farina restaurant that boasts a wood fired oven for those classic pizzas.

The Amber Springs Hotel & Health Spa in Gorey

     Amber Springs have an ideal kids club and the little ones never got bored as there is so much to do.  Amber Park has outdoor games from co-karting, min golf, football and of course the Amber train.  For those indoor wet days, the kids club have a play zone for the younger children, cinema and games room.  Whenever we arrived in from a day trip, the kids would race up to the club for a play.
     After a leisurely breakfast we travelled to New Ross, approximately an hour away, after a stroll around the shops and lunch, we made our way towards the Dunbrody famine ship.  For thirty years the ship, which was once a cargo ship, made that dreaded journey from New Ross to New York.  Leaving their miserable, dreary lives behind, these poor passengers made a promising journey to seek a new life. There is a short video about some young families whose relatives had written about their better lives in the States.  The curtains got pulled back and we boarded the famine ship.

Dunbrody Famine Ship at The Quay, New Ross

     There was a re-enactment of two girls, one called Anne White whose husband was sickly and their five kids were put-up in third class.  Another lady called Mary O’Brien was in first class and looked down on poor Mary, who unfortunately did not survive the long journey, nor her husband, but the kids made it to New York.  We looked around the cramped cabins that held 4-6 people to each bed.  Captain Baldwin was a fantastic person, who managed to keep the mortality rate unusually low and he worked on the ship for twenty years, he got paid a salary of £1000.  He was extremely dedicated and cared deeply for his passengers.
     Our visit to Gorey, Co.Wexford, was really enjoyable, and educational  - especially as the Amber Springs Hotel catered so well to everyone’s needs.

Travel File 
The families stayed at The Amber Springs Hotel & Health Spa,  Gorey, Co. Wexford,
For more information or to book, visit: www.amberspringshotel.ie

Dunbrody Famine Ship, The Quay, New Ross, Co.Wexford.
For more information:  www.dunbrody.com

     This January, 2016, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and representatives from twelve of North Dublin’s most iconic attractions met in the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield and announced a new tourism initiative, Dublin’s Northside Attractions  or DNA for short. A clever enough name to remember but not so great when used on a computer search engine. DNA is, after all, the universally known and long established acronym for Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material of all humans and almost all organisms. Perhaps best leave out the acronym and use the full  Dublin’s Northside Attractions,
     Be that as it may, it is well worth our support - a historic collaboration of some of the cities key attractions that exists within North Dublin. These at present include the Old Jameson Distillery, Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum, the National Botanic Gardens, the GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium, the Mountjoy Square Society, the Guinness Storehouse, the James Joyce Center, the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin Tenement, 14 Henrietta Street, the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours, EPIC Ireland and the GPO.

Arriving by sightseeing tour bus: DNS chairman George McCullough and Transport/Tourism Minister Pascal Donohoe

The new Dublin DNA trail and website
     The event was marked by the unveiling of the new Dublin DNA trail and website, www.dublindna.ie/ by Minister Donohoe, saying: "As a proud northsider, I am very familiar with the myriad places of interest and sites of historical significance located on Dublin’s northside. Many of these are well known worldwide; some to a lesser degree. The aim of this initiative is to bring these attractions together under one umbrella organisation so that they can have a greater impact as a cohesive unit than they would by working independently. Tourism numbers have never been better and 2015 recorded the highest number of overseas visitors to Ireland than ever before. Ensuring that those tourists, and indeed people living here at home, are aware of the rich cultural heritage that the northside of Dublin has to offer is key to encouraging visitors to the area in even greater numbers and to supporting business in the greater northside Dublin area’.

Touring options
     Dublin’s DNA offers a number of touring options starting with a hop on / hop off bus route provided by Dublin City Sightseeing Tours.  A number of guided walking trails already exist and new DNA walking trails are in development in association with Failte Ireland and the Discovery Trails created off the Dubline. Visitors are encouraged to experience Dublin’s DNA using the variety of options including Dublin Bike and walking.
      The Chairman of Dublin’s Northside Attractions Alliance, George McCullough was also present,"There is something for everyone on the DNA trail" he said
"Every turn contains an internationally renowned attraction. Each attraction has a unique story to tell with many of them having common threads with each other through the characters and people who worked, lived and died in this area. North Dublin is a small area with a rich history that has  changed the world, and the DNA Alliance has been formed to celebrate and showcase this magnificent place.”
     To celebrate the occasion we were invited to sample an original North Dublin cocktail, created especially at the Old Jameson Distillery - the 'DNA Hot Spot' with Jameson infused with Irish spiced tea syrup, boiling water and lemon.

DNA members to date
• Old Jameson Distillery • Glasnevin Cemetery • National Botanic Gardens
• GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium • Mountjoy Square Society • Guinness Storehouse
• The James Joyce Center • The Hugh Lane Gallery • Dublin Tenement , 14 Henrietta Street
• 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours • EPIC Ireland • GPO – Witness History

 For more information on the DNA
 Click on:  www.dublindna.ie/

Carnaval of Venice (28 Jan – 9 Feb 2016)  visit: www.carnevale.venezia.it

ART EXHIBITIONS
ROME
Elective Affinities. from de Chirico to Burri, Galleria d’Arte Moderna
Until 13 March 2016 www.galleriaartemodernaroma.it

Toulouse-Lautrec. paintings from the Budapest Museum, Museo dell’Ara Pacis, Until 8 May 2016  www.arapacis.it

Correggio and Parmigianino. Art in Parma in the 16th Century, Scuderie del Quirinale, Spring 2016 (dates tbc)  www.scuderiequirinale.it
Andy Warhol, Chiostro del Bramante 25 March- 25 June 2016  www.chiostrodelbramante.it

FLORENCE
Florence, Capital of Italy 1865-2015 – the king’s collection, Palazzo Pitti, GAM, Until 3 April 2016  www.polomuseale.firenze.it
From Kandinsky to Pollock from the Guggenheim Collection, Palazzo Strozzi 19 Mar-24 Jul 2016  www.palazzostrozzi.org
The great masters of contemporary art compared with Michelangelo, Galleria dell’Accademia, 14 Jun 2016 – 8 Jan 2017  www.accademia.org

MILAN
Symbolism. le Fleur du Mal, Palazzo Reale
3 Feb-5 Jun 2016 www.palazzoreale.it
Miro, Mudec – Museo delle Culture, 24 Mar-11 Sep 2016   www.mudec.it

VENICE
Masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance, Museo Correr, Until 10 April 2016  www.visitmuve.it


TURIN
Matisse and his times, Palazzo Chiablese Until 15 May 2016 www.mostramatisse.it
From Poussin to the Impressionists, three centuries of French painting from the Armitage, Palazzo Madama, Mar-Jun 2016 (dates tbc)  www.palazzomadamatorino.it

GENOA
From the Impressionists to Picasso, Palazzo Ducale – Doge’s apartment, Until 10 April 2016  www.impressionistipicasso.it

RAVENNA
The art of the 20th century, MAR, Museo d’Arte Citta’ di Ravenna, 21 Feb-26 Jun 2016  www.mar.ra.it

PADUA
Giovanni Fattori, painter, Palazzo Zabarella, Until 28 Feb 2016 www.zabarella.it


FORLI’ (Emilia Romagna)
Piero Della Francesca, study of the myth, Musei San Domenco, 13 Feb-26 Jun 2016
www.mostrefondazioneforli.it

PAVIA
Tranquillo Cremona and the “Scapigliatura Movement”, Scuderie del Castello Visconteo, 26 Feb-5 Jun 2016 www.scuderiepavia.com


TREVISO
The history of iImpressionism. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gaugain… Museo di Santa Caterina, 29 October 2016 – 17 April 2017  www.lineadombra.it
Tiziano, Rubens, Rembrandt, Museo di Santa Caterina, 29 October 2016 – 17 April 2017 www.lineadombra.it
From Guttuso to Vedova to Schifano, Museo di Santa Caterina, 29 October 2016 – 17 April 2017 www.lineadombra.it

BOLOGNA
Egypt. masterpiences from Lieden to Bologna, Museo Civico Archeologico, Until 17 July 2016
www.mostraegitto.it
Morandi at 20. Paintings from the Mattioli Collection, Museo Morandi, Until 26 Jun 2016
www.mambo-bologna.org/museomorandi/


TRENTO – ROVERETO
19th Century Masterpieces, from Coubert to Segantini, Museo Mart, Until 3 April 2016 www.mart.trento.it

MUSEUMS Re-openings & Events
Six Domus re-opened in Pompeii
Six Domus have recently been re-opened in Pompeii following the new scheme by the Italian Government in favour of restoration of the ancient Roman city: the Stephanus Fullonica, the Criptoportico House, the House of Paquio Proculo, the House of the Sacerdos Amandus, the House of Fabius Amandius and the House of the Ephebos.

Re-opening of the Abruzzo National Museum in L’aquila
Six years after the devastating earthquake the Abruzzo National Museum in L’Aquila has been re-opened after a period of re-structuring. The Museum hosts finds from Abruzzo’s archaeology such as the Marsi snake, the sacred animal of the native Marsi people, Medieval Madonnas such as the one of Gentile da Rocca, late Gothic Tritticos, and Renaissance works by Gatti and Francesco da Monreale and Baroque masterpieces.

New Museum of the History of Medicine in Padua
The Musme is a new museum in Padua housed in the old San Francesco hospital complex dating back to the15th century. It is an exciting, interactive museum that will be appreciated by lovers of science, medicine old and young alike. www.musme.it

The Floating Piers, 18 Jun -3 Jul 2016, Installation on Lake Iseo created by the artist Christo
www.christojeanneclaude.net/projects/the-floating-piers#.Vm7GCtLhCUk

Taken from www.christojeanneclaude.net/projects/the-floating-piers#.Vm7GCtLhCUk

FESTIVALS& other cultural events
Verona in Love, Verona – 11-14 February 2016  www.veronainlove.it
Verona in Love is the event dedicated to Love and to Lovers; the event takes place in the main squares of the city and it is a tribute to San Valentine and to the Shakespearian tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. From the 11th to the 14th of February 2016 the city will host live concerts,
tastings and handicrafts events, typical local markets and tourist can visit Juliet’s house for a special price. Lovers can also ask us for the Seal of Love and experience the special firework of flying hearts. On Sunday morning it is also possible to take part to the "Romeo and Juliet half marathon“.

65ª Edition of the “ Festival Della Canzone Italiana,” Sanremo, Liguria From 9 -13 February 2016  www.sanremo.rai.it
The Festival of the Italian song, also known as Festival di Sanremo, was born in 1951. Nowadays it is held in the Ariston Theatre of Sanremo. It is essentially a contest in which different singers propose original songs, composed by Italian authors, which are voted by a jury and by the public. In over sixty years of history, the majority of famous Italian singers have taken part in this festival. The first editions of the Festival were exclusively broadcasted by radio from the Sanremo Casino, currently the event is broadcasted live and in Eurovision by Raiuno.

Ciliegi in Fiore – blooming cherry trees festival in Vignola, 2-10 April 2016 www.emiliaromagnaturismo.com
Vignola - located in the province of Modena - is the start of the so-called “Food and Wine Trail” and a Renaissance town on the Po plain, which has been celebrating the production of outstanding cherry trees for 40 years. During the Festival the entire town is “blooming- with-cherry-trees”, with events, concerts, exhibitions, special restaurant menus, tasting sessions and related activities to enjoy. The “blossoming chariots” parade is a real celebration of the blossoming of cherry trees.

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival, Teatro Comunale – Florence – 24 April – 30 June 2016 www.operadifirenze.it
This is one of the oldest traditional cultural events in Florence. The Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina was born in 1928 and in 1933 it organized the first edition of the Festival, which, over the years grew to international fame. The Festival has its own Ballet Company called Maggio Dance.

Arena di Verona, Verona – 24 June – 28 August 2016  www.arena.it
The International Opera Festival, now in its 94th edition presents a rich calendar of events. The operas to be performed this year are: Aida, Carmen, La Traviata, Turandot, Il Trovatore. Arena di Verona welcomes once again artists and public in its magnificent setting.

Arena di Verona, Verona – 24 June – 28 August 2016  www.arena.it

Ravello Concerts, in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Villa Rufolo, Ravello –18 Mar - 31 Oct 2016
www.ravelloarts.org
Spanning from Spring to Autumn, far from the tourist crowds, Ravello becomes the favourite destination for those who love the silence of its Villas and its medieval churches. In that time, an audience of music lovers meet every year to listen to the concerts held in the gardens and the rooms of Villa Rufolo, famous for having inspired Wagner for the setting of his Parsifal.

Classical Greek Theatre Festival in Siracusa, Siracusa, Sicily, 13 May – 26 June 2016
www.indafondazione.org
Classical Greek theatrical representation in the magical atmosphere of the Greek Theatre in Siracusa, this year’s programme includes: Electra by Sophocles Alcestis by Euripides and Phaedra by Seneca.

La Notte Rosa – Pink Night, Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna, 1-2 July 2016
www.lanotterosa.it
For one night the entire Riviera turns pink. There will be shows, events, theatre sets, and scenery. Each resort will interpret the theme in a creative and original way. The whole Riviera will become an enormous stage where everyone has a part to play. La Notte Rosa will take place all along the coast, from the Lidos of Comacchio to Cattolica, but the heart of the event is the Riviera of Rimini. It is an event that attracts thousands of Italians to head to the Adriatic coast and is fast becoming an international attraction.

62nd Festival Puccini, Torre del Lago – 15 July – 13 August 2016 www.puccinifestival.it
Torre del Lago hosts the Festival Puccini, created by Puccini himself, since 1930. The outdoor theatre, close to Villa Mausoleo where the Master’s remains lie, is an amazing setting to enjoy the music of one of the most outstanding and esteemed Italian artists worldwide. Operas on show in 2016 are: Madame Butterfly, Tosca, La Boheme and Turandot.


Estate Musicale Chigiana, Siena, Montalcino, Asciano, July-August 2016  www.chigiana.it
The churches, abbeys and theatres of the province and city of Siena are the enchanting settings for the
Chigiana Summer, featuring maestros of international music. The yearly rich concert programme is bolstered by students from the “Alto Perfezionamento” courses that are held in the historic seat of the Accademia during the months of July and August, frequented each year by around 600 talented young musicians from more than 50 countries.

Sferisterio Opera Festival, Macerata, 22 July –13 August 2016   www.sferisterio.it
This will be the 52nd edition of the Festival and it will stage : Othello, Norma, Il Trovatore. The Opera Festival is hosted almost entirely in the magnificent theatre-shaped Sferisterio, unique in its architectural genre. Designed in 1823 by architect Ireneo Aleandri, it derives its name and its half-circumference shaped plan from the name of the game played inside: the “armband ball” or Pallone col bracciale.

Rossini Opera Festival, Pesaro, 8-20 August 2016  www.rossinioperafestival.it
This festival is entirely dedicated to the music and operas of Goacchino Rossini, who was born in the Le Marche city of Pesaro. This year will be the 37th edition of the festival and the programme includes: La donna del lago, Il Turco in Italia, Ciro in Babilonia and Youth Festival.

55th Stresa Festival, Stresa Jul-Sep 2016  www.stresafestival.eu
Stresa Festival opens its doors to the public continuing its tradition of excellent music, art and culure, held in a number of venues around Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Val d’Ossola on various dates.

Musica Riva Festival, Riva del Garda – Jul-Aug 2016 (programme tbc) www.musicarivafestival.com
This is a music festival of the highest level entertaining the audience with performances and events and which represent a fundamental meeting point for young musicians from around the world. The event puts in the spotlight artists of diverse origins from classical music to dance and includes a competition dedicated to the musician Riccardo Zandonai.

17th Edition of Summer Jamboree, Senigallia, Marche, 30 Jul- 9 Aug 2016
www.summerjamboree.com
This music Festival is dedicated to the music and culture in America in the ’40s and ’50s with live concerts of dj set swing, rock’n’roll, jive, doo-wop, rhythm’n’blues, hill-billy e western swing. Stands will sell: juke box, hats, gadgets, guitars, vynils, CDs and other objects of that
era. There will also be a ‘40s and ‘50s classic cars show.

Venice Film Festival, Venice, 31 Aug – 10 Sept 2016 (programme tbc)  www.labiennale.org
Venice will host the 73rd edition of this film festival, one of the oldest and most famous. Thousands of visitors, dozens of stars and hundreds of projections are crammed into ten days of fabulous festivities and parties. The Festival is hosted at the Lido Island in the Venice Lagoon.

Mito Settembre Musica, Turin and Milan, September 2016 – various locations (programme tbc)
www.mitosettembremusica.it
This is a major festival developed from the thirty years experience of Settembre Musica which connects Turin and Milan, in a programme of refined and stirring concerts: the world’s best orchestras, baroque opera, medieval music, the great maestros of contemporary music and the music from the most distant places; jazz, open-air shows, night-time concerts...

Festival of Literature, Mantova – 7-11 September 2016  www.festivaletteratura.it
This will be the 20th edition of the Festival of Literature and offers cultural events, readings, shows, concerts, all full of fun and originality.

SPORT
RBS Six Nations Rugby Tournament, Rome – Stadio Olimpico  www.rbs6nations.com
The most important European Rugby Tournament returns to Italy (Stadio Olimpico in Rome) this year with the following matches: Italy – England on 14 February 2016,  Italy - Scotland on 27 February 2016

Rome Marathon, Rome – 10 April 2016 www.maratonadiroma.it
Since the early years of the twentieth century the roads and squares of the Eternal City have seen some of the really mythical moments of the whole history of racing on foot. It is an event that unites spirit and passion with alternative routes for nonprofessionals.

Bike Festival Garda Trentino, Riva del Garda, Trentino, 29 Apr-1 May  2016 www.gardatrentino.it
This now classic appointment with the Bike Festival Garda Trentino is back in spring: a season opening for bikers, who will find themselves next to stars of the mountain bike international scene. The program includes exhibitions, shows, competitions, performances and stunts, testing of the industry novelties and lots of fun.

Giro d'Italia, 6 – 29 May 2016  www.gazzetta.it
The most important bicycle race in Italy, the Giro d'Italia, dates back to May 1909 and has become an iconic race all over the world. This year the Giro will start on 6 May 2016 in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, ends in Turin on 29 May.

Mille Miglia, 19-22 May 2016  www.1000miglia.eu
The most beautiful vintage cars in the world chosen to participate in the race each year are selected under rigorous guidelines. The 2016 edition plans a departure from Brescia, journeying through Lake Garda, Ferrara, Rimini, Senigallia to Rome and then back to Brescia via Viterbo, Siena, Bologna Parma and Bergamo.

91st Edition of the Palio del Golfo, 7 August 2016, La Spezia www.paliodelgolfo.it
The thirteen hamlets of the Gulf compete to win the Palio aboard handmade boats built by local craftsmen, with special characteristics that make them agile and fast. The sport competition is preceded by parades, events, shows and meetings, which liven up the entire town for days; it finishes late in the evening on the first Sunday of August, with fireworks displays.

Barcolana – Sail Race, Trieste – 9 October 2016  www.barcolana.it
Every year more than two thousand sails meet in the Gulf of Trieste. The 16 mile nautical route, Europe’s biggest sailing event and the only regatta in the world to set a single start line for so many yachts.

HISTORY: re-enactments & folklore
Feast of St Agatha in Catania, Catania, Sicily 3-5 Feb. 2016 and 17 Aug 2016 www.festadisantagata.it
St Agatha is the patron saint of the city of Catania and its people celebrate the martyrdom of the Saint in February and the return of her relics in August. This is a veritable Sicilian Feast with processions, food stalls, music and spectacular fireworks.

Carnival of Venice, Venice – 28 Jan – 9 Feb 2016  www.carnevale.venezia.it
During the world’s most famous masked “open city “ party, every corner of Venice flourishes with chances to have fun and becomes a multicoloured series of shows, parades, masks and much more. St Mark’s Square, the true centre of the party, is transformed into a continuous workshop of colours, masks, music and shows hosting Carnival’s traditional events such as “Flight of the Angel” , “Festa delle Marie” and “La Colombina”. Palaces throughout the city host grand masked balls for those who want to immerse themselves in the Serenissima’s festive history.

Carnival of Viareggio, Viareggio – 7,14,21,28 Feb, 4 Mar 2016  www.carnevale-viareggio.it
The most flamboyant of all the Italian Carnivals, famous for its political satire will hosts the traditional shows of gigantic paper-mache figures on colourful floats. See above dates. Other events include: big parties, sports events, slang theatre show, food stalls etc.

Historic Carnival of Ivrea, Ivrea - Piedmont 23,24,31 Jan – 4-10 Feb 2016
www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/English/
Traditional sounds of pipe and drum bands open the festival that sees the most spectacular event of the famous Battle of the Oranges (7 and 8 February) Undoubtedly, this is the most spectacular event of the festivities representing the fight for liberty, the symbol of the Ivrea Carnival. The orange battle is an incredible cultural and goliardic heritage putting the festival on a national and international level.

Carnival of Fano, Fano in the Marche Region, 24,31 Jan & 7 Feb 2016 www.carnevaledifano.eu
After the Ivrea Carnival, the Fano Carnival is the oldest in Italy, allegorical floats and masks, masquerades, shows and fireworks all form part of it. What makes the Fano Carnival special is the launch of tons of sweets
from the floats to the crowds of spectators and the special music accompanying the Carvival, the Arabita music played with musical instruments and various other objects.

Carnival of Acireale, Acireale - Catania – 30,31 Jan, 4,6,7,8,9 Feb. 2016 www.carnevaleacireale.com
The Carnival of Acireale, is popularly known as the most exciting, beautiful and fun carnival in all of Sicily. It is one of the most involving and historical festivities of the island. The parade is held
throughout the downtown circuit which includes the main baroque attractions of the city of Acireale. The largest component of the whole Carnival is the crowd that embodies it, and is left completely
free to roam the circuit without being enclosed behind barriers. Twinned with the Carnival of Viareggio it has a rich programme of events.

The Explosion of the Cart, Florence - Easter Sunday – 27 Mar 2016
Tradition says that during the first Crusade of 1096 the Florentine knight Pazzo de 'Pazzi was the first man who planted the banner of the Cross on battlements of Jerusalem and as a gift he received some fragments of the Holy Sepulchre. Upon his return to Florence the stones were used to start the Sacred Fire of Holy Saturday, and were paraded through the city as homage to it in a richly decorated chariot. Nowadays, on Easter Sunday a large wagon is pulled by white oxen in a procession in the streets of the centre of Florence to the front of the cathedral.

Festa Dei Ceri  (Race of the Candles), Gubbio – 15th May 2016 www.ceri.it
The Festa Dei Ceri is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Italian folklore display The festival is a solemn act of devotion on the part of the Eugubini towards their Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini which started in 1160, the year of his death. Since then, every 15 May, the eve of the day of mourning, the devotional offering to the patron Saint is a fixed appointment for the people of Gubbio who take part in a great mystical procession, carrying candles all around the town and up Mount Ingino (where since 11 September 1194 the body of Saint Ubaldo lies, in the church which bears his name).

The Palio of Ferrara, Ferrara – 5 May – 17 Jun 2016 www.paliodiferrara.it
The Palio of Ferrara is the most ancient event of its kind is the world dating back to 1279.  This is a very important moment for the city: all the Contrade participate wearing dress of different colours to gain the “palio”, but also and overall it is a festivity to remember the Renaissance, a period during which Ferrara was really a capital. The Palio is run on Sunday 29 May.

Giostra del L’archidado, Cortona, 5 June 2016 www.giostraarchidado.com
The Archidado Joust traces its origins back to the Middle Ages and was officially created in 1397 to celebrate the wedding of Francesco Casali, the Lord of Cortona, and Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman from Siena. In the city of Cortona, this historical event is recalled every year on the second Sunday of June, when people are lead back to the ancient medieval splendour of the city. The streets are decorated in medieval style, ladies, knights, flag flyers, crossbow shooters, soldiers, pages, civil and religious authorities, all dressed with fine costumes, liven up the city center, which is rich in history and artistic beauties of every time.

Lungarno and Feast of San Ranieri, Lungarno – Pisa - June 16th/17th 2016 www.pisaunicaterra.it/en/villages-and-cities-of-art/pisa-en.html
On the occasion of the Feast of San Ranieri, Patron Saint of Pisa, celebrated annually on 16-17 June, the enchantment of the illuminations of Saint Ranieri is renewed on the streets running along the river Arno (the so-called Lungarni). In fact, following the ancient tradition the Pisans celebrate their Patron Saint on the following day with the historical Regatta of San Ranieri (Palio). There are more than a hundred thousand wax candles which at every edition are meticulously set in smooth and white glasses and fixed then onto wooden white-painted frames, modelled in such a way as to highlight the outline of the palaces, of the bridges, of the churches and of the towers reflecting the river.

Palio del Niballo, Faenza, Emilia Romagna 26 June 2016 www.paliodifaenza.it
Seeing the Palio del Niballo is like living and enjoying a day in 14thcentury Faenza. Flag-wavers, knights, and drummers dressed in the colours of the town's five contending “rioni” (i.e. quarters) - White, Yellow, Black, Red and Green - flood the most charming parts of the old town centre, accompanied by the pounding of drums. The palio consists in hitting a revolving dummy with a spear. The dummy is fashioned as a Saracen warrior (called the “Niballo”) and the idea is to get your horse to run past faster than the Niballo turns. In June, before the palio, the rioni warm up with flag waving and music competitions and the Bigorda d'Oro (a palio for younger racers).

Festival of the Redentore, Venice – 16,17 July 2016 www.veneziaunica.it
One of the most popular events in Venice is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July. The festival itself dates back to the year 1576, and is named after the church Redentore that was designed by Palladio and resides on the island of Guidecca. Venice was suffering from a terrible plague, and the Republic's senate voted to build a temple on the Guidecca Island in honour of Christ the Redeemer, and the Venetians promised to go there every year on the third Sunday of July, if the plague stopped. Traditionally, the Venetians celebrate this day by having dinner on the Saturday night while watching an incredible display of fireworks that light up the skies over Venice for an hour or more.

Historical Regatta, Venice – 4 September 2016 www.regatastoricavenezia.it
The Grand Canal every year during the first Sunday of September becomes a theatre for one of the greatest of Venetian events, the Historical Regatta, dating back to 1315 under the rule of doge Giovanni Soranzo. The Historical Regatta starts out with the colourful procession on water, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the Venetian rowing clubs, but also the women’s race on Mascarete and that of the youngsters Pupperini.

Quintana of Foligno, Foligno – 17-18 June and 17-18 September 2016 www.quintana.it
Foligno, in the heart of Umbria and Italy, is famous worldwide for the Quintana, the jousting tournament which in June and September renews the challenge among the knights of its ten “sestieri”. An exciting challenge where each knight, riding his own galloping horse, has to catch a series of rings (which gradually become smaller and smaller) hanging from a wooden statue called "Quintana". It is a great feast of people, colours and passions, but also an accurate historical, scenic, iconographic and gastronomic reconstruction of the Italian Baroque.

Quintana of Ascoli Piceno, Ascoli Piceno – 9 Jul and 7 August 2016 www.quintanadiascoli.it
Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, hosts each year the historical Quintana, a re-enactment of Medieval customs and practices. The participants are dressed in Medieval costumes and walk in procession along the streets of the city in each “sestiere” (city quarter), followed by flag bearers and archers. In the restaurants of the city one can taste typical food and wine and the festivities culminate with the blessing of the knights participanting to the Palio by the city’s Bishop and the Palio itself.

The Palio of Siena, Siena – July 2nd/ August 16th 2016 www.comune.siena.it
Everyday life grinds to a halt as Siena celebrates its most ancient and sacred ritual: horses and riders
representing ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade, or districts, race around the ring of tufo rock that covers the Piazza del Campo. On 2 July and 16 August the long afternoon begins in the heart of each contrada with the blessing of the horses, followed by the historical parade to the piazza. Finally, there is the race itself: the victorious contrada bears the banner triumphantly to the Provenzano Basilica for the “te deum” thanksgiving to the Madonna ( 2 June) or to the Madonna Assunta (16 August).

Palio dei Normanni di Piazza Armerina, Piazza Armerina, Sicily – 12,13, 14 August 2016
www.feditgiochistorici.it
Plutia (the old Piazza Armerina) is home to the most ancient medieval event in Southern Italy which takesplace every year from August 12-14 in honour of Madonna Maria SS. Delle Vittorie. The event is a reenactment of Sicily being conquered in 1060 by the Normans, led by Ruggero of Altavilla. At the end of the event, the whole procession parades through the main streets, triumphantly displaying the city flag along with its winners.

Bravio Delle Botti, Montepulciano, Siena, Last Sunday of August , 28 August 2016 www.braviodellebotti.com
The eight contrade, or districts, of Montepulciano compete to win a painted banner by rolling 80 kg barrels uphill along a 1,800 metre route. The route is chosen in advance, and there are eight starting points, set out in two rows. Each contrada’s barrel is placed in the position assigned to it by the lot that is drawn on the morning of the race. As the bell tolls in the Town Hall bell tower the umpire gives the signal for the race to start. Two men, the “pushers”, roll the barrels along the competition route, winding up through the evocative streets of the old town centre of Montepulciano to the Cathedral churchyard in the Piazza Grande. In the days leading up to the race Montepulciano celebrates the traditional Candle Procession, with a parade though the beautiful city streets in period costume, illuminated only by torchlight.

The Macchina di Santa Rosa Procession, Viterbo - September 3rd 2016 www.facchinidisantarosa.it
Each year the Medieval town of Viterbo in Lazio renews the festivities in honour of its Holy Patron. The Trasporto della Macchina di Santa Rosa, a procession which takes place in the evening of September 3rd to commemorate the relocation of the body of Saint Rosa from the Church of Santa Maria del Poggio to the church of San Damiano (the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa). The Macchina di Santa Rosa is a gigantic structure, nearly 30 metres high, which is carried through the streets by a large team of strong local men. Contests are held to select designs for the Macchina, which is replaced every five years.

Palio di Asti in Asti, Piedmont, Asti, 18 September 2016  www.palio.asti.it
One of the oldest Palio’s in Italy this colourful event sees 21 contestants relive the ancient tradition of the Palio in the historic centre of this charming Piedmont town, famous for its sparkling wine, the Asti spumante. In the days preceding the race, visitors can enjoy many collateral and preparatory events: the Palio of the Flagwavers, the colourful flea market, the trials of the jockeys on the field. The Palio itself is a difficult challenge requiring all theparticipants’ strength and skill, passion and courage as only one of them will win possession of the crimson banner with the coat of arms of the city and the image of its Patron Saint.

The Festival of “Madonna Della Salute”, Venice – November 21st 2016  www.comune.venezia.it Events and Festivals Section The Festival of Health is perhaps the less spectacular of Venice festivities. In a religious context it is an event dedicated to the Madonna in thanksgiving for her intercession which put an end to the plague which struck Venice between the years 1630-1631.

     Madame Tussauds is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.  Although the queueing time was longer than expected, there was plenty to keep all entertained along the way as music blared from the speakers with the latest pop sounds.  With branches throughout the world, this waxwork museum was founded by Marie Tussaud, formerly known as Marie Grosholtz.  She married Francois Tussaud in 1795, and as a result was known as Madame Tussaud.
     Marie Tussaud was an incredible woman who took part in some historic events.  Her mother worked as a housekeeper for Dr. Curtis, who took Marie under his wing, and trained her in the art of wax work modeling and how to run a business.  Dr. Curtis was a physician who specialised in this kind of work himself.  Marie visited Versailles to teach Louis XVI's sister Madame Elisabeth the techniques of wax modeling.  Madame Elisabeth was known for her sculpted carvings of religious figures.  When he died, Dr. Curis left his exhibition to Madame Tussaud in 1794, and Marie had to fight to keep her business as women had little or no legal rights during revolutionary times.  She died of pneumonia in 1850 and left her son to take over the business.
     During the French Revolution, she would search through corpses and find severed heads and use them as death masks, which would be paraded through the streets of Paris as Revolutionary flags.  Decapitated heads would be brought to Madame Tussaud quite regularly for her to model in wax.

The Spirit of London Cabbie Ride
     A major attraction for us was the Spirit of London Cabbie Ride, which takes a trip from historic times to modern times.  Witness the black plague that claimed so many lives or The Great Fire that completely covered the whole city with thick smoke, and which went on for days.  See the glitz and glamour of the swinging sixties or the punk rock era of the 80’s.  This was a very informative and educational journey.
For the very brave and courageous, the chambers of horrors will certainly send a chill down your spine, or so I have heard!  Hannibal Lector can leer at you from afar and Frankenstein might rise from his station and bid you good day.  Unfortunately I didn’t have the stomach or the heart to venture into this horrific place.

ET and friends were over the moon !

     The Star Wars experience at Madame Tussauds is literally out of the world.  After taking approximately twelve months to create, it certainly was worth the wait.  With the block buster movie on our screens, there was a lot of interest in this section.  The wax figures almost come to life, an opportunity not to be missed!
     After travelling from one world, we stepped into another and watched a 4-D Movie about Super Heroes.  Witness Spider-Man hanging upside down, feel Wolverine’s blades in your back or The Incredible Hulk giving you a mighty squeeze.

Madame Tussauds is not only fun but educational too!

Travel File:
Madame Tussauds is at Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR.
Website: www.madametussauds.co.uk/london/en/

     We don't do guilty pleasures often enough. Only those of a certain age will remember those enjoyable pub lunches that spilled on into the 'holy hour' when pubs were obliged, by law, to shut for a few hours every day. So earlier this month on a bitterly cold drizzly wet Dublin afternoon, Classic Collection Holidays gathered with a wintered, over-coated and scarfed Irish media to launch their luxury range of Summer 2016 holidays to Ireland for the first time.
     We could almost feel the warm glow from their whopping 228 page sunny brochure showcasing nearly 200 luxury 4 and 5 star hotels in enticingly warm destinations like Spain, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, the Canary Islands, Portugal’s Algarve and Lisbon Coasts, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Madeira, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete and Turkey.  Many of Classic Collection’s featured hotels will be reassuringly familiar to the discerning Irish holidaymakers.
     Niall McDonnell, who will be heading up the new Irish operation told us that "Classic Collection’s success is based on its flexibility and expert staff who will tailor-make the holiday to suit individual needs", and added: "what distinguishes us from other tour operators is Classic Collection offering holidays from every Irish airport, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Shannon & Knock - with any airline, on any day, for any duration. Adding to that unique offering, Classic Collection also include private resort transfers as part of the package price, so no more waiting on that coach for the last person to arrive."

For example
     Golf courses, sandy beaches and the Ria Formosa Nature reserve are on the doorstep of the 5 star Ria Park Hotel & Spa in Vale do Lobo, Algarve where 7 nights start from €1,038 per person during May. Lush sub-tropical gardens, the beach and oceanfront, plus a fine selection of restaurants and bars, await at the 5 star deluxe Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort on Tenerife’s delightful Costa Adeje; per person prices start from €1,610 in October. Whilst on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, the elegant and sophisticated 5 star superior luxury Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria overlooks Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples from within 2 hectares of private gardens in the heart of Sorrento, where 7 nights per person starts from €2,098 in April.
(Prices based on 2 sharing on bed & breakfast basis and include return flights from Dublin and private transfers)

We enjoyed an afternoon at Marcels, Merrion Row, (www.marcels.ie)  that warmed the cockles of our Dublin hearts.
Travel File
Visit your local travel agent
Or call their team in Dublin at 01 541 3000
Website: www.classic-collection.ie

Prosecco’s Spring in and around Treviso, March 12 - June12,  2016
Treviso, Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Cartizze
     This annual event takes place in the heart of the Prosecco wine area - discover all aspects of this popular wine production process. Special packages are on offer which would include stay in hotels, agriturismi and B&Bs of the area, restaurants and visit to wineries. www.primaveradelprosecco.it

Babel Med Music 2016 Music Festival, March 17 to 19, 2016 - in Marseille.
All the economic stakeholders and artists of World Music - with 3 nights, 30 concerts … www.dock-des-suds.org

Picasso, a Genius Without a Pedestal» | MuCEM - Musée Des Civilisations De L'Europe Et De La Méditerranée, MuCEM J4 From 27 April 2016 to 29 August 2016
This major retrospective explores how Picasso, well established in his era and attached to his roots, nurtured his influences stemming from the popular arts and traditions. The exhibition itinerary mirrors the artist’s masterpieces, some still unseen by the public, with reference-objects from the rich collections of the MuCEM.  www.mucem.org


UEFA EURO 2016!
From June 11 to July 7, enjoy football games in the famous Velodrome Stadium.
Tickets available from mid-December. www.EURO2016.com  www.uefa.com


Marylin Monroe Under The Photographers' Gaze | Caumont Centre D'Art
Aix-en-Provence From October 22, 2016 to April 17, 2017
Marilyn Monroe is incontestably the most photographed star in the history of cinema. This exhibition presents some of the most memorable shots of the actress, including the legendary photographs from "The Last Sitting".  www.caumont-centredart.com


AUVERGNE

International Short Film Festival (Clermont-Ferrand)
From the end of January to the beginning of February
The world’s largest short film festival is held each year in Clermont-Ferrand and attracts film professionals and enthusiasts. Screenings are hosted throughout the city with concerts each evening. www.clermont-filmfest.com

Europavox (Clermont-Ferrand)
From the end of May to the beginning of June
Voted the French rock capital, Clermont-Ferrand plays host to the Europavox festival, held at the end of May each year. The line-up includes the very best of the European scene as well as some up-and-comers. www.europavox.com


Horizons – Arts Nature (Massif du Sancy) From June to September
Every summer the Sancy mountains welcome land art installations from local and international artists. Easily accessible and often apart of a hike, the art works reflect man’s relationship with the natural world.  www.horizons-sancy.com

La Pamparina (Thiers) Beginning of July
Thiers holds La Pamparina festival each July with more than 25,000 visitors descending on the knife making town. The music genre of the festival changes yearly: rock, pop, country, electronic, jazz…so you’re in for something new
each year.  www.pamparinalefestival.com

World Cultures Festival (Gannat) End of July
This unique festival celebrates the diversity of cultures around the world. The town of Gannat offers 10 days of encounters welcoming 65,000 visitors. A trip around the world without ever leaving the Auvergne!  www.cultures-traditions.org

Art’Air (Puy-de-Dôme & Cantal) July and August
A festival combining hiking, concerts, Auvergne heritage and food, and plenty more! For those who find it hard to choose! A real breath of fresh air together in the midst of the volcanoes. www.art-air.org

International Street Theatre Festival (Aurillac) End of August
Each summer, during the third week of August, the city of Aurillac in the Auvergne is transformed into the international capital of street theatre. Since 1986 this town has been a pioneer, inviting theatre troupes and artists from all over the world to perform: installations, modern circus, theatre, opera, and more!  www.aurillac.net


Sacred Music Festival (La Chaise-Dieu) End of August
Every year this sacred festival attracts some 25,000 music lovers, who flock here to enjoy a winning combination: a heady mix of styles performed in a sublime setting.  www.chaise-dieu.com

Roi de l’Oiseau Renaissance Festival (Le Puy-en-Velay)  End of September
On the 3rd LOIRE VALLEYof September each year, this festival transports Le Puy-en-Velay back to the Renaissance period in search of the town’s finest archer.  www.roideloiseau.com

LOIRE VALLEY
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
OPEN MUSEUM - ZEP
18.03.2016 > 31.10.2016

La Piscine, musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent, Roubaix
L’ADIEU AUX ARMES
Dans le cadre de la commémoration de la 1ère guerre mondiale, 2 espaces d’exposition conscrés à 11 artistes. > 05.2018
"La Piscine" is located in an ornamental garden designed for a wealthy textiles family. Its architect Albert Baert (1863-1951) used many symbolic items in the layout and decoration of the building, which add to the charm and interest of the site. Based on the layout of a Cistercian abbey and designed in the neo-byzantine style, the building is surrounded by a rose garden. The basilica-like nave of the pool with its stained glass windows representing the rising and setting sun has a chapel-like quality. The wings of the baths are constructed on two floors and divided into small units that punctuate the facades looking onto the garden. The bathers' refectory is the height of luxury, with a hairdressing, manicure and pedicure salon, steam baths and an industrial laundry.

LaM, Villeneuve d’Ascq
In close collaboration with the Réunion des Musées Nationaux, the LaM will be presenting an exceptional retrospective of the work of Amedeo Modigliani. at Allée du musée 59650 VILLENEUVE D From until Sunday June 5, 2016  Every day except Monday11:00 to 18:00



MIDI-PYRENEES
Science and exploration of the sky
Aeroscopia – a museum dedicated to aeronautical, technical and scientific discovery, opened in Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees.  www.manatour.fr

Airbus assembly lines
Explore the region’s long aeronautical and space culture with a visit to the Airbus assembly lines in Toulouse. Or try the AviaSim – a new realistic flight simulator experience in the cockpit of an Airbus A320, enabling you to take command of one of the world’s most high performance aircraft.
www.toulouse-tourisme.com/Citybreak/Activites2

Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse, a theme park dedicated to space discovery, where this year’s exhibition focuses on current space exploring projects (NASA’s Curiosity rover on Mars and the European spaceraft Rosetta reaching the comet Chury and releasing the robot lander Philae).
www.cite-espace.com

Pic du Midi,
Famous for its astronomical observatory at 2 877 m. A year ago, the Pic du Midi was labelled 1st International Dark Sky Reserve in Western Europe.  www.picdumidi.com
NORMANDY
Normandy Impressionist Festival  April 16 – September 26
Now an established event in Normandy’s cultural calendar, the Festival Normandie Impressionniste returns in 2016 with Impressionist Portraits as its central theme. From April to September, Normandy will come alive to the sight and sound of Impressionism with some 450 different projects showcased throughout the region. Not only will Impressionist masterpieces from around the world be on display but contemporary interpretations of the art movement will be specially commissioned. The festival will also celebrate Impressionism through music, dance, theatre, literature and sound and light shows.
www.normandie-impressionniste.eu


Grand Départ of the Tour de France July 2016
In 2016 the Grand Départ of the world’s greatest cycling race returns to France. The setting is the spectacular UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay which, in 2015 was restored to island status at high tide. The week prior to the big day will see festivities take place throughout the Manche region of Normandy where the first three stages will be held. Stage 1 (2nd July) will run from the Mont-Saint-Michel to the D-Day Utah beach, stage 2 (3rd July) will run from Saint-Lô to the port town of Cherbourg along the Côte des Isles. Finally, stage 3 (4th July) will set off from the lively seaside town of Granville.  www.tourdefrance-manche.co.uk


Medieval Festivities - the 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
April - December 2016
2016 marks the 950th anniversary of the Norman invasion of England and William the Conqueror’s crowning at Westminster. Born and raised in Normandy, William was Duke here before the fateful battle of 1066. To celebrate this occasion, from April to December, medieval themed festivals will take place throughout the region. Medieval street markets, music, dance, theatre, workshops, sound and light shows and special exhibitions will be held in many towns and villages associated with William the Conqueror and his momentous expedition.  www.medieval-normandy.co.uk


New: Museum to Civilians of War – Falaise  Opening May 2016
Dedicated to civilian victims of war, both past and present, the main focus of this museum will be the lives of the Norman people during World War II. Through archive footage, an interactive tablet tour and immersive film, visitors will discover both the tragedies and the trivialities of every day life under German occupation, the Allied liberation, subsequent bombings and post-war reconstruction. Located in Falaise where 80% of the town was destroyed during its liberation, the museum pays homage to the 20,000 civilians killed in Normandy during the war. Beyond the stories from Normandy, the museum will address how civilians have been affected by conflict across Europe and the wider world.  www.memorial-falaise.fr


New: Gothic Rouen, Panorama XXL from May 28, 2016 
From May, Rouen’s latest cultural attraction, the giant 31-metre high rotunda, will show a specially commissioned work by the artist Yadegar Asisi. The year is 1431, the Hundred Years War is nearing its end and from atop the spire of Rouen’s cathedral, the visitor will look down on the city and see craftsmen busy in their workshops, bustling streets and a crowd forming in the main square to watch a young girl await her fate on the stake. The young girl is Joan of Arc who would later become France’s national heroine. As the sound and light-scape passes from day to night, visitors will become immersed in the action and be transported to the heart of the Middle-Ages. www.panoramaxxl.com/en/expositions/rouen


Annual Black Pudding Festival,
March 19 – 21, Mortagne-au-Perche Black pudding competition, eating contests, cooking demonstrations and art exhibition   foireauboudin.free.fr

Jazz sous les Pommiers, Coutances April 30– May 7
The biggest Jazz Festival in Western France with over a hundred concerts featuring international artists www.jazzsouslespommiers.com


Les Jeudis du Pin, Le Haras du Pin May – September
Weekly shows with displays of dressage and show-jumping in the Colbert Courtyard of this national stud www.haras-national-du-pin.com/en.html

D-Day Festival, Normandy Bessin, May 28– June 12
Selection of celebrations around the anniversary of D-Day including firework displays and parades www.ddayfestival.com

Open Air Opera, Château du Champ-de-Bataille, Le Neubourg. June (dates t.b.c)
The courtyard of honour at this 17th century château is a magnificent setting for summer opera www.chateauduchampdebataille.com


Le Mont-Saint-Michel by night, July – August
Night-time tours, musical concerts and light shows throughout the summer
www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

Beauregard Festival, Hérouville-Saint-Clair , June 30–  July3
Music festival previously pulling in big names such as Alt-J, Lenny Kravitz, The Pixies, Seasick Steve and Blondie www.festivalbeauregard.com/en


Medieval Festival, Bayeux, June  24– July 3
Medieval market, concerts, parades, exhibitions, workshops and performers will fill the streets for the 30th anniversary of this festival bit.ly/BayeuxMedievalFestival

Les Traversées Tatihou, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, August 10–  August 22
 This annual folk music festival is scheduled over days of low tide when the island of Tatihou can be accessed by foot bit.ly/TravTatihouFest

American Film Festival, Deauville, September 2-11
Première screenings of the latest US film releases, this festival pulls in big name stars such as Orlando Bloom, Keanu Reeves and Ian McKellen www.festival-deauville.com


Fête du Ventre, Rouen, October 15 - 16
A farmer’s market on a massive scale with 140 stalls and producers from across the region, cooking demonstrations and street entertainment
feteduventre.com

TOULOUSE
Euro 2016 Football Championships
The Stadium, specially renovated, can seat up to 33,000 fans.
The FanZone in the Allées Jules- Guesde, will broadcast most of the matches  live on a giant screen.
A Gourmet Village: the opportunity to sample local specialities and head home with some gastronomic gifts in the bag. With your supporter’s guide, which can be collected on site or available soon for download on our website, keep all the information at your fingertips: calendar of entertainments, city maps….
Matches
Monday 13th June 3 pm group D Spain / Czech Republic
Friday 17th June 3 pm group E Italy / Sweden
Monday 20th June 9 pm group B Russia / Wales
Sunday 26th June 9 pm round of 16 winner of group F / runner-up in group E
Find info about the matches at
www.toulouse.fr/web/uefaeuro2016
www.toulouse-visit.com

     As you know, Dublin is not the only city that celebrates this festivity. Cities such as London, Chicago, Boston, New York City, Munich, Montreal Tokyo or Singapore have their own celebrations and even parades around St. Patrick.
      Indeed, in Spain and especially in our northern parts such as Galicia and Asturias, we have a special connection with the Emerald Island.


     On the 17th March, the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, Galicia, is lit up in green. Many legends from the Middle Ages to the 19th century surrounded this tower. One of them comes from the Leabhar Ghabhála Érenn, the “Book of Invasions”, a compilation of oral stories from eleventh century Ireland.
     Breogan, mythical Celtic king of Galicia and founder of Brigantium (a kingdom supposedly based on A Coruña), built the town a tower —the Tower of Breogan. The tower was so high that from the top, one of his sons, Ith, could see the top of a green shore:
 Ireland. 

That link between World Heritage listed Spanish lighthouse and Ireland is the reason why the monument will be lit up in green on Saint Patrick´s Day and why A Coruña is taking part in Tourism Ireland's Global Greening campaign.

According to the legend, the Tower of Breogan is based off the Tower of Hercules. The sons of the Celtic king decided to go on an adventure in order to see what was on such a green land. Breogan lighted a bonfire at the top of the tower, so his sons could find their way back home, but unfortunately Ith was murdered in Ireland.

 Ith´s nephew Mil Espaine (Irish form of the Latin Miles Hispaniae, which means "Soldier of Hispania”) decided to leave Brigantium to conquer Ireland. His descendants are supposed to be the ancestors of the Gaels, the Irish of today.

Saint Patrick’s Cave in Asturias
     Llanes in Asturias for the second consecutive year, will light up its basilica, its wall and the chapel of Pancar. The legend tells that a small hollow high up on a hill and known since time immemorial as “Saint Patrick’s Cave”, served as a place of meditation and divine inspiration for the saint.
After more than 1400 years, it is difficult to distinguish what may be true in this; however, the devotion of Gaspar de la Vega, an Asturian who made a fortune in New York at the end of the XIX century, led him to build a very beautiful and out of the way chapel in honour of Saint Patrick (1922), just beside the holy cave.

Celebrations all over Spain
     But Asturias is not the only one honoring Saint Patrick’s Day.  All over Spain there are celebrations in regions such as Madrid, Cádiz, Benidorm, Basque Country, Alicante, Mallorca, Tenerife, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Salamanca or Pontevedra.


From the Spanish Tourism Office in Ireland:  
"Have a happy St.Patrick's Day with your family and loved ones."