A round-up of this week's news in brief
Learn to swim
The art of swimming is something many take for granted but what if you can’t? Then it’s time to learn and we can’t think of a nicer way to do so than with one-on-one lessons at the lap pool in the Park Hotel Kenmare. A two-night break with Irish breakfast includes four one-hour private lessons with a qualified Instructor. There’s also dinner on one evening in the dining room overlooking Kenmare Bay and the opportunity to take part in yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates classes. The two-night learn to swim deal is from €595. Tel: 064-6641200.
Books are tops for Irish
What’s the number one thing you can’t live without on your holidays? Your phone, your iPod or your sunglasses? According to the latest poll by GoHop.ie, Irish people answered none of the above. Instead, 54 per cent said they can not go on holiday without packing a book or nabbing some beach reading at the airport. Stephen McKenna, managing director of GoHop.ie, says: “The results of the survey are surprising because books are so traditional and we live in a world where everything is based around technology. It proves that Irish holidaymakers appreciate the simple ways to relax; give us a holiday, a bit of sun, a good book and we’re happy.”
10,000
The number expected to descend on Carrick-on-Suir this weekend for the fourth annual Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival. Mundy, Paddy Casey and Paul Brady are among the line-up