DYLAN HOTEL- DUBLIN
Thinking Dublin? Think Dylan…our pick which also just happens to otherwise be known as the city’s hottest boutique hotel according to certain circles and publications (just sayin’). Décor is sophisticated, location is slightly suburban, lending itself to a traditionally Irish green leafy surrounding yet just minutes from all of the city’s most bustling areas. You’re greeted on arrival by their savvy dedicated Welcome Team clad in super swish garb, and it just gets better from there.

No two guests are alike, which is great because no two rooms at the Dylan are alike. They range from modern to mystical, stylish to sensual, wildly colored to softly monotone and everything in between. However, the constants are consistent and comprised of everything from Seventh Heaven memory foam beds, Frette linens, customized pillows from their signature menu, plasma TVs, free WIFI, iPod docking stations, Etro bath amenities and more. http://www.thecollektion.com/dylan1.html

When you get hungry in Dublin, some eats we might recommend (though a bit quirky, but we promise they’re good!) would be:

-Monty’s Of Kathmandu- Yes, because Nepalese food is the first thing you think of when in Ireland….seriously, it’s small, unassuming, majorly award-winning and delicious. - 28 Eustace Road- Temple Bar, Dublin

-Leo Burdock’s Fish & Chips- Proudly serving up the greasy, gorgeous grub since 1913- no inside seating but the outdoor nearby benches work well. - 2 Werburgh St, Dublin

-Queen of Tarts- Finish off either of these meals, or start your day rather with a sweet treat

from this local café. - Cow’s Lane, Dame St, Dublin

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary room upgrade, valet parking and freshly baked welcome brownies in your room upon arrival. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

AER LINGUS SALE PREVIEW!
Aer Lingus is having a three day sale 19-21 Jan, promoting Spring travel to Ireland and Europe...but you get to book it early! There's a special Partner Preview day on 18 Jan that we've been granted access to, and we of course wanted to share it with you:


Click here to find out about the amazing savings:
http://www.aerlingus.com/cgi-bin/obel01im1/bookonline/index.jsp?campid=explorateur_jan2010


Here's a sampling of the incredible offers:

NY JFK - Dublin or Shannon from just $239*

Boston/Chicago - Dublin or Shannon from just $269*

Plus great fares to other destinations in the UK and Europe!



Valid for travel between 10 Apr - 15 Jun but you have to hurry...everything needs to be booked by 21 Jan so get hopping.



*Sample airfares are each way, based on roundtrip purchase. Excludes U.S. government taxes, fees, airport facility charges as well as foreign inspection, security and other gov’t/airport charges, fees and taxes of up to $84 eastbound and $210 westbound (depending on itinerary) and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for U.S. enplanements. Valid for new bookings only. Visit aerlingus.com for full terms and conditions.

AER LINGUS VACATION STORE

The holidays are over but for all of us hopelessly romantic Explorateurs out there, Valentine's Day is just around the corner (gasp!). Relax, have we got an emerald of a deal for you that is guaranteed to launch you into VDay rock star status. It's an opportunity to experience one of Ireland's most exclusive 5-star gems, the splendid Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt in charming Wicklow, just close enough to Dublin to experience the vibrance yet far enough to indulge in the serenity of the countryside. When visiting Ireland, it's a great idea to base yourself in one place and plan day trips throughout your stay so this option is ideal, plus at prices starting at $2199* per person including Business Class air, it's a deal you can't afford not to take advantage of! That's right- we're talking:

- Round-Trip Business Class airfare

-6 nights in an interconnecting 2-bedroom suite at Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

-Automatic car rental with GPS

-1 dinner at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant @ the Ritz-Carlton

-Elegant full breakfast daily.

Trust us, there's no better place to base oneself than at this stunning property, and no better way to get to Ireland than Aer Lingus. Enjoy!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- $2199 pricing based on 4 people travelling together travelling from NY-JFK, pricing is available for 2, 3, 4 and 5 people travelling as well as from Boston and Chicago, and varies by date & gateway. Promotion valid for travel through 23 Aug 2010. For more information contact Aer Lingus Vacation Store at 800-495-1632 or visit www.aerlingusvacationstore.com and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!


*Terms & Conditions: Advertised prices are per person based on four travellers and include roundtrip business class airfare on valid Aer Lingus transatlantic services between New York or Boston to Dublin and a shared, full size automatic transmission car rental including unlVimited mileage. Based on travel from 01.01.10 - 03.10.10. Package includes 6 night's accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt in interconnecting rooms of one suite with Living Room and Deluxe Room both with ensuite bathroom (for 4 or 5 travellers). 2 or 3 passengers' accommodations include one suite with living area. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. Holiday periods, flights and dates outside of specified travel period are available at an additional cost. Accommodations include applicable taxes. Full payment is due at time of reservation. Offers apply to North American-originating passengers only. Stated prices exclude government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $60 eastbound and $120 westbound and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for US enplanements. Flight restrictions/terms & conditions apply. Frequent flyer mileage/points do not apply. Tickets are non-refundable. Stopovers are not permitted. Offers cannot be combined with any other discounts/promotions. Child/infant discounts not available. Valid for new bookings only. Prices are based on the lowest available airfare at the time of printing and may be subject to availability and change. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/changes. Call (800) 495-1632 for full details on change/cancellation policy and detailed land offering. Additional terms and conditions will apply.

CASTLEMARTYR- Cork, Ireland

There's something about spending a holiday in a manor house, especially whilst in Ireland. It always carries with it a regal air of grandeur, and Castlemartyr is one of the finest examples of the magnificence from centures past. Naturally, it's got everything you would come to expect of such an estate- luxurious rooms and suites fit for the most discerning of guests, carefully designed menus using local fresh ingredients at it's restaurant, rolling emerald grounds that seem endless, and 24,000 square feet of pampering bliss within their Spa. However, what we find most charming are the simpler things, the opportunities to partake in traditional activities from long ago that make you really feel as though you've taken a true step back in time. Archery, fly casting, skeet shooting, Vane and Quiver, or even Nock to name a few (relax, we didn'tknow what Nock was either but that's the fun of it all!). Or, perhaps even embark on a walk wtih the 2 resident Irish Setters, apropriately named Earl & Countess of course, through the trails surrounding the property. There's even a telescope for gazing at the celesital skies. It's a most peaceful retreat and well worth a stop for a few nights' rest when traveling through the countryside.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 25% off golf and spa services when booking directly with the property. Email gerrit@dromoland.ie and tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!
We designed the Europe Travel Guide to provide an idea for luxury hotels and hot travel destinations  to travel guide for more information please visit www.theexplorateurportfolio.com