The g Hotel one of the top three hotels in the world on Condé Nast Gold List 2009

The g hotel has just been named as one of the top three hotels in the world on 'Condé Nast Traveller' magazine's Gold List 2009 for ambience and design, with the luxurious five star hotel scoring a remarkable 96.01 on a scale out of 100, ranking it as one of the most unique hotels in the world. Adding to the excitement and esteem, the g is the only Irish Hotel included on the influential Gold List for 2009. Described as "utterly breathtaking and resolved down to every exquisite detail" by the Gold List reviews, the g hotel offers 101 lavish hotel rooms, designed by milliner Philip Treacy, with each room inspired by the landscapes and seascapes of Galway.
For more information visit www.theghotel.ie

Belfast selected as one of Frommer's 12 hot spots for 2009

"In little more than a decade, Belfast has been transformed from fractured city into a hot city break destination, moving fast towards its 19th-century accolade of Athens of the North. Premier Victorian landmarks such as the City Hall, Ulster Museum, and Ulster Hall are reopening in 2009 after being given a makeover. But towering above the city, it's the glass dome of the sophisticated new Victoria Square shopping centre that's the real emblem of the city's renaissance. The army check points that encircled the city centre during the Troubles are a thing of the past; today you can amble along the Golden Mile for relaxed drinks or enjoy Irish music in Cathedral Quarter bars..."(Frommer's).

No. 1 Pery Square, a luxurious Georgian House, opens in Limerick

The highly anticipated opening of No.1 Pery Square, a stylish boutique hotel located close to the heart of Limerick city and a member of the Private Ireland hospitality collection has opened its doors to guests, with a luxury townhouse offering 20 individually designed guestrooms ranging from classical period style to modern penthouse suites. During renovations two caverns, which were formerly used for coal storage where discovered under the street - they are now exquisite treatment rooms in the urban retreat area of the building. In the basement three safes used by Lord Barrington's family were discovered and are now the ideal wine cellar. The original features of this elegant Georgian building have been preserved to add to the ambiance of No. 1 Pery Square.
For more information visit www.oneperysquare.com

Etihad to code share with Aer Arann

Etihad Airways is to extend further its expanding global network by providing its customers with greater access to destinations in Ireland, following the signing of a new code share agreement with Aer Arann, of Ireland. Under the deal, which is now in force, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter 'EY' code on Aer Arann's regional flights from Dublin to Cork and Galway in Ireland and also to the Isle of Man.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: "Etihad Airways has developed a strong affinity with Ireland, with Dublin quickly establishing itself as one of our most popular routes, enjoying average seat factors during 2008 of more than 80 per cent. There is great demand amongst our customers to travel beyond the Irish capital, which this new code share agreement now allows."
For more information contact: Etihad.PR@edelman.com

Temple Bar TradFest - 28 January - 1 February 2009

From Wednesday 28th January to Sunday 1st February 2009, Temple Bar will come alive to celebrate Irish traditional music and culture. This year the Temple Bar TradFest has a wide range of new and exciting elements as well as many of the old favourites, these include: a Children's Parade, a pub trail, Pipe Bands, Ceili, a Trad Market and Irish culture Workshops, diverse films and a very special photographic exhibition by Nutan.
On the top of all this we have unique concerts, such as: Paddy, Seamus and Kevin Glackin; Solas; Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Tríona Ní Domhnaill, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh & Moya Brennan; Michael McGoldrick and many more. With so much going on, the Temple Bar TradFest is a must see event!
Further Info: donna@tourismireland.com.au

World Rally Championship 29 January – 1 February 2009

The World Rally Championship 2009 will take place in Belfast, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Roscommon from January 29th until February 1st. If witnessing rally cars hitting speeds of up to 200kph gets your pulse racing, then book your trip now to see the Irish leg of the FIA World Rally Championship 2009! This is motor racing as it should be – a championship to find the world's greatest driver and some of the most visually compelling sporting moments combined. Located around seven counties in the North West of Ireland, not only do you have some revved up action on the roads, you'll be surrounded by some of the most splendid countryside in the world. If you can't get to Ireland for the event, imagine you are there by putting you and a friend in the driving seat to create your very own online rally video! http://www.mywrcireland.com
For more information on the Rally, visit http://www.rallyireland.com/

Northern Ireland Food Gems revealed in new directory

A new local food directory, which provides information on food producers in counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Londonderry, was recently launched in Enniskillen. Whether its jams, chutneys, ice cream, diary, meat or organic produce the local food directory will navigate you to all the key producers in the region who will tantalise and satisfy your palate. It also features recipes from critically acclaimed Northern Ireland chef Noel McMeel.
The directory is the perfect guide for anyone interested in locally sourced and produced food such as restaurateurs, chefs, hoteliers and the general public. The local food directory is available from Tourist Information Centres in the western region: Killymaddy, Magherafelt, Omagh, Strabane, Cookstown, Enniskillen, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau and participating council offices. It is also available to download from their websites.