For an action packed break with a difference, set in stunning scenery and located not too far away, take a break to the northwest, where located on the shores of Sligo Bay and below the shade of Ben Bulben, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Sligo, is the perfect base to repose in luxury before encountering fun, tailor made, activities for you and your family — which are all organised through www.activitynorthwest.com
The hotel offers 132 de luxe guest rooms, including three executive suites, seven junior suites, and 11 ample business class rooms. There are also a number of rooms which cater for those with a disability.
Before getting stuck into an action packed weekend, take some time to revitalise the spirit and body at the Solas Spa and Wellness Centre located in the hotel. The thermal suite and relaxation room will leave you at ease before you indulge with some of the spas treatment packages, which use the exclusive ESPA products. The hotel also boasts a fully-equipped fitness centre with pool, Jacuzzi, and outdoor hot tub!
The finest cuisine is served in the hotel’s Classiebawn Restaurant which gives a panoramic view of the bay. The extensive contemporary menu offers local and internationally inspired dishes. After experiencing culinary delights, retire to the Benwiskin Bar which offers a fine selection of international drinks.
The hotel is located a short distance away from Rosses Point, a renowned seaside venue and home to one of the most sought after rounds of golf for every golfing fanatic — on the picturesque Sligo Golf Course. Sailing is also active in this area and this alongside kite surfing can be booked as part of a day activity.
Across the bay from the hotel lies Strandhill, a surfing haven where you can try your best to tackle some waves at the Strandhill Surf School, which offers courses for individuals or groups (all the surf gear is included ). www.strandhillsurfschool.com For families, enjoy a day a the Lough Key Forest Park (www.loughkey.ie ), which is a short distance away in Boyle, Co Roscommon, where you can ramble through the 350 hectare estate grounds and enjoy spectacular historical scenery, flora, fauna, and abundant wildlife. Stroll on Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walk and then compete in the ultimate team challenge at Boda Borg — a Swedish concept unique to Ireland, where both adults and children take part in teamwork and ingenuity as you try to solve imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks, through the 47 quest rooms.
Also situated near Sligo town is Eagles Flying, home to the largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls in the country. Flying demonstrations, which are interactive, are held daily. Marvel at birds of prey up close or visit the pet zoo where you can stroke or feed the animals (www.eaglesflying.com ).
For those with a creative flair, while away a couple of hours at Rulabula Pottery Studio, in the heart of Sligo, where you can paint a masterpiece from a vast number of different pottery shapes.
After an enjoyable day, treat yourself to some VIP treatment at the award-winning Velvet Room nightclub (www.velvetroom.ie ), which in its plush interior features four bars over two floors.
“With busy cities and sophisticated towns, world-class golf, the wild Atlantic coast which is fast becoming a surfer's paradise, a cultural history you can visit that dates from Neolithic archaeology through to modern writing, and host to some of Ireland's premier music events and arts festivals including the renowned weekend Sligo Live Festival and much more, the northwest is a living example of a vibrant, authentic, and exciting part of Ireland, waiting to be discovered,” said Arlene Gibbs from www.activitynorthwest.com
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Ballincar, Rosses Point, offers golf break, water activities, group breaks, music and event breaks, family breaks, and spa breaks. Visit www.activitynorthwest.com or call the hotel on 071 914 0008.
