Bloom In the Park

This spectacular event is Irelands largest gardening and food festival. Held in the Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday Weekend (Thursday 31st May – Monday June 4th) it’s a fabulous family day out for all the family. Sample the best in Irish farm fresh produce and enjoy watching chefs turn these into amazing dishes at live cookery demonstrations. Get tips from gardening experts and take part in workshops. Kids will adore the Budding Bloomers Kids Zone and can even learn how to make a plant pot from an old sheet of newspaper!

Avoid Dublin city centre traffic. Leave the car in the hotel car park and hop on train, bus or tram to Heuston Station to pickup the free shuttle from Parkgate Street to the event. Keep hold of your Luas or Irish Rail ticket to get €2 off the ticket price at the gate.

Bloomsday

Each 16th June, Joyce fans commemorate his work and follow Leopold Bloom’s day in the life in Ulysses. The full official Bloomsday programme will be announced in a couple of weeks time (due 19th May 2012) but some of the highlights we already know about include:

Blooms breakfast was of sausages, beans, black and white pudding and toast – no better way to start your day and all feature in the fantastic Aspect Hotel full Irish breakfast buffet.

Joyce Song: Lunchtime recitals of Irish songs from the works of James Joyce by Fran O’Rourke at Newman House on St Stephens Green. (From 13:05 – 13:55, Monday 11th – Friday 15th June)

Readings And Songs in the Green: Joyce fans from around the world will meet at the Bandstand in St Stephens Green to recite their favourite passages and songs from 3 – 6pm on Bloomsday.

Walking Tours: Take one of the entertaining tours of the city from the James Joyce Centre to see the sights where Joyce staged his works.

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This month Dublin has an abundance of events occuring in terms of festivals and family activities! We here at Aspect Hotel Parkwest are more than excited about all that is occuring in Dublin this month!

The Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is an annual event, celebrating contribution of gay people to theatre, past and present.  An amazing festival for all, it shines a light on a way of life that had previously been condemned in Ireland so it’s a nice touch to see events such as these finally supported.  Founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, it places an emphasis on new or recent international and Irish works with a broadly gay theme or relevance. The Festival is such a success that it has grown to become the largest event of its type in the world.

2011 marked the 10th Skerries Traditional Music Weekend and now we are heading towards our 11th festival in 2012. This beautiful picturesque seaside town plays host to a weekend full of music, song and dance reflecting the unique culture of the Fingal region. Leading artists travel to Skerries where they join with locals and visitors in a celebration of Irish heritage.The energetic music of the tutors can be heard in Skerries Mills on the Sunday morning, by now a deep-rooted element of the Weekend. The 2011 festivities closed on a high in the return of the Focus on Fingal event to the spectacular grounds of Ardgillan Castle featuring a unique blend of music, song, dance and fantastic activities from the local region. This year’s festival takes place on May 18th, 19th & 20th of May. Make sure you don’t miss out on a fantastic weekend.

A Dublin City Centre Multi-Stage Music & Arts Festival – June Bank Holiday Weekend. Ireland’s only multi staged music and arts festival was without a doubt the best city centre festival in the 2011 event calendar and which hopes to do the same again in 2012. “A festival like this has been a long time coming, one that combines music, art, fashion and simple good vibes into a two-day city-based event” – Irish Times. In 2012 it will be extended to three days – Saturday, Sunday & Monday of the June Bank Holiday weekend – and will have five stages, including a newly added Comedy Tent that is sure to go down well. The non-camping festival is a collaborative mix of music, art, fashion. Together with a fine array of delicious food, creative craft stalls and the usual festival quirks and oddities Forbidden Fruit is the best reason to spend a Bank Holiday weekend in Dublin

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This month we encounter spring time which for many means a quick family getaway is on the horizon. We believe these quick weekend getaways to be spontaneous and memorable holidays and should be cherished as they are often the most relaxing as there is no rush top go sightseeing etc the only thing you have to do is relax!. There will be a great deal of activities re opening for the spring and summer time so we suggest booking that weekend getaway early as you don’t want to be waiting around all day when it’s too busy, but at the minute it feels like our cities are just beginning to blossom again and everyone loves the warm weather (but we don’t get too much to love!)  On March 18th we have Mothers day which for many sons that means buying Mam flowers and a box of roses in the corner shop before calling in to say hello. This needn’t be the case as Aspect hotels offer great rates year round if you wanted to get her that gift that’s a little bit more special, a weekend away. All of our hotels are located on the doorstep to the cities they are located in which means there is always plenty to do and to help keep you occupied and if you ever cant think find inspiration for something to do then just ask one of our staff at reception and they will be more than happy to help you find the perfect activity for you to do. Easter Time is also only around the corner. We would love to welcome you to Aspect Hotel Parkwest as there is some fantastic deals to be found on their website, and while in Dublin you could par take in the Stephens Green Easter Egg Hunt that is sure to be good fun! Also down in Aspect Hotel Kilkenny their is a great buzz as the gardens are blooming and Kilkenny city has a rejuvenated life after the long and harsh winter. We willbe more than happy to welcome you to our hotel during your Easter break but you have to share your Easter eggs with us!

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Kilkenny Hotel Special Offer

The city has an amazing atmosphere, especially on St Patricks bank holiday weekend, and you can be sure of a fantastic night out so it might be an idea to book our new Late Checkout Package. From just €45 for 2 people sharing, the Late Checkout Package includes welcome drink in the hotel bar, overnight stay in a double or twin room at the Aspect Hotel Kilkenny, full Irish breakfast and extended checkout time up to 4pm. As with all our amazing value rates wireless internet access, parking and daily newspaper are included and you can even earn Rewards From Us to You points for a free nights in the future or One4All gift cards!

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St Patricks Festival Dublin

Nowhere celebrates St Patrick’s like Dublin. Our recommendations for the ultimate 2012 St Patricks Festival weekend would be:

Arrive early at the Aspect Hotel Dublin Park West. It’ll be a busy weekend so we can’t guarantee your rooms will be ready but you can leave the car and store your luggage before heading into town.

Catch the Luas directly to the IFSC for the Irish Craft Beer Festival. As well as a celebration of the finest brews in the country there will be live music, fabulous food stalls and chance to learn about Brewing in the Time of St Patrick!

Work off lunch by joining the Dublin Walking Tour to uncover the historic sights and fascinating stories of the Saints life and legacy. The tours start opposite Trinity College at 2:30pm and ends at the Cathedrals so it’s a nice gentle stroll downhill to the Quays for the 79A bus that brings you back to the hotel.

Ruebens Restaurant serves a fantastic menu and we’d recommend an early dinner in the hotel then getting tickets to the Father Ted Weekend. Held at the Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay, the show features 2 of the original characters, a Lovely Girls Completion and refreshments including Mrs Doyles Craggy Island Iced Tea (have a glass, go on, go on go on…)

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Up bright an early Saturday morning to get a good spot for the parade. The St Patricks Parade starts on Parnell Square and everyone heads to O’Connnell and Westmoreland Streets, it’s a great atmosphere but can be hard to get a good view so I think Dame Street is much better. Afterwards everyone heads to the pubs for a pint or two. With over 1,000 in the city you can’t really go wrong!

On Sunday morning breakfast is served till a leisurely 11am, perfect after a night of celebrations. Alternatively how about a 5km Road Race? Starting at noon outside the Mansion House, run through Georgian Dublin in support of Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

Whatever you plan for you St Patricks weekend we hope you have a fantastic time.

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The Six Nations (officially the RBS 6 Nations) is almost upon us and for rugby fans it doesn’t get much better! The international rugby union teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy compete for title of European Champions.

Each year the teams alternate between hosting and visiting each other and in 2012 we welcome the Welsh, Italian and Scottish teams and their supporters to Dublin.

6 Nations Hotel in Dublin

Our Aspect Hotel Dublin Park West is an ideal choice if you are visiting Dublin to watch any of the rugby matches at Aviva Stadium. Getting to our hotel from the airport is quick and easy and we offer some of the best value rates in Dublin.

Hotel for Irish Rugby Fans

Our south Dublin hotel is a little outside the city centre, just off the M50, so if you’re driving you can avoid the hassle of negotiating city traffic.

Getting to Aviva Stadium

On match days we operate a complimentary shuttle bus directly from the hotel to Lansdowne Road. After enjoying the post-match celebrations in town catch the bus (79A) from Aston Quay and its only about 30 minutes to our front door, or a taxi typically costs €10 – 15.

RBS 6 Nations Rugby Dublin Match Dates 2012

• Ireland v Wales – Sunday February 6th
• Ireland v Italy – Saturday February 25th
• Ireland v Scotland – Saturday March 10th

We’re looking forward to watching some amazing rugby but if you can’t make it to Dublin, all the Aspect Hotels will be showing the matches live on the big screens in the bar.

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Surprise your special someone this Valentines and treat the one you love to an unforgettable romantic valentines break.

Aspect Hotels have some unbeatable valentines weekend special offers so you can spoil your partner this year. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy stylish, modern guest rooms, delicious dining in Rubens Restaurant and afterwards treat yourselves to glass of champagne in the bar.

Whisk your loved one away for a Valentines Break in Kilkenny. Explore the historic medieval city centre; its winding streets hiding an eclectic mix of shops or visit the magnificent cathedral and dramatic castle. Kilkenny evokes an allure all to itself.

Did you know that some of St Valentines remains are in Dublin? The Shrine of St Valentine in Whitefriar Street Church contains relics believed to be the martyred saint and each February 14th a special mass is celebrated dedicated to all those in love. This valentines weekend the Aspect Hotel Dublin Park West has rooms from just €39 per couple. Seduce your valentine and add some romantic touches to your reservation: chocolates in the room; cuddle up and enjoy a late checkout or surprise them with champagne on ice waiting in the room!

Explore the heart of England with a romantic break at the Aspect Hotel Tamworth. With plenty of historic sites, wonderful scenery, quaint towns and charming villages on the hotels doorstep it is the perfect romantic destination to take time out and relax together.

A night or weekend away together is the perfect way to spend Valentines – just forget to mention that it was a bargain!

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With Christmas only around the corner and so much to do sometimes it can be a good idea to just take a day out with the family so we’ve composed some fantastic events to be done for all our guests at Aspect Hotel Park west
Dublinia, Christchurch.  A great family day out and one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions with three exciting exhibitions; Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin and History Hunters Exhibition.  A fun and contemporary way for all ages to learn and experience Old Dublin sights sound smells and ways. A fantastic day out that is sure to keep you entertained all day long.
Dublin Bus Hop On Hop Off Tour (Kids go Free).  Kids love being
on the open-top bus and having the freedom to visit some great places for kids.
Stops include the National Gallery (kids art workshops), St. Stephen’s Green
(playground and ducks), Dublinia (exhibition), the National Museum at Collins
Barracks (kids art workshops) and of course Dublin Zoo. Your 2 day ticket allows you to hop on and off as often as you wish.  2 children under 14 years travel FREE with 1 paying adult. The convenience of having a super bus route that only caters to places of interest is a fantastic price and above all else is very handy for travelling through the city in Dublin traffic
Finally the Irish National Stud, Kildare have a great family day out at the Irish
National Stud, the Japanese Gardens, Fiachra’s Garden and the Horse Museum.
You can take a 35 minute tour of the stud, visit the museum or stroll through St.
Fiachra’s Garden which has 4 acres of woodland & lakeside walks.  The paddocks are quite close by so you may see the foals running freely with their Mothers.  In the evening you can eat in the restaurant, or bring your own picnic and browse our very unique gift shop.

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It seems like only yesterday I was complaining it’s just gone Halloween and too early to think about Christmas. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have whizzed by and there are now just 18 days left…

Time to start buying those gifts!

If you’re searching for the perfect present for someone who has everything, how about a relaxing hotel break? Hotel gift vouchers are the ideal gift as they let the lucky recipient choose their perfect break away. Gift vouchers for hotels can be used for all sorts of minibreaks: shopping breaks in top European cities; getting away from it all on a country house retreat; or spending time with the family. Vouchers remain valid for 2 years so they have plenty of time to plan the perfect holiday and with over 40 participating hotels and luxury serviced apartments to choose from they’re sure to find one that’s right for them.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

The shops are already hectic, avoid the craziness and order online. Hotel Gift Vouchers can be downloaded and printed out at home. Create your own fancy packaging for a fantastic personalised gift. Gift vouchers can be ordered anytime and downloaded immediately for the ultimate last minute Christmas gift idea.

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With the Henry Street Christmas lights being lit on Sunday afternoon, Dublin is really beginning to feel festive!

Beat Santa this year

With so much to do this month it might seem like there are not enough hours in the day. To help you beat the Christmas crush almost all city centre shops are staying open late on Thursday evenings giving you extra time to find the perfect present. If you’re staying at Aspect Hotel Park West the nearby Liffey Valley and Dundrum shopping centres are open late every evening but we have an even better Christmas gift idea – Hotel Gift Vouchers!

Give someone the gift of a stay at Aspect Hotels! The gift vouchers can also be used at 40 other hotels and serviced apartments giving the lucky recipient plenty of choice to plan their perfect break away. You can buy gift vouchers on-line and download to print out at home to create a personalised present or if you prefer we can post out traditional  gift certificates.

Festive Fun

This year 7up on Ice presents us with a new Venue for Skating, Arnotts rooftop now has a rink built with the world’s best synthetic ice technology called Xtraice. As seen in Disneyland Paris, Xtraice is safer and easier to skate and has 62 times less carbon emissions than conventional ice making it perfect for young families and less experienced skaters. It allows families to shop to your heart’s content and then glide under the stars with a backdrop of Christmas lights.

Festive Food

A visit to Taste of Christmas down the the Dublin Convention Centre  is a must for all foodies. Following on from “Taste Of Dublin” summer event where all first class food and drink brands, both big and small, come when they want to get noticed. Large crowds are expected as 94% of the people who visited last year said they would return so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds!

For more inspiration the Visit Dublin website has details of all the fantastic Christmas events taking place this festive season!

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