North in Pole position metro extralife OutofOfficeToadvertise call(01)6375979 18 metrolifeextra Tuesday, November 17, 2009 TRAVEL DEALS OF THE WEEK Northern Ireland: Whether its shopping in Newry, Christmas market browsing in Belfast or a hotel stay in Bangor, Ulster is the place for all things Christmassy N orthern Ireland is simply bursting with great value gift ideas for all the family this Christmas. Whether its a day trip to Newry, a weekend in bustling Belfast or a wander through the Christmas markets for something unique, then its got to be Northern Ireland. To find that unique gift for someone special, the hugely popular Continental Christmas Market returns to Belfast City Hall from tomorrow to December 19. Soak up the incredible atmosphere as the City Hall grounds come alive with dozens of market stalls offering a stunning range of crafts, food and decorations from across Europe, and beyond, to enchant every Christmas shopper. See what else is continental about Belfast and check out the Hilton Hotel from as little as 94.50 (105) per person or the Culloden Hotel and Spa from as little as 135 (150) per person. Prices also include one evening meal. Sample some festive culinary treats at the Christmas Market set in the beautiful grounds of Rowallane Gardens, Co Down on December 12 and 13. There will be craft stalls and food to suit all tastes including delicious mulled wine and hot chestnuts and Christmas trees, wreaths and floral art will be on display to help you decorate your home for the holiday season. Extend your trip with a two-night stay at the Clandeboye Lodge in Bangor from as little as 115 (128) per person plus one evening meal. Christmas gifts Check another friend off your Christmas gift list with a visit to the vibrant Causeway Speciality Market in Derry where you will have the choice of custom-made accessories, teddy bears, and one-off jewellery pieces. For a touch of nostalgia explore the Days of Christmas Past at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Co Tyrone on December 5 and 6 and from December 11 to 13. Take a step back in time and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas while enjoying performances by costumed carol singers. Meet the Toymaker and then end your tour with a visit to the Winter Wonderland where children can meet a host of festive characters! This year, Santa will be setting up his grotto at the historic Navan Centre, Emain Macha, Co. Armagh. The centre will have a special Christmas theme with crafts and fun activities for all the family an event not to be missed. Or why not grab the chance for you and your friends to get away from it all with a two-day shopping trip with none of the hassle of driving or parking. With luxury coach tours in operation for one-day to three-day trips starting at only 30, you couldnt ask for anything more convenient. So get your Christmas presents sorted early this year in Northern Ireland and still have money left over to indulge in a bit of retail therapy for yourself. For more information and for accommodation offers, check out www.discovernorthernireland.com, call 1850 230 230 or drop into the Tourist Information Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2. www.belfastshoppingtrips.ie European City Hotels Price: Five-star hotels for under 100 Details: On Thursday morning at 10am, travel and lifestyle website lastminute.com will kick start its European City Hotel sale where you can sleep fancy for under 100 in a range of five-star hotels across Europe. Hotels include the Radisson BLU St Helens, Dublin; the Grange City, London; the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast; the Hotel Princesa Sofia, Barcelona; the Crowne Plaza Prague Castle, Prague; and the Boscolo Exedra, Rome. Visit: www.lastminute.com Fuerteventura Price: Seven nights in Fuerteventura from 249 per person. Details: Staying at the three-star Playa Park Apartments in Corralejo on self-catering, departing December 6 or 13 from Dublin. Contact: Direct Holidays. Tel: 0818 200 110 or visit: www.directholidays.ie. Asian Beach Break Price: Three-star Holiday Inn Resort, Penang for seven nights: 729 Details: Take advantage of some great sale fares to Asia with Malaysia Airlines and combine with Trailfinders hotel offers for a superb value beach break. Includes return flights with Malaysia Airlines, transfers, all taxes and charges, two free nights plus a free room upgrade, saving 74 per person. Departures April 15 to May 31. Book by 30 November. Contact: Trailfinders. Tel: (01) 677 8800 or visit: www.trailfinders.ie lastminute.comhotels flights holidays citybreaks index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html