YEAR 2007

Pack more into a short break to Ireland

From stylish city breaks in Belfast to surprisingly family-friendly Dublin, championship golf courses and hip weekend hideaways, Stena Line's dedicated Short Breaks to Ireland offers a huge range of enticing, value for money holiday ideas.

What's more, taking the car to Ireland with Stena means a stress-free, leisurely trip (with no airport hassles) and whether it's toys to keep the kids amused, the pet pooch or a set of well-loved golf clubs, luggage is no problem either.

Buzzing Belfast - city breaks
Belfast is fast emerging as one of the UK's hippest cities - from cool boutiques to tempting restaurants and atmospheric pubs as well as design-led hotels such as the striking Radisson SAS.
A short break costs from just £125 per adult - and it's just a short drive from the port into Belfast, making Stena Line the ideal way to travel to Northern Ireland's capital city. Or for an indulgent break the Hilton Templepatrick, in 220 acres of wooded parkland but just 15 minutes drive from Belfast, has a golf course, health club with beauty treatments, swimming pool and tennis courts. From just £125 per adult.

Hip hideaways
Ireland is emerging as Europe's best-kept secret for indulgent spa breaks and the stylish Farnham Estate in County Cavan is getting a name for itself as the hip weekend hideaway. A contemporary country house hotel, Farnham Estate brings leading-edge contemporary design to a quiet corner of the Emerald Isle.
It's also a place to unwind and indulge - the restaurant is a celebration of fresh Irish produce, whilst the chic rooms and suites feature artwork from the estate and natural materials, as well as luxurious, contemporary features such as walk-in showers.
The Health Spa takes a completely holistic approach, the ethos of which is to teach as much as treat - for example with nutrition advice or how to be more relaxed in everyday life, as well of course as pampering spa treatments to relax and rejuvenate.
The best news is that this slice of peace and harmony cost from just £124 per adult.

Rural Ireland
For those who want to travel a bit further, the Midlands has charming countryside, laced with rivers, lakes - and championship golf courses. After a day of walking, golf, canoeing or rock climbing, relax and drink in the stunning sunsets across the shore of the first lake of the River Shannon from the balcony of a room at the Ramada Lough Allen - a luxurious hotel surrounded by unspoiled countryside. From £120 per adult.

Family-friendly Ireland
Because of its world-famous nightlife, Dublin is often first thought of as a young destination, but it's less well-known for what it can offer families. The Radisson SAS St Helens Hotel is a five-star hotel just three miles from the city centre, but surrounded by woodlands and very child-friendly. Previously one of Ireland's most important historic houses it has been meticulously restored. Stena offers a one-night stay from £125 per adult.
Further afield, the four-star Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa in Dingle Bay has been awarded the Georgina Campbell 'Family Friendly Hotel of the Year 2007'. The hotel has organised entertainment for children and a policy of dedicating floors for family use to avoid disturbing guests travelling without children. The hotel is a short stroll from the heart of traditional Dingle town, with its maze of streets full of shops, bars and restaurants. It also has views across Dingle Bay, which is a perfect spot for dolphin watching. Other activities include: Dolphin Swim Trips, Hill Walking, Horse Riding on Sandy Beaches, Sailing and Sea Angling. Stena offers a one-night stay from £120 per adult.

Cultural Ireland
Since its reign as European Capital of Culture in 2005, Cork has become one of Ireland's hottest city break destinations. The city has become home to an array of restaurants, bars and shops - but has still managed to keep its own local flavour.
Stay in the heart of the action - but in an oasis of calm - at the recently refurbished, luxurious Imperial Hotel. Revitalise tired feet in Ireland's first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa or sample the restaurant's local produce, straight from Cork's finest fish and meat markets, which are right on the hotel's doorstep. Prices from £115 per adult.

Go Where the Mood Takes You?
The Short Breaks to Ireland programme offers more holiday options throughout Ireland, from energetic Dublin to cultural Cork and scenic Galway.
Stena offers a choice of routes from Holyhead, Fishguard, Fleetwood and Stranraer to five arrival ports, giving customers plenty of choice when planning their journey, be it by car, motorbike or train.
All prices quoted are per adult (sharing) for one night including ferry crossing with Stena Line, when travelling by car. Extra nights are available at a discounted nightly price. Packages are also available for travel by motorbike and by rail.

CLICK HERE to book your Stena ferry on line