BEST FOR. . .GOURMET

1LONGUEVILLE HOUSE, CORK Picture a beautiful manor on the crest of a hill overlooking a verdant valley. Imagine fish in the river, lambs in the fields, fruit in the orchard and a kitchen garden full of vegetables. This is Longueville House, an elegant home that has been welcoming guests since 1967. Owned by William and Aisling O'Callaghan, it is one of Ireland's most celebrated private houses, handsome and luxurious, welcoming and comfortable. Despite the vast estate, magnificent bedrooms and warm hospitality, it's William's astonishing menus that will leave the biggest impression.

His award-winning cooking features Longueville lamb and salmon in season, as well as produce selected daily from the extensive garden and orchards. If you claim to be any kind of committed foodie, plan your pilgrimage today.

Mallow, Co Cork. Tel: 022 47156.

www. longuevillehouse. ie

2NORMANDY You'll need a long weekend for this trip to Normandy where you'll learn to cook at Le Manoir de lAufragere, an 18th-century manor house set in eight acres of tranquil orchard and farmland, lovingly restored by a husband and wife team. Nicole Dussartre is a Cordon Bleu chef while Regis supplies most of the produce from their land; rears sheep, poultry and rabbits; grows his own vegetables; and makes the cider, calvados and pommeau. Classes revolve around cookery demonstrations, visits to the local market, cheese merchant, local artisans and wine tastings. At night, candlelit dinners, cooked by Nicole, are served in the dining room with its open fireplace or in the beautiful garden overlooking the countryside in summer. Pure, gourmet heaven. 600 including three nights accommodation, all meals, wine and beverages.

Fourmetot, France. Tel: 0033 2 32 56 91 92 www. laufragere. com

3BALLYMALOE HOUSE, CORK Without Myrtle Allen, it could be said that contemporary Irish cuisine as we now know it wouldn't exist . . . and it certainly wouldn't have global recognition. Since she first opened the doors of Ballymaloe House in 1964, her use of locally sourced, seasonal produce (what was, back then, an uncommon thing) has continued to be the hallmark of the exquisite cooking at Ballymaloe . . . heaven is a plate of shellfish here, fresh from Kenmare Bay. Rooms are charming and the epitome of gracious country living, while games of croquet on the lawn or strolls through the pretty gardens make hectic 21st-century living seem a million miles away. The cookery courses are renowned but shouldn't be the only motivation for a trip here because Ballymaloe is the most perfect place in which to kick back, forget your troubles and let the east Cork air help you work up a prodigious appetite.

Shangarry, Co Cork. Tel: 021 4652531.

www. ballymaloe. ie

4CLONE HOUSE, WICKLOW For a slice of Tuscany in the hills of Wicklow head for Clone House. The house, bought in 2000 by American Jeff Watson and his Tuscan wife, has a cult following who love the proximity to Dublin, the warm welcome and the authentic Italian food from Carla's kitchen. Using local produce and organic vegetables from the impressive gardens, her five-course menus include treats like borlotti and black bean soup, Tuscan roasted rabbit, poached pears with amaretti cream and wonderful herb foccacia. The decor is charming in a rambling country fashion, the vibe ultra-relaxed and the bedrooms comfortable and homely.

Aughrim, Co Wicklow. Tel:0402 36121.

www. clonehouse. com

5BILBAO Save on the flight, splurge on the food when you get there . . . that's what a weekend in the Basque region is all about. Citizens of Bilbao are compulsive eaters and gourmet dining is the hobby of the region. But even if you don't have a Thorntons restaurant budget or a booking at the world-famous El Buli you will still eat very well in this worka-day city, which is teeming with plentiful cafes serving cheap and tasty bar food.

Basque-region tapas (also known as pintxos) rarely cost more than 2.50 a pop but if you want to bust that gullet make sure to visit nearby San Sebastian, which has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita (15 for 180,000 people), as well as a lot more tourists.

Getting there: Aer Lingus flies to Bilbao from 24 each way. See www. aerlingus. com

6KELLYS HOTEL, WEXFORD It may not be an obvious choice on the foodie trail but the fare at this Rosslare hotel is ledgendary. Here you will breakfast, lunch and dine like a true king or queen.

Head chef Eugene Callaghan worked Roscoff 's in Belfast with Paul Rankin, where he won the Roux Brothers Scholarship of the year in 1991, and critics have been consistently loud in their praise of his innovative, flavoursome cooking. Work up an appetite on one of the nearby golf courses or by strolling along the five kilometres of beaches. And don't miss the fabulous afternoon tea.

Rosslare, Co Wexford. Tel: 053 9132114.

www. kellys. ie

BEST FOR. . .ROMANCE

7THE K CLUB, KILDARE Golf probably immediately springs to mind when you think of the K Club but it does it a disservice to file it away under an activity-based break. For starters, is there anything like a lush five-star environment to get you in the mood? The opulent, classical decor is another feel-good factor. Add in the seriously luxurious suites, state-of-the art spa, fine dining and beautifully manicured gardens and you've got yourself a failsafe recipe for a very lovely weekend. The K Club offers special romantic packages so check with them for more details.

Straffan, Co. Kildare. Tel: 01 6017200 www. kclub. ie

8OPORTO Don't come to the north Portuguese city of Oporto expecting magnificent architecture and lists of attractions. Oporto's charm lies in its old-worldliness, which is preserved wonderfully in the old town neighbourhood of Ribeiro. Perched on the banks of the wide Douro River, with its timewarped cobbled alleys and lines of washing flapping from ornate balconies overhead, Ribeiro is serene and enchanting. Take a romantic stroll peering into the cool interiors where you'll find an almost forgotten world of one-man shops and traders working in modest surrounds. Amidst this slice of life several cool cafes and bars have opened, injecting this old tenement area.

with bohemian chic. Ribeira has plenty of small restaurants by the riverbank, all offering great views across to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Here centuries-old port lodges balance precariously on steep embankments, still plying their wares and offering visitors tours of their hallowed cellars. Fly in for a weekend on Ryanair and enjoy one of the most relaxing cities in Europe.

9ZETLAND COUNTRY HOUSE, GALWAY Lovers of elegance and comfort (or quite simply, lovers) will feel perfectly at home in this old shooting lodge overlooking secluded Cashel Bay in Connemara. Zetland prides itself on providing relaxed service in luxurious surroundings. Have afternoon tea in the drawing room or a hot whiskey by the welcoming fires. Zetland House's kitchens are long-renowned for their gourmet fare and the dining room enjoys unspoilt views through exquisite gardens down to the sea. A perfect retreat for romantics.

Cashel Bay, Recess, Co Galway. Tel: 095 31111 www. zetland. com

10 VENICE There was a time when weekending in Venice was right up there with booking into the Ritz in terms of flash factor and expense. Nowadays, with the combination of cheap flights and rising prices everywhere else, Venice is open to all and doable on any budget. Like Disney World for adults, this marine paradise doesn't change much year-on-year. In other words, it's still ok to charter a gondola, take tea and cake Helena Bonham Carter-style on St Mark's Place and go for cocktails in Harry's Bar . . . in fact it is practically mandatory. High on romance is the tiny Novocento hotel, a ninebedroom sanctuary in the city with an eclectic, ethnic, almost Eastern feel to it.

Aer Lingus flies to Venice from 24 each way

11MARLFIELD HOUSE, WEXFORD Once a working country farm in the 18th Century, this pretty familyowned hotel, with its 20 individually decorated period rooms, was renovated in the 1980s to become one of Ireland's first boutique hotels . . . way before the expression was even coined. These days, with its lush gardens, bird sanctuary, soothing interiors and friendly staff, it is more popular than ever. With rooms from 215, it's a real hidden gem for those in the know. The dining room fills up with locals at weekends with menus starting at 68 per head.

Gorey, Co Wexford. Tel: 053 9421124.

www. marlfieldhouse. com

12 WINEPORT LODGE, WESTMEATH Raise a glass to love at this small and absolutely lovely waterside retreat. Ireland's first wine hotel is a celebration of good food, and even greater wine, in intimate surroundings. The views are extraordinary, particularly on a balmy summer's evening, and the fact that you can arrive by boat is the deal maker. Of course, there's an inexhaustive range of drinks and bar manager Ciaran O'Neill is on hand to help you select pre-dinner cocktails and after-dinner bevies. Each guest room is linked to a wine theme, making this the perfect destination for the oenophile in your life.

Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Tel: 090 6431090.

www. wineport. ie

13 BARBERSTOWN CASTLE, KILDARE Thirty minutes from Dublin will find you at this 13th-century castle, where four-poster beds, grand pianos and Victorian antique furniture are the order of the day. Interestingly, Eric Clapton is a former owner of the castle and sold it to the current owners in 1987. The gardens are lovely and there are many country suits to try, like horseback riding, archery and claypigeon shooting. Barberstown Castle also offers a 'romance package', which includes two nights' bed and breakfast, an evening meal and champagne on arrival, which, for 265pps, is rather a steal.

Straffan, Co. Kildare. Tel: 01 6288157.

www. barberstowncastle. ie

SHOPPING BEST FOR. . .

14 PARIS Horribly cliched as it might be, once the sun starts to shine and the parks burst into bud, you really can't beat Paris in the springtime. And with its shops now filling up with new season clothes this is the best time of year to hit shops such as the exquisite Au Bon Marche (www. lebonmarche. fr). With the best of both the established and up-and-coming French and international designers all under the one roof, as well as first class lingerie, food and perfume departments, it is undoubtedly one of the best places in Paris . . . if not the world . . . to shop. Also nearby are Prada, YSL and Chanel, but no shopping trip to Paris is complete without hitting Colette, the famous fashion and art concept store, and downstairs water bar (www. colette. fr). Stay at the relatively new and tongue-in-cheek saucy Hotel Amour (www. hotelamour. com), which is co-owned by the proprietors of trendy nightclub Le Baron. Rooms are decorated with soft erotic photography and romantic literature and the restaurant is buzzy too.

15 NEW YORK With the dollar exchange rate stacked heavily in our favour, shopping in the Big Apple has never been better . . . or more popular. Steer clear of over-priced and underwhelming Midtown establishments by checking in at the brand new Bowery Hotel on the edge of SoHo, where the rooms are spacious (even by NY standards) and from where you can hit the trendy lower east-side shops, as well as West and East Village boutiques, with ease.

Everyone knows Bloomingdales, Tiffanys, Macys, Century 21 and (by now) Anthropologie but the serious intrepid shoppers will sniff out one-off 'Oh my God just where did you get that!' pieces in Boutique Ludivine (www. boutiqueludivine. com), Mick Margo, (www. mickmargo. com) and Castor and Pollux on West 10th st. For bargain flights try Delta www. delta. com.

16 FLORENCE Although Florence is known for gorgeous leather and gold, the true bargains are to be had at the designer outlet stores a stone's throw from the city where huge designer names . . . everyone from Jil Sander, Prada, Miu Miu and Helmut Lang to Armani, Sergi Rossi, Tods, YSL, Valentino, Gucci and La Perla . . . can be snapped up at up to 75% of their in-store prices. Timepoor shoppers should sign up for the coach service (www. viator. com, 21) which will pick you up at your hotel and ferry you around the shops. But if you really want to be posh about it you could hire a driver from 40 a day (www. carrentalwithdriver. com). For cheapest deals fly Ryanair to Pisa and take a train to the city from there.

17MANCHESTER Aside from the obvious draw for football fans, Manchester is a brilliant city for serious shoppers. Alongside all the high-street favourites check out the Arndale shopping mall or the gourmet basement and shoe departments of Harvey Nichols on New Cathedral Street. For a full day of retail therapy, grab a taxi to Trafford Centre, which boasts 230 stores and 47 restaurants under one roof. Now let's see who has more fun at Trafford!

BEST FOR. . .

CHEAP FLIGHTS

18LEEDS From chic shopping to decent clubbing, opera to theatre, art galleries to good food and nature walks, this once depressingly post-industrial city now boasts a sort of Knightsbridge of the North status.

The best weekends would include checking in at boutique hotels such as 42 The Calls (www.42thecalls. co. uk), spending Saturday shopping at Harvey Nichols in the Victorian Quarter or visiting the city art gallery (said to host the best collection of 20th-century British art outside London) and heading out later to for some top-notch grub, either in nearby Bradford for an Indian or, if you are on a higher budget, to a restaurant such as award-winning Anthonys of Boar Lane (www. anthonysrestaurant. co. uk). Oh, and Ryanair often has flights for as little as 4.99 if you book far enough in advance.

19BATH Get to Bristol on a one-cent Ryanair flight and then take a train to the olde-worlde World Heritage city of Bath for a weekend that comes straight out of a Beatrix Potter book. Start with morning tea in the Jane Austen Centre and then stroll up to the Circus and Royal Crescent, looping back down to check out the Roman Baths and other sites in the afternoon. Polish off your day by taking a dip at the hot natural springs of the much-praised Thermae Spa. Stay at the newly renovated MacDonald Bath Spa hotel, a Georgian Mansion set in seven acres of grounds.

20 BRUGES There is a lot more to Belgium than Jacques Brel and, er, Tin Tin, you know. Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges, with its 16th-century wooden panelled buildings, twee tram lines and meandering canals makes for a cheap and lovely no-fuss weekend. About 90 mins from Brussels by train it's full of gorgeous boutique hotels and restaurants, serving tasty and classical local fare, such as Moules Frites, and fruity pungent beers. And the shopping ain't half bad either. Aer Lingus offer fares to Brussels from 14 one way. Catch a train then to Bruges.

21 FRENCH RIVIERA Think south of France and images of Scott Fitzgerald-esque tinkling summer parties, leafy terrace cafes and palmlined crumbling villas come to mind.

Although the Riviera now has more of a reputation for shabby Euro trash than 1920s aristo-fabulousness, it still remains one of the loveliest places to visit for a sunny summer weekend in May with guaranteed chic and sunshine. Flights start at 95 one-way, excluding taxes, with Aer Lingus.

22 MALAGA Although most tourists see Malaga as a gateway to the beaches of the Costa, the city, which dates to the eighth century BC and is home to the Picasso museum, has a lot to offer in itself in terms of Andalusian culture, music, food and art . . . as well as some really great shopping. Make sure to check out a Manzanilla sherry bar while there . . . they are all the rage in trendy London circles these days. Flights start from about 39 with Aer Lingus each way but you can expect to pay a lot more than that coming up to holiday time. Keep your eye out for package-deal charter flights going to the south of Spain now for the season.

23 ABERDEEN With the castle trail on one side and whisky country on the other, Aberdeen is ideally located for those looking for a real slice of Scotland's finest. The Silver City is a modern, vibrant spot and you can follow the coastal route in pursuit of sleepy fishing villages, loop back through the rugged mountains and warm your cockles on a distillery tour or two. With stiff competition from Scotland's southern cities, Aberdeen is cheaper to fly to, less crowded and the ideal gateway for a Highland fling.

BEST FOR. . .PAMPERING

24 MOUNT JULIET, KILKENNY Beloved of golfers, anglers and those seeking a little old-world glamour, Mount Juliet is a terrific destination for a break. This summer, if you fancy a little bit of self-improvement, why not enrol in one of their master classes? The classes will be in yoga, angling and golf and each class is lead by an expert. Prices for the courses, which can last from two to three days, include full board, tuition and all course materials.

Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 3011.

www. mountjuliet. ie

25 BUDAPEST Relax from a day wandering around Budapest's grand boulevards in one of the city's famous art nouveau hot spring baths such as the Gellert (Tel 00 36 1 466 6166), the best-known and most popular of the city's 118 natural thermal springs.

With a long tradition of bathing which goes back to pre-Roman times, this is the place to experience spa treatments as they are meant to be. Brush up on your spa etiquette in advance (www. spasbudapest. com) and make sure you don't shy on that deep-tissue massage (even if it is administered by a scary large woman with hands like goulash pans). Aer Lingus fly three times weekly from Dublin and Hungarian airlines Air Malev (www. malev. com) has one flight daily from Cork and Dublin.

26 PARK HOTEL, KERRY Pick up any American travel magazine on Kerry and they never fail to rave about Samas at the Park Hotel, Kenmare. Landscaped amidst lush woodland and overlooking Kenmare bay, for location alone you can't help but be impressed.

With three different experiences on offer . . .heat, holistic and pure relaxation . . . each spa experience is tailor-made to the client.

Kenmare, Co Kerry. Tel: 064 41200.

www. samaskenmare. com

27 KNIGHTSBROOK HOTEL & GOLF RESORT, MEATH It's never actually said but it's somehow implicit that pampering is primarily a female pursuit. While it's true that more women than men opt for spa breaks, the number of men who are doing so is most definitely on the increase.

Knightsbrook Hotel is cognisant of this fact and offer breaks for boys, which include a round of golf on the course designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr, steak sandwiches in the clubhouse, full body massage, a few drinks and dinner.

Dublin Road, Trim, Co. Meath. Tel: 046 9482100 www. knightsbrook. com

28 AGHADOE HEIGHTS, KERRY Killarney is quite rightly known as the spa capital of Ireland but Aghadoe Heights, on the Lakes of Killarney, stands out as a shining light. Highly trained therapists make the spa experience here all the more enjoyable and the two product ranges available are Aveda and the brand new Futuresse range. Aghadoe is the only spa in Ireland or the UK to carry the latter luxury range, which gives immediate results to tired and ageing skin.

Killarney, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 31766.

www. aghadoeheights. com

29 BELLINTER HOUSE, MEATH Country houses tend to evoke images of shabby chic and slightly squalid grandeur. Not so Bellinter House, which represents the new breed of country retreat. This is Ireland's version of the famous Babington House in the UK and it's the perfect marriage of comfort and style. It's all about relishing the good things in life here, whether it's the most divinely comfy beds with the crispest of linen sheets in the bedrooms or the famous smokies in the restaurant, Eden. The therapists here certainly know their stuff and product ranges include Voya organic seaweed baths and body treatments and Uspa face and body treatments. Warning: you won't want to go home.

Navan, Co Meath. Tel 046 9030900.

www. bellinterhouse. com

30 MUCKROSS PARK HOTEL AND CLOISTERS SPA, KERRY Jackie Lavin and Bill Cullen are the owners of this comfortable and luxurious hotel, located in Killarney Park. The aptly named Cloisters Spa is stunningly designed, with a large Vitality pool and an outdoor hot tub on a deck, should you be so inclined. Skin treatments include Dr Perricone and if you're feeling out of sorts, some reiki, chakra balancing or reflexology will put you right again. Resident therapist Sean Blake has just been awarded Massage Therapist of the Year 2007. If you can, try and get one of his Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages, the Cloisters signature treatment.

Muckross Park Hotel, Lakes of Killarney, Killarney, Co Kerry. Tel: (0) 64 23400.

www. muckross park. com

31 MONART, WEXFORD Monart is, quite simply, synonymous with pampering, nestling as it does on 100 acres of private woodland in the south east, with its promise to restore you to harmony again. Whatever your desired end goal is . . . weightloss, detox, anti-ageing, post-surgery recovery . . . you'll achieve it here, thanks to one of the most comprehensive range of treatments and therapies in the country, working closely with highly trained professionals. The food is delectable, with plenty of healthy options, and when you've had enough of the spa (not that this is likely) there are plenty of amenities such as golf and quad biking to avail of.

The Still, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: 053 9238.

www. monart. ie

BEST FOR. . .CITY

32 AMSTERDAM Ok, so it has a reputation for being party central and, yes, it's deserved to a degree. But it's also entirely possible to have a brilliant weekend here without ever encountering a red light or a space cake. The museums and galleries are fabulous . . . must sees include the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank's house to name but a few. It's a terribly touristy thing to do but a canal boat trip is the ideal way to see the city. Dutch food will also come as a pleasant surprise . . . it's vastly underrated.

Stay at The Dylan (www. slh. com/dylan), a boutique hotel, created by British designer Anouska Hempel on one of Amsterdam's most beautiful canals.

33 VIENNA Pastries and palaces, Mozart and modernism, these are a few of our favourite things. At least they will be after a weekend in Vienna, one of Europe's most enchanting baroque capitals. Once home to the powerful Hapsburg dynasty, you'll find history, culture and elegance seeping from every imperial building, cobbled lane and confectioner's window. The city is home to a hundred great icons, from Faust to Klimt, the waltz to Schubert, Sacher tart to apple strudel, yet it's surprising to learn how affordable this world-class destination is. Stay at Das Tyrol (www. das-tyrol. at), a small luxury hotel beside the Museums Quarter and Hofburg Palace, where you'll find yourself in the midst of one magical sensory overload. Check out www. vienna. info before you plan your trip.

34COPENHAGEN The Danish capital is achingly cool.

From edgy boutiques to avantgarde architecture, designer hotels to chic restaurants, this historic city oozes sophistication and style. What makes a visit so fascinating is that this clean-lined pared-back aesthetic is played out against a backdrop of fairytale castles and ornate palaces. Shoppers in search of take-home Danish design will love Str get, Europe's longest pedestrian street. Alongside internationally successful brands like Bodum and Bang & Olufsen you'll find stores crammed with local designs, including beautiful clothing, jewellery and homewares. Climb to the top floor for a coffee and look our over the charming rooftops that characterise Copenhagen's pretty skyline.

35ROME Whether you are heading to Rome with a list of first-time must-sees . . .

the Vatican museum, St Peter's, the Colisseum, etc . . . or you are a returning devotee content to wander aimlessly, lapping up the food, wine and ambiance, it's almost impossible to have a bad time in Rome. During the day a touristy ice-cream on the Piazza Navona and an over-priced lunch near the Pantheon is actually all part of the experience (and if you watch closely you will see the Italians are doing it too). But by nightfall it's worth searching out recommendations in the Trastevere, Campo de Fiori and Testaccio areas. For bright, clean, central and friendly accommodation that won't cost a fortune stay at Colors hostel, near the Vatican (from 60 for a double, www. colorshotel. com).

Aer Lingus, Air Italia and Ryanair all have regular flights to Rome.

36BERLIN From art to music, restaurants to nightlife, Berlin is about the hippest and most happening place to live or visit right now so if you haven't been recently . . .

or ever . . . make sure you make a point of getting there soon. Addresses to add to your little black book should include staying at the Q hotel (www. loock-hotels. com), which is very near Mitte, where you will find the Adidas store as well as some really cool vintage and interior shops and other best-kept secrets. Ask locals for recommendations of where to eat, drink and club as this is a city that is constantly on the move. Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin and Cork to Berlin every day.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY BEST FOR. . .

37ICELAND If jetting up glaciers sounds like your kind of thing, the remote Hotel Budir in Iceland could be your calling. Set in the stunning Snaefellsnes peninsula two hours from Reykjavik, a standard double rooms costs from 190 (www. budir. is). Iceland Express now do a cheap flight to Rejkjavik from London Stansted from around 103, making it a lot more accessible (www. icelandexpress. com).

38 ISTANBUL Time Out rates Istanbul as one of the most "criminally underrated cities of all time" and calls it "astonishingly beautiful". If you are still humming and hawing about how to do it, the Ritz-Carlton hotel and L'Aveda Spa in the famous Dolmabahce quarter in the heart of the city has just opened, with the Covered Bazaar and the Blue Mosque right on its doorstep (www. ritzcarlton. com; tel: +90 (0212) 334 44 44). Turkish Airlines has one flight daily from Dublin.

39 TALLINN Fast gaining a reputation as eastern-European stag-party central, Talinn, with its dreamy medieval spires and sleepy, windy back streets, needs to reassert itself as the cultural star of the Baltics that it is. One of the oldest and best preserved historic capitals in northern Europe, Talinn can be easily explored by foot and has a plethora of decent bars and restaurants.

It is the perfect pit-stop for the lazy sightseers weekend break. If your budget can stretch stay at the cosy Three Sisters hotel.

(www. threesistershotel. com) which has doubles from 350 a night. Fly through London with Easyjet from around 45 each way (www. easyjet. com).

40 MADEIRA For too long, this Portuguese island has been labelled a holiday destination for retirees but now a whole new generation are discovering its delights. The addition of many new spas and boutique hotels have revitalised the place but the original reasons for its popularity . . . the bluest of skies, lush vegetation, delicious seafood and warm climes . . . remain unchanged. Sampling the island's famous tipple, the sweet Madeira wine, is essential and the Casa do Calhau Grande, four cute cottages with a pool, from 60 per room (www. casadocalhaugrande. com) is highly recommended as a chic and affordable place to stay. British Airways fly to Madeira from Gatwick.