The 2010 Cheltenham Festival will take place from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March, when over 200,000 people will visit Cheltenham Race Course off the M5 near Gloucester, with the nation betting in excess of £500 million on just twenty six races!

The Festival commences on the Tuesday, with the big race of the day being the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.  Wednesday 17th March is of course St Patrick’s Day, and the day’s festivities will include Irish bands playing; the feature race is The Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival is on Thursday 18th March when not only will one fashionable lady drive away in a brand new car, but tens of thousands of pounds will be raised for Cancer Research UK with a new Charity Race competed in by only lady riders. Prizes will also be awarded for the Best Dressed Lady, Best Hat and Best Accessories – this is also the only day of “Cheltenham” with a dress code. Also on Ladies Day is the Ladbrokes World Hurdle race.

The Tattersalls and Best Mate Enclosures may have already sold out, but don’t miss the exciting events of Friday 19th March, when the world famous Cheltenham Gold Club is run. There is still availability in the exclusive Club Enclosure from £75 per person with seats in the Guinness Grandstand costing an additional £30 per person.

Tickets to enjoy the Cheltenham Festival (except Gold Cub Day) if purchased online in advance are £35 per person for the Tattersalls Enclosure (£40 on arrival), with the Best Mate Enclosure costing £20 per person in advance or £25 on the day. Two day tickets may be bought at a special race package price at both Enclosures, with discounts available for groups of over 15 people. Note that Public Parking costs £8 in advance or £10 on the day, with Racecards £2.50 each.

Travelling to the race course is easy. If you have a Sat Nav type in GL50 4SH, or follow the signs from the M5 at Junctions 9, 10 or 11. The travel time by road from London is just under 2 hours 30 minutes using the M40 and A40. Shuttle bus links will be run from Cheltenham Spa Station at set times of day during the Festival.

Breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history with intriguing legends, cultural delights, long stretches of yellow sand, lush emerald countryside, mesmerising villages, captivating cities and delicious cuisine; this is just a little of what you could expect to discover when taking a holiday in Ireland!

Separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea, Ireland is a beautiful setting for holidays exploring the coast line of peninsulars and islets, or the mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and inlets.

Old world style combines with modern facilities in the eastern capital city of Dublin. Filled with museums, parks and gardens, lively music pubs, memorable restaurants and historic sites, head to Grafton Street for the popular shops, or Malahide Castle and the Dolls Houses of Tara’s Palace. And why not visit Howth, a pretty fishing village in the Dublin suburbs?

The Dublin Horse Show held at the beginning of August (5th to 9th in 2009) in the RDS Complex draws tens of thousands of visitors every year and includes family entertainment especially during the final day of events.

The River Lee flows through Cork in southern Ireland, a fascinating and cultural city. Visit the cathedrals of St Mary and St Finbarr, Shandon church tower with The Four Faced Liar, or delve into the shops in Grand Parade, stroll through Fitzgerlad’s Park leading to the University College Cork or enjoy a performance at the Cork Opera House.  Hire a car from Cork airport and you’ll discover that travelling through the winding country lanes of County Cork is a delight.

A visit to the Shannon Region is ideal for those who wish to explore the Ireland’s historic houses and castles. There is horse racing, walking in the countryside, strolling along the coast, and for those who enjoy playing golf, a beautiful setting and challenging courses.

Accommodation in Ireland is varied.  Choose from staying in an Irish country house or hotel, self catering apartments or a luxurious Castle or quaint guest house. Add car hire in Ireland and exploring this fascinating island is simple!