
Travel Review: The Midlands Park Hotel is the perfect spot for a catch up
Spending a night in Ireland's Ancient East offered a chance to truly switch off with a friend
Trying to meet friends as you get older is a series of 'will we?' 'could we?' 'are you free?' queries for a rendezvous that often takes months to plan. So when you are both free at the same time and can travel: book that trip.
That's how it was earlier this year when I was invited to the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. One of my closest friends lives in Cork and arranging to spend time together and not over the phone or WhatsApp chat borders on strategic.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Famous River Clyde ferry service stops sailing 'with immediate effect'
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry has announced its closure 'with immediate effect'. A famous ferry service which crossed the River Clyde will no longer be sailing 'with immediate effect'. Staff of the long-standing Renfrew to Yoker Ferry has announced its closure from today, May 31 due to the service being "no longer viable because of a decline in passenger numbers". It is said that the decline of the numbers using the service were caused by the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge this month. A statement published to the Renfrew to Yoker Ferry's social media thanked passengers and branded it an 'end of an era'. It read: 'Hi folks, you have probably been expecting this message. 'The ferry is closing effective immediately. Since the bridge opened, the passenger numbers have gone down, and this past week dropped to a level that it is no longer viable to keep running. 'We didn't get funding, but only passenger fares kept us going. A huge thank you from us to all of you who used the ferry. 'Some of you, every day. Many became personal friends. Yes, the bridge is a real pain when it's unavailable, sometimes for hours, but that's just swinging bridge life, and those of us who live locally will get used to it. 'So goodbye from all the Renfrew to Yoker staff. It is certainly the end of an era. We will see you around.' Tons of people shared their disappointment online. One comment read: "We enjoyed the ferry with our bikes and many memories from my childhood on the big ferry to my grandparents. Wishing you guys the best." A second said: "We should not let the ferry go down without a fight. It is a vital part of the towns history." A third stated: "So sad to read your news and also for you and the crew having to make this decision. You tried hard to compete with that bridge and you will be missed. Ferry was much more reliable than the bridge. My husband who cycles a bit and has used the Ferry often is so sorry to read this. We wish you all the best for the future. Thank you." A fourth said: "I'm so sorry to hear that you wee business needs to end, I never needed to use the service personally however it was a fantastic service which my son used on a daily basis when working in Clydebank. End of an era, so wishing you well in any further ventures." Another added: "A sad day. Have many great memories from when I was a lot younger being on the ferry." Someone else wrote: So sorry to hear this. Part of Renfrew's history." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Travel Review: The Midlands Park Hotel is the perfect spot for a catch up
Spending a night in Ireland's Ancient East offered a chance to truly switch off with a friend Trying to meet friends as you get older is a series of 'will we?' 'could we?' 'are you free?' queries for a rendezvous that often takes months to plan. So when you are both free at the same time and can travel: book that trip. That's how it was earlier this year when I was invited to the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. One of my closest friends lives in Cork and arranging to spend time together and not over the phone or WhatsApp chat borders on strategic.


Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Beautiful Scottish beach with golden sands named UK's best stargazing spot
It's not just stars that make this remote Scottish beach special A beach on the rugged coastland of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland has been revealed as the best beaches for intrepid stargazers. New research from car rental firm SIXT has revealed the top 10 UK beaches for budding astronomers, ranked by light pollution levels to help night sky lovers find the best views. Taking the top spot is the breathtaking Luskentyre Beach on the rugged coastline of Scotland's Outer Hebrides. With golden sands stretching for miles and a backdrop of rolling dunes, it's not just the stars that make this beach special. According to the firm, more than 13,000 searches for 'stargazing spots near me' were recorded in the past month alone, showing a growing appetite for peaceful, nature-filled evenings under the stars. 'Positioned in the rugged coastland of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, Luskentyre is the perfect place to take the family for a spot of stargazing this half term,' SIXT said. 'With miles of golden sands and picturesque dunes waiting to be explored, families can take a low-impact hike up the rocky cliffs to take in the diverse wildlife that calls the area its home before having an evening picnic along the coastline. "You can even take your furry friend along with you for the walk, as Luskentyre Beach is dog-friendly.' The beach is easily accessible by car and public transport, making it ideal for families looking to swap screen time for starlight. Further south, Cornwall's popular Porthcurno Beach landed second place in the ranking. Famous for its turquoise waters, fine white sand and dramatic granite cliffs, the beach is a winter favourite for surfers and a prime stargazing spot thanks to its secluded nooks. It's accessible on foot, by bus or by car, and between October and April, dogs are welcome too. Tied for third place with Rhossili Bay in Glamorgan is Claigan Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye. Located just north of Dunvegan, the beach offers a magical coastal escape for families willing to take a gentle stroll down a farm track. The beach is made from crushed white coral-like seaweed that makes the water look tropical blue when the sun comes out. A truly magical place, perfect for a family picnic and maybe a swim. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Only 10 minutes from Dunvegan Castle, the beach is easily worked into a day trip that combines history and nature. The walk is an easy 3.6 kilometres in total, taking around 45 minutes there and back without stops. Rank Location Bortle Scale County 1 Luskentyre 1 Outer Hebrides 2 Porthcurno Beach 2 Cornwall =3 Rhossili Bay 3 Glamorgan =3 Claigan Coral Beach 3 Isle of Skye =4 Fistral Beach 4 Cornwall =4 Porthminster Beach 4 Cornwall =4 Camber Sands 4 East Sussex =4 Woolacombe Beach 4 Devon =4 St Brelade's Bay Beach 4 Jersey =4 Carbis Bay Beach 4 Cornwall For families hoping to make the most of their evening under the stars, SIXT recommends checking tide times before heading out, as high tides can limit space. Warm clothing and blankets are also advised, especially as coastal winds pick up after sunset. Finally, they suggest double-checking nearby sources of light, even remote spots can have unexpected glare from streetlamps or nearby homes.