FITZ' THIS TRIP IN

Why rule options out? You can have best of both worlds right here

- BY RONAN MCMANUS

WHAT could be better than an overnight trip away to a majestic Irish hotel? A trip to two hotels across two nights, of course.

The Fitzpatrick Hotel Collection is now offering a unique 'Best of Both Worlds' break where you stay in an 18th century castle, now redesigned as the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney, before moving on to the Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge in Wicklow officially Ireland's oldest hotel.

Guests have stayed at Woodenbridge Hotel for well over 400 years now since 1608 to be precise. And if it was good enough for historic figures like Éamon de Valera, Daniel O'Connell and Michael Collins, it is good enough for me. But we will get to that.

First up, it's the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel overlooking Dublin Bay. After taking some time to absorb the beauty of the views from the spacious hotel room, it's out onto the busy terrace where pizza and drinks are served daily. On a summer day, it's bliss and you could lose an afternoon here very easily.

This is one of only a handful of hotels in Ireland with their own padel courts. A professional instructor is available to talk you over the basics and the competitive instincts will kick in once you know the fundamentals.

It's a great game for all ages and padel is experiencing a surge in popularity. It also really works up a thirst.