By Darren Kinsella
THE introduction of Aer Lingus direct flights from Dublin to Hartford, Connecticut, is likely to tempt many Irish holidaymakers to the New England region in the US this year.
Located in the northeast corner of the USA, the region is made up of six diverse states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
New England has four distinct seasons, with average summer temperatures of 26-29 degrees, and its upper mountainous regions often receive over 100 inches of snow in winter, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders.
However, many visitors choose New England in autumn, and once you’ve travelled across the region at that time of year, you’ll see why.
Acres of glorious foliage turns from green into a kaleidoscope of colours, and the air is crisp and cool making it perfect for driving, biking or hiking.
A new brochure from Cassidy Travel highlights the many attractions that this beautiful pocket of the US has to offer.
The special publication emphasises the old-world charm of New England, the backdrop to so many iconic American movies.
From that warm autumnal foliage to sleigh rides through the snow and cherry blossoms in the Spring, this is a destination with something different to offer, depending on the season.
Connecticut itself boasts a rich history and culture, with terrific seafood at every turn.
Hartford Airport is within an hour of New Haven and Mystic, 1.5 hours of Rhode Island, and just two hours of the Big Apple and Cassidy Travel is helping Irish holidaymakers piece together bespoke itineraries to cater for every taste.
Three-night breaks including flights, accommodation and taxes are available from €588 in March and €849 in June.
Seven nights from October 10 is on offer from €925, including accommodation in the 4-star Omni New Haven Hotel in Yale and flights from Dublin.
The 300-year old Yale University is among the attractions and the Connecticut Wine Trail is nearby.
Also available is five nights in the 3-star Hyatt Place Mystic from €725, departing Dublin on September 4. Mystic is home to a fabulous maritime museum and aquarium.
Four nights in May at the 3-star Stamford Marriott Hotel with flights costs from €719, while an early break to lovely Madison – perfect for a romantic getaway – is on offer from €1,099, departing March 22 with accommodation for seven nights in the 3-star Madison Beach Hotel.
“We’re delighted to be able to create a new holiday experience this year for the many thousands who love this part of the world,” explains John Spollen of Cassidy Travel.
“As a destination, Hartford is ideally located for embarking on a variety of East Coast adventures.”
Cassidy Travel’s Connecticut brochure can be picked up in any of its nine Travelshops in Dublin. Packages may be booked in store or by phone on 01-8901000 or 01-4629100.
Established in 1985, Irish-owned Cassidy Travel is the country’s largest travel agent. It’s Travelshops are in Liffey Street, the Ilac Centre, Liffey Valley, Dundrum, Talbot Street, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Donaghmede and Swords.
You can also book online at cassidytravel.ie.
NEW ENGLAND FAB FACT FILE
• New Englanders love their ice cream and the town of Waterbury, Vermont, is the official home of Ben & Jerry’s HQ. Factory tours are available every day and there is even an opportunity to sample exclusive flavours in the scoop shop afterwards.
• New England’s wildlife is diverse and ranges from whales and dolphins to thousands of species of birds and wild moose. Moose safaris are available in New Hampshire and Maine and are the best and most exciting way to view these shy giants.
• The small coastal town of Rockland is the Lobster Capital of Maine and, each August, it plays host to the Maine Lobster Festival.
• Rhode Island is the smallest US state but has the longest name. Little Rhody, as it is known locally, measures just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, but the state’s full name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
• Popular sports, including basketball and volleyball, were invented in Massachusetts. Springfield, Mass., is home to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
• Connecticut, New England’s southernmost state, has a wine trail through a collection of 25 unique vineyards.
• New England is one of the most historic and culturally rich regions of the USA. The region was one of the earliest English settlements in the ‘New World’ following the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers, who set sail from England aboard the Mayflower in 1620 in search of religious freedom.
• Over the years, New England has been the home and inspiration to many literary greats including Mark Twain (Huckleberry Finn) and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) as well as a number of best-selling modern-day authors including Stephen King, John Irving and Dan Brown.
