SFO777

Finally had a chance to read your report now that I'm not paying extortion cruise line internet rates. Wow, what a sensational report with wonderful pics and videos. Great report Matt!!

Genius1

Agree with your reaction to Paris.

Looking forward to the next flights... who did you travel with? Aer Lingus?

Palmer

Oh yes! I've had this happen quite a few times on the Metro when visiting Paris and, as you describe, at the airport. I stood and watched at CDG - it was quite prevalent. The tat hawkers and this sum up the general lawlessness of the place.

Palmer

FlightNurse

Matty love your picture of Paris, my partner and I were there in Nov 2010 first time for him, second for me. While I can see the draw of the place for some people, I don't get it. The people are rude, asking for simple direction can envoke the meanest and nastest stares. Its someplace people should visit once, but I found the people outside of paris to be much more accomidating.

So far have enjoyed your report...

Padmeister

I went to paris years ago and i could not see what all the fuss was about!


The people are very rude and your always hassled where ever you go to buy things, I would not be in any rush to go there again thats for sure.

matthandy

Too easy! Lucky that you'll get to try QF F, it looks fantastic, a real step up from BA F. Hope that you get New First.

Thanks potakas, yes I was impressed by the AA lounge actually.

Don't blame you, WT+ is dire, unless it's PE on Qantas. Hope that the flight is a good one. Maybe First next time?

Thanks SFO777. I've been eyeing yours up, but was waiting until you got to the cruise itself. I'll post some comments on your TR, really looking forward to the LH New F report.

Well, I was trying to be objective, but that is difficult, being English! Yep, Aer Lingus, coming up in the next minute or so.....

That's a perfect way to put it. I won't be rushing back. I was trying so hard not to keep comparing it to London, but let's face it, London is so much better overall. Paris left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

I'm glad that it's not just me then ^. I think that I should have gone to Munich, Brussels or Berlin instead. Oh well. We still had a good time.

matthandy

I said my goodbyes and then practically ran down to the pier to meet another Thames Clipper that would take me to London Bridge where I’d get the Tube to Victoria and then the Gatwick Express to Gatwick.

Well, I made it to Victoria with a few minutes to spare and boarded the Gatwick Express (GEX?). Man, it’s expensive! I think that it cost me something like £17.80 for the single, 30 minute ride to the airport. Still, it was comfortable, and there was plenty of room for my suitcase.

I arrived at the station, located close to the South Terminal at 2.30pm on the dot. I had arranged to meet some friends for something to eat and a few drinks before my 5.50pm flight to Cork.

I made my way up to the check in area to find that a lot had changed since I was here last. The new owners have definitely got the builders in. Even small things, like the signs, had all changed too.

I waited for my friends but then realised that I hadn’t got a wedding card for my friend in Ireland, so went off to WHSmith to find one. They seemed to be all sold out. I could congratulate my friend on her exams, or express my sympathy, congratulate their engagement but not their wedding, hmm.

As I waited for my friends, memories came flooding back of coming to Gatwick for my holidays as a kid. I used to get so excited. It was clear though that Gatwick (at least the South Terminal) still remained as a holiday airport, which a large number of holidaymakers in various states of coming or going.

I met up with my friends and I said that I wanted to check in before eating, so that I could get rid of my suitcase. We had a little trouble finding the check in desks, but eventually found the couple of Aer Lingus desks, which were empty. I approached the lady who was very friendly and in no time I had my boarding pass. I had actually checked in online on the train to the airport but couldn’t print my boarding pass as I didn’t have a printer. I was able to select my seat at that time, and went for a window seat near the rear of the aircraft.

I was carrying an umbrella with me, something that I had picked up in London. It wouldn’t fit in my suitcase and asked the check in lady if I would be able to take it through security. She said that she thought so, but if the answer was no, I could come back and check it in, for no charge. My fears about a ‘Ryanair’ type experience were unfounded it would seem.

Last time that I was landside at Gatwick (many years ago), I remembered the ‘Village’ shopping centre, located upstairs, above the check in area. It had lots of shops and places to eat. I thought that we’d be able to go to Pizza Express up there, however I was very wrong.

The ‘Village’ had been decimated, and was no more. In it’s place was a full on building site and only one restaurant, Giraffe. Not having an alternative, we sat down and looked at the menu. A friendly waiter came over to take drinks orders. I’d never eaten at this restaurant before, the menu seemed to be a mix of burgers, salads, Mexican and some Asian dishes. It was perfectly fine for our needs.

I spent the next couple of hours chatting away to my friends, mostly about their upcoming wedding in May (another trip back to the UK!) and their recent visit to the Champagne region in France, somewhere that I’d like to go one day.

It’s funny how things change. These were the same friends that I had to say a very tearful goodbye to in Singapore in September when I made the initial journey to Australia. However, this time, it wasn’t as difficult. I guess, unfortunately, we are drifting apart somewhat, which is a shame.

It was time for me to head airside for my flight. As I mentioned before, a lot has changed at Gatwick, even security. This is now located upstairs, rather than downstairs by check in as before. This is all closed off, although not covered up, so the signs and desks are still present.

New machines are present at security here. Instead of having your BP checked by a person, you have to scan it, have your photo taken and then gates open to let you through. Much like the Tube. I wondered if you would have to present your passport at some point too? I didn’t as I was travelling to Ireland.

Security was pretty quick and then it was down an escalator and out into the departure lounge, on the lower level.

Not much had changed here, the same layout prevailed, with most the restaurants on the top tier and most of the shops on the lower level.


Gatwick South Terminal Departure Hall

I had a good hour or so to kill, so went and got a McFlurry from McDonalds and sat down to watch some Glee on my iPad. I then wandered around a bit and bought a couple of DVDs from HMV, tax free.

As I checked the monitor, it was showing no sign of a gate and we should have started boarding now. Eventually, the monitor showed that we would leave about 20 minutes later than scheduled. I went to WHSmiths, still on the hunt for a wedding card and came out, unsuccessful. I’d only been in the shop 5 minutes and when I checked the monitor it showed ‘Flight Closing’! Bugger! How can that be? They’d only just posted the gate. I suspected that this was simply a ploy to get people down to the gate, which worked of course.


Heading down to the gate

As I scrambled down to the gate it was extremely evident that the flight was no-where near ‘closing’, as a long queue had formed to enter the gate area. I really hate it when the airline does that. They need to be careful, if they toy with people like this then they will start ignoring the signs.

It took a good 10 minutes to make my way to the front of the queue where my boarding pass and passport where checked. The gate area was pretty busy but I did manage to find a seat.

Next to me there was a very ‘busy’ businessman next to me, tapping away furiously on his laptop.

At about 5.55pm, boarding for rows 21-29 was announced, and this included me, as I was sitting in 26F.

London Gatwick to Cork, Ireland with Aer Lingus

Flight: EI815
Carrier: Aer Lingus
Aircraft: Airbus A320 – EI-DVN
Scheduled Departure time: 17.50 (Delayed to 18.20)
Duration: 1h 25m
Scheduled Arrival time: 19.15 (Actual 19.30)
Class: Economy (single class aircraft)
Seat: 26F (seat plan)

We all got up, to make our way down the air bridge, however, the doors that lead to it were closed, and remained so for the next 5 minutes. Finally, we were let down to the air bridge, but it was clear that the crew were not ready for us to board as we spent the next 10 minutes confined within the air bridge. It was all rather annoying. I decided to put in my head phones to pass the time. As I did so, I felt someone yank my backpack and push me to the side of the air bridge. A bit surprised, I turned around to find that a wheel chair passenger was being escorted to the aircraft. Fine, no problem, but why the yanking? I turned to the woman who’d grabbed my bag (not the wheel chair passenger) and politely suggested that next time all she had to do was to say excuse me or tap me on the shoulder, not physically wrestle me out of the way without a word beforehand. Grrr, stupid cow! Luckily, she wasn’t sitting anywhere near me.

We finally boarded at about 18.10, 15 minutes after leaving the gate area. This aircraft seemed to be rather new, with comfortable looking leather seats throughout. I took a few things out of my backpack and then placed it in the overhead locker.


Leather Seats


My seat 26F

It seemed like this was to be a reasonably full flight, as more and more people continued to make their way down the aisle to find their seats. Eventually, as it turned out, I was joined by a young chap in the D seat, leaving the middle seat free between us.

The Captain gave us a little information about the delay at 18.15, saying that it was something to do with a delay in disembarking a wheel chair passenger from the previous flight, and that they are no allowed to re-fuel the aircraft with wheel chair passengers onboard. This resulted in a total delay of about 30 minutes, half of the one hour flying time.

I noticed that we were parked next to a Ryanair aircraft. This is about as close to one of their planes that you’ll get me without any force involved.


Boarding continues


Leg room


Shudder……keep me away

Despite the initial confusion over boarding, everyone was actually onboard very quickly, and we pushed back at 18.20.

There was quite a queue for take off at this time of day, and as Gatwick only has one runway, we had to wait for several aircraft to land before it was our turn. As we were taxiing, I spotted the ex British Airways 757’s that were being stripped down and converted into cargo aircraft.

We took off at 18.35 and we soon making our way out over the Surrey countryside. As we did so, we passed a familiar landmark. More points if you know what this is!


Surrey countryside


Can you guess what it is yet?

Very shortly after take off the Captain switched off the seatbelt sign and the very friendly purser made several announcements about the service onboard today. I love the Irish tone of voice and phrases. All of the announcements so far had started with “You’re all very welcome onboard….”. The crew would be passing through the cabin with a full bar service (buy on board of course) and then duty free.

I decided to have a diet coke, to pass the time. Passengers could pay in either Euros or pounds. My diet coke cost £1.80 which wasn’t too bad really, since it was a full sized can.

At 19.05, only 30 minutes after take off, the First Officer announced that we were currently cruising at 36,000 feet and 520 mph and would be starting our descent into Cork shortly.


Cruising at FL360


My diet coke

We had a smooth landing at 19.30, into a lovely sunny Cork. I’d not been here for several years. I used to make multiple visits during the year to visit friends over here, but that changed as people moved away. Still, it was very nice to be back, and one of the times when I would be able to use the new terminal.

We taxied to the gate and then both doors were opened, front and rear to allow passengers to disembark. Cork airport is a bit odd due to the fact that despite having several piers, it only has one air bridge. The piers simply terminate where the air bridge would be attached and passengers then have to descend stairs (or take a lift) to the tarmac.

As I was near the rear of the aircraft, I descended via the rear stairs and out onto the tarmac below. I actually prefer disembarking this way, as it means that you can get close to the aircraft on the ground, something that you can rarely do, with larger jets at least.


The rear stairs


Looking forward

I made my way into the Terminal, and through to the baggage claim area, via a passport check.

I always get the impression that Cork Airport never really gets busy, and I entered the baggage hall it was evident with the extensive row of trolleys waiting to be used.

My bag was out quickly and I was then on the phone to my friend to work out where to meet.
I managed to get a wedding card at the little newsagents located in the arrivals area of the airport. My friend was parked outside so he quickly pulled up and I dumped my suitcase in the back and we were on our way to the hotel in Killarney.


Sad looking trolleys


Baggage belt

Verdict

A really good flight that far surpassed my unfairly low expectations. I had very wrongly assumed that since EI makes it’s passengers pay for baggage, seat selection and food and drinks on board that it was strongly adhering to the low cost model for operations. However, whilst you still have to pay for all of these things (and they are quite pricey), nothing else about the experience is low cost. The staff, from check in, to the cabin crew were great, very friendly and accommodating. Apart from the mix up during boarding, this was a very enjoyable flight and I’d have no hesitation in booking with Aer Lingus again in the future.

matthandy

It was about an hour’s drive from Cork Airport to the hotel, which is located on the shore of Lough Lein and opposite Ireland’s highest peak, part of Killarney National Park. It has great views over the lake and the mountain ranges.

The Europe Hotel is a five star hotel located in Fossa, west of the town of Killarney, in the west of Ireland. It won ‘Best Overall Hotel’ in 2010 at the Hospitality Ireland awards.

The hotel’s website is here:

http://www.theeurope.com/

To get an overview of the place, I’d recommend taking a look at their brochure, as it includes some beautiful images taken around the hotel, including the amazing spa:

http://www.theeurope.com/upload/docs/EuropeBrochure.pdf

We found a spot to park in the car park and then I got my suitcase and other stuff out of the car and we made our way to reception. My first impressions were good. The reception area was beautifully decorated in a comfortable but contemporary manner. I was sharing a room and my friend had already checked in so he gave me my key. The receptionist welcomed my friend back to the hotel, greeting him by name. We bumped into some of our friend’s family in reception and said hello and found out that everyone was eating dinner in the Brasserie. We said that we’d be there shortly.

We made our way to the room, on the 2nd floor, passing the library, which was stunning. I’d never seen a room like it. This really felt like what a classically luxurious hotel should be like.


The Library


Chess Board

As I entered the room I was actually a bit disappointed. It was an older style room, but with a modern bathroom. It was still very comfortable and well decorated, but I had expected something more modern. I suppose that it had a ‘Country Hotel’ feel to it.

My friend revealed something to me as I found a place for my suitcase. As he entered the room for the first time that afternoon he was a bit shocked to see a double bed. We were friends, but not that close! He wondered if there had been a mix up. He eventually worked out that the beds could be separated, so was able to set them up in a ‘twin’ configuration. Panic over.

I didn’t get a photo of the room, since my friend had already checked in.

We quickly made our way back to reception and to the restaurant. It was great to see everyone again and we spent quite a while hugging our hellos as a place was set for us at the large table. People had already started eating, as it was quite late, perhaps about 9pm at that point.

The wine flowed as did the food and I had a great time recounting my stories of Australia and catching up with everyone.


The Brasserie Restaurant

After dinner, most of us were still in good spirits so we retired to the bar. It was classically decorated again, and the friendly bar tender prepared a few rounds of drinks for us. Thick woollen blankets were even available if you felt like getting a bit cosier. The leather chairs were so unbelievably comfortable and the drinks so free flowing that we stayed up until about 2am just catching up. Now, this family has a bit of a reputation for late nights, so I think that we got off lightly!


The Bar


The Bar, where we sat

In the morning, most people had agreed to meet for breakfast, however, I don’t think that I woke up until about 10.30. The black out curtains were very effective, so when I woke up I had the impression that it must be about 8, or something like that. I asked my friend, or was already awake what time it was and when he told me a let out an expletive. We’d missed breakfast.

The wedding wasn’t until 3pm, so we did have plenty of time to have something to eat and get ready.

I prised myself out of bed, had a shower and then got dressed. We agreed to go down to the café/bar for some lunch and to relax before having to get ready for the wedding itself.

We bumped into a few people who asked us where we were for breakfast. Cue a bit of embarrassment.

The café/bar is located between Reception and the Brasserie. It doesn’t seem to have an official name on the website. I’m not sure why.

I ordered a toasted sandwich and a large coke, to try and wake up a bit. The friendly bar man said that he’d bring the drinks over and the food when it was ready. I can’t stress enough how genuinely friendly the staff were throughout my entire stay.


Café/bar


Café/bar


My lunch

The next hour or so was spent enjoying lunch and just generally chilling out. Soon, it was time to go back up to room and get ready for the wedding. I suppose that blokes have it pretty easy when it comes to weddings. It’s the standard suit, shirt and tie affair.

We made our way down to the conference and event rooms, where the wedding would be held. The original plan was to conduct the ceremony down by the lake, but the practically torrential rain put stop to that. Well, it is called the Emerald Isle for a reason.

As we arrived and took our places, the groom walked in and announced that the wedding was going to be delayed by about an hour. We all joked that the bride must be having second thoughts, but he told us that the harpist was running late. Not sure how she could be late as you can’t exactly blame it on traffic, we were in the middle of no-where.

Anyway, eventually, the harpist arrived and got set up and the ceremony could begin. Luckily for me, it wasn’t a full Catholic service, as these go on for hours and I’ve not really got any idea what is going on half the time. This service was more straight forward.

I was the semi-official photographer for the event. I had reluctantly agreed, as I make it a strict policy not to photograph friend’s weddings because it means that I miss out on the overall occasion. I’d say that I did miss out a bit, as I felt that there was some pressure to be taking photos instead of enjoying the various stages of the day, but I still had a good time.

The bride and groom were clapped and cheered as they made their way out of the room and we all headed upstairs to the lounge area for a Champagne reception. There were a few tears as there was a lot of personal history involved, which led up to this day.


The happy couple


The lounge

Staff were on hand to keep everyone topped up, and because it was a small event (just 45 guests) it felt very special.

After a couple of glasses of Champagne (I didn’t note down the brand, sorry! ) we were called down to dinner. I took the opportunity to take a few portrait shots with the couple as we were alone. I can’t show them to you, but in the opulent setting of the lounge, they came out very well indeed!

We sat down to dinner before the couple were announced and entered the room to rapturous applause.

The tables were laid out very elegantly, with white linen, place settings, plenty of cutlery and various glasses. There was also a menu, with a choice of starters and main courses. Orders were taken and then the staff went around the table to pour drinks.


My place setting


The beautiful cake

We tucked into a fantastic dinner which consisted of tomato and buffalo mozzarella to start, pork fillet for the main and then a trio of chocolate desserts to finish.

After dinner, the speeches started. A special mention was made for all of those people that had travelled to be there on the day. I was the furthest, although people had come from Argentina and Texas too.

Dinner was cleared away and it was on with the cake cutting and then the dancing (which I mostly managed to avoid).

The couple left at about 12, as did most of the guests, however, the hard core group, myself included, again retired to the bar. Staying up for ‘one more’, eventually finishing at about 2am again.

The next morning we actually made it for breakfast, although most people were down already. We didn’t have to check out until 12 so enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before making arrangements to visit the spa in the afternoon.

After packing up and then checking out, I made my way down to the spa for a swim. All I can say is, wow! What a place. It was pure luxury. A massive infinity pool, with slate tiled surrounds, loungers around the main pool and then separately in the spa itself. There was also a heated pool which led outside. The views were stunning too, over the lake and the mountain ranges.

I got changed and then made my way to the pool to find that my friends were already in the outdoor pool. There was a little glass sliding door that led through to the outdoor section so I made my way outside. Luckily the pool was heated to 37 degrees, as the weather wasn’t very welcoming outside. This was pure bliss, relaxing in the pool outside, with steam pouring off as we bathed in the views.


The lake and mountains


The boat house

Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos of the spa. My camera doesn’t seem to like swimming . However, the hotel has a selection of fine images available on their website:


The main pool - (From www.theeurope.com)


Inside the spa (that’s an ice fountain in the middle) - (From www.theeurope.com)

More here:

http://www.theeurope.com/gallery.html

As we swam about outside we spotted the groom on the balcony of their room and gave him a wave. He produced an empty bottle of Champagne as a salute back to us!

We were starting to wrinkle so decided to head in to use the spa facilities. We started in the salt pool, before heading to the steam room. As soon as we got out of the steam room we took a face full of ice from the ice fountain as this is very refreshing. It kind of makes your skin feel all ‘zingy’.

Back outside and then the bride and groom joined us for a catch up and a swim. After that, we went to the spa café for lunch, which was excellent, of course, and then made our way back to Cork.

Verdict on The Europe Hotel

Simply wow. This was without doubt the most luxurious and the friendliest hotel that I’ve stayed at in my entire life. The hotel has been beautifully decorated with genuine luxury, it exudes quality and style in a very comfortable and timeless way.

The spa was stunning, truly. The luxury was as evident as the views were from the massive floor to ceiling picture windows.

I’m actually a bit speechless, as I don’t know else to say, because normally I’d try to find faults, but I can’t find any. It was a magical experience and I’d return in a heartbeat.

If you are looking for a luxurious weekend break in Ireland, I can’t think of anywhere better.

onlysuites

Does anyone know where that airstrip is? Looks like a local flying club but that looks like a Jet parked up.

matthandy

Hehe Well, if it helps, that jet is a 747.

onlysuites

Is it where they film Top Gear? Still haven't a clue.

ant_west

Forgive me saying but that is quite a strange route! Why didn't you take the First Capital Connect from London Bridge direct to Gatwick - just as fast as the GEX and cheaper!

IF the FCC was for whatever reason not running, I'd just stay on the Clipper until embankment pier when you can very easily change to the District Line to Victoria rather than schlepping over London Bridge to Monument with a suitcase or taking the Jubilee Life from LB to Westminster then changing to the District....

too easy again! The Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Park. Whilst the plane is a 747 it has been modified with an extra set of engines for its appearance in the Bond film, Casino Royale where the airfield doubled for Miami international!

stevie-d

I would suggest Dunsfold Aerodrome, where they film BBC Top Gear

onlysuites

Thought so ^

kered

As I've said before Matt, a fantastic TR, simply brilliant ^

But this was the section that I was most looking forward to, but also with feelings of trepidation, as you're covering home ground for me. EI being my "home" airline, ORK being my "home" airport, along with DUB on occasion too. The Europe Hotel is "Mrs Kered's" & my favourite weekend get a way spot & one we like to visit twice during the summer the season, but alas we haven't managed to get there yet this year.

Just to say that the bedrooms, are due to be renovated into the style of the rest of the property. I believe that a percentage of the rooms are re-decorated at the moment, with completion of the project expected during the coming winter closure season at the hotel. Over the past couple of years a massive re-furb job has been done in the SPA, restaurants/bars & other common areas of the property. The German Liebherr group own the hotel, along with two sister hotels in the area, the Dunloe Castle Hotel & the stunning country house property the Ard-Na-Sidhe. They have a rather large industrial facility in Killarney, which you may have noticed on the road out to the hotel & have contributed in a massive way to the local economy & infrastructure for many, many years.

I must say the the photos you've taken of the grounds at the Europe really make it look lovely. I can picture in my minds eye precisely where you were standing to take the pics. Likewise at ORK, I can picture exactly were you were as you took the pictures. It's also slightly odd to see what is essentially my home airport featuring in a Trip Report.

I'm really glad that Aer Lingus looked after you well on your trip over & you enjoyed travelling with them. While it's true that they modelled themselves on the LCC way of doing things, they are very much a cut above the likes of FR.

They had no choice a number of years ago, but to go down the LCC road in order to survive, for had they not, I fear that EI would not exist as it does today. I often get dismayed at the rep they seem to get here on FT, but as you found out, they are a pretty decent airline, with friendly crew & a nice way of doing things & not the usual LCC rubbish that they seem to be tagged as. Their Trans-atlantic service is one of the best Y products I've flown across the pond with & on a recent trip up front in "Business" I found them to be absolutely brilliant & to my mind, BA could learn a lot from them on how to do service & food properly. In fact based on my experience in terms of service & food/bev, they would give BA's First a good run for it's money. But I daren't say that on a certain airline specific forum here on FT, as I would be flamed into a burnt little crisp.

Anyway, I very much look forward to reading the rest of this epic TR, which is without doubt the best I've read to date on FT. Or anywhere else for that matter ^