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#HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW -The Belfast Telegraph Holiday World Show will be officially opened by actress and comedian Crissy Rock of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here' fame, where she is to 'check in' at the city's King's Hall, this Friday.

The three day show (20th -22nd January) which ends on the Sunday, is Northern Ireland's biggest annual public showcase of travel, tourism and hospitality will offer an array of holiday destinations. Around 30,000 visitors are expected to the show during the weekend.

It will also be the show's 20th anniversary, commenting on the milestone, organiser Edmund Hourican said: "In 2012 we'll be celebrating 20 years of Holiday World Belfast. While much has changed during that time, the event still provides would-be travellers with a hassle-free opportunity to find out about and compare destinations, airlines, travel agencies - and their prices.

"Today's savvy travellers understand that 'best value' doesn't necessarily mean 'cheapest'. Rather, they are looking to find the products and services that best match their requirements. While visitors to Holiday World Belfast are typically prepared to invest in holidays – often heavily - they do want reassurance that they are making the right choices and getting the best deal. The fact that Holiday World is packed with special offers and discounts is a welcome extra bonus!"

Following the popularity of last year's launch by Oasis Travel of the Cruise Pavilion, this part of the show is also to return in 2012, bringing the biggest names in cruising and will include the successful series of cruise lectures suited to both the experienced 'cruiser' and those completely new to this style of holiday.

In addition this year will feature an all new event-within-an-event Over 55s Holiday Show, adding an important new focus to Holiday World Belfast. To read more details of the show, exhibitors including ferry and cruise operators, and for opening times and admission prices click HERE.

Following the Belfast show, it will be the turn of Dublin to host the Holiday World Show in association  with The Sunday Times which opens on the following weekend (Friday 27th-Sunday 29th January) in the RDS Simmonscourt Pavillon, Ballsbridge.

Like the Belfast show there will be an Over 55's Holiday Show plus the Caravan & Motorhome Show. For further details of the show  they can be viewed HERE.

Published in Boating Fixtures

Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of.   For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water.  The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.

The Forty-foot Christmas Day swim

A Dublin institution that brings people from across Dublin and beyond for a dip in the chilly winter sea. Bathers arrive in the dark from 6 am and by noon the entire forty foot is a sea of red Santa hats!