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IRISH commuters are set for a major boost as two new 24-hour bus routes launched this week.

The E1 and E2 services kicked off yesterday, January 27, as part of the BusConnects Network Redesign in Dublin.

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Two new 24-hour routes have started running[/caption]

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Part 6a of the plan has been rolled out[/caption]

They began phase 6a of the new bus route design, which will include 13 new routes.

The scheme is being overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), who are in charge of public transport across the country.

And the bus plan will be delivered from a partnership between NTA, Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland.

Routes E1 and E2 will run 24-hour services, bringing a massive boost to commuters who work late nights or early mornings.

And it’s sure to be a big hit among partygoers who are out late.

The two new journeys are on the new E-spine routes that are part of the overall plan.

They will travel from north of Ballymun through Dublin city centre, to Dún Laoghaire and the Bray/ Ballywaltrim areas south of the city.

The E-spine routes and especially E1 and E2 will provide better access to some of the capital’s biggest colleges.

UCD, DCU, and Trinity College will be more accessible on the new bus route.

And hospitals such as the Rotunda and the Mater, as well as Loughlinstown, will be more accessible.

The introduction of routes E1 and E2 will bring the number of 24 hour bus services under TFI to 12.

The scheme aims to make it easier for people to use public transport over cars, and help to improve social interaction.

Bosses said the new plans are in line with the recommendations of the Government’s Night-Time Economy Taskforce.

The taskforce hopes to improve public life and provide good public transport solutions at night.

Phase 6a will serve the major commuter belt areas of Dublin Airport, north Dublin, the city centre, south Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and north Wicklow.

The changes are likely to bring about a seven per cent increase in bus services in these areas.

Overall, the phase will bring with it 13 new bus routes.

A new route, 19, will run from Dublin Airport into the city centre through Ballymun and Drumcondra.

And just days ago, new routes L1, L2, L3, L12, L14, L15, L26 and L27 became operational.

The new routes serve in particular the areas of south Dublin and north Wicklow.

Interim CEO of the National Transport Authority, Hugh Creegan said: “Today’s launch reflects our commitment to creating a more connected, accessible and reliable public transport system, ensuring our passengers have more choices and flexibility in their daily travel.

“Expanding our round-the-clock services and enhancing our connectivity is essential to support Ireland’s growing population with sustainable, efficient transport options.”

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Major new routes will be running soon[/caption]

A NEWLY-SINGLE Love Island hunk has been spotted on a date with his bombshell ex – just weeks after splitting from his girlfriend.

Ciaran Davies and Nicole Samuel made it to the Love Island final during last summer’s series.

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ITV

But their villa romance was rocked when Casa Amor bombshell Ellie Jackson arrived and revealed she and Ciaran had been messaging on the outside.

Ciaran later claimed he and Ellie had met briefly on a night out before Love Island.

But The Sun can reveal that, following his shock split from Nicole last month, he and Ellie have reconnected.

An insider told us: “They have recently refollowed each other on Instagram and have been getting to know each other on a more romantic level since his split with Nicole.

“They have been spotted around his local town of Bridgend together and looked cosy as they grabbed a coffee.”

And it seems that Nicole is also ready to move on from her relationship with Ciaran.

The Sun told last week how All Stars bosses approached Nicole to enter the villa as a last-minute bombshell – and she was considering it.

A source said: “She doesn’t have long to decide and is still unsure about it but is heavily considering it, given the amount of people she knows in the villa and the fact she’s newly-single.”

Nicole and Ciaran’s split blindsided fans as it came just weeks after she opened up about starting a family with him.

She told heat: “If I didn’t think we were going to get married and have babies one day, we wouldn’t be together, so I’d say that’s definitely on the cards in the future. Ci would be an amazing dad.”

But a rep for the pair told us last month:  “Over the last couple of days Nicole and Ciaran have made the mutual decision to part ways.

“They have left the relationship on amicable terms, and will remain good friends going forward.”

Бредлі Купер — затятий фанат футболу. Нещодавно актор був помічений на матчі разом з Джіджі Хадід, а тепер голлівудська зірка привів свою дочку Лею на гру. 50-річний Купер разом із семирічною дочкою від Ірини Шейк відсвяткував перемогу своєї улюбленої команди «Філадельфія Іглз» у матчі проти «Вашингтон Коммандерс» на стадіоні Лінкольн Файненшел Філд у півфіналі NFL. […]

Якщо ви помітили, що розсада капусти, яку ви нещодавно висадили на городі, стала фіолетового кольору, це означає, що вона захворіла, а причин може бути багато. Подробиці Найрозповсюдженіші причини зміни кольору капусти: бракує корисних мікроелементів: магнію, азоту, калію та фосфору недостатньо вологи зайва волога перепад температур стрес, який рослина отримала при висаджуванні у ґрунт початок розвитку […]

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FANS of ITV’s Benidorm can stay in the exact hotel this summer with lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar.

The Solana resort from the show is actually the Sol Pelicanos Ocas in Benidorm.

Tiger Aspect Productions

The Solana hotel is actually filmed at the Sol Pelicanos Ocas in Benidorm – and you can stay there[/caption]

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The Sol Pelicanos Ocas has hundreds of apartments over two buildings, some with balconies and terraces[/caption]

Unlike most TV shows that are filmed away from their on-screen location, the Sol Pelicanos Ocas is actually in Benidorm.

The ITV series filmed between the months of March and June for over a decade before the show ended in 2018, and now you can book your summer holiday there.

The Sol Pelicanos Ocas has 783 rooms spread across two apartment buildings.

There are two pools, one of which is the lagoon-style swimming pool with a swim-up bar which featured heavily on Benidorm.

Alongside it are three hot tubs, a swim-up bar and plenty of loungers.

The complex has two buffet restaurants where you can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner, and for drinks, there are five bars so you won’t struggle to get a cocktail.

For the kids there’s a playground, watersports in the pool, archery, and table tennis. There’s also an entertainment programme for children and a kids’ club with a ball pit.

Sadly Neptune’s karaoke bar isn’t actually in the hotel – instead it’s over the road and is called Morgan’s Tavern.

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The lagoon pool with palm trees and a swim-up bar are a main attraction from the show[/caption]

ITV Plc

The hotel two minutes away from Levante Beach where you can swim and bodyboard[/caption]

Unlike the series that sees Madge Garvey cause chaos on her mobility scooter, the hotel does not allow them anywhere within the hotel.

The hotel is handily a two minute walk to Levante Beach where you can swim, bodyboard, and jet ski in the water.

We found results for £299pp based on a seven night stay from Bristol to Alicante with breakfast included.

But if you just want to book the stay yourself, Loveholidays has rooms from £64 a night – working out £32 each, although the cheapest summer deal we can find is £120 a night in May or October.

For another £55, you can upgrade to half board. All inclusive at the hotel is an extra £165 which could include all meals, drinks and snacks.

Old Benidorm, which is a whitewashed town, is less than half an hour away by foot. But there are plenty of buses and taxis that will take you there to explore tapas bars, shops and see the San Jaime church.

Lots of guests have booked the hotel purely for the “Benidorm (series) experience”.

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Mateo’s swim-up bar is a real hut in the swimming pool[/caption]

ITV

Lots of guests have booked the hotel purely for the “Benidorm (series) experience”[/caption]

Another was really impressed, they wrote: “Originally Booked as a ‘Tick for the list of things we said we would do’…. This turned out to be a surprise Gem of a stay!”

A third said: “As fans of the TV series there was only one part of the pool we wanted to relax by.”

We found all these holiday homes you can stay in that appeared in UK television shows.

These are seven real-life sets from television shows that are completely free to visit.

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Levante Beach is filled with sunbeds and has a palm tree lined promenade[/caption]

IT’D be silly to come to London for a bath.

Even if it was a gloriously deep tub with gleaming hardware surrounded by Cipollino marble.

So, instead, come to London for a bespoke wooden four-poster bed with dreamy white bedding that feels like sleeping on a cloud.

Or, come to London for the pomp and ceremony of afternoon tea in sumptuous surroundings in the heart of the UK capital.

In short, for all this and more, come to The Adria Hotel situated in the heart of charming South Kensington, steps away from world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and quaint streets waiting to be discovered.

GETTING THERE

First things first, my husband James and I started as we meant to go on: in luxury.

We ditched waiting at the gate at Dublin Airport’s T2 for an altogether more decadent experience in the Aer Lingus lounge.

For €30 per person, you can wait for your flight in comfort, sipping coffee – or something stronger – and enjoy pastries, soup, or sandwiches.

The gates are a walk away and the tranquil space ensures you’ll start your trip off on the right foot.

FINEST HOTEL ON THE BLOCK

We took a British Airways flight out of Dublin to Heathrow Airport.

The flight time was less than an hour and a half, and after only minimal head-scratching, we took the Piccadilly Line into the city.

Our destination was a grand old dame of a hotel located in the heart of South Kensington – less than five minutes from the tube stop.

The Adria Hotel is an exclusive 5-star establishment with 22 luxury rooms and suites, breakfast and dining services, meeting rooms and private lounges.

All meticulously restored to capture the elegance of the building’s 19th-century heritage.

This sublime townhouse – which would be a perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day – was our home away from home for a whistle-stop visit to London.

It was my first visit in many years, and now it will certainly not be my last.

SERVICE WITH CHARM

The Adria sets itself apart from other hotels with its personalised service and attention to detail.

The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive. No request is too big or too small for them.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Sebastian, who made such a positive impression. He went out of his way to ensure everything was just right and couldn’t have been more helpful.

And a thank you to Catherine too who was a pleasure at breakfast and afternoon tea. It’s clear all the staff here take great pride in their work, and it really makes all the difference to the overall experience.

Not only are the staff exceptional, but so are the surroundings. The décor is elegant yet homely, and the scent wafting through the hallways is bespoke from Italy.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

We were on the third floor and the spacious open plan room had everything we could need.

Two large windows and a sofa for lounging as well as a desk that doubled as a makeup table.

TV, of course, coffee machine, safe and mini fridge. Anything you don’t have – the staff will provide.

The en-suite bathroom was gloriously appointed, with heated floors, a bath to die for, and a roomy, separate shower.

High end toiletries and fluffy towels added to the opulence. And did I mention, a TV in here too?!

The pièce de résistance was the bed – so comfortable, it was a dream to sleep in.

Visitors also have access to stunning lounges where you can read a book, catch up on some work or simply relax with a coffee.

If lounging around in the lap of luxury isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do nearby. The hotel is just a short walk from the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods department store and the Royal Albert Hall.

For those who enjoy green spaces, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are also just a stroll away, providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle

TIME FOR TEA

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant but you can order in and eat in your room or have your meal set up in one of the common areas.

However they do offer an afternoon tea service that is a quintessentially British afternoon experience.

James and I were lucky enough to indulge in an elegant selection of finely crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries.

A glass of champagne completed the reverie which was a perfect afternoon diversion.

IN DEMAND

Next port of call for an evening feast was Dishoom Kensington. The queue snaking down the street proved this eatery was in demand, and once we walked in we could see why.

Dishoom is art deco extravagance bouncing with quick tempo’d jazz and groups of lively patrons chatted in the low lighting as chandeliers glimmered overhead.

The food is a step up from your usual fare. Last year, Dishoom chefs embarked on a special journey to Bombay and across a week they tasted over 100 dishes a day and the unforgettable trip became the inspiration for the restaurants biggest menu update since 2010.

Alongside the much-loved hits guests will be able to opt for new dishes from small plates, rolls and salads, to grills and curries.

One of the regional additions is a seafood staple, Goan Monkfish Curry, influenced by Bombay’s vibrant Goan community.

This new curry consists of tender chunks of monkfish in a hot and sour sauce; a contrast to the creamier Dishoom signatures of Chicken Ruby and Black Daal.

We choose to indulge in the Nalli Nihari Biryani, a triumph. Enjoyed the fragrant and hearty Pau Bhaji recently updated for the new menu. It consisted of buttery-spicy, mashed vegetables and home-made buns on a chowpatty tray and James favourite was the warm aubergine chutney.

We also ended our feast with melting-in-the-middle chocolate pudding served with a scoop of Kashmiri chilli ice cream. You will not want to share.

If you think this feature article is waxing lyrical, you’d be right. So it’s only fair to end with something I wasn’t entirely happy with.

And that’s that I didn’t have more time to spend in London.

IRELAND have dismissed any injury concern over Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast ahead of their clash against England.

The number ten carried heavy strapping on his left leg on Monday afternoon at their training camp in Portugal.

Ireland are based at ‘The Campus’ in Quinta Do Lago, which is a state-of-the-art performance centre used by some of the world’s top teams and athletes.

It has also high performance gym, tennis and padel courts, swimming pool, cycling, group classes and personal training, recovery suites and sports rehabilitation.

Simon Easterby leads the men in green ahead for their Six Nations opener against England on Saturday evening with Andy Farrell forced to take a sabbatical ahead of the 2025 Lions Tour of Australia.

And speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against Steve Borthwick’s side in the Algarve, Ireland back’s coach Andrew Goodman dismissed any fears that Prendergast wouldn’t be fit for the huge clash before revealing the injury.

He said: “Yeah, he trained fully today, just a little dead leg I believe. I’m sure he’ll be alright.

“It’s been a great couple of months for Sam, just the game experience he’s managed to gather up both with Ireland – first with Emerging Ireland, then Ireland.

“Then some big Champions Cup games away to La Rochelle, home to Bath, so it’s been a great period for him to get real game experience.

“I know he valued the time at Leinster when he was training alongside the senior squad as an academy member but to get out there and feel it for himself, there’s been huge growth in his game.”

The 21-year-old is likely to start for Ireland, but Munster’s Jack Crowley would be able to step in if there’s any issues with the injury on Saturday.

Elsewhere, England have received a major boost ahead of their opening Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell is set to return for the Aviva Stadium opener in Dublin on Saturday.

The 27-year-old participated fully in training on Monday after recovering from a knee injury.

Steve Borthwick’s side are in Girona, Spain,ahead of their opening game in the Irish capital.

Mitchell missed the Autumn Nations Series due to a neck injury but now looks ready to face the defending champions.

The Northampton star’s availability will come as a major boost to under pressure Borthwick.