TRAVEL FACTS

VISIT FLANDERS

Muriel’s trip was arranged by Visit Flanders (www.visitislanders.co.uk), who, apart from their forensic knowledge of the Flanders Fields, can also supply information on Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels and Ghent, chocolate beer and much more.

WHO TO BOOK WITH

A number of Irish operators offer tailor-made packages to Ypres and the Salient. GTI (www.gti-ireland.com); Joe Wallsh Tours (www.joewalshtours). Shandon Travel wws.shandontravel.ie) sells day trips with their tours to Bruges.

WHO FLIES THERE

Fly Ryanair or Aer Lingus to Brussels, take a train to Eeper (Ypres) from the airport by booking a ticket on www.b-rail.be or hire a car from the airport and drive directly there. Specialised battlefield tours can also be arranged. Visit www.visitflanders.co.uk and also www.flandersfields1418.com.

WHERE TO STAY

You’ll find a great variety of accommodation in and around Ypres. I’ve stayed in both of the centrally located three-star hotels, The Hotel O (info@ hotelo-ieper.be) and the Novohotel, (www.accorhotels.com/Novotel/Ieper_ Centrum) right off the Market Square and minutes walk away from the Menin gate. Prices quoted range from €79-€125 per night for B&B. Both are also a stone’s throw from the eclectic Twelve Apostles bar – a place like no other! Families and groups often prefer to use the hostel-style accommodation at the Peace Village in rural Messines. It can take up to 165 guests in 43 studios, each of them have their own living, sleeping and en-suite facilities. For rates contact www. peacevillage.be.