From yachting in the Algarve to a park-and-fly deal for Dublin airport , Joan Scaleshas the best of the week's offers
DEAL OF THE WEEK
The Ibis hotel in sunny west Dublin, beside the Red Cow roadworks, might seem like an odd place to suggest staying, but with the Luas to the north quays (above) on its doorstep, and free parking, it might make sense if you're visiting the capital. Book a room at least 30 days in advance for €45 per night, to sleep three adults or two adults and two under-12s. If you need a room sooner, it will cost you an extra €10 a night. www.ibishotel.com.
OVERSEAS BREAKS
Yachting in the Algarve: 40% off
Heading to the Algarve, in Portugal, this summer? Why not enjoy a day on the water with Algarve Yachts, which has a selection of boats for hire in every marina along the coast, whether you want to bareboat or take a skipper and crew. It has a special offer of 40 per cent off the cost of hiring a MasterCraft X-Star, which is great for cruising, wakeboarding or waterskiing. 00-351-91-6643624, www.algarveyacht.com.
Opera in Verona: from €877pps
The opera festival that runs at Verona Arena, in Italy, until the end of August features performances of Aida, Tosca, Nabucco, Carmen and Rigoletto. Topflight can take you there on July 12th, with a stay at the Savoy Palace Hotel in Riva, on Lake Garda, from €799 half board per person sharing. Excursions to the opera will cost from €78. 01-2401784, www.topflight.ie.
All-inclusive in Antigua: €1,070
Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua ticks all the boxes for a Caribbean haven: white sand, turquoise waves, palm trees, sea breezes and colourful accommodation. The food should be good, too. Travel Focus, in Cork, is offering an all-inclusive week for €970 per person sharing, plus taxes from August 18th to December 17th. 021-4251025,www.travelfocus.ie.
Indian Ayurveda: from €480pps
Raheem Residency, a boutique heritage hotel at Alleppey Beach, in the Indian state of Kerala, that is owned by the former RTÉ presenter Bibi Baskin has a six-night pampering package that it says is for weight loss, rejuvenation and longevity according to the holistic Indian medical system of Ayurveda. The deal includes accommodation, six massages and taxi transfers to and from Cochin International Airport, an hour and 40 minutes away. Prices from €480 per person sharing. Available until the end of September. 00-91-477-2230767 or 00-91-477-2239767, www.raheemresidency.com.
Sail away from €572pps
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has extended its Summer Sail offer, with some cruises reduced by 50 per cent. All 26 cruises operating until September are on special offer, with prices from €572 per person sharing. Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black Sea, Norwegian fjords, Iberia, Morocco and Greenland. Many of the cruises are suitable for families. 01-2482833 or your travel agent.
Wine tour of Alsace: €1,495
Oenophiles might be tempted by a wine tour of the Alsace region of France. Over five days in October, Maria Madigan, a wine specialist and fluent French speaker, will take you to vineyards, cellars and historical wine villages. The cost of €1,495 includes flights, accommodation, tours in a private coach, three lunches and four dinners. 01-4939444, www.justsplit.com.
Seven nights in Italy: from €699
The Travel Department has offers for next week including seven nights visiting Rome, Pompeii and Capri from €699 per person sharing, and a three-day trip to London and Oxford from €465pps. 01-6371600, www.thetravel department.ie.
HOME BREAKS
Back to school: €695 per week
Irish Landmark Trust's latest property is the Schoolhouse on Annaghmore Estate in Collooney, Co Sligo. On the banks of the Owenmore River, it retains reminders of its past with original coat hooks, blackboards and fireplace.
It is on offer for July and August at €695 per week. Sleeps four. 01-6704733, www.irishlandmark.com.
Stay in Dublin: from €109
Trinity Capital Hotel, on Pearse Street in Dublin, might not be a bad base for a trip to the big smoke. Five minutes from Grafton Street and Henry Street, the hotel is decorated in a stylish mixture of opulent reds and purples, with oversize gilt mirrors. During July and August rooms cost from €109 per night midweek. 01-6481221, www.trinitycapital hotel.com.
Family getaway in Mayo: €399
If you're planning a trip this summer to the fascinating Museum of Country Life, in Co Mayo, you could consider staying at the new four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, in Claremorris. It has a family offer of €399 for two adults and two children for two nights' bed and breakfast and one dinner. 094-9378000, www.mcwilliam parkhotel.ie.
Spread your wings: €230pps
Your visit to Co Mayo might also coincide with Ballina Salmon Festival, between July 11th and 20th. You could stay at Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, which is set on 40 hectares (100 acres) of woodland on the banks of the Moy, adjoining Mount Falcon Fishery. It has a midweek special of two nights' BB and dinner one night in the Kitchen Restaurant for €230pps; €250 at weekends. 096-74472, www.mountfalcon.com.
Park and fly: €169 for 14 days
More and more people seem to be staying in a hotel near Dublin Airport the night before they fly, to make sure they catch the early bird. Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel, on Malahide Road, has a Park and Fly offer of a room for €169 per night with up to 14 days' free parking - good value compared with long-term parking at the airport, which would cost €133 for the fortnight. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle bus to the airport, 10 minutes away. 01-8661800, www.hilton.co.uk/ dublinairport.