Joan Scalesrounds up all the best offers, from a 'flybreak' in Donegal to flight bargains
DEAL OF THE WEEK: Experience the difference that is Donegal: €165pps
They say in Donegal "up here it's different", so why not see if it is true with this great offer of a "flybreak" to the northwest? The offer includes flights with Aer Arann from Dublin (two flights a day), two nights' bed and breakfast in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Ardara, Ostán na Rosann in Dungloe, or Teac Jack in Gweedore, and also two days' car hire if booked by May 15th for travel up to the end of June. Price €165pps. 074-9548891,
www.real-ireland.com
HOME DEALS
Merrion deal: from €150
Here's an absolute steal: dine at Ireland's only two-star Michelin Restaurant then stay the night, complete with breakfast, for just €150 per person. 01-6030600, www.merrionhotel.com.
Carton kids: from €500
Carton House is coming to the rescue of parents with teenagers with a summer-activity package for all the family. From July 1st to August 31st, families can enjoy a wide range of activities to suit everyone, from exhilarating events organised by Extreme Ireland for the adrenaline junkies to skin-care workshops for girls. There will also be cookery demonstrations, wine tastings, golf, tennis, biking and more. Teens will have a private club area with games for hanging out. Prices are from €500 per person full board and all activities are from Sunday to Friday. 01-5052000, www.cartonhouse.com.
Irish open deal: from €79
Golfing fans staying at the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan during the Irish Open next week could be in for a nice surprise. Owner Luke Moriarty has said he will refund all overnight stays for those on its golfing packages if Rory McIlroy wins the Irish Open. The special golf prices are €79 per night single, €99 double and €129 for family rooms, all including breakfast. 01-8413333, www.brackencourt.ie.
Day at the races: from €150
The Harbour Hotel in Galway will have a grandstand view of the Volvo Ocean Race activities when the boats arrive at the end of the month. It will also host the festival club during the event. Rooms will cost from €150 per night during the two weeks of festivities, May 23rd to June 6th. 091-569466, www.harbour.ie and see www.letsdoitgalway.com for details of events.
A break at the Cliff: from €525
The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford is the only Irish hotel listed on both the Hot Hotels and the Hot Tables List for 2009 in Condé Nast Traveller. Most rooms have terraces with breathtaking views. Ardmore Adventures activity centre has just opened nearby. Two people can share a deluxe room for two nights with breakfast both days and one dinner for €525. 024-87800, www.thecliffhousehotel.com.
OVERSEAS DEALS
Ryanair flights from €2.50
Book until midnight tomorrow with Ryanair to get up to 75 per cent off fares to a range of destinations across Europe in May, June and early July. Fares are from €2.50 plus taxes. www.ryanair.com.
Down Under: from €699
Trailfinders has an exclusive offer of €699 with Etihad for flights to Sydney via Abu Dhabi. On sale until May 23rd, the fare is valid for flights from May to July 17th and from August 17th to November 30th. 01-8814994, www.trailfinders.ie.
Madeira direct: from €390
Flights direct from Dublin to Madeira are available on Sundays with Sata Airlines for €390 including taxes. 01-8447372.
Dubai delights: from €501
Book direct with Emirates and you'll pay €824 to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Emirates is also offering flights to Dubai from €501 per person return including taxes, or book Johannesburg from €608 or Bangkok from €610. For all Australian destinations outbound, travel is valid from now until June 30th, and for Dubai, South Africa and Thailand, travel is valid from now until July 9th and August 11th to November 30th. 00-44-844-8005658, www.emirates.com.
Jo'burg return: from €540
A new website from Tour Africa has been launched. Opening offers include return flights to Johannesburg from €540 and four-star hotels in Cape Town from €72 per room per night. www.tourafrica.ie.
Lake Garda: from €529
You could be in Italy next Saturday with Crystal Holidays, which is offering a week in the Bristol Hotel Sorrento from €699pps with breakfast and dinner each day on May 16th. Or on May 30th, you could spend a week in the Garda Europa Hotel, on Lake Garda from €529pps. 01-4331080, www.crystalholidays.ie.
Turkish delight: from €599
A break to Istanbul is available with Primera Tours on a direct flight from Dublin with Turkish Airlines. Flying on May 28th, the four-day trip will also include transfers, four nights' accommodation and a sightseeing tour with lunch from €599pps. 01-6311077, www.primeratours.ie.
Baltic bonus: from €2,059
Buy one, get one free with Citiescapes for cruises in May and June in the Baltic. Three cruises from 12-15 nights have been discounted with prices for two from €2,059; the second person pays just the taxes. 01- 2941000, www.citiescapes.ie.
Face the Eiger: from €969
Relax in the Swiss Alps with this special offer from Inghams. A week in the Hotel Eiger on a half-board basis will also include a free spa treatment, afternoon tea, and a half-price Swiss travel card for exploring the region from €969pps. 01-6611377, www.inghams.ie.
* Please bear in mind that all deals are subject to availability