The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 17th January 2023
I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals from Ireland include last minute holidays, city breaks, summer holidays, long haul offers, cruise deals and staycations for couples and families.
In this week’s best travel deals from Ireland I have a weekend break to Sardinia, holidays to Madeira and the Amalfi Coast, family holidays to Zakynthos and Lake Garda, an amazing cruise for Christmas and New Year, and super staycations for St Patrick’s weekend.
Best Last Minute Holiday: Madeira
Escape the cold and enjoy a winter week in Madeira. Located off the coast of Africa, temperatures are usually higher in Madeira than in Mediterranean resorts. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers, and there is a host of great accommodation options to choose from.
I found return flights for just €60 from Dublin on the 2nd of February, and Pestana Hotels have 38% off in their January sale.
The four-star Pestana Casino Studios are available from €266 per person, or the 5-star Pestana Carlton Madeira Premium Ocean Resort is available from €350 per person, both for a seven-night stay. Many more hotels are available, including all-inclusive options.
Search Ryanair 2nd – 9th Feb €60
Search Hotels from €266pp
Best overnight escape: St Patricks Weekend in Clare
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Take a trip Clare for St Patrick’s weekend. I found a super deal in the Lahinch Coast Hotel & Suites. There is a Leisure Centre on-site, with a 17 metre pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi – the perfect place to relax after exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Choose a one-night stay for €65pp or a two-night stay for €135pp. Check out the great reviews on TripAdvisor here.
Read: 10 hotel deals in Ireland for St Patrick’s weekend, 2 night stays from €129pp
Best city break: 4-Star weekend in Sardinia for €229!
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Spend the weekend in sunny Sardinia! Alghero is just 10 minutes from the airport so it is ideal for a short break. I found return flights from €80 in May, departing Dublin early Friday morning and returning late Sunday evening, so you will have three days to explore this pretty city.
Alternatively travel from Cork and stay for three nights. Price for Friday to Monday is only €98 on the 12th of May.
There are many great value hotel options here including the 4-star Alma di Alghero Hotel which is only €149 per person for a two-night stay, or €213 for a three-night stay. Located beside the beach, and 15-minutes walk from the historic centre, it offers the best of both worlds.
Search flights 12th – 14th May €80pp
View hotel €149pp
Best summer sun: Sorrento in July
Spend your summer holidays on the Amalfi Coast this year – flight prices are SO low, even in July! I found return flights for €159 on the 5th of July from Dublin and the 12th of July from Shannon.
A seven-night stay at the highly rated 4-star Prestige Hotel is just €479 including breakfast and free cancellation. I have many more hotel options in this post:
Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Capri
Search flights 5th – 12th July ex Dublin or 12th – 19th July ex Shannon
View hotel €479pp
Best family holiday: All Inclusive in Zakynthos
Visit the world’s most photographed beach this summer, while staying in one of Zakynthos’ top rated family resorts. The 4-star+ All Inclusive Aqua Bay Suites have eight pools, a water park, kids clubs, and access to a choice of dining options across three of their hotels.
Price for a seven-night stay with flights, transfers, checked baggage as well as meals, drinks and waterpark access included is €3787 for a family of four, departing August 9th. This is based on sharing a family room with sliding doors and balcony, however swim up rooms and rooms with private pools are also available.
Price includes a Free Child Place and a €250 discount that is applied when you enter the unique code given to you on the TUI website. This discount of €250 is available across multiple all-inclusive holidays when you spend over €2500.
Best family staycation: St Patrick’s weekend in Connemara
Take the family to Connemara for St Patrick’s weekend. I found a two-bedroom holiday home in the Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa for just €470 for a two-night stay, including breakfast!
With private access to the Blue Flag Mannin Bay beach, the Connemara Sands Hotel is one of the best beach hotels in Ireland. A stay here offers the best of both worlds, as you have the benefits of its hotel facilities, including the Spa and Wellness centre, as well as self catering facilities in a holiday home.
Read: Family breaks in Ireland over Patricks Weekend, 2 night stays from €340
Best cruise deal: Christmas & New Year Adventure
Want to escape for Christmas next year? I found an amazing deal for anyone who wants to be away for the festivities – a 19 night all-inclusive cruise for only €1970! Visit Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus on Celestyal Crystal from the 16th of December until the 4th of January 2024.
The price includes meals, unlimited drinks, gratuities and three excursions to Ephesus, Cairo and Knossos. There are only two full sea days, you will be in various ports for the other 17! Flights need to be added, but the travel agent can book these for you when flights are on sale.
Best early booking offer: Lake Garda for October Mid term
Secure your October mid term break getaway now before the prices increase! I found great value flights to Verona in Italy from Dublin airport. Explore Lake Garda’s pretty towns and villages and cycle the new bike path, treat the kids to GardaLand, or enjoy a day trip to nearby Venice or Verona.
Price for flights and a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom bungalow in Camping Bella Italia is €923 for a family of four. Yes I know the dash for the sun beds is not ideal here 🫣, but you can’t deny the facilities and value!
I also spotted a well-rated apartment in Peschiera that might be better for anyone looking for somewhere a little more low key. You can find both options in this post:
Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some of my best travel deals from Ireland include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.
