summer holiday deals from Ireland

I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals from Ireland include last minute holidays, short breaks, summer holidays, cruise deals, and super staycations.

In this week’s best travel deals I have an Easter holiday in Lake Como, weekend breaks to Bordeaux and Genoa, summer holidays in Tenerife, Cyprus, and Mexico, a 16-night transatlantic cruise, New Year in Iceland, and super staycations in Antrim.

Best last minute: Easter week in Lake Como

If you are still searching for an alluring Easter break, look no further! I found a super deal to Lake Como, departing on the 3rd or 5th of April.

Enjoy a seven-night stay with breakfast and evening meal included, as well as return flights, checked baggage, a full day tour to Milan, train journey on the Bernina Express and a half-day boat cruise on Lake Como, from just €869 per person!

Price is €869 on the 3rd of April and €939 per person on the 5th of April. These prices include a €60 per person discount when you use my promo code TTE60 – but hurry there is only 10 places left!

Read: 5 Holidays in Italy to take this year

See offer here

Best overnight escape: 5-Star in Belfast, B&B +Dinner from €104

The 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast has a super Spring Awakening package from just £115 per person, which includes an overnight stay with breakfast, and a two-course evening meal in the hotel’s restaurant.

Price is available on various dates in April, but I spotted Good Friday from £140 per person. You can also save a further 10% by using code Direct.

View offer here

Best city break: A Weekend in Bordeaux for €247

Explore the historic city of Bordeaux and its neighbouring winelands for just €247 per person. I found flights from €64 return from Dublin on the 20th of April and €73 from Cork on the 21st of April, and a three-night stay at the 4-Star StayCity apart-hotel is just €186 per person.

Located in the heart of the city and highly rated on TripAdvisor, this is a great choice for a weekend in Bordeaux.

If you prefer a little luxury in the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, the 5-star Château Hôtel Grand Barrail is €522 for a three-night stay with breakfast.

Search flights here 20th – 23rd April €61pp

View Hotel here €186pp

View Chateau €521pp

Best summer sun: A week in Cyprus from €459

Combine a relaxing beach holiday with some history and culture thrown in, by spending a week in Cyprus this summer. I found great value flights from Dublin to Paphos for just €237 on the 25th of August.

A seven-night stay in the popular Pagona Holiday apartments is just €224 per person, or choose the beachfront Queens Bay Hotel from €368 per person including breakfast.

Search flights here 25th Aug – 1st Sept €237

View Apt here €224pp

Search hotel here €368pp

Best family holiday: All Inclusive in Tenerife

For families looking for a luxury all-inclusive holiday, the MaryLanza Suites & Spa should tick all boxes. This hotel boasts a fine dining restaurant and Teppanyaki, as well as a buffet restaurant with a terrace for al fresco dining. Chilled Cava, a chocolate fountain and themed evenings elevate the dining experience.

There are two pools, including one with in-water seats, as well as a luxury Spa. Children are well catered for too with a children’s pool, day and evening entertainment and a games room and play centre.

Siam Park – voted Europe’s best water park for seven years in a row is also close by, full day tickets are €40 per adult and €28 per child. Attraction Tickets have 7% off all theme park tickets (including Orlando) if you use code PAYDAY7.

The MaryLanza Suites & Spa is one of the top rated hotels in Tenerife on TripAdvisor, and the location is great too, with Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas just 15-minutes’ walk away.

Price for flights, transfers, baggage and a seven-night stay on an All Inclusive basis for 2 adults and 2 children is €3346 on the 11th of August. This includes a Free Child Place and a saving of €150 per booking when you spend €1250 with code HOL150.

Read: 10 Family holidays in July & August, 2 ad & 2ch from €2959

View offer here

View Siam Park

Best family staycation: Glamping for June Bank holiday

Glamping company Further Space has 11 sites across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, but what sets this site apart is that all pods come with stunning sea views. Further Space at Glenarm Castle is also ideally located for exploring the Causeway Coast.

The pods are located inside the grounds of Glenarm Castle so you enjoy plenty of onsite facilities including a choice of dining options, a Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, and a Mini Land Rover Experience for children.

Price for a two-night family break over the June bank holiday weekend is £380, based on a family of four using the flexible booking option.

Read: My top 30 picks for glamping in Ireland

View offer here £380

Best short break: A 4-star weekend in Genoa from €242

Enjoy a long weekend in Genoa this summer. Explore the city or visit the nearby resorts of Portofino or Cinque Terre. I found great value flights from just €102 from the 9th of June.

A three-night stay in the 4-star Astoria Hotel is just €240 per person – which is one of the most popular hotels in Genoa and is rated no 1 on TripAdvisor.

There are many more options available including apartments in the nearby beach resorts on the Italian Riviera. You may wish to extend your stay…

Search flights here 9th – 12th June €102

View hotel here €240pp

Best cruise: Transatlantic cruise from the Med to the Caribbean

This trip of a lifetime will see you embark on a 16-night trip from Barcelona to the Caribbean, visiting Tenerife and Lanzarote before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

Your trip doesn’t end there though, you will visit St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands and overnight in San Juan before you sail to Miami to catch a direct flight home to Dublin.

Price of €1999 includes direct flights from Dublin to Barcelona and home from Miami, airport transfers, checked baggage, and a 16-night cruise on MSC Seashore on a full board basis with gratuities included.

Upgrade to an oceanview cabin for an additional €200 per person or a balcony cabin for a supplement of €459 per person. Drinks packages available from €864 per person.

View offer here

Best long haul: All Inclusive in Mexico

Did you know there are direct flights to Mexico this summer? TUI has a charter flight to Cancun, which offers great value for anyone looking for all inclusive holiday deals from Ireland.

The 4-Star Bahia Principe Grand Coba is the most reasonably priced at €1380pp or you can choose the 4*+ Bahia Principe Grand Tulum from €1427pp. If you fancy 5-star treatment, the Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an is €1582pp.

Prices include flights, transfers, checked baggage and a 14 night stay on an all inclusive basis. They include a discount of €300 per booking when you use the unique code given to you online.

See offers here

Best Early Booking Offer: New Year in Iceland

If you like getting away for New Year, you need to book early to get the best airfares. Play Airlines have flights on sale from Dublin to Reykjavik for €167 return for three, four or five nights. Price for a three-night stay in the centrally located City Centre Hotel is €345 per person.

I have also linked a Northern Lights tour for just €55 – what an amazing way to start the New Year! Attraction Tickets have 7% off all theme park tickets ( including Orlando ) if you use code PAYDAY7.

Flights are shown via Skyscanner below, but as always, I suggest you book directly on the airlines website.

Read: Top things to do in Iceland

Read: Weekend in Iceland for New Year

View flights here €167pp

View hotel here €345pp

Northern Lights tour €55pp

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and prices are taken from third party websites and 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.

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The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 14th March 2023

2 weeks agoSarah Slattery

I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals from Ireland include last minute holidays, short breaks, summer holidays, cruise deals, and staycations for couples and families.

In this week’s best travel deals from Ireland I have a last minute break in Gran Canaria, a weekend in Corfu Town, summer holidays in Sardinia and Costa del Sol, a family holiday to Zakynthos, a fabulous Celebrity cruise, Santorini for the October mid term break and super staycations in Mayo and West Cork.

Best last minute: A week in Gran Canaria

Escape to the sun on the 27th of March and enjoy a week in in Gran Canaria from just €407, including flights, transfers and checked baggage!

You will be staying at the Apartamentos Koala The Home Collection which are located in the centre of Maspalomas and boast two swimming pools amongst its amenities. The recent reviews on TripAdvisor have been great too.

View offer here

Best overnight escape: Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

I have recently returned from a fabulous stay in Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. Its superb beachfront location and Seawater Spa make it an ideal destination for a relaxing break away.

The ‘Come Dine With Me’ package includes an overnight stay with breakfast, a five-course evening meal in the Gulfstream Restaurant, and access to the heated Seawater Therapy Pool, Gym and Relaxation areas, and is priced at just €160 per person. This is available on selected dates in March and April.

View offer here

Best short break: Weekend in Corfu Town

Spend a weekend discovering the Old Town of Corfu. Renowned for its ancient ruins and beautiful architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a pleasure to explore. I found great value flights departing Friday the 22nd of April from Dublin for €174, and a three-night stay in the highly rated Bella Venezia is just €171 per person including breakfast.

This restored historical mansion is rated number 1 on TripAdvisor, and is regarded as one of the best places to stay if you are looking for a central stay in Corfu Town.

Search flights here 22nd – 25th April €174pp

View Hotel €171pp

Best May deal: A week in Sardinia

Explore Sardinia’s sandy beaches and pretty old towns with this super deal to Alghero. I found return flights from €164 on the 12th of May from Dublin, and €154 on the 8th of May from Cork, and a seven-night stay at the highly rated Hotel Villa Piras is only €243 per person, making the total cost just €397 for one week.

Search flights here May from €154pp

View Hotel €243pp

Best summer sun: A week in Costa del Sol

I had a great response to my post on the Caminito del Rey, so I decided to put a package together for you incorporating a beach holiday with a day trip to the Caminito included.

Read: Top tips for walking the Caminito del Rey and why it should be on your bucket list

I found great value return flights to Malaga on the 13th of June for €148, but you can choose any date or duration to suit you.

A seven-night stay at the 4-star Illunion Fuengirola is only €445 per person. I have stayed here many times and love its beachfront location. Fuengirola’s old town is great for shopping and there are some superb restaurants there too.

A guided tour of the Caminito del Rey including pick up from Fuengirola is just €69, and is probably the most convenient way to get there.

Search flights here 13th – 20th June €148pp

View Hotel €445pp

View tours here

Best family holiday: All Inclusive Week in Zakynthos

Bring the family to Zakynthos this summer. The All Inclusive TUI SUNEO Tsilivi Admiral is packed with family entertainment and sports activities for an active summer holiday. There is a choice of dining options with meals and drinks included in the cost, and guests are also given a discount for entrance to the Tsilivi waterpark, which is located 750m away.

Price for flights, transfers, baggage and a seven-night stay on an All Inclusive basis for 2 adults and 2 children is €3450 on the 13th of August. This includes a Free Child Place and a saving of €150 per booking when you use code HOL150 online.

See lots more family deals with Free Child Places in this post:

Read: 12 Great Family holiday Deals in July & August

View 13th August

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Best family staycation: 3-Night Easter break in Apartments at Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo

Enjoy a fabulous family break in Mayo over Easter holidays staying a 2-bedroom apartment in the Mulranny Park Hotel. There are plenty of activities for children on site, including Kids Club, Movie Nights, Seashore Safari, Animal Hunt and Fairy Trail, as well a Leisure Centre with kids pool.

If you can manage to tear yourself away from the extensive onsite facilities, the Great Western Greenway and Mulranny beach are on your doorstep. A three-night break should also give you time to visit Achill Island and the film locations from the Banshees of Inisherin.

Three-night breaks are available from €800 including breakfast, staying in a two-bedroom apartment that can accommodate 2 adults and 4 children. Family breaks are available throughout Easter holidays, but availability is limited from 7th – 10th of April.

See more here

Read: 10 family breaks over Easter holidays – 2 night stays from €434

Best cruise: Celebrity Edge

If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I loved Celebrity Beyond, and if you book this super deal, you will see why!

Cruise the Med for seven glorious days on Celebrity Edge ( Celebrity Beyond’s sister ), for only €1465 on the 12th of August! Visit Cannes, Portofino, Rome, Corsica, and La Spezia – which is the gateway to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre.

Price includes flights from Dublin with checked baggage, meals and entertainment. You can add on a drinks package, WiFi and Gratuities for an additional €310, making the total just €1785 for a five-star all inclusive cruise in August. This one will be hard to beat…

View offer here

Best long haul holiday – Go Solo in St Lucia

Have you ever wanted to travel solo? This is the perfect opportunity to try it! The Body Holiday is the ultimate wellness all-inclusive resort and it dedicates the month of September to solo travellers – you pay no single supplement!

You can enjoy a personalised schedule of spa treatments, fitness classes and water sports, as well as meals and premium drinks – all included in the cost of your holiday.

The Body Holiday can be whatever you want it to be. You can abseil down a river gorge in the morning, enjoy a spa treatment in the afternoon, and sip champagne at sunset.

Price for a seven-night stay including flights, transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis is €3099.

See more here

Best early booking offer: October Mid Term Break in Santorini

The secret is out… Aer Lingus are flying direct to Santorini for the October bank holiday weekend Enjoy a seven-night stay from the 28th of October for just €527 including flights and accommodation.

I have put various packages together including accommodation options in Fira and Oia to suit adults and families – see them all in this post:

Read: Santorini Offers for October bank holiday week from €393

Search flights here €350pp

Zacharakis €177pp

See ALL Offers

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.

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The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 28th February 2023

1 month agoSarah Slattery

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, cruise deals, and staycations for couples and families.

In this week’s best travel deals from Ireland I have a luxury break Quinta do Lago, summer holidays in Santorini and Marrakech, family holidays to Lanzarote and Orlando, a city break in Berlin, a choice of MSC Cruises, and super staycations.

Best last minute: Luxury for less in Quinta do Lago

Treat yourself to a short break in one of the Algarve’s most exclusive resorts. Stay in a luxury townhouse in Martinhal Quinta with private pool and garden from just €249 for five nights!

I found return flights from Dublin on the 27th of March for €93, and a 2 bedroom townhouse is just €156 per person for five nights, based on four sharing. Flights are also available from Cork, Shannon and Knock – find more info via the link below.

Price includes Aer Lingus flights, 10kg checked baggage and a two bedroom townhouse, based on four sharing. So bring your family, or get a few friends together and enjoy beach walks and brunches in Quinta do Lago.

See more here

Best overnight escape: Mother’s Day in Kinsale

Treat yourself or your Mum to a Mother’s Day escape in the Kinsale Hotel & Spa for just €80 per person. Set in 90 acres of woodlands, yet only a five-minute drive to the vibrant city of Kinsale, this hotel offers the best of both worlds.

The indoor pool, luxury spa, and Rockpool Bar & restaurant are sure to please and this rate includes breakfast too!

Read: 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas – Spa days and hotel stays from €55pp

View offer here

Best April / May deal: A week in Santorini for €304

Scratch one off the bucket list and visit Santorini before the crowds arrive. I found great value flights for just €139 in April. Price for flights and a seven-night stay in the Zacharakis apartments is only €304, or stay in the picture perfect town of Oia for only €500 including flights. See these and lots more options here:

See more here

Best summer sun: Magical Marrakech

If you are looking for a sun holiday this summer with a little culture and charm thrown in, then don’t miss Marrakesh. It is certainly on trend this year with many celebrities choosing it as their winter sun destination of choice.

I found great value return airfares for only €164 on the 28th of July. A seven-night stay at the luxury 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel is only €485 per person including breakfast. This is highly rated on TripAdvisor and combines traditional Moroccan influences with luxury modern interiors. Total cost for a seven night holiday including flights is just €649 per person.

Search flights 28th July – 4th August €164pp

View hotel here €485pp

Best city break: 3 night break in Berlin for €198!

Berlin is a great choice for a city break. There are fascinating sights everywhere you turn – The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall, to name but a few! However, Berlin also has some great nightlife and shopping – you can combine culture with craft beers and get the best of both worlds.

Read: My city guide to Berlin

I found great value flights for just €45 return on the 18th of April, and a three-night stay at the top rated Mercure Berlin Wittenbergplatz is only €149 per person – so you can enjoy a three night break in Berlin for less than €200!

Search flights 18 – 21 April €45pp

View hotel here €153pp

Best family holiday: 4-Star week in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations from Ireland, and I’ve found a deal in one of its most popular hotels on the 16th of July! The Las Costas Hotel is located right on the beach but also posts a pool with stunning sea views. There is a children’s pool and snack bar, as well as a cocktail bar, games room, gym and Spa.

Price of €2973 includes flights, checked baggage, transfers and a seven-night stay with breakfast and evening meal included, based on a family of four. Price includes a FREE Child Place and a €200 discount when you use the promo code SPAIN via the link below. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor if you still need convincing.

View offer here

Read: 12 Family holiday deals in July & August, All Inclusive holidays from €2668

Best family staycation: Easter break at Midlands Park Hotel

Enjoy a two-night family break at the highly rated Midlands Park Hotel this Easter from €434 for a family of four, or €498 for a family of five. We stayed here last year and loved its family friendly facilities and great dining options.

Price includes breakfast each day, a 4-course evening meal on the night of your choice, a family activity pass to one of the nearby top attractions, an Easter egg for the kids on arrival, and full access to the Leisure Centre.

Read: Family breaks at Midlands Park Hotel

Book here

Best cruise: MSC All Inclusive Med Cruises from €849

MSC Cruises are having a moment! They have a staggering 21 cruise ships in their fleet and so many offers to choose from. I’ve cruised with MSC on a few occasions, you can read my review of MSC Seaview here:

Read: Review of MSC Seaview

If you haven’t tried a cruise before, you might like to try an all-inclusive 3-night Med cruise. Price including flights, checked baggage, gratuities meals and premium drinks is just €849 on the 13th of October.

Alternatively choose an all-inclusive seven-night Italy, Montenegro and Greek Isles cruise from €1239. This also includes flights, checked baggage, meals, premium drinks and gratuities, as well as return airport transfers. See these and lots more here:

View all offers

Best long haul: South Africa

South Africa is one of my favourite holiday destinations and this super two-week trip manages to capture many of the highlights. Spend four nights in Cape Town, three nights in the Winelands, three nights on the Garden Route and three nights at Amakhala Game Reserve with meals and game drives included – a place I stayed in a few years ago and can highly recommend.

Price of €2299 per person includes flights, accommodation as per itinerary, and nine nights car hire, travelling on the 4th of September.

Read: How to plan the perfect South Africa road trip

View offer here

Best early booking offer: Orlando for New Year

Can you think of a better way to ring in the New Year? Enjoy a trip of a lifetime by spending New Year in Orlando with your family. Stay on site at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort and get early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enjoy mind blowing simulator rides from your favourite movies.

Read: How to plan a trip to Orlando in 10 easy steps

I found a deal flying with Delta Airlines on the 27th of December and a 10 night stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort for €4624 based on a family of four. See more details in this post:

See more here

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The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 14th February 2023

1 month agoSarah Slattery

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, cruise deals, and staycations for couples and families.

In this week’s best travel deals from Ireland I have a last minute ski holiday, an overnight escape to London, holidays to Zakynthos, Puglia and Las Vegas, a family holiday to the Algarve, a five star yacht cruise in Croatia, an epic trip to Vietnam and some super staycations.

Best last minute: Ski trip!

Hit the slopes with great value ski deals to Andorra! Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay at the highly rated Hotel Yomo Patagonia, with breakfast and evening meal included, is only €370 on the 26th of February.

View offer here

Best overnight escape: Trim Castle Hotel

Trim Castle Hotel has a super offer for an overnight stay, with breakfast, dinner, a bottle of Prosecco and a late check-out included for just €175 per couple! We stayed here last year and enjoyed the fabulous Trim Castle walk and visit to the castle. Guests also have free access to the Aura Leisure Centre close by.

Look for the Winter Escape offer via the link below – it is valid until the 26th of February.

Read: 20 last minute hotel deals in February, overnight stays from €46 per person

View offer here

Best city break: 4-Star London break for €109!

Jet off to London for the night in March for just €109! Take in a show ( I can highly recommend Abba Voyage ), see the sights, or visit the Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studios – tickets are still available from Attraction Tickets with return transportation from Victoria.

Flights are available from €29 return to Stansted or €35 return to Gatwick on the 12th of March from Dublin, and similar prices are available from Cork, Shannon and Knock airports to Stansted.

You can fly early morning and come back late in the evening which will give you two full days to explore this great city.

I stayed at the 4-star Park Plaza Victoria Hotel which is ideally located beside Victoria station and within walking distance of Westminster Bridge, the London Eye and most of London’s top attractions. Price for an overnight stay is just €80 per person.

Read: Top Tips for Visiting Harry Potter Studios

Search flights here

Search hotel here

Best May deal: Zakynthos for €299!

Kickstart your summer with a week in the beautiful island of Zakynthos. With the announcement of a new service from Dublin with Ryanair, airfares have never been lower!

Visit the most photographed beach in the world – Shipwreck beach, see the Loggerhead turtles, or take a boat trip to Kefalonia.

Return flights are available from €177 in May ( and October ) and the popular Seaview apartments are superbly priced at just €122 per person for a seven-night stay. The 4-star Ionian Aura apart-hotel is another great choice, priced at just €165 per person including breakfast.

See more here

Best summer sun: Puglia ❤️

Explore Puglia this summer! With flights to both Bari and Brindisi from Dublin, you have a choice of flights available. I found flights to Brindisi for just €118 return on the 25th of July.

The Dimora Charleston Guesthouse in Lecce is highly rated on TripAdvisor and ideally placed to explore this gorgeous region. Price for a seven-night stay in a junior suite with Spa bath and breakfast €468 per person.

The Hilton Garden Inn is another great choice and also is rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor. A seven-night stay here is €487 per person.

Search flights here 25th July – 1st August €118

View guesthouse €468pp

View Hotel €487pp

You could also choose to fly into Brindisi and home Bari, or vice versa, and explore the northern Puglia towns of Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, and pop into nearby Matera – one of Italy’s most fascinating cities.

Read: 3 places you must visit in Puglia

Read: Our magical weekend in Matera

Best family holiday: All Inclusive in the Algarve

If you are following me for some time you will know how much I love Alvor in the Algarve. I found an all-inclusive deal to the Alvor Baia this summer. Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay with meals and drinks included is €3525 on the 17th of July.

View offer here

See many more offers including discounts of €200 off holidays to Spain, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as well as Free child places in this post:

Read: 12 family holidays in July and August with Free child places & exclusive discounts

Best family staycation: Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny

The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny is one of the best family hotels in Ireland. As well as swimming pool, adventure playground, animal farm, kids clubs and go karting, a dinosaur-themed park opened here last year, with life-sized (robotic) dinosaurs that move and roar!

Deluxe family rooms can get booked out months in advance, so it is always best to book as early as possible. Price for a two-night family stay over the October bank holiday weekend is €480 including breakfast – but hurry there are only four rooms left!

Read: Top things to do in Kilkenny with kids

View offer here

Best cruise: Croatia yacht cruise

Island hopping in Croatia is on my own wish list and this luxury cruise looks like the best way to do it. Unlike regular cruises you get to dine in the ports you visit each night.

Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik, visit the stunning islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet, and discover Split, Markarska and much more.

Price for flights, transfers and a seven night cruise on this luxury yacht is €2130 per person. Many meals and excursions are also included in the cost, see full details and itinerary via the link below.

View offer here

Best long haul holiday: Vietnam

Discover all the highlights of Vietnam on one epic trip. Explore the bustling city of Hanoi, overnight on a traditional Vietnamese cruise ship in Halong Bay, take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, take a boat cruise through the floating markets of Cai Rang, cycle through the rural villages and rice fields of the Mekong Delta, and visit Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.

Price for flights, transfers, 13 nights accommodation, 2 overnight flights, all breakfasts, 11 lunches, 1 dinner and guided activities and excursions is only €2399. Small group tours are available in May, September, October and November, and the single supplement only €349!

See more here

See more adventure holidays, including walking tours, photography and yoga trips here:

Read: 10 adventure holidays for active travellers

Best early booking offer: Christmas shopping in Las Vegas!

Enjoy a Christmas shopping break in Vegas! Price for flights and a five-night stay at the 4-star Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino is just €654 on the 12th of December!

The price of €654 is based on flying via London but I suggest clicking on the Alternative Flight Options box and selecting Delta Airlines flights via New York (an additional €35) – this will enable you to clear emigration in Dublin before you leave.

View offer here

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 31st January 2023

2 months agoSarah Slattery

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, cruise deals and staycations for couples and families.

In this week’s best travel deals from Ireland I have a city break to Lisbon, holidays to Malta, Cambrils and the Algarve, a family holiday to Menorca, a five star luxury cruise, an early booking offer to the Portofino Coast, and some super staycations.

Best last minute: Malta

Avail of low airfares from Shannon airport and take a spring break in Malta. I found return flights for just €77 on the 22nd of February.

The 4-star Hotel Argento is highly rated on TripAdvisor and is located close to the popular resort on St Julians. Price for a seven-night stay is just €145 per person. Flights are also available ex Dublin from €182 per person around the same time.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta

Search flights here 22nd Feb – 1st March €77pp

View hotel here €145pp

Best overnight escape: Lough Erne Resort

With Valentines Day just around the corner, why not give the gift of an overnight escape? The 5-Star Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh is just €79 per person including breakfast on the 20th of February or on Mother’s Day, 19th of March.

We stayed in Lough Erne resort a few years ago and loved it. It’s stunning location on a 600-acre peninsula was just one of the reasons, the top quality food and service were others. It offers a host of activities including two Championship Golf Courses and a unique Thai inspired Spa.

Read: My review of Lough Erne Resort

View offer here

Read: 20 last minute hotel deals in Ireland, February stays from €46pp

Read: 20 spa breaks in Ireland, overnight stays from €45pp

Best city break: 2 Nights / 3 Days in Lisbon from €176

You probably know by now how much I love Lisbon, but at these prices hopefully you will to! I found weekend flights on Sunday morning the 23rd of April returning Tuesday night the 25th of April for just €50 from Dublin. This gives you three full days to enjoy the city.

Lisbon is very easy to navigate too, but if you don’t fancy walking it, there are delightful old trams and tuk tuks available to help you explore this great city.

Read: My Top 10 things to do in Lisbon

The HF Fenix Music hotel is one of the top-rated three-star hotels in Lisbon. Its trendy rooftop pool, music theme and location beside the Oriente metro station has seen it receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. If you are looking for a four or five star hotel, check out my post on the best places to stay in Lisbon here:

Read: Where to stay in Lisbon – my top 10 Lisbon hotels

Search flights here 23rd – 25th April €50pp

View hotel here €126pp

Best May deal: Cambrils, Costa Dorada

The 4-star H10 Cambrils Playa is a super place to stay if you want a relaxing beach holiday, or want to explore the Costa Dorada and nearby cities of Barcelona or Tarragona. Located right beside the beach in the upmarket resort of Cambrils, it offers superb value for such a highly rated hotel.

Price for a seven-night stay with flights, transfers, checked baggage and breakfast and dinner included (check out the reviews of the food on TripAdvisor) is just €478 per person on the 5th of May. This includes a discount of €100 per booking when you use SALE100 online.

View offer here

Best summer sun: Wellness week in the Algarve

The Algarve is a popular choice for Wellness holidays. There are 100 beaches stretching over 150 km of coastline as well as a wide choice of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Aer Lingus have return flights to Faro from Dublin for just €132 on the 13th of June, and there are flights from Cork, Knock and Shannon from €206, €275 and €279 respectively with Ryanair.

The highly rated Vale d’ El Rei Hotel & Villas is superbly priced at just €344 per person for a seven-night stay including breakfast. Located on the outskirts of Carvoeiro, surrounded by vineyards, this 4-Star hotel boasts a Spa, two pools and a tennis court.

Alternatively chose the relatively new (opened in 2019) 5-Star adult-only Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel which offers a wide selection of health and wellness holiday programmes on-site.

A state of the art fitness centre with yoga and pilates classes, as well as a spa and wellness centre are also available if you don’t wish to partake in any of the dedicated programmes available.

Read: 10 great holiday deals for adults this summer

View Aer Lingus 13th – 20th June €132pp

Search Ryanair

4-star hotel €344pp

5-star hotel €630pp

Best cruise deal: All Inclusive Celebrity Cruise in July

If you were following me last year you will know how much I loved Celebrity Beyond cruise ship, so I was delighted to find some great offers available on Celebrity’s Edge Class ships this summer.

Celebrity Edge will cruise from Barcelona in July and visit Portofino in Italy – this cruise is worth it for that stop alone, La Spezia where you can visit Tuscany and Florence, as well as Corsica and Cannes, before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home.

Price of €1890 on the 8th of July includes Aer Lingus flights, transfers, seat selection and 20kg checked baggage; a seven-night cruise in a deluxe interior cabin with meals and Classic Drinks package included, as well as basic WiFi, gratuities and $200 on-board credit per cabin!

See more Celebrity Cruise holiday deals from Ireland, including an 11 night Italy, Turkey & Greek Islands Cruise from €3,049pp in August, and a 10-Night Italy, Croatia & Montenegro Cruise from €2,619pp in October:

Read: 3 All Inclusive Celebrity Cruise Offers – Prices from €1937 inc flights, gratuities & more

See offers here

Best family holiday: Top family resort in Menorca

best travel deals for families from Ireland — Children’s pool at Zafiro Menorca

The highly rated Zafiro Menorca is a super family resort that boasts three swimming pools, an extensive entertainment programme and is located just 10 minutes from the gorgeous beach at Cala’n Bosch.

Children will love the kids pool with pirate ship and slides, as well as the daily activities, that include workshops, games and shows. One bedroom suites and swim-up suites are available that sleep up to four and have a kitchenette and living area.

Fly from Dublin on the 6th of July and enjoy a seven-night family holiday to Zafiro Menorca for just €2527, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

Read: 10 Great Family holiday deals in July and August

Search flights here €224pp 6th – 13th July

View Apartment €1411 Self catering

Best family staycation: Garryvoe Beach Homes, Cork

The Garryvoe Beach Homes are newly built homes with modern interiors and stunning views, as well a private garden to take advantage of them.

As the name suggests they are situated just two minutes walk from the Blue Flag Garryvoe Beach, however you can also avail of the leisure centre and swimming pool at the nearby Garryvoe Hotel, for a nominal daily charge.

Price; for a two-night family stay over St Patrick’s Weekend is €466 in a one-bedroom home, or €673 in a three-bedroom home.

Read: 12 family breaks over St Patrick’s weekend – 2 Night stays from €382

View offer here

Best early booking offer: A weekend on the Portofino Coast

Spend a weekend on the Italian Riviera this year and visit the exclusive resorts of Portofino and the hill top towns of the Cinque Terre. The newly announced summer flights to Genoa from Dublin offer superb value for a weekend break.

I found flights from €107 return in September and October, departing early Friday morning and returning late Monday night so you will have four days to explore this stunning coastline. However, if time and budget allows, I suggest stay longer!

I visited Portofino and the nearby town of Santa Margherita many years ago, and I think you would want to be made of stone if they didn’t impress you! Hotel prices are less expensive in Santa Margherita, although it is only five minutes by taxi into Portofino.

I found great value in the 4-Star Helios hotel. Price for a three-night stay with breakfast is €237 per person on the 6th of October. If you fancy some five-star treatment, the Excelsior Coast Hotel is the best value at €463 per person.

Search Ryanair 6th – 9th October €107pp

4-star hotel €237pp

5-star hotel €463pp

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 17th January 2023

2 months agoSarah Slattery

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

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

View offer here

Best city break: 4-Star weekend in Sardinia for €229!

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.

View offer here

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

View offer here

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.

View offer here

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:

View offer here

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 10th January 2023

3 months agoSarah Slattery

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 holidays to Corfu, Croatia and Marrakesh, family holidays to the Algarve, an amazing cruise deal, Easter weekend in Italy, New Year in Iceland and super staycations.

Best Last Minute Holiday: Marrakesh

Marrakesh is having a moment. If you are looking for an alternative to the Canary Islands this winter, with a little culture and charm thrown in, then don’t miss Marrakesh. As well as great value hotels, you should also enjoy some balmy temperatures – it is 23 degrees and sunny today!

I found return flights for just €132 on the 31st of January for seven nights, and a traditional stay in the top rated Riad Elnoujoum is only €245 per person including breakfast.

Search flights here 31st Jan – 7th February €132pp

View Riad here €245pp

Best Overnight Escape: Valentines night at Mount Juliet

Give the gift of a hotel stay this Valentines Day! Price for an overnight stay at the 5-star Mount Juliet Hotel is just €92 per person on the 14th of February including breakfast.

Prices are even less on later dates – €85 per person on the 22nd of February, €79 per person on the 29th of March or €85 per person on the 16th of April – many more dates are available throughout the year for similar prices.

Read: My review of Mount Juliet

View offer here

Best Spring / City Break: Trieste for Easter weekend

New holiday destinations from Ireland in 2023 - Trieste — Image by Severin Herrmann from Pixabay

We have over 23 new destinations from Ireland this year, and thankfully many of the new ‘summer‘ routes are starting at the end of March, just in time for Easter holidays. The Italian city of Trieste is one of them and I found flights for €74 over Easter weekend.

Read: 12 City breaks over Easter weekend, Inc flights & hotels from €259pp

The 4-star Hotel Coppe is €320 for a four-night stay and superbly located to explore this great city. Want to bring the kids along? The Residence Le Terrazze apartments are just €489 for a four night stay for a family of four.

Trieste is a delightful city in its own right, but it also ideally located to explore the pretty towns and villages of Slovenia, as well as Lake Bled (90 minutes away). There is so much to do here, you can catch the train to Venice for the day too.

Flights operate twice weekly and flights are only €89 for seven nights over Easter holidays – you may wish to stay longer!

Search flights 8th – 12th April €74

View hotel here €320pp

View Apartment €489

Best May Deal: A week in Corfu for €285!

Kickstart your summer with a week in the Greek island of Corfu for €285! The friendly Spiros apartments are located in the pretty resort of Sidari and are rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor.

This super deal is perfect for anyone looking to visit Greece without breaking the bank – the price includes flights, apartment, transfers and checked baggage for seven nights, departing the 22nd of May.

View offer here

Best Summer Sun: 5-Star week in Croatia

We are so lucky to have direct flights to four airports in Croatia this summer. I have a soft spot for Cavtat because I think it ticks all boxes for couples looking for an upmarket resort, with lots of things to do nearby. You can take boat trips to Dubrovnik and many of Croatia’s islands, or pop into nearby Montenegro and explore the stunning bay of Kotor.

Airfares are particularly good value this summer with return flights from €141 in August or €162 in July. The 5-star Hotel Croatia is available from €708 for a seven-night stay including breakfast.

Read: The best places to stay in Croatia

See more here

Best Family Holiday Deal: Relax in the Algarve

For families looking for a relaxing sun holiday this summer, the Colina de Lapa apartments and villas in Carvoeiro offer excellent value. I found a great deal including return flights for €1767 for a family of four, departing the 19th of July for seven nights – many more dates are available at similar prices.

Three and four bedroom villas are also available here, making it an ideal choice for an extended family getaway.If you prefer family accommodation with more activities, water slides, kids clubs, I have lots more recommendations in this post:

Read: Family holidays in the Algarve, my top 20 picks

View offer here

Best Family Staycation: Riverside Park Hotel Family Sale

The Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford is having a sale this week, with 10% off its family summer breaks. Two-night breaks are always superb value and sell out early each year. We visited a few years ago and enjoyed its spacious rooms and family friendly facilities.

Prices are available from €341 for 2 adults and 1 child, €365 for 2 adults and 2 children and €476 for 2 adults and 3 children, and include breakfast, a 4-Course meal for all the family on the evening of your choice, a family activity pass to one of Wexford’s top attractions, and lots more.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Wexford with kids

See more here

Best Cruise / Long Haul Deal: Orlando + 7 Night All Inclusive Cruise, €1465!

Enjoy the thrills of Orlando before cruising the Caribbean for seven nights! This amazing cruise deal includes a four-night stay in Orlando plus an All Inclusive cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico for just €1465 on the 10th of May.

Price includes flights with checked baggage, a four-night stay at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, and a seven-night cruise on MSC Seaside with meals, drinks and gratuities included! I was on its sister ship, MSC Seaview a few years ago and loved it.

Read: My review of MSC Seaview

View offer here

Best Seat Sale: Aer Lingus

There is only six more days left to avail of reduced flights to the USA and Europe in the Aer Lingus January sale. I found return flights to New York from €341, Orlando from €421 and San Francisco from €481 over May bank holiday weekend.

There are some great deals to Europe in June too, with return flights to the Algarve from €134, Malaga from €160 and Dubrovnik from €174.

Search flights here

Read: All the January sales in one place

Best Early Booking Offer: New Year in Iceland

If you like getting away for New Year, you need to book early to get the best airfares. Play Airlines have flights on sale from Dublin to Reykjavik for €157 return! Price for a four-night stay in the centrally located City Centre Hotel is €307 per person, with free cancellation.

I have also linked a Northern Lights tour, which is available from €47 on New Years Eve – what an amazing way to ring in the New Year. Flights are shown via Skyscanner below, but as always, I suggest you book directly on the airlines website.

Read: Top things to do in Iceland

Read: Weekend in Iceland for New Year

View flights here €157pp

View hotel here €307pp

Northern Lights tour €47pp

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 3rd January 2023

3 months agoSarah Slattery

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 Lanzarote flights from €60, Kos flights from €80, city breaks from €132, a week in Santorini from €349, waterpark holidays for families, a cruise to Croatia, luxury for less in the Maldives, direct flights to Mexico, and staycations for adults and families.

Best last minute deal: Return flights to Lanzarote for €60!

Beat the January blues with a week in Lanzarote, there are return flights available from €60 on the 18th of January! Price for a seven night stay in the Corona Mar apartments in Puerto del Carmen €312 per person, making the total cost for a week in the sun just €372.

If you fancy a treat, a suite in the 5-star Princesa Yaiza is available for €821 per person including breakfast, making the total cost €881 for a stay in one of Lanzarote’s best hotels.

Search flights here 18th- 25th January €60pp

Apartment here €312pp

5-star hotel here €821pp

Read: Winter week in Lanzarote, flights and apartment €341

Best overnight escape: January stays from €50pp

Treat yourself to an overnight escape at the end of the month – for pay day! Choose Trim Castle Hotel from €50, the Connemara Coast Hotel from €57, go 5-star in Mount Juliet from €79 including breakfast, or choose The Grafton Hotel in Dublin city from €88. I have lots more in this post:

Read: 20 overnight escapes – January stays from €50pp

Best spring break: A week in Santorini from €349

Visit Santorini before the crowds arrive! I’m hoping to visit myself this year, but I’m hearing how busy it can be in July and August. I found return flights for €139 on the 23rd of April – wouldn’t it be a fab way to kick start the summer?

I have a variety of accommodation to choose from with prices from €210 per person for the Zacharakis studios in Kamari, or €407 for the Amamnesis City Spa hotel in Fira, in a sea view room with breakfast and free cancellation.

Read: Santorini holidays from Dublin with flights and accommodation

Search flights here 23rd – 30th April €139pp

Kamari Apartments €210pp

Fira Hotel €407pp

Best summer sun: Kos flights from €80 return

Aer Lingus and Ryanair both announced that they are flying direct to Kos this summer which can only mean one thing – lower airfares for us! I found return flights from €80 on the 19th of September and €106 on the 9th of May. July and August prices are good too, with return flights from €169 in June, July and various dates in August.

Price for flights and a seven night stay at the 4-star Blue Lagoon City hotel with breakfast included, is €347 on the 9th of May, €594 on the 20th of June, or €505 on the 19th of September.

Read: Special offer to Kos, Flights & 4-star hotel from €347

Search flights here 9th – 16th May €106

View hotel here €241pp

Best luxury holiday: The Maldives

Is the Maldives on your bucket list? You can save 25% on room rates, plus get free meal plan upgrades for departures from 1st May to 19th July to Kuramathi Island Resort – that amazing island that I was lucky enough to visit last year. I also have offers to Dhigali Maldives, where kids stay free, and to Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru.

Best city break: Porto & Prague €132; Lisbon €160

With new routes cropping up from all Irish airports, city breaks have never been such good value. I’ve updated my city break deals post and have Porto and Prague from €132, Lisbon from €160 and Venice from €198 – all including flights and well rated hotels for three nights!

Read it here

You might also like: 30 city break destinations in Europe for 2023

Best family holiday: Waterpark holidays in Majorca & Costa del Sol

TUI have Free Child Places plus up to €250 off holidays over €2500 in their January sale. I have chosen some Splashworld properties, as I know most kids love water slides, and meals and drinks are included too!

Read: All the January travel sales in one place

Choose the Globales Bouganvilla Hotel in Majorca from €2373 in June, or the Globales Playa in Estepona from €2660 on the 12th or 19th of July ( ex Dublin or Cork ) – both include flights, accommodation on an All Inclusive basis, airport transfers, checked baggage and waterpark access – and you only need a small deposit to book.

Prices are based on a family of four, but larger rooms are available. Prices include the €250 discount – use the unique code given to you when you search their website.

Read: 12 top waterpark holidays in Europe for families

View Bouganvilla

View Estepona

Best family staycation: Wexford

Whether you just want a short break or a summer holiday in Ireland, it is wise to book your summer staycation now, particularly if you are looking for self catering accommodation with hotel facilities. The highly rated Talbot Suites in Wexford offer just that, and are ideally located to explore Wexford’s family friendly activities.

Price for a three-night stay in in July is €540 in a two-bedroom apartment, or €750 in a three-bedroom apartment.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Wexford with kids

Read: 20 family deals in Ireland in July, 2 nights stays from €269

View offer here

Best cruise: Norwegian Gem Croatia cruise – €795

The Italian city of Trieste is another new destination for Irish holidaymakers to explore, but it also has the added advantage of being a cruise port! Sunway are quick off the mark with this five-night cruise on Norwegian Gem.

Price for return flights and a five-night cruise visiting Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Hvar Island in Croatia, as well as Koper in Slovenia, is only €795 including airport transfers and checked baggage.

And that’s not all, you can add on a premium drinks package, WiFi, shore excursion credit and a meal in a speciality restaurant for just €99!

View offer here

Best long haul offer: All Inclusive in Mexico with direct flights

Did you know there were direct flights to Mexico from Dublin next summer? TUI have a fortnightly flight and have savings of up to €250 per booking – a unique code is given to you on their website.

I have chosen the Platinum Riu Tequila Hotel, which is a top rated All Inclusive resort near Playa del Carmen. Price for a two-week holiday with direct flights, checked baggage, airport transfers, and all meals and drinks is €1808 per person – this is includes the saving of €250 per booking.

View offer here

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 10th May 2022

11 months agoSarah Slattery

I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals include last minute holidays, summer holidays, city breaks, long haul deals and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s best travel deals include a bank holiday break in Prague for €198, Greek getaways from €319, summer sun in the Algarve, New Year in Orlando, a Celebrity Beyond cruise, Mexico for 2023, and staycations in Donegal and Sligo.

Best last minute:

Jet off to to the sun next week with this super deal to the Greek island of Kos. Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage, and a seven-night stay in the Hotel Bahamas is just €319 per person on the 18th of May. This adult-only hotel has just 30 rooms and is highly rated on TripAdvisor.

See more here

Best overnight escape:

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, why not treat yourself to an overnight stay at the 4-star Redcastle Hotel in Donegal. If you have been following me for a while you will know I fell in love with Inishowen last year. Price for an overnight stay is just €49pp on selected dates throughout May. Of course you can always choose to stay longer…

View hotel here

Read: 20 last minute deals in Ireland – Overnight stays from €45pp

Best summer sun:

It’s hard to beat the Algarve for a summer sun holiday, but adult-only hotels are not always easy to come by. I found a great deal in the 4-star adults-only Falésia Hotel on the 25th of August. This popular 4-star hotel offers direct access to the beautiful 8km beach of Praia da Falesia. Located in the pretty town Olhos de Agua, yet close enough to the lively resort Albufeira, it offers the bets of both worlds.

Price for flights and a seven-night stay including breakfast is just €687 per person. Dates can be changed to suit your requirements, simply edit the dates via the link below.

Check flights here 25th Aug – 1st Sept €105pp

View hotel here

Best city break:

Plan ahead and secure a city break in Prague over the October bank holiday weekend for just €198. Price includes flights and a three-night stay in the highly rated 4-star Hotel Merkur. Located close to the Old Town Square and Prague’s historic centre, it offers great value for a city break over the October bank holiday weekend.

Search flights here 30th Oct – 2nd Nov €92pp

View hotel here €99pp

See this and 10 more city break deals for €199 or less here:

Read: 10 city break deals for €199 or less

Best family holiday:

Treat yourself and the kids to a trip to Orlando for New Year. Traditionally it is an expensive time to visit, but I found good value flights on the 29th of December via Boston for €505 per person. Price for flights, together with a 10-night stay in Universal Studios Endless Summer Resort is €4026, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

See more here

Best family staycation:

I’m off to Sligo next month and will be checking out the Clayton Hotel and Leisure Club. This 4-star hotel looks ideal for a family summer staycation. Price for a three-night stay in August is €697 in a two-bedroom family room, or €737 in a two-bedroom suite which boasts a kitchenette. These are based on a family of four, but selected rooms can accommodate up to five.

View offer here

Best cruise:

I had a great response to my Celebrity Beyond offer last week, and many of you asked if it could be extended. I have managed to secure another great deal for you on the same five-star luxury ship, cruising the Mediterranean from the 27th of August.

Price for a nine-night all-inclusive cruise holiday visiting Spain, France and Italy is just €1873. This includes flights, transfers, checked baggage, classic drinks package, WiFi and gratuities.

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

There was breaking news today with the announcement of direct flights from Dublin to Mexico next summer! TUI will be offering dircect flights in June and July to Cancun for two weeks, and you can secure your 2023 holiday now with a €150 deposit.

Prices for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a 14-night all-inclusive stay are available from €1710 per person. Upgrade to a 5-star holiday on an all-inclusive basis from €1995 per person.

See more here

It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions of the country you are travelling to. Boosters or pre-departure tests are required for travel to many countries in Europe if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest travel restrictions on the DFA website before you travel.

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some of my best travel deals include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.

Travel

Summer City Break Deals From Ireland – Three Night Breaks from €234pp

1 year agoSarah Slattery

From Crete to Croatia, Sardinia to San Gimignano, I’ve hand-picked some great Summer city break deals to inspire your next adventure.

I know many of you are busy planning summer holidays, but with airfares to some European cities very low, you might be able to plan a sneaky city break too! I’ve found some great Summer city break deals to tempt you. All deals include flights and highly rated hotels or apartments in good locations.

Most of these summer city break destinations are located by the sea, to maximise the summer holiday feeling, however I have lots more city break deals throughout the year in this post:

Read: 10 city break deals for €199 or less.

All Summer city break deals are priced three nights, and hotels have free cancellation. However, if you wish to change your dates or extend your stay, simply edit the search links below. And if you need any more inspiration, check out this post:

Read: Top 20 city break destinations for 2022

Greek Islands Getaway from €512pp

Remember when you had to book a package holiday for one or two weeks if you wanted to visit the Greek Islands? We are so fortunate now to have a selection of Greek island destinations from Irish airports, with most flights operating two or three times per week.

Corfu is served from Dublin and Shannon airports, while Santorini, Crete, Rhodes are served from Dublin airport. There are also flights to Thessaloniki and Athens from Dublin airport.

I holidayed in Chania in Crete a few years ago and loved it. It has a completely different feel to the other side of Crete, where all the lively resorts are located. Famous for its 14th century Venetian harbour and its waterfront restaurants, it has an Italian feel, but without the crowds.

There are numerous boat trips departing from the harbour too, including day trips to Santorini.

Ryanair fly directly to Chania from Dublin, making it a great choice for a short break. I found a deal in the 4-star Hyperion City Hotel, which is rated excellent on TripAdvisor and boasts a heated pool with sun terrace, and offers a complimentary breakfast with your stay.

Price for flights and a four-night stay on the 6th of June is €512 per person.

Search flights here Chania 13-16 May €292pp

View hotel here €220pp

Read: Top things to do near Chania

I also found cheap flights to Santorini in August – which are like hens’ teeth this summer. A three-night apartment stay in the popular Nectarios Villa is just €285pp. I don’t expect this summer city break to be around for long…

View flights here 17-20 August €400pp

View Apt here €489pp

Read: Amazing Airbnbs in Santorini, Caves, Windmills and private pools

5-star break in Croatia from €476pp

The medieval city of Dubrovnik should be on everyone’s wish list. It is so well preserved and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. There are many great hotel choices both inside and outside the walled city. I like to stay on the outskirts and catch a water taxi to the centre in the evening time, and watch the sun set over the city walls.

Read my top tips on discovering Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik can be reached direct from Dublin airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and from Cork airport with Aer Lingus.

Airfares are good value throughout the summer, and I have selected the seafront 5-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat which is a great choice for a Summer city break. Cavtat is located just 10 minutes from Dubrovnik airport and is a pretty upmarket resort with great restaurants and a relaxed vibe. There are regular water taxis available from Cavtat to Dubrovnik.

I found great value airfares from the 14th – 17th of June, flying outbound with Aer Lingus and home with Ryanair. A three-night stay in the 5-star Hotel Croatia on a bed and breakfast basis is €476 per person, including flights. The price over the August bank holiday weekend is good value too – €577 per person, including return flights with Ryanair.

View outbound 14th June €70pp

Search Inbound 17th June €56pp

View hotel here 17th June €350pp

View hotel here 31st July €358pp

Summer city break in Sardinia from €327pp

Sardinia is another great choice if you are looking for a beach / city combination. With cobbled stone streets, trendy boutiques and a great food scene, Alghero is not only a pleasure to stroll around, but there is a gorgeous sandy beach on your doorstep too. The town is just 10 minutes from the airport, making it ideal for a Summer city break.

Alghero can be reached directly from Dublin and Cork airports with Ryanair.

Read more on Sardinia holidays from Ireland

Airfares are great value throughout the summer but I choose a weekend break on the 5th of May from Dublin, and the 22nd of June from Cork, where the airfares are particularly low – €108 and €116 respectively.

The 4-star Alma di Alghero Hotel is located just 50 metres from the beach and a 15-minute walk to the Alghero’s old town. There is a swimming pool and rooftop terrace, and this deal includes complimentary breakfast.

Price for flights and a three-night stay from Dublin on the 5th of May is €327pp, and €448 on the 22nd of June from Cork.

Search flights 5th May Dublin €108pp

View hotel here €219pp

Search flights 22nd June Cork €108pp

View hotel here €340pp

Tuscan escape from €234pp

Pisa is not one of my favourite city break destinations, but it is superbly located to explore Tuscany. Pisa is served from Dublin and Cork airports with Ryanair this summer, and it is one of my top 20 City break destinations for 2022. I recommend hiring a car, as there are many towns and villages to discover in Tuscany.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located close to the airport so it is best seen when you arrive, or before you leave to fly home – depending on your flight times.

Read: Top towns and cities to visit in Tuscany

Return flights are available from Dublin for €100 on the 17th of May and €146 on the 14th of June for three nights, and only €75 return from Cork on the 20th of June for a four-night trip.

I have chosen the highly rated three-star Hotel Colline just outside the walled city of San Gimignano, this is one of Tuscany’s prettiest and most famous towns. You could also choose to stay in Florence, which is located about 90 minutes drive from Pisa.

Search flights

View hotel here 17th May €134pp

View hotel here 14th June €160pp

View hotel here 20th June €224pp

Barcelona family trip in August from €1360

Barcelona is a great choice for a family summer city break. Hotel prices are quite reasonable during July and August, as most tourists and residents flock to nearby beach resorts.

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Barcelona, including tours of the Nou Camp for football fans. PortAventura, one of Europe’s best theme parks is an hour away by bus or train.

Read: Where to stay in Barcelona and the top things to do

There are lots of options for cheap flights as there are numerous flights to Barcelona from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Ireland West airports.

I chose flights with Aer Lingus from the 10th of August for three nights, there are cheaper airfares available, but these include a 10kg checked bag per person and depart early morning from Dublin and return in the evening, to make the most of your short break.

The apartments Barcelona & Home Deco Eixample are a great choice for a family stay. Located in the heart of the city, these spacious four-bedroom apartments are only €672 for a three nights in August.

View flights here €172pp

View Apts here €672

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some these Summer city breaks deals contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made – but at no additional cost to you.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 20th July 2021

2 years agoSarah Slattery

This weeks best travel deals include summer holidays at home and abroad, winter breaks, half price river cruises, and early booking deals for 2022.

With international travel back on the horizon, now might be the time to plan a trip abroad. I have a last minute deals in Greece, flights to the South of France for just €50 in September, all inclusive in St Lucia for just €1099, half price river cruises, ski holidays, and family offers to Lake Garda and Disneyland Paris. I also have a last minute deal to Kerry for this weekend, and a family staycation in Cork in August.

It is important to be aware that each country has their own entry requirements, and these can change at any time. Most countries require non-vaccinated people to produce proof of negative Covid tests on arrival. Some require PCR tests, others will accept Antigen tests, and child ages vary from country to country.

It is also vital that if you are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid that you have proof of this. If you have not yet received your Digital Covid Certificate, or need more information on testing or entry requirements, you can find out more in this post:

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Most countries require passenger locator forms to be filled out in advance of travel – in some cases these have to be done 24 hours in advance. I have some advice and tips in these posts that you may find useful, but please check the latest updates with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

Travelling overseas? Make sure you fill out passenger locator forms in advance

Best last minute holiday:

Jet off to the Greek Island of Corfu on the 30th of July, and enjoy a seven-night stay at the highly rated Tondoris apartments for just €336. This super deal includes flights, accommodation, transfers and checked baggage.

Save a further €100 off any summer holiday if you spend over €800 in total – use promo code SUMMER at the check out. TUI also include free Covid-Cover with package holidays.

View offer here

Best last minute overnight escape:

Take advantage of this glorious sunshine and spend a night or two exploring the Ring of Kerry. The highly rated Bianconi Inn in Kilorglin is just €53pp including breakfast on Sunday the 25th of July. Price for a two night stay is €125 per person. The reviews are excellent on TripAdvisor, with the term ‘hidden gem’ being used on multiple occasions!

View offer here

Best September sun:

The South of France is always a good idea! Spend a week in Nice exploring the Cote d’Azur from just €380 per person. Ryanair is offering return flights on the 7th of September from just €50! The Vendôme Hotel is a good choice if you are looking for a good base without breaking the bank.

The hotel is well located, close to the beach and the town centre, and is very well priced at just €355 for seven nights. However, there are many more options to choose from depending on your budget and requirements.

Search flights here

View hotel here

Best luxury holiday:

Escape to St Lucia this winter and stay at the Soco House Boutique hotel on an all-inclusive basis for just €1099. This adult-only hotel is due to open on the 1st of September and is offering almost 50% savings! This super deal includes flights, transfers and all meals and drinks for seven days from September – December.

View offer here

Best family deal:

Bring the kids to Disneyland Paris for the February mid term break. Travalue is offering a three-night stay in Disney’s Santa Fe Hotel with flights, transfers and park passes included for just €484 per person based on two adults and two children sharing.

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Enjoy a two-night family break in the popular Carrigaline Court Hotel in Cork from just €416 in July or August. Price includes breakfast and dinner on one evening for adults, staying in a family room. Use code TRAVELEXPERT to save €20 off the listed price of this or any Dinner B&B deals on the SuperValu Getaway Breaks website.

Read: 15 Dinner B&B Summer Deals with SuperValu Getaway Breaks

See More Here

Best cruise:

Luxury river cruise specialists Uniworld are offering massive savings on their 2021 cruises to France, Italy and Portugal. A trip that is on my own wish list is a cruise through the vineyards and terraced hillsides of the Duoro Valley in Portugal. Enjoy this eight day river cruise on the 5-star S.S. São Gabriel from just €1679 – this was originally €3,999! Price includes meals, drinks and port taxes. Add on flights to Porto with Ryanair for €180 on the 1st of August.

This is just one of the many offers available on cruises from August to October 2021. Offers are not available online – please call your local travel agent or Uniworld direct on 01 9026585

See more here

Best winter break:

Spend Christmas on the ski slopes in Italy. Crystal Ski is offering a seven-night stay in the Residence Villa Frejus from just €619 per person. Price includes flights, transfers and self catering accommodation. They also have a buy one get one free offer on Lift Passes across most of their holidays for the ski season.

See more here

Best early booking offer:

Secure massive savings now in the highly sought after Poiano Resort in Lake Garda for next summer. Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage, and a seven-night stay in the apartments is just €2546 based on two adults and two children sharing, departing July 16th. This is a saving of €852, and, you can secure a booking with a deposit of just €75pp!

See more here

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some of my best travel deals include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.

Sarah