Departure Lounge: Bayou-bound for a look at Louisiana's wetlands
Sri Lanka's dazzling scenery, culture and hospitality is matched by its colourful cuisine.
Join Sunway's Flavours of Sri Lanka trip for an eight-night culinary adventure that explores the Indian Ocean island's exciting culinary heritage.
From Colombo's bustling Negombo Fish market, spice gardens, and cookery class in a local kitchens, the itinerary includes visiting a family-run cinnamon estate, cooking hoppers and roti with local chefs and tea tastings in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya.
8 night private tour departing October7, €2,229, including return flights, half board, tours, and transfers.
Deal of the week
Old town at night, Prague
Online travel agent loveholidays has launched its summer sale, with discounts of up to €500 on selected holidays until midnight on July 6.
Offers cover packages everywhere from European favourites to Dubai and the USA.
From a seven-night stay at the three-star Hotel Merce from €299, departing in August from Cork and a three-night stay at the five-star Grandium Hotel Prague from €289, departing in August from Dublin to a seven-night stay at the three-star Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North from €819, departing in September from Dublin, there's lots of choice and value.
Taste of New Orleans
We might think of music and bourbon when we consider New Orleans, but the colourful southern US city is surrounded by water and shaded by ancient oaks, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
From bike tours along the scenic Lafitte Greenway to kayaking along the bayou and swamp tours exploring Louisiana's vast wetland ecosystems and wildlife, there's even more to this destination than the colourful culture, architecture, music and cuisine.
Anniversary special
Dungarvan's Park Hotel
To celebrate The Park Hotel Dungarvan's 35th anniversary, the Waterford four-star is offering a €35 discount off online room bookings made between July 4 and 11 as part of a week-long anniversary promotion.
Extensively renovated in recent times, the Flynn Hotel Group property sits on five landscaped acres overlooking the Colligan River.
Just a short walk from Dungarvan and the start of the Waterford Greenway, guests can enjoy the Riverside Health Club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym.
Italian jazz
Hotel Calimala, Florence
Jazz in Cork may be fun but how about a jazz festival in Florence, Italy?
Firenze Jazz Festival takes place between 2-14 September, as the Renaissance city transforms into an open-air jazz club.
Visitors can expect musical performances by world class musicians echoing through piazzas, courtyards, contemporary art spaces, and rooftop bars.
For comfort, the chic Hotel Calimala beckons with its contemporary styling in two heritage buildings in the city's historic centre.
With eclectic interiors, art-filled rooms, and a panoramic rooftop (complete with live DJ sets), it's the perfect pad. B&B from €300.
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Departure Lounge: Bayou-bound for a look at Louisiana's wetlands
Sri Lankan adventure Sri Lanka's dazzling scenery, culture and hospitality is matched by its colourful cuisine. Join Sunway's Flavours of Sri Lanka trip for an eight-night culinary adventure that explores the Indian Ocean island's exciting culinary heritage. From Colombo's bustling Negombo Fish market, spice gardens, and cookery class in a local kitchens, the itinerary includes visiting a family-run cinnamon estate, cooking hoppers and roti with local chefs and tea tastings in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. 8 night private tour departing October7, €2,229, including return flights, half board, tours, and transfers. Deal of the week Old town at night, Prague Online travel agent loveholidays has launched its summer sale, with discounts of up to €500 on selected holidays until midnight on July 6. Offers cover packages everywhere from European favourites to Dubai and the USA. From a seven-night stay at the three-star Hotel Merce from €299, departing in August from Cork and a three-night stay at the five-star Grandium Hotel Prague from €289, departing in August from Dublin to a seven-night stay at the three-star Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North from €819, departing in September from Dublin, there's lots of choice and value. Taste of New Orleans We might think of music and bourbon when we consider New Orleans, but the colourful southern US city is surrounded by water and shaded by ancient oaks, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. From bike tours along the scenic Lafitte Greenway to kayaking along the bayou and swamp tours exploring Louisiana's vast wetland ecosystems and wildlife, there's even more to this destination than the colourful culture, architecture, music and cuisine. Anniversary special Dungarvan's Park Hotel To celebrate The Park Hotel Dungarvan's 35th anniversary, the Waterford four-star is offering a €35 discount off online room bookings made between July 4 and 11 as part of a week-long anniversary promotion. Extensively renovated in recent times, the Flynn Hotel Group property sits on five landscaped acres overlooking the Colligan River. Just a short walk from Dungarvan and the start of the Waterford Greenway, guests can enjoy the Riverside Health Club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. Italian jazz Hotel Calimala, Florence Jazz in Cork may be fun but how about a jazz festival in Florence, Italy? Firenze Jazz Festival takes place between 2-14 September, as the Renaissance city transforms into an open-air jazz club. Visitors can expect musical performances by world class musicians echoing through piazzas, courtyards, contemporary art spaces, and rooftop bars. For comfort, the chic Hotel Calimala beckons with its contemporary styling in two heritage buildings in the city's historic centre. With eclectic interiors, art-filled rooms, and a panoramic rooftop (complete with live DJ sets), it's the perfect pad. B&B from €300.
