31-05-2025
Departure Lounge: Five travel deals to book, including direct flights to Cancun
Direct flights to Cancun
Exciting news for sunseekers as Aer Lingus this week announced the launch of direct flights from Dublin to Cancun in Mexico beginning January 2026. Fares are from €291 each way and booking is open at
If however, you can't wait until next year for a Mexican holiday, TUI is offering a 14-night all-inclusive break with savings of up to 34% staying at The Grand Riviera Princess Hotel. The all-inclusive beachfront five-star in Riviera Maya has an impressive eight pools, nine restaurants, and 10 bars.
Departing from Dublin, July 5, for 14 nights, €1,709pps including luggage and transfers.
Deal of the week
Newly launched in Ireland last autumn On the Beach has been running an extensive ad campaign to win over Irish holidaymakers.
Current offers flying from Munster include a week on Spain's Costa Dorada from €428.24pp. The package includes seven nights B&B at the four-star Ponient Dorada Palace, departing June 6 from Cork. The hotel includes an adults-only rooftop area with jacuzzis and access to PortAventura theme park.
Classical Spain
Experience classical Spain on a seven-night guided tour of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada through Spain's historic heartlands. This escorted tour will reveal the cultural riches of Andalusia and Castile, from Granada's Moorish palaces to Toledo's medieval streets.
With the Alhambra's intricate architecture, Seville's lively plazas and plenty of excellent food and wine, it sounds like a great itinerary. Classical Spain: Seville, Córdoba and Granada tour starts from €1,495 per person for seven days including flights transfers, and B&B in three-star superior and four-star hotels.
Delights of Skye
Renowned restaurant with rooms, The Three Chimneys on Skye, and Talisker, the island's oldest distillery, have announced plans to lead the rise of the gastro-distillery on the Scottish island. Skye is a breathtaking destination to visit (an easy 200-km trip from Glasgow) with its rugged scenery and excellent local produce.
Visitors can expect a summer menu of freshly caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops, or locally cured meats and cheeses. For an immersive experience, stay at The House over By on the shores of Loch Dunvegan with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula, just 30 minutes' drive from Talisker.
Cycle and stay
East Cork's Castlemartyr Resort has launched a greenway offer this summer. The two-night Greenway Cycle and Stay package marries cycling or walking with all the trappings of the family-favourite five-star resort.
Relax over two nights, with breakfast on both mornings and dinner in the leafy Canopy Restaurant on one night. During the day, get out and explore the newly completed 23km Midleton to Youghal Greenway.
Best of all, you'll be provided with rental bikes and a special Castlemartyr Resort picnic to fuel you on your way. €790.20 based on two guests sharing a Deluxe Room for two.
