Animal attractions
Singita Safari: One of the most luxurious ways to experience a safari is at Singita, a five-star sustainable conservation camp deep in South Africa's Kruger National Park. See singita.com
Dublin Zoo: This summer the Phoenix Park menagerie opens its gates after hours for a sunset BBQ with all of the trimmings. Intimate tours, zoo keeper talks, live music and great food ensue. See dublinzoo.ie for tickets and details
Beijing Natural History Museum: In 11 galleries of dinosaur bones, aquatic life and interactive animal exhibitions await at one of the world's most elaborate natural history museums. The natural habitats of Africa, North America and Eurasia's animals are immaculately recreated here; travelchinaguide.com.
Day Tripping
One of Ireland’s finest estates, Ashford Castle, is officially open to day visitors. Head west to The Quiet Man village of Cong and relive Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne’s classic love story before exploring the 13th century moated castle. An afternoon tipple in the Prince of Wales bar (strictly for guests of the hotel only), under the twinkling Waterford crystal chandeliers, is worth the trip alone; ashfordcastle.com
Sleep No More
It’s the end of an era; Paris is saying goodbye to sleeper trains. Rail operator SNCF have deemed the service too expensive to run and will cull three of its 12 routes on July 1st. Journeys from Paris to Briançon, Rodez and Latour de Carol will continue to run for the time being, so enthusiasts should make a date to experience the fleeting ritual while they can; sncf.com
Northern Exposure
Finland is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Unesco world heritage site at Kvarken Archipelago. The region is a wealth of natural wonders from the Bronze Age burial site of Sammallahdenmäki to Old Rauma, the largest unified wooden town in any Nordic country. Cruises, exhibitions and the Korsholm Music Festival will mark the occasion, making it the perfect time to visit. For a full list of events see visitfinland.com
Deals
WIMBLEDON: Take a seat at Wimbledon court 1 or 2 on July 5th. Return flights, court seats, one night's accommodation, admission to the Championship club and more from €933pps, keithprowse.ie and 01-8785000.
CAPE TOWN: Fancy five nights in Cape Town, South Africa from September 22nd from €759pps, including a Winelands tour flying from Dublin? sunway.ie, 01-2311800.
FERMANAGH: Head north to the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen. Two nights B&B midweek for £99 (€127) pps including dinner one evening and use of the spa, 048-66323481, killyhevlin.com.
