Check in: Road trips and glamping go-tos

Joan Scales and Jo Linehan round up this week’s travel news and deals

Glamping go-tos

Luxury in Donegal: Camp like a queen in Portsalon's Luxury Camping super yurts, complete with king-sized beds and woodburning stoves. From €65 per night, donegalglamping.com

Vintage in Leitrim: Teapot Lane's caravans, tree house, yurts and cottages make for a kitsch camping experience. Swing in a hammock or toast marshmallows by the camp fire on this picturesque site. glampingireland.ie

Eco-friendly in Slane: Rock Farm offers Gold-certified Ecotourism on the banks of the River Boyne. From the farm's own produce and locally-sourced goodies to the Natural Heritage Area, this is an eco-dream stay. rockfarmslane.ie

News

No Borders: The way Africans travel is changing radically this summer with the introduction of an all-Africa passport. Until now, African citizens needed countless individual visas to travel through half the countries on the continent. The new African Union passport aims to create a continent without borders, a positive move forward for all.

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Drive On: In the wake of Top Gear's jaunt through the highways and byways of Kerry earlier this year, driving holidays have seen a surge in popularity. The Inishowen 100 in Co Donegal (so named because of its approximate distance in miles), The Atlantic Drive in Co Donegal and the Slea Head Drive through the Dingle Peninsula are making for breathtaking breaks. For more road trip inspiration, see wildatlanticway.com

Great Galway: The Galway International Arts Festival kicks off this week from July 11th-24th, hosting some of the most exciting cultural events of the year. The city is to become a stage for the world's most pioneering theatre, dance, music, literature, comedy and visual arts. Head west for a taste of the action. giaf.ie

Get Appy

BringFido: This app is a must-have for pet-lovers. It lists the best parks and animal amenities wherever you are in the world and has a database of pet-friendly hotels too. From iTunes; bringfido.com

French Fancy

Calling all French food aficionados – we have the culinary treat for you. Esteemed Kerry bolthole Sheen Falls Lodge is raising a toast to all things Français this September, with a French Fine Wine experience. Cosy up in the five-star hotel for a weekend of food and drink indulgences, from a refined Lanson champagne reception to specially selected French wine pairings and an expertly curated menu by executive chef Phillip Brazil. The autumnal backdrop of Kenmore Bay will remind you you're still on Irish soil. Stay September 24th from €425 based on two people sharing. sheenfallslodge.ie

Deals

ITALY: Experience the food of Italy's heel with an escorted tour of Puglia, October 7th-14th. Flights, dinners, food and wine tours from €849pps. See steintravel.ie or call 01-5175990.

PANAMA CANAL AND MEXICO: 19-day cruise from LA to Mexico on Silversea Whisper, all inclusive with butler from €6,819pps. See sunway.ie or call 01-2311800.

FLORIDA: Kissimmee – last week of August, Tuscana Resort, one week from €695pps, flights, condo, car hire. See touramerica.ie or call 01-917 3500. Ref: 516346.