From surfing in Derry to cruising Route 66 in the US, Joan Scalesrelates the best late deals
HOME BREAKS
Luxury gliding from €297
Here's an unusual holiday idea: learn to fly a glider. Take a trip in a two-seat dual-control glider at one of the best soaring sites in Ireland - Binevenagh cliffs on the shores of Lough Foyle - and stay at Ardtara Country House in Co Derry. The house is listed on the Blue Book list of accomodation and has a mid-week offer of two nights B&B and dinner with glider lessons, costing £235 each (about €300). 048-79644490, www.ardtara.com.
Donegal surfing from €250
If the sea is more your thing, learn to surf at top surfing beach Rossnowlagh in Co Donegal, while staying at the Sandhouse Hotel. The hotel can supply all the gear you need: wetsuits, boards and an instructor. A two-night surfing holiday will cost €250 per person sharing. 071-9851777, www.sandhouse-hotel.ie.
Kilkenny riding, from €245
Yet another way to be active this summer is a horse-riding holiday at the new equestrian centre in the Mount Juliet Conrad Estate. The one-night package includes a one-hour trail ride through the Kilkenny countryside and a one-hour riding lesson. Hats, boots and back protectors are all provided. Accommodation, breakfast and lunch are included in the price, which starts from €245 per person.
056-7773000, www.mountjuliet.ie.
Family getaway from €350
A family break in August at the Downhill Hotel in Ballina, Co Mayo, means children can take part in the Eagles Summer Camp from Monday to Friday and enjoy facilities such as the hotel's pool. Family rates for two nights B&B and one dinner for two adults and two children under 11 starts from €350. For three nights with two evening meals it's €550, and when you book two nights for €199 per person sharing you can enjoy an extra night free.
096-21033, www.downhillhotel.ie.Stay in a surprise top city hotel at bargain rates
Lastminute.com is offering special rates for hotels in cities such as London, Paris, New York, Madrid, Barcelona, Boston (above), and Prague through its Top Secret Hotel Mission promotion. You pick your date and city, complete your booking on www.lastminute.com, and then you will be surprised with the name of a four- or five-star hotel, with rates such as €48 per person in London, €107 per room in Barcelona, €65 in the 4th arrondissement in Paris and €86 per room in Rome.
OVERSEAS BREAKS
Highway 66 from €1,959
Enjoy a road-trip along Route 66, starting in Chicago and ending in LA, as part of a 13-night holiday from Sunway. You can visit St Louis, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Las Vegas and LA. The cost of €1,959 per person includes flights, car and accommodation. Alternatively, a 10-night trip from San Francisco to LA takes in Santa Barbara, Sequoia National Park and Las Vegas among others and starts from €1,799 per person. 01-2886828, www.sunway.ie.
Late sun deals from €549
Last-minute deals from Falcon holidays include: from Dublin, two weeks in Myramar Castle Apartments in Costa del Sol from €669 or a week on the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt from €549. From Cork, two weeks in Cye Marina Apartments on Spain's Costa Dorada from €599 or two weeks in Matagorda, Lanzarote from €579. From Shannon, two weeks in Alcudia, Spain, from €699 or a week in Bulgaria from €599. From Knock, two weeks in Cye Marina on Costa Dorada from €624. www.falconholidays.ie.
Bermuda week from €1,899
Enjoy a week in Bermuda's family-run hotel and spa Cambridge Beach Resort from €1,899 per person sharing between September 1st and November 1st. The price includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner each day, as well as flights. 01-2108391, www.project-travel.ie.
Middle East from €499
Explore the mysteries of the Middle East with special Lufthansa fares from Dublin via Frankfurt. Fly to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat from €499. Book by this Monday to travel between September 12th and October 31st. www.lufthansa.com.
Cruise bargains from €1,023
Take an eastern Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Century starting August 31st for €1,023. A trip on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas departs on August 23rd with prices from €1,445. Nine nights on the western Med from next July 26th on Splendour of the Seas costs from €1,449. 01-8173558,
www.cruiseholidays.ie.