A round-up of today's other Travel stories in brief...
Will deals tempt consumers?
Consumer confidence in the travel business is shaky at the moment, with people waiting until the last minute to book. Despite industry reassurances that booking a package holiday through a bonded agent carries no risk, consumers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. Budget Travel is among those trying to tempt travellers, this week announcing early-booking discounts of €100 per couple and €200 per family, with low deposits of €49 per person and €99 per family.
Off to sea the match
Football fans heading for Manchester next Saturday can travel for €120 return for a car plus two people on Stena Line, or from €186 for a minibus plus two people, with up to six extra passengers travelling for €30 each. The early sailing departs Dublin Port for Holyhead at 7.45am, arriving in Holyhead at 11am, in time to make United's match against Bolton Wanderers. A ferry returns at 2.30am on Sunday. www.stenaline.ie/football.
• The winner of our weekend for four at Ballintaggart House is Theresa Horan of Farranfore, Co Kerry
100,000The number ofoysters expected to be opened and consumed next weekend at Galway International Oyster Festival - not to mention copious quantities of lemons, Tabasco and Guinness