Drumgooland House is set in 60 acres of beautiful County Down and with its adjoining equestrian centre is the ideal location for a trekking weekend. Saddle up for six hours riding including forest, beach and trekking. A two-night break will cost £135. A two-day trail ride special in the majestic Mournes cost £189. For the less active you could walk the grounds or go sightseeing in a horse and carriage, £69 for two nights bed and breakfast. More details from Frank and Alice McLeigh, Drumgooland House, 29 Dunnanew Road, Seaforde, Co Down. Tel: 080 1396 811956.
You know those days in the summer holidays when the kids have had enough of doing what they are supposed to be doing and all you hear is "I'm bored". Well if you happen to be in France, and near Poitiers, you could bring them to Futuroscope, the European park of the moving image. It is devoted to bringing the most recent technologies to everyone. Inside the park every step you take leads to the discovery of new panoramas.
The Kinemax is as big as a seven storey building, the hemispheric screen shows things from a different angle and in 3D. Visit the Gyrotower, an unforgettable view from 45 metres above ground. Go into space on a mission on board Mir in the Omnimax. There's much to do and see, two days are probably needed. The park has it own hotels and offers combined two-day visits and one-night accommodation from £80 per person which includes bed, breakfast, dinner and lunch. Tel: 00 44 1717 499 8049 or website; http://www.futuroscope.fr.
Without doubt the best way to see a country is via an escorted tour and, for a country as big as South Africa, Slattery's have the best. This 18-day tour in October will take in the cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Capetown and Port Elizabeth. Also on the itinerary are the Transvaal, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, a cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, Table Mountain and the wine lands of Cape Province. Travelling in luxury coaches and staying in first class hotels throughout, except in the nature reserves where it is more traditional. Cost from £2,339. Details from Slatterys on 1850 673 673.
Acorn Activities have just announced the appointment of an Irish Agent, Niall Barry. If you often wanted to take a more activity-lead break, you will enjoy their brochure. Most of the activities are based in Wales and the western counties of England. The selection is terrific. From walking, climbing and cycling holidays to watersports and air sports. Also try furniture restoration, calligraphy, organic kitchen gardening, flower arranging, karting, off-road driving and rallying. The hardest part is deciding what to do. Give Niall Barry a call on (01) 269 8602 or write to him at Gledswood Lodge, Bird Avenue, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
If you are thinking of visiting Dublin, you cannot go wrong with the Rambler or Explorer ticket from Dublin Bus. The three-day Rambler ticket costs £9 and is valid for all bus services and the Airlink coach. The Explorer costs £10 and is valid for four days off-peak bus, suburban rail and DART services. You can buy tickets at Dublin Airport and Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O'Connell Street.