Check-in: Dubrovnik, Mother’s Day packages and the most sociable cities

NEWS

Do Dubrovnik

The walled city on the Adriatic is one of the most exciting destinations to visit this year. The fourth annual wine festival – Festiwine – takes place on April 17th-23rd, Dubrovnik's annual half marathon takes place April 28th and the Hotel Excelsior opens its doors again this June after a renovation project across its 158 rooms, three restaurants, bars and spa. See visit-croatia.co.uk for more information and holiday ideas.

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Dublin’s RDS is over Paddy’s weekend hosting Secret Session, a three-day festival celebrating the country’s favourite music, drinks, food and sport. Photograph: Donal Murphy

Social Travel

Hostelworld, the online accommodation booking site, has rated the most sociable cities in the world, with Gothenburg in Sweden coming in at number one. Based on global and local views on travel and tourism, and taking in factors like affordability, transport and leisure time, Gothenburg took the prize followed by Stockholm, also in Sweden, and Chicago in the United States. Dublin made the list at number 10.

Far Out Faroe

The Faroe Islands have been awarded its first Michelin star. KOKS restaurant was awarded for its unique Faroese identity, commitment to using sustainable local products and utilising ancient practices including drying, fermenting, salting and smoking. The collection of 18 islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway, are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but their own distinct culture and cuisine have only now been recognised by the international food community. See visitfaroeislands.com for more.

MOTHER’S DAY PACKAGES

Beach Side

At Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, mums can indulge in an Elemis Taster Facial or Elemis Back Massage, afternoon tea, overnight stay in a deluxe room with an ocean view and full west Cork breakfast the following morning from €79pps; inchydoneyisland.com.

City Stay

The five-star InterContinental Dublin's package includes an overnight stay in an executive twin room with prosecco on arrival, Champagne classic afternoon tea, express spa treatments for two, and breakfast the following morning from €335 per room based on two sharing; icdublin.com.

For The Day

In Wexford, the Ferrycarrig Hotel's new afternoon tea room serves prosecco afternoon tea with a choice of one 25-minute treatment in the Riverwood Wellness spa as part of their Tea and Pamper package from €49.50 per person; ferrycarrighotel.ie.

PADDY’S PARTY

Those in need of a weather-proof plan for Paddy's weekend need look no further. Dublin's RDS hosts Secret Session, a three-day festival celebrating the country's favourite music, drinks, food and sport. From Thursday, March 16th, to Saturday, the 18th, cover bands, Ireland's largest rugby fan zone, a silent disco area, a barber shop, gaming zone, a hidden bar and relaxing spaces to soak up the atmosphere take over in Ballsbridge. Tickets start from €10 with a three-day ticket costing €20. For more information about the performances and events see secretsession.ie.

GET ’APPY

Bravolol: this app pronounces phrases and offers phonetic spelling in 13 languages. It's organised into useful sections like romance and sightseeing and once downloaded it is available offline. Download it for free on the App Store and Google Play; bravolol.com.

DEALS

Tenerife: the exclusive golf and spa resort Ritz Carlton Abama is offering a 15 per cent discount when you book to stay with them in May and June. See classic-collection.ie, (01) 5413000.

Canada: explore the best of the west in a motorhome. Visit Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise on a nine-night tour from €1,329pps with flights from Canadiansky.ie, (01) 669 9979.

Easter in Ireland: enjoy family times in stately Killashee hotel in Kildare. Two nights, B&B and dinner one night, for up to five, with lots of extras from €360. killasheehotel.com; (045) 8779277.