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IT'S A FREE WORLD:IRISH FERRIES is running a two countries for the price of one promotion this summer.
Motorists who travel on its luxury service aboard the Oscar Wildefrom Rosslare to Cherbourg or Roscoff between May 27th and August 31st will get a free return trip to Britain for a car plus two adults on the Dublin/Holyhead or Rosslare/Pembroke cruise ferry services. Bookings can be made online at www.irishferries.com or by calling 0818-300400.
Catch: the free trip to Britain can only be taken on off-peak dates between September 1st, 2011 and August 31st, 2012. There is a €120 return supplement for travel on peak dates.
Take note:this offer does not apply to discounted trips to France, including those paid for in full or part with Tesco vouchers and can't be used in conjunction with other special offers.
* FROM NOW until April 15th, Martinhal Beach Resort Hotel in Portugal’s western Algarve is offering families complimentary meals for children aged up to (and including) 12 years of age, in all restaurants for all meals when parents order a full price adult meal.
An hour from Faro airport. the resort has self-catering houses, daily maid service, four swimming pools, a sports centre and kids clubs. Two-bedroom “ocean houses” start from £127 (€152) per night based on up to four people sharing a house. This offer can be combined with other family deals for children up to the age of eight.
Catch:the offer is based on a maximum of two children and snacks don't qualify as a full price meal.
Take note: see martinhal.com or tel 00-351-282620026.
* THE WESTPORT Plaza and Castlecourt Hotel Resort is running a golden years getaway promotion which involves a four-night break with lots of freebies thrown in.
As well as Irish breakfast every morning and table d’hôte dinner every evening, the first night stay is free, there’s free transport to and from the bus or train station, free tea, coffee and scone on arrival, free tea and coffee all week, and a free glass of wine every night.
Prices up to February 10th are from €199pps in the Castlecourt or from €229pps in the Westport Plaza. From February 11th to March 10th prices are from €209pps in Castlecourt and from €239pps in the Westport Plaza. See castlecourthotel.ie or westportplazahotel.ie.
Catch: you must start your holiday on a Sunday and the offer excludes bank holiday Sundays.
Take note: there's also reduced price swimming lessons and special Spa Sula offers included in the deal.
* WHEN IN Rome, or many another Italian city, the tradition of the aperitivois a good way of enjoying discounted pre-dinner drinks with free nibbles thrown in.
The food on offer depends on the region and of course on the establishment, but you can expect anything from a few olives and handfuls of salted almonds to a generous spread of bruschetta, salamis and chunks of cheese and vegetables, bread, fruit and mozzarella.
Evening aperitivo usually takes place between 6pm and 9pm; you may also spot lunchtime and afternoon offers.
Catch: it's not completely free. You do have to buy a drink.
*Found a freebie on holiday? Tell me about it. E-mail emorgan@irishtimes.com