From a day at the races to a tour of South Africa, JOAN SCALEShas the week's best offers
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Irish Grand National luxury: from €170pps
Carton House, in Co Kildare, is sponsoring the most-stylish-lady award – won last year by Aoidin Sammon, above centre – at the Irish Grand National, at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. You can join tipster Colm Murray in the Gold Salon from 11.30am for champagne and canapes and to get a heads-up for the day's racing. You will then be transferred to the racecourse. Guests return to Carton for dinner in the Linden Tree restaurant. The package, which costs from €170pps, includes the reception, transfers, dinner and a night's stay. 01-5052000,
www.cartonhouse.com.
OVERSEAS DEALS
South Africa: from €1,899
Discover South Africa on an escorted tour with Slatterys. The two-week trip will take you from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, Zululand, the Garden Route and Cape Town. The price, which starts at €1,899pps, includes flights, accommodation and all tours. Slatterys also has availability for the Lions Tour from €1,356pps. 1890-408408, www.slatterys.com.
Spanish wine tour: €1,189
The Travel Department is selling a wine tour of Rioja, in Spain, in conjunction with Mitchell Sons wine merchant, departing on April 18th. The week-long tour will include stays in Bilbao and Cenicero. There will be guided tours of Bilbao and San Sebastián, as well as wine excursions. The tour costs from €1,189pps. 01-6371600, www.thetravel department.ie.
Ferry wine cruise: €99pps
The first Irish Ferries summer wine cruise will take place over the May bank-holiday weekend. Departing Rosslare on the Friday, passengers will arrive in Roscoff the next morning for seven hours on shore to shop. The trip will be escorted by Martin Moran, who will conduct wine tastings aboard the Oscar Wilde and offer advice on the best bargains available. Priced at €99pps, a car can be taken for an additional €89 when two adults travel together. 0818-300400, www.irishferries.com.
Camping in Kenya: €1,502
Take in the highlights of Kenya on a nine-day camping trip with Trailfinders and you will visit Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha and the Masai Mara. The price of €1,502pps includes a local payment of about €325. 01-8814994, www.trailfinders.ie.
Sorrento and Rome: €827pps
Visit Rome and Sorrento with Crystal Holidays and enjoy the best of both, with three days in the city and seven days by the sea. From €827pps. www. crystalholidays.ie, 01-4331080.
Lillehammer skiing: €449
Late-season skiing from April 2nd and 16th in Norway’s Olympic resort. From €449 and €469pps, including flights, BB and transfers. 1890- 201205, www.directski.com.
Cornish spa: from €150pps
Bring your mother to Cornwall for a spa break at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, near Newquay. Two nights from £140pps (about €150) up to May 22nd, with a treatment and dinner. 00-44-1637-860860, quoting Air Southwest spa deal. Flights from Dublin to Newquay from €49 each way, including taxes, on www.airsouthwest.com.
HOME DEALS
Clifden rail tour: €199
Celebrate a great lost railway during Clifden Railway Heritage weekend, from March 27th to 29th. The tour will include walks, talks and a visit to the remains of the Clifden line. The price of €199pps will include travel, accommodation and breakfast at the Station House or Abbeyglen hotels. The single supplement is €59. A discount of €30 applies to those with free rail travel. 01-8560045, www.railtoursireland.com.
Burren flower walks: €195
Wildflower season is coming to the Burren, and you can explore it by staying at the Old Ground Hotel, in Ennis, and taking part in the Heart of Burren walks. The €195pps package includes two nights' accommodation, a five-course dinner and a walking tour of the Burren. Available on April 12th, 17th and 24th. 065-6892321, www.flynnhotels.com.
Belfast Film Festival: €90
Belfast Film Festival, which takes place from March 26th to April 4th, features more than 130 screenings, including the Irish premiere of Little Ashes, a film about the life of young Salvador Dalí. Offers include two nights at Jurys Inn for £84.50pps (€90), including dinner on one night, or two nights at Dunadry Hotel Country Club, 15 minutes from the city centre, from £89pps (€95), including one dinner. 1850-230230, www.discovernorthern ireland.com.
Barrow Valley: from €145pps
Mulvarra House, in the Barrow Valley at St Mullins, lies between Carlow and Kilkenny and is perfect for fishing, walking, canoeing and touring the southeast. Spring two-night packages include two body treatments from €145pps. Dinner is €30. 051-424936, www.mulvarra.com.
Renvyle health classes: €195pps
Healthy living comes to Renvyle House Hotel, in Co Galway, on April 24th with Dr Dilis Clare and Annette Mulkerrins, who will talk about health and lead yoga and meditation sessions. The two-night package costs €195pps, with a gourmet dinner and all lectures and classes. www.renvyle.com, 091-794722.
Please bear in mind that deals are subject to availability