Sheen Falls Lodge has been named the number three Top Resort Hotel in UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure readers in its 2017 World's Best Awards. The Kerry five-star's reputation for quality and outstanding customer service has helped put it on the map, establishing itself as one of the country's most prestigious hotels. See travelandleisure.com for a full list of this year's winners.
Anchors away
Belfast's Titanic Quarter celebrates the reopening of the HMS Caroline this month, one of the world's most historically significant warships. The state-of-the-art floating first World War museum is the only survivor of the Battle of Jutland considered the greatest maritime battle ever fought. Now, it's been beautifully restored and welcomes visitors to experience the ship through special effects and hands-on interactive exhibits. For more see discovernorthernireland.com/belfast.
Sardinian spa
Sardinia's first medical spa opens this October with a focus on tailor-made programmes for guests. Choose from an anti-ageing, Thalasso detox, stay healthy or weight-loss experience for four or seven days in the Unesco world heritage site of Acquaforte. The hotel prides itself on its sublime Mediterranean fare, much of which is sourced from their on-site farm and gardens. For those looking for a wellness holiday this autumn, this is one to watch. Stay for four days with meals and treatments from €2,835, see fortevillageresort.com.
Festival spectaculars
Wexford: The Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Fest takes place from Friday, August 4th until Monday, August 7th, combining The Vinegar Hill Battle Re-enactment, Enniscorthy Rock n Roll Town and Enniscorthy Foods Festival together into one larger than life weekend; enniscorthytourism.com
Cork: On Saturday, July 29th and Sunday 30th, #CorkLovesMusic offers an earful at the Mallow Arts Festival. Cork hip-hop legend Stevie G, The Quiet Club and folktronica outfit The Electronic Folk take over the town for a weekend of entertainment; corklovesmusic.
Roscommon: For a hands-on experience, this weekend check out Boyle's Arts Fest. There'll be arts and crafts workshops for grown-ups and kids, music, drama and the rest; boylearts.com.
Get Appy Trepic: This is the first visually orientated personalised travel app, allowing users to curate and create their ideal trip and unique travel experiences. Available on the app store; trepic.co.
Rock the dock
The Marker Hotel in Dublin's Grand Canal Dock is highlighting all things active this summer, with a new offering of Dockland activities. Begin with a yoga class each morning from 8am on the rooftop before refuelling with a healthy breakfast (the Paleo Amazeballs really are amazing). Explore the area on wheels with their bike and picnic package or avail of their personal run concierge service to take you on a 5km running route along the beach. If you're staying until Thursday, try the local hotspot tour with two of the Marker team, or choose from a range of walking tours – the Culture Trail, Activity Trail or Food and Drink Trail and make sure to get the best out of your time there. Stay from €249, see themarkerhoteldublin.com.
Travel deals with Joan Scales
Vienna: Explore the art and architecture of Vienna on a guided tour with the Institute of Culture in October, three nights, flights, hotel, transfers and tours from €699pps, instituteofculturetravel.ie, (01) 8887840.
Greenway getaway: Discover the new Greenway in Co Waterford on a two-day break to the Cliff House Hotel. Bikes, picnic and dinner one evening is from €585 for two, cliffhousehotel.ie, (024) 87800.
Cruise from Cobh: Set sail in September 2018 for 15 days and enjoy two for price of one fares from Cobh to the Mediterranean and back, €2,619, book by July 31st, 2017 Shandontravel.ie, (021)4277094.
This article has been amended to correct an error.