Travel bag: the week’s top travel news

Taking Flight

Aer Lingus has announced a brand new route from Cork to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon this winter. From October 26th, a twice-weekly year-round service will operate from the airport. The airline is increasing its winter operations out of Cork by almost 25,000 seats as a result of the new Cork Lisbon route and is adding an additional frequency to Tenerife, which will now operate two times per week, too. For more on the winter schedule, visit aerlingus.com.

Isle Of Art

It's difficult to stand out from the crowd when it comes to luxurious island retreats, but the Joali resort, set to launch this winter in the Maldives, is debuting as the new destination for design-lovers. With 73 private beach and water villas, a wellbeing programme in collaboration with ESPA and four restaurants including Her Kitchen – a personalised culinary experience for guests to learn how to cook (and enjoy) local Maldivian recipes, the new resort's main focus is on all things aesthetically pleasing. There are immersive art pieces by artists like Misha Khan, specially curated in-room libraries filled with art and design tomes, and the resort itself boasts architect and interior credentials by gurus Autoban and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt. Book a stay here for the art-aficionados in your life at joali.com.

Firmly Fermanagh

Fermanagh’s reputation as a tourist hotspot has been growing steadily over the last few years. Thanks to visitor attractions like Belleek Pottery drawing in almost 195,000 visitors last year, the Marble Arch Caves attracting 71,000 visitors and Enniskillen Castle, which has recently benefitted from a £3.5 million investment, boasting 65,000 visitors in 2017, the northern destination is on the up and up. Plan your visit now at fermanaghlakelands.com.

Something Dishy 

Celebrating his 10th year at the Michelin starred House Restaurant, Chef Martijn Kajuiter has launched a spring menu at The Cliff House, filled with seasonal dishes featuring the best of local produce. Sample Chef's Japanese plant tonburi Akita and Norwegian Skrei fish delicacies while you stay with their Gourmet package, which includes dinner and a one-night stay in a sea view room with breakfast the following morning, from €365 for two people sharing. Visit cliffhousehotel.ie for more.