Check in: The Wild Eastern Way and big screen footie

Jo Linehan and Joan Scales round up this week's travel news and deals

NEWS

Theme park fun: Walt Disney World launches a host of new experiences this month, including the new Frozen Ever After ride (based on the movie Frozen), a night-time Jungle Book show and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and laser extravaganza. Just a few of the reasons it's time to round up big and little kids alike and get booking. disneyworld.disney.go.com

Prize-worthy Glenlo: We're raising a toast to the team at Glenlo Abbey which has been named one of the top boutique hotels in the world by Hotels.com. The Galway bolthole, with its delightful Pullman Restaurant (above) came out on top in the website's prestigious Loved by Guests Awards 2016. The exceptional review score of 9/10 is based on 451 reviews. Another gem in the wild west's crown. glenloabbeyhotel.ie

Wild eastern way: Meanwhile, on the east coast, there's something exciting afoot. Ireland's Ancient East is a new initiative highlighting the most exciting natural and historic hotspots from Co Louth right down to Cobh harbour in Co Cork. There's an itinerary for whatever you fancy, whether you're a prehistoric buff or waterway wanderer. It might just give the Wild Atlantic Way a run for its money. irelandsancienteast.com

READ MORE

BIG SCREEN FOOTIE Austria: The Austrian capital hosts an incredible fan arena at the Vienna City Hall Square (below). Giant screens, food from 26 restaurants and a music and film festival guarantee a great time. wien.info France: A whopping 90,000 fans will be welcomed daily to the dedicated screening zone at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Between matches, there's a food village and a performance by DJ David Guetta. parisinfo.com Dublin: Most pubs in the city will be abuzz with football coverage, but we reckon Wigwam on Middle Abbey Street has the upper hand with its rooftop terrace screening. wigwamdublin.com

GET 'APPY DBahn Navigator: The Deutsch Bahn app allows you to read train schedules across Europe and buy tickets for your journey in one easy application. Download for free at bahn.com

DEALS Mediterranean: Cruise the Mediterranean on the world's biggest ship Harmony of the Seas, in a stateroom with views, seven nights, with flights from €1,399 pps, e-travel.ie/cruises, (01) 4081999. Madeira: The flower garden island is back, June-September with a week from €699pps, four-star hotel, excursions and fast track at Dublin Airport, traveldepartment.ie, (01) 6371600. Central Europe: Slovenia and the Julian Alps, lakeside fun in Bled from €595pps half-board, crystalsummer.ie, (01) 6733839.