Travel News: Life’s a beach as summer comes round again

Bathing beauties

If the beach at Inchydoney Island wasn't in west Cork, it's the kind of place you'd be prepared to hop on a plane to get to. And while many do just that, readers on this island can count ourselves lucky it's on our shores. Blue Flags are just the start, and Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa has a Sea Swimmer's Break to make the most of it. Get two nights' bed and breakfast, a hot cocktail, dinner on one night, spa access, and Ground Wellbeing Bath Salts to bring home and keep those sea feelings going a little longer. Valid until the end of this month, from €275pps. Not quite ready to go yet? In June you can get an overnight, dinner, breakfast and a seaweed wrap for €558 all in. inchydoneyisland.com.

Festival fever

With Ireland's arts festivals back in full swing, Cork Midsummer looks like a great spot to start. From Corcadorca's take on Guests of the Nation to the epic sounds of Maija Sofia and Sharon Van Etten, plus loads of lovely art, the festival runs from June 15th to 26th. corkmidsummer.com. And if that wasn't enough for you, the Montenotte Hotel is adding a helicopter ride to the mix, so you truly can rise above it all. The High Life Escape package gives you two nights in a suite, dinner on one evening, champagne on arrival, and the aforementioned 30-minute helicopter ride, plus a bottle of Montenotte Gin to swig on your way home. From €640 pps. themontenottehotel.com.

Dreamy Dubrovnik

Okay, so we've been marvelling at the wonders of the Irish shorelines, but Croatia ain't to be sneezed at. The Adriatic Coast in this part of the world amps up the charm, with little villages and sparkling seas. The Travel Department trip, with departure dates from now right up to October 3rd, includes guided tours and a lovely boat trip too, so you get to experience it from all angles. Seven nights' bed and breakfast in a 3 or 4 star gaff, flights and transfers comes in at a starting price of €929 pps. traveldepartment.com.

Carbon neutral Turkey

Just opened in Istanbul, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is in the chic, boutiquey part of this incredible city. It prides itself on being Turkey’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel group, you can lean back on the elegant designer beigeness, without too much of a twang of carbon conscience.

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It's just upstairs from the Prada store, but (whisper it) the Grand Bazaar is so much more fun. From €260 room only, and get 10 per cent off by using the code STAY when booking. thestay.com.tr. Fly direct from Dublin to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines from €389 return. turkishairlines.com.