September is a great time for a wine and cheese tour in France: the grapes are just ready for picking and the weather is still warm. Donnybrook Travel (01283026) has arranged a three-night visit to the Sancerre region, accompanied by a French speaking representative from Sheridans Cheesemongers. The tour is September 1st-4th and visits a number of vineyards, a cheese-maker of the Crotin de Chavignol goat cheese, and an organic Sancerre vineyard. There will also be a visit to a local market. The cost is £525 based on two sharing.
Dip into the Destinations brochure for ideas on exotic long-haul holidays: a 21-day tour of Australia will include stop-overs in Bangkok and Pattaya, and while in Australia you will visit Sydney, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Perth - it costs from £2,280; heading west, six nights in St Lucia will cost from £830. Your local travel agent should have brochures or tel: 01-8556641.
Dundrum House Hotel, with its golf and leisure facilities, is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Log-fires warm guests on chilly evenings in this 18th-century manor house, furnished with antiques. Located near Cashel in Co Tipperary, it is a convenient drive from many places in Ireland. Two-night breaks from £105 include one dinner per person sharing, and for the golfer, £135, including two rounds. Tel: 062-71116 or visit their website, www.dundrumhousehotel.com.
Bangkok and Singapore can be reached from Ireland four days a week via Helsinki with Finnair. The cost is competitive, from £499. A big advantage of Helsinki airport is you don't have to change terminals. Details from your local travel agent or Finnair. Tel: 01-8446565 or www.finnairireland.com.
Halfway between Listowel and Tralee on the N69 is a museum and boglandinformation centre, where you can learn all about how bogs are formed and how turf is cut. The bog museum is at Leam, Kilflynn and is open every day until October from 10 a.m.6 p.m., tel: 066-32555.
It's Oakwood After Dark time of the year again and, with prices of £90 and £95 for a family (two adults and two children under 16), this funfair package represents a good day out. The cost includes ferry crossing from Rosslare to Fishguard or Pembroke, and coach to the park and entrance. All the rides are included in the cost except Vertigo, the 14-storey skycoaster. This year the centrepiece attraction at Oakwood is a Polynesian Paradise island. Built on the lake, it features a beach bar, dancing and Hawaiian music. The day at Oakwood ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Bookings through Irish Ferries on 1890-313131 or Stena Line on 01-2047777.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie