The Jonathan Swift, Irish Ferries' new high-speed catamaran has set out on its 30-day voyage from Australia to Ireland. Under the command of Capt Steve Hutson and a crew of 20, the vessel will have a number of refuelling points en route, including Indonesia, India, East Africa, Suez Canal, Greece and Gibraltar. You can track the progress of the Swift on its voyage, send messages to the crew, read the captain's log and enter a competition on www.irishferries.ie
Sheffield in Yorkshire is one of the next schedule services to Dublin from June 16th. Operated by British Airways partner British Regional Airlines, who will fly a daily service. More details as they come in.
Trident Holiday Homes, well known for their quality self-catering accommodation, have recently opened two new properties. Ballyellery Cottages are between Liscannor and Lahinch and there are just eight in this Atlantic development. Further north, with the scented name of Cinnamon Wharf, are 19 apartments in Westport, built on the site of an old Grainstore on Westport's fashionable quayside. Good value prices are available for May and June, with weekends costing from £99 and £250 per week for cottages. Brochures from 24 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 or tel: 01-6683534.
ALL you Manchester United fans out there will be delighted to hear that the official hotel has opened next to the famous Old Trafford grounds. The 111-bedroom hotel includes a brasserie-style restaurant run by Man U fan Gary Rhodes. Rooms cost from Stg£69.50 single and Stg£79.50 twin. Reservations can be made on 00-44-161-8738899.
SOS, if you remember your Gaeilge, means a break, and Sos Walking Tours offer you exactly that. A break walking the hills of Donegal, seeing the wild scenery, rushing rivers, seascapes, crags and corrie loughs. Leave your car behind and get out in the fresh air. Six nights of craic and four days of walking. Packed lunches provided and dinner in a local hotel, included in the price of £370. A little word to any gentlemen out there who is thinking about a holiday. I heard these holidays attract lots of lovely single women. More details from Sos, Ardai Bheag, Gort a Choirce, Litir Ceanainn, Co Dhun na nGall, 07424797 or 35206, www.sosdonegal.com
WE haven't had our summer holidays yet but Falcon Holidays have launched their winter sun and ski brochures. Soon we will all be so planned and organised the Irish will lose their reputation for leaving things to the last minute. Those booking early can take advantage of a £70 discount for pairs and there are no underoccupancy supplements in selected properties. Falcon Kids clubs will operate in the Canary Islands for the winter. If you plan on being away over the millennium, there is a number of special events planned. Early booking is essential.