Heritage Hideaways
Clonalis House: This family-run estate is the ancestral home of the O'Conor's (the last high kings of Ireland) and one of the most authentic heritage experiences in the country (below). Come for the tours, stay with the whole gang in the main house or self-catering cottages. clonalis.com
Temple House: The Sligo mansion is resplendent in its original 19th-century features; think Chinese porcelain intermingled with solid Co Sligo squires, terraced gardens and nearby pubs where the craic is mighty. templehouse.ie
Coolclogher House: Take a restored 18th-century self-catering manor in the foothill's of the Kerry Mountains, complete with magnificent views of the kingdom. Add 14 guests and you may decide to never leave. coolclogherhouse.ie
Off-peak perfection
A new website dedicated to helping holiday-makers enjoy Mallorca (above) in the off-peak season is top of our Google search list this month. Founded by an Irish husband-and- wife duo, this handy site offers invaluable insider information on the Spanish island's hidden gems. Everything from eateries and fiestas, wine and olive harvests to accommodation is covered. Get planning that winter escape. mallorcantonic.com
Culture Cats
Ten days of cultural indulgence ensue this August 5th-14th, as the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival gets under way. Musical performances (including an unmissable concert by Loudon Wainwright), theatrical must-sees and tons of family fun have us planning a trip to the city, pronto. kilkennyarts.ie
Cruise control
Cruising is fast becoming the family holiday of choice, according to a new report revealed by CruiseDeals.co.uk. The travel site noted a whopping 94 per cent increase in web visits to its family cruise page in the first half of this year. And with themed vacations (everything from Star Wars to Disney) the appeal of seafaring holidays is only going to grow.
Wake up in Wicklow
A new campaign highlighting the Garden County’s endless appeal is trending this month. #WakeUpInWicklow gives daytrippers ample excuse to extend a day in Wicklow to a full on staycation. From breathtaking cliff and mountain walks to every imaginable activity (horse riding, archery and flying lessons for a start) to fresh produce and famous eateries (lunch at The Happy Pear is a must). Go 5-star at Druids Glen, Powerscourt or Brooklodge, or Airbnb in a cosy seaside cottage. If you’re not quite convinced, follow the hashtag for a glimpse of the action, then visit visitwicklow.ie to plan your next trip.
Deals
Cyprus: A nice late addition for the holidays season with Cobalt Airways to Larnaca. A week in the sun frim €500. clickandgo.com Cannes: Make like a movie star with a week in the four-star Mimozas Cannes Resort for a family of four from €1,106. You’re just a stroll from the beach and only 35 minutes from Nice airport. mimozascannes.com Algarve: Prices begin to drop from the middle of August for holidays for a week in the Algarve, beginning at €269-€459 pps.
Get app-y
Localeur: Skip the tourist traps and let this app advise you on the locals’ choice of food and must-sees. It’s in 14 major US cities now and growing. Download it now at iTunes. localeur.com
