Great Escapes: A five-star week on the Algarve for €299

Stay in the five star Real Marina Hotel and Spa in Olhao, on the eastern Algarve, for a week in January 2018 from €299pps. Return Aer Lingus flights, B&B and airport transfers. Relax in the spa and indoor pool and health club. Pay €1 deposit today to hold your reservation, clickandgo.com, 01-5397723.

Koh Samui – 10 day trips from €1,029

Get ready to escape on September 15 for a trip to Koh Samui, staying in the Chaba Cabana Beach resort from €1,029pps, B&B. Explore the exotic island of Koh Samui, hike in the rainforest and explore the coast from the water, usit.ie, 01-6021906.

Pick your fireside in Connemara

Ballynahinch Castle is inviting guests to come and stay and find their favourite fireplace from five dotted around the hotel. Autumn is a good time to enjoy the estate with its riverside walks in the 700 acres of woodland, and watch the changing colours. Two nights B&B and dinner one evening, a guided walk and a gift of a Magee lambs wool shawl will cost from €290pps, ballynahinchcastle.com, 095- 31006.

Toronto for under €400 return

Air Transat is offering competitive low-price fares from Dublin to Canada throughout October, including the half-term break. Direct economy class return fares will cost from €390. Toronto will be celebrating its own version of Oktoberfest and there will be a lot of Hallowe'en activities to enjoy. Airtransat.ie.

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Last chance for Lake Garda

Depart this weekend for a stay in the Hotel Miravalli at Lake Garda for a week from €359pps, B&B and flights. Or take a week in Verona, flight seat only from €99, crystalsummer.ie, 01-4331080.

Cyprus from €88

Cobalt Air has had such a successful season flying from Dublin to Larnaca, Cyprus that they will continue the service on Wednesdays and Sundays over the winter. Snap up fares in November from €88 each way, cobalt.aero. Find accommodation on visitcyprus.com.

Deep discounts for NI breaks

If you need a rest after the whole back to school palaver then Hastings Hotel in Northern Ireland some good value breaks, especially with Sterling being weak. Stay in the five-star Culloden Hotel from €104pps, the Europa in Belfast from €71pps, the Slieve Donard from €82pps, and Ballygally Castle from €71pps, full Northern fry every morning, hastingshotels.com, 048- 9047 1066.