Insta-gratification
Travel website kayak.comhas revealed Irish travellers' most Instagrammed destinations, along with their top "must-snap" hot spots. In Europe, London topped the bill for Irish Instagrammers with more than 79 million photos posted in the city, and Big Ben ranking as the most popular location. Paris and Barcelona came in close second and third. Globally, Dubai, New York and Los Angeles took the top spots.
Some neck
Travel experiences that offer up-close-and-personal experiences with animals in their natural habitat never lose their appeal. The most Instagram-friendly of the lot by far is Giraffe Manor, an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within a
forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The 1930s manor is home to a herd of resident Rothschild giraffes, which pop in and visit morning and evening, poking their necks into the windows in the hope of getting a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. As wild holidays go, this one takes some beating; thesafaricollection.com.
The Big Small
Ireland's biggest small fest, the Carrickmacross Arts Festival, takes place August 10th-13th. The Magic Numbers, We Cut Corners and David McSavage are among the headline acts in Co Monaghan. The fundraiser, now in its fourth year, has evolved to a four-day extravaganza of music, comedy, visual arts, drama, film, crafts and activities for kids. Festival tickets for the four days cost €50 and single and two-day passes are also available. carrickmacrossartsfestival.com.
CHECK IN
TOP OF THE LOUGH
Carlingford: Between the waters of Carlingford Lough and the mountain of Slieve Foye, the choice of activities and attractions is endless. The oyster festival takes place August 11th-13th, too, so now is the perfect time to explore all there is on offer. carlingford.ie.
Killaloe: Stay in the historic and picturesque town in Co Clare as you canoe, kayak, yacht, windsurf and hill walk your way over, around and through Lough Derg, the third largest lake in Ireland; discoverkillaloe.ie.
Boyle: Lough Key Forest Park, near Boyle, Co Roscommon, has everything you need for a day by the water. A caravan park, lakeside cafe, bucket loads of activities and a top-notch visitor's centre are just for starters. loughkey.ie
GET APPY
MyTSA: Calculate wait times for clearing security, and keep updated on delays and weather conditions in the US all in one handy app. Available on iTunes.
Wine and Dine Fancy a taste of the Continent this August? The resplendent Ardtara Country House in Co Derry is offering guests a European-inspired escape with the launch of its Spain and Portugal wine dinner. Begin with canapés and a white port and tonic on arrival before sitting down to a sumptuous six-course tasting menu, each paired with a Spanish or Portuguese wine. Complete the evening with an overnight stay in one of their beautifully restored bedrooms with full Irish breakfast the following morning. The wine dinner and overnight package from €150. Book at ardtara.com.
Travel deals with Joan Scales
Christmas on the French Riviera: December 22nd-29th staying in NH Hotel Nice four dinners and special Christmas dinner from €1,099pps, flights and tours included, slatterys.com, 066-4011150.
Halloween in Las Vegas: bound to be scary fun. Five nights in the Excalibur Hotel and flights from €655pps, americanholidays.com, 01-6733804.
Costa Almeria: Spain's driest coast is ideal for a September week in the sun from €489pp in the Playasol Hotel, clickandgo.com, 01-5397723.
