Autumn Gold is a good name for a brochure to promote Scotland as gold is exactly the colour you would expect to see with the trees, bracken and heather changing with the season. Whether you want to enjoy a city break in historic Edinburgh or glamorous Glasgow, or a romantic weekend in Loch Lomond or the Trossachs or explore the Highlands and Lowlands, there is value to be had.
Many hotels have special offers, with two-night breaks from as little as £50 bed and breakfast. There are also discounts on car hire and discounted tickets to attractions offered with the brochure. Aer Lingus have a special offer of £99 for two to Edinburgh or Glasgow during the Autumn. You can get the brochure from the British Tourist Authority, 18 College Green, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 670 8000.
Irish Ferries has kicked off the new Premiership season with a package of return ship and rail fares from Dublin to Liverpool and Manchester from £29 per person return, match tickets not included. Fares linked to all Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United Premiership fixtures through to next May include £14.50 fares for children. Details from Irish Ferries at (01) 661 0533.
A £46 per night Travelodge twin room accommodation package is also offered in Liverpool and Manchester.
The Chief Minister for the Australian Northern Territory, Shane Stone, paid a visit to Ireland last week, while our President was down under. Wearing his tourism hat he met representatives of the Irish travel trade to promote his Territory. Fortunately he has much to promote as the Northern Territory is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Australia - Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, the Adelaide River and the outback.
This 1.3 million sq km territory is home to only 200,000 people, but has seen a huge growth in tourism in the past seven years. The Chief Minister also pointed out that the capital Darwin is worth considering as an entry point to Australia and reduces the flying time considerably.
British Midland is offering the over-60s great value for money fares on London Heathrow. The fare of £75 allows one change in travel plans and has no requirement to stay for a Saturday night. If you are using the new Heathrow Express train you can also check in at Paddington, if you are travelling with hand luggage.
Some of the strangest types of programmes that have started appearing on television in recent years are fishing ones. But despite the oddness of watching someone fish, almost on a par with paint drying, I find myself fascinated. So, if you too have been captivated by armchair fishing then perhaps now is the time to try it for real.
There is now a Flyfish Beginners Casting Weekend in Rossahilly House, Enniskillen. Michael Short is an instructor and he will take you through everything you need to know from buying tackle to tying flies and casting. Accommodation is in the comfortable Rossahilly House overlooking Lower Lough Erne, and the cost of £235 includes all meals. (Non-fishing partners also welcome £130). Details from NITB, Nassau Street, Dublin 2, at 1850 230230 or 080 1365 322352.