Travel

Check-in: Deals and breaks in Ireland and abroad

Markets, Bali photographs, deals for South Africa, and virtual travels around the world

This month, our destination dreaming comes courtesy of In the Spirit of Bali

Jo Linehan
Joan Scales
Sat Apr 9 2016 - 03:50

INDOOR MARKETS

The English Market, Cork: The beloved 19th-century market (below), located off Patrick Street, remains one of the most charming nooks in the "real capital". Come for unbeatable local produce and creamy cakes in the Farm Gate cafe, stay for the craic with the market's vendors and traders. See englishmarket.ie

Nagycsarnok, Budapest: Hungary's oldest and largest market is a gem, all 10,000 sq ft of it. The glass and iron structure is brimming with local specialities and souvenirs, and is a constant hub of activity. See budapestmarkethall.com

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Arminiusmarkthalle, Berlin: Vintage-lovers, meet your mecca. The pretty market has a beer hall and a sublime array of cuisine, but the draw here is the kitsch furniture, antique chandeliers and covetable bric-a-brac. See markthalleberlin.com

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TRAVEL APPY

For those who take preplanning to another level, EON Experience VR is an app that transports users to dozens of destinations, so you can virtually visit the Taj Mahal or Pyramids before you book.

SPIRITED AWAY

This month, our destination dreaming comes courtesy of In the Spirit of Bali, a new photographic tome that is an exquisite homage to the Indonesian island (above). From its flawless natural setting to its intrepid travellers and rich history, the essence of Bali is captured poignantly in this keepsake. Get ready to be transported. In the Spirit of Bali, by Isabella Ginanneschi and Duncan Murray Kirk, is €45 at assouline.com.

CITY HEIGHTS

Step aside, Marrakech, Rome and Paris; TripAdvisor has deemed London 2016’s best destination. This is thanks to forthcoming royal celebrations, not to mention the thrill of Wimbledon and its sheer accessibility.

HIGH FLIERS

Sir Richard Branson is on a mission to bring back supersonic air travel. The billionaire is backing Boom, a Colorado-based aviation start-up that plans to build jets capable of cutting flight times from London and New York to under four hours. Follow the progress of these aircraft at boom.aero.

DEALS

SOUTH AFRICA: Think Turkish or Ethiopian when booking. Cape Town with Turkish Airlines costs from €506 (thy.com); Johannesburg with Ethiopian Airlines costs from €482 (ethiopianairlines.com).

MENORCA: Holidays from Cork to the Balearic island this summer cost from €599pps; day flights with Cityjet, leetravel.ie (021-4277111), steintravel.ie.

WESTPORT: April dancing in Westport: five nights' dinner and B&B, with dancing each evening, at Westport Woods Hotel, for €265pps, starting April 17th and 24th; westportwoodshotel.com (098-25811).