Check In: Art trails, mystery trips and musical getaways

Artful Indulgence

Clontarf Castle’s extensive art collection is the key feature in their new experiential offering. Guests are welcome to explore open and hidden areas of the hotel via their art trail, a colourful map that takes you through the history of their varied collection featuring some of Ireland’s up and coming artists as well as pieces from Saatchi Art, Artfinder and London Art. See Clontarfcastle.ie for more.

Millennial Travel 

A new study, undertaken by market research company GfK on behalf of Airbnb, has revealed millennials prioritise travel over owning a home, buying a car or paying off debt. The study, which looked at people aged 19-35 in the US, China and the UK, also showed that 75 per cent create their own itineraries rather than booking with a travel agent, making travel cheaper and more personalised.

Scavenger Travel 

A new service, Jubel, decides your holiday for you. After you’ve entered your budget and travel preferences, the website sends you to a mystery destination somewhere in the world. You’ll be guided through the holiday, from hotel to experience, via a series of envelopes. It certainly makes for a holiday with a difference. See jubel.co for more.

Musical escapes

Salzburg 

Take a journey through the city and surrounding Austrian countryside where Julie Andrews' classic musical The Sound Of Music was filmed. The Panorama bus tour visits iconic spots including Maria's nunnery and the Mirabell Gardens where the song Do-Re-Mi was filmed. See panoramatours.com for details.

Memphis 

Pop into Graceland, uncover the city’s greatest live music venues on a walking tour, or simply soak up all of the incredible buskers on the streets of the south’s musical mecca. See backbeattours.com for more.

Liverpool 

The Magical Mystery Tour is a two-hour Beatles bonanza. See where John, Paul, George and Ringo grew up, visit Penny Lane and Strawberry Field before finishing with a drink at the world-famous Cavern Club where the band got their big break. visitliverpool.com.

Get Appy

Leap Top-Up 

This free app allows you to instantly top-up your Leap Card, check your balance and collect tickets while on the go. Available for Android. See leapcard.ie for more.

Golden Wonder 

In the heart of Waterford, Faithlegg House Hotel has launched a new package for over-50s. The Golden Years getaway offers three nights midweek with breakfast each morning, along with an evening meal prepared by head chef Jenny Flynn on all three evenings in the award-winning Roseville Rooms restaurant. The package also includes a complimentary pass for Waterford's Viking Triangle in the city, plus daily use of the golf clinic, aquaerobics, music, bridge, history, talks, walks and a €20 voucher for use on selected treatments in the spa, making this a jam-packed break away worth taking. From €189 per person sharing over 50. See faithlegg.com.

Deals

Ski breaks: Ski the French Alps in December with Highlife. Four-day breaks in Val d'Isere and Meibel in catered chalets from €410pps. Flights extra. Highlife.ie Tel: 01-6771100.

Island Cruising: Follow the sun around Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Madeira on Thomson Majesty from €829pps. thomsonholidays.ie Tel: 1850-453545.

Long-stay holidays: If a week or two is not enough, sunway.ie has long stays in Agadir. Self-catering three weeks from €499 pps, eight weeks from €869 pps; hotel three weeks from €779 pps, eight weeks €1,549 pps. Tel: 01-2311899