Help Ireland beat world record at Irish fairy festival

Fairy Tales

Calling all little magic and mischief makers – this year’s Fairy Festival takes place on July 22nd in Co Offaly and there’s an Irish world record attempt for the largest gathering of fairies taking place on the day. Come dressed in your finest fairy gear and take part in the family-friendly activities including the Lough Boora Fairy Door Trail, parachute games, giant bubbles and puppet shows with the famous Fairy Clodagh. See loughboora.com.

Going Green

The Cliff House Hotel has launched a new package celebrating the newly launched Waterford Greenway, Ireland's longest off-road trail which runs an impressive 46km from Waterford city to Dungarvan along the former Great Southern and Western Railway line. The five-star's special offer includes a two-night stay in a sea view room, three-course dinner and one evening in the Bar Restaurant, full-day bike hires for two adults (helmets included) from nearby Dungarvan and a gourmet picnic in a deluxe hamper backpack for two people sharing. From €585 for two people sharing, pending season. See cliffhousehotel.ie. For more on the new Greenway, see deisegreenway.com.

Incredible Crillon

The Hotel Crillon in Paris has reopened after a four-year renovation, restoring the 18th-century institution to its former glory. Now under the ownership of Rosewood Hotels, the symbol of Parisian luxury is well worth a visit next time you visit the City Of Lights. rosewoodhotels.com.

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Surf’s Up 

Lisbon

Learn to catch waves at Lisbon’s Surf House, a beautiful 18th-century pad with a mix of shared and private rooms and an expert team of wave riders. surflisbon.com.

A pilgrim’s walk in Wicklow

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Take the Tom Crean endurance challenge walk

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Going coastal: 50 of the best places to eat, stay and play along Ireland’s coastline

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Lisbon: the cheapest city break destination in western Europe

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Santa Monica

Ride LA's waves with the West Coast cool set, then dip into Superba Food + Bread on Lincoln Blvd, the new happening foodie spot for perfect beachside brunching. superbafoodandbread.com.

Lahinch

First things first – book yourself into Vaughan Lodge, the best-kept foodie secret on the west coast. Feast on the superior fare here and, once fuelled, hit the legendary Lahinch swell a mere stone’s throw away; vaughanlodge.ie.

Escapade Escape

For a deeply restorative break this summer, look to Escapade's retreats. Founders Emilia Herting and Maeve O'Sullivan's ethos is in combining yoga, wellness and good food with Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. A typical day starts with sunrise meditation, morning yoga practice, a healthy Ayurvedic breakfast, treatments, food demonstrations and local excursions. Choose from retreats in Herzogtum Lauenburg, Germany, Mallorca and Kerry. Book in for their Autumn Rejuvenation Retreat, August 26th–September 2nd in Mallorca from €1,500 per person. See escapadaretreat.com.

GET APPY  HotelTonight

This hotel booking app is a lifesaver for spur-of-the-moment breaks away or a last-minute change of plans. Get the best deals around, guaranteed. Available on the App Store and Google Play; hoteltonight.com.

Travel deals with Joan Scales

Tennis in Portugal

If you are inspired by Wimbledon, improve your tennis at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at the Pine Cliffs Resort from October to May. Four-day packages from €655 and seven days from €1,410 with tuition. project-travel.ie/ , 01-210 8391

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Paris on the Seine

Stay on board a river cruise ship with fine dining and entertainment. Three nights in the city of light from €689pps, gently cruising the Seine. You can get on and off as you like, cruisescapes.ie/, 01-2941000.

Holy Land

The tomb of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem has reopened following extensive restoration. Visit the tomb and the Holy Land in September with a guided tour with flights and accommodation over eight days from €1,549pps, maptravel.ie/