Last-minute travel deals and breaks in Ireland and abroad

Brews and views

If you are looking for a day out with a difference today, make your way to Ballymote, Co Sligo. The award-winning White Hag brewery is celebrating its second birthday with a beer extravaganza and an open-house party involving other brewers at its facility. With tours and tastings, live music and more than a few White Hag specialities to savour throughout the day, it should be a Saturday well spent in the west. Find out more about the big bash at eventbrite.ie and visit their website at thewhitehag.com

Leap freely

Families will be pleased to hear that from Monday, July 25th, until Sunday, August 6th, children between four and 18 who hold a Leap Card can travel for free. The summer treat applies to Bus Éireann, the commuter service of Irish Rail and all Dublin Bus, Luas and Dart services.

Best in the biz

The prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, as voted for by travellers from 160 countries, have been announced. It named Qatar Airways as Best Business Class Airline, Emirates as World's Best Airline and Norwegian as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe. worldairlineawards.com

Deals

Majorca: enjoy 7 nights in the 4-star Ola Bouganvilla hotel from €275pp, departing from Shannon, October 9th. Call 01-9010175 to book or see blueseaholidays.ie

Malaga: Stay in the Zenit Malaga, Spain, from July 28th- August 4th from €552pp based on return flights from Dublin with two adults sharing a double room. skyscanner.ie

St lucia: a 7-night stay at the 4-star Rendezvous departing between September 1st-30th, if booked before 5th August, starts from €2,229 pp. Call 01-6649999 or see tropicalsky.ie

Three place tours

Kensington Palace: Live like a queen with a private tour of Kensington Palace, a night at the elegant Baglioni Hotel and champagne afternoon tea for two from €500 for two adults sharing a deluxe room. baglionihotels.com

Versailles Palace: Coordinate a visit to Versailles Palace with its firework show, staying in the elegant Trianon Palace, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, on the palace's doorstep. trianonpalace.fr

Palais Princier de Monaco: Just steps from the Prince's Palace, the Hotel Ambassador Monaco will happily organise a visit and tour, or tickets to one of the summer concerts on the grounds. ambassadormonaco.com

Savouring Thailand

Anyone who has been to Thailand knows there's more to the exotic country and its food than you could ever expect. It is much more than spring rolls and noodles. Now luxury travel agency Scott Dunn has launched a new trip, exploring Thailand's most exciting foodie highlights. Embark on a culinary adventure through Bangrak Market and Tha Chang Pier for an authentic taste of local delicacies, visit Chinatown to sample Chinese pork buns and dim sum and take a tuk tuk to Sam Yan Market for Thai seafood and fresh meat prepared-to-order. For a tailormade Thai experience, see scottdunn.com

App of the week

Aer Lingus: The updated app lets users check in to flights on the same day as travelling, save on fares to 170 destinations and securely save payment details to buy flights or check in. aerlingus.com