Nobu in London, forest fairytales, and a seaside must-see

New Nobu

On July 1st, London neighbourhood Shoreditch gets the ultimate seal of approval with the opening of a new Nobu Hotel. The Japanese restaurant will seat 240, serving up its world-famous sushi and cocktails. The 10-seat sushi bar and 18-seat chef's table, have prime views of both the main kitchen and sushi chefs at work. As for the bedrooms, expect sleek, simple decor, matching the now famous Nobu minimalist style. Stay from €288 approx, nobuhotelshoreditch.com

Song and a dance

The 15th annual Lismore Immrama Festival of Travel Writing takes place this June 14th-18th in Co Waterford, with two award-winning travel documentaries produced by Paddy Hayes set to open proceedings. Mongolian Rhapsody follows the journey of Irish fiddler Daire Bracken as he embarks on a musical pilgrimage to Mongolia, while Back to Jamaica documents Belfast bard Gearóid Mac Lochlainn uncovering reggae. For a full line-up see lismoreimmrama.com

Travel rhythms

Kayak, the online travel booking site, has revealed the differing behaviours of its travellers on mobile and desktop devices. London is the most searched-for destination for iOS and Android users, with Los Angeles topping computer searches. It seems Irish iOS users are also the least price-sensitive, spending an average of 13 per cent more on flights than computer users. kayak.ie

Check in  Bank Holiday

weekend events

Newry  Children of all ages are invited to discover their very own fairytale at the Footsteps In The Forest festival at Slieve Gullion Forest Park this weekend. Expect giants' tables, fairy houses, and magic aplenty for all ages; discovernorthernireland.com.

Cork Boat races, swims, walks and talks celebrate all things maritime in the annual Harbour Festival in Cork city, June 3rd-11th; corkharbourfestival.com.

Killarney Bikefest is Ireland's largest gathering of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from all over the world. Enjoy entertainment, events and guided bike rides along the Wild Atlantic Way all weekend, June 2nd-5th; irelandbikefest.com.

Get Appy  

Yuggler This app, which is a favourite among parents, suggests kid-friendly activities and events wherever you are in the world. Available at the App Store; yuggler.com

Dun deal 

While Haddington House in Dún Laoghaire already boasts some of the best coastal views on Dublin's south side, the hotel has upped the ante with the addition of an Italian wood-fired pizza oven in the garden overlooking Dún Laoghaire harbour. Stay in one of their 50 bedrooms (14 overlook Dublin Bay), with food from the Oliveto restaurant. Outside on the terrace, the focus is on a menu of pizzas and grilled meats, boozy lemonades, frozen margaritas, and daiquiris, the perfect reward after a long walk on the pier. Stay from €85, see haddingtonhouse.ie for more.

Travel Deals with Joan Scales

Caribbean: Cruise the Caribbean for Christmas with CassidyTravel.ie. Eight nights on Oasis of the Seas, departing December 23rd from €1,999, including flights, CassidyTravel.ie, tel: 01-2910000.

Bali: Save up to €790 per person on a week at the five-star Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, departing between September 11th and October 29th, 2017, book by June 15th, from €1,269pps. Tropicalsky.ie, tel: 01-6649999.

Italy: Explore Rome, Perugia and Assisi over seven days with the traveldepartment.ie. Flights and half-board accommodation in June from €699pps, tel: 01- 6371650.