Try one of these palatial Irish penthouse pads

Penthouse pads around Ireland

The Marker, Dublin  The dockland's five-star offers a two-bedroom penthouse pad loaded with king-sized beds, full-sized Malin+Goetz toiletries and iPhone connection to all of the in-room electronics; themarkerhoteldublin.com

The Imperial, Cork Everything from unparalleled views of the city from the room's wraparound balcony to the luxurious en suite and enormous fireplace, a stay here is is truly presidential; flynnhotels.com

Ballyfin, Laois  Think 18th-century Chinoiserie wallpaper, 100 per cent damask Egyptian cotton and 300 thread-count on the four-poster bed, and silver service like you wouldn't believe. A stay in the Sir Christopher Coote Suite is simply palatial; ballyfin.com

Looking up

The Bray Air Display takes to the skies this July 23rd to 24th for its 12th year. More than 140,000 people are expected to line the promenade for a day of free entertainment. Supported by the Irish Aviation Authority, this year’s festival highlights include a demonstration of an F-18 jet from the Spanish air force, the Catalina flying boat and the Irish Historic Flight Foundation flying Boeing Stearman and Chipmunk aircraft. To plan your day out, see brayairdisplay.com

New bag minding service takes the pain out of travel

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Active holidays: How to escape but still get in shape

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Use pedal power to charge your phone

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Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen and dip into Bath

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Sky hacks

Travel search engine kayak.ie has researched the best and worst seats to select when flying. Seat A1 was chosen as the best seat on the Airbus A320, used by Aer Lingus, while rows 1, 12 and 13 were rated for best leg room. In the Boeing 777 aircraft used by Emirates or Delta seats in rows 44 and 45 are the least desirable. Complaints include less legroom, limited reclining space and close proximity to both the toilets and crew galley. For the full report and more travel hacks see kayak.ie/news.

Slide on by 

For a day out wth a difference this weekend, take a trip to the Big Slide Festival on Winetavern Street near Christchurch Cathedral. With 98FM’s 260ft waterslide, music, entertainment and food on site there’s something for everyone. The festival runs on Saturday, July 15th (10am-6 pm) and Sunday, July 16th (12:30pm–6pm).

New views

With the relaunch of the Museum of Free Derry this summer, now’s the perfect time to take a trip to the Northern hotspot. The new museum building is home to a full multimedia exhibition on the civil rights and early Troubles including Battle of the Bogside, internment, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman, and also boasts a state-of-the-art exhibition space.

Base yourself in the four-star Maldron Hotel to stay close to the action. Stay with their Museum package for two nights bed and breakfast and four-course evening meal, with a complimentary bottle of sparkling perry and chocolate-covered strawberries, from €248 per room.  See discovernorthernireland.com.

Get appy: HiNative

Learn to speak a new language by listening to natives speak. This is a great app for anyone looking to get up to speed with the local lingo. Available on iPhone and Android; hinative.com

Travel deals with Joan Scales

Dubai Rugby Sevens: Three-night package, Nov 29th, flights with Emirates, hotel and tickets for Friday and Saturday games. From €939pps with sunway.ie, 01-2311800 Iceland: Take a three-night trip to Reykjavik and experience some of its natural treasures. Return flights from Dublin, three nights B&B, transfers, 20kg bag. From €579pps with Wallace Travel, wtg.ie, 01-8347888

Costa Rica: Find the Pura Vida with Contiki on a nine-day trip exploring this tropical country. From €1,399, plus flights, contiki.com, 1800-989898