Two-for-one at Irish attractions

DOWNLOAD A free discount pass on Ireland Visitor Discount’s site (cultureheritageire land.com) which admits two people for the price of one to attractions all over the country, like Number 29 The Georgian Museum on Fitzwilliam Street Lower and Skerries Mills, both in Dublin; Avondale House and Forest Park, Co Wicklow; Castlecomer Discovery Park in Co Kilkenny; Lissadel House in Co Sligo; Ailwee Caves, Co Clare; Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre; and the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Co Kildare.

Catch:discounts are valid for a maximum of two people travelling together and should be confirmed when booking. Discounts are subject to availability and are not valid for groups.

Take note: some attractions only offer 10-20 per cent discounts on admission, like Dalkey Castle, the National Wax Museum, Dublin Zoo, Bantry House and gardens, Blarney Castle and Dunbrody emigrant ship in Co Wexford.

• IRISH FIRM Surfbox, providers of pay-as-you-go internet kiosks, has launched a mobile printing service which allows Irish travellers to print documents from their mobile devices while at the airport. The service is available on a free trial basis until the end of November at Surfbox's eight internet kiosks in the departures lounge at Dublin Airport. Some airlines charge €40 to print boarding passes (surfbox.ie).

Catch:the free period ends in two weeks and thereafter will be 60 cent.

Take note:the new service allows users to send essential documents to a secure site where they are available for up to three days.

• IT TAKES some nerve to blag an upgrade in a hotel but there are lots of websites, like howtodothings.com or wikihow.com, with advice on how to try.

During the off-season and quieter times of the week, large hotels often have high vacancy rates which improves your chance of getting a free upgrade. There’s no harm in asking politely and an upgrade doesn’t have to mean a larger room, it could be a nice view instead of one of the car park.

Most advise not to book online but over the phone or in person, and let management know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary.

Catch:if the reservation desk can't upgrade you immediately when you book your room, you can ask again in advance of your arrival and, failing that, when you arrive. Success often depends on your rapport with the check-in staff, so you are on to a loser if you make demands.

Take note:there are a few self-styled freebie gurus online professing to hold the secret to free hotel and BB accommodation, like The Ultimate Guide To Free Lodging which charges $27 (€20) for the privilege.

• Found a freebie on holidays? Email emorgan@irishtimes.com