Check-in: travel news, festivals and Easter deals

NEWS

Class act: Budget airline WOW Air has upgraded its seat offering with a new three-tier booking system. Now travellers will be able to choose from Basic, Plus or Biz packages, which will allow passengers to upgrade for more luggage on board, check-in a bag and cancel a flight with a refund, book larger seats and board the plane first. For full details and offers see wowair.ie

House proud: As one of the most unusual gardens in the North's National Trust's ownership, Mount Stewart's reopening after a three-year restoration is happy news for those in the know. The former home of the Seventh Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century was voted European Garden of Inspiration in 2003 thanks to Strangford Lough's mild climate. The lush Mediterranean-inspired gardens that result are a must-see for those with green-fingered inclinations. See nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

On point: Donegal hotel Harvey's Point has been named Ireland's favourite hotel by TripAdvisor. For the fifth year in a row the four-star was awarded Best Service in the country, and was also named 10th best in Europe in TripAdvisor's 2017 Travellers' Choice® awards. High praise indeed. For bookings see harveyspoint.com

FESTIVAL FAVOURITES

Montréal: From February 23th to March 11th, chefs from all over the world gather in the Canadian city for the Montréal en Lumière festival, a veritable foodie phenomenon. Whet your appetite at montrealenlumiere.com

Craggy Island: The annual Father Ted festival is something of a cult occasion at this stage. Make your way to Aran Mór Island for a myriad of Ted-tastic events, including tea at the parochial house and the Lovely Girls competition. April 28th-April 30th; tedtours.com

Oahu: The Wanderlust festival held in Oahu, Hawaii, brings together the world's most blissed out yoga teachers, speakers, musicians and foodies. February 23th-26th in a setting that is pure paradise; wanderlust.com

GET ’APPY

Walc: This navigation app helps walkers make their way through cities in the most efficient way. It is updated by users too, making it the smartest it can be on a day-to-day basis. Available on Android; walc.me

FRIDAY FEELING

The Heritage hotel and resort in Killenard, Co Laois, is offering guests a five-star start to their weekend with their latest package. From €125 per person sharing, enjoy an overnight stay in a deluxe room with breakfast the following morning, a cocktail in the Slieve Bloom bar, followed by dinner in the Arlington restaurant and access to the thermal suite for up to two hours. There's also a 10 per cent discount available on spa treatments on the Friday, and a 10 per cent discount card for Kildare Village. For further information and bookings call 057 864 5000 and see theheritage.com

DEALS

Easter in Croatia – luxury breaks from April 14th-16th, one week from €680pps in Dubrovnik, flights, accommodation in Grand Hotel Park, and transfers. Croatia.ie (01) 878 0800.

Easter in Italy – family break to Lake Garda from April 15th, staying in bungalow in Bella Italia resort, flights, accommodation, transfers from €579pps. Italy.ie (01) 611 1047.

Easter in Cote d’Azur – enjoy Easter in Mimozas Resort, 10kms from Cannes, family apartments from €599 and €799 per week. mimozascannes.com