Dromoland Castle €20m refurbishment completed

Travel Bag: Summer school, a wellness weekend and a babymoon for expectant parents

Drum roll for Dromoland  

Dromoland Castle has completed the final phase of a full-scale €20 million refurbishment, which has seen a preservation and modern updating of the 16th-century castle hotel in Co Clare. The castle guest rooms, Queen Anne Wing, dining and lounge areas and spa have all been transformed, as well as the addition of a new indoor pool and hand-painted artworks by Irish artist John Brennan. dromoland.ie

American made 

The sixth annual Kennedy Summer School returns to New Ross, Co Wexford, this September 6th-8th, celebrating Irish, US and international politics. This year's highlights include audiences with American human rights activist and daughter of Robert F Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, American presidential campaign strategist for John McCain, John Kasich and George HW Bush, John Weaver, and a sit-down interview with Miriam O'Callaghan. kennedysummerschool.ie

Wellness weekend

The Killarney Park Hotel has teamed up with Belief-Fit Gym to create the ultimate exercise escape for guests. The Well-Fit retreat is a long weekend of health and well-being that combines holistic self-care, fitness and five-star service to those looking for an active weekend in the Kingdom. Everything from hikes, life-coaching, anti-gravity yoga and freshly prepared health-focused menus are covered in the retreat, the first of which will take place September 27th- 30th with prices starting from €849 per person. wellfitkillarney.ie

Baby moon

Lough Eske Castle Hotel has launched a new parents-to-be inspired package, perfect for a holiday before baby arrives. Enjoy an overnight stay in the five-star Donegal resort with bespoke spa treatments. Mums will be treated to a foot soak treatment, full-body pregnancy massage and Yon-Ka mini-facial, while dad's can choose from an express facial or shoulder and back massage. Topping off the stay, enjoy a three-course table d'hôte evening meal in the hotel's Cedars Restaurant with breakfast the following morning, all from €449 between now and September and €399 from October until March. lougheskecastlehotel.com