DAVIN O'DWYER takes a look at some forthcoming offers
Soccer
There will be keen interest in the game between Manchester United and Sunderland on Saturday, December 6th, as Roy Keane (below) returns once more to the Theatre of Dreams, whose stage he made his own during his 12 years at the Red Devils. Both teams have betrayed inconsistency this season, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be strong favourites to take the three points.
Stena Line is setting sail earlier on the day, leaving Dublin Port at 7.45am, so football fans can make it to Manchester in time for the match, with a return day-trip fare from €50 per person when travelling with a car and four passengers, or by coach, leaving Busáras at 7am, from €79. See www.stenaline.ie/football or call 01-2047777; or, for coach travel, see www.buseireann.ie or call 01-8366111. Prices are for travel only: match tickets are not included.
Luckily, Dawson Travel (www.dawson- travel.com, 021-4274397, 01-6618900) has a few available for about €150.
Another good ferry option is the midweek game between United and Blackburn on Wednesday, December 3rd. Whartons Travel (www.whartonstravel.com, 057-8646486) is offering coach, ferry and a match ticket for the astonishingly low price of €79 per person.
Horse racing
Cheltenham Festival isn't until March, but the English racecourse's Boylesports International should whet the appetite of horse-racing enthusiasts with two days of high-class action on Friday, December 12th, and Saturday, December 13th. Saturday's card features the £200,000 Boylesports.com International, one of the most valuable hurdle races of the season in Britain or Ireland, and the Boylesports.com Gold Cup.
Tully's Travel is offering a package to the event, with flights, accommodation and transfers, for €299. See www.tullys.ie or call 059-9136100 or 01-6767777.