DEAL OF THE WEEK:The low-cost airline model continues to spread to accommodation with the opening of Tune Hotel in London (tunehotels.com).
Based near Westminster (pictured) and minutes from Lambeth North Tube station, you choose to pay for a hairdryer, television, internet, shampoo or towels if you need them. Room prices are based on an aggressive marketing policy and range from £16.75 (€20) to £75 (€90) per night. Book early for the best deals.
AWAY
FALCON HOLIDAYS(1850-453545, falcon holidays.ie) has launched a new range of adult-friendly holidays for next year called the Thomson Summer Collection. It is aimed at couples and adults with mainly four- and five-star properties in Majorca, Portugal, Lanzarote, Cyprus, Corfu and Crete. Prices range from €459 half board for a week and from €529 all-inclusive.
LASTMINUTE.COMhas some not-so-last-minute offers for flights booked between now and September 24th for travel up to June 30th next year. Return flights to New York and Washington from €458, Hong Kong from €522 and Johannesburg from €688.
BOOK WITHPanorama Holidays (0818-202020, panoramaholidays.ie) for a week in Fuerteventura at the end of the month, staying in the Bristol Playa apartments in Corralejo from €399pps.
NEW YORKshopping trips are going to be more expensive this year, so if you are thinking of going, book now. Sunway (sunway.ie) has teamed up with Aer Lingus and has three-night packages in two-star hotels from €575pps and three-star from €739pps. Tour America (touramerica.ie) and Continental are giving a 15 per cent discount card for Macy's and have trips for two nights from €459pps.
HOME
JOIN FERGUSO'Halloran, sommelier and general manager of the Twelve Hotel, in Bearna, Co Galway (091-597000, thetwelvehotel.ie), for a special wine tutoring and tasting dinner on September 23rd and 30th. The two-night package includes a Splendid Suite and breakfast each day for €480 per couple sharing.
EXPERIENCEa 3D sporting revolution in Fagan's Bar at the Hotel Meyrick in Galway (091-564041, hotelmeyrick.ie) when the Ryder Cup will be screened. Stay from October 1st-3rd for €95pps and enjoy reserved access in the 3D lounge.
ENJOYA family overnight in the Tipperary countryside, when you stay in Dundrum House Hotel. The spacious family rooms can sleep up to five with rates of €119 midweek and €139 at weekend, bed and breakfast. See value.ie to book.
MARLFIELD HOUSEnear Gorey (053-9421124, marlfieldhouse.ie) is continuing its popular Sunday afternoon recitals on October 3rd, November 7th and December 19th. Sopranos Marcella Walsh, Rachel Croash, Grace Foley, Deirdre Masterson and tenor Brian Gilligan will be appearing. Lunch and recital is €65 while to overnight costs €75pps.
BOOK NOWfor a family friendly mid-term break and enjoy a good deal in the Clarion Hotel, Sligo (071-9119000, clarionhotelsligo.com). Four nights' midweek with dinner on two evenings and kids go free when sharing, €259pps. Two nights' midweek with one dinner is €129pps and weekends are €169pps.
BENNERS HOTELin Dingle (0818-281281) has an activity package on offer. Stay for two nights and enjoy a sunset kayaking trip or a two-hour windsurfing lesson in Dingle Harbour. The price of €169pps also includes dinner one evening and a picnic lunch.
GLENLO ABBEYon the outskirts of Galway (091-526666, glenlo.com) has autumn golf specials of two nights' bed and breakfast with dinner one night and a round of golf for €180pps.