A round-up of today's travel news in brief
Raft down the Liffey
Rafting.ie has begun raft trips down the Liffey, along the Strawberry Beds and on the course of the Liffey Descent canoe race. Passengers should see lots of local wildlife, including herons, mink and kestrels. The rafts take six people at a cost of €300 per trip. Rafters are provided with a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket. There are also changing rooms and hot showers. 01-6264363, rafting.ie.
Boat breaks at home
With ash threatening to scupper foreign holidays, a less stressful alternative could be a boating holiday in Ireland. Emerald Star has 20 per cent off cruises on the Shannon and Erne this summer. A seven-day holiday starts at €184pps. No experience is necessary: the Emerald Star team show you the ropes. 071-9627633, emeraldstar.ie.
Bluestone winners
Congratulations to the three winners of our competition last week for a family break to Bluestone National Park Resort, in Wales, with return Stena Line ferry tickets. They are Grace Kinsella of Tivoli, in Cork; Adrienne Fagan of Delgany, Co Wicklow; and Leah Conroy of Borrisokane, Co Tipperary. You could win one of three holidays this week at irishtimes.com/ competitions/familyholidays.
20,000
The number of cancelled hotel bookings in Athens alone after rioting against the Greek
government's austerity measures.