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Photography in Montenegro, special evenings in Ireland and an adults-only festive break


Snap happy (lake in Montenegro): Dublin Photography School has announced a special trip for April 2018. Spend a day and night in the walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, before travelling to the historic coastal town of Budva, which will be your base in Montenegro for the next three nights. Photograph your boat trip around Boka Bay, and visit the Unesco World Heritage Site of Kotor, photographing some of Montenegro's most impressive natural landscapes. Prices start from €1,079pp for four nights including return flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, expert photography tuition from Dublin Photography School, local expert guide in Montenegro, daily breakfasts and one dinner. See tdactiveholidays.ie for more.

Fine wines: Two very special events take place this December 1st at both The Step House Hotel in Co Carlow and The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo. The hotels, with the help of a wine expert, will serve up an evening of fine wines and fare. At The Step House Hotel, Spanish Denominación de Origen wines will be celebrated with a meal devised by head chef Alan Foley, and hosted by Tomás Clancy of The Sunday Business Post from €55 per person, with a special overnight rate from €45 including breakfast. Meanwhile, in the west enjoy an evening with John Wilson of The Irish Times and Ribera del Duero wines from €55 per person, with an overnight stay with breakfast from €180 per room based on two adults sharing. Book directly at stephousehotel.ie and thelodgeac.com

Thai high:  This December 12th, Qatar Airways launches its new Thai destination directly from Dublin Airport, with flights commencing to Chiang Mai. Set to fly four times a week, it is in addition to the airline's existing flights to Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket. For more see qatarairways.com

Grown up Christmas:   The Hotel Kilkenny is offering an adults-only festive break this December. Arrive on Christmas Eve to dinner in the Taste Restaurant followed by live entertainment in Pure Bar and a complimentary festive drink. Feast on a full Irish breakfast on Christmas morning, and relax in the health club before enjoying a traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment and a meal that evening followed by live music. The two-night festive stay starts from €359 per person sharing, with the option to extend your stay for St Stephen's Day at €55 per person sharing for bed and breakfast. For more visit hotelkilkenny.ie