Joe Dolan is heading the bill in Westport for a weekend of popular Irish music from March 16th to 20th. Other acts in the St Patrick's weekend lineup include Who's Eddie, Mick Flavin, Paddy Cole, Ray Dolan, Conal Gallen, Tony Chambers and James Peake. Two-, three- and fournight packages are available from £99, details from Show Tours, 20 Eden Quay, Dublin 1, (01) 873 1111.
Cultural Tours of Spain are off again in March to Andalucia. It covers one of the most historic areas of Spain, with the white villages of the Sierra de la Nieves. The tour will also take in Ronda, Cordoba, and Seville as well as Granada, with a tour of the Alhambra Palace. The cost is from £599 and includes flights, accommodation and all tours in a luxury coach. Details from Michael Stein Tours, 77 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2, 01 408 6350.
The Cherry Orchard Hotel and Apartments in the Isle of Man have a very special offer for Irish customers. In April and May you can bring your car free when you book a three-night self-catering or B & B holiday. Details from 0044 1624 833811 or email enquiries@cherryorchard.com.
A special garden tour of Jersey, led by Charlie Wilkins, runs from June 3rd to 10th. Departing from Dublin or Cork, it will include visits to three private gardens, the Jersey Flower Centre, Lavender Farm and more. The cost of £476 includes flights, hotel accommodation and tours. Details from J. Barter Travel, 92 Patrick Street, Cork 021 274261 or 55 South King Street, Dublin 2, 01 679 4100.
Young horse-lovers can indulge their hobby with Easter and summer equestrian holidays in the heart of Tipperary at Crossogue House. Weekends are also available for grown-ups. Details from Crossogue House, Ballycahill, Thurles, Co Tipperary, 0504 54123, email: crossog@iol.ie.
Irish Ferries has announced it has ordered the biggest cruise ferry in the world. It is being built in Finland and has been named Ulysses. It is expected to take up sailing on the Dublin Holyhead route from summer next year.
More new air services from Dublin. Aer Lingus has announced a five-days-a-week direct service to Stockholm and to Munich. Both services will begin on March 26th with fares to Munich starting at £199 and to Stockholm from £222. They will also be offering double TAB points on both routes until the end of June. Danish airline, Maersk Air, will begin a new service to Billund in West Denmark from 9 April, the flight will operate every day except Saturday and prices from £135. Details from (01) 608 0022. Continental Airlines has a special of £186 to New York until March 10th. Details from your local ITAA travel agent.