The Irish Landmark Trust's newest property available to rent later this year is Salterbridge Lodge, a Georgian gatelodge on an estate near Cappoquin, Co Waterford, between the Knockmealdown Mountains and the coast near Youghal. The lodge was derelict for many years and the restoration was guided by intuition and architectural instinct. It can sleep a couple, with a sofa-bed for two further guests. Details from 25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6704733.
GUIDE books are an important part of travelling and Footprint Handbooks's new guide on Ireland is well worth a look. Ideal for exploring the whole country, it is extensive in its detail - the authors, Sean Sheehan and Patricia Levy, seem to have explored every nook and cranny of this island and found lots of places to stay and things to do.
Travellers to Jersey will be able to plan their trip with a website set up by Jersey Tourism, www.jersey.com. It has information of specific relevance to Irish holiday-makers, including tour operators and carriers.
Suzanne Strevens, formerly of Athlone, has recently rebuilt some ruins t o provide five, two-bedroomed holiday apartments, in the grounds of her language school in the Picos de Europa, Spain. Olmares is in the Liebana valley, an idea l area for walking, climbing and horse-riding. You can choose to be fully or semi-self-catering. It is also close to the Monastery of Saint Toribio de Liebana, one of only four places in the world where one can get absolution this Jubilee year. Details from Olmares, Basieda, Lomena 39574, Cantabria, Spain. Tel: 0034-942735102 or visit www.olmares.com
DIRECT Holidays is new to the Irish market this year and, following the success of its summer programme, it will offer sun destinations this winter. Holidays booked before the end of August will include free insurance. Of special interest are the longstay-package winter breaks to the Costa del Sol of up to six weeks, costing from £469. Details from 17 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 1850-400678 or www.direct- holidays.ie
MAERSK Air has announced a special summer bargain fare from only £149 return to Billund, in the heart of Denmark. It operates daily except Saturday from Dublin. Details from your local travel agent or 01-6080022.
THE summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace begins on August 6th and continues until October 1st. Tickets can be booked by credit card on 00442073212233 or bought on the day from the ticket office at Green Park.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie