Departure Lounge: Northern Norway makes for a perfect escape
Aurora Cabin, Norway
Steal away to northern Norway for a spot of escapism, romance, and star-gazing.
Aurora Cabin, a cosy wooden cabin hidden away in the tranquil Lofoten Islands, is wrapped in nature by the edge of Austvågøya’s highest mountain, Higravstinden.
Depending on the season, you can arrange activities in Svolvaer, just a 25-minute drive from Aurora Cabin.
From sea eagle tours and guided photography trips to hiking or ski-touring on Higravstinden, trails start at Aurora Cabin’s doorstep. Nearby Henningsvaer, with shops and bars, is wonderful to walk to and you can take a speedboat excursion to the famous Trollfjord.
With nightly rates from €300, the cabin sleeps up to four adults and two children; the minimum stay is four nights.
Paris and patisserie are synonymous, with no visit to the French capital complete without a serious pastry session.
Top of our list is Lutetia Paris, the iconic landmark property in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where pastry chef Nicolas Guercio’s latest confections star in his exquisite hazelnut-themed afternoon tea every weekend in April at Le Saint-Germain.
The only luxury palace hotel on the city’s Left Bank, the landmark property has hosted creatives from Picasso and Matisse to Hemingway, with French apartment-feel accommodation and Eiffel Tower views.
With Ireland facing the All Blacks for a rematch on Soldier’s Field, Chicago, on November 1, now’s the time to book your Windy City Halloween escape.
A magnet for architecture, art, music, food, and culture lovers, Chicago is one of the USA’s most exciting and fun cities to visit.
The rugby match, which will commemorate Ireland’s historic first victory over the All Blacks at the same venue in 2016, is set to be a fierce rematch, both teams having secured five wins apiece in their subsequent 10 encounters.
Tickets for the match not included, and available through Ticketmaster. €998pp, including flights from Dublin, checked bags and three nights room only at Warwick Allerton.
An overnight stay at The Heritage, Co Laois, makes the perfect treat for mums this Mother’s Day.
Book an overnight escape and enjoy 24 hours of relaxation, including afternoon tea in the hotel’s Galleria.
The spacious countryside resort also offers complimentary access to their thermal suite where a new salt cave, rustic sauna cabin, and experiences shower can be enjoyed.
Overnight B&B with afternoon tea from €278 for two sharing.
If the thoughts of a Bordeaux river cruise floats your boat, you’ll like the sound of this trip gliding along the picturesque waterways of southwest France.
Marrying historic landmarks with impressive vineyards and breathtaking backdrops this 10-day Paris to Bordeaux trip includes return flights from Cork or Dublin, two nights in a four-star hotel in Paris, a Paris city tour and escorted train to Bordeaux and a seven-nights all-inclusive Avalon river cruise.
From €2,199 per person, departures from April to November 2025.
