Departure Lounge: Five holiday deals to book, including a Sound of Music celebration
Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music.
FlyShannon.ie is currently offering holidaymakers a €150 discount off their next sun holiday departing from Shannon Airport. Destinations include the new route to Madeira, as well as favourites like The Canaries and Costa del Sol with travel taking place from April to September 2025. Sample holidays include 7-nights at the 5-star Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort at €939 pps with return flights from Shannon for travel in April 2025.
Book by March 21 using the promo code to avail of all sun route specials.
The Austrian city of Salzburg has lined up a host of themed events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music. Fans of the movie can explore the famous scenery a short drive from the pretty city in the Leogang Mountains.
Recreate the film’s iconic opening scene staying at Priesteregg, a luxe eco resort in the Pinzgau region. Offering 18 chalets and villas, there’s a spacious wellness area with a floating sky pool, indoor pool, outdoor nature pool, Swiss pine sauna, smoke sauna, sun terrace and outdoor yoga platforms with glorious mountain views. Wrapped in nature, you’ll dine well too, with lots of local produce on the menu. B&B €340pps in a Berg Mountain Chalet.
England’s Coast is a super resource for planning a trip to explore our nearest neighbour’s beautiful coastline. The one-stop-guide covers eight different coastal regions around England, offering advice and adventures that include fun seaside experiences, gorgeous accommodation, wild beaches, water activities, great hikes, local food experiences and top attractions. From the Yorkshire coast to the cliffs of Kent, fish and chips to vineyard tastings, Cornwall villages to castle tours, there’s much to whet your appetite on England’s cool coast.
Planning a family jaunt to Emerald Park this spring? Just 30 minutes from the popular theme park, Trim Castle Hotel in Trim, Co Meath is offering The Great Family Escape package at €159 for two adults and two children. They can even add a teepee sleeping tent for a younger guest as a paid optional, making for a great value getaway.
Available Sunday-Thursday, this overnight deal includes one night in a spacious family room, pizza and sides in The Bailey Brasserie for dinner, and breakfast the following morning. There’s complimentary access to Aura Leisure Centre too, a five minute walk from the hotel, where you’ll find a 25-metre pool and gym.
Riviera Travel has added two new itineraries to its 2026 cruise collection. The Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna: A Danube Discovery Cruise and the Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise are available to book from March 2025. Sailing on the new Riviera Radiance, the Danube Discovery Cruise offers a four-night/five-day journey through Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.
A great way to sample river cruising, this interesting itinerary includes guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, and a classical string quartet performance onboard. Full-board accommodation. From €1,399.
