Verona a real winner

RESORT transfers often tend to be the most annoying part of package holidays, but Topflight’s use of Verona as airport destination for Lake Garda-based holidays has proved hugely popular with Irish clients.

Daytime Saturday charter flights from Cork direct to the Italian city means holidaymakers don’t have to endure horrendous transfer journeys, and week-long stays come in at around €650 per person, inclusive of all taxes.

The company also organises excursions to different parts of the Lake, to the Dolomites and the Brenner Pass, Venice. They can also book sailing and windsurfing courses in the many excellent sailing schools on Lake Garda at Riva and Torbole.

To book from Cork this August call Topflight on 01 240 1700, visit www.topflight.ie or any travel agent.

* IARNROD EIREANN is welcoming staycationers aboard this summer, with a range of discount offers for Intercity travel and on the DART & Commuter network.

Online fares are €10 each way on all Intercity routes, while the new Trekker ticket, offering four days unlimited travel around the network, is available for €100.

For details of all deals currently available, go to www.irishrail.com

* HOLIDAYMAKERS planning to have a go at activities such as jet skiing or parasailing while on foreign soil are being advised to double check the small print on their insurance policies, as many won’t be covered for “hazardous activities”.

The warning is aimed at the thousands of people jetting off abroad for a sunny break over the continuing school holidays in the light of refusal by some insurance companies to meet claims.

* KILDARE Village, in conjunction with Irish Rail, are offering shoppers from Dublin special deals between now and September 30.

For €10 (adults) and €5 (kids), travellers get to ride a train for the 40 minutes it takes to get to Kildare from Dublin where a dedicated Kildare Village Shuttle will be on hand for transfers to the shopping area – prices are said to be reduced by up to 60% from the norm all year round.

For further information see www.kildarevillage.com.

Tickets can be purchased from the booking office in Heuston Station.

* THE visit to Cork of Mamma Mia, live at the Marquee, has led to hoteliers coming up with all sorts of plans to drum up business in the city.

The River Lee Hotel is offering special deals for €149 per person that includes over-night accommodation, complimentary cocktail per person on arrival, pre-theatre two course meal, tickets to Mamma Mia, full Irish breakfast, and late check cut. The package is only available when staying for two nights.

For more information please visit www.doylecollection.com or call 021 4252700.