Follow Irish to Bucaco

THE Portuguese Tourist Board has combined with PAB Tours to sell three special deals this year, one of them with an Irish theme of sorts.

Central Portugal was the scene 200 years ago of the Bucaco Battle, and the anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat by the Irish Connaught Rangers features a re-enactment of the battle. The all-inclusive tour includes an Irish tour manager.

The company also features a trip to Madeira for active retirees and groups as well as trips to Fatima and Lisbon.

Check out www.pabtours.com.

- TO celebrate Dublin’s award of the UNESCO literary site, The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin has created a unique city break.

Literary buffs can stay in the heart of Leopold Bloom’s playground, have a pint in Brendan Behan’s local, and soak up the atmosphere at Trinity College.

Visit www.fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com.

- THE Dingle Food and Drink Festival (October 1 to 3) will again play host to the Blas na hÉireann Irish National Food Awards. There will be a showcase of all Blas winners, creating one of the biggest farmers markets in the country.

www.irishfoodawards.com.

- MALTA is a good option for those looking to get away from it all. From its North African and Arabic influences to the Sicilian-inspired cuisine, Malta is a microcosm of the Mediterranean. It is also a perfect destination for weddings and Concorde Travel has a range of packages to suit.

Visit www.concordetravel.ie.

- TOPFLIGHT have linked up with Alive Outside to run the inaugural Irish National Skiathlon Championship from March 12 to 19, 2011, in St Johann in Tirol, Austria.

A Skiathlon race combines swimming 750m in an indoor pool, followed by 5km Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon target shooting and a 5km Forest Trail Run.

The week has three days skiing/boarding and three days Triathlon training, and includes lessons for beginners or intermediates in skiing or snow boarding.

See www.aliveoutside.ie for details.