Ryanair is Malta bound

FLIGHTS from Dublin to Malta are on special offer right now, with prices starting from just less than €90 with Ryanair.

The Malta Tourist Board will be heavily promoting the destination alongside Ryanair and Easyjet (ex-Belfast) over the coming weeks, pushing the idea of taking long weekend or midweek breaks.

The pleasant spring climate is just one of the attractions highlighted in a country that thrives in a series of special events throughout the year.

The nearby island of Gozo, just a 15 minute ferry-trip away, offers a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, worth at least a day trip.

Those who want to book independently can find an abundance of information on www.visitmalta.com, or the information line on 01 6688209. Flights from Dublin are with www.ryanair.com, from Belfast with www.easyjet.com

- THE Bridge House in Tullamore, County Offaly, has become a surprisingly popular venue for hen parties, with the emphasis on relaxation rather than alcohol-fuelled celebrations.

What’s described as a “hen package” is priced at €189 for a two-night stay, including breakfast, an evening meal and spa treat.

It’s not all sensible stuff — entertainment and music is available in the hotel bars and clients get free admission to the Palace Nightclub, but next day recovery therapy in the Leisure club and Spa is included.

For more information contact the Bridge House Hotel on 057 9325600 or email [e-mail].

- STENA Line has experienced a 26% increase in its Landbridge bookings to Europe this summer.

In a price comparison carried out by Stena for a family of four going on holiday to Bordeaux (the scenic route) customers can travel from Dublin to Holyhead and onward from Dover to Calais from €558 compared to €1,140 by air from Dublin to Bordeaux which carries additional baggage charges of up to €120.

For further information or to book, customers should go to www.stenaline.ie/europe, call 01 2047733, contact a local Stena Line office or travel agent.

- THOSE travelling to Australia might like to know that a new eco-camp, Kurrajong, is to open in the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park of north Western Austra lia (WA) next month.

Kurrajong will consist of 10 semi-permanent safari tents, as well as a dining area and eco-friendly hot showers and toilet facilities.

Purnululu National Park is a 2,500square km adventure playground, with trekking through gorges and chasms. Packages there will cost about €120 a day. Check it out on www.connections.travel