Travel digest: New Cork routes take off

Aer Lingus Regional’s new year-round services from Cork to Southampton and Leeds Bradford have taken off and can be expected to suit football fans as well as tourists. 

Southampton, of course, is a mecca for cruise departures, while Leeds Bradford offers good accessibility for those who support clubs, and a lot more, other than the big names. Seats for Southampton and Leeds Bradford are on sale from €24.99.

Go to www.aerlingus.com

Resort offers family specials

Oakwood has opened for the new season and Irish Ferries marks the occasion by offering family Spring specials for the Pembrokeshire resort.

Valid up to May 20, a two-night stay at the nearby three-star Malin House Hotel starts from €537 (2 adults and 2 children under 11) inclusive of return car cruise ferry crossing and one full day pass to Oakwood Theme Park. Bookings on 0818 300 400 or visit www.irishferries.com/oakwood

Boating holidays demand grows

Emerald Star, operator of self-drive boating holidays in Ireland for 45 years, has reported that boating holidays on the River Shannon and Erne waterways are on the increase once more.

The 15% rise comes after four years of declining sales. Emerald is a member of Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of boating holidays. For information on home or abroad breaks, contact 071 963 3711 or visit www.emeraldstar.ie

Mount Juliet deal for anglers

Anglers may take note of a Mount Juliet deal now available to see what one can get on free time on the Thomastown Estate. Mount Juliet can provide everything needed for a fishing trip and offers private licensed trout and salmon fishing on the River Nore.

Four night packages ( B&B and three dinners) start from €956 per stay, valid right up to September 30. Full details on 056 7773010 or www.mountjuliet.ie/fishing-on-the-estate.html

Breaks to suit all the family

Superbreak, a company specialising in short breaks, has arrived in Ireland and offers the choice of city and coastal packages at introductory prices.

Available to book via its brand new dedicated website or local rate contact centre 01 6950000, or indeed a local travel agent, its range includes over 5,000 three to five-star hotels and it offers an excellent array of attractions to suit all the family such as Tayto Park and Legoland. Visit www.superbreak.ie