Departure Lounge: Pack your pooch for dog-friendly destinations in Waterford

Plus a 23 day drive across New Zealand with tremendous savings

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Venetian heritage hospitality

Sleeping in Venice, when all the day-trippers are gone, is a real thrill. Our head is turned by Room Mate Palazzo dei Fiori, an astonishing 16th century Venetian palazzo between Piazza San Marco and the Ponte dell’Accademia that’s affordable and exquisite.

Originally commissioned by Nicolò da Ponte, the 87th Doge of the Venetian Republic, the historic building has been reimagined as a gorgeous hospitality concept marrying Venetian heritage and contemporary creativity.

With 16 apartments and 33 rooms across four floors, its dazzling design and layout makes it ideal for families and groups of friends, with spacious living areas and canal views. From €328 a night.

room-matehotels.com

Deal of the week

Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand

A 23-day, self-drive holiday through New Zealand sounds even better when you hear that Tropical Sky is offering a discount of €680 per person when you book more than six months in advance.

Beginning in Auckland on the North Island, you’ll travel through some of the country’s most iconic regions, from the subtropical beauty of the Bay of Islands to geothermal Rotorua, crossing the dramatic Cook Strait to the South Island before taking in the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch, historic Dunedin and its Scottish heritage, and the adventure hub of Queenstown. You’ll drive the spectacular Haast Pass through alpine scenery and ride the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps too. From €4,959pp based on two sharing a room, international flights, motel accommodation, car hire, tour pack, ferry crossing, and the TranzAlpine train journey.

tropicalsky.ie

Access all areas in the USA

United Airlines' expanded departures from Ireland make travel to the US even easier

Trips to the US are a whole lot easier this year, with United’s growing network of seven daily departures from Ireland. The US airline is now offering its highest ever capacity from Dublin and Shannon, with more flights and seats from the capital than any other US carrier year-round.

Passengers can fly twice daily from Dublin to Newark/New York, and Dublin to Washington, with one daily flight to Chicago, which now flies year-round. Shannon passengers will find daily summer seasonal services to both Newark/New York and Chicago. And United’s passengers can enjoy seamless connections via these three hubs to nearly 150 destinations across the Americas.

united.com

Déise a dog destination

Dogs are welcome at Cliff House in Waterford

Waterford wants dog owners to think of it as Ireland’s most welcoming destinations for canine companions.

This summer, pack your pooch and head off to enjoy an extensive network of dog-friendly beaches, walks, heritage attractions, dining experiences, and accommodation across the county. From sandy Tramore Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Dunmore East, to Anne Valley Walk, the Copper Coast Unesco Global Geopark, and the 46km Waterford Greenway, there’s walks galore. All are matched by dozens of great pet-friendly accommodation and dining spots, including two of our favourites, Mount Congreve Garden Lodges and Grow HQ.

visitwaterford.com

Luxury in Lisbon

Luster Hotel in Lisbon is known for its luxury

We are loving the look of Luster Hotel, a chic boutique hotel in sunny Lisbon. Located beside Praça Duque de Saldanha, one of the city’s most central squares, the elegant hideaway combines contemporary design with local craftsmanship and authentic Portuguese character, making it a great spot for visitors seeking comfort and connection to the city.

Well placed for exploring the museums, galleries and restaurants, the hotel has a Wellness Centre with indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, steam room and Turkish bath, and wellness experiences, from €200 per room per night.