Departure Lounge: A five star stay with your furry friend

Plus a stay at one of Scotland's oldest inhabited castles

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Sat, 03 Oct, 2026 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Castle comforts

One of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, Dalhousie Castle, dating back to the 13th century, has reopened to guests following a major £6 million refurbishment.

The historic landmark, managed by a Cork man, is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and offers uniquely designed guestrooms, a candlelit Dungeon restaurant and single-cask whisky library.

Atmospheric and historic, you can enjoy country pursuits like falconry and archery. Room rates from £220 (approx €257).

dalhousiecastle.co.uk

Doggy holiday in Dublin

The Conrad Dublin offers a dog friendly environment in the capital

At Conrad Dublin, dogs are served up a five-star welcome in the heart of the capital. A lovely time to enjoy Georgian Dublin, with leafy canal bank walks, the nearby Iveagh Gardens, St Stephen’s Green and a wealth of cool cafes, pubs, restaurants and boutiques that welcome dogs.

Your furry friend can travel light, as a dog bed, bowl, treats and poop bags are all supplied. Rooms from €395, plus a €50 pet fee.

hilton.com

Italy at mid-term

Cavallino Bianco Caorle in Venezia, Italy

Ever considered Italy for an October mid-term family adventure? At Cavallino Bianco Caorle in the Venezia region, the brand new five-star beach resort offers families a slice of quality time together, with Caorle and the Adriatic as the backdrop. Overlooking the warm ocean, with pine forests, heated pools and more than 4,000 sqm dedicated to wellness for the whole family, there is time for oneself here, for couples and for the children to spend together. Spacious Family Suites feature separate sleeping areas, two bathrooms and a private terrace with sea view. Add in a private five-hectare beach, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and Lino Land, a truly impressive world dedicated to children and teenagers, with tailored spaces and activities for different age groups, and it’s a really exciting holiday option.

All-inclusive from €490 per night for 2 adults and 2 children.

cavallino-bianco.com

A Namibian adventure

Divava Okavango, is a serene riverside sanctuary perched on the southern banks of the Okavango River in northeastern Namibia.

The elevated lodge is tucked away in Kavango’s secluded wilderness, minutes from the cascading Popa Falls and two of the region’s most celebrated national parks. Stay in one of 20 private chalets and enjoy daily boat safaris scouting hippos, crocodiles, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, with Mahango Game Reserve– just 10 minutes away – offering the chance to spot four of the Big Five.

B&B with dinner, from £213 (approx €249) per person per night.

ol-leisure.com

Deal of the week

Sheen Falls Lodge has a new autumn package combining a luxury stay with golf, wellness, and dining. Serenity Your Way offers choice between 18-holes at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club or a 60-minute treatment at Easanna Wellness & Spa, before dinner at The Stables Brasserie & Bar.

Guests have access to the wellness facilities, including the heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and fitness suite and complimentary resort bicycle. Two-night stay from €414 for two sharing, dinner on one evening and breakfast on the morning of departure.