Departure Lounge: An unforgettable trip through Canada's spectacular landscapes

Plus 20% off hundreds of destinations for 2027

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Sat, 10 Oct, 2026 - 01:00

Deal of the week

Small-group adventure tour operator, Exodus Adventure Travels, is offering 20% off a selection of their brilliant 2027 adventures. With very limited availability, book by October 16, 2026 and save 20%, with hundreds of trips around the world to choose from.

Led by expert local guides and designed to take you beyond the traditional holiday experience, they offer everything from walking and cycling to wildlife and cultural experiences across the world, from Jordan to Japan, the Amalfi Coast to the Inca Trail.

Quote the code 27SMILE20 when booking online or via phone or email.

exodustravels.com/eu/

Canadian road trip

Next summer, take the family on an unforgettable road trip through Canada’s most spectacular landscapes. The 13-night self-drive trip passes through Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper National Parks before finishing in vibrant Vancouver, staying in family-friendly hotels.

Along the way, explore the incredible terrain, from soaring mountains and turquoise lakes to local wildlife. Get out hiking, swimming, kayaking and picnicking at your own pace. Family Self-Drive Western Wonders Tour from €1,759 pp based on two adults and two children, including flights, fully inclusive SUV car hire, hotels, ferry crossings and a Parks Canada Discovery Pass with entry to key national parks and historic sites.

canadiansky.ie

Boating adventure

River Shannon, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.

Save up to 25% on 2027 self-drive boating holidays with Emerald Star by Le Boat. Combining cosy cabins, fully equipped kitchens, and private bathrooms, you’ll have everything you need to feel at home on the water, making it easy to travel and explore multiple locations and sights in one trip.

The sale runs from today until November 2, 2026, with up to 25% off all 2027 departures and all boats (excluding Liberty). Destinations include Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Canada with a minimum duration of three nights. A seven-night River Shannon package aboard Magnifique (four cabins/eight berth, three bathrooms and saloon bed for +two guests) costs €1,639, next April 2027.

emeraldstar.ie

Spooky sailings

Spend Halloween on board with a mid-term break on Irish Ferries

Set sail for a spooky adventure this mid-term break with Irish Ferries. Depart from Rosslare or Dublin to the UK with your car and a family of four (two adults, two children) for €682 return. The Halloween fun starts on board with Irish Ferries’ Spook’s Ahoy Sailings on Saturday, October 24. Families can join Ulysses departing Dublin at 7.30am or on Sunday, October 25, when James Joyce departs Dublin at 1.45pm.

Each sailing will feature a Halloween-themed magic show and a trio of witches entertaining children with activities including balloon modelling and a kids’ disco. For a spooky day out, foot-passenger day trips start at €12 per adult and €6 per child. Great value motorist day trip fares are also available for these Spook’s Ahoy Sailings. Or look into a top theme park package, like Legoland Windsor Resorts’ Brick or Treat celebration or Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort.

irishferries.com

Recover in style

Travelling to the capital for the Marathon or HYROX? The Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown has launched its new ‘Personal Best’ package.

The offer starts at €349 per room for two sharing and includes an overnight stay, recovery welcome pack featuring electrolytes and protein snacks, and access to the fully equipped gym completed by BLK Box Fitness. Enjoy performance-focused dining at Sundial Restaurant, access to the new Ériu Thermal Retreat, including sauna, cold plunge and hot tub, a recovery breakfast and late check-out.