Departure Lounge: Fly from Cork to Tenerife for a winter getaway in the sun

Plus: A city-glam break to Manchester

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 - 01:00

Red Sea retreats

Casa Cook El Gouna, the chic adults-only Red Sea retreat, has just added 29 new swim-up junior suites to the property.

Each has direct access to a semi-private pool. Located just a short trip from El Gouna’s marina and vibrant downtown, the elegant resort sits between deep dunes and the crystal waters of the Red Sea.

Merging modern design, an earthy palette and the desert seascape, the laid back resort’s beachside pool, spa and gym and accommodation have all been revamped.

Nightly rates start from €260.

casacook.com

Trends for 2027

Skyscanner, the flight comparison website, has revealed its Travel Trends 2027 report, and the findings are interesting. Looking at next year’s top trending and best value destinations, we can see that year-on-year searches have increased most for the following destinations:

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan +501% increase in searches
Hurghada, Egypt +186%
Malmö, Sweden +103%
Trapani, Italy +95%
Samos, Greece +75%
Chongqing, China +70%
Da Nang, Vietnam +68%
Sal, Cape Verde +67%
Kittilä, Finland +65%
Guatemala City, Guetemala +63%

So, where piques your interest most?

skyscanner.ie

A glam city break

Manchester’s classic The Midland Hotel is a glamorous spot for a city break. Fly direct from Cork or Dublin and check into the central hotel where spacious rooms, a dazzling restaurant and buzzy bar are all on the cards. Gorgeous for a wintry break, you’re in the heart of the action for culture, shopping and night life. Afternoon tea is big deal here, and has been served since the landmark hotel first opened its doors in 1903. The offering changes frequently, with the Festive Afternoon Tea experience, including complimentary mulled wine and cider. Rooms from £145 (approx €166).

themidlandhotel.co.uk

Northern lights

Festive Belfast is a gorgeous place for a weekend break, or mid-week shopping jaunt. Stay at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and you’ll be minutes from the city centre.

Titanic Hotel Belfast’s 2026 Christmas programme includes festive breaks, weekends with Santa, festive afternoon tea, festive dining and seasonal celebrations.

Spend the day shopping at Victoria Square, soaking up the atmosphere at the Christmas Market at City Hall before returning to the hotel for a cosy evening in the historic surroundings of the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff. Christmas breaks from £139 per room, including breakfast (approx €165). In December, look our for the life-size gingerbread house, crafted by the hotel’s culinary team, on display in The Wolff Grill.

titanichotelbefast.com

Deal of the week

Costa Adeje coastline, south Tenerife, Canary islands, Spain

Fly from Cork to sunny Tenerife with TUI Holidays and enjoy a week in the four star adults-only Guayarmina Princess Hotel in Tenerife.

Depart November 29 and you’ll enjoy half board at the popular Costa Adeje property from €619pps, with direct access to Fañabé beach and a spa with heated indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath.