HOLIDAYMAKERS are fleeing to the sun to take advantage of the earliest St Patrick’s and Easter holiday in living memory.

FOOTBALL-CRAZY Irish fans spent more than €12 million last year to see their heroes in action in the Premiership.

PORTUGAL’S Algarve is massively popular with Irish holidaymakers, though visitor numbers to Praia da Luz are small by comparison to those enjoyed by big resorts like Vilamoura and Quinta Do Lago.

HOLIDAYMAKERS are heading in droves to the United States thanks to SSIA bonuses pouring into their bank accounts and rock-bottom prices due to a weak dollar.

AFTER the euphoria of Welford Road, the anticipation of Toulouse.