Hot stuff
Mexico is officially the hottest destination of 2017. Revered restaurant Noma takes up a seven-week residency in the city of Tulum until May 28th plating up dinner every Wednesday to Sunday in an outdoor, open-air restaurant nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, Thompson Hotels are encouraging guests to experience a real sense of Mexico. It has launched a set of new immersive experiences including tequila-tasting classes, yoga beach sessions, and authentic Mexican cooking classes. See noma.dk/mexico and thomsposnhotels.com for booking and more.
Bridging the gap
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Newbridge Silverware in Co Kildare has been awarded a "Chinese Tourist Welcome" accreditation, making it a key destination for Chinese tourists. As the first attraction in Leinster to be Chinese tourism-ready, the museum and showroom are set to attract the ever-growing Chinese tourism market to the region. See newbridgesilverware.com.
Adventure centre
The world's most and least adventurous countries have been revealed in a recent survey by shareacamper.com. The Netherlands, Australia and Sweden topped the bill for their BMX, bungee jumping, caravanning, hiking and skiing offering. Ireland came in at number 20, while the least adventure-inducing destinations include, surprisingly, South Africa and Thailand. See sharacamper.com.
Road Roaming
At the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, guests are invited to speed through the Blackforest in one the hotel's classic cars. Choose from a VW Samba "Oskar", a VW Beetle "Herbie", or a Porsche 928 and the see country in serious style; brenners.com.
High-octane in Kildare
Get an adrenaline kick at Mondello Park with a race around the track with one of their driving experiences. Learn to drift or put the pedal down in a Ferrari. mondellopark.ie.
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Self-drive safari, Africa
Explore one country in depth or travel from country to country in a fully-equipped 4WD vehicle with safaridrive.com. This marks Ireland's first direct air link to Qatar, and Qatar Airways' first service to Ireland. See qatarairways.com.
Get appy: Shuflix
Shuflix searches thousands of activities in your area and whittles it down to the top-rated, most diverse results, taking the agony out of deciding what to do on your holiday. Available on iPhone. shuflix.com
Horsing around
Mount Juliet has created a novel new package for families inspired by Mr Jinks, one of the iconic champion horses born and bred on the estate. Stay for three nights midweek this summer in one of the Rose Garden Lodges and experience all things equestrian with a family ride for two adults and two children on the lush trails followed by family dinner in the newly opened Restaurant at Hunter's Yard. Top up the package with golfing, fishing and archery or escape to the spa when you stay. The three-night High Jinks package is available midweek from now until August 31st, 2017, B&B, from €1,290 for two adults and two children. mountjuliet.ie
DEALS
Solo holidays: Long-haul destinations are possible with Travel Department to Russia and St Petersburg nine nights €1,849; India 11 nights €1,849; and wonders of China, €2,799. traveldepartment.ie (01) 637 1650
San Sebastian: Five nights in the Marie Christina Hotel, three-day cooking course, dinner in a Michelin restaurant, special tours from €2,860pps, discounts for bookings by May 31st. sansebastian.mimofood.com/en
Lake Garda: Explore the beautiful lakeside towns and mountains, depart June 3 for a week in the four-star Hotel Panorama, Limone half board from €769pps. Crystalsummer.ie, (01) 4331080.