Travel TREATS

BED & BUNKERS

Anyone who plays golf or watches on the telly will know of Colin Montgomerie, one of the best players never to win a major. He also designed one of the top courses in Ireland at Carton House. The only problem is he must have been in a bad mood when it came to constructing the bunkers. I had a game there recently and seemed to be in at least one on every hole. Apart from my inadequacy, it’s a superb course. During August, you can have a round of golf and B&B from €85. Superb value from cartonhouse.com

FAMILY SUN FLICKS

After the last few weeks of depressingly wet weather, a note drops from Palm Springs. They get 350 days of sunshine every year. And, while you’re there, you could venture to the famous short film festival or (wait for it) wet’n’wild dive-in movies. Yes, that is ‘dive’. Every Friday until August you get a front-row float on which you can watch the family films. How the other half live. Check out visitpalmsprings.com

FESTIVE PACKAGES

Yes, we know it’s crazy to be talking about Christmas at this time of year but if you are of a mind to visit Lapland, it’s probably best to make the arrangements now to avoid disappointment – and the inevitable tantrums – later. visitsanta.ie offers festive packages, with prices from €1,440 per adult and €1,340 per child for a three-day trip.