Life

Travel News: Aer Lingus launches direct flights to Philadelphia from March

Aer Lingus launches

direct Philly flights

Philadelphia, or Philly to friends, is home to a huge array of American historical treasures, including Independence Hall, The Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art with its just-as-famous 'Rocky Steps' – so called since they featured in the Sylvester Stallone boxing movie. Aer Lingus will now fly to Philly four times per week direct from Dublin from March 28, increasing to a daily service from May 18. Fares start from €219 (£195) each way, including taxes and charges, when booked as a return. There’s pre-clearance at Dublin Airport which avoids lengthy queues upon arrival stateside. Check out aerlingus.com for more.

Bring out your inner

Benidorm this spring

Benidorm in the Alicante province of eastern Spain is still very much a holidaymaker’s top sunshine destination following its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. The Costa Blanca remains a popular ‘sun, sea and sangria’ spot, although it’s quieter in the low season. Treat yourself to some rays and stay at the three-star Avenida Apartments, seven nights self-catering, departing from Belfast International Airport on March 1.

Priced at £329pp based on two sharing, including a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. Visit jet2holidays.com for details.

Take a walk around

Fermanagh's lakes

Enjoy a two-night walking break of Fermanagh’s Lakes with a stay at Mahon’s Hotel in Irvinestown in March. Best suited to walking groups of 10 people minimum, hotel owner and local history expert Joe Mahon (not UTV’s Joe Mahon), guides two walks around Necarne Castle and Castle Archdale on the shores of Lough Erne. Offer includes two nights B&B, and a four-course dinner from £99pp. To book call, 028 6862 1656. Offer available until March 31.

Special kids’ cruises

across the Irish Sea

Help your children gain their sea legs with a one-day trip from Belfast to Cairnryan from now until the end of the year. Organised by Stena Line, children can either be little pirates, princesses, witches, wizards or superheroes during the short trip to Scotland. The non-landing cruises depart Belfast at 11.30am and set sail for Cairnryan, returning to Belfast at 5.45pm. Family price £44 for two adults and two children. For further information go to stenaline.co.uk/kidsfun or call 08447 70 70 70.

:: All prices and availability correct at the time of publishing.