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Travel News: Fly to Venice or dine like a Stark in Strangford's Winterfell

Fly direct to Seattle on US west coast

Aer Lingus is launching direct flights to Seattle from May. The Washington state capital already has strong business links to Ireland and is home to global giants Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks.

Culturally, the city known for its rock credentials – it’s second only to New York for the number of live music performances in any US city – and, as its most famous fictional residents Niles and Frasier Crane would attest, it has a fine classical music pedigree and thriving cafe culture.

Fares to Seattle start from €249 each-way including taxes and charges, when booked as a return trip. Visit aerlingus.com for further information.

Banquet like a true Stark in Winterfell

Westeros may not be within travelling distance, but The Cuan Licensed Guest Inn in Strangford, Co Down is offering a Game of Thrones package from £123pp.

Package includes one night's accommodation, Game of Thrones banquet dinner, Winterfell breakfast and an archery session with Winterfell Tours. The offer is available until March 31.

To book call 028 4488 1222 or check out discovernorthernireland.com for more weekend accommodation offers.

EasyJet flights to Venice launched

AS WE reported in our Business pages this week, easyJet has announced flights to Venice from Northern Ireland. The airline is launching twice-weekly flights from Belfast International Airport to the historical city of canals, in the north east of Italy, throughout the year, starting in June.

Venice is the second Italian destination added to easyJet's Belfast network in as many months, following the launch of a route to Naples.

"Year-round flights to Venice are certain to be popular for city breaks, cruise-ship connections and even ski in winter, not to mention opening up the potential for increased Italian tourism into Northern Ireland,” said Belfast International Airport managaing director Graham Keddie

See easyjet.com for details and booking – Venice seats available now.

Staycation campers sleep out year round

Pitchup.com - the UK’s largest online outdoor accommodation provider - informs us that savvy travellers who have fallen in love with camping, glamping and pods are increasingly booking outdoor accommodation options for year-round stays at home and abroad.

UK holidaymakers enjoyed either camping or caravanning 47.9m nights in in 2017, which was 4 per cent up on the previous year. A facility to check out for April is Moss Side Farm Campsite in Cumbria.

Pitches from £20 per night / Pods from £49.50 per night. Visit Pitchup.com to book.