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Travel News: Fly to Miami, become bewitched by Ballynahinch or go on the piste for Paddy's Day

Royal Caribbean's newly refurbished Independence Of The Seas 
Royal Caribbean's newly refurbished Independence Of The Seas  Royal Caribbean's newly refurbished Independence Of The Seas 

Cuban cuisine and nightlife in Miami

ENJOY all the flavour and colour of Cuban-inspired cuisine in Miami, Florida – a city that’s as well-known for its wild nightlife as for its sunny beaches and art deco architecture. An ideal destination for every type of traveller, whether they are cruising fanatics, keen shoppers or party animals, Miami is one of the hottest cities on America’s East Coast. Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only four-star airline, flies its year-round, direct route to the Magic City three times per week from Dublin. Fares start from £202 (€229) each-way including taxes and charges with pre-clearance at Dublin Airport. Check out aerlingus.com for flight details.

Alternative St Patrick’s Day on the slopes

DEPART Dublin Airport on Saturday March 17 for a ski holiday in Mayrhofen, Austria. The Ferienhof auf der Wiese is a two-star traditional rustic guesthouse that’s about 15-20 minutes’ walk from the popular main resort. It’s £274 (€306) for seven nights on a B&B basis (based on two adults sharing) and of course ski passes, equipment hire, etc, are all extra, as are optional extras such as insurance, in-flight meals or group seating. To book visit https://www.crystalski.ie/ski-resorts/austria-ski-holidays/mayrhofen/

Ballynahinch – but not as we know it

DID you know Ballynahinch has a castle? No? That’s because it’s Ballynahinch Castle Hotel near Recess, Connemara. Enjoy a two-night Easter weekend stay in the Victorian mansion. From guided adventure walks through the woods, fishing on the lake, meeting the resident chickens, ponies and pigs and fun-filled art competitions, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained. Package includes two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children with breakfast. Prices start from £518 (€580) for two adults and two children under 12 sharing one room. Visit ballynahinch-castle.com or call 00 353 95 31006

Royal Caribbean deals of the week

EXPLORE the Med with Royal Caribbean's 14-night Mediterranean Highlights holiday on board Independence of the Seas, sailing roundtrip from Southampton. An interior stateroom starts from £1,399 pp. Departs July 14. Itinerary includes: Gibraltar, Nice, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Provence, Barcelona, Lisbon and Vigo. Or explore Spain and France on a seven-night cruise departing October 19 – an interior stateroom starts from £549 per person. See royalcaribbean.co.uk or call 0844 493 4005.

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