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Travel News: Centre Parcs, Alton Towers, Dublin Zoo and Malta

Centre Parcs Longford Forest launches its Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland next month
Centre Parcs Longford Forest launches its Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland next month

Centre Parcs launch Winter Wonderland

Center Parcs Longford Forest's first Winter Wonderland launches on November 8, with a host of seasonal activities and festive entertainment including a festive light and sound show taking place over the resort’s lake during each break. Short breaks start from €459 for a family of four, based on a four-night midweek break. Seasonal activities include

festive carriage rides, Jingles Skate (a Christmas roller disco) and a visit Santa and his elves in his woodland workshop. Booking and info at Centerparcs.ie

A frighteningly good offer at Alton Towers

English theme park Alton Towers's Scarefest 2019 will see the resort opening late so guests can enjoy their favourite rides, like Wicker Man, Galactica and Go Jetter, in the dark. Irish Ferries has a great offer on travel, accommodation and resort access for a spooktacular getaway. Enjoy three nights at the Tillington Hall Hotel with breakfast for a family of two adults and two children aged 11 years and under in a family room from €492. The deal, valid until November 1, includes return car ferry and two consecutive day park passes for the family. Valid for travel and stay up to the November 1. Irishferries.com/alton

Visit Malta for a cultural break

Fancy escaping Ireland’s cold and rainy weather this November with a cultural break in sunny Malta? Three Palaces Festival, which will take place from November 1-10, features musical performances by artists from around the world in the magnificent settings of Malta’s three historical baroque palaces. The Malta Book Festival will be taking place in Valletta from November 6 with a focus on sci-fi and fantasy, while in Malta's sister island of Gozo, Festival Mediterranea brings together local artists, musicians, exhibitors, crafts people. For more see Maltaireland.com

Half price weekend entry to Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is offering half-price entry over this weekend and next (October 5, 6, 12 and 13) to celebrate World Animal Day. The zoo will have lots of family-friendly activities for visitors to enjoy this weekend from 12-4pm, including arts and crafts, face painting and keeper talks as well as lots of opportunities to learn fun and interesting facts about animals. Discounted tickets must be purchased in person at the Dublin Zoo ticket office.