Check-in: Cherry blossom season in Tokyo, epic railway journeys and a rural retreat

NEWS

High hanami

This spring The Peninsula hotel, Tokyo, is celebrating Japan’s cherry blossom season, also known as hanami, in a unique way. From March 25th to April 2nd, hundreds of three-meter-high cherry tree boughs, grown exclusively for the hotel, will transform its lobby, while their Sakura Afternoon Tea toasts to all things pink, from cherry-liqueur-infused cherries to salted cherry petal scones. Find out more about the festivities and the hotel at tokyo.peninsula.com.

Island hop

British Airways has announced a new weekly direct flight from Dublin to Ibiza. Starting on May 19th, with fares from €49 each way, flights to the island will depart Dublin on Fridays and return on Sundays. With flight time coming in at just three hours, it’s time to plan an Ibizan escape. See ba.com for more.

Heeding Heaney

Northern Ireland celebrates all things Seamus Heaney this spring. Take a five-star, bespoke tour of the poet's native homeland in Co Derry, discovering the inspirational people and places behind some of Heaney's most famous works or visit a new exhibition at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, Co Derry. Featuring manuscripts and typescripts of poems written in the Co Wicklow cottage which Heaney and his family first moved to in 1972, The Hedge School of Glanmore runs until March 31st. See discovernorthernireland.com

GET ’APPY

Cleartrip: This is the ultimate aid for travelling through India. Book everything from flights and hotels to outdoor activities and rail travel via this app. Download it on iTunes and Google Play. cleartrip.com.

TAKE THREE – STEAM RAIL ADVENTURES

Germany: Journey through the snow-capped peaks of the Harz mountain range and Rhine gorge between April and October on this epic 13-day adventure. See greatrail.com for details and prices.

Ireland: The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland run steam outings year-round. This March 19th, hop on at Connolly Station and travel along Ireland's Midland line, from €14 per adult and €8 per child; steamtrainsireland.com.

Scotland: Experience the famous Jacobite steam journey, described as one of the best rail adventures in the world. The 84-mile round trip travels from Ben Nevis to Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis. See westcoastrailways.co.uk.

RURAL RETREAT

The newly-refurbished Ballilogue in Co Kilkenny is on our radar this month. A former award-winning B&B, located just outside Inistioge, has been stylishly reimagined as a private accommodation and retreat venue. The three houses, which date back to 1700, boast artwork from Patrick Scott and Ross Stewart, 100 per cent Egyptian cotton linen and Voya toiletries, and can accommodate up to 22 guests, while a former dairy building serves as a common area for yoga retreats, corporate away days and weddings. As for dining, you can do it yourself with the help of their grocery shopping service or let the concierge book the best of local eateries while you stay. For rates and availability see ballilogue.com.

DEALS

Rome in springtime: three nights with flights and accommodation in the three-star Caesar Hotel, from €260pps, cassidytravel.ie, tel: 01-8786888.

Las Vegas in summer: four nights in May or June, staying in an MGM Grand hotel from €635pps, shandontravel.ie, tel: 021-4277094.

Romania in autumn: explore the historic and picturesque cities, towns and medieval villages on a seven-day tour with traveldepartment.ie, from €739. Joan Scales