A summer of bargain breaks

A week’s family summer holiday in Ireland for two adults and two children for as little as £24 per person is the offer from Irish Ferries Holidays to a choice of six self-catering holiday villages for travel between 18 July – 21 August (if booked by 3 July).

For example, at the three-star Kincora Harbourside Apartments on the banks of the Shannon in Killaloe, Co Clare – ideal for boating on the river or exploring further afield in Galway and Kerry – a week’s self-catering for a family of four is £672 (saving £151) inclusive of return Holyhead/Dublin or Pembroke/Rosslare cruise ferry crossing for car and passengers.

Other holiday villages available with savings of up to 25 per cent include Pebble Beach and Glenbeg Point in Co Waterford, The Grove in Co Kerry and Moore Bay in Co Clare. For more information and bookings, visit irishferries.com.

Alternatively, enjoy summer in the city with bargain priced deals to Zurich – with a two-night break in July and August costing just £229 per person – available with the Switzerland Travel Centre.

This twin share price – saving up to £55 – includes return flights from Gatwick, taxes and accommodation with breakfast at the four-star superior Swissotel, with fitness centre and spa, swimming pool and two a la carte restaurants.

Zurich attractions, in addition to a wealth of museums, theatres and opera houses, include the ‘Old Town’ - full of character and home to small shops and boutiques – along with lake and river cruising. The Swiss countryside is close by with sightseeing options including Mount Rigi, Mount Titlis and the magnificent Rhine Falls. For more information and bookings, visit stc.co.uk.

Save £80 on a holiday in a turret – now converted into a superb apartment - on a country estate in Highland Perthshire, courtesy of Scottish cottage agency, Ecosse Unique.

East Turret, reached by a spiral staircase within the turret itself, sleeps five and is located just three miles from Loch Earn, a prime venue for a wealth of watersports such as sailing, water skiing and wind surfing. Other activities include woodland walks from the door, golfing, fishing and mountain biking.

A week’s holiday in East Turret – three miles from the village of Comrie on the banks of the River Earn – now costs £295 from 6th, 13th or 20th June. For more information and bookings, visit unique-cottages.co.uk.