GERMANY'S Christmas markets are incomparable in terms of evoking a truly festive feeling. They're a far remove from the commercialism everywhere else, with traditional craftwork . . . toys, wood carvings, lambskin shoes . . . for sale and you're never very far from a glass of mulled wine and some hot chestnuts. Gerry McMahon Travel are offering two deals to Cologne, one in the five star Intercontinental Hotel (3 nights, 574 per person sharing, including taxes) and one in the three star Allegro Hotel (4 nights, 474 per person sharing).

This includes return fights from Dublin to Dusseldorf, short city tour and Sunday afternoon Rhine Cruise (available on weekend trips). Visit www. gerrymcmahon. ie and tel 01 2074518 for the specific dates in November and December.

Bridge enthusiasts

LAST year Cruise Holidays and Seamus Dowling launched their Bridge Cruise, which proved to be hugely successful, and bookings are now being taken for next year's event. Highlights include bridge every night with a guaranteed partner, Bridge Clinics and a gourmet dining experience. Flights are available from Dublin, Cork and Belfast and the eight day event is escorted from start to finish.

Packages start from 1,399 per person sharing and from 2,099 per person single and includes return flights to Rome, transfers and a luxury cruise onboard the Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea around the Greek islands and Turkey. Visit www. cruiseholidays. ie and tel:

01 817 3558

Bagging it up

BLACK is always the stylish luggage option. That is until you go and ruin the effect by attaching some grotty piece of string to your bag, in order to recognise it on the baggage carousel. There's no such fear if you pick up one of Radley's lovely poppy decorated options. It comes in three sizes . . . compact case for carry on; medium and large . . . and its scratch resistant finish means it's as hardwearing as it is chic. Available from Arnotts, prices start at 210. For more information visit www. radley. co. uk

House party

NO COOKING, no cleaning, no unexpected visitors who overstay their welcome. Yes indeed, the idea of spending Christmas in style and whooping it up at a hotel is becoming increasingly seductive. Carton House are offering an attractive package this year, which starts on Christmas Eve with a leisurely high tea with carol singers, followed by candlelit dinner in the Linden Tree Restaurant, with warm mince pies and Irish coffees to follow.

Christmas Day kicks of with a hearty Christmas breakfast, present unwrapping and a champagne reception, with traditional Christmas lunch. If you can manage it, an evening buffet follows. St Stephen's Day is all about the big brunch with jazz band; invigorating walks around the 1,100 acre estate and then dinner. Two nights accommodation with breakfast, lunch, champagne reception and dinner each night is from 545 per person and three nights from 635 per person. Visit cartonhouse. com and tel 01 5052000.