Food for the soul, but sadly no Javier

It's a film about spiritual enlightenment, so the commercial spin-offs from Eat Pray Love have been remarkable. Nonetheless, lastminute.com's incentives to send you on a voyage of rediscovery are very attractive. You could spend two nights in Rome in a villa on a B&B basis from €214 (eat); take flights to Mumbai from €595 (pray) and enjoy six nights in Bali at a three-star from €869.26 (love). Javier Bardem not included.

Norsin' around

Dublinia, in Dublin's Christ Church, has lots of activities to keep little explorers happy from 23 to 26 October. They can try their hand at archaeology at an excavation, join Olaf the Viking coin minter on a treasure hunt and find out what kind of weapons the Vikings used in their battles. Family tickets are €20. Visit www.dublinia.ie

Head for the sun

Five-hundred euro will buy you a pair of Stella McCartney faux-suede ankle boots – just about. The same money can also get you a week in the sun, and having got caught in one too many downpours of late, we know what we'd prefer. Sunway is offering seven nights in Turkey from €414 departing 16 October and seven nights in Morocco, departing the same date. Visit www.sunway.ie

Munch on MÜnchen

All the buzz surrounding the Oktoberfest on George's Dock, Dublin, this month – Bavarian music, bretzels, beer – has got us thinking about German Christmas markets. Munich's Christkindlmarkt is gloriously festive, with its many stalls and even more carol singers. The Travel Department offers a three-night break here, including return flights from Dublin to Munich, four-star accommodation and a half-day guided city tour from €315 plus €114 tax, departing 28 November. Visit www.thetraveldepartment.ie

The Witching Hour

Kick off Hallowe'en at Airfield, Dundrum, Dublin, by helping to create a giant field of scarecrows. They provide the frame and you bring along some old clothes and accessories and whatever else you think you need to make your scarecrow the best dressed in show. It's taking place today from 12.30pm to 4pm and also on 17 and 24 October. Admission for adults is €6, children €3. Visit www.airfield.ie

O'Connell Street treat

Grace Kelly stayed here, as did Elizabeth Taylor, and you can join the glamorous ranks of Gresham Hotel guests for €95 per person with its new autumn break offer. The iconic Dublin hotel's package includes a midweek overnight stay, including breakfast the following morning and a three-course dinner in the newly revamped Toddy's Bar and Grill. If you'd prefer to go at the weekend, the price is €114. Visit www.gresham-hotels-dublin.com

Clarion call for kids

Check out the budget-friendly break at the Clarion Hotel Sligo this October midterm. You can stay two nights' B&B with dinner on one evening, midweek, for €129 per person, and kids go free. A wide range of children's activities are laid on, such as a cinema, a splash pool with an inflatable dragon and evening storytime with hot chocolate. It's available from 22 to 30 October. Visit www.clarionhotel.com