Don't even think about buying the same old aftershave or chocolates. Pól ó Conghaile has 10 great suggestions for spoiling dad next weekend

1 His name is Earl ...

If dad can't be an Earl, as Robert Fitzgerald was when he built Carton House, at least he can live like one for a day. The Kildare four-star hotel is offering two deals for Father's Day: one including a 60-minute golf clinic with a PGA professional; the other a half-day's fishing on the natural lake created by the River Rye, with bait and tackle provided (the lake is good for trout and pike). Both include one night's B&B, and the golf option adds dinner at The Linden Tree restaurant.

Details: Carton House (01-505 2000; cartonhouse.com) has the Golfer's Tuition package at €135pps, and the angling package from €125pps. Both are available until September 1.

2 The great outdoors

Fresh air remains free, despite the recession, and 53 Degrees North, the Irish-owned adventure store, has a catalogue of kit for the outdoorsy dad. Take Columbia lightweight travel/trekking pants at €49, with sexy, zip-off legs (go dad!), or breathable Merino wool socks at €18 (no sweaty feet!).

If you're flush, a €150 Hero Helmet Camera will enable dad to post his adventures on YouTube. If you're on a budget, there's a chocolate energy bar for €2.

Details: 53 Degrees North has outlets in Blanchardstown (01-824 9156) and Carrickmines (01-214 9352). There is also an online store; see www.53degreesnorth.ie.

3 Riverside rejuvenation

This year, Kilkenny celebrates 400 years as a city. Dad may not feel quite that old, but a hot-towel shave at Marble City Barbers or a round at Kilkenny Golf Club could prove rejuvenating nevertheless. Kilkenny's River Court Hotel is offering a choice of either, plus B&B, one lunch and one dinner in its AA

Rosette Riverside Restaurant. The latter, overlooking the River Nore and Kilkenny Castle, has a riverside terrace perfect for al fresco dining.

Details: The Kilkenny River Court Hotel has this special offer from €159pps mid-week and €235pps on weekends. Tel: 056 772 3388; www.rivercourthotel.com.

4 Bring the kids

If dad's looking to escape with (rather than without) the kids, Breaffy House Resort could be right up his alley. The Resort, situated just outside Castlebar, centres on two properties: the adult-oriented Breaffy House Hotel & Spa, and the family-friendly Breaffy Woods House.

A kids' programme at the latter includes the Captain Jacks Kidz Club and character dinners -- freeing up mum and dad to check out the newly-refurbished Breaffy Spa.

Details: Breaffy House Resort (1890 669 900; www.lynchotels.com) has two nights' B&B plus one dinner for two adults and up to two children from €279.

5 Lord it up

A corner has been turned at Castlemartyr since the Dromoland Group took over, and here's the perfect opportunity for your Lord of the Manor to make an inspection. The east Cork resort is offering one night's B&B plus a round of golf or a visit to the spa (try the men's deep-cleansing detox facial -- it's "ideal for city skins"), followed by dinner in the Manor House. Iron the newspapers in the morning, and he won't know what hit him.

Details: The Castlemartyr Resort has this offer from €235pps. It can also be extended to a second night at €100 for the room. Tel: 021 421 9000; castlemartyrresort.ie.

6 Kick back in a kayak

Kerry is chocabloc with tour buses around now, which makes an exploration by canoe very tempting. Aghadoe Heights is offering a choice of Canadian-style canoeing or out-and-out kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney, with voyages kicking off at Ross Castle and heading for the monastic site on Innisfallen Island. The deal includes one night's B&B (with accommodation in a Lakeside Suite) and a three-course evening meal in the Lakeroom restaurant.

Details: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has this offer from €200pps, available Sunday to Thursday until June 30. Tel: 064 663 1766; aghadoeheights.com.

7 Hike the Outer Hebrides

Does your father fancy himself as a hiker? Explore has a four-day tramp through the Scottish wilderness with an itinerary straight out of National Geographic: Corrieshalloch Gorge, pristine white beaches, the Callanish Standing Stones, the highest peak in the Western Isles and the deserted village of Molinginish are all on the agenda.

The walking is described as "comfortable"; the trip promises to be an unforgettable introduction to these remote islands.

Details: Explore (01-677 9479; explore.co.uk) has this trip from £385/€442pp (excluding flights), booked through Maxwell Travel. The trip departs from Inverness on August 21 (Aer Arann flies direct from Dublin).

8 The one where father meets a falcon

Ashford Castle is one of those hotels many of us lust after without ever really expecting to visit. Its Father's Day package could change that, however. Three nights' B&B are on offer for the price of two, with a choice of golf, fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a falconry lesson included. There's also a Sunday lunch on the day itself, after which dads and their families will be introduced to a Harris Hawk from the falconry school.

Details: Book two consecutive nights at Ashford Castle (094 954 6003; ashford.ie) for €385pps, and the third comes free. The Sunday lunch costs €39pps plus 15pc service charge.

9 Detox for dads

Lots of men treat the women in their lives to spa breaks, but it's role reversal time as Father's Day looms. Among Spa Ireland's many offerings are a pamper package at The Grooming Rooms in Dublin (including a facial, pedicure and hot-towel shave), and a mid-week overnight stay at Farnham Estate in Co Cavan (including breakfast, a round of golf or a spa treatment, plus access to the thermal suites).

Finally, dad can chill out...

Details: Spa Ireland (01-707 8617; spa-ireland.com) has this Grooming Rooms option for €160, and the Farnham Estate for €99pps. It also offers a variety of My Time spa vouchers.

10 Sail away

Explorer is a 54-foot, ocean-going yacht run by Leaders Charters Ltd, the first team-building venture of its kind in the west of Ireland.

This Father's Day, the operation is teaming up with the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport for a deal that includes two nights' B&B, a bottle of wine and an expedition with Olympic-class sailing coach Aaron O'Grady -- leaving three times a day, regardless of numbers.

The yacht sails around the drumlin-spotted waters of Clew Bay.

Details: The Castlecourt Hotel (098 55088; castlecourthotel.ie) has this offer from €179pps mid-week. When two+ guests pay €40pp on the Explorer (leaderscharter.com), dad goes free.

- Pol O Conghaile