City Breaks

Northern Ireland’s ascent as a must-visit tourism destination   A push towards green tourism and an unprecedented wave of international investment is reinvigorating Northern Ireland’s tourism industry. In the last few years, a number of major investments in Northern Ireland’s hotel stock has added more luxury options for visitors to this small region. In a story worthy of a Hollywood movie, Mick Boyle,...

I appeared to have landed in the middle of an episode of 'Frasier'. A dapper duo of middle-aged gents cut short their dissection of the latest South Australian Shiraz just as the superbly coiffed Vladimir Jablokov took to the stage for an evening of classical music - with a contemporary twist, apparently. Not my normal bag for a Friday evening...

  Save the date for the 15th Annual Waterford Festival of Food 19-21 April 2024 Waterford Festival of Food (formerly called West Waterford Festival of Food) will take place this year from Friday 19th April to Sunday 21st April 2024. So save the date as food lovers from across Ireland descend upon the scenic seaside town of Dungarvan and beyond. The 2024 Festival...

One of Ireland's most famous hotels is celebrating its 50th anniversary - and how it withstood the Troubles to emerge as an iconic beacon of hope for Belfast. Whilst often referred to as ‘the world’s most bombed hotel’ - having been targeted 33 times due to its visibility as a landmark building - The Europa Hotel has been transformed into a...

There are lots of ways to enjoy St Patrick’s Day, from parades, parties and pints of Guinness to pilgrimage walks and hearty traditional Irish food. Ireland’s biggest festival is on the horizon and across the island towns and cities are gearing up for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations (17 March). Fabulous festivals will take place in cities from Armagh in the north...

  ~ The 5-day food festival returns from 14th-18th August 2024 and will feature new food experiences, food trails, tasting masterclasses, street events, talks, cooking demos, specials, family fun, and more. ~ Cork on a Fork Fest is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Cork’s unique food culture as the city showcases its culinary excellence, creative dining experiences, unique...

Feast on award-winning food on the island of Ireland The island of Ireland has made a name for itself as a world-class foodie destination and there are lots of great ways to discover its culinary charms. With award-winning restaurants and gastro-pubs, fabulous food markets and tours, and artisan producers around every corner, the island of Ireland should be on every epicure’s...

Macy Gray, Corienne Bailey Rae, Morcheeba, Matthew Halsall and Grammy award winning Kurt Elling are among the headline acts to perform at this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival over the October bank holiday weekend (Thursday 26th October to Monday 30th October 2023). Tickets go on sale this Friday, 7th July, at 10:00am on www.guinnesscorkjazz.com. Celebrating its 45th year, the world-renowned festival will see its biggest...

With the festive season well and truly under way and the attendant bustle and stress beginning to take its manic hold, isn't it time to consider getting away from it all to relax and unwind? No matter where you are in Ireland you're certain not to be too far away from the superb break that The Bridge House Hotel in...

Take your pick from great St Patrick’s Day celebrations around Ireland   On St Patrick’s Day all the major cities on the island of Ireland stage fantastic festivals. So why not avoid the Dublin crowds and seek one out this 17 March.   This year St Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, so Monday 18 March 2024 will be a public holiday. Lucky...