City Breaks

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...

The spectacular panoramic views across the stunning Lough Key Forest Park are without doubt the highlight of the three-hour drive from Dublin to Sligo. A 10-minute stop-over at the viewing bay high above the sprawling forest will soothe the soul and awaken the senses as you suck in the clean, pine-fresh County Roscommon air. There would be no such stop on...

It's a bit of a traditional place, is Galway. Hand-built stone walls border the low lying fields throughout the western county, quality Irish music bellows from the many lively pubs in the city centre and beyond, while the Irish speaking Gaeltacht takes you west towards the bold Atlantic Ocean. So amidst all the tradition, is there a place for a...

Growing up on the other side of Dublin Bay, Dún Laoghaire was only ever a place to go to get somewhere else – the short hop to Holyhead, the gateway to many a childhood adventure throughout England, France and beyond. And here I was again, rolling down the ramp at Dún Laoghaire marina into the still harbour waters, but this...

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...

Have you ever spent the night on the coast’s edge, under the guiding beams of one of Ireland’s many lighthouses? Or been king or queen of a romantic castle for two? Well the Irish Landmark Trust has been saving and restoring heritage buildings throughout the island of Ireland that were at risk of being lost through neglect or inappropriate...

With history dating back over 6,000 years, Armagh remains Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, boasting two magnificent cathedrals, one Roman Catholic, one Church of Ireland, both called St Patrick's. Armagh City is built on the foothills of the mountains that separate Ulster from Connacht and is very accessible as it is only 40 miles from Belfast and less than an hour-and-a-half drive...

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...