Culture

10 more places to visit on the island of Ireland Even if you’ve been to Ireland before, there’s always something new to enjoy. Here are 10 recently opened attractions you should add to the to-do list. 1 Derry Girls Experience, Tower Museum, County DerryThe walled city of Derry has a new attraction for fans of the award-winning TV sitcom Derry Girls. An...

2025 marks the 600th birthday of Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s most authentic and complete castles. Whether you choose to wander its ramparts, raise a goblet at a medieval banquet or stroll its beautiful walled garden, there’s never been a better time to visit Six hundred years ago, stonemasons were at work along the River Ratty in south County Clare....

Unique trail of five sculptures launched in Cork City  Island City -Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail  A new contemporary sculpture trail throughout Cork City - Island City, Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail - was officially launched yesterday (12/12/'23) evening by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy. This unique cultural trail of five public artworks was installed throughout the city centre island over...

Cork’s most historic hotel is once again at the heart of the action for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2025, offering an unbeatable mix of luxury, location, and FREE live music across the October Bank Holiday Weekend (24th - 26th October).   The Imperial Hotel on South Mall will be right at the centre of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (23–27...

Bealtaine welcomes summer with festival fun   The festival of Bealtaine in May marks the beginning of summer in the Celtic calendar and, since it’s Ireland, it’s a good excuse for a party. Falling midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, Bealtaine is one of Ireland’s four fire festivals, the others being Imbolc (February), Lughnasa (August) and the best known...

Derry-Londonderry declared a United Nations International City of Peace Derry-Londonderry, a city steeped in history, culture, and reconciliation, has been honoured with the prestigious designation of UN City of Peace. The United Nations International City of Peace program acknowledges cities worldwide that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in fostering peace, tolerance, and cooperation among their diverse communities. Derry-Londonderry's transformation into a symbol...

Simple, splendid, traditional, contemporary, quirky or quintessentially Irish, there’s a perfect self-catering home from home waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Self-catering is a great way to holiday, offering maximum freedom and flexibility. And on the island of Ireland, you can make your break truly memorable with a stay in a castle, cottage, beach house, historic tower or...

If you’re looking for authentic Irish craftsmanship, County Kilkenny is your go-to destination. Medieval Kilkenny city has long been associated with design excellence in Ireland hosting a vibrant community of designer-makers and home to the renowned Kilkenny Design Centre and Ireland’s only dedicated design and craft gallery. And with internationally recognised craftspeople working across the county, it’s no wonder that...

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...

Exploring the Northern Irish Landscapes That Inspired Literary Legends With stories around every corner, Northern Ireland is a real page-turner of a destination. I have known and loved this area since childhood and have written about it – or rather, out of it – often. These prescient words come from Seamus Heaney, whose poetry collection North became the toast of poets and...