Features

Looking for a festival to attend in 2025? You’re in luck. In Ireland, it feels like there’s an event happening practically every weekend, from huge St Patrick’s Day celebrations to intimate literary gatherings. Our calendar begins on 1st February, also known as the major Celtic festival Imbolc, which marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox....

Take off into a county famed for thoroughbreds, learn the secrets of a world-famous crystal brand and go gallivanting in Glendalough. We’ve got the don’t miss lineup for 2025 Covering 17 counties east of the River Shannon, Ireland’s Ancient East is all about beguiling history and heritage, fascinating myths and legends, and some of Ireland’s most charming towns and villages. The...

Striking emblem of the Irish countryside is fifth cultural heritage practice added to prestigious list, joining uilleann piping, hurling, harping and falconry. An ancient method of construction that can be found dotted across the Irish landscape has been added to the prestigious UNESCO list of protected cultural heritage practices. Dry stone walls are an almost ever-present sight around rural Ireland, with...

Fairy tale-like stays, magical attractions, friendly locals – the island’s unique experiences and Valentine’s Day are a match made in heaven The perfect way to start a Valentine’s weekend? It’s got to be with a visit to Dublin. After all, the relics of St Valentine are enshrined in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin. Gifted to an Irish Carmelite priest in...

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...

The world’s only LGBTQ+ matchmaking festival returns to County Clare over Valentine’s weekend for a joyous celebration of inclusivity.   For over a decade, The Outing Festival has been redefining Ireland’s matchmaking traditions for the LGBTQ+ community, creating a global destination event that celebrates love and creativity. The festival (14–16 February) is a fusion of music, comedy, dance, queer arts, and...

‘Gig-tripping’ is the latest holiday trend and the island of Ireland is the perfect place to follow the music. Lonely Planet has identified a hot new travel trend for 2025 that puts music at the heart of holiday plans. Known as ‘gig-tripping’, it sees entertainment seekers travelling to see their favourite musicians perform in different countries or heading to iconic...

With his rugged good looks, unforgettable charm, and a career filled with both high-octane action and deeply moving performances, Farrell has become a beloved figure in cinema. But beyond the movies, Farrell has blossomed into something even greater - a symbol of Irish pride and a true cultural icon. On the foot of his recent win, we take a...

Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter is a cosmopolitan hub with a lively arts and entertainment scene as well as some of the city’s heritage highlights.   Named for the university that sits at its heart, Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter is a picturesque area with tree-lined streets, Victorian-era architecture and beautiful parks. Visitors looking for luxury accommodation in the area should head to The Malone....

Trinity College Dublin is marking the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s death in 2025 with a new exhibition about the writer’s life. ‘From Decadence to Despair’ charts the rise and fall of Oscar Wilde through personal photographs, memorabilia, letters, trade cards and theatre programmes taken from Trinity College’s Oscar Wilde collection. They will be on display in the university’s...