Features

You’ve seen Ireland through the lens of many Oscar-winning movies, so why not visit the shoot locations to experience your very own close-up. The island of Ireland’s spectacular landscape, impressive architecture and lively cities have appeared in many Oscar-winning movies, so with the awards season approaching it’s timely to highlight the many iconic locations that have played supporting, and sometimes...

The island of Ireland’s excellent culinary offering has been recognised with the award of three new Michelin stars. In its 2025 listing, the prestigious Michelin food guide has awarded a star to three Irish restaurants while three others have picked up a Bib Gourmand. At five-star Carton House in County Kildare, the Morrison Room, under the direction of 30-year-old head chef...

How love led to a St. Valentine's daydream in County Clare “I always had the feeling that there was something special about this place,” Kasha Connolly tells me on a bright, spring-like day in County Clare. The place in question is her husband John’s family farm, nestled in the foothills of what locals call the ‘hazel mountains’. The farm overlooks...

The famous walls of Derry~Londonderry will resound with music when the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival returns in May. Taking place from 1 to 5 May 2025, the must-attend event for jazz lovers will feature headliners Billy Ocean, and Una Healy in session with Luke Thomas. Soul sensation Billy Ocean will perform his biggest hits in the...

Ireland is a special place to experience one of nature’s most enchanting natural phenomena – the dawn chorus. With its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, the island of Ireland is a favourite for birdwatchers, but it is also a magical place for anyone to hear the wonderfully uplifting sound of birds welcoming a new day. Spring and summer are the...

April Fool’s Day is the traditional time to joke around but in Ireland you can get a laugh anytime at one of its many comedy clubs and festivals. The island of Ireland is famous for its craic – the banter and fun that is a part of everyday life. And with an innate talent for storytelling, the Irish are natural...

Dublin stages a great St Patrick’s Day but, to avoid the crowds, why not head to one of the other fabulous festivals across Ireland. Every city and town in Ireland will mark St Patrick’s Day so there is plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where and how you want to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday. Cork St Patrick’s Festival (14–17...

Book lovers and travellers seeking a unique cultural experience will find plenty of literary festivals to enjoy on the island of Ireland. As World Book Day again puts the focus on the joy of reading, lovers of literature should consider planning a visit to Ireland, which has a rich literary history stretching back to its seventh-century illuminated manuscripts. Irish writers...

With parades in spades, music galore, tours, talks, trails and more, Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick in style. Across Northern Ireland there will be plenty of lively St Patrick’s Day celebrations with parades and festival fun in the main towns and cities. But when it comes to celebrating Ireland’s patron saint and Irish culture, Belfast goes big. Starting on 1 March,...

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration in Armagh, the Home of St. Patrick Festival, running from Sunday 9th to Monday 17th March 2025! Known as one of Ireland's oldest cities with over 7,500 years of history, Armagh is steeped in culture, heritage, and spiritual significance. As Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, Armagh proudly boasts two stunning Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals: the Church of...