Ireland

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....

Exploring Ireland by train has never been so easy – take the scenic route for a 10-day trip to remember Rail travel on the island of Ireland offers some of Europe's most spectacular routes and destinations. From the vibrant culture of Galway and Belfast to the stunning landscapes of County Kerry and County Clare, there’s a train journey for every...

With the GRAMMY awards on the horizon, it’s timely to look at some of the top musicians and songs that have been inspired by Ireland. Two artists from the island of Ireland are up for prizes at the GRAMMY Awards 2025 which will take place on February 2, 2025 in Los Angeles. Dublin band Fontaines DC have received two...

Major events, infrastructure upgrades and exciting new activities are just some of the reasons to visit or revisit the island of Ireland in 2025. Significant anniversaries In 2025 the island of Ireland will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the death of writer and wit Oscar Wilde and 130 years since the publication of one of his most famous works, The Importance...

Take a trip to Ireland for the winter solstice and connect with the mysticism of the island’s ancient peoples. The winter solstice (21 December) marks the shortest day of the year and, while it is barely noticed in the modern world, in prehistoric Ireland it was a highly important event marking the turning point of the year and the coming...