City Breaks

Feast on award-winning food on the island of Ireland The island of Ireland has made a name for itself as a world-class foodie destination and there are lots of great ways to discover its culinary charms. With award-winning restaurants and gastro-pubs, fabulous food markets and tours, and artisan producers around every corner, the island of Ireland should be on every epicure’s...

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...

With its warrens of narrow streets, vibrant spirit and warm welcome, Cork is the perfect city break destination for when the nights are drawing in. Here are 10 reasons why you should be in this historic city as the seasons switch. 1. Food worth travelling forThanks to an abundance of high-quality local producers and a profusion of creative and passionate chefs,...

Take your pick from great St Patrick’s Day celebrations around Ireland   On St Patrick’s Day all the major cities on the island of Ireland stage fantastic festivals. So why not avoid the Dublin crowds and seek one out this 17 March.   This year St Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, so Monday 18 March 2024 will be a public holiday. Lucky...

Opulent castles brimming with history and exclusive tours that get you amazing ‘behind the rope’ access – they’re all part of Heritage Ireland’s unique luxury experiences. Luxury travel in Ireland is all about sumptuous surroundings, exclusive experiences and select moments of hospitality and connection. The luxuriousness of the country’s collection of five-star accommodations is already well renowned, and of course the...

Spoil your loved one this Valentines with a romantic break to Cork’s grand dame of romance, The Imperial Hotel, which has been hosting first dates, engagements, weddings and honeymoons for more than 200 years.   The scene for your romantic weekend will be set as you arrive at their majestic lobby which will be festooned in giant red roses as...

A Global Celebration of Irish Culture and Heritage returns to the streets of Dublin, 16-20 March, 2022 The programme for Ireland’s National St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin has been unveiled, marking the return of the world’s most iconic St Patrick’s Day celebrations live and in-person for first time since 2019.The theme for this landmark event is Connections and the scope of...

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...

The New Year means that a fresh and fabulous new programme of festivals and events gets underway right across the island of Ireland. With something big going on in any month of the year, Ireland is renowned for the good times that can be had at its festivals. So why not jump into the 2023 programme straight away with Out to...

For a romantic, classy and relaxing getaway with your Valentine, Hastings Hotels has a range of packages on offer.  Ranging from £150 per room (approx. €170), each of the Northern Ireland hotel group's six unique locations offer luxurious accommodation, delicious meals, fizz and a quirky touch of romance with their "Kiss me Quack" love duck. In addition, some packages offer late...