Great Outdoors

Standing on the first tee at the historic Ardglass Golf Club, the entire island of Ireland sits to your right. Aim for Sligo, I was told. Just don’t go left. The golf proved a mere distraction as the next four hours were filled with views of the rugged and beautiful coast line from every hole with the majesty of the...

Powerscourt prepares for a colourful and sustainable spring Even as winter closes in, preparations are underway at the magnificent Powerscourt Estate to plant a bee-friendly, bio-diverse, sustainable spring garden. Powercourt Estate and Gardens in County Wicklow is continuing its journey towards being recognised on a global stage for its sustainability initiatives. The stunning Palladian mansion set in 1,000 acres, which include...

Serious stargazers should head to Mayo this autumn to celebrate the wonders of the night in this stellar Dark Sky Festival. The Mayo Dark Sky Festival (4 to 6 November) is a celebration of all things astral and a great reason to visit one of the world’s top stargazing locations. Mayo Dark Sky Park stretches between Nephin Mountain Range and the Atlantic Coast...

On a clear day you can view the Mourne Mountains from Dublin's Howth Head. But on the other 350-odd days, an hour's drive will take you out of the Fair City and into the heart of spectacular County Down countryside, where you will wind and meander through hills and valleys, with jaw-dropping scenery awaiting around every turn in the road. Head...

Top 5 cycles to explore the island of Ireland   World Bicycle Day on 3 June is the annual opportunity to pay tribute to the bike, not to mention the huge number of beautiful places around the island of Ireland that are explorable on two wheels.   In Ireland, cycling is all about the scenery, the joy and the experience, be it for...

Let the combination of sea, sand and serenity work its magic on a coastal break on the island of Ireland. If you’re ready for a break from the daily treadmill, you’ll find wave-lapped golden shores, dramatic cliffs and secluded hideaways waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Where better to enjoy great sea views than from a lighthouse. Stay in...

Abounding in natural beauty, mountains, cliffs and dramatic coastlines, there is something to captivate even the most seasoned travellers on the island of Ireland. It takes days, weeks really, to see the best of the greenest country in Europe, and trying to figure out what to do can be a bit overwhelming. So save some time and check out this...

There are loads of new and refurbished places in Northern Ireland that make for a perfect St Valentine’s Day getaway. This year, why not embrace each other and the giant spirit of Northern Ireland at the same time in the country’s wide selection of ultra-romantic hideaways? Choose from quiet hotels and snug cottages with log burners to cosy self-catering apartments...

No matter where you travel around the island of Ireland, you’re always going to find something to put on your bucket list of things to see and do. A host of new attractions and experiences are open or will be ready to open for 2022, so make this year the one you find something different to explore on the greenest,...

Ireland’s Boyne Valley is the birthplace of Ireland's Ancient East. Here you can experience a remarkable history stretching back over 9,000 years. You can walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s High Kings and visit the spiritual Hill of Tara, from where the kings ruled as long ago as the 2nd century. This is home to some of Ireland’s greatest heritage...