Northern Ireland

Tens of thousands of traditional music-loving folk gathered in the town of Cavan for the 2010 Fleadh Cheoil and less than 24 hours into my maiden festival visit, I found myself smack bang in the middle of Lough Oughter. Dating back to the early 1950s, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of Music in Ireland) was established to promote Irish traditional...

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...

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...

Some are used for affairs of State, others are must-sees on Ireland’s tourist travel, and many more converted into the living quarters for eccentric artists or American actors. And while scores remain in ruin along the coastal shores north and south of the island, many more have been converted into luxury hotels and guesthouses allowing visitors to step back...

By Karl Doyle After upwards of 200,000 punters turned up to 2019’s sold-out Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland is firmly front and centre in golfers’ minds once again. While millions around the globe watched avidly as the finest players on the planet battled it out for the prestigious Claret Jug – bagged in impressive fashion by...

With history dating back over 6,000 years, Armagh remains Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, boasting two magnificent cathedrals, one Roman Catholic, one Church of Ireland, both called St Patrick's. Armagh City is built on the foothills of the mountains that separate Ulster from Connacht and is very accessible as it is only 40 miles from Belfast and less than an hour-and-a-half drive...