Northern Ireland really is the ultimate destination for nature lovers with landscapes bursting with world class gardens, ancient woodland, wildlife sanctuaries and habitats all demanding to be explored this spring. We've compiled the following list of places and experiences, many of which are less than two hours from Dublin, perfect for connecting people and planet. Belfast Window on Wildlife (WOW), County Antrim Offering panoramic views of Belfast Lough, as well as the birds and wildlife that call this RSPB nature reserve home, Belfast WOW certainly lives up to its name. Situated just 15 minutes from the city centre in Belfast Harbour Estate, there are hundreds of species to be observed. You’ll find Lapwings and Terns and even Konik Ponies that graze the land. Two hides, which have been specially constructed from shipping containers equipped with binoculars and telescopes, offer different perspectives on the reserve. Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, County Down Take a diver’s view of marine life at Exploris , Northern Ireland’s only aquarium as its exciting new ‘Under the Sea’ experience invites you to get up close and personal with creatures from the ocean’s depth through an underwater glass tunnel. Colourful coral reefs play host to over 100 species while the centre is home to crocodiles. otters. penguins and Hector the Capybara as well as a dedicated Seal Sanctuary. Don’t forget to explore the outdoor area and kids’ playroom while those visiting on a Saturday evening can enjoy a fully guided tour, followed by a three-course meal in the onsite licenced Kraken Restaurant. Castle Espie Wetland Centre, County Down Strangford Lough hosts up to 95% of planet earth’s Brent Geese from September through to April as they migrate from the Canadian high arctic. With a magical mix of tidal lagoons, eel-grass mats, woodland walks, salt marshes and reed beds, WWT Castle Espie is home to a world of wetland wildlife waiting to be discovered. Add to that a stimulating sensory garden, Graffan gallery, woodland and shore-view walks with birdwatching mornings and you are left with an unforgettable day out. Oh, and the onsite Kingfisher Café is simply delicious. Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, County Antrim Just six miles off the Causeway Coast lies one of Northern Ireland’s best kept secrets - Rathlin Island. Before arriving by ferry from Ballycastle, be on the lookout for gannets, gulls and dolphins and brace yourself for a welcome from the thousands of birds that raise their chicks and cling to the island’s dramatic cliff edges. Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre , which is located at Rathlin’s famous ‘upside down’ lighthouse reopens on Easter Sunday (March 31) — just in time for the highly anticipated return of the island’s Puffins. Whilst on Rathlin, make sure to enjoy a short walk to Mill Bay and see if you can spot the seals playing along the coast or for a unique perspective, join  Kintra Tours  on their regular boat trips. Mount Stewart, County Down Voted one of the top ten gardens in the world,  Mount Stewart  owes its artistry and inspired planting to Lady Londonderry, with her passion for bold schemes, and a climate in which rare and tender specimens thrive. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped and informal gardens surrounding the picturesque lake walk with over 10 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Overlooking the glorious  Strangford Lough , highlights include themes such as the Shamrock Garden and the Sunk Garden which sit alongside sculptures and incredible flowering blooms. Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down Owned by the National Trust, the 6,000 year old sand dune system that makes up  Murlough National Nature Reserve  is one of the most extensive examples of dune heath within Ireland and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The site is also of international importance for wintering wildfowl and waders as well as a haul-out for common and grey seals. As you walk the  Dundrum Coastal Path  see if you can spot herons, egrets and oystercatchers who enjoy the rich abundance of foodstuffs on the mudflats or even the foxes or stoats that reside on the reserve. To find out more visit  www.discovernorthernireland.com .

Earlier this spring, on a chilly April morning that felt straight out of Winterfell, we headed for Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down. This is where much of HBO’s Game of Thrones  was filmed, and the site now hosts a fantastic attraction: the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. We spent a full day exploring every corner - and we’re still buzzing. Here’s what you need to know before you go. Getting there - The road to Westeros Reaching the studio is surprisingly effortless. If you’re driving, simply follow the A1 south from Belfast (about 30 minutes) or north from Dublin (around 90 minutes) and park free of charge at The Boulevard outlet village. From here a branded shuttle bus whisks you the final kilometres to the studio entrance, a transfer that’s included in every standard ticket. Dedicated coach services also depart daily from Belfast’s Visit Belfast Welcome Centre and Dublin’s Molly Malone Statue, putting transport and admission into a single package. Beyond the Wall The opening moments of the tour are deliberately under wraps, so we won’t (fully) spoil the surprise. Suffice to say you assemble in near darkness, where a floor-to-ceiling screen comes to life with a montage of everything Game of Thrones. Soon after, you transition beyond the wall through some pretty dense fog. It is an all-senses prologue that resets the line between visitor and participant. Walking the Sets - From Castle Black to the ruined Throne Room What follows is a free-flow experience through a succession of original, full-scale sets from beyond the Wall to the Destroyed Throne Room, looking at Castle Black, Winterfell, Dragonstone and King's Landing in between. Each of these locations were accompanied by expansive and intricately designed sets, Bran's bedroom, the Dragonstone meeting room - certain displays were uniquely backlit to simulate different landscapes, like the ocean or life-like greenery. Most impressively the Throne Room - huge and slightly haunting - as if it was pulled straight from the show. Behind it, a 'window' into King's Landing with Daenerys' dragon flying from one end of the room to the other, accompanied by some pretty intense sound effects. Each of these features, from the physical set design to sound lend each space a living pulse. Needlework - The art behind the camera If one theme dominates the studio experience, it is craftsmanship. Glass vitrines display Cersei’s embossed lion-silk gowns, Arya’s travel-worn leathers and the Night’s Watch’s layered furs; elsewhere, racks of real Valyrian-steel stand-ins bristle above workbenches crusted with wax, dye and chain-mail offcuts. Read the placards and you discover that a single coat of Northern plate took more than forty hand processes, from hand-punching rawhide to applying iron oxide patina. It is the show’s hidden army of tailors, armourers and prop sculptors who emerge as the backbone of the show. Interactive magic - Green screens, motion capture and archery drills The tour is not all glass cases and passive viewing. You’re invited to try on armor or lift a real-weight replica of Longclaw for a green-screen selfie. Kids (and not a few adults) queued to “defend Winterfell” with digital crossbows, while a motion-capture booth revealed how wights earned their rattling gait. These stations strike a smart balance - they decode the wizardry of 21st-century production without puncturing the spell! Feasting like a lord - The Mess Hall and Lobby Café Mid-way through, the tour funnels into The Mess Hall , a large dining room where the menu is based on the lore, like the Frey Pie - roast chicken leg, leek and Bushmills whiskey pie with creamy mash and savoy cabbage, or Hodor's Club Sandwich with hand cut chips. The ingredients here are all locally sourced, and the menu is designed to suit all tastes and dietary requirements with tons of dishes to try. Dishes are priced between £7-17, suitable for every budget. Time-pressed visitors can grab a sweet treat and coffee in the Lobby Café at the entrance, but if you can spare an hour, an upgrade to the Seven Kingdoms Afternoon Tea includes miniature 'Sansa' lemon cakes, oat-crusted pies and Red Keep scones all presented on theme. This experience is priced at £30 per person, but we believe it's well worth it. The world’s largest Game of Thrones shop No pilgrimage to Westeros ends without loot, and the Studio Shop knows it. Billed as the largest dedicated GoT store on earth, the retail hall stocks everything from keyrings to exclusive art prints. A photo counter is also available and lets you take green-screen portraits on the Iron Throne with accompanying robes. Budget an extra half-hour; you will need it. Essential information Opening hours:  Daily 10:00–18:30. Standard ticket:  Adult £29.50; Student/Senior £24; Teen (13–15) £12; Child (5–12) £5; under-4s free. All include parking and shuttle transfer from The Boulevard. Seasonal offers are also available, where children were able to eat certain dishes in The Mess Hall for free. Keep an eye out on these offers to make the most of you trip! Transport add-on:  Belfast coach package from £45 adult; Dublin coach from £55 adult, covering return transport and admission. Duration:  We spent just over three hours on the main circuit, plus browsing time in the shop. Allow 4–5 hours door-to-door from Belfast, longer if you opt for afternoon tea. Booking : Advance booking is recommended, which you can do online here. Northern Ireland already offers Game of Thrones  locations along the Causeway Coast, but the Studio Tour is next‑level. We went in as curious travellers and came out plotting our next rewatch. Trust us: Winter (and the studio shuttle) is coming, and you won’t want to miss the ride.

Who doesn’t want a cute little naked baby with wings to stick onto their phone or stack on their shelf back home? Sonny Angels, are small, collectible figurines of a cherubic angel boy, known for wearing various headgear and being sold in blind boxes. They are just as cute as they are hard to find in Ireland, which is why we’ve gathered all the best intel on where you can get one for yourself! 1. Forbidden Planet, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 If you’re visiting the capital, Forbidden Planet  on Dawson Street remains the steadiest (if still sporadic) source of Sonny Angel & Smiski stock. The cult-comics retailer receives small, allocated drops of blind boxes. Staff report every batch selling through within hours. Your best tactic is to: Follow their Instagram Stories  for restock alerts. Arrive early  - queues form before opening on release days. Bring cash-plus-card ; some special editions ring through as separate SKUs, and contactless can be a bit spotty in the basement. Top tips: Arrive early:  doors open at 10 a.m., but the line can stretch to Anne Street by 9:30 on release days. Watch their Instagram Stories:  posts disappear quickly, mirroring stock levels. Card & cash:  some special editions ring through as separate SKUs, and contactless can hiccup under the basement’s Victorian brickwork. 2. Mira Mira Giftshop, Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 A ten-minute DART ride from the city centre drops you at Sandymount, where Mira Mira’s rainbow window display hides a surprisingly deep collectible shelf. The boutique lists Sonny Angels (usually the Animal and Flower series) both in-store and online  at €17.95 a blind box. Even when a series shows out of stock , the product pages stay live. Mira Mira is an authorised Dreams Inc. retailer and refreshes inventory with each European container. Why visit in person?  Apart from browsing Jellycat plush and Irish-made jewellery, you can ask staff to ring you when the next batch lands. 3. Munchkins Toys & Shoes, Main Street, Gorey, Co Wexford Hop on the Dublin–Rosslare train and you’ll roll into Gorey in just over an hour, where a candy-coloured shopfront signals you’ve reached Munchkins. The family-run store keeps several Sonny Angel series on constant rotation: recent shelves have shown Marine (€13.95), Candy-Store Charms (€18.95) and the evergreen Animal sets, all sold as blind boxes. Stock is mirrored online, and orders over €50 ship free nationwide, handy if you’re building a rainbow flock of cherubs from home. Why visit in person?  Beyond the Instagram alerts, browsing in-store means first pick of any delivery (staff usually unpack cartons straight onto the central display table), plus the chance to pair your Angels with Jellycat plush or wooden balance bikes before grabbing a coffee on Gorey’s leafy Esmonde Street. 4. What About the Rest of Ireland? For now, authorised bricks-and-mortar stockists are limited to the capital. Cork’s stores flirted with Angels in 2024 but pivoted back to trading cards when global shortages spiked. Your realistic alternatives are: Option Pros Cons SonnyAngelStore.com (Japan) Guaranteed authenticity, widest range EMS shipping ≈ €20; import VAT on orders > €150 Junior Edition (UK) European warehouse, monthly drops Sells out within minutes; customs if basket > €150 Pop-up conventions (DCC, Eirtakon) Swap doubles face-to-face Calendar-dependent; prices float with hype Spotting Fakes in the Wild The viral boom means counterfeits turn up at car-boot sales and dubious TikTok “drops.” Keep these rules in your back pocket: Halo & wings:  genuine Angels use matte vinyl, knock-offs feel slick and overly glossy. Head-tilt test:  originals lean a couple of degrees forward, copies sit bolt upright. Dreams hologram-seal:  every blind box carries a prismatic oval plus a verifiable QR code that leads to sonnyangel.com ’s check page. If a seller can’t show that hologram, assume it’s counterfeit. Until Dreams Inc. opens a dedicated Irish store, those looking for Sonny-Angel seekers should try Forbidden Planet  in the city centre and Mira Mira  in Sandymount. Happy hunting!

Pride is in full swing across Dublin today with festivals, parades, and rainbow celebrations lighting up the city! But if you’re planning to get around, especially by car or public transport, be aware: Dublin City Council and TFI have rolled out an extensive traffic management plan in support of the celebration. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate today’s road closures and transport diversions with ease. Road Closures for Dublin Pride 2025 6 am – 10 pm Merrion Square South & East, Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Mount Street Upper. 8 am – 4 pm O’Connell Street Upper & Lower, Cathal Brugha Street. 11:30 am – 4 pm Eden Quay, Custom House Quay, Memorial Bridge, Lombard Street East, Westland Row, Lincoln Place, Merrion Street Lower, Merrion Square North & West. Rolling closures 11 am – 4 pm or 12 pm – 6 pm a long the parade route: O’Connell Bridge, City Quay, CHQ, Lombard St East, etc. Pedestrians & cyclists: worry not - routes remain open throughout the day. Diversions will be clearly sign posted for those travelling in the area, and you can access the full details of the routes here. Public Transport Disruptions Luas Tram Services Green Line: no trams between St Stephen’s Green ↔ Dominick from ~9:40 am – 5 pm; shuttles operate either side. Red Line: no service Smithfield → Connolly/The Point from ~10 am – 2:30 pm; normal elsewhere. Dublin Bus Pre‑Parade (6 am – 11:30 am): Routes 15a, 15b, 19, 26 terminate early; most services diverted off O’Connell St via Parnell St, Marlborough St, Rosie Hackett Bridge, etc. For more information visit transportforireland.ie . During Parade (11:30 am – 4:30 pm): Major reroutes for routes like 1, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 19, 26, 27, 33, 38, 40, E1/E2—expect detours via Parnell Street, Gardiner St, Tara St, and more. Coach & Regional Buses Aircoach (08:00–16:00): No stops on O’Connell Row and Merrion Square; board at Westmoreland St or Fleet St. For more information visit aircoach.ie . Bus Éireann & others: Rolling closures affect many intercity services—stops like Busáras, O’Connell St, Heuston and quays may be missed or relocated. Additional Info Parade starts at 12:30 pm from O’Connell Street, concluding at Merrion Square where Pride Village runs until ~6:30 pm. Luas & DART: DART and Irish Rail services elsewhere are normal—though expect very busy stations at Connolly, Tara St, and Pearse. Live travel updates: Monitor the TFI website, Luas app, Dublin Bus updates, and social channels throughout the day. For more information, visit dublinpublictransport.ie . Celebrate loudly, travel safely, and enjoy every moment of Pride 2025!

Imagine standing where Viking warriors once roamed, holding your very own sword. This summer, from July 5th, families are invited to step back over a thousand years and walk the very streets where Norse legends were made. The Children’s Viking Tour offers an immersive and magical way for kids to learn history, not from a book, but by living it. The adventure begins at the Viking House, a full-size replica of a real Viking home. Here, children are welcomed into the community by a friendly Viking guide and handed their very own toy sword to keep as a memory of the day. From there, the group sets off on a light walking tour through Waterford’s ancient narrow streets. Along the way, kids will hear tales of epic battles, daring sea voyages, and mighty Viking kings who once ruled this land. Eyes will widen at the sight of a 40-foot replica Viking longboat. Ears will perk up at the sound of ancient stories shared in the shadows of R eginald’s Tower, built for the Viking Rognvald, King of Waterford, and after whom it is named.  And imaginations will run wild as children are invited to explore the day-to-day of Viking life when they return to the Viking House at the tour’s end. The tour runs every Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm, starting July 5th, and lasts a little over 30 minutes — just enough time to spark curiosity and inspire young minds without tiring out tiny legs. Perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors while discovering something truly different, this is not just a tour. It’s a mini time-travel adventure. Whether you’re a local family seeking a fresh summer activity or visitors hoping to uncover Ireland’s ancient past, the Children’s Viking Tour at Waterford Treasures offers a unique experience that’s as educational as it is fun. Tickets Tickets are €9.50 per child aged 5–12, which includes a toy sword to take home. Adults are 9.50 and children under 5 go free, with the option to purchase a sword for €2.50. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children under 12) is €35 with additional children just €6.50. Pre-booking is recommended, as each tour is limited to 25 participants. For more information or to book your family’s Viking adventure, visit    www.waterfordtreasures.com . Step into the story, become a Viking for a day, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

There’s lots to do on the shore of Lough Erne in Enniskillen, so we’ve compiled a list of the area’s most enticing attractions so you can make the most of your visit to Fermanagh. Where to Stay Glamping at Rossharbour Resort Rossharbour Resort is the perfect destination to relax and connect with nature, situated on the shore of Lower Lough Erne. Stay the resort’s luxurious lakeside lodges , relax at the riverside lodges or glamp in one of the lakeside cabins . Lakeside Lodges Enjoy a break at one of Rossharbour Resort’s lakeside lodges. As well as overlooking the lake, the lodges offer the perfect view of the Lough Navar Mountains. Each self-catering lodge includes: Double bed Sofa bed (an additional cost will be added for extra guests) Private hot tub Kitchenette (including appliances) En suite Wide screen TV Full insulation, double glazed windows and heating Outdoor patio furniture Bedding and towels Use of communal sauna Use of on-site wi-fi, games room and play park This is an adult only area and is close to bar facilities. There will be live music and noise up until 1am on occasion. Lakeside Glamping Cabins These cabins sleep up to three people and are ideal for group bookings of 10-15 adults. Each cabin includes: Full insulation and electric heating Kettle, toaster, fridge, microwave and TV Outdoor table and chairs Separate communal toilet and shower area Double bed for couples & double camp bed All bedding and bathroom towels provided Complimentary use of on site facilities play park, games room and WiFi Use of 6 seater communal hot tub and six seater sauna This is an adults only area (from 1 November) and is close to bar facilities. There will be live music and noise until 1.00am on occasion. Lusty Beg Resort Take a ferry across Lough Erne to the enchanting four-star Lusty Beg Resort, situated on the remote Lusty Beg Island. The resort has plenty to offer, including a beautiful landscape, accommodation, dining and activities for the whole family. Plan your stay the way you like it, with a selection of accommodation options to choose from: Courtyard Ensuite Bedrooms – Choose an ensuite guest room, offering single, double, twin, triple and family occupancy. The rooms are kitted out with a TV, iron and board, hairdryer, study desk and tea/coffee making facilities. These guest rooms are also dog friendly, with a surcharge of €20 for each furry friend. Island Cabins – The open plan island cabins each include a double bed, kitchenette and a private verandah. The cabins also have their own wine cooler, microwave, toaster and a kitchen sink. Lodges and Chalets – Enjoy a self-catering lodge or cabin by the lake. Surrounded by heavy woodland, each home includes a fully fitted kitchen with a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, oven and microwave. The also have their own living/dining area and a verandah. The resort’s self-catering houses come in a variety of sizes, sleeping two, four, five or six people. Dining Visit the Island Restaurant for a refreshing beverage or a meal made with fresh local produce. Choose a dining area that suits you, with the option between the warm rustic bar, outdoor dining area and relaxing Pineroom Restaurant. Activities and Facilities Relax at the Island’s spa, offering a selection of soothing organic treatments to help you connect with the charming surroundings of the resort. Treatment options include facials, massages, baths, scrubs, manicures and pedicures. Lusty Beg Activities There’s adventure around every corner on Lusty Beg Island. Individually tailored activities and group packages are available to book during your stay. Some of the exciting activities available include: Clay Pigeon Shooting Archery Canoeing Water Safaris in the Hawk Rib Boat Nature trail, to be enjoyed at your leisure Fairy Trail Lusty Beg has its very own fairy trail , so the little ones can go on a magical adventure during their stay. What to Do Stairway to Heaven: Cuilcagh Mountain Walk The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail – nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven Walk – meanders through one of Northern Ireland’s largest blanket bogs. The 1.6 kilometer trail consists of boardwalks and steep staircases, leading to the mountain’s viewing platform. Take a walk through Cuilcagh’s stunning landscape before looking out on the breathtaking view from above. Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Since 1857, the village of Belleek in Enniskillen has been known for its rich history in pottery making. The unique and elegant creations have for generations given the village much to boast about. The Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre brings almost two centuries of history and culture together in one place for you to enjoy. Head to the Belleek Pottery Visitor centre for a day out packed with activities. Some of the facilities at the visitor centre include: Belleek Pottery Museum – Take a look at Belleek’s history in pottery making at the Pottery Museum, containing artefacts dating back to 1857. Bloomfield’s Trail animated Children’s Tour – Named after Belleek Pottery founder John Caldwell Bloomfield, the animated children’s tour keeps the kids busy while making their way through the museum. Children are provided with a trail map which they must follow in order to locate a series of 16 hand drawn, colourful ceramics at key points on the pottery tour. ONE SIXTY photographic exhibition – The story of 160 years of Belleek Pottery told through photographs. Belleek Retail Showroom Rose Isle Garden and Picnic Area Audio Visual Presentation available in 8 languages Tea rooms – The Bellek Tea Room is the ideal place to stop for a refreshment and a bite to eat during your visit. The upper mezzanine overlooks the River Erne and food is served on Belleek tableware. Where to Eat The Black Cat Cove While you’re in the area, stop off at The Black Cat Cove , Belleek’s family-run traditional Irish pub. The pub’s restaurant serves food and beverages all day until 9pm. The Fermanagh Lakelands are the perfect place to visit in the summer months!

Looking to spruce up your travel itinerary? With long summer days ahead, there’s never been a better time to stay in one of Ireland’s Great Lighthouses . Spend your stay watching the sun sink over the horizon, or enjoy a weekend full of sea-front activities, knowing that at the end of the day, you can settle into a cosy bed just a few stairs up in your lighthouse of choice – but be warned, for midnight snackers, the kitchen can sometimes be a steeper climb! Wild Atlantic Wonders Just one of the ‘great’ things about many of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland is that you can stay in them. Beautiful Blackhead  and  St. John’s Point  in  Northern Ireland  both showcase comfortable and characterful self-catering accommodation in quaint, restored lightkeepers’ houses. As does Donegal’s own St. John’s Point  and  Fanad Head ,  Clare Island in Mayo,  Loop Head  in Clare and  Galley Head  in Cork, all of which are located along the stunning  Wild Atlantic Way . A Lighthouse in the Garden of Ireland Wicklow Head Lighthouse  on the east coast may be a little less wild but it’s certainly a memorably athletic experience. Here, along  Ireland’s Ancient East , you stay in the lighthouse tower itself. With 109 steps from the entrance hall up to the kitchen, it’s pretty breathtaking alright! R&R in a B&B Prefer to truly put your feet up on holiday? Mayo’s  Clare Island Lighthouse  (mentioned above, along the Wild Atlantic Way ) is the place for you. Now a luxury, boutique B&B, it’s the only lighthouse where a delicious dinner, made with the very best of local produce, is served. Unforgettable Experiences With plenty of fresh air and local food, you can look forward to a good night’s sleep at a lighthouse. Once rested, there are plenty of activities available around all of the different lighthouses, from boat tours to sea safaris and becoming a Coastal Keeper , you won’t be bored! Grab a Getaway If you’d like to experience life in a lighthouse for yourself,  Ireland  and  Northern Ireland  all offer gorgeous accommodation, true to their storied maritime past. You can find a list of different locations on greatlighthouses.com .

Summer calls for something truly magical - from lighthouses with panoramic sea views to miniature castles plucked from a fairytale, here are some of the most unique getaways in Ireland! 1. The Barbican, Glenarm, Co. Antrim If a medieval fairytale is your idea of a good time, The Barbican delivers in spades. Built in 1825, this Gothic gatelodge has a rooftop terrace perfect for stargazing or sipping wine while overlooking the River Glenarm. Inside, the cosy interior features a wood-burning stove and a luxurious roll-top bath. Highlights: Rooftop terrace, charming riverside setting, wood-burning stove Sleeps: 2 adults Price: From €330 for a two-night stay 2. Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Co. Wicklow Take yourself to new heights - literally - at Wicklow Head Lighthouse . Located on the cliffs of Wicklow, this six-story, 18th-century tower offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and a secluded atmosphere perfect for those looking for a unique retreat. With its top-floor kitchen offering a stunning panoramic view of the ocean, every moment here feels extraordinary. Highlights: Ocean views, secluded location, historic charm Sleeps: 4 guests Price: From €800 for a two-night stay 3. Annes Grove Miniature Castle, Castletownroche, Co. Cork Fairy tales come to life at Annes Grove Miniature Castle . This Gothic gem is as romantic as it gets, located among ancient beech trees and full of historical charm. Enjoy a quiet summers eve in the cosy living room with its wood-burning stove, or dine alfresco on the patio under twinkling fairy lights. Highlights: Intimate design, stunning woodland surroundings, wood-burning stove Sleeps: 2 adults Price: From €342 for a two-night stay 4. Blackhead Lighthouse, Co. Antrim For those who love windswept adventures, Blackhead Lighthouse offers an escape with a view. Sitting atop cliffs overlooking Belfast Lough, this beautifully restored lighthouse keeper’s house is the perfect peaceful retreat. Explore the coastal walking trails, then warm up by the open fire for a cosy end to your day. Highlights: Clifftop location, stunning sea views, antique furnishings Sleeps: 5 guests Price: From €430 for a two-night stay 5. JP Sloop, St. John’s Point Lighthouse, Co. Down How about spending July in a cosy keeper’s cottage at St. John’s Point Lighthouse JP Sloop ? This secluded gem has views of the Isle of Man and Mourne Mountains, and its location ensures plenty of quality time with direct access to some fabulous hikes in the area. Highlights: Coastal scenery, board games for cosy nights in, historic charm Sleeps: 4 guests Price: From €380 for a two-night stay Each of these properties is lovingly restored by the Irish Landmark Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings. Most stays are pet-friendly and self-catered, meaning you have full autonomy over your holiday! For bookings and more details, visit Irish Landmark Trust .

Louise Ducrocq was super lucky to get a first look at the soon-to-open new Donabate-Portrane Cliff Walk , along with other lovely journalists, Cairn Homes and O'Hea PR. Now, if you're a Donabate local, or you've every been lucky enough to visit it, you'd know that this Cliff Walk has been a popular walking route for years and is not a recent development. It offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and is a well-known coastal walk in the area. The walk is approximately 4km long, taking you from Donabate to Tower Bay in Portrane and back.  However, Cairn Homes is developing a new community of 1,200 homes for around 350 families in the Donabate aera, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom houses. The development includes a 32-acre nature park with cattle and, of course, the Donabate-Portrane Cliff Walk, linking to a greenway that leads to Smith’s Pub, known for its food and drink. The entire site will be easily accessible via Donabate train station, combining rural charm with strong transport connections. The merry bunch and I walked 1.7km from Donabate train station to Portrane beach in a gorgeous 22° weather, stumbling upon Balcarrick Martello Tower, St Ita’s Hospital, Lambay Island, and of course – the cherry on the cake – Tower Bay . We got to meet Terry . She is the storyteller and current residee of Tower Bay, a privately owned Mortello Tower. Terry had always dreamt of living in such a tower. Her husband Tom , along with their sons Bryan and Anton , made her dream come true by renovating Tower Bay . They made it into a family home. Brick by brick, the whole family discovered the amazingly rich history of that building. From hosting the ancestor of the Irish Coat Guard, one whisky bottle at a time, to influencing Napoleon’s combat strategy, Terry talked us through the infinite historical significance of Tower Bay. I got to experience, almost unexpectedly, the most unique tour I have ever been a part of here in Ireland. After exploring those wonderful milestones along the Donabate & Portrane Cliff Walk , which our lovely storyteller Marion Lynders guided us through, we ended the day at Newbridge House , for a laughter-filled Summer Soirée. We were met with champagne, delicious French wine and locally-sourced Irish bites in this gorgeous manor-adjacent institution. ITTN’s Louise Ducrocq had a grand time yesterday, exploring Donabate and Portrane with O’Hea PR  and   Cairn Homes . The trip was put together by Roisin O’Hea from O’Hea PR, along with Tom Noonan and Sarah Glavey from Cairn Homes. We all got our steps in, absorbed the sunny Vitamin D, chatted plenty and got rewarded with delicious food and drinks. What more could one want?!

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 20th and Sunday the 22nd of June across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from Taste of Dublin to Bloomsday and much, much more. Cork Midsummer Festival - 13.06-22.06 Ten-day city-wide takeover of theatre, circus, dance and street art - Cork becomes the stage. Read more here. Body & Soul - 20.06-22.06 From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June , the long-running boutique festival returns with its trademark mix of left-field music, lakeside hot tubs, pop-up performances and late-night woodland discos in Ballinlough Castle, Westmeath. Camping, day and family passes are still on sale at bodyandsoul.ie . Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride Festival - 20.06-28.06 Pride officially spans 20 – 28 June , but plenty happens within our window: the Outhouse Book Club Pride Edition  and Queer Film Club  (19 June), daily Lavender Walk  queer history tours from 23 June, and the exuberant RELEASE Pride Friday party on 27 June  – all a warm-up for Saturday’s parade just outside the timeframe. Full listings at dublinpride.ie . Summer Solstice Sunrise Gathering - 20.06 Circle the Lia Fáil to greet the first sun-shaft of midsummer; free, informal, and at its most atmospheric around 04:55. St John’s Eve Bonfires - 23.06 Each year on 23 June, Ireland lights up in celebration of St John’s Eve, known in many rural communities as Bonna Night or Tine Cnámh (“bone fire”). These communal bonfires trace their roots to ancient Celtic solstice rituals that honoured the peak of the sun’s power, and, after Christianisation, to the vigil of St John the Baptist. Read more here.

Dancing, shucking, eating – we attended the 70th edition of the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival over the weekend which promised an unforgettable 3 days of fun, and fully delivered. Here are our highlights from the weekend! Set in a gorgeous marquee on Ninmos pier overlooking the sea, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival , now celebrating its 70th anniversary , was already off to a brilliant start as we walked in, twinkling lights, flags waving in the wind, plenty of smiling faces around and a complimentary glass of bubbles landing in my hand within the first few seconds of entering. Bliss, right? Well, it only got better! So, what was in store for the weekend? Plenty of things to see, eat and do! The famous Oyster Shucking Competition and World Championship were spread over 2 days, with live entertainment scheduled before and after on each, as well as a big Party of the Champions finale . A Demo Kitchen was also on throughout the weekend, offering unique recipes and treats for all, demonstrated live by experts. Shuck It! The Oyster Shucking Competition and World Championship One of the main attractions that brings visitors from all over the globe every year is the Oyster Shucking Competition , where skilled shuckers showcase their lightning-fast abilities in opening oysters. If you’ve never seen a professional shuck an oyster, it’s a sight to remember – precision, speed, and a touch of flair all come together in this high-energy event. We stood right by the stage, where we could see the oysters and shuckers up close. At points, it felt as though we were shucking with them! After an intensive shuck-off, Sebastian Kuduk was crowned the Irish shucking champion , and was on to represent Ireland at the World Oyster Shucking Championship happening the next day. The World Oyster Shucking Championship has the best shuckers from around the world go head-to-head for the title. The atmosphere was electric, the competition fierce, and the stakes high—after all, there can only be one World Champion! In the end, Renars Purmails from Latvia won, and Ireland placed 2nd! Good Food Galore The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival isn’t just about oysters (although they are the star of the show)! Our taste buds were absolutely not ready for the delicious treats that were served up over the weekend, including perfectly fried calamari, mussels, and some good soul-feeding food trucks. We started off with some Kelly Oysters , with an assortment of garnishes available at their stand that we took full advantage of (hello, tabasco!). The outdoor seating area was plenty warm and entertaining, and the atmosphere so good that we didn’t even mind the queue for the mussels. We slurped down our oystery goodness while our portion of mussels (in a decadent white wine sauce) was being shuffled about in the pan. Soon, we were feasting on all our goodies! If you’re less into oysters and fancy something fried, we tucked into some crispy calamari rings, perfectly seasoned and served with zesty dipping sauces just after the shucking championship to fuel ourselves up for the dancefloor. All of the seafood at the event was fresh, tasty and well presented. Oyster and Seaweed Ice Cream Now, for something you’ll likely only ever find at the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival — Oyster Ice Cream by Oysome! Yes, you read that right. This creamy, rich treat is, in our opinion, the festival’s pièce de résistance, bringing together the briny flavor of oysters with the smooth texture of ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce. It’s adventurous, it’s unexpected, and it’s a must-try! For those whose palate prefers something a bit more subtle but equally marine-inspired, the festival also featured Seaweed Ice Cream . This dessert had a similarly sweet and salty flavour that was uniquely Irish. Both desserts began as a college project, and this year they have transcended into a pretty great part of the festival! Fantastic Entertainment It wouldn’t be a proper festival without some lively entertainment, and the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival did not disappoint! The weekend was filled with live music and dancing acts, showcasing some great talent. There was a traditional Irish dancing performance, followed by a night full of traditional music, jazz, ABBA, everything you could wish for at a seafood fest, and more. The Party of the Champions was another great event running late into the night on the second day of the event, where there was plenty of dancing and celebration for the shuckers of the festival, and us. We grooved and slurped down some more delicious oysters throughout. The festival was absolutely buzzing with people from all over throughout the whole 3 days, which was definitely one of the main highlights for us. We met people from all over the world, Hawaii, New York, Australia, Singapore and more, who were passionate about everything Galway and Oysters. It was a fantastic experience seeing that not only did they come from so far just to be here – but they were all having great fun. Our Takeaway (We’ll be back) There’s a reason why people return to the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival year on year. The fresh seafood, the excitement of the championship and the entertainment all play their part – the atmosphere is just absolutely unbelievable, warm and welcoming. It’s no wonder that the festival is in its 70th year – we wish it at least 70 more! See you next year, Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. For more information, including ticket details and event schedules for 2025, be sure to visit the Galway Oyster Festival website . You don’t want to miss out!

Doagh Famine Village  is one of Donegal’s most fascinating heritage sites. More than just a museum, it offers a deeply immersive experience, bringing history to life through thought-provoking exhibits and personal storytelling. From the harsh realities of the Great Famine to the changing social landscape of Ireland, a visit here is both educational and emotional, making it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the northwest of Ireland. What’s On at Doagh Famine Village The Doagh Famine Village  is a unique open-air museum that presents Irish history in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Unlike traditional museums, this site features original thatched cottages , life-sized exhibits, and interactive displays that take visitors on a journey through Irish history. Famine & Eviction One of the most striking parts of the experience is the Famine and Eviction section , which vividly portrays the struggles of those who lived through the Great Famine (1845–1852). Visitors walk through recreated scenes of famine-ravaged Ireland, including an eviction scene where families were forced from their homes. The Irish Wake House A unique aspect of Irish culture, the Wake House  explains how wakes and funerals were traditionally celebrated in Ireland. The exhibit provides insight into old customs surrounding death, which often included storytelling, music, and community gatherings. The Hedge School Before formal schools were established, children in Ireland were educated in hedge schools —secret, makeshift classrooms that defied British laws against Catholic education. This exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into what schooling was like for Irish children in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Republican Safe House For those interested in more recent history, the Republican Safe House  offers an insight into Ireland’s political struggles. This exhibit highlights the role of safe houses during the Irish War of Independence and later conflicts. The Celtic Tiger and Modern Ireland While much of Doagh Famine Village focuses on the hardships of the past, it also explores Ireland’s rapid economic growth during the Celtic Tiger years (1995–2008)  and the subsequent financial crash. This section provides a contrast to earlier exhibits, showing how Ireland has evolved over the centuries. Seasonal Attractions - Santa’s Island and Halloween Events Throughout the year, Doagh Famine Village hosts special events, including the popular Santa’s Island  during Christmas and a Halloween Experience  that brings a spooky twist to the historical site. These seasonal attractions make the village a great destination for families. Practical Information for Visitors Doagh Famine Village is located on Doagh Island , just outside Ballyliffin in Inishowen, County Donegal . It is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available. Opening Hours The village is open from March to October , but opening times may vary, so it’s best to check their website before visiting. Admission Prices Adults:  €12 Children (under 12):  €6 Family Tickets Available The price includes a guided tour .  Why Visit Doagh Famine Village? A visit to Doagh Famine Village  is all about experiencing the resilience and spirit of the Irish people. The site does an excellent job of making history feel personal and relevant, with exhibits that cover everything from famine and emigration  to modern Irish life .  Visit Doagh Famine Village  for more information.