It’s the perfect time of year to start planning an Irish getaway, whether its a romantic Valentine’s retreat or a family break somewhere scenic. With lots to do across Ireland’s most spectacular areas, there are plenty of hotels to help you discover all that the island has to offer – but how about a cosy night in on those chilly winter evenings? We’ve found five hotels with cinemas, so you can snuggle up and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones during your travels. Five Irish Hotels with Cosy Cinemas Ashford Castle, Mayo Visit the fabulous five-star Ashford Castle for an unforgettable experience, complete with all the luxuries you could ever ask for. Among many other great facilities and activities available within the grounds of this stunning castle and its gardens, is the cinema. Dressed in royal red, this fantastic feature gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a classic film in an intimate and comfortable picture house. Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment for the little ones or you’re after a romantic night in, this is the perfect spot. Grab some snacks or start your evening with a drink in the Billiards Room before heading in to enjoy the show. Glenlo Abbey, Galway One of our favourite Irish hotels is the spectacular Glenlo Abbey , with plenty of fantastic features reflecting the wonders of centuries past. The Abbey Movie Theatre is no different, with an old-world feel to take you back to the early days of cinema. Designed with luxury, comfort and authenticity in mind, this splendid theatre offers an memorable and unique cinematic experience. With regular film times in both the afternoon and evening, you can enjoy some midday entertainment, a relaxed evening viewing or the perfect night of romance. Grab a snack and enjoy some timeless classics while you soak up the splendour of this 18th century estate. The Devlin, Dublin Nobody knows how to impress the masses quite like Press Up Hospitality Group, and The Devlin is one of our favourite sites. This modern Dublin city hotel has something special to offer on each floor, with Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant creating the ideal evening dining experience. The real star of the show is the basement floor Stella cinema, perfect for a romantic date night or a great evening with your closest friends. Enjoy some of the most anticipated films in this comfy and unique movie theatre, with cocktails, beers, bar food and sharing platters available to complete the experience. Park Hotel, Kenmare, Kerry Park Hotel in Kenmare, County Kerry is another fantastically luxurious stay. With lots to offer guests, from fine dining to scenic walks around the grounds, the hotel is a stellar experience in itself. The Reel Room cinema makes your stay that bit more enjoyable, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy a film in company of those you love most. Make the most of your night in with a drink from the hotel’s Champagne Bar, before heading in to watch one of the world’s all-time classics. The cinema also shows a variety of family favourites, so you can treat the kids to an afternoon of magic. The Bushmills Inn, Antrim Antrim’s Bushmills Inn is a cosy and welcoming spot of opulence, right next to the Giant’s Causeway . From delectable dining to stunning scenery, it’s the perfect spot for a break up north. The hotel’s Still Room Cinema offers a cinematic experience in an intimate environment, available for private hire. The cinema also holds a ‘Movie Night’ every Thursday, offering a two-course meal from the cinema supper menu followed by a screening of some of cinema’s best films. It’s the perfect recipe for a night of great food and entertainment. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people while exploring the beauty of Ireland with our detailed travel guide for Ireland. Which hotel cinema are you heading to this year? Let us know on Facebook ,  Twitter  or  Instagram .

Clear away the winter cobwebs with a stay in a beachside hotel, where you can go walking and watch the sea, maybe even have a swim. There is nothing like the sea air and the constant movement of the waves to encourage a sense of peacefulness. Come around the coast of Ireland and along the Wild Atlantic Way with travel2ireland and visit our favourite seaside hotels.  Five Hotels for a Stay by the Sea Connemara Coast Hotel, Furbo, County Galway  This lovely hotel is not far from Galway city and sits in it own grounds with access to the coast. This four-star hotel is a comfortable and lovely place to stay. It is also an ideal location for exploring some of the Connemara’s famous Wild Atlantic Way beaches. There are lots of activities both indoor and outdoor and there is a lovely leisure centre with a big pool, for the non-sea swimmers, see here . Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork  East Cork is sometimes overshadowed by West Cork, however it does have some really lovely places to stay and see. The Garryvoe Hotel is facing an eight-kilometre long sandy beach and it is ideal for walkers and kiddies. There has been a hotel here since the early 1900s; though the Garryvoe is the modern version and very comfortable. As a four-star family owned-hotel they know how to make you feel welcome. If you are looking for things to do, the list in East Cork is endless. As they say in Garryvoe, “it’s better by the sea,” see here . Parknasilla Resort, County Kerry  The Parknasilla is such a queen of a hotel, standing stately on the Ring of Kerry. The Parknasilla is not just a hotel, but also a resort with lots for everyone to do both on land and on water. There is a variety of accommodations available from self-catering to grand suites. As well as getting that seaside air and walks overlooking Kenmare Bay you will see amazing sunsets over the coast here. Surrounded by nature you will feel the restorative power of Parknasilla, see here . Atlantic Hotel, Lahinch, County Clare  If you have been inspired by the scenery of County Clare, in Smother , the RTE television series; then the Atlantic Hotel in Lahinch is the place to go. The hotel is overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way, and you will have first class views of the daring surfers while enjoying the comfort of the hotel. Nearby you can explore the Cliffs of Moher , the Burren and Seaworld Aquarium Lahinch, it is great fun for the children. The famous golf links at Lahinch are nearby, see here . Portmarnock Hotel and Golf, County Dublin Dublin as a city is surrounded by beaches and most are easily accessible, within 30-40 minutes. The beach at Portmarnock is on one of the loveliest. This beach is also known as the Velvet Strand, because it is so smooth. The Portmarnock Hotel is literally on the beach. It has a links golf course and a fabulous spa. There is a leisure centre for relaxing in too, see here . Tell travel2ireland about your favourite coastal hotels and resorts on  Facebook ,  Twitter  or  Instagram .

We all love a good farmer’s market, where we can pick up a few bits and bobs from independent businesses. For those who love to shop local, it’s a great way to find new products and suppliers – and not to mention, a great day out. We’ve found some Irish markets that are open year-round, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for, no matter the season. Find the Best of Irish Produce at these Farmer’s Markets Killruddery Farm Market, Wicklow Killruddery House and Gardens is one of County Wicklow’s most charming and exquisite spots. The stunning 800-acre estate is home to the 17th century house and gardens, which are fabulous to explore in the warmer seasons. Although the gardens closed for the winter, Killruddery’s weekly Farm Market continues to impress from 10am until 4pm every Saturday. It hosts a range of fantastic stalls and products, from tasty food to gorgeous clothing, art, jewellery and skincare. This is the perfect spot for those looking for gift ideas, or just to treat yourself – you’ve earned it! Photos by StoryBord Photography . Farmer’s Market at Airfield Estate, Dublin The Farmer’s Market at Airfield Estate is the foodie’s dream, with lots of fresh and organic Irish produce to choose from. The estate is home to Dublin’s only working farm and gardens, and is committed to growing environmentally sustainable produce. These values are reflected in the weekly market, where you can pick up some gorgeous local finds to take home with you. The market is open every Friday and Saturday from 9am until 2:30pm, with plenty of stalls to help you find what you’re looking for. From locally grown fruit and veg to breads, pastries, meats and more, the market has lots to offer. Head in and experience all the local flavours on offer. St. George’s Market, Belfast If you’re up north, St. George’s Market in Belfast is one you just can’t miss. The market offers the very best of Belfast’s produce, as well as unique gifts and souvenirs. There’s always a good buzz around the market, with performances from some of the best local musicians. St. George’s Market is open three days a week – with the Friday Variety Market (8am-2pm), Saturday City Food, Craft and Garden Market (9am-3pm) and the Sunday Food, Craft and Antique Market (10am-3pm). Whatever it is you’re looking for, this one’s great for a weekend browse. Dungarvan Farmer’s Market, Waterford The Dungarvan Farmer’s Market is another one well worth the visit, open every Thursday from 9am until 2pm. With a vibrant variety of quality produce including fish, organic fruit and veg, cheeses, meats and more, you’re sure to find some tasty bits to fill the presses. Stop off for something to eat while you shop, with plenty of food stalls to keep you from going hungry. Whether it’s a hearty burger or a delicious gourmet crêpe, there’ll be something to keep you going through the day. English Market, Cork One of the country’s most popular markets is the English Market in Cork, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant indoor market is filled with fabulous stalls offering all kinds of goodies. Whether you’re after some delicious produce, novelty items, clothing, art or gifts, you’ll find it all here. The market has been serving the people of Cork for centuries, having opened in 1788. It’s so iconic that Queen Elizabeth II even stopped by during her visit to Ireland in May 2011. Head to the English Market and take in all that Cork has to offer. Which of these markets will you be heading to next? Let us know on  Facebook ,  Twitter  or  Instagram .

Dublin in a very walkable city with the city centre enclosed by two canals, the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal. Within this area there is a wealth of history, architecture, culture, art, stories and humour. Come with me on a walking tour of our city. Walking Tours of Dublin In Our Shoes  The Liberties area of Dublin is one of the oldest parts of the city and, is called the Liberties because it was outside the city walls and as a result followed their own laws. On this walking tour you will meet real locals from the Liberties, and you will have rare access to local stories – both bizarre, hilarious and tragic.   In the Liberties , you will see where street market life still survives, cheek by jowl with thriving new enterprises. You will visit the antiques quarter and stumble across hipster-heaven coffee shops.   They’ll bring you to sights you won’t witness in any other tour in Dublin, you’ll experience postcard Dublin and the rougher-edged, authentic, darker side – past and present, book here . Dublin Literary Pub Crawl  The city of Dublin is associated with many famous writers and this Literary Pub Crawl will visit four historic pubs. Writers remembered on the tours include Brendan Behan, James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh, and many more literary greats. The tour is led by actors who tell the story of the pubs, the writers and poets associated with them, and in addition it includes a visit to Trinity College, book here . Fab Food Trails Food walking tours have become a great way to explore a city and get to meet locals. At Fab Food Trails a 2.5 hour walk around Dublin will bring you to six or seven different places. As these places are independently owned, you will have a chance to meet the owner or maker in each. The tastings will reflect current food trends, and show you some hidden delights of the city, book here . Dublin city north and south walking tours The Yellow Umbrella Tours are free guided tours of Dublin city and you just tip the guide. The meeting point is a the Spire on O’Connell Street, opposite the General Post Office.  The Southside tour will take you to sights like Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, Temple Bar, centre of culture and nightlife in the city. You will also get to explore the medieval Dublin Castle, historic Christ Church cathedral.  The Northside tour focuses on the political history of the independence movement and the 1916 uprising. The influence of the famine and the rise of Parnell and the Home Rule bills of the 1880s and the founding of the state. The tour will visit the Garden of Remembrance, Moore Street, the General Post Office and the Custom House, book here .  Historical Walking tours of Dublin  This tour company is one of the longest running in the city and many of the guides are history graduates. In around two hours you can listen to the main features of Irish history. Dublin’s development, the influence of the American and French Revolutions, the Potato Famine, the Great War and the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, the Northern Troubles, while walking around the city.  Tours meet at Trinity College, every day, book here .

As the weather is finally improving, families have been enjoying fun filled adventures and hopping on their bikes to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Kilkenny is the ideal county to explore on foot or by bike for all the family. Top Cycling Trails and Tours in Kilkenny Kilkenny offers a variety of cycling routes throughout the city and county to suit all levels of cyclists. So, whether it’s a relaxing self- guided ride along the River Nore, a guided bike tour through the medieval city or a challenging trail to test your ability there is something for everyone on Kilkenny’s cycling trails. Walking and Cycling Routes Trail Kilkenny, an award winning, non-profit company, has developed a range of walking and cycling routes around County Kilkenny. The routes bring you from the city and towns deep into the countryside and allow you to explore the county. They provide detailed instructions of distances, safety notices, what you need to bring as well as information on all the twists and turns along the way. Kilkenny City Guided Cycling Tour Explore Kilkenny City on a morning or afternoon cycling tour with Kilkenny Cycling Tours and visits all of the main tourist attractions, as well as some hidden treasures. This is a perfect way to see the city and discover the wonders of this medieval city. The tour is given in a fun, casual and educational way so it is suitable for all types of visitors and interests. For cautious cyclists there is no need to worry about traffic as the river banks and cycle paths are used as well as the medieval laneways and back streets. Covering about 10km in total this is a great orientation tour of the city of Kilkenny. Guided Cycling Sunset Tour – Explore Kilkenny at Night by Bike Summer evenings in Kilkenny can be simply magical as the sun goes down over this medieval city. It is filled with wonderful attractions and, of course, many hidden gems. It is the best and most environmentally-friendly way to see the city, especially if you are in Kilkenny for a short visit. Travel along the river bank cycle paths of the River Nore and back streets so there’s no need to worry about traffic. You will cover about 10km in total on this sunset bike tour. Self-Guided Bike ‘n’ Hike Trails Enjoy a peaceful bike ride in the tranquillity of the countryside on a cycle from the city via the “Sion road” to the picturesque village of Bennettsbridge. This village is located along the River Nore just ten minutes drive from Kilkenny city. It is a feast for craft lovers and you can visit local craft producers such as Moth To A Flame candlemakers and Nicholas Mosse Pottery.  The bikes can be locked up and left at the Village Pump outside Tynan’s Butcher Shop and Kilkenny Cycling Tours will retrieve them. Make sure to allow plenty of time for your return cycle, as it should take approximately 45 – 50 minutes. See Kilkenny Cycling Tours here . A Medieval Treasure Hunt in Kilkenny Challenge your family with a fun medieval treasure hunt around Kilkenny city. You can hire bikes from Kilkenny Cycling Tours and you will receive a treasure map that includes questions and clues. Ireland’s Medieval Treasure Hunt map takes you around the city’s winding streets, visiting up to 19 of Kilkenny’s historical buildings. The map will include a brief history of each building. When you reach each location, you must find the answers to the questions and fill in the blank spaces. The person or team with the most correct answers is the winner. On completion, each participant receives an Ireland’s Medieval Mile Treasure Hunt Certificate. This Cycling Treasure Hunt is super fun, eco-friendly and educational and is suitable for families and small groups. See Trail Kilkenny . Barrow Towpath Trail – Graiguenamanagh The Barrow river towpath makes an excellent traffic free cycling greenway that gives visitors miles of safe travel. Rent a bike from Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire and explore the towpath or cycle the back roads to Inistioge. There you can wander the fantastic arboretum at Woodstock Gardens. Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire also offers ecology bike tours and visitors can learn about the Barrow flora and fauna. Enjoy a great day out from the comfort of a well maintained mountain bike. Adult bike rental starts from €20 per day and €15 for a half day. Email:  bike&hike@watersideguesthouse.com or Call to Book: 086-4084008 For all things to do, see, eat and stay, see Visit Kilkenny

Editor of travel2ireland, Joan was a guest on The Home Show with Sinead Ryan on Newstalk Radio and they talked about the quirky holiday rentals you can enjoy and experience in Ireland and around the world. Quirky Holiday Rentals in Ireland and the World The internet has made renting holiday properties around the world so much easier, especially when you use companies that manage and curate such places. Companies like Airbnb, Holiday Rentals, Holiday Lettings, Interhome, VRBO, 9Flats have opened the market for people to promote and rent properties. It has also led to a big improvement in the quality of holidays homes and allowed people to be imaginative. On Newstalk’s The Home Show with Sinead Ryan, I explore some really interesting ideas of places to rent in Ireland and also around the world. From lighthouses to inland islands, from a stationary jumbo jet to a train carriage in someone’s garden, to a cave in the Andalucian mountains, join us for a tour. Listen back here . Towering Lighthouses Being a rugged island in the Atlantic, Ireland has more than its fair share of lighthouses.  Many of them are now decommissioned, using automated light and satellite technology. There is quite a few of these remote properties around the coast. In some cases, you can stay in the lighthouse itself and in others, the cottages that would have housed the lighthouse staff. The soaring stone tower of Wicklow Head Lighthouse will give you a real feel for what it was like to live there. The surroundings are also gorgeous and wild. You will find a variety of these properties are managed by The Landmark Trust, see here. There are also several lighthouses and lightkeepers’ cottages in private hands such as at Fanad in Co Donegal, see here . Island Escapes in Ireland We think of islands as places to stay off the coast of the country, however, this little island treasure is on a lake, Lough Oughter in Cavan. Trinity Island was home to Trinity Abbey built in the 13th century and the remains are still there. The O’Dowd family converted a stone-built granary into a comfortable retreat for up to six.  This is the place to go to for peace and quiet. The only sounds are the birds, its perfect for bird-watching. The lake is also full fish and there are boats and canoes available. And the barn has been converted into a games room.  Trinity Island also has a sauna and jacuzzi and costs from €1,500 per week all year round. See the website here and it is also on airbnb.com, Play upstairs downstairs in West Cork, Mount Corrin Fans of Bridgerton will love staying in this traditional period house in West Cork.  The interiors have been put together as it would have been in the 19th century, but with 21st century comforts. They include a pool, jacuzzi, gym and entertainment.  Feel like lords and ladies. The house has three bedrooms with additional accommodation on site, €5,000 per week see here . Not leaving on a Jumbo jet in Sweden Plane-spotters will love this idea, a Jumbo jet 747 has been converted into accommodation at Sweden’s Arlanda Airport.  On board you can stay overnight in a comfortable room, with bathrooms too. There are a mix of rooms from dorms to two swanky private suites. There’s even a bar and food on board, definitely a night to remember, book here . Choo Choo in the A Field We all know the love the British have for trains, and it seems that when they come to the end of their life, they are hard to let go. Which mean not surprisingly there are several train carriages located all over the UK from Scotland to Cornwall.  Take your pick of these unusual properties. They are ideal for family holidays and in a lot of places dogs are welcome too, see details on QuirkyAccom, here . Cave houses in Spain Fancy being a troglodyte – cave dweller. All around Spain’s hottest regions people bored into hillside to make cave homes to protect them from the sun.  These underground houses usually maintain a constant temperature all year and were perfect for those regions with big temperature differences. Holiday Lettings have more than 70 cave houses to rent with prices from €80 per night, some even have swimming pools, outdoors, of course. Listen to the The Home Show on Newstalk with Sinead Ryan here . Have you stayed somewhere unusual, let us know on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

Since 1759 Dublin has been the home of the famous beer Guinness, known as the Black Stuff. The beer is still brewed at the original site in Dublin 8. True Guinness drinkers say that the perfect pint is the one you will get in the home city of the famous brew. Some say the closer to the brewery the better the pint is.  The Perfect Pint of Guinness – A Mystery Tour of Dublin  There are a number of pubs in Dublin that are famously proud of the pint they serve. On The Perfect Pint tour, you will get to discover four of them. They are all traditional pubs where you can expect atmosphere and authenticity, though they would never use those words.  The idea for the Perfect Pint tour originated with two friends, David Beirne and Keith McGovern. For the past three years they had been mulling over a way to share their love of Guinness. David has a background in marketing and is from a former pub-owning family. Keith has a career in hospitality, mainly the bar trade. Putting the idea into action involved a lot of research, including finding the perfect pubs to bring visitors to. As a regular poster of opinions on the best Guinness on Instagram, the @GuinnessAdvisor (34K+ followers) was consulted. The opinion is valued by the founders as there are more than 200 posts about pints of Guinness. The @GuinnessAdvisor will not be on the tours, preferring to remain anonymous but his input is respected. A Mystery Tour The idea evolved into a mystery tour of the pubs in search of the elusive, best pint. The tour will also take in some of the highlights of the city and give visitors a taste of Dublin. The destination pubs will be a secret but will include some long-standing classic places. Visitors can be sure that they will get four of the best pints of Guinness available in Dublin. The vehicle is a Mercedes Sprinter bus that takes 14 in comfort for the 3.5 hour tour.  Not only will visitors get the best pint of Guinness, but there will be atmosphere, stories, and Irish music. There will also be plenty of “craic”, which means fun in Irish. The tours will take place on Saturdays at present from 2.00 – 5.30pm and 6.30 – 10.00pm and cost €85 per person. Non-drinkers will be catered for.  Larger groups and corporate events can be catered for too; up to 30 per outing. The tours begins on Saturday 21 May, for bookings see here .

The Irish Kennel Club (IKC), celebrate their centenary year in 2022 with a full programme of special events, kicking off with a Festival of Dogs in Leopardstown Racecourse. The volunteer organisation champions ethical dog breeding.   The Festival of Dogs – 100 Years of the Irish Kennel Club  Meet the experts at the Kennel Club event and get advice on everything from suitable breeds, nutrition, rearing and training. Jim Stephens – Leading canine nutritionist and pet behaviourist. Tim Kirby – Vet and PetBond founder.   Visitors will have the opportunity to meet over 50 different breeds of dogs, they include some of Ireland’s nine native dog breeds have recently been granted heritage status  Patron the Ukrainian Hero Dog The Irish Kennel Club is delighted to announce that the Ukrainian Embassy will be accepting its Honorary Golden Paw Hero Dog Award at the Festival. First Secretary, Mr. Dmytro Shchedrin, will accept the award on Sunday at 3pm on behalf of Patron, a Ukrainian Jack Russell terrier who detects landmines. Patron’s was recently awarded the Medal of Courage from President Zelensky for his bravery. Since the war in Ukraine began in February, two-year old Patron has sniffed out over 200 undetonated explosive devices and has now won the hearts of many in the country with over 250,000 followers on  Instagram . Lots of Events for Dog Lovers Meet Irish Red & White Setter, Finn, the mascot for the Irish Air Corps and will be in attendance with his handler Corporal Aidan Brosnan. The Dublin Blue Terrier Club, founding Club of the IKC, is also celebrating their Centenary Show at this event.   Watch Ireland’s top dog groomers work their magic live on The Urban Dog Stage and check out the ‘Dogs on the Catwalk’, a fashion show with a difference showing all the latest canine trends for the summer season.   The Dream Dog Exhibition will showcase Irish school children’s creative imaginings of their perfect pooch, while the Canine Art Exhibition includes artworks from some of Ireland’s top painters, photographers and stain glass artists.   The Festival of Dogs will be at Leopardstown Racecourse Saturday and Sunday 28-29 May from 10am – 5pm. Free car parking at Junction 15 on the M50.   Family tickets from €20.

One of Ireland’s most haunted houses, Loftus Hall on the Hook Peninsula, County Wexford has recently been purchased by Oakmount, a sister company to the Pressup Group. The Hall dates from 1870 and has a rich and storied history.   Loftus Hall – Ireland’s Spookiest House to Open as Hotel The Hall was built on the site of the original Redmond Hall though a building has stood on this site since the 12th century. It is said to have been haunted by the devil and the ghost of a young woman. In 1775, on a dark and stormy night a stranger came calling to the Hall, occupied then by the Tottenham family.  They offered him a safe place to stay for a few days. One evening the family were playing cards, and the daughter Anne dropped a card. When she bent to pick it up, she noticed that the stranger had cloven hooves. She screamed in terror and the mystery man disappeared in a ball of fire, out through the roof of Loftus Hall. Anne never recovered from the shock and died soon after. It is her ghost and the devil that shocked her, that are said to roam the rooms of the Hall. A Chequered History Over its 150-year history Loftus Hall has many owners. It has been a private residence, owned by two orders of nuns, a hotel and in the 1980s was a disco. It has appeared in many films, television programmes and been written about extensively.  From 2011 it was owned by Shane and Aidan Quigley and the fabric of the Hall was secured from ruin. The walled gardens were restored and Loftus Hall operated as a tourist attraction on the Hook Peninsula. It became a venue for haunted tours and spooky stays.  A protected structure has important architectural significance. It will now be brought back to life by new owners Oakmount, as a luxury destination hotel. The existing hotel and restaurant will open later this year, with exciting additions, including a spa, cabins, and event space.   Loftus Hall and the surrounding gardens offers unrivalled views over the Hook Peninsula and will be a stunning countryside retreat. The Hall currently has 22 bedrooms and is on 63 acres of grounds. It went for sale last summer with Keane Auctioneers of Wexford, with a price tag of €2.65m.

The Boyne Valley has been the location for many movies filmed over the years. The rich historic landscape and historic sites makes it the perfect filming location. When visiting the region why not take in some of these famous sites and enjoy some movie mania in the Boyne Valley.   On Location – The Boyne Valley Starting your experience with a visit to Trim Castle in Meath where many scenes from Braveheart were shot. In the Trim Visitor Centre you will find memorabilia from the filming of Braveheart. Trim Castle is the largest, best-preserved & most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and its visitor centre also houses a medieval armoury exhibition making it an essential stop on every itinerary. An event celebrating the 25 th anniversary of Braveheart called Braveheart 25 is set to take place on the 13-14 August. This 25-year celebration had been delayed due to the pandemic. The Hill of Tara Then make your way to the Hill of Tara. It is famous for being the crown jewel of the Boyne Valley landscape, and featured in Artemis Fowl (2020) a science fantasy film. The film is based on the 2001 novel by Irish author Eoin Colfer. The Hill of Tara has been in use for more than 5000 years as a place of burial and assembly. It grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland.    The opening scenes for Neil Jordan’s The Crying Game were filmed in Laytown, County Meath. The bridge for the train as you come into the town is recognisable behind the fun fair. While you’re there, the beautiful beach at Laytown is a perfect location for enjoying the summer sunshine.    Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel One of the most recent movies filmed in the Boyne Valley was Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel. It was released in 2021 and starred Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer. Bective Abbey and Bective Bridge in Navan were both locations for the movie. Today, the ruins of Bective Abbey are a maze of passageways with dead ends and interrupted staircases, asking to be explored. Cal’s Drogheda Of course, no trip to the Boyne Valley would be complete without a visit to Drogheda, where most of the 1984 Irish drama film Cal was filmed. Starring John Lynch and Helen Mirren and based on the novel “Cal” written by Bernard MacLaverty, the film was entered into the 1984 Cannes Film Festival, where Mirren won the award for Best Actress.   Barrack Street and St. Finian’s Park feature in the film. While you’re in Drogheda, why not catch up on the current art scene there by visiting some of the great venues such as the Droichead Arts Centre, TLT Theatre or the Barbican for some top quality thrills, spills and giggles.  Killeen Castle Co. Meath in Casino Royale   Higginsbrook House was used in the filming of Northanger Abbey – one of three novels adapted for ITV’s Jane Austen season. The film was shot on location in Ireland in 2006 and the house served as the exterior to the Morland family’s home in the movie. The house also featured in Becoming Jane – the 2007 biographical drama about the life of Jane Austen – which starred Anne Hathaway. You might also be surprised to learn that the 1967 Casino Royal film was filmed at Killeen Castle in County Meath – the location of M’s Scottish castle. The film stared David Niven as the “original” Bond. If you’re in the area why not call in to Killeen Castle for a delicious Sunday lunch. Matchmaking at Bettystown More recently, the 2021 Hallmark movie, As Luck Would Have It starring Allen Leech (Downton Abbey and Bohemian Rhapsody) features beautiful scenes from the seaside retreat of the Cottages located at Seabank, Bettystown. This hamlet of six three-hundred-year-old thatched cottages is located right on the beach. In the movie it is the location for a B&B which hosts the lead actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher as she and her friends attend a local match-making festival. The movie was filmed entirely on location in Ireland and the cottages and their beautifully-manicured gardens make an idyllic setting for this romantic comedy.  For more information about the Boyne Valley, see here .

Birr Castle has been the home of the Parson’s family since 1620. The 7th Earl of Rosse, William Brendan Parsons and Alison Lady Rosse open their home in summer. Visitors are welcome to explore the castle and its environs. Guided Tours Inside Birr Castle, Offaly The castle tour includes a 75-minute guided tour starting with videos in the Science Galleries follow by a visit to the castle and the stunningly beautiful reception rooms. A guide will lead you through the magnificent rooms while talking about the extraordinary and pioneering history of the Parsons family, most especially in the area of science. Your guide will also discuss the antique furniture, family portraits, chandeliers, and tapestries within the rooms you visit.  Following the tour of the Castle, the admission ticket also allows you to explore the 120 acres of parklands. Visitors can enjoy the nature trails, marvel at the Great Telescope, visit the Carroll Oak which is standing tall for over 500 years. And enjoy a stroll along the rivers and waterfalls and visit Ireland’s Historic Science Centre.     Tour Details Guided tours of the interior of  Birr Castle  will run Monday to Saturday from now until September, with tours running at 10:00, 11:30 & 13:00 daily.   Pre-booking is essential for castle tours, and tours are suitable for age 12 upwards. Please note the castle is a listed property with many steps, unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible.   Cost of €20 per person and includes access to the Demesne pre or post your booked tour time.  for booking and more information, book here .   Café and gift shop on site.   Birr Castle is beautifully framed within a 120-acre demesne. This 17th-century castle is home for the past 400 years to the Parsons Family. Who are celebrated for their remarkable scientific and engineering feats, including the world-famous Great Telescope (1845).   Have you visited Birr Castle Demesne, let us know on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

It was a pleasure to read a feature in The Guardian newspaper this week extolling the virtues and beauty of travelling around Ireland by train. Luckily in the rush to join a modern age, Ireland did not get rid of all its railway lines though there were many local casualties.   Great Irish Rail Journeys In recent years some of these abandoned local railways lines have become Greenways and are being reinvigorated by walkers and cyclists. They include the Carlingford to Omeath line, the Great Western Greenway around Clew Bay in Galway and the Waterford to Dungarvan old rail route in the south east. Top Six Irish Train Journeys Rosslare to Dublin – this route departs from Rosslare Europort, travelling through Norman towns of Wexford and Enniscorthy before cutting through mountainous and woody Wicklow to meet the coast near Arklow. If you sit on the right side off the train heading north you will get great views of the Wicklow coast.  Cork to Cobh – one of the most colourful and picturesque towns in Ireland is Cobha. It is less than half an hour from the city and a beautiful journey. The deep-water harbour in Cobh is famous as the Titanic’s last port and museum. If you like watching ocean liners, it is a popular port of call. Western Rail Corridor – links Galway to Limerick and was reopened in 2010 after 34 years closed. The train runs inland through some beautiful countryside. Villages and towns along the way include Oranmore, Gort, Athenry, Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Ardrahan and Craughwell.  Dublin to Belfast – on the busiest route in the country the train hugs the coastline as far as Dundalk. It crosses the Malahide Estuary and passes the beaches of Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington. Inland it traverses the longest viaduct in the country at Craigmore in Armagh. Arriving in Belfast Laynon Station leaves you close to the Belfast Harbour where the Titanic Belfast awaits.  Derry to Coleraine – author Michael Palin described this railway journey as one of the most beautiful in the world. The train hugs the coast, popping in and out of dark tunnels into bright daylight and spectacular scenery.  Longford to Sligo – the midlands of Ireland have some spectacular riverine scenery. This journey allows for up close vistas of the famous Shannon River. The rail follows the river to Carrick before turning to Boyle and on through Yeats Country to Sligo.