Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo unveiled its Wellness & Sensory Trail on April 30th, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement. The concept for the Wellness & Sensory Trail emerged from the heartfelt desire of the Radisson Blu team, supported by the Cliste Hospitality Innovation team, to create a “Home Away from Home” for Sensory Affected Families, surpassing expectations in meeting their unique needs. This visionary initiative also aimed to foster closer ties with the local community and neighbours. In 2019, the Radisson Blu Sligo introduced the first Sensory Bedroom within Ireland, laying the foundation for their journey towards greater inclusivity and accessibility. Under the leadership of Paula Scallon, Director of Sales & Marketing , who assumed the role of Innovation Leader for Radisson Blu Sligo in September 2021, the hotel’s commitment to innovation was solidified. Summer 2022 marked the beginning of Radisson Blu Sligo’s partnership with the charity, AsIAm , to pursue Autism Friendly Accreditation. The iNUA Hotel Collection has committed to obtaining accreditation in every property within the collection by March 2025. In March 2024, Radisson Blu Sligo successfully attained this accreditation, affirming its commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all guests. The collective effort will see the collaboration between AsIAm and hotel teams to undergo specialized training and fulfil the requirements for accreditation. The ultimate aim is to become the first hotel group in Ireland to earn this prestigious accolade, symbolizing a landmark achievement in hospitality. “I am delighted to witness the Radisson Blu Sligo’s successful achievement of their AsIAm Accreditation this March, along with the official launch of their Sensory & Wellness Trail,” says Anita Coughlan, Innovation & Research Executive at Cliste Hospitality. “The exemplary dedication demonstrated by Paula and the entire hotel team is truly commendable, solidifying their position as pioneers of innovation within the iNUA Collection and Cliste Hospitality.” As Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo continues to lead the charge towards greater inclusivity and accessibility, it reaffirms its dedication to creating memorable experiences for all guests, ensuring that every individual feels valued and welcomed.

It’s not your ordinary Monday! Today, May 13th, is World Cocktail Day , and we’re here to give you recommendations on Dublin’s best bars and restaurants for cocktails! Eleven – Loughlinstown Delicious food, eclectic wines, classic cocktails and live Jazz/Blues set the tone for a great experience. Paired with friendly service in an unpretentious setting adorned with offbeat décor, dining at Eleven is the total package. What we got: Mile High Club Made up of vanilla Infused Vodka, St. Germaine, pineapple shrub, lime, and bubbles, garnished with a baby blue paper airplane. You’ll be sure to feel like you’re flying away after a sip of this electrifying drink. Little Lemon – Dublin 2 With a captivating blend of Mediterranean cuisine, dramatic presentations, an extensive wine selection, and show-stopping cocktails (truly, performances), Little Lemon invite you to indulge in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more! What we got: Pulpo En Llamas This drink was made up of Tequila Patron Blanco, Tequila Patron Reposado, pineapple juice, cinnamon, lime, fresh passion fruit, and orange juice. It came to us served in a tall glass, surrounded by tentacles and…set on fire. An experience in itself! The Devlin – Ranelagh Devlin have assembled a crack-team of the very best bartenders in Ireland, who have developed a menu full of surprises. There are some wild and wonderful bottled cocktails, classic cocktails and cocktails with a twist. Americana Bar offers an extensive bar menu with tapas and delicious dishes on the menu for all day and night dining. With plenty of original art, great sounds, jazz nights and serious ambiance, Americana Bar is ready to impress. What we got: Bubble Bee We could almost hear it bzz’ing! This drink was made with aged rum, Maison Honey sour syrup, egg whites, angostura aromatic bitters. It was served in a large spherical glass, and the contents revealed a perfectly circular ball of ice. The whole get-up was ‘steaming’ with smoke. Sweet but citrusy, it was the perfect ode to bees! The Ivy Collection – Dawson Street Looking for luxury? The Ivy Collection invites you to step into a world of glamour, with cocktails on their signature menu inspired by the celebrities who have graced their doors over the years. They also offer a sensory experience like no other with their Aperitif Trolley, where you can get a selection of perfectly diluted, chilled and bottled drinks, with mixologists providing insider advice on the best pairing for each, so you can enjoy the spectacle of glass rinsing and garnishing, all happening tableside. What we got: Strawberry Margarita Made with olmeca Altos Plata, elderflower, lime, mint, and strawberry purée. Served in a beautiful crystal glass, ice cold, sweet and most importantly – refreshing! From presentation to experience, it was the full package. Grapevine – Dalkey If you’re looking for a cosy escape, the Grapevine is the perfect place. They have a generous terrace that is ideal for outdoor dining, and they have plenty of space indoors as well. As you enter, you arrive in a fantastic wine shop space, filled with over 500 wines. Their extensive wine collection is matched by their cocktails, full of flavour. What we got: Old Fashioned Made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey and garnishing with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry, it was served with ice in an old fashioned glass that transported us back in time with a sensory experience. Sounds and tastes good. So what’re you waiting for? Celebrate this World Cocktail Day with some of the best drinks in Dublin city. Looking for more? Travel2Ireland’s Izabella Chudzicka and Maria Uchoa gave us an in-depth look into the making and tasting of these drinks, you can find the Reel here.

Westport House , one of Mayo’s most loved and visited destinations, proudly announces the grand opening of the highly anticipated Westport Adventure Park , located on the historic grounds of Westport Estate ! With the new opening, Westport Estate invites visitors of all ages to ‘awaken their wild’ – to find adventure and experience the wonders of nature here in Ireland within the beautiful natural setting of Westport Estate and in the middle on the Wild Atlantic Way . With a long track record in adventure, Westport House is moving away from traditional amusement rides for which it was previously known. The new Adventure Park has been designed with the surrounding woodland and quarry landscape in mind, catering to both casual and more daring adventure activity seekers. Westport Estate is a ‘must-see’ experience on the Wild Atlantic Way , providing visitors with a choice of immersive experiences, including tours of Westport House and access to its Gardens and unique tracks and trails or inviting guests to stay over in its Camping & Glamping Village. Since opening its doors in 1960, Westport House has welcomed more than five million visitors. Commenting on the Adventure Park opening, Barry O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Westport Estate, said: “We are thrilled to finally unveil Westport Adventure Park . With this development, we are not only expanding our fantastic offering but enriching the visitor experience and adding value to our Estate by introducing a more diverse range of active experiences that will appeal to individuals, families, youth and adult groups of all ages and not to mention those seeking a major adrenaline hit. Westport Adventure Park further enriches our legacy, offering a modern twist to our traditional offering and is testament to our commitment to evolve while preserving the core of what has made Westport Estate a beloved destination for generations.” So, what attractions does Westport Adventure Park offer? Ireland’s Largest Net Park : A highlight of the new Adventure Park is its new Net Park , the largest of its kind in Ireland. Boasting a sprawling playground that spans the treetops and cliff edges of the 300-year-old quarry, the new Net Park reaches heights of thirty metres, and offers an expansive canvas for aerial adventures including a network of tunnels, aerial bridges, tree houses, giant bounce zones, spiral nets, and more. Suitable for toddlers and upwards, the Net Park challenges agility and skill while providing an exhilarating experience for adventurers of all levels. DURATION: Up to 60 mins plus briefing Dual 100 metre Zip Line: Launching from the very top of the quarry, participants can observe amazing panoramic views of the Adventure Park as they bolt towards the floor of the quarry. The ‘Twin’ zip line means participants will zip side-by-side in a race to the bottom of the course. DURATION: Up to 90 mins including harnessing, briefing and de-rigging Aerial Trekking: Aeriel Trekking invites adventurers to traverse a series of suspended obstacles and challenges on an elevated course designed to test balance, agility, and courage. The course starts at a comfortable height and gradually ascends, with a circuit for participants to swoop, scale, and balance their way through. For thrill-seekers looking to elevate their experience, an advanced Aerial Trekking zone is available featuring aerial obstacles such as ropes, swinging logs, net bridges, and ziplines that increase in difficulty. DURATION: Up to 90 mins including harnessing, briefing and de-rigging The Quarry’s Edge Leap: From a towering 3-storey platform, adventurers can unleash their inner stunt-person and take a fearless leap off the The Quarry’s Edge Quick Flight platform . True to its name, The Quarry’s Edge experience lasts mere seconds but leaves participants with an exhilarating rush of adrenaline and confidence. DURATION: Up to 60 mins including harnessing, briefing and de-rigging Giant Swing: Westport Adventure’s Giant Swing not only offers a breathtaking view of the quarry below but an adrenaline experience to boot. With 8 available seats, participants share a skyward journey with friends or family as they hoisted above the ground and released over the edge of the quarry’s cliff. DURATION: Up to 90 mins including harnessing, briefing and de-rigging 10 Metre Climbing Walls: Westport Adventure Park’s Outdoor Climbing towers rise to an impressive height of 10 metres (3 storeys), offering a variety of climbing lanes and walls with varying levels of difficulty. At the heart of the Climbing Zone is a see-through, double-sided rock-climbing wall, perfect for duelling teams who want to push one another to the test. Positioned on opposite sides of the transparent wall, competitors can engage in timed races to the top, maintaining eye contact throughout the climb for added excitement. Up for the challenge? If you’re looking for a thrill and a chance to reconnect with the outdoors, visit westportadventure.ie to plan your adventure. Travel2Ireland’s Izabella Chudzicka and Maria Uchoa visited Westport Adventure Park and had an absolute blast! You can find the Reel from their experience here.

The regular coffee shop is so, like, dead, guys! We’re only joking, we love coffee shops. But, there’s a new breed of micro-bakeries transforming coffee culture in Dublin; and they sell coffee too – but with the added bonus of making their own pastries and goodies on premises, with the scents of freshly baked food mixing with the waft of fresh coffee….Sorry, we were losing ourselves there. To celebrate the recent World Baking Day, we have selected a small taste of great bakeries around Dublin for you to sample. Elliot’s Micro Bakery, North Circular Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7 Seasonal, fresh, imaginative pastries and buns? Sounds good? Then, this is the place for you. Elliot’s website ( www.elliots.ie ) is minimal on words, but big on pictures – and when you check out what’s on offer in this fine establishment, you’ll be lost for words too! Bread 41, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 In a few short years, Bread 41 has become an icon of the new bakery scene – distributing its bread to many coffee shops and sandwich shops around the city. It also has its own hub on Pearse Street offering a wide mix of options – eat in, take out, bread, sandwiches, coffee, buns and croissants – all made on premises. The Morning Bakery, Pleasants Street, Dublin 8 Located in Dublin’s funky Village Quarter area, just off Camden Street and not a million miles from arguably Dublin’s best-known micro bakery – the famous (and still legendary and brilliant!) Bretzel Bakery, lies this place…The Morning Bakery. Well known to locals and passers-by, alike, it has had a couple of previous incarnations – including popular brunch spot Meet Me in the Morning. Now, it’s all about fresh morning bread and baked goods – from sourdough breads and focaccia to seasonal doughnuts and choux buns. Russell Street Bakery, Russell Street, Dublin 1 More than one review of Russell Street Bakery, on TripAdvisor, has mentioned Paris….as in THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST CROISSANTS OUTSIDE OF PARIS. Or, words to that effect. Yep…That good! Fable Bakery, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Boasting “the best buns in Dublin” – be they Almond, Chocolate & Hazelnut, Cinnamon or even Sundried Tomato, Olive and Parmesan – Fable Bakery brings fine baking to Dawson Street and manages to stand tall amongst the street’s jungle of bars and coffee shops quite easily.

The Culloden Estate & Spa has completed a €700,000 upgrade and debuted a refreshed visual brand identity. Guests will notice the results upon entering the five-star hotel in Belfast, with the re-carpeting of the ground floor, including the hotel’s iconic staircase.  The intimate Drawing Room event space features a new modern colour scheme, soft furnishings, and a restored ornate plaster ceiling, with the original carpentry on the feature windows exposed. Upgrades to the Lough Bar include new fabrics and furnishings. Five of the hotel’s prestigious suites have upgraded luxury bathrooms, furnishings, and fabrics while the Estate grounds have improved pedestrian access and a new lighting scheme. The Spa at Culloden has a new gym and equipment, with additional classes such as Sports Yoga added to the timetable.  New spa treatments and equipment, including HydraFacial and Signature LED & Nano Dermabrasion, have been introduced. The spa’s Zest Restaurant has also been upgraded. The Cultra Inn at the hotel entrance features new energy-efficient kitchen equipment, fixtures, and fittings and a new breakfast menu offers all-day dining options. In a move that’s sure to please dog owners, dog beds are available in the restaurant. The Culloden worked with several local companies for this transformative project, including Ulster Carpets, Amanda Ramsey of IFD, Ashvale Landscapes, Stothers Electrical, and Graham Construction. “We pride ourselves on attention to detail, and once again, this was a key focus for us in the latest renovation programme of the Culloden Estate & Spa,” said James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels. “Whilst a lot of investment has been made in areas that are not visible to our guests, the renewal of the furnishings, fittings and fabrics right across the property are strikingly obvious, and we are absolutely delighted with the results.  “We handpicked rich colours, patterns and heavy fabrics which has resulted in modern yet classically timeless looks.The grounds are spectacular and the new lighting scheme highlights the best of the estate. “In addition to this, refreshed visual brand identities are currently being rolled out across the Hastings Hotels group. The rebrand allows us to be more modern in our approach, with visually striking patterns and rich, bold colour palettes – both in the branding and inside each of our six properties.  “For the Culloden, this is respecting our reputation for tradition and glamour whilst confidently being a little more flamboyant as we attract the next generation of Culloden guests.  “With the renovations across the Estate, I can proudly say that the hotel, spa and Cultra Inn are all looking the best they’ve ever looked, and we are excited to enter a new era for Northern Ireland’s foremost 5-star hotel, offering the warmest of welcomes to local and international visitors alike.”

A total of 94 Irish beaches have been awarded Blue Flag clean, safe and environmentally-friendly status for this summer season, while 70 have received Green Coast Awards, from An Taisce. An Taisce – which is the National Trust for Ireland – has published its list of safe and quality beaches for 2024. While the west of the country and the southern counties have fared well, Dublin is hugely under-represented on the list. Blue Flag Beaches 2024 Clare County Council: Ballycuggeran Clare County Council: Fanore Clare County Council: Kilkee Clare County Council: Lahinch Clare County Council: Mountshannon, Lough Derg Clare County Council: Spanish Point Clare County Council: White Strand Doonbeg Clare County Council: White Strand Miltown Malbay Cork County Council: Fountainstown – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Cork County Council: Barley Cove Cork County Council: Garretstown Cork County Council: Garrylucas, White Strand Cork County Council: Inchydoney East Beach – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Cork County Council: Inchydoney West Beach Cork County Council: Owenahincha, Little Island Strand Cork County Council Redbarn Cork County Council Tragumna Cork County Council Youghal, Front Strand Cork County Council Youghal, Claycastle Donegal County Council Bundoran Donegal County Council Carrickfinn Donegal County Council Culdaff Donegal County Council Downings Donegal County Council Fintra Donegal County Council Killahoey Donegal County Council Marble Hill Donegal County Council Murvagh Donegal County Council Naran Donegal County Council Portsalon Donegal County Council Rossnowlagh Donegal County Council Stroove Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council: Killiney Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council: Seapoint Fingal County Council: Balcarrick, Donabate – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Fingal County Council: Portmarnock, Velvet Strand Beach Galway City Council: Salthill Beach – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Galway City Council: Silverstrand Beach – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Galway County Council: Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór Galway County Council: Trá Inis Oírr (Main Beach) – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Galway County Council: An Trá Mór, Coill Rua, Indreabhán Galway County Council: Trá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú Rua Galway County Council: Bathing Place at Portumna Galway County Council: Loughrea Lake Awarded Awarded Galway County Council: Traught Kinvara Kerry County Council: Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs) – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Kerry County Council: Ballybunion North Beach Kerry County Council: Ballybunion South Beach Kerry County Council: Ballyheigue Kerry County Council: Banna Strand Kerry County Council: Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) Kerry County Council: Fenit Kerry County Council: Fionntrá (Ventry) Kerry County Council: Inch Kerry County Council: Kells Kerry County Council: Maharabeg Kerry County Council: Rossbeigh, White Strand Kerry County Council: White Strand, Caherciveen Louth County Council: Clogherhead Louth County Council: Port, Lurganboy Louth County Council: Shelling Hill, Templetown Mayo County Council: Clare Island, Louisburgh Mayo County Council: Bertra Mayo County Council: Dooega Beach, Achill Island Mayo County Council: Dugort Beach, Achill Island Mayo County Council: Elly Bay, Belmullet Mayo County Council: Golden Strand, Achill Island Mayo County Council: Keel Beach, Achill Island Mayo County Council: Keem Beach, Achill Island Mayo County Council: Mullaghroe Beach, Belmullet Mayo County Council: Mulranny Beach Mayo County Council: Old Head Mayo County Council: Ross Beach, Killala Meath County Council: Bettystown Beach – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024. Sligo County Council: Enniscrone – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024. Sligo County Council: Rosses Point Beach – also awarded a Green Coast Award for 2024 Waterford City and County Council: Ardmore Beach Waterford City and County Council: Clonea Beach Wexford County Council: Ballinesker Wexford County Council: Carne Wexford County Council: Curracloe Wexford County Council: Morriscastle Wexford County Council: Rosslare Strand Wicklow County Council: Brittas Bay North Beach Wicklow County Council: Brittas Bay South Beach Wicklow County Council: Greystones South Beach Green Coast Award Beaches : Clare: Carrigaholt Beach Clare: Ballyallia Lake Clare: Seafield Clare: Quilty Beach Clare: Bishops Quarter Cork: Ring Cork: Ardnahinch, Shanagarry Cork: Ballynamona Beach Cork: Inch Strand Cork: Fountainstown Beach – also a Blue Flag Beach Cork: Rocky Bay Cork: Inchydoney East – also a Blue Flag Beach Cork: Red Strand Cork: Sherkin Island, Silver Strand Beach Cork: Cadogan’s Strand Cork: Ballyrisode Cork: Galley Cove Cork: Dooneen Pier Cork: Garnish Beach, Lehanmore Donegal: Dooey Beach Donegal: Magheroarty Beach Donegal: Drumnatinney Donegal: Ballyheirnan Fingal Balcarrick Beach, Donabate Also a Blue Flag Beach Galway City: Salthill Also a Blue Flag Beach Galway City: Silver Strand – also a Blue Flag Beach Galway County: Trá Inis Oirr Also a Blue Flag Beach Galway County: Trá Poll na gCaorach, Inis Oirr Galway County: Aillebrack, Silver Hill Galway County: Renvyle Beach (The Whitestrand) Galway County: Dumhach Beach Galway County: East End Bay, Inisbofin Kerry: Waterville Kerry: Ballinskelligs – also a Blue Flag Beach Kerry: Béal Bán Kerry: Castlegregory Kerry: Littor Louth: Seapoint Beach, Termonfeckin Mayo: Tránaun, Inishturk Mayo: Cross, Louisburgh Mayo: Carrowniskey Beach Mayo: Srah Beach Mayo: Termon Beach Mayo: Cross, Erris Peninsula Mayo: Rinroe Mayo: Portacloy Meath: Mornington Meath: Bettystown Beach – also a Blue Flag Beach Sligo: Enniscrone Beach – also a Blue Flag Beach Sligo: Dunmoran Strand Sligo: Rosses Point – also a Blue Flag Beach Sligo: Streedagh Beach Waterford: Newtown Cove Waterford: Guillamene Cove Waterford: Kilfarrassey Waterford: Annestown Waterford: Ballyquin Waterford: Curragh Waterford: Goat Island Beach Wexford: Cahore Point Beach Wexford: Old Bawn Beach Wexford: Culleton’s Gap Wexford: Rosslare Harbour Beach Wexford: St. Helen’s Bay Wexford: Ballyhealy Wexford: Cullenstown Strand Wexford: Grange Wexford: Baginbun Beach Wexford: Booley Bay Wicklow: Arklow South Beach

The history of chocolate…what it takes to make the gorgeous stuff…A person could spend their whole life studying such intricate subjects. Though, for most of us, the life-cycle of a piece of chocolate is short – going from laying one’s eyes on it, to unwrapping it and seconds later to gobbling it. And, there’s nothing wrong with that (in moderation, we might add!). But, if you want a bit more fun to go with the eating pleasure; Butlers Chocolate has the answer…and we went along to check it out for ourselves (see our reel on our social platforms)! Most of us are well-versed with the Butlers Chocolate Café chain, but the company also welcomes the public behind the curtain to witness, first-hand, how its famous chocolates are made…with visits to the Butlers Factory now in high demand. The Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour operates 7-days a week – from Monday to Sunday – and lasts for 90 minutes. The history of the cocoa bean and the history of Butlers Chocolate is covered. Also included are a guided tour of the factory floor – where you can see how Butlers makes its masterpieces – and an interactive chocolate-making demonstration, during which you can make your own creation! And, of course, there are numerous chocolate tasting opportunities along the way! The tour accepts standard bookings and also caters for family days out, birthday parties, Christmas parties and school tours. Standard entry is €16.95; family tickets are €58; there are three tours daily (10am, 1pm, 3:30pm). To book a tour visit butlerschocolates.com/book and follow on Instagram @butlersthefactorytour and TikTok @Butlerschocolates What: Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour When: Monday to Sunday (three tours per day at 10am, 1pm, 3:30pm) Where: Butlers Chocolate Headquarters, Clonshaugh Business Park, Dublin Admission: €16.95 (standard entry); €58 (family group)

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s National Geographic series Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted takes in a trip to the west of Ireland in its new run, which airs next week. Doolin Ferry, Ireland’s largest passenger ferry operator, had the honour of hosting the world-renowned chef during his visit to the picturesque Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. In the series, the chef journeys to some of the most incredible and remote locations on earth in search of culinary inspiration, epic adventures, and cultural experiences. The newest series, featuring an episode titled The Cliffs of Ireland , is set to launch on Tuesday, May 28th, on Hulu and Discovery+. Viewers can anticipate breathtaking scenes of the iconic Plassey shipwreck and captivating culinary collaborations, including a segment with Irish chef Anna Hugh cooking against the stunning backdrop of the Cliffs of Moher.

Africa Day 2024 – the worldwide celebration of African culture, food and custom – is coming up this weekend, on Saturday, May 25 . Ireland will, as ever, have nationwide events celebrating the day – running through this week up to the weekend. Irish Aid has been heavily involved with every local authority event around the country and promises that this year’s celebration will be bigger and better than ever. The main event in Ireland will be a free family day in Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham. For a full list of county by county events see the link below. Africa Day | Ireland – this is Ireland

The Dalkey Book Festival is making a comeback this June, offering a vibrant program of writers and thinkers in the historic seaside town of Dalkey. Attendees can look forward to discussions on literature, history, politics, journalism, comedy, and science. Once described by Salman Rushdie as ‘The best little festival in the world’, the programme will feature writers from Afghanistan, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Turkey, France, Palestine, the UK, America, Canada, and Ireland, along with journalists from Southeast Asia to Jerusalem. Over the course of four days, there will be 77 events to enjoy. The festival was started in 2010 by Sian Smyth and David McWilliams, and has become a highlight of Ireland’s cultural calendar in its 14-year history. This year’s festival will also feature renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour, David Baddiel, Henry Winkler (the Fonz!), David Brooks, Katja Hoyer, James O’Brien, Neil Jordan, Stephen Rea, Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, Colm Tóibín, and Claire Keegan. For the full program, please visit the festival’s website. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Dalkey Book Festival aims to highlight Palestinian voices in its 2024 edition. Featured speakers include Isabella Hammad, Karim Kattan, and Nathan Thrall, author of A Day in the Life of Abed Salama . Jeremy Bowen, BBC correspondent in the Middle East, will join live from Jerusalem.

Do you feel like your loops around the local park aren’t cutting it? You’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 short hikes around Ireland! Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from your daily scenery or a way to spend quality time outdoors with family and friends, there are plenty of short one-day hikes across Ireland that are just begging to be walked. 1. Glendalough Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk Location: County Wicklow Distance: 9 km Duration: 3-4 hours Situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, the Glendalough Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk is a must-do for those looking for a change of scenery. This looped trail starts at the Glendalough Visitor Centre and takes you through the picturesque valley of Glendalough, past the serene Upper Lake, and up to the Spinc ridge. From the ridge, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the glacial valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail then descends through the scenic Glenealo Valley, where you might spot wild deer grazing. 2. Bray Head Cliff Walk Location: County Wicklow Distance: 7 km Duration: 2-3 hours The Bray Head Cliff Walk is a spectacular coastal hike that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. Starting at the seaside town of Bray, the trail winds its way along the cliffs to the charming village of Greystones. Along the way, you’ll pass by Bray Head, a hill with a large cross at its summit, offering panoramic views of the coastline. This relatively easy hike is perfect for families and those looking to enjoy a leisurely day by the sea. 3. The Giant’s Causeway Cliff-Top Experience Location: County Antrim Distance: 4.8 km Duration: 2-3 hours A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Giant’s Causeway is famous for its unique basalt columns. The Giant’s Causeway Cliff-Top Experience offers a guided hike along the dramatic cliffs above the causeway, starting at the visitor centre and ending at the stunning rock formations. This trail provides spectacular views of the rugged coastline, with the added bonus of learning about the area’s geology and mythology from experienced guides. It’s a shorter hike packed with natural wonder and fascinating history. 4. Diamond Hill Loop Location: Connemara National Park , County Galway Distance: 7 km Duration: 2-3 hours The Diamond Hill Loop in Connemara National Park offers hikers a chance to experience the wild beauty of Connemara. The well-marked trail begins at the park’s visitor centre and ascends gradually to the summit of Diamond Hill. From the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, the Atlantic Ocean, and the rugged Connemara landscape. This hike is moderately challenging but provides some of the best views in western Ireland. 5. Torc Mountain Walk Location: Killarney National Park , County Kerry Distance : 7.5 km Duration: 2-3 hours Located in the scenic Killarney National Park , the Torc Mountain Walk is a popular hike that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The trail starts at the car park near Torc Waterfall and follows a well-maintained path through lush woodlands and up to the summit of Torc Mountain. From the top, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Muckross Lake, Lough Leane, and the expansive Killarney National Park. This hike is perfect for those looking to experience the natural beauty of County Kerry in a few hours. These short one-day hikes offer a perfect way to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich heritage right on our doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape to the coast, a quiet walk through woodlands, or a rewarding climb, these trails provide the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the nature. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your bag, and get away from your local park!

The Hinterland Arts and Literature Festival is set to return from June 27th to 30th, to Kells in Co. Meath, transforming the historic town into a literary and artistic hub. This year’s festival promises an exceptional spread of events, featuring celebrated authors, insightful discussions, and creative workshops designed to inspire and engage attendees of all ages. Speakers and Headline Events The festival has an impressive lineup of notable speakers and events: Arthur Mathews : Acclaimed co-creator of “Father Ted” and other notable works will discuss his career and creative journey on June 27th at 3:30 pm at the Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage. Christy Mangan : Explore the world of crime-solving with “Cracking the Case: Inside the Mind of a Top Garda,” an intriguing session scheduled for June 28th at 5 pm at the Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage. Anne Enright : Ireland’s renowned author will take the stage on June 29th at 6:30 pm at the Church of Ireland – The Jane Barrett Stage to share insights into her literary works, and her newest novel, The Wren , The Wren. Leon Diop : Presenting “Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers, and Everyday Heroes,” this enlightening talk on June 29th at 5 pm at Eureka House – O’Brien’s Super Valu Stage celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Black Irish community. Niall Quinn : Get into historical narratives with Niall Quinn as he discusses “Oscar Traynor” on June 30th at 3:30 pm at the Church of Ireland – The Jane Barrett Stage. Judy Irving : The director will screen her celebrated film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” on June 27th at 5 pm at Kells Theatre – Eirgrid Stage, followed by an engaging discussion. Peter Taylor : An insightful presentation on “Operation Chiffon: The Secret Story of MI5 and MI6 and the Road to Peace in Ireland” is scheduled for June 29th at 5 pm at the Church of Ireland – The Jane Barrett Stage. Sinéad Gleeson : On June 28th at 3:30 pm at Kells Theatre – Eirgrid Stage, Sinéad Gleeson will share her perspectives on writing and creativity, and will discuss her new writing direction: fiction. Additional Highlights Hinterland is designed to offer a comprehensive cultural experience, featuring a variety of activities and attractions: Creative Workshops : Participants can engage in hands-on workshops covering a wide range of artistic disciplines, from writing and painting to dance and drama, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Family-Friendly Programs : Specially curated events for younger audiences include storytelling sessions, interactive art activities, and educational workshops aimed at sparking imagination and creativity in children. Art Exhibitions : Attendees can explore art exhibitions showcasing the talents of local and international artists – a visual feast of creativity and innovation! Film Screenings : The festival will feature a selection of thought-provoking films, with opportunities for attendees to engage in post-screening discussions with filmmakers and experts. Ticketing and Pricing Tickets for the Hinterland Festival can be purchased through the official Hinterland Festival website , with prices varying by event. Individual event tickets generally range from €10 to €20, while some special events may have higher prices. For those interested in multiple sessions, festival passes offer a comprehensive and cost-effective way to experience the full range of activities. Hinterland is set to be a highlight of the summer, bringing together literary and artistic talents. With its rich program of events and activities, it promises to be an inspiring and engaging experience for all attendees. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this illuminating journey – book your tickets now and join the celebration in Kells. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Hinterland Festival website .