Emerald Isle
There’s no better place in the world for a warm welcome, a pint of the black stuff and a bit of blarney than the beautiful Emerald Isle. In fact, Lonely Planet voted it the friendliest spot on Earth. From Giant’s Causeway to Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge and beyond it’s an island of contrasts, culture – and fabulous hospitality.
And if that wasn’t enough, they say that Guinness tastes even better in its home country, too – but you’ll have to sample it in its natural habitat to find out for yourself. So bag yourself a last minute bargain, hop over the Irish Sea for the weekend, and it won’t just be Irish eyes that are smiling.
| Flight time: | 1 hour |
| Fares: | From £19.99 one way |
Belfast
With two airports to choose from – Belfast City and International – there’s no shortage of ways of getting to this fabulously historic city whose rebirth and regeneration has given it a whole new lease of life. Shaped by its industrial past (it’s where Titanic was built, after all) it’s now stepping out from the shadows as a confident and dynamic 21st Century city.
Must See:
Put heavy industry behind you and seek out the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens; 168 years young and still going strong.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 15 mins |
| Fares: | From £18.99 one way |
Cork
Corkonians cheekily refer to their home as ‘the real capital of Ireland’ – and it’s easy to see why. With the world’s second largest natural harbour (after Sydney) and a beautiful riverfront setting, the city has much to offer the senses. Venture further afield and there’s stunning countryside just moments from the city limits. And if you fancy a walk, the European walking route E8 trail starts here... and ends 4700 km away in Istanbul.
Must See:
The clock tower on Shandon steeple, known locally as the ‘four-faced liar’ – as every clock face appears to show a different time.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 30 min |
County Kerry
Sitting squarely on Ireland’s south-western coast, Kerry faces down the Atlantic Ocean on a daily basis, with spectacular coastal scenery featuring stunning peninsulas and inlets. Popular with cyclists and walkers, and well served by purpose-built routes, the region is also rightly proud of its cultural heritage, and boasts centuries of Irish folklore, song and dance.
Must See:
Take in the extreme west point of Ireland and relish the truly impressive vista from Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula.
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| Flight time: | 50 mins |
| Fares: | From £5 one way |
Dublin
Ireland's biggest and most populous city has a unique buzz about it, from the heart of the legendary Temple Bar area in the centre of town to the grace of the city's elegant Georgian squares, there's something for every interest... and every palate. With a unique and vibrant nightlife on offer – 50% of the city's inhabitants are under the age of 25 – it's grown into one of Europe's premier party cities. Slainte!
Must See:
Get a round in at the brilliant Gravity Bar on the 7th floor of the Guinness Storehouse at St James's Gate Brewery, birthplace of the black stuff.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 25 mins |
Galway
Fast-growing Galway on Ireland’s west coast is a mild, moist and balmy place to be in summer, with palm and even fig trees to be seen. Explore the city and you’ll find its reputation as ‘Cultural Capital of Ireland’ is well justified, with a wealth of arts and festivals to enjoy, not to mention its vibrant nightlife. If you like Irish folklore, song, dance and culture, then Galway is waiting to welcome you aboard.
Must See:
The Galway Arts Festival, which dominates the city every July, is now one of the biggest in Ireland. What’s more, this year marks its 30th Anniversary.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Fares: | From £18.99 one way |
Knock
Beautiful, but surprisingly compact Knock lies in the heart of County Mayo and has enjoyed worldwide fame since 1879 as one of Europe’s premier religious shrines. With a population of just 600, it plays host to an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims every year who flock to see its shrine to the Virgin Mary. Beyond the small town there’s a stunning hinterland to explore, full of quaint villages and an unspoilt rural way of life.
Must See:
The 10,000 capacity basilica at the Marian shrine has to be seen to be believed - it dwarfs the shrine’s original church nearby.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 5 mins |
| Fares: | From £5 one way |
Shannon
Shannon new town is the gateway to County Clare. One of only two ‘planned’ towns on the island of Ireland – achieving town status as recently as 1982 – it is home to the vast Shannon Airport, which boasts a long military and transatlantic pedigree. You’ll want to venture further... and so you should. Look beyond the town and you’ll find a county steeped in tradition, with a welcome every bit as warm.
Must See:
Venture further afield to take in the unique flora and fauna of The Burren and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher which cascade endlessly towards the Atlantic.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 25 mins |
| Fares: | From £19.99 one way |
Sligo
Sligo – or ‘shelly place’ – takes its name from the abundance of shellfish found in the local estuary. Beyond its rich marine resources, the town has a rich history, and Gothic architecture abounds, if you know where to look. Take to the hills in one of two surrounding mountain ranges, explore the town’s connection to WB Yeats, and amble along the River Garavogue. In and around civilised Sligo there’s plenty to do.
Must See:
Pay a visit to ancient Sligo Abbey, destroyed no fewer than three times in its turbulent history but now restored and offering a glimpse of monastic life.
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| Flight time: | 1 hr 20 mins |
Waterford
Refined and cultured Waterford on the coast in Ireland’s south-east corner is synonymous with crystal, a legacy of one of its most successful industries. In fact, glass has been made here ever since 1783 and today you sample the artisanship behind some of the city’s most beautiful creations. With a rich maritime history to explore and Georgian architecture still intact, Waterford has much to please the eye.
Must See:
No trip would be complete without a chance to visit (and shop til you drop) at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre where you can take a tour and meet the masters at work.
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