Ireland
1. Rock Farm glamping, Slane
Since 2013 the Rock Farm glamping site in Co Meath has charmed families with its distinctive yurts, bell tents and shepherd’s huts. The eco-friendly accommodation company was founded by Alex and Carina Conyngham, residents of nearby Slane Castle, famed for its superstar concerts. However, it’s Mother Nature who takes centre stage at Rock Farm.
rockfarmslane.ie
2. The Irish Landmark Trust
Conservation charity the Irish Landmark Trust has collaborated with the best builders and craftspeople to rescue historic properties across the island and transform them into self-catering holiday lets. The 33 treasures, which include lighthouses, schoolhouses and castles, give modern facilities such as wi-fi and televisions a wide berth, preferring to promote the near lost art of conversation between guests.
irishlandmark.com
3. Clew Bay bike trail, Co Mayo
Unfolding across the magical region long associated with Gráinne Uaile, the Clew Bay bike trail in Co Mayo is the perfect antidote to Christmas excess. With stops on Clare Island and Inishturk, the 105km trail can be completed over one day or two, and because of the Great Western Greenway a considerable section is level, so you don’t need the stamina of a pirate queen to reach the finish line.
Where to stay Mariner Hotel, Westport
clewbaybiketrail.ie
4. Silverline Cruisers, Co Offaly
Named after a Celtic goddess, the Shannon rambles through the heart of the Emerald Isle, and there’s no better way to appreciate the river’s majesty than by boat. Based in Banagher, Co Offaly, family-run Silverline Cruisers has provided slow-paced holidays for 50 years — expect fishing, water sports, wildlife and plenty of spirited singing in local pubs.
silverlinecruisers.com
5. Romantic Castles of Ireland
Create memories for the future by journeying into the past, courtesy of Romantic Castles of Ireland. Alongside the period furnishings and manicured gardens are friendly Irish wolfhounds, greeting guests with a woof and wag of the tail. There is one castle in each province, and they provide a dreamy backdrop for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.
romanticcastlesireland.com
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6. Delphi Adventure Resort
Straddling the border of Co Galway and Co Mayo, Delphi Adventure Resort in Connemara is a firm favourite with families. Guests can pursue adrenaline-pumping activities such as archery and zip-lining, or enjoy seaweed baths and massages in the award-winning spa.
delphiadventureresort.com
7. Sea Louth
They say good things come in small packages, as Louth, Ireland’s smallest county, will attest. The Sea Louth coastal food trail deftly showcases its culinary heritage and many charming towns and villages, such as Carlingford and Clogherhead. You’ll quickly understand why locals are “Louth and Proud”.
Where to stay Scholars Townhouse, Drogheda
sealouth.ie
8. National Famine Way
Stretching 165km from Strokestown Park in Co Roscommon to the Docklands of Dublin, the National Famine Way mirrors the route that 1490 men, women and children took while emigrating to Canada in 1847. The interactive, family-friendly trail runs alongside the level Royal Canal — many liken it to the Camino de Santiago.
Where to stay Gleeson’s Restaurant & Rooms, Roscommon
nationalfamineway.ie
9. Executive Helicopters
With Executive Helicopters you can experience some of Ireland’s favourite visitor attractions from above — such as the Cliffs of Moher, which sit astride Co Clare’s other natural phenomenon, the Burren. Other bespoke tours include Skellig Michael, the Aran Islands and Dublin.
Where to stay Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna
executive-helicopters.com
10. Longford Rebel Trail
Don’t be fooled by the quiet elegance of Longford — this midlands county has connections to pivotal insurrections and rebellions from the Norman era to the War of Independence. The 71km Longford Rebel Trail links key locations, including Granard, where Michael Collins frequently visited his fiancée Kitty Kiernan.
Where to stay Castlecor House, Ballymahon
longford.ie
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Northern Ireland
11. Finn Lough, Co Fermanagh
Those wanting a twist on a hotel stay need look no further than Finn Lough’s delightful bubble domes with 180-degree transparent walls providing views of the sparkling skies above. While this is an adult-only hideaway, the magical experience will surely awaken your inner child.
finnlough.com
12. The Grand Central, Belfast
Belfast is fast becoming a leading tourist destination, partly because of its world-class hospitality industry. Sky-scraping Grand Central is the most recent of Northern Ireland’s exclusive five-star hotels — President Biden, who stayed there in April, was surely mesmerised by the views from the Observatory cocktail lounge, the island’s highest bar.
grandcentralhotelbelfast.com
Europe
13. Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal
Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is the perfect destination if your new year’s resolution involves fitness. The exclusive, Irish-owned resort regularly welcomes international athletes because of its world-class golf courses and sporting facility the Campus. The effortlessly cool Magnolia Hotel makes this luxurious experience affordable.
Where to stay The Magnolia Hotel
quintadolago.com
14. The Sense Experience Resort, Tuscany, Italy
In Italy there’s an expression, “Il dolce far niente” — “The art of doing nothing”. And where better to be idle than the Sense Experience Resort in Tuscany? Surrounded by 7,000 shrubs and overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the eco-friendly accommodation organises trips to nearby vineyards, including the Petra, like a Bond villain’s lair, and ethereal Rocca di Frassinello.
thesenseresort.com
15. Stockholm, Sweden
Waterloo was the undoing of a certain diminutive French leader. However, 50 years ago the Belgian town launched the career of a quartet of Swedish musicians. The Abba the Museum in Stockholm has welcomed three million music lovers since opening in 2013, contributing to the phenomenon known as Abba tourism.
Where to stay Backstage Hotel Stockholm
abbathemuseum.com
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16. Zurich Art Weekend, Switzerland
Zurich will forever be in Irish hearts because the delightful Swiss city is the burial place of James Joyce. Ahead of Bloomsday in June is Zurich Art Weekend, a free event connecting more than 70 public and private institutions and featuring many international artists.
Where to stay 25hours Zurich
zurichartweekend.com
17. Madeira
As well as its associations with the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and much-loved sponge cakes Madeira is home to some of Europe’s most distinctive terrain. Helped by direct flights from Dublin, the archipelago is a mecca for Irish outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the thrilling mountains, cliffs and forests.
Where to stay Socalco Nature Calheta
visitmadeira.com
18. Malta
Malta was one of Europe’s most bombed countries during the Second World War. The underground cities sheltered islanders, and today offer history aficionados fascinating insights into the challenging period while showcasing the locals’ resolve. After the war the entire Maltese population was awarded the George Cross, Britain’s highest civilian honour for bravery.
Where to stay The Phoenicia Malta
visitmalta.com
World
19. Makweti Safari Lodge, South Africa
A South African safari is high on many travellers’ bucket lists — and understandably so. Few experiences are more overwhelming than being among lions, leopards and elephants in their natural habitats. Makweti Safari Lodge, a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, combines intimacy with luxury — its expert guides oversee a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into the African wilds.
makweti.com
20. Panama City Beach, Florida, US
Panama City Beach in Florida is embracing “voluntourism”, a rewarding concept where visitors contribute positively to destinations vulnerable to overcrowding, poverty or, in its case, extreme weather. One activity involves planting valuable sea oats — a great way to introduce children to sustainable travel.
Where to stay Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront
visitpanamacitybeach.com
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21. Sea Cloud Cruises
Sea Cloud Cruises offers unique opportunities to visit beloved international destinations aboard one of its legendary ships. With an emphasis on sustainability, the German-based company’s extensive routes include the Irish coast, Europe and North America.
seacloud.com
22. Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Along with being named Mexico’s safest city, Mérida has a world-class culinary reputation. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Cancun, the vibrant destination features in the gastronomy category of the Unesco Creative Cities Network, and its annual food festival, Sabores de Yucatan, is a highlight of the Mexican calendar.
Where to stay Cigno Hotel
yucatan.travel
23. Denver, Colorado, US
Not only is Denver one of America’s highest cities, it’s top of the pops with music lovers because of its iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which has welcomed the world’s greatest performers, including the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and U2. The natural vistas — and altitude — will leave you breathless.
Where to stay The Maven
denver.org
24. Windjammer Landing villa beach resort, St Lucia
The newly refurbished Windjammer Landing in St Lucia offers a reprieve from the winter blues. From yoga to diving excursions, kayaking to rum tasting, there’s an activity to meet every need. Whitney Houston was a guest; one step into this Caribbean resort, you too will be singing “I will always love you”.
windjammer-landing.com
