travel Positively Baltic: Riga has been somewhat ignored as a tourist destination, but it’s friendlier and more welcoming than its Scandinavian neighbours Why isn’t Riga better known abroad? It’s a puzzle, because the so-called Pearl of the Baltics compares favourably with many other European cities in terms of culture and style.
Travel: Break from the herd with a stay at Galgorm’s shepherd’s huts Jordan Mooney spends a food-focused weekend at the resort just outside Belfast
Travel: Malta is a Mediterranean marvel With its colourful firework displays, Michelin-starred restaurants, warm climate and easily accessible activities, Malta is the perfect destination for a complete break
Travel: Beguiling Barbados remains an enduring Caribbean paradiseSpectacular views, enchanting markets and nautical adventures are all part of the package on the island that R&B superstar Rihanna calls home
From Malin to Mizen: Your guide to the top coastal experiences Ireland has to offer Want to explore Ireland’s legendary coastline? Then there’s no better time to avail of the many tours and experiences available around the country, from cliff walks to surfing lessons to whale-watching
24-hour party people: Embracing the chaos and colour of Cuba A series of trips to the Caribbean island over a period of 20 years lays bare the incredible changes it has undergone in that time
Travel: Halfway to heaven in the French AlpsA bout of Covid over Christmas gave Nadine O’Regan an excuse to try out skiing in one of the most magical parts of the French Alps
Irish holiday makers get ready for take off in 2022Covid-19 restrictions have played hell with millions of people’s travel plans for two years, but a little careful planning can still see you reach your dream destination this year
Travel: High adventure finds its natural home in the Swiss Alps Isabel Conway experiences an idyllic and ski-free Swiss adventure holiday perfect for the slope-shy, from e-biking to deer-spotting to making your own paté
Staycations: Prepare to be enchanted at AdareJK Rowling and CS Lewis could hardly conjure up a more dreamy environment than that of Adare Manor, historic seat of the Earl of Dunraven. Nadine O’Regan savours its perfect blend of grandeur and cosiness
Travel: Dizzying heights on the pisteThe pandemic hiatus has given ski resorts plenty of time to spruce up their offerings, and there’s plenty of extra fun to be had on the slopes
Travel: The hills are alive with the sound of ChristmasA festive trip to picturesque Salzburg and its big brother Vienna is just the thing to get the yuletide spirits singing
Animal sanctuaries: the best hotels to put up your petsFancying a break in a plush setting, but worried about leaving your four-legged friend for the weekend? A growing number of hotels around the country have got just the solution, offering pet-friendly packages at reasonable prices
Staying the course: the best of Irish luxury staycationsYearning for a luxurious grand manor staycation after being locked down for what seems like forever? We unearth some hidden gems around the country
Travel: Taking a philosophical view on lifeGreece has been battered by the whims of fate more than most countries in the past decade or so, but Athens remains one of the jewels in European tourism’s crown
Edel Coffey: Galway life lessons give Dubliners’ notions The FingerA transplant from the capital learns about ‘culchies’ versus ‘boggers’ versus ‘townies’, and experiments with not paying for parking
Choose your own adventure: ten epic challenges you can take on this summerWe compile a list of exhilarating journeys into Ireland’s great outdoors that will turn your mandatory staycation into a summer to remember
Travel: Indulge in new hotel experiences this summerWith windows shuttered and corridors empty for the first six months of the year, many hotels have taken the time to re-evaluate, refresh and rejuvenate
Historical drama: Carton House brings the past to life and into a new eraAs the Kildare hotel gets set to reopen, designer/architect Martin Spillane tells us about its two-year refurbishment
