Ireland’s Coastal Charms

Killybegs promises a captivating blend of maritime history, nature, and exploration, and during July, you could enjoy a boat trip from the local harbour to discover the region’s rugged coastline or try your hand at sea fishing. The area surrounding Killybegs is renowned for its numerous hiking trails offering scenic views of Lough Eske, the Blue Stack Mountains, or the Slieve League cliffs, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. On your return, you can experience warm Irish hospitality by sampling freshly caught seafood, including succulent prawns and the famed Donegal oysters, while listening to traditional Irish music in a local pub with a pint of the iconic ‘Black Stuff’, Guinness.

Slieve League Cliffs are one of the Wild Atlantic Way's greatest secrets. Located in County Donegal, Ireland, the cliffs are among the highest in Europe and offer remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. Considered to be a site of great pilgrimage, the cliffs are home to ancient stone remnants scattered around the hillsides, thought to be from a time before Christianity arrived in Ireland, and also contain the ruins of a chapel from an early Christian monastic site.

Galway in summer makes for a joyous exploration of its cobbled streets, lined with colourful shop fronts and vibrant pubs that will often have live music playing at any time of the week. Referred to as ‘Ireland’s cultural heart’, the city thrives as a centre for culture and the arts with its university and many summer festivals. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in Galway’s history with a knowledgeable guide who will captivate you with stories of the city’s past and present. Close by, the ruggedly vertical Cliffs of Moher offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay.

The charming town of Cobh has always maintained a strong maritime connection and is perhaps most notably remembered for being the final port of call on the ill-fated RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage in 1912. As you set foot here, you can experience the sense of excitement the passengers felt on boarding the most luxurious cruise liner of her time, which can be encountered further at the Titanic Experience. You can explore nearby Blarney Castle, where legend has it that those who visit must uphold the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, or visit the ornately detailed Neo-Gothic St. Coleman’s Cathedral. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local life here and discover the Jameson Distillery in nearby Midleton, learn how Paddy Whiskey is made, and enjoy a warming taste of its nutty and woody notes. The iconic city of Cork is easily accessible from Cobh, with regular trains departing from the nearby station.

Douglas, the picturesque and historic capital of the Isle of Man, serves as the gateway to the island’s many unique treasures and is the world’s first entire nation to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This lively harbour town is a joy to explore, where a stroll along the sweeping promenade or a ride on the charming horse-drawn tram, reveals an eclectic mix of architecture, from grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings to contemporary designs. Venture further into the town and you’ll uncover fascinating museums, galleries and beautifully preserved theatres, each adding to Douglas’s rich cultural appeal.

A vibrant city with a rich history and blend of traditional and modern culture, Belfast offers you the chance to not only explore its strong maritime links with the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built, before she set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton on 10 th April 1912, but also as gateway to the impressive rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway, discovering its links to the mythological giant, Finn McCool. You can stroll through the city’s streets, alive with music and traditional Irish pubs, admire the urban street art, or visit the Titanic Distillery and learn of its whiskey tradition and why it disappeared, before sampling a few Irish spirits at Belfast’s first working distillery in 90 years.