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Ireland might not scream “tropical getaway,” but it’s absolutely packed with stunning island beaches where you can dive right into crystal-clear waters - even if they're a bit brisk!

With Summer on the way, instead of battling the crowds at the usual spots, why not hop on a ferry and escape to one of Ireland’s many underrated islands? These places have everything; gorgeous views, quirky histories, and just the right amount of isolation to make you forget about everything else for a while.

Off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula lies one of Ireland’s most hauntingly beautiful places - the Blasket Islands. A string of isles scattered across the Atlantic, the Blaskets are as rich in story as they are in scenery. Once home to a small but fiercely self-sufficient Irish-speaking community, the islands are now uninhabited, but far from empty.

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 17th and Sunday the 19th of July across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Galway International Arts Festival to the Bray Beach BBQ Festival and much, much more. Galway International Arts Festival, Galway - 17.07-19.07 The programme covers theatre, circus, comedy, visual art, live music and free street entertainment, while the Festival Garden in Eyre Square has food,

When it comes to the best places to visit in Ireland, the Aran Islands deserve a place near the top of the list. Doolin Ferry Co. operates seasonal ferry services from Doolin Pier in County Clare to the three Aran Islands: Inis Oírr, Inis Mór and Inis Meáin. Passengers can also experience the Cliffs of Moher from sea level on a dedicated cruise or combine an island visit with a cruise beneath the famous cliffs.

Hidden among the calm waters of Lough Gill in County Sligo, the Lake Isle of Innisfree is one of Ireland’s smallest literary landmarks, and one of its most famous.

Inis Mór is the largest of the Aran Islands and is connected to Galway City by a daily service from Aran Islands Ferries. The spacious modern ferry takes almost 400 people in comfort. Every day at 09.30 AM it sets off to Inis Mór at the start of its journey around the three islands on the Wild Atlantic Way, including Inisheer and Inis Meáin.

Cascais is a charming seaside fishing town located only 30 minutes from Lisbon by train making it an ideal spot for a twin spot holiday, getting the best of city and beach . It's location on the Atlantic coast means to have access to a multiple of water sports, and restaurants renowned for fresh fish and seafood. There are plenty of small quaint boutique and charming squares if that is more your vibe. So it is no wonder that Cascais is also home to some of the best luxury h

The Spike Island Fireworks Festival returns this year to light up the skies of Cork Harbour! On Saturday 18 July 2026, celebrate the island’s national day, marking the moment when Great Britain handed Spike Island back to Ireland in 1938. An event combining history, music, performances and much more, all set in an exceptional location. An evening full of history Spike Island is known for its impressive fortress and fascinating past, often compared to the famous island of Alca

Travellers can save up to €250pp on a seven-night stay at Cape Kudu Hotel, a boutique retreat on the peaceful island of Koh Yao Noi in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay.

Travellers can enjoy a luxury twin-centre holiday combining Pangkor Laut and Kuala Lumpur from €2,189pp, with savings of up to €250pp available when booking in advance.

Travellers can experience some of Australia’s most iconic destinations on a 13-night Best of Australia Tour, priced from €5,389pp.

Last week, Katie had the pleasure of attending the preview sailing of Legend of the Seas - Royal Caribbean's new addition to their Icon Class ships - as she sailed from Malaga to Rome.

Travel Time's Katie Doyle had the privilege of joining the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship and the newest addition to the award-winning Icon Class fleet. Sailing from Malaga to Rome on a four-night voyage, Katie joined more than 120 members of the Irish travel trade, alongside 4,000 travel agents, business partners and media from around the world, to experience firsthand the entertainment, dining and attractions that

Travelvalue.ie – Navan Travel is offering a family holiday to Aqualand Resort & Waterpark in Corfu from €1,099pp, with all-inclusive accommodation and flights included.

Barter’s Travelnet is offering a seven-night family holiday to Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, from €750pp, staying at the 4-star Colon II Apartments.

Contiki is offering an eight-day Best of Costa Rica small-group adventure from €1,400pp, with departures available from January 2027.

Click&Go Holidays is offering a summer family escape to Salou from €699pp, staying at the 4-star Ponient Piramide Salou in July 2026.

American Sky is offering savings of €300pp on its seven-night Western Trails escorted tour, taking travellers through some of the most iconic landscapes, cities and national parks of the American Southwest.