Lisbon is an amazing city for a city break that often remains overshadowed by more obvious popular European cities that can offer bustling city and beach life. However Lisbon can offer just that. It is the perfect blend of city and beach life making it an ideal choice for a unique European getaway. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, pristine beaches and luxury beach clubs await, providing a refreshing sanctuary from the day time heat of the city. Getting around Lisbon is hassle free , thanks to the super affordable and reliable transport options like Uber and Bolt, getting out of the city and back has never been easier. So you can catch that sunset by sea and party in the city to the early hours. When in Lisbon I would recommend these beach clubs. Praia Princesca is a must visit spot, Upon arrival you are soothed by the background music of chill tunes, we booked our sunbeds ahead of time as they are not that many and this place does get bust during peak season. It is also family friendly so we did see families with young children. The restaurant and beach lounges are soft white and natural wood tones, with touches of stripes as soft furnishes and rattan shade lamps, overall a sense of luxurious style. The elegant table settings stylish decor are very appealing. The food at Praia Princesca did not disappoint, and the cocktails were wonderful. Unfortunately we had pre booked our Uber for 6pm and I believe the party gets started .Booking can be made Praia Princesa – Somos Princesa Another great beach club just outside Lisbon is Le Blon. It has a really cool laid back aesthetic. It has a rustic vibe, beachy feel, there are loads of plants and palm trees, thatched umbrellas on the beach. You feel like your on a beach in Talum Mexico. There is beach bar service, the restaurant serves delicious food, and the music is laid back beach tunes. Again I pre booked beds and lunch as it gets busy during peak season. A different aesthetic to Princesca but I loved it as much. Booking can be made on their instagram or facebook pages. Leblon (@leblon_caparica) • Instagram photos and videos Another Beach club on my list was Praia Irmao. I had tried to book it but unfortunately for large group booking they only offer you the Le Salon which is a seating area under a caban and as a group we preferred to have individual sun lounger. However this club has the cool aesthetic, party vibes and a fabulous restaurant. During the summer months they also run party nights that go on till 2am. Definitely one for when i return to Lisbon. Bookings can be made 30 days in advance for both beds and restaurant pop-up step 2 - Expérience In the evenings we explored Lisbon's culinary scene, rooftop bars and vibrant nightlife. Highlights for me were Rosario Gastro Bar, A chic rooftop restaurant serving Mediterranean food and delicious cocktails. Rocco was also a highlight of my trip, It is a stunning restaurant full of instagramable pics, Italian food in stunning setting. Overall Lisbon is the perfect blend of a vibrant, bustling city with the chill beach day vibes.

Looking to escape to Italy this summer? Head to the Amalfi Coast and discover Onda Verde Hotel, a charming 4-star boutique hotel nestled in Praiano, between Amalfi and Positano. Perched on the cliffs, the property offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Mediterranean, in a peaceful and immersive setting perfect for a summer getaway. A truly unique hotel Onda Verde is made up of 5 independent villas with 25 comfortable rooms, surrounded by Mediterranean greenery. Almost all rooms offer sea views, with private terraces to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the coastline. The hotel features: an outdoor swimming pool with sea views direct access to the beach and hidden coves a seaside restaurant serving local Italian cuisine an ideal location between Amalfi and Positano The perfect place to combine relaxation, nature and discovery in an exceptional setting. Special offers not to miss Enjoy up to 24% off your room rate, valid on stays with breakfast or half-board options. If you choose a booking including cancellation insurance, you can also benefit from up to 20% off the room rate, on breakfast or half-board stays. For a 5-night stay from June 1st to June 6th at this 4-star seaside hotel, you can save €1,230, with prices dropping from €5,080 to €3,850, for a double luxury room with terrace and sea view, including breakfast. Between the sea, dramatic cliffs and colourful villages, the hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway, a relaxing break, or exploring the Amalfi Coast. Its unique location means you’re close to the region’s most beautiful spots and can enjoy the beauty of Italy. Book and enjoy the offer here: https://www.ondaverde.it/en/home/

Sail through the sun-soaked Eastern Mediterranean on this seven-night Adriatic & Mediterranean Explorer Cruise with Solos Holidays, taking in a standout line-up of destinations including Dubrovnik, Kotor, Athens, Chania, Katakolon and Corfu. Guests will travel aboard the adults-only Marella Explorer 2, designed with solo travellers in mind, offering an all-inclusive experience and a solo-use cabin with no single supplement. On board, facilities include a spa, gelato parlour, casino-bar-club, and a choice of nine bars and restaurants, from the refined Flutes Champagne Bar to the relaxed Beach Cove. Price: From €2,990 per person (based on £2,559) Departure: 17 September 2026 Duration: 7 nights Includes: Return flights from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik Inside single cabin (solo use, no supplement) All-inclusive dining and drinks Gratuities Dedicated Solos Tour Leader For bookings and further details, contact Solos Holidays on 020 8951 2900 or visit their website at www.soloholidays.com.

Tenters Gastropub at Aloft Dublin City has launched an express lunch service in The Liberties, aimed at Dublin diners looking for a quick, delicious option during the working day. Available seven days a week from 12pm to 2.30pm, the menu offers a modern take on Irish classics, built for speed without compromising on quality. Located just minutes from the city centre, Tenters provides a space where guests can step away from the pace of the day and enjoy well-executed pub favourites in a setting that feels relaxed, where service moves at the right pace. Whether it’s a solo reset between meetings, a working lunch or a weekend catch up, Tenters strikes a clear balance between quality and convenience, with dishes designed to deliver on both. The menu features a mix of signature dishes and comforting favourites. Highlights include a creamy seafood chowder served with warm homemade soda bread, alongside a New York-style pastrami sandwich layered with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. For something more substantial, the ‘FX Buckley’ Butchers Beef Burger remains a popular choice, offering a satisfying option that carries through the afternoon. Lighter dishes are equally well considered, including fresh salads and burrata with pickled onions, and heirloom and sun-dried tomatoes, served with a warm toasted baguette. Speaking on the launch, Roderick Vastenburg, General Manager at Aloft Dublin City, said, “There’s a clear shift in how people approach lunch in the city. They want food that feels considered, but they also need it to fit into a busy day. This menu is about getting that balance right, without compromising on quality.” For more information visit www.tenterspub.ie and keep up to date with all things pies and otherwise on social @tenterspub and @aloftdublincity

Recent data suggests European beach breaks are expected to be more popular than ever this summer. Sun seekers can avoid the crowds and get their beach fix year-round with these beach holiday packages. Find seclusion in Montenegro's shoulder season, spend summer days kayaking mangrove tunnels in Florida, be one of only 400 visitors on a UNESCO island in Autumn and watch whales migrate off Los Cabos' warm shores in winter. Spring into Shoulder Season Experience the Adriatic’s Best-Kept Beach Secret, Montenegro Montenegro is one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets, where a 300km ribbon of coastline unfolds from lively, sun-drenched beaches to quiet, hidden coves. Near Budva, Jaz Beach buzzes with energy, while further south, Velika Plaža stretches for miles, its windswept sands ideal for long walks and kitesurfing. Just offshore, Sveti Nikola island offers a castaway escape, with forested cliffs and clear turquoise waters, while the Lustica Peninsula rewards those who venture further with secluded bays and a slower, more tranquil pace. And while it shares the same drawcards as its Mediterranean neighbours, it remains refreshingly under the radar. montenegro.travel Ideal Months: March, April and May Book now with easyJet for a flight-inclusive escape at the all-inclusive Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi with private beach access and multiple swimming pools. Sea-view double rooms start from £1,085 per person for seven nights. Summer Sun Enjoy Thrilling Summer Activities in Florida’s Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco & the Everglades, USA Summers in Florida’s Paradise Coast offer warm temperatures, great-value stays and quieter shores, perfect for a peaceful escape to relax and soak in the sun. With over 30 miles of pristine Gulf coastline, spend days relaxing on scenic beaches like Vanderbilt Beach and Marco Island South Beach, or spotting wildlife at Tigertail Beach. Visit during the lush summer season and be immersed in nature on a thrilling airboat tour through Everglades National Park, discover the island waterways by jet-ski or kayak mangrove tunnels in Big Cypress National Preserve. paradisecoast.com Ideal Months: June, July and August Book a 14-night holiday to Florida’s Paradise Coast with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including a stay at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples and return flights from London Heathrow to Miami from £2,819 per person based on two people sharing. Autumn Escape Visit a UNESCO-World Heritage-Listed Island, New South Wales, Australia Travellers seeking a beach escape in Autumn should head downunder. Lord Howe Island, off the coast of New South Wales is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed destination that blends remarkable natural beauty with a wonderfully unhurried pace. Visitor numbers are capped at just 400 people at any one time to preserve its unspoilt feel. Mild, balmy days are perfect for exploring quiet beaches, snorkelling the world’s southernmost coral reef and wandering through lush rainforest. Wildlife encounters abound, from sea turtles and reef fish to an extraordinary array of birdlife, all within this protected sanctuary. visitnsw.com Ideal Months: September, October and November Book a 7-night holiday to Lord Howe Island with Trailfinders, including return flights with Qantas and accommodation at Capella Lodge from £9,599 per person and based on two adults sharing a room. Winter Sun Spot Majestic Whales During Migration Season in Los Cabos, Mexico Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos offers a spectacular winter getaway with golden sands, pleasantly warm temperatures (averaging 22°C) and mesmerising backdrops. It’s during winter that majestic humpback and gray whales migrate from the Arctic to the warm, sheltered bays of Baja California Sur. Prime vantage points include El Arco, while beaches such as Cerritos Beach or Migriño Beach offer shoreline sightings. For a closer encounter, visitors can join an excursion with Cabo Adventures or opt for a private luxury charter with IN CABO. visitloscabos.travel Ideal Months: December, January and February Book a 7-night holiday to Los Cabos with Travelbag, including an all-inclusive stay at Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos and return from £2,449 per person.

Encounter a medley of mayhem this summer as the crew from Beanotown stumble into Hillsborough Castle and Gardens on a ‘blam-azing’ adventure. From 27 June – 31 August, Historic Royal Palaces invites Beano fans of all ages on a time-twisting trail through the 100-acre estate with Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – where kids go free to the gardens all summer.   This summer holiday, Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and Gnasher are in trouble again. As their bonkers go-kart time machine goes haywire, the friends tumble through time and space, before crash-landing in Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. With the pieces of the time machine scattered across the Castle’s striking gardens, Dennis and friends could be stuck in history forever unless each missing piece is retrieved.   Equipped with a special Hillsborough Castle Beano comic strip story, visitors must track down six essential components of the time machine hidden amongst lush greenery to repair the tangled timeline. Along the way, meet larger-than-life characters from Hillsborough's history – from a young Lord Hillsborough to Benjamin Franklin, who famously visited in 1771.   After the trail, visitors can run wild in the outdoor Imaginary Menagerie, explore the Castle with an upgraded ticket or roam the same halls where world leaders have gathered. Families can also indulge in delicious Beano-inspired treats and tasty lunches from the café and pick up Beano merchandise from the onsite shop.   Beano enthusiasts can expect jokes, japes and joyful chaos against the backdrop of Hillsborough Castle’s historic gardens, making Beano Hijinks a mischievous and memorable summer where history and comic chaos collide.   The trail continues in London with Beano Havoc at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 23 August 2026. For more information, visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/.

As travel trends continue to evolve in 2026, luxury long-haul holiday specialist Tropical Sky is spotlighting the growing demand for “noctourism”, a rising trend centred around experiencing the world after dark. From bioluminescent beaches and stargazing safaris to night markets and the Northern Lights, more travellers are seeking destinations that come alive when the sun goes down. Driven by a desire to avoid extreme daytime temperatures, reduce crowds, and experience destinations in a more immersive way, noctourism is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about travel trends of the year. Tropical Sky has curated a selection of destinations where night-time experiences reveal a completely different side of the world. Highlights include the exceptional dark skies of Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the best places in North America for stargazing thanks to its high elevation and minimal light pollution; the vibrant night markets of Thailand, where visitors can explore bustling street food scenes, local culture, and lively evening atmospheres; and the Arctic regions of Arctic Circle, where travellers can witness the spectacular Northern Lights illuminating the night sky. Mike Collins, Managing Director of Tropical Sky, says: “We’re seeing more customers look beyond traditional daytime sightseeing and seek out experiences that feel unique and memorable. Travelling at night opens up a completely different world, it’s quieter, more atmospheric, and often more connected to nature. It’s a trend that’s only going to grow.” Go star-gazing in Bryce Canyon, USA Embark on a 15-day escorted journey through the iconic landscapes of America’s Wild West, visiting some of the United States’ most celebrated national parks and historic sites. With an expert guide leading the way, travel from Scottsdale through awe-inspiring destinations including the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Ucross, Custer State Park, and on to Denver. The adventure also includes time at Bryce Canyon, a spectacular high-altitude destination renowned for its incredibly dark skies, making it one of the best places in the country for unforgettable stargazing.   Highlights:   Guided exploration of the Grand Canyon Visit Monument Valley and discover Navajo heritage in the Tribal Park Private shuttle ride through Zion National Park Witness Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, including Old Faithful Step into the Wild West with visits to Cody and Jackson Discover the Black Hills of South Dakota Experience Bryce Canyon’s exceptional stargazing   A 14-night America’s Magnificent National Parks tour is priced from €8,149 pp based on two sharing, this includes international return flights, transfers, luxury coach travel throughout, overseas airport transfer, accommodation, 14 breakfasts, one lunch, six dinners with wine, entry to national parks and included excursions, a tour guide and local guides, tips and gratuities and hotel baggage handling.     Explore the night markets in Thailand This 11-night journey offers a captivating introduction to Thailand, taking travellers from the tropical southern coastlines to the lush northern highlands. Designed with first-time visitors in mind, the experience blends iconic landmarks with lesser-known treasures, showcasing the country’s rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant city life. From the sensory overload of Bangkok’s bustling streets and ornate temples to tranquil eco-lodges and remote villages, the trip delivers a well-rounded and unforgettable adventure. A standout feature is Thailand’s world-famous nightlife, truly second to none, with dazzling, illuminated night markets that come alive after dark and continue into the early hours.   Highlights:   Discover Bangkok’s iconic sights, including Wat Pho, Chinatown, and the Grand Palace Cruise along the Chao Phraya River by traditional longboat Experience Thailand’s unbeatable nightlife, with vibrant night markets open late into the night Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya Cruise along the mighty Mekong River Visit Chiang Rai’s spectacular White Temple Stay in a scenic eco-lodge surrounded by nature Discover the charming mountain village of Mae Kampong   An 11-night Thailand Highlights tour is priced from €4,369 pp based on two sharing a room on a mixed board basis, this includes international flights, all transportation and transfers as per itinerary, 11 nights’ accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners, internal travel in an air-conditioned coach, as well as guides and entrance fees.   Hunt the northern lights in the Arctic Noctourism in the Arctic is inseparable from the wonder of the Northern Lights, and this expedition places that experience at its heart. “Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland” follows an immersive route through Iceland’s remote Vestfjords and along the dramatic northeast coast of Greenland. The journey takes travellers through the world’s largest fjord system, offering encounters with Arctic wildlife and opportunities to engage with Inuit culture in the settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. At night, guests are given the chance to witness the sky illuminated by the Northern Lights, adding a striking natural spectacle to an already extraordinary expedition.   Highlights:   Journey through Iceland and East Greenland, taking in striking and remote Arctic landscapes Opportunity to witness and photograph the Northern Lights at night Search for iconic wildlife such as polar bears and seals Explore Inuit culture and remote communities including Ittoqqortoormiit Sail aboard the Ocean Adventurer   A 13-night Under the Northern Lights tour is priced from €9,849 pp, based on two sharing a room, this includes return international flights, expedition leaders and shore excursions, zodiac transfers and daily landings, onboard accommodation with housekeeping, all meals and drinks including selected alcohol, expert presentations and photographic journal, expedition boots and parka, cabin amenities, all taxes and port charges, emergency evacuation insurance, Greenland passenger tax, pre-expedition Reykjavik hotel night, and group transfers in Reykjavik.   For more information about Tropical Sky, please visit www.tropicalsky.ie or call 01 6649990

While many travellers once knew it only for beach resorts, Tunisia has matured into something far more compelling - a destination full of luxurious comfort with history and fantastic hospitality. If you’re looking for a different kind of Mediterranean escape, Tunisia delivers far more than expected. Where to Stay - Sidi Bou Said Located right above the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said is Tunisia’s most photogenic village, and one of its most best places to stay. Buildings here have classic Whitewashed walls, blue shutters, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and alleys which make it feel like a North African Santorini, only with fewer crowds. This is where artists, writers, and thinkers came to recharge - Paul Klee, Simone de Beauvoir, and André Gide among them. The village still draws a creative crowd, but it's also a great base for exploring the capital and nearby ruins. Hotel Pick - La Villa Bleue Located on a hillside with views of the sea, La Villa Bleue is a boutique hotel that mixes traditional Tunisian design with luxury. The interior has arched doorways, handcrafted tilework, and private terraces that open out onto the Mediterranean. It’s tailor-made for guests who want immersion without sacrificing comfort. There’s also an excellent in-house spa, and the staff can arrange everything from private guides to local cooking classes. You’re a short walk from the heart of Sidi Bou Said, but far enough to sleep without a single disruption. Where to Eat - Dar Zarrouk Just a short walk away from La Villa Bleue, Dar Zarrouk serves some of the best food in the region with one of the most enviable views. The menu is full of local ingredients - grilled fish fresh from the gulf, traditional couscous with lamb or octopus, and inventive desserts using dates, pistachios, and orange blossom. It’s popular with locals so reservations are smart, especially for a table on the terrace at sunset. What to Do Start with a visit to the Bardo Museum in Tunis, just a 30-minute drive from Sidi Bou Said. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics, many excavated from Tunisia’s archaeological sites. Next, take a half-day to explore the ruins of Carthage - the ancient Phoenician city that was once Rome’s fiercest rival. The remains are scattered, with highlights including the Antonine Baths and the Byrsa Hill acropolis, which overlooks the sea. Back in Sidi Bou Said, spend time just walking around. Visit Ennejma Ezzahra, a palace-turned-museum built by a wealthy French musicologist, showcasing traditional Tunisian design and hosting occasional concerts. Then finish your day with mint tea and pine nuts at Café des Nattes. Tunisia offers the Mediterranean without the crowds, and Sidi Bou Said is the ideal base for both relaxing and exploring! Getting There with Aer Lingus Reaching Tunisia from Ireland is increasingly convenient, especially during the spring and summer months. Aer Lingus offers seasonal direct flights from Dublin to Tunis-Carthage International Airport, typically operating several times per week. The flight takes just under three and a half hours, making it a relatively short hop to North Africa. For those visiting Sidi Bou Said, the village is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport. Return fares generally range between €180 and €280, depending on the season and how early you book.

Ashford Castle has expanded its seasonal food offering with the launch of Paula Pastry at The Drawing Room, a new haute pâtisserie concept created by celebrated pastry chef Paula Stakelum (aka, Paula Pastry).   Served in the Drawing Room, overlooking the estate lawns and the waters of Lough Corrib, guests will enjoy an afternoon that begins with a refreshing estate preserved Crab Apple iced tea, served with a freshly baked Wild Garlic sugar brioche. Guests are then served a trio of exquisite, sweet cakes, each created by Paula to showcase the seasonal ingredients and botanicals of the Ashford estate. The pastries and cakes, such as Paula’s Legend Chocolate with Estate Wood Sorrel, Dulce Choux and Strawberry Shortbread with Woodruff, are served with a glass of Lanson Champagne, for an extra celebratory flourish. Paula has included a parting gift for guests - a beautifully wrapped Legend Chocolate snack bar, a signature memento. Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate & Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels, creates her bespoke chocolate masterpieces in her own Chocolate Room at Ashford Castle. Paula Pastry at the Drawing Room is a new pâtisserie experience shaped by the estate’s ancient woodland, deep heritage, and Paula’s distinctive storytelling. Created with wild botanicals and ingredients grown throughout the grounds, each piece is rooted in place, memory, and craft. This is haute pâtisserie, reimagined through the lens of the estate. Available to both residents and non-residents, Paula Pastry’s haute pâtisserie concept is a first for a hotel in Ireland and complements Ashford Castle’s Afternoon Tea, served in the historic Connaught Room.   Price: €60 per person (+ 15% service charge) Availability: May – November Days: Thursday – Sunday Sittings: 12:30pm and 2.00pm Bookings essential: 094 954 6003 Paula Pastry’s Haute Pâtisserie Experience | Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo

Mount Congreve Gardens is delighted to announce a new Garden Festival, taking place on Sunday, May 10th, 2026, from 9 am to 5 pm. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Ireland’s most celebrated horticultural destinations, this vibrant annual event promises an inspiring day out for gardeners, plant collectors, and nature enthusiasts alike. Speaking ahead of the event, Ray Sinnott, Estate Director at Mount Congreve Gardens, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors for what promises to be a fantastic day. It’s a unique chance to discover truly special plants, connect with expert growers, and enjoy the gardens at one of the most beautiful times of the year. The atmosphere is always lively, inspiring, and full of enthusiasm for gardening. For those wishing to extend their visit, we are delighted to share that several gardens across Waterford will offer a coordinated visitor experience during the weekend, including Mount Congreve Gardens, Lismore Castle Gardens, Cappoquin House & Gardens, Dromana House Gardens, Tourin House & Gardens, and the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, with special admission offers available on the day.” This event continues to build on Mount Congreve’s long-standing reputation as a centre of horticultural excellence, attracting plant enthusiasts from across Ireland and beyond. Guests are invited to explore the spectacular grounds of Mount Congreve Gardens, which will be in full spring splendour. The day will also feature a programme of talks and experiences, including a 12:00 pm headline talk, ‘The Making of a Great Garden with Elmer Dool’, offering a rare insight into the vision, planting philosophy and legacy behind Mount Congreve and the collaboration between Herman Dool and Ambrose Congreve. The Plant Fair will showcase up to 23 of Ireland’s leading specialist nurseries, offering rare and unusual plants, expert guidance, and direct-from-grower purchasing opportunities. Visitors can explore a carefully curated selection of rare and unusual plants, from striking perennials and heritage varieties to distinctive shrubs and hard-to-find bulbs, many of which are not typically available in garden centres. A key highlight of the event is the opportunity to meet the growers themselves, offering an opportunity to discover exceptional plants not commonly found in garden centres and gain expert advice directly from specialists. Dining will be available at the Stables Café, featuring a seasonal Estate-to-Plate menu inspired by the gardens, with ingredients sourced directly from the estate. Highlights across the site include the new Herman Dool exhibition at Mount Congreve House, richly planted woodland walks, vibrant displays, and sweeping views over the River Suir. Visitors can also relax and enjoy a selection of seasonal refreshments throughout the day. For those wishing to enjoy the keys to the gardens, Mount Congreve Gardens offers a selection of accommodation options, including cabins and gate lodges, providing an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the estate and enjoy the gardens at leisure. Admission to the Garden Festival is free, with garden entry tickets available on the day at a 20% discount. For more information and to plan your visit, see www.mountcongreve.com. The event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, along with Visit Waterford.

On May 3, the iconic Hook Lighthouse will once again open its historic grounds for the May Bank Holiday Shine A Light Festival, in association with Great Lighthouses of Ireland, offering a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s maritime heritage in a setting that blends breathtaking coastal views with centuries of history. The world’s oldest operational lighthouse, Hook Lighthouse, will come alive with a free, family-friendly programme designed to spark curiosity and adventure for visitors of all ages. Running from 10 am to 4 pm, the festival invites guests to explore the world of the sea through interactive demonstrations from Irish Coast Services, lively family games, hands-on activities, and a range of delicious food offerings throughout the day. The festival atmosphere extends across the grounds, where picnic benches and children’s play areas create a relaxed, welcoming space for families. A highlight for younger visitors is the ever-popular pirate ship, ensuring imaginative play is firmly anchored in the day’s maritime theme. Alongside the outdoor activities, the maritime museum and sustainability centre will be open all weekend, offering further insight into Ireland’s rich nautical story and the evolving importance of ocean conservation. Visitors can also enjoy the full experience of the lighthouse throughout the weekend, with guided tours running daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Creative workshops add another dimension to the programme, with children’s art sessions with Rose available from €10 per person and beginner adult art classes from €15, taking place Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 am to 4 pm. Food and refreshment are well catered for, with the on-site café alongside an outdoor catering unit, ensuring visitors can spend the day comfortably immersed in the festival atmosphere. As a free event supported by Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Shine A Light Festival continues to celebrate accessibility, heritage, and community spirit in one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal settings. For further details, see www.hookheritage.ie

The world’s leading youth travel brand for 18 to 35s is expanding its popular Southeast Asia portfolio to include Ride Cambodia. Appealing to thrill-seekers craving an authentic and exhilarating experience, the tour offers the opportunity to drive through the breathtaking roads of Cambodia – moving entirely by Tuk Tuk. With experienced local drivers leading the way, travellers can sit back, soak the destination in and tick off a range of bucket-list moments.  The jam-packed, eight-day itinerary offers a deep cultural immersion including visits to ancient temples, meals with local families and exploration of the unique villages between Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Highlights include learning to weave silk, cruising Tonlé Sap Lake at sunset, exploring Kampong Khleang’s fish markets and walking Kampong Kdei’s bridge.   Other experiences include wondering the jungle-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm, a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, and the opportunity to delve into the recent history of the Killing Fields (Choeng Ek) and Tuol Sleng Prison. The group will enjoy a welcome dinner at Tuktuk driver NaNa’s house, stop at authentic markets and enjoy homestays with local families, where they’ll have the chance to meet the women who make rice noodles (and give them a hand).  The Tuk Tuk’s carry three passengers each and the group will be no larger than 14 in total. Travelling in this way allows travellers to get down dirt roads and across rice fields which isn’t possible by coach.   The eight-day tour is priced from £1,270pp including all accommodation, select meals, experiences and a Trip Manager. Excludes flights. Departures available from November 2026.