While Valentine’s Day often takes center stage in February, Galentine’s Day , a celebration of friendship, deserves just as much fanfare. What better way to honour your closest friends than with a delicious, optionally boozy brunch ? Here’s a list of the best Galentine’s brunch destinations in Dublin ! 1. The Port House Pintxo Temple Bar For those who appreciate Spanish flavors and a lively atmosphere , PintxoPorthouse is a must-visit. Port House Pintxo offers a romantic underground vibe with booth seating and one of Dublin's coolest outdoor terraces overlooking Meeting House Square so customers can also enjoy outdoor concerts in the summer. Its brunch tapas menu  encourages sharing, making it perfect for a group gathering. Indulge in authentic Spanish dishes , all expertly paired with a selection of wine .  2. Balfes Balfe Street, Dublin 2 Balfes menu is simply delicious; buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict, and artisan pastries , all complemented by a selection of signature brunch cocktails , including Aperol Spritzes and mimosas . Perfect for both a casual get-together or a more glamorous affair, Balfes makes for a memorable celebration! 3. Eathos Baggot Street, Dublin 2 Eathos is the go-to destination for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent brunch . The café specializes in avocado toast with house-made toppings, açai bowls packed with antioxidants, and protein-rich pancakes . Its minimalist, plant-filled interior  provides an escape from the city while serving some of Dublin’s finest specialty coffee . 4. Póg Bachelor’s Walk & Multiple Locations For brunch enthusiasts with a sweet tooth, Póg delivers an unmatched experience. Their build-your-own pancake stacks  allow you to customize toppings such as Nutella, fresh berries, and Biscoff spread . If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their smoothie bowls and nutritious salads  offer a refreshing alternative. And, of course, prosecco brunch packages  ensure the celebration remains lively. 5. One Society  Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 For coffee and food lovers, One Society presents an all-day brunch menu  featuring shakshuka, truffle-infused scrambled eggs, and pulled pork eggs benedict . The café prides itself on serving some of Dublin’s highest-quality artisan coffee , making it a great spot to savor a perfectly brewed flat white while catching up with friends. 6. Lennan’s Yard Dawson Street, Dublin 2 A relatively new addition to Dublin’s brunch scene, Lennan’s Yard blends classic comfort foods with contemporary twists . Menu highlights include French toast topped with seasonal fruit, wild mushroom toast with truffle oil, and rich breakfast brioche sandwiches . The heated courtyard  adds a cosy touch, ensuring a comfortable dining experience no matter the weather. 7. The Woollen Mills  Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 Overlooking the River Liffey, The Woollen Mills specialises in comforting, home-cooked dishes . Their brunch selection features traditional Irish fry-ups, house-made sausage rolls, and expertly prepared eggs Florentine . Vegan diners will also find a range of plant-based options , making it an inclusive choice for mixed dietary preferences. Which brunch spot will be your Galentine’s Day tradition?

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm  in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico is offering its La Vida Generosa  package, a multi-day stay designed to include a range of dining, spa and amenity experiences at the property. The La Vida Generosa  package includes a three-night stay at the Inn , daily brunch for two at Campo  with drinks, Afternoon Tea for two  at La Quinta or drinks and appetizers  for two at Town & Ranch, and two dinners , one multi-course chef’s tasting with sommelier-selected wine pairings and one dinner at Campo including beer, wine and cocktails. Additional inclusions comprise two 80-minute spa treatments at the Hacienda Spa , a selection of Los Poblanos’ artisan lavender and farm food products, and access to on-site amenities and activities  such as tours, yoga classes and more. The package reflects Los Poblanos’ focus on farm-to-table dining and wellness offerings, with dining experiences drawing on seasonal organic ingredients from the farm and restorative spa treatments at the Hacienda Spa. Reservations for the La Vida Generosa package require a minimum 14-day advance booking  and are available directly through Los Poblanos’ reservations team.

Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, Co. Galway has introduced a Gourmet Getaway package that combines an overnight stay with dinner in its award-winning Owenmore Restaurant. The Gourmet Getaway  includes one night’s accommodation for two people  and evening dinner in the Owenmore Restaurant , known for its contemporary cuisine and attention to local ingredients. This offer is priced from €248 per person sharing , providing a straightforward hotel break with restaurant dining included. Ballynahinch Castle sits on extensive grounds by the Owenmore River and offers additional facilities such as free bicycles, walking routes and the option to book other experiences during a stay. The Gourmet Getaway can be booked directly through the hotel’s website, subject to availability and seasonal pricing variations.

Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry, Co. Cork is offering a Gourmet Getaway package that pairs an overnight stay with a multi-course dinner experience and breakfast the following morning. The package includes one night’s accommodation  in one of Ballymaloe House’s individually appointed guest rooms, followed by a five-course dinner  reflecting the estate’s farm-to-table culinary approach, and breakfast  the next day. This offer is designed to showcase Ballymaloe House’s longstanding reputation in Irish hospitality and cuisine, with dinner prepared using seasonal ingredients and service in the hotel’s dining rooms. The Gourmet Getaway  is available to book directly through Ballymaloe House, with rates starting from around €500 per night . Ballymaloe House sits on an extensive estate with gardens, woodlands and farm grounds, and a range of on-site activities and experiences available for guests to enjoy during their stay.

The five-star Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co. Waterford, has launched a House Restaurant Experience  package, combining luxury accommodation with dinner at its Michelin-starred House Restaurant. The offer includes one night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Sea View room , dinner for two at the House Restaurant , and breakfast the following morning . The House Restaurant holds a Michelin star and focuses on seasonal Irish produce, with menus designed to highlight local seafood and contemporary Irish cooking. The package is available from €589 to €745 per night for two people sharing , depending on date and availability. Supplements apply for upgraded room categories. The Cliff House Hotel is located overlooking Ardmore Bay and features a spa, indoor infinity pool, and coastal walking routes nearby, making the package suitable for a short luxury break or special occasion stay. The House Restaurant Experience is available to book here.

Dearest reader, Society is stirring once more - and not without reason. On January 28th 2026, Waterford Treasures and Mount Congreve Gardens invite the curious, the cultured, and the quietly observant to step back into a world where appearances were everything, discretion was selective, and gossip travelled faster than the post. High Society: Two Waterford Houses is an indulgent journey between two of the city’s most distinguished addresses: the elegant Bishop’s Palace and the gracious estate of Mount Congreve Gardens, each offering its own revelations. The affair begins at Bishop’s Palace, a Georgian residence of rare refinement, where crystal chandeliers sparkle overhead and portraits look on with knowing restraint. Beneath glittering glass, much of it crafted by the city’s own celebrated Waterford Crystal, visitors are guided through opulent chambers by a discreet Housekeeper or an ever-attentive Butler. These are the sort who witnessed everything and recorded nothing, though the walls themselves remain far less reserved. Here, amid gilded detail and impeccable manners, stories unfold of ambition, alliances, romantic missteps, and the quiet power plays of Georgian high society. It is a world of grandeur, yes, but one where gossip was both sport and strategy. From the intrigues of the city, guests are then transported to the gentler rhythms of Mount Congreve Gardens, where an elegant High Tea awaits in the restored Tack Room. Surrounded by manicured lawns, fine bone china is laid, scones are served warm, and delicate pastries and finger sandwiches - prepared with locally sourced ingredients- invite a more leisurely form of indulgence. Traditional, vegetarian, and gluten-free offerings ensure that all of society may partake. High Society: Two Waterford Houses is available daily from January 28th 2026, and must be pre-booked. The guided Georgian experience at Bishop’s Palace is priced at €10 per person and can be booked via waterfordtreasures.com . High Tea at Mount Congreve Gardens, served in the restored Tack Room, is priced at €38 per person and can be booked via mountcongreve.com . Guests may enjoy either experience individually or combine both for a full High Society day. Availability is limited, and advance booking is strongly advised. Together, these two houses offer a rare opportunity: to experience the splendour of the past, indulge in its rituals, and enjoy its pleasures - without the social consequences. After all, dear reader, some traditions are best revived. Yours, Ever attentive to society’s movements - Two Waterford Houses - Mount Congreve & Bishop’s Palace.

The scent is the first thing that reaches you in Recco. Long before the Ligurian seaside town appears, there is an unmistakable smell of warm dough and molten cheese - focaccia col formaggio . Each May, the people of Recco celebrate the Festa della Focaccia di Recco , an open‑air celebration of the flatbread that put the town on the gastronomic map. What exactly is celebrated? Unlike the high, oil‑dotted Genoese focaccia found throughout Liguria, focaccia di Recco  is almost wafer‑thin. Two sheets of unleavened dough, made with the local Riviera Ligure extra‑virgin olive oil, are stretched until translucent, stitched together, and sealed around a generous amount of fresh stracchino cheese. When it emerges from the 300 °C oven, the crust shatters and cheese escapes like lava. The recipe earned Protected Geographical Indication (IGP)  status from the European Union in 2015, formal recognition of a centuries‑old craft that the town guards jealously. The first modern edition of the festival was staged in 1955 , when post‑war Liguria was looking for reasons to rejoice and Recco’s bakers realised their speciality could serve as a flag of identity. Seven decades later, the party has outgrown its origins. When and where Recco lies 20 kilometres east of Genoa, located on the Golfo Paradiso section of the Italian Riviera. The festival occupies the whole town centre, particularly Piazza Nicoloso , Via Assereto, Via Roma and Via XX Settembre, and traditionally falls on the fourth Sunday of May . The 2025 edition expands to an entire weekend, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May , to cope with the 20–25 thousand food‑travellers who routinely descend on the 10‑thousand‑person community. How a day at the festival unfolds Time What happens Where 10:00 – 12:00 Distribuzione gratuita  of classic focaccia “with” and “without” onions, handed out straight from the ovens of the historic Moltedo and Tossini bakeries Multiple stands along Via Assereto, Via Roma, Piazza Nicoloso 14:30 – 16:30 The star attraction - endless trays of focaccia di Recco IGP  sliced and shared for free Piazza Nicoloso & Via XX Settembre 15:30 onward “Scianke” speed‑eating bouts  (classic vs. onion focaccia) followed by the infamous “No Limits Challenge” , ten brave couples racing through a one‑kilogram pan of cheese‑filled focaccia Central stage, Piazza Nicoloso All day Street bands, DJ sets, Harley‑Davidson meet‑ups, artisan markets, kids’ mini‑railway & face‑painting corners Throughout the historic centre The Consorzio della Focaccia di Recco col Formaggio , the municipality and regional institutions orchestrate the event precisely because a single dish now lures “taste tourists” from every corner of the world Practical notes for travellers Getting there  – Regional trains leave Genoa’s Brignole station roughly every 30 minutes and reach Recco in 25 minutes. If you drive, exit the A12 autostrada at Recco but expect traffic queues after 09:00. Come early, stay late  – The free morning distribution usually runs out before noon. Afternoons are for enjoying the golden Riviera sunset. Cash & layers  – Tasting is free, but market stalls, wine bars and gelaterie often operate cash‑only. Coastal weather turns breezy after dusk, so bring a light jacket. Beyond the focaccia  – Use the festival as a springboard to hike the ancient mule tracks to Camogli, kayak beneath San Fruttuoso’s abbey, or catch a ferry to the Portofino headland!

Looking for a restaurant that’s more than just a good meal? Here are our top picks for the coolest restaurants in Europe that are absolutely worth the trip. 1. Under – Lindesnes, Norway Norway’s Under  is unlike anything else in Europe. Located on the southern tip of Norway in Lindesnes, this structure is partially submerged in the North Sea, offering diners a view of the ocean floor while they enjoy a crafted tasting menu. The design, by renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, makes it look like a modern art installation. Inside, Michelin-starred chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard takes you on a culinary journey of the Norwegian coast, with a menu that highlights fresh, local seafood and sustainable ingredients. Expect dishes such as squat lobster with seaweed butter or locally harvested kelp ice cream. Tasting menu costs between €250–€300 per person - for more information, visit under.no. 2. El Diablo – Lanzarote, Canary Islands At El Diablo  in Lanzarote, your meal is grilled over the geothermal heat of an actual volcano. Located inside the Timanfaya National Park, this restaurant uses volcanic vents reaching temperatures of 400°C to cook meat and fish right before your eyes. You’ll dine on dishes like grilled chicken, fish skewers, and the famous Canarian wrinkled potatoes - all infused with volcanic heat! Mains range from €25–€50, and you can book your reservation here. 3. Noma – Copenhagen, Denmark Few restaurants have had the impact that Noma  has on global gastronomy. With three Michelin stars and a reputation as one of the world’s best, Noma has set the standard for New Nordic cuisine. Chef René Redzepi’s approach is hyper-local, wildly creative, and rooted in nature. Located in a modernist warehouse in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn neighbourhood, Noma’s menu changes with the seasons. You might find moss, sea buckthorn, or fermented mushrooms on your plate. The tasting menu here is approximately €600 per person, and while steep - the experience is well worth it. To book, visit noma.dk .

Settled in Western Mongolia, Mongolian eagle hunters, also known as "kusbergi" or "berkutchi," are a group of Kazakh people who have been practising hunting with horses and golden eagles for thousands of years. LIQUI MOLY Extreme ’s new guided off-road self-drive tour “ Altai Tracks to the Eagle Hunters ” offers the opportunity to experience these eagle hunters in action. This is one of the many highlights of this new 22-day Mongolia tour, as the 4x4 adventure will take travellers across the Gobi Desert, starting in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. From there, the journey will take you to vast steppes, rolling sand dunes, lakes, and towering mountain ranges. From Chinggis Khaan’s ancient capital of Kharkhorin to the towering snow-covered peaks of Sutai Mountain, the carefully curated route includes Mongolia’s most well-known landmarks as well as undiscovered sites.   With a convoy of well-equipped 4WD vehicles, travellers will navigate rugged terrain, river crossings, and rocky paths, while visiting nomadic families and experiencing the Mongolian culture, all leading up to the highlight of staying with Kazakh eagle hunters, witnessing their ancient hunting techniques firsthand.   While crossing the Gobi Desert, the explorers will get to rest up in a mixture of luxury and adventurous accommodations, from hotels at the beginning and end of the tour to camping under the stars in untouched nature and traditional stays such as a nomadic ger or a Kazakh yurt, both are portable, round dwellings, made of a wooden frame and covered with thick felt or canvas. To complete the immersion into Mongolian culture, the tour will include the best of Mongolian and Kazakh cuisine, served by a dedicated cook.   With experienced guides ensuring safety and a seamless travel experience, travellers will be able to drive through the heart of Mongolia’s wilderness and connect with the land, its people, and its traditions. Pricing   The Mongolia trip to Eagle Hunters package takes place on 12 selected dates between June and October and can be booked as either a round trip or one-way. The tour price starts at 4,800 euros (approx. £4100) per person includes the four-wheel drive vehicle, guides, cook, accommodation and support vehicles. Does not does not include a car rental deposit, flight to Mongolia, visa fees, or any travel and health insurance. You can book directly at https://themongoliatour.com/tours/altai-tracks-to-eagle-hunters/ .   Further information and route suggestions as well as the Mongolia trip to the eagle hunters can be found online at https://themongoliatour.com/ as well as on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube .

Swimming in crystal clear water with an abundance of sea life…warm and gentle currents…Who doesn’t want their scuba holiday to be just perfect? A recent study has revealed the most underappreciated scuba diving destinations this year, with the Gulf of California named the most underrated, meaning you’ll get more bang for your buck and avoid bumping fins like in the busier destinations. Swimming in crystal clear water with an abundance of sea life…warm and gentle currents…Who doesn’t want their scuba holiday to be just perfect? A recent study has revealed the most underappreciated scuba diving destinations this year, with the Gulf of California named the most underrated, meaning you’ll get more bang for your buck and avoid bumping fins like in the busier destinations. Scuba diving experts at DIVEIN.com  analysed the popularity of global diving destinations through average monthly Google searches and compared this to the cost and availability of affordable hotels, restaurants, and nearby activities.  This highlights the destinations that offer the best value for money this year, and it turns out that the best spot is  the Gulf of California,  also known as the Sea of Cortez.  Gulf of California The destination doesn’t see much Google interest online, but it has some of the best amenities and value for money. The average cost per night at the area’s 10 cheapest hotels is just €128, so a five-night stay could cost as little as €640.    In Baja California, where you can dive the Gulf of California, there are nearly 10,000 restaurants and almost 300 scuba-related activities to partake in. So, no matter where you decide to stay, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.    Dominica, Caribbean Coming in at No. 2 on the list of most underrated scuba diving destinations was  Dominica  in the Caribbean. This destination boasts stunning coral reefs and over 150 restaurants to choose from on the island.    The average price for a night in a cheap hotel was €205, so it’s pricier than the Sea of Cortez, but the spectacular dive sites and lush island setting make up for it. The most popular sites are Scott’s Head Marine Reserve to the south, and the Cabrits National Park in the north.    Raja Ampat, Indonesia Rounding out the top 3 scuba destinations is  Raja Ampat ,  Indonesia.  Scuba diving in this area of Indonesia generates a high monthly search volume (the second-highest overall), despite there being few restaurants and only a handful of hotels.    Raja Ampat’s scuba diving is best between October and April, which encompasses the area’s dry season.   Key Largo, Florida Keys Next on the list is  Key Largo in the Florida Keys.This destination ranks fourth due to relatively cheap hotel prices (an average of €325 nightly) and its high-quality restaurants, with an average rating of 4.28 across 111 eateries. Snorkeling Christ of the Abyss is probably the most famous underwater attraction in Key Largo. It is also known as Christ of the Deep, and sees many divers every year. Viti Levu, Fiji Finally, the fifth most underrated scuba diving destination is  Viti Levu in Fiji, Fiji’s largest island, home to capital Suva, offers some wonderful beaches. Palm-fringed Natadola Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in the world, is a picture perfect crescent of powdery sand leading to dramatic cliffs. When broken down, the average cost of a hotel per night is just shy of €120 and has a restaurant count of 343.   Speaking on the findings, Torben Lonne, editor-in-chief and scuba expert at  DIVEIN  said:  “It’s easy to look at a beautiful diving site and think that it will make the perfect vacation, but just because things are picturesque under the water, doesn’t mean they will be in reality. You want to look for destinations that meet your standards not only for the quality of the diving, but also your budget. And remember, you won’t be spending all day diving, so you will want to make sure there are great places to eat and drink to really make the most of your getaway. Look for somewhere with plenty of diving spots so you can explore different areas instead of being stuck with the same reef for a week.” It’s clear to see that there’s plenty of choice when it comes to high quality and fairly budget scuba holidays, from Micronesia to California!

For those dreaming of turreted castles and romantic lakeside palaces, without waiting on a travel companion, Solos Holidays has unveiled a new itinerary that turns fantasy into reality. Their seven-day “Germany Bavarian Fairytales, Castles and Mountains” tour  offers solo travellers the chance to explore the heart of southern Germany. Travellers will begin with a visit to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle , the cliffside fortress that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty palace. Just next door is its lesser-known but equally enchanting counterpart, Schloss Hohenschwangau , once the summer residence of King Ludwig II. From there, the tour ascends - literally. Guests will travel to the summit of Zugspitze , Germany’s highest peak, for panoramic views across the Alps that stretch as far as Austria and Italy on a clear day. The alpine theme continues with a visit to the elegant Linderhof Palace , Ludwig’s ornate homage to Versailles, located within a mountain valley. History and spirituality mix at Ettal Monastery , a working Benedictine abbey surrounded by forested slopes, before the group boards a boat across the waters of Lake Chiemsee . There, on Herreninsel Island , travellers will explore Herrenchiemsee Palace , Ludwig’s final, most extravagant construction - complete with Hall of Mirrors and gold-leaf flourishes. The journey concludes in Berchtesgaden , a picturesque town tucked into Germany’s southeastern corner. Here, visitors will tour the famed Eagle’s Nest , once a retreat for Hitler but now a mountaintop restaurant and memorial with panoramic views and a sobering history. At £2,999 per person , the package includes: Return flights and transfers Airport taxes and charges Six nights’ accommodation with solo occupancy Daily breakfast and two dinners A welcome drink Guided entry to all major sites, including Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Linderhof, Ettal Monastery, and Herrenchiemsee A lake cruise to Herreninsel A visit to Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest The company of a dedicated Solos Tour Leader , ensuring everyone feels part of the group from day one To book or learn more, visit www.solosholidays.com  or call 020 8951 2900 .

Combine wild swimming with a luxe hotel stay at Anantara The Marker Hotel!  Anantara has a “wild swimming” swim safari package promoting wild sea swimming as a form of exploration and relaxation, while also paying tribute to Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. The ‘Wild Swimming’  experience is led by the hotel’s Wild Swimming Guru , inviting saltwater enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy rejuvenating cool dips in the Irish Sea while exploring hidden beaches and little-known beauty spots. Plunging into the natural waters is a popular pastime in Ireland where numerous bathing spots are available for swimmers of all abilities. For holidaymakers and business travellers curious to dip their toe into this world, Anantara The Marker has curated a customisable Wild Swimming package to promote the many benefits of this refreshing and invigorating activity. The Package After choosing their preferred swimming spot, guests will set off in a private hotel car accompanied by the hotel’s Wild Swimming Guru, Jessica Lamb , to enjoy a two-hour swimming safari where they can take in views of the cliffs, kelp forests and the bay lined with bobbing fishing boats.  A marathon swimmer and Level 2 open water swimming coach, Jessica has spent the last 10 years immersed in Dublin Bay helping others experience the healing, grounding powers of the cold Irish Sea.  Back at the hotel, guests may choose to enhance their in-nature experience with a private rooftop Breakfast by Design or a muscle-soothing massage at the award-winning Anantara Spa. Depending on how comfortable they are with deep water, bathers can chose to picnic and swim either at Vico Bathing Place where they can float under the craggy rocks of Hawk Cliff as porpoises pop their heads above the swell; the iconic Forty Foot in Sandycove that featured in the opening scenes of James Joyce’s Ulysses and hosts many an icy Christmas morning swim; or White Rock – a beautiful sugary-white sandy beach offering safe bathing for families who can be seen swimming among diving terns and cormorants. “Anchored by a vision of integrated wellness, I am keen on opening new avenues for wellness tourism where hotels can achieve a balance by creating personalised experiences and adventures for our guests that have a direct, positive impact on their personal well-being,” said Bodina Quereshi, Spa and Wellness Director at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. “This Wild Swimming package is the first step towards helping guests embrace a healthy lifestyle while travelling, and I look forward to enhancing our current offering combining technology, science and holistic experiences to drive the vision and meet fast-evolving consumer expectations.” In addition to being a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of nature, swimming in natural bodies of water offers numerous mental and physical benefits, such as boosting mood, immunity and circulation, as well as connecting people with nature and each other – a refreshingly different way to start the day whether you are in town for leisure or business. The Wild Swimming package is priced at €295 per person. For more information about Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, visit  https://www.anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin . To book the Wild Swimming Package, email the team at  spa.themarker@anantara-hotels.com .