Travelore Warning: Aer Lingus To Require Passports From Passengers Between Ireland And Great Britain

British Airways will continue to accept alternative forms of ID between London and Dublin, but passengers may find they are booked on the Irish airline.

“There is no requirement for Irish and British citizens to carry passports when travelling within the Common Travel Area” – so says the Irish government.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a passport-free zone involving the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It dates from 1923, and enables citizens of those locations to travel freely between them.

But from 25 February 2026, Aer Lingus will join Ryanair in demanding that passengers between Great Britain and Ireland carry passports.

Until now Aer Lingus has allowed a wide range of identification – including a bus pass, work ID card or international student card – as long as it has a photograph.

The carrier ’s spokesperson said “All customers, including Irish or British nationals, travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card. “The other forms of photo ID previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel.

“Passengers travelling on domestic services with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, are exempt from this updated travel policy.

“Domestic services include Belfast-UK and Dublin-Donegal routes.”

British Airways, the sister airline of Aer Lingus, will continue to allow passengers to travel without passports on its links from London City and Heathrow to Dublin.

The airline says: “You do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), but you do require recognised photographic identification that proves your identity and nationality.”

One potential problem is that British Airways sells Aer Lingus flights on its website, ba.com. A passenger buying an Aer Lingus ticket from ba.com may not realise that they need a passport to travel.

Explaining the decision, the Aer Lingus spokesperson said: “This aligns with the travel document requirements across the rest of our network and will ensure consistency and further improve our operational performance for our customers.”

Ferry companies sailing across the Irish Sea between Ireland and England and Wales will continue to accept alternative forms of identification.

There are no checks between the republic and Northern Ireland.

https://www.independent.co.uk/author/simon-calder

Travelore's Guide To The Best Christmas Markets In Ireland

Belfast Continental Christmas Market

The grounds of Belfast City Hall transform into a bustling continental village this Christmas, featuring every mouthwatering European treat imaginable. Italian chocolates, hog roast and speciality cheese from around the world will satisfy any craving. Now, where’s that figgy pudding?

George's Street Arcade

George's Street Arcade, with its winding passages and carpet of glittering lights suspended overhead, will invoke the festive spirit in even the Scroogiest of hearts. Wander down the spectacular red brick promenade, calling in to the cafes for a warming cinnamon bun, browsing the cute and kitschy wares, and clutching a mug of gooey hot chocolate.

Christmas in Galway

Could Galway's city centre be any cosier? Maybe at Christmas. Warm lights, cute wood cabins and a whopper of a Christmas tree set the scene, with a music stage for carollers, children’s workshops and visit from Mr S. Claus all planned. Expect exciting foods, too, from savoury German sausages and pretzels to yummy chocolate waffles.

Ireland’s First Kosher Restaurant In Decades Attracts Local Jews And Non-Jewish Celebrities

The first kosher delicatessen to open in Ireland in over half a century is proving a surprise hit among Dubliners since it opened its doors in March — and not only among Jews.

Located in the southern part of the city, Deli 613 has been serving up a mix of local fare, such as salt beef sandwiches and chopped herring, alongside Israeli comfort food. And the cozy deli — named after the number of mitzvot, or commandments, in the Torah — has quickly cultivated a following.

In May, the Irish Times awarded Deli 613 four and a half stars out of five in a rave review that described the eatery as a “great addition” to the Dublin scene. Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s head of government, stopped by for latkes and matzah ball soup in July. Former Scottish soccer star Graeme Souness, “Star Trek” actor Colm Meaney and TV chef Donal Skehan have also dropped in.

“We have a counter full of food, shelves and a full fridge with grab-and-go items like sandwiches and salads,” said Rifky Lent, who runs the restaurant with her husband Zalman, a rabbi. The pair are Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries who live in Dublin. “We also have typical things, like hummus, tahina, chopped liver and herring, that we make in-house.”

Celebrities aside, Deli 613 has won a following among both local and visiting Jews. “We also have the local Jewish population, a lot of whom are elderly, and they were very excited to come and buy things like chopped liver,” said Lent.

Dublin, a technology hub, also plays host to a large number of Israelis who have been scouring the city for favorites from back home. “We have Israelis that are looking for things like Bamba, as well as Israeli dishes like hummus, shawarma and sabich,” an egg and eggplant sandwich, she added.

Since the space is small, patrons tend to sit and enjoy coffee and food on the tables outside.

In the future, the deli plans to offer formal table service once a week.

For now, reviewers have praised both the quality and freshness of the food on offer — which is made by a non-Jewish chef.

“We decided to hire a very good chef who was very experienced in the Irish food market who is not Jewish,” said Lent. “He was super excited about trying something new and different,” she said, adding that he was working alongside a part-time Jewish chef in the kitchen.

The Lents, who have lived in Ireland since 2000, had been planning for the opening of a new Chabad Center in southern Dublin. They had also been helping Ireland’s local community grapple with a shortage of kosher food that followed the United Kingdom’s recent withdrawal from the European Union, of which Ireland is a member. Jews in Ireland had traditionally relied on suppliers in neighboring Great Britain for kosher products, but new regulatory checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea have added costs and entailed mountains of paperwork.

These complications had made it difficult for Irish Jews to find the goods they needed. Deli 613 has managed to fill some of that niche.

“There were a few things that happened at the same time that made us think: let’s do it,” recalled Lent.

But she added that the deli itself has had to overcome some Brexit hurdles.

“It is really complicated,” said Lent. “We tried getting suppliers from England, and we did manage to order a few times from there, but it is very difficult ordering directly from Britain now. It is a nightmare with paperwork and businesses are generally not very willing to do it.”

For example, in a process that Lent called a “bit ridiculous,” the deli orders meat that originates in Britain but must first pass through somewhere farther away in the EU to get to Ireland.

Despite those difficulties, stocking the products that Irish Jews recognized — such as specific cold cuts — was important, Lent said. “The Jewish food culture here is much more aligned with British food culture, so they are much more used to what Jews in England are eating.”

Deli 613’s full shelves may also provide a long-term supermarket option for kosher-keeping Jews in Dublin. After Brexit, the market that had traditionally supplied Irish Jews announced that it would no longer stock kosher foods. While the local synagogue has opened a shop temporarily, Lent said that “It was not a long-term thing.”

“We are selling kosher meat, kosher chicken, matzah meal, the essentials of life,” she said.

Maurice Cohen, president of the Ireland Jewish Representative Council, believes that Deli 613 is the first fully kosher eatery in Ireland since the late 1960s. There is, however, a nearby bakery that sells kosher bread. Only a few thousand Jews live in Ireland, a country of about 5 million people.

“That there is kosher food available is tremendous,” Cohen said.

While only a few dozen families are thought to keep fully kosher in Dublin, many in the community have already begun to frequent Deli 613. “It has become a meeting place,” Cohen said. “People are going there at lunchtime. They sit outside and they have coffee.”

While Lent says that she was initially surprised by how much Dubliners have embraced Deli 613, Cohen says that its success reflects how much Ireland’s tastes have changed.

“Dubliners are very interested in different foods and cuisines,” said Cohen, who said that the quality and types of food on offer in Dublin have grown exponentially over recent decades.

“I’ve been involved in the food industry for a very long time,” he added. “Irish people have gone from having no palate to having a very sophisticated palate.”

Source: https://www.jta.org/author/jacob-judah

State-Of-The-Art National Surf Centre Opens In Sligo, Ireland

The opening of Ireland’s first purpose-built surfing facility has cemented County Sligo as a world-class surfing destination.

The wild Atlantic waves, golden sands and emerald backdrops of the west coast of Ireland have attracted surfers from all over the world for many years. Among the top surfing spots is Strandhill in County Sligo, which is the location for the recently opened National Surf Centre, a state-of-the-art facility overlooking the ocean.

The centre provides high quality changing, shower and locker facilities with an extensive ground floor space for surf training and demonstrations for local, national and international surfers.

Home to three surf schools, it also includes a bespoke surf and leisure retail experience and will be a standout attraction for surfers visiting the area.

The exterior of the building features stunning artwork by Donegal artist and surfer, Barry Britton, depicting figures from Irish mythology including the legendary Queen Maeve who is seen catching a wave. The building’s standing seams simulate a surfer’s wetsuit draped over the striking precast concrete wall panels. Designed by Arken Construction, the building is now in the running for a number of awards.

County Sligo and the entire Wild Atlantic Way are known for their exceptional surfing culture. In County Sligo, Easkey, Mullaghmore and Strandhill are popular surfing spots offering a range of experiences to suit every ability.

Strandhill has a fun beach break with an easy paddle-out while Mullaghmore is known as the home of big waves. Easkey is famed for its two reef breaks, which attract advanced surfers looking for an adrenaline rush.

North of Sligo in County Donegal, Bundoran has been listed by National Geographic in the top 20 surf towns in the world. It’s the home of The Peak, a reef break that breaks both right and left creating challenging swells that have attracted some of the biggest names in surfing.

And to the south in the waters off the coast of County Clare is Aileen’s Wave. A legend among the international surfing community, Aileen’s Wave is a wall of water that can reach a height of 15 metres. It rises offshore from one of Ireland’s great natural attractions, the Cliffs of Moher.

www.ireland.com

Unique Irish Wake Museum Opens In Waterford

Explore life and death, tradition and superstition at Ireland’s first wake museum in the heart of historic Waterford

The Irish Wake Museum is located in a former alms house, founded in 1478. The occupants of the alms house paid for their keep by praying three times a night for the souls of its patrons and the souls of the deceased citizens of Waterford.

The museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of the most iconic parts of Irish culture, through the eyes of an expert on a fully guided tour.

Death has always been a community event in Ireland, a time to grieve together but also a celebration of life. The Irish Wake – the send-off of departed loved ones – is one of the best-known Irish funeral traditions. It involves watching over the recently deceased from the time of death to burial, telling stories of their life, praying and toasting the person with a drink or two.

Ireland’s unique traditions marking death have their roots in ancient Samhain rituals. The Samhain festival marked the Celtic New Year and had a strong focus on the spirit world and links with the dead. It’s the origin of modern-day Halloween.

Visitors to the new museum first arrive at the area once occupied by a shop, the rent from which was used to maintain the alms house. Here, an audio-visual showcase explores how the Irish landscape was etched by death over six thousand years.

Moving into the alms house proper, visitors pass through six rooms taking them through 500 years of Irish death rituals from the fifteenth to the twentieth centuries. Each room explores a different theme and a remarkable array of objects associated with death is on display.

The exhibition ends by urging people to remember death and to rejoice in life.

The Irish Wake Museum also offers a Solace & Sustenance Experience. Following a tour of the museum, visitors can make their way to Mrs Poole’s Parlour in the nearby Reg Bar. Tucked away in this cosy parlour, with the stories of local people who lived exceptional lives adorning the walls, visitors are treated to a flight of the award-winning Waterford Whisky’s Arcadian range, or alternatively a traditional pot of Irish Breakfast Tea.

The museum is the latest in the Waterford Treasures award-winning collective of museums at Waterford’s Viking Triangle. It joins the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace, the Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum, Reginald’s Tower and the King of the Vikings experience.

For more details, please visit> www.ireland.com

The Island Of Ireland Is A Walker's’ Paradise With Hundreds Of Trails Through Stunning Inland And Coastal Landscapes. Here Are 9 Recommended Places To Explore.

One of the best places in the world for walking and hiking trips is Ireland. From greenways to cliff paths, and mountains to woodlands, there are wonderful trails on the island of Ireland to suit dedicated hikers and fair-weather walkers alike. Step out on these nine great routes. We just recommend you bring good rain gear, and if you do get wet, we highly recommend hot whisky with honey and cloves to warm you up.

1. Howth Cliff Path, Dublin

Walking this 6km looped trail is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Easily reached from Dublin city, the walk offers superb views over Dublin Bay as it wends its way along the cliff path and over heather-clad hills. You’ll see the picturesque Baily Lighthouse perched at the end of a peninsula before starting your descent into the charming village of Howth.

2. Hare’s Gap, Mourne Mountains, Down

The majestic Mournes offer many paths to its peaks but the climb to Hare’s Gap is easily done in a few hours. Considered to be the most dramatic pass in the Mournes, Hare’s Gap was created by glaciers and was once a favourite haunt of smugglers.

3. Glencar Hill Walk, Leitrim

This beautiful 7km trail rises up from the shores of Glencar Lake past the “wandering water” of the waterfall that was immortalised in the poetry of W B Yeats. At its highest point you will be treated to spectacular views over Sligo Bay, Knocknarea and beyond.

4. Carrauntoohil, Kerry

Ireland’s tallest mountain is the ultimate challenge for hikers in Ireland. Rising to over 1,000m, it has three routes to the top including the aptly named Devil’s Ladder. Not for the faint hearted, the climb is demanding and lengthy but rewards hikers with breath-taking views. For those looking for a less arduous climb, the Cronin’s Yard Loop is an 8km walk through the foothills of the mountain.

5. Gobbins Cliff Path, Antrim

Said to be Europe’s most dramatic cliff walk, The Gobbins is a unique adventure. Clinging to the side of a cliff, the walkway is made up of tubular and suspension bridges with steps down into smugglers caves and undersea tunnels. Only accessible on a three-hour guided tour, it combines an elemental experience with insights into local history and folklore.

6. Glendalough, Wicklow

The location of a sixth-century monastic site, Glendalough is one of the most beautiful places for a walk on the island. The ancient landscape is dotted with the remains of the religious buildings including an impressive round tower. The lake walk is stunning and the experience is even more magical on a night-hike.

7. Royal Canal Greenway

The full length of the greenway runs 130km from Maynooth to Longford but you can join it at 12 different access points to walk as much or little as you want. The route follows a towpath beside the canal and is mostly flat. Along the way there are plenty of heritage sights including old bridges, locks and aqueducts.

8. Sperrin Mountains, Tyrone

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty yet one of the lesser known parts of Northern Ireland, the Sperrin Mountains have walking trails to suit every ability. Ramble through Gortin Forest, loop around Vinegar Hill or enjoy a riverside walk at Dunnamore and let the peace of the mountains inspire you.

9. Lough Derg Way, counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary

If you’re looking for a multi-day hike, the Lough Derg Way is perfect. Stretching for 68km, it can be walked in three days and follows a mix of riverbank, canal bank, forest track, old roadway and minor roads. Along the way you’ll pass charming villages and heritage towns.

For more informagtion, please visit: www.ireland.com

Titanic Belfast Has Reopened With Four Exciting New Themed Galleries That Further Illuminate The Story Of The Famous Liner

Following a multi-million pound refreshment programme, the reimagined Titanic Experience introduces The Pursuit of Dreams as a new theme.

Using immersive technology combined with personal stories, it will tell the authentic Titanic story in its refreshed spaces called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.

Guests will delve deeper into a reflective journey of the hopes and dreams of those impacted by the iconic ship, giving people the chance to find out more about the lives and stories of the passengers who had dreams of starting a new life in America, as well as those who built the ship in Belfast and those who discovered her wreck.

In keeping with Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music, an original score has been commissioned which will run throughout the four new galleries. Composed by Stijn Hosman from Amsterdam, the performance features Belfast musician Maebh Martin.

The music starts within the new Never Again gallery and slowly builds up as visitors move through the experience until they reach The Ship of Dreams where the score reaches a crescendo. It encourages visitors to reimagine the story of Titanic through double bass, cello, violin, fiddle, human voices, piano and electronics.

The music syncs with the state-of-the-art projections that form the backdrop to one of the centrepieces of the new experience – a 7.6m-long scale model of RMS Titanic.

The new model will be illuminated and suspended from the ceiling. It will fully rotate, taking approximately 90 seconds to complete, providing a true wow-factor for visitors.

It is replicated on a 1:35 scale and boasts some of the main features of the ship including the lifeboats, propellers, engine, cranes, bridge, main staircase and chimneys. Fitted with 300 metres of LED lights that are programmed to highlight different areas of the ship in line with the stories being told, the model is a must-see for visitors.

The enhanced focus on personal stories encapsulated in The Pursuit of Dreams theme adds a new dimension to the ship that has captivated people from around the world for 111 years.

Visitors to Titanic Belfast should also make time to board the SS Nomadic moored nearby, which is the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. Dating from 1911, this historic ship ferried first- and second-class passengers to the Titanic. Over four decks, it tells the intriguing stories of her passengers and the ups and downs of her dramatic career, which also spanned two world wars.

To learn more, please visit: www.ireland.com

Raise A Glass Of Irish For World Whisky Day On May 21st

World Whisky Day on 21 May is a perfect time to discover the distinctive flavours of the acclaimed Irish whiskey family

With 26 working distilleries open to the public, you can journey around the island of Ireland in the company of the some of the finest whiskeys in the world. What better way to spend World Whisky Day?

From the world’s oldest licensed distillery – Old Bushmills in County Antrim – to newcomers such as Crolly in Donegal and Roe & Co. in Dublin, the range of quality whiskeys and fascinating back stories make the island the perfect place for a whiskey pilgrimage.

IrishWhiskey360° provides a map and information about the distilleries that offer tours, tastings and behind-the-scenes secrets about their golden elixirs.

To add a further fun dimension to your whiskey travels, Irishwhiskey360o has launched a passport, which can be stamped at each distillery to become a unique record of your journey.

Passports can be picked-up at participating distilleries, and there are sections for Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East and Northern Ireland.

Collect stamps at every distillery you visit and with one from each region you can apply for an IrishWhiskey360° Champion special pin.

Why not start your whiskey odyssey in Dublin, which boasts five distilleries including the home of Ireland’s best-selling whiskey, Jameson? Its visitor experience has been voted the World’s Leading Distillery Tour.

From there, whether you travel north, south or west you will never be far from a fascinating whiskey distillery experience.

In Ireland’s Ancient East, you’ll find classics such as Kilbeggan and Tullamore D.E.W. as well as contemporary tastes including Slane Distillery’s triple-casked blend.

The Hidden Heartlands are home to the unique Drumshanbo single pot still whiskey distilled at The Shed, and Lough Ree Distillery, where stories and yarns are woven into the very fabric of the spirits distilled.

The spectacular Wild Atlantic Way is dotted with distilleries. Among them is Clonakilty in County Cork, located in stunning scenery and whose whiskey claims a unique maritime flavour.

And in Northern Ireland, County Down is a hotspot for the region’s new generation of distilleries, which include Echlinville, Rademon Estate and Hinch Distillery.

The word whiskey (or whisky) comes from the Gaelic ‘uisce beatha’, meaning ‘water of life’, and it’s said that whiskey has been produced for longer in Ireland than anywhere else. The Old Bushmills distillery has spelled its spirit as whiskey with an ‘e’ for over 400 years, so the ‘e’ is part of Ireland’s whiskey history.

This World Whisky Day, discover what makes Irish whiskey celebrated around the world and raise a glass to the water of life.

www.ireland.com

The National Organisation For Bed And Breakfast Providers In Ireland Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary

B&B Ireland began life in 1972 as the Town and Country Homes Association, but in the last 50 years has evolved into a global organisation that guarantees quality accommodation with hosts that offer a friendly, welcoming and value for money holiday.

Part of the long tradition of offering a ‘Céad Mile Failte’ – a hundred thousand welcomes – B&B Ireland has helped the sector to become one of the main providers of holiday accommodation in the country.

Every year, over half a million guests stay in a Bed and Breakfast, or B&B for short, and it’s well known that the experience is one of the best and most appreciated on the island of Ireland.

From farmhouses to townhouses, and city, town, coastal and remote rural escapes, family-owned and run B&Bs can be found almost anywhere on the island, and while the variety is extensive, the friendly, personal touch is always the same.

When you book a property with B&B Ireland you are choosing homes that have been approved by Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Tourist Board, and in Northern Ireland by Tourism Northern Ireland, and that meet B&B Ireland’s quality framework, an assurance of quality and customer service.

Unforgettable holidays start in a B&B, and staying in one is like having all your home comforts, plus your own personal tour guide.

You will find everything you need to know at the B&B – the must-see local attractions and scenery, where to sip the best Guinness, where the best restaurants are and how to find that amazing walk only the locals know about. B&B hosts will also help you plan your itinerary, share local history and folklore with you and point you in the direction of good traditional music and dance sessions.

Hearty breakfasts and fresh home baking, including hot scones, jams and treats made from family recipes handed down through generations are all part of the experience, while the B&B owner’s friendliness and small acts of kindness will live long in the memory.

B&B Ireland even specialises in a range of themed holidays, which include walking, farm stays, pet-friendly, food lover and activity breaks where the host has all the knowledge and facilities to cater specifically for your chosen themed holiday.

With some of the best golf courses in the world, the island of Ireland has become a must-visit destination for golfers. Located close to all of Ireland’s premier golf courses, Golfers Welcome B&Bs are perfect for those on golfing vacations.

Archive footage from Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ, recorded in 1983, shows some examples of the unique experiences that B&Bs have been offering over the last five decades. These range from yoga retreats to angling and archaeology, while many B&B owners have also been able to help visitors to trace the genealogy of their family.

The B&B experience offers the unique opportunity to stay with a family and be immersed in their traditions and culture. It’s a chance to meet and get to know the real people of the island of Ireland, to experience a welcome like no other and to capture the true spirit of the island.

It’s little wonder so many visitors return to the same B&Bs year after year. When it feels like you’re staying with friends, why go anywhere else?

Celebrating 50 years of hosting guests with B&B Ireland is Mary Spillane of Greenacres B&B in Rathcoole, County Dublin. Mary started hosting in 1972 when two people arrived at her door looking for accommodation. “I couldn’t turn them away,” she said.

“It was hard work at times but I’ve really enjoyed it and had wonderful guests over the years. We mostly have international visitors, from America and Europe, because of our proximity to the airport.

“People love to stay in Irish B&Bs because they’re not just a number. Where else could you come in, have a chat over a cup of tea and find out everything about the local area and recommendations about where to go and what to do?”

B&B Ireland has hundreds of quality approved B&Bs located throughout the island of Ireland. These are available to book on www.bandbireland.com

Tourism Ireland Removes Almost All Covid Restrictions For Tourists

The Irish Government has announced today that almost all Covid-19 public health restrictions will come to an end. From tomorrow, restaurants and bars can resume normal trading hours; and restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, including sporting fixtures, will be lifted.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said:

“The announcement that most Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland will come to an end is excellent news for tourism and hospitality. It means that we can now move forward and begin planning holidays in Ireland with confidence for the year ahead.

We can now look to the future with optimism. Tourism Ireland’s priority for 2022 is to restart overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. We will be pulling out all the stops to set Ireland apart from our competitor destinations, to drive bookings and revenues for tourism businesses. Together with our industry partners, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022. Our message – and that of the entire Irish tourism industry – is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from around the world.”

For information on Ireland as a vacation destination please visit www.Ireland.com

Travelers Who Want To Feel Good About How They're Impacting The Planet Will Find Plenty Of Ways To Keep It Green On The Island Of Ireland In 2022

Sustainable new ways to explore the island of Ireland

Ireland is simply green by nature, and as more and more accommodations, facilities and attractions do their bit for planet Earth, all around the island new and sustainable experiences are being added to help travellers lower their impact.

Nothing is as sustainable as walking, so those who like to stretch their legs will love the new Ulster-Ireland section of the International Appalachian Trail, which continues one of the world’s largest trail networks from its origin in the USA, into Canada, Iceland, across to the island of Ireland and beyond.

The newly upgraded trail begins on the west coast of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, starting at the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League. The trail then passes through the wide-open spaces of the Sperrin Mountains, into the rugged Causeway Coast and across the magnificent Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland to finish at the port of Larne.

Spanning 279 miles, the route takes walkers through wonderfully diverse landscapes and can be walked in its entirety, completed in stages or enjoyed as part of a day walk. Historic monuments, dramatic views, areas of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all with geological links to the Appalachian Mountains, can be encountered along the way.

There are plenty of places to experience the local food and drink along the trail, and for places to rest up look no further than the stunning new treetop lodges of Burrenmore Nest in Castlerock, County Londonderry.

Each of the lodges is perched on stilts so guests can enjoy panoramic views, and they all have ensuite waterfall shower rooms, king-size beds, kitchenettes, built-in home-cinema projectors, private outdoor whirlpool baths and come complete with a complimentary breakfast basket.

The lodges are set within a forest in the historic Downhill Estate and are close to the tourist hotspots of Mussenden Temple and Benone Beach. Sink into your outdoor bath under the night sky, enjoy the peace and tranquillity, or recover from your walking, amid the birdsong of the forest.

At the other end of the country, look out for a spectacular new Wild Atlantic Way Viewing Point on a clifftop site at the unique Blasket Centre in beautiful County Kerry. The new viewing point provides stunning views of the Atlantic coast and the Blasket Islands, a group of six islands located off the coast of County Kerry.

The centre, situated at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula in the heart of a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area), honours the community that once lived on the remote islands. Well worth a visit, the centre illustrates the islanders’ ultimate commitment to a sustainable existence alongside the unique literary heritage of the Great Blasket Island.

For those who like to combine luxury with sustainability, the perfect destination is the Killeavy Castle Estate in County Armagh, recently completed and opened with strong eco-credentials built in.

Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, the hotel is renowned for its environmental consciousness and passion for sustainability.

From saving water to zero plastic, the hotel’s heartbeat is sustainable practices. Guests can even enjoy the sights and sounds of the estate’s working farm, which supplies its restaurant with everything from Cheviot lamb and Longhorn beef to fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs picked daily from a vast walled garden or foraged from the extensive onsite woodlands.

Amazing experiences to be found close to the castle or on site include estate walks, cycling, golf, distillery tours and guided walks to the top of nearby Slieve Gullion mountain, as well as electric biking on a network of trails, and forest bathing right beside the hotel.

www.ireland.com

Ireland Gets Ready For A Cracking Christmas And New Year

2021’s Christmas and New Year festivities across the island of Ireland will be a return to the sparkle and communal joy so much missed in 2020.

Ireland is gearing up for a Christmas season bursting with fairy lights, festivals and fun. With the relaxing of travel restrictions and the reopening of venues across the island, preparations are underway to celebrate the season in the highest of spirits.

In Northern Ireland, Belfast is looking forward to the return of the Christmas market, which will take over the grounds of the City Hall for four weeks from 20 November. Crammed with stalls selling continental fare from hot Glühwein and paella, to Belgian chocolates and baklava, as well as wonderful handcrafted gifts, the market is a highlight of the city’s Christmas season.

Meanwhile, at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland’s royal residence, a new after-dark illuminated Christmas trail will weave its way through the gorgeous gardens, bringing them to life in a dazzling display of colour and light.

At the other end of the island Cork is planning the return of Glow, which will light up the city with a series of fun events and activities including a fun fair, markets, themed shop window displays and live entertainment across the city.

The Viking city of Waterford stages one of Ireland’s biggest Christmas festivals and 2021 will be an excuse to pull out all the stops. Winterval Waterford will turn the historic city in Ireland’s Ancient East into a winter wonderland bursting with festive fun.

And in the west, Galway and Limerick are also getting ready to join the Christmas fun with markets, music and theatrical events infusing the cities with seasonal cheer.

Dublin is a brilliant place to visit at Christmas with its bustling, music-filled streets, marvellous markets – including one at the Guinness Storehouse – and cosy pubs.

And if you can stretch your visit over New Year you’ll be rewarded with one of the best parties around. New Year’s Festival Dublin (31 December and 1 January) will bring together some of Ireland’s best talents, offering a host of ticketed, free and family-friendly activities guaranteed to entertain and enthral.

This two-day celebration encapsulates the exciting and vibrant atmosphere to be found at New Year in Dublin.

In Belfast there will also be lots of New Year’s entertainment indoors and on the streets. See in the New Year with great food and music at the city’s historic Crumlin Road Gaol or wander through the animated Cathedral Quarter packed with bars and restaurants where revellers will be dancing in the streets as midnight chimes.

Please check for updates on Ireland’s Christmas and New Year festivities and confirm details of events before planning your trip.

www.ireland.com

Tasty Irish Experiences For Vegan And Vegetarians

Aside from a huge range of dining options, there are plenty of experiences in tune with the vegan and vegetarian lifestyles on the island of Ireland

Ireland is the land of a hundred thousand welcomes, and so when it comes to catering for lovers of plant-based eating the Céad Míle Fáilte is as strong as ever.

While great plant-based dining is widely available, also waiting to be discovered right around the country is a range of vegan and vegetarian-friendly experiences and places involving natural Irish food and beverages.

One of the best ways to experience Ireland’s natural produce is to go foraging. When you’ve sourced the vegetables, herbs and other ingredients all yourself, your food will taste and feel so much better.

Spend time foraging in woods, fields and hedgerows for wild safe food foods with the likes of Blackstairs Eco Trail in County Carlow, or Harty Culture in the Orchard County of Armagh. Wild Food Mary will also connect you to Irish places and heritage through exploration, observation and the use of wild plants in County Offaly and beyond.

Ireland’s Ancient East is rich in experiences that suit the vegan or vegetarian. If you want to learn how to grow your own vegetables to sustain your plant-based lifestyle, head to County Waterford, where the Grow HQ offers tours around its three-acre urban garden, finishing at its award-winning zero waste café which showcases sustainable Irish food.

If you are interested in seaweed products, seaweed snacks, cookery and the health benefits of seaweed in the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, check out The Sea Gardener also in County Waterford.

More natural and wholesome produce can be found at River Run, located on a family homestead in County Wicklow. This fermentary and wood-fired micro bakehouse specialises in sourdough breads, koji based ferments, seasonal vegetable ferments of all kinds, and plant-based cheeses. Fermentation and sourdough workshops are available on-site and also around Ireland.

For a vegan-friendly beverages, Ko Kombucha in County Offaly produce a range of organic fermented pick-me-ups, Highbank Orchard Ciders will take you on a journey ‘from pip to sip’ in their organic orchard in County Kilkenny, while Ballykilcavan Brewery has thirst quenching vegan beers.

Another great stop is the unique Wicklow Way Wines, where you can take part in a tour and appreciate the tastes and aromas of Ireland’s Ancient East, delicately captured in delicious, small-batch vegan-friendly wines made from Irish berries.

From the country to the city, and the hot and cold vegetarian deli at The Wellness Centre in Sligo will set you up with a selection of organic raw salads, homemade hummus, and kimchi made with the finest Irish ingredients.

And an experience of somewhere like Belfast as vegan or vegetarian means being able to grab anything from a vegan hot dog, chocolate fudge and some orange tea at the renowned St George’s Market, dipping into the vegan food scene in the likes of Pizza Punks or dining in style at Jumon, where the Asian fusion style and vegan cocktails create something of a plant food heaven.

www.ireland.com

Ireland Opening For Travel From The U.S. July 19th.

Tourism Ireland is pleased to confirm that from July 19th Ireland will be welcoming visitors from the US and for those who are fully vaccinated no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary.

The protocols for those who do not have valid proof of vaccination will mean those visitors need to:

Present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland.

Self-quarantine.

Undergo post-arrival testing - this will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.

Ireland will be applying an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism that will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest. In the event that this ‘emergency brake’ mechanism is applied to US visitors the requirements will change and more detail can be found on the Irish Government website.

Before arriving into Ireland, US visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form The form will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant air carrier and visitors may be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form. On arrival in Ireland, spot checks will be carried out on proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests as appropriate. Unfortunately, the introduction of these additional checks may cause some disruption to journeys and visitors may experience delays so visitors should give themselves extra time either side of departure and arrival.

From July 19th, children between the ages of 12 and 17, must have a negative RT-PCR test to travel into Ireland, even with fully vaccinated or recovered adults. Children under 12 do not need to take a RT-PCR test prior to travelling to Ireland. For any further changes please check the Irish Government website for the latest information.

It is important to note that only those fully vaccinated or with proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland. It is anticipated that this will apply from July 26th. Those staying in hotels can avail of the indoor hospitality options within the hotel.

Northern Ireland is operating a system of green, red and amber countries and the measures in place will depend on the countries the visitor is travelling from or passing through. The US and Canada are both currently on the amber list of countries which means that if visitors are travelling to Northern Ireland, either directly or via another country including Ireland, they must:

Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure.

Book post-arrival testing.

Complete a UK passenger locator form either on arrival, or in the 48 hours before arrival. Self-isolate for 10 days. You can find further details on the Northern Ireland Government website.

Tourism Ireland CEO, Niall Gibbons said, ”The tourism industry right across the island of Ireland is very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from the US and we will ensure they enjoy their visit. The health and safety of all our visitors continues to be the priority, and we will ensure they are protected alongside a very warm Irish welcome and a great vacation experience.

Four Major New Attractions Coming To Ireland

The exciting new best-in-class experiences are planned for counties Cavan, Donegal, Dublin and Mayo, following the most significant investment in tourist attractions ever undertaken by the Irish Government.

The €73 million investment from Fáilte Ireland and public and private partners will deliver four large-scale, diverse and engaging projects that, when complete, will bring Ireland’s vibrant culture, heritage and people to life in exciting new ways.

Catering for all tastes, the new attractions are located in a UNESCO Global Geopark in County Cavan, a high fort on a hilltop in County Donegal, the centre of Dublin and a vast estate in County Mayo.

A brand new world-class experience in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands will comprise of a flagship attraction located at the source of the River Shannon, the Shannon Pot, and the enhancement of the existing Cavan Burren Park.

The Shannon Pot Discovery Centre will reveal the waterway’s rich heritage, culture and influence on Irish life from the earliest settlers to the modern day and allow visitors to begin a journey of the mighty Shannon at its source. Cavan Burren Park, located under the shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain, is widely recognised as one of the finest prehistoric relict landscapes in Ireland. Among the enhancement plans here is the installation of an elevated forest viewing walkway.

Fort Dunree and Head in County Donegal will feature Ireland’s first funicular cable railway. The one-of-a-kind attraction will offer travellers a thrilling ascent to the high fort amid incredible 360-degree vistas of the Wild Atlantic Way. A dramatic glass walkway at the site will jut over the waters of Lough Swilly, providing spectacular views of the natural environment.

‘This Is Ireland’ in Dublin will be an immersive experience consisting of multiple shows, with its principal feature being a simulated flight experience based on similar attractions in Amsterdam and Vancouver. The ‘edutainment’ attraction will feature a breath-taking and engaging experience of Irish history, the Ireland of today, and the ultimate finale – a flight using state-of-the-art flight simulation and audio-visual technology.

The largest investment in the picture above will be at the wonderful 300-acre Westport House and Gardens Estate in County Mayo, which will be re-imagined to provide a multi-layered, multi-day experience. The new attraction will allow visitors to explore ancient Irish rituals and Ireland’s connections to the land as told through a series of accessible wild and natural spaces.

Westport House and Gardens will also be restored. Visitors will be able to enjoy the enhanced experience of the grand house with its formal gardens while learning about the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain Grace O'Malley and the Browne family who have lived there for centuries.

Fáilte Ireland intends to launch further investment schemes in the coming years as it continues to invest significantly in Irish tourism in the wake of the pandemic.

www.ireland.com

A New Tour Explores Ireland’s Ancient East In Waterford

With a brand new tour offering the ‘Freedom of Waterford’, the stunning collection of museums in Ireland’s oldest city has now reopened.

The Waterford Treasures collection of five museums tells the fascinating story of a city sitting in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Founded by the Vikings in 914, Waterford was once one of the great ports of Ireland and is famous today for the esteemed Waterford Crystal factory, the fabulous Waterford Greenway, and particularly its history and culture-laden Viking Triangle.

The Viking Triangle is crowned by Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, and the Viking feel of the city is still palpable in some of its medieval streets, which encompass practically every period of architecture to have come to Waterford since the arrival of the Vikings.

Norse invaders had a significant impact not just on Waterford, but the whole of Ireland, and the country’s rich Viking history is even being introduced to a whole new audience through a newly released video game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla / Wrath of the Druids Ireland extension.

Opportunities to learn about Waterford’s Vikings foundations, to be inspired by medieval wonders and to experience elegant Georgian architecture are all part of the highlights of the Freedom of Waterford guided walking tour.

In the company of one of the expert guides at Waterford Treasures you will unpack the 1,000-year history of Waterford all within 1,000 paces in the city centre.

Following the walking tour, your ticket lets you go on to take a deep dive into your favourite era of Ireland’s heritage, with complete access to the Viking Triangle’s Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace Museum, as well as the brand new Irish Museum of Time and the Irish Silver Museum.

Step back into thirteen and fifteenth-century Waterford at the Medieval Museum where you can explore the atmospheric underground Choristers’ Hall and the fifteenth-century Mayors Wine Vault. An exhibition here highlights the medieval Cloth-of-Gold Vestments and the 1373 Great Charter Roll of Waterford – viewed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Ireland.

The Bishop’s Palace Museum is an authentic eighteenth-century grand Georgian residence built in 1743, which is also home to the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world. A spectacular 4D ‘Masterpieces in Glass’, taking in the story of glassmaking, is included in the Freedom of Waterford ticket.

The Irish Silver Museum offers a journey through history using beautiful, intimate and personal objects as a guide to the fascinating story of Ireland and its ostentatious past, while the Irish Museum of Time, located in a gothic-style church, houses what is beyond doubt the finest collection of Irish timepieces in the world.

The Waterford Treasures museum collection is back as part of Ireland’s gradual re-opening. Following the lifting of restrictions, most galleries, museums, heritage sites and other cultural attractions opened their doors again on 10 May.

www.ireland.com

Eight ‘Ultimate’ Experiences Await You In Ireland

Eight fabulous places on the island of Ireland feature in the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List. Add them to your must-see list. Lonely Planet’s 500 “most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world”, now includes eight places on the island of Ireland, from breath-taking landscapes to world-class attractions. 1. The Wild Atlantic Way

The 2,500-km touring route wends its way along Ireland’s gorgeous western coastline. Overlooking golden beaches where Atlantic waves crash onto shore, teetering on the edge of majestic cliffs, skirting ancient monuments or passing through picturesque towns, it takes you on and off the beaten track to experience the essence of Ireland. 2. The Giant’s Causeway

The 40,000 hexagonal columns that make up Northern Ireland’s top attraction are the stuff of ancient earth history and legend. Formed from slow cooling volcanic rock (or the handiwork of giants) the mesmerising landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into its stories in the visitor centre and frame the perfect photo as the sun sets over the stones. 3. Trinity College Dublin

The sixteenth-century university in the heart of Dublin City boasts wonderful Georgian architecture including The Long Room of the Old Library, considered to be one of the most impressive libraries in the world. It is also home to the magnificent ninth-century Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most important cultural treasures. 4. Brú na Bóinne

Ceremonial monuments older than the pyramids dot the ancient and sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne. The passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, built some five millennia ago, are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world. At the winter solstice the Newgrange passage is famously illuminated by the rising sun. 5. Ring of Kerry

The subject of a million Instagram photos, the Ring of Kerry is a stunning 111-mile route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Atlantic coast, glacial valleys, lakes, mountains, beaches and craggy hillsides create an ever-changing landscape that is coloured by the vagaries of the Irish weather, while historic sites reflect the rich heritage of the region. 6. Sliabh Liag

The soaring 600m-high sea cliffs of County Donegal’s Sliabh Liag are the highest in Europe. You can get dramatic views of the cliffs from Bunglas Viewpoint but the real experience is hiking to the top to drink in spectacular Atlantic views and experience the peace of a place where time stands still. 7. Titanic Belfast

Crowned the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with full-scale reconstructions, dark rides and innovative features that tell the fascinating story of the tragic liner from her building to her sinking in icy waters. Lonely Planet described it as “a multisensory experience that feels almost like sneaking aboard”. 8. Connemara

The Connemara Peninsula is a place of rugged, unspoilt beauty where jagged coastline meets rusty bogland and sharp peaked mountains rise into brooding skies. But it is also a place of rich language, traditional song and dance, best experienced in the joyful village pub culture of the region. Crowned the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with full-scale reconstructions, dark rides and innovative features that tell the fascinating story of the tragic liner from her building to her sinking in icy waters. Lonely Planet described it as “a multisensory experience that feels almost like sneaking aboard”. For more details please visit: www.Ireland.com

Ireland - Home Of Halloween, Where It Began.

Did you know Halloween began in Ireland? Halloween – a time for thrills, chills and wonderful traditions. But did you know that everyone's favorite spooky holiday began in Ireland? Trace Halloween right back to its origins and you'll find yourself in the mists of pagan Ireland over 3,000 years ago – a time when the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East to mark the beginning of wint

At this moment of transition the Celts believed there was an interaction between the worlds of the living and the dead and that spirits could move between them. Fearing that all manner of beings might pull them into the otherworld before their time, the Celts would disguise themselves in costumes to confuse and scare off the roaming ghosts, fairies, hobgoblins and demons.  The modern practice of dressing up at Halloween is firmly rooted in these old pre-Christian Celtic customs, as is the tradition of lighting bonfires, which began on hilltops in Ireland with clans and communities gathering to light huge ceremonial Samhain fires.  Halloween in Ireland is all about traditions. Whether that is in the food we eat or the games we play. Typical harvest fare such as barmbrack and colcannon are staples at this time of year as we celebrate with our families and gather together to bob for apples.

So when you light up your Jack-o-lanterns (which also originated in Ireland as turnips) and head out 'trick or treating,' (yes, you guessed it, started in Ireland when children and the poor would go door to door to offer prayers for the dead in return for food) you will know now that Halloween is part of our DNA and hopefully you will be able to join us to celebrate in Ireland in the not too distant future. In an ordinary year Ireland is very much the place to be at Halloween with stunning festivals and events happening up and down the island.  Unfortunately this year some events have had to be postponed and some will be broadcast online but typically it is the fascinating Puca Festival in County Meath, the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin and the wonderful celebrations in the city of Derry, that take center stage. We look forward to welcoming you to these festivals when the time is right. For more information on Ireland as a vacation destination check out www.ireland.com

Going To Ireland In 2020? Here's What You Need To Know Before You Go

Ireland is more than an "Emerald Isle." It's an isle filled with cultural and historic wonders … and lately with lots of tourists, too. And at many of its top sights, reservations are now either required or highly recommended. 

In Dublin, it's more important than ever to buy advance tickets for the most popular sights. These include Kilmainham Gaol, a museum housed in a former prison for political prisoners (visits are by guided tour only), and the Guinness Storehouse, birthplace of Ireland's famous stout beer. If you don't book in advance, you'll waste time waiting in long ticket lines and may not even get in.

It's also smart to buy timed-entry tickets in advance for the Book of Kells, the 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript of the four gospels, displayed at the Trinity College library. Without a reservation, visitors can try the side entry (through the Arts Building on Nassau Street), where it's often easy to book tickets – even same day, if available – from ticket machines in the lobby hallway.

One of Dublin's newest museums, 14 Henrietta Street, is also one of the city's best sightseeing stops. The former townhouse offers a fascinating look at the hardships of Dublin tenement life. Once an affluent Georgian mansion, it was subdivided and converted in the 19th century into a cramped multifamily space housing more than 100 people. On a 75-minute tour, guides share stories of former residents and describe the 150-year decline of this aristocratic townhouse into a tenement.

A new, modern visitors center has opened at Brú na Bóinne, the site of two 5,000-year-old passage tombs 45 minutes north of Dublin. Exhibits detail the latest discoveries at the site, while high-tech interactive displays transport visitors to prehistoric times. From the center, shuttles make it easy to reach the tombs – Newgrange and Knowth – which can be accessed only via guided tour. Tours are expected to fill up well in advance, but as of this March you can reserve a spot online ahead of time.

Popular stops around Ireland are coming up with creative ways to grapple with crowds. The Cliffs of Moher – the majestic sheer cliffs on Ireland's west coast – now cleverly offer half-price tickets (€4) online for visits before 11 am and after 4 pm. Smart travelers are wise to visit at these times not just because it's a little cheaper, but because lighter crowds make for a more tranquil experience at the cliffs. Tickets include parking and admission to the visitors center and its exhibit, which focuses on the cliffs' natural and geological history. 

South of Dublin, in County Wicklow, Avondale House – the former residence of Irish political leader Charles Parnell – has closed for a long-term renovation. A reopening date has not yet been announced. In the southern port town of Kinsale, Desmond Castle is also closed to visitors for an indefinite period of time. 

Residents of Northern Ireland are wrestling with the effects of an impending Brexit. But tourists aren't likely to experience any significant impacts: In 2020, I expect a visit to Northern Ireland to be just as easy as ever, and probably even more interesting.

Traveling to the UK post-Brexit?   Here's what you need to know before you go

Planning is needed to visit a few popular sights near the town of Portrush, on the northern coast. To walk across Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, dramatically suspended above the Antrim Coast, it's smart to buy timed-entry tickets ahead of your visit (now available online). To tour the Old Bushmills whiskey distillery, travelers should show up early, as groups are limited to 18 people and spots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

In Northern Ireland's capital of Belfast, the "Glider" buses, the city's new form of hybrid-powered rapid transit, have proved popular after a little more than a year of being fully up and running. These 105-person buses, connecting east and west Belfast on one line and the city center and Titanic Quarter on another, are particularly handy for travelers who want to get from the City Hall area out to the Titanic sights, including the excellent Titanic Belfast museum.

Although the series has ended, Game of Thrones lives on in Northern Ireland, where much of the show was filmed. In the town of Banbridge, 30 minutes from Belfast, a "Game of Thrones" studio tour – featuring actual sets, costumes, and props from the show – is slated to open later this year at Linen Mill Studios, one of the show's main production sites. Belfast itself celebrates its connection to the show with six free-standing stained-glass windows sprinkled around town. Each window represents a main house or family in the show (one for each episode of the final season).

Ireland is famously welcoming. But for the well-prepared traveler (who visits equipped with good information and the necessary reservations), that welcome will feel even warmer. May your guidebook be well used and the wind always at your back.

Source: Rick Steves

Special to USA TODAY 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2020/02/19/ireland-2020-guide-what-you-need-know-before-you-go/4793752002/

Conde Nast Traveller Chooses 14 Of The Best Travel Destinations For 2020. Our Home City Philadelphia Stands Out As The Only North American Destination On The List.

ARMENIA’S CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS

Whether they’re having a noteworthy luxury hotel boom or celebrating a historical anniversary year or capitalising on their natural bounty, these are the 14 cities and countries to put in your crosshairs right now

Armenia
The Caucasus has been on the up for the past couple of years, with visitor numbers to Georgia booming. Yet neighbouring Armenia has been somewhat overlooked – until now. This charming country has much to offer. Its food scene – a heaving panoply of honey-drenched baklava, pillowy manti dumplings and wheelbarrow loads of lavash bread – is up there with Tbilisi’s, and pretty Yerevan is bursting with bookshop cafés (such as the unpretentious ArtBridge Bookstore Café) and traditional restaurants that look like Old Master paintings (Dolmama on Pushkin Street serves Armenian lamb shank and baby red spotted trout, as well as the hearty dolmas it’s named after). The country was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, and its mountain crags are home to some of the world’s earliest churches. But there’s more to Armenia than its ecclesiastical flourishes. The recently waymarked Transcaucasian Trail offers lung-pinching hiking (including a part ascension of the towering Mount Ararat) and work will continue throughout 2020 to complete the network of world-class trails running through Dilijan National Park, the Gegham Mountains and Vayots Dzor. If you want to lead the way, join a guided supporters’ trek in 2020 to test the trails. In the meantime, adrenalin fiends can make do with mountain biking and zip lining between the snow-capped mountains. Armenia’s grape industry is becoming increasingly well-oiled, too – unsurprising, given that what are believed to be the world’s oldest-known traces of grapemaking have been found at the 6,000-year-old Areni-1 archaeological site in the south. Areni – with its modern, award-winning vineyards – is emerging as one of the most exciting new grape regions in the world (Armenian whites typically offer notes of tropical and stone fruit, while the Vayots Dzor Areni Noir has a spicy bouquet with cherry notes). The Van Ardi grapery is currently building places to stay here overlooking the vines, scheduled for completion in 2020. In lush Vayots Dzor, the country’s first grape route has been established, and will soon compete with South Africa and New Zealand for the coins of adventurous oenophiles after more unusual tasting experiences. – Lizzie Pook

SIX SENSES BHUTAN IN THIMPHU

Bhutan
At a time in human history when things can seem bleak – devastating bushfires from Australia to Brazil, melting icecaps, a refugee crisis, geopolitical conflicts, a global economic slump – the need for an escape to a gentler, kinder world is more pressing than ever. Bhutan, with happiness as a key measure of its success – where other countries focus on GDP, they prioritise GNH (gross national happiness) – is that idyllic retreat. A haven of peace, mindfulness, wellness, spirituality, natural beauty and sustainability (it’s 100 per cent carbon neutral) the country serves as an example of how leaders can make the important things count. That’s not to say the material side of things are entirely missing. Eco-luxe and wellness big-hitter Six Senses opened four of five lodges across the country last year, with its fifth scheduled in the first half of 2020. Luxury is not lacking yet mindfulness permeates throughout the experience. The same can be said of the recently opened Spirit Sanctuary in Paro, an all-inclusive boutique property with tailor-made wellness at its heart. Also in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan just reopened after a long restoration following a 2011 earthquake – a must-do to get a sense of the history and treasures of Bhutan. Hiking scenic trails, visiting monasteries and meditating amid nature are de rigueur when visiting, but perhaps what is less known is that Bhutan’s F&B scene has stepped up, too – it even has its own Japanese ramen shop. Craft breweries have been popping up over the past few years, and last year a Californian entrepreneur began planting a vineyard in the hopes of soon bottling some Bhutanese grape – the Bhutan Wine Company is even hosting two small luxury tour groups this year, in spring for planting and in autumn for the first harvest. – Rhea Saran

Egypt
If you visited Egypt after 2011 you’ll know its tourism industry was badly hit by the fallout of the removal of two presidents. In 2016, the homeland of some of the world’s finest ancient treasures had fewer visitors than the Met Museum in New York or the British Museum. All that is quickly changing – Egypt is hot, hot, hot for 2020 with plenty that’s old to rediscover and an abundance of new to amaze and delight. The most obvious attraction will be the opening of the long-overdue Grand Egyptian Museum, anticipated toward the end of the year. The AED 3.7 billion glass-and-stone building on the edge of the pyramid plateau in Giza will be the world’s largest archaeological museum and its vast multi-level, multi-media space will showcase the best of Egypt’s antiquities including, for the first time, all of Tutankhamun’s 5,000-plus treasures. Among the other monuments that have been opened or re-opened, the spectacular Tomb of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings and the interior of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the oldest of Egypt’s many pyramids, stand out. But there is more to Egypt than monuments and Nile cruises. Cairo’s art scene is buzzing, with new galleries and cultural centres. New top-end hotels are underway throughout the country including the June 2020 opening of the much-anticipated St. Regis Cairo; Sharm el Sheikh, on the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, is once again welcoming international flights; and there are new walking trails with local guides in Sinai and the Eastern Desert. All in all, the country’s poised for a comeback. – Anthony Sattin

Galway, Ireland
This year, Ireland’s effervescent west-coast city throws its arms open wide to the world as the 2020 European Capital of Culture. The bohemian city spent 2019 testing new community heritage and arts projects, such as pop-up culture cafés and funambulism (tightrope-walking) workshops. But the best is yet to come this year, with some terrific events being rolled out across Galway’s pubs, hubs and beaches, including new artworks by David Best (of Burning Man fame) and a series of intimate readings of Homer’s Odyssey (using Emily Wilson’s English translation, the first by a woman) on Galway’s blustery beaches. Margaret Atwood will also take part in the city’s International Women’s Day celebrations in March. Galway’s designation as a 2018 European Region of Gastronomy has already cemented it as a fizzing foodie hub. The brilliantly beardy JP McMahon is its most high-profile chef, earning the city its first Michelin star in 2012. The ambitiously modern Loam has joined McMahon’s 24-cover Aniar as one of only two Michelin-starred joints in the city, but it’s what’s happening away from the notebooks of the Michelin inspectors that’s most exciting. Galway is home to the world’s longest-running oyster festival (66 years of shucking so far), which also sees the World Oyster Opening Championships whip up competitive fervour among shellfish enthusiasts. You’ll find local Dooncastle and Flaggy Shore oysters (as well as natural grape and exquisite seaweed shortbread) served up at McMahon’s latest terroir-based opening, Tartare. And in nearby Burren, 40 minutes from the city, a raft of local producers are bolstering Galway’s gourmet credentials with a focus on fish-smoking, cheese-making and small-batch brewing. Unsurprisingly, the city – which is also a mid-point stop along the 2,550km Wild Atlantic Way driving route – will welcome a clutch of new hotel openings in 2020. The most promising of which looks to be the Dean Galway, a sister hotel to the moody, Brooklyn-feel Dean Dublin, on the spot of an old dry cleaners in Bohermore. – LP

MAKING MATCHA TEA AT AMAN KYOTO

Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is an effortless blend of past and present. Its futuristic railway station purrs like a well-oiled engine, while beyond the modern shopping complexes and glassy hotels you’ll find tranquil karesansui rock gardens and centuries-old Shinto shrines. The city received a new influx of visitors, many first-timers, at the tail end of 2019, as Japan hosted the Rugby World Cup (the first time the tournament had ever been held in Asia) as inquisitive fans explored beyond the designated stadium cities. Of course Japan will also be hosting “the big one” – the 2020 Olympic Games, and hoteliers in Kyoto are ramping up their rooms to account for the crowds. Hotel Fauchon, the second hotel from the Parisian delicatessen brand, will open next year in the central Shimogyo-ku district packed with busy izakaya pubs and the feudal-era Shosei-en Garden. The cool Ace Hotel has also singled out Kyoto for its next Asian outpost, set to launch in spring 2020. The building has been designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who also drew up the architectural plans for Tokyo’s New National Stadium, which will be used in the 2020 Games. Adding to the roster of slick new offerings are the Park Hyatt Kyoto in the Higashiyama hills, which opened at the end of October 2019 with 70 rooms and encompasses a restored Edo-era teahouse and Japanese garden; and Aman Kyoto, launched in November as the group’s third Japanese offering, comes with ryokan-inspired accommodation, onsen bathing and Kyoto-style cooking using local produce. – LP

THE BEACH AT SVETI STEFAN

Montenegro
The past few years have seen a growing interest in the southern Slavic countries – Game Of Thrones sky-rocketed Croatia’s popularity, but even Slovenia, Serbia and Bosnia have begun to see their share of intrepid travellers searching for somewhere that’s still under the radar. Increasingly on the radar is Montenegro, with its sparkling-blue Adriatic coastline and luxury investments. Since tony yacht marina Porto Montenegro was finished in 2009, luxury development has been on the up in this small yet dramatically beautiful country, named historically by the Venetians for the black mountains framing the backdrop to its sun-kissed beaches. The dreamy Aman Sveti Stefan opened about a decade ago, across 80 acres encompassing the private islet of Sveti Stefan and the Villa Milocer on the mainland. But it’s the recent slew of new properties that really have our attention trained firmly on Montenegro. On Trašte Bay along the Luštica peninsula, in 2018 The Chedi Luštica Bay introduced 111 rooms and suites with access to a private beach, and last summer Ānanti Montenegro brought eight private villas and 14 sea-facing suites to a resort that includes residential units in the untouched inlet of Rezevici. Even more exciting is what’s up next: One&Only Portonovi lands in spring 2020 along Boka Bay with Venetian-inspired architecture and an Espace Chenot wellness centre, while Nikki Beach Resort & Spa has plans to open in the bay of Budva with a jetty of its own, three beaches and a beach club. – RS

STARS AT NIGHT IN NAMIBIA

Namibia
We dream of space flight. It’s the final frontier. When you’ve adventured around the globe, where else? Yet while we wait with collective bated breath for Branson and Musk to get their civilian programmes off the ground, the fact is it’s a miniscule number of people who will get to call themselves space travellers – at least for a long time. But there are other ways to explore space, right here on Earth. Some years ago, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) began awarding the (very few) places left on the planet with minimal light pollution as Dark Sky Sanctuaries. In 2012, NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia earned this honour – the first in Africa; indeed the !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park on the border of South Africa and Botswana, awarded in 2019, is only the second on the continent. And with the growing trend of travellers seeking out elusive dark-sky tourism, NamibRand is on its way to getting a whole lot more attention. Unlike the Kalahari Heritage Park – which is home to one 12-key lodge, with impressive roots in the local community – Namibia already has a handful of luxury spaces to set one’s head down in. Wolwedans Dunes Lodge sits atop a plateau with 360-degree views, and canvas tents can be opened up to reveal starry night skies. AndBeyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is the area’s pinnacle of luxury with a walk-in grape cellar and an observatory with an expert astronomer and a powerful telescope to take in that inky, star-studded canopy. And opening in March 2020 is Kwessi Dunes, which will have 12 canvas-and-thatch chalets, each with an attached “star-gazer” room from which to enjoy the Dark Sky Reserve. Who needs rockets? – RS

THE BOURSE DE COMMERCE IN PARIS

Paris, France
Bien sûr, Paris never really went away, but a volley of slick new openings looks set to draw a fresh crowd to the City of Light. A collective breath is still being held for the opening of J K Place Rive Gauche, which was scheduled to swing open its doors in summer 2019 but is still delayed. Meanwhile, eyes are firmly focussed on this year’s other openings. First up: Bulgari Hotel Paris, designed by Parisian architects Valode & Pistre (also charged with overhauling the design of the Gare du Nord) will grace the gleaming paving stones of the Triangle d’Or. The seventh Bulgari outpost will have a spa and pool, a restaurant with a contemporary Italian menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito and a leafy courtyard garden. The first half of 2020 will also see the new Cheval Blanc Paris throw open its doors on the banks of the Seine. The hotel will be housed in the old Art Deco La Samaritaine building, once a grand department store selling designer goods to chic shoppers. A garden terrace above the building’s famous glass rooftop and a restaurant overseen by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele will undoubtedly draw in a cool crowd. On top of that, 2020 will see France’s first Kimpton hotel open in the Opéra district; outré designer Philippe Starck will oversee a new MGallery by Sofitel; and there’s a new Soho House offering in the works, too. Meanwhile, billionaire art collector François Pinault has been ploughing his cash into the development of an ambitious new art space housed in the historic Bourse de Commerce (the former stock exchange) near the Louvre. The new modern art museum has been designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, while the sweeping circular panoramic painting lining the building’s giant dome, depicting global trade in the late 19th century, has been fastidiously restored as part of the project. – LP

CUISINE AT ZAHAV IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, USA
Sandwiched between NYC and DC, Philadelphia is like the East Coast’s overlooked middle child. But those that have passed it by are missing out: the endless array of food at Reading Terminal Market, swanky Rittenhouse Square’s shops and park, mural-covered walls (some 3,600 include the only in-situ Keith Haring in America) and an overall insouciant attitude of being itself that has, over the past couple decades, seen it gradually evolve into a place that’s now nabbing more attention. More than the sum of its cheesesteaks, Philly’s restaurant scene turned toward sophistication when restaurateur Stephen Starr launched his first hit, Continental, in 1995. The city has since produced an embarrassment of dining riches, including Zahav, 2019’s best restaurant in the US per James Beard and the best pizza in the country, according to Bon Appétit, at Pizzeria Beddia in Fishtown – a neighbourhood worth lingering in after your slice. An erstwhile home to fishermen, the current crowd is more hip, populating an influx of yoga studios, coffee bars and the newly opened Lokal boutique hotel. Elsewhere, Center City has its own new hotel to brag about – a Four Seasons opened in the lofty heights of the Comcast Center last summer with views not for the acrophobic. Following that was the rebirth of the city’s dreary Gallery Mall as the bright and airy Fashion District with shops, a bowling alley and a candy museum that hopes to reinvigorate the Market East area. Right now, Philadelphia is the jawn (Philly for, well, anything). – Laurel Munshower

Plymouth, England
The waterfront city of Plymouth is starting to shrug off its (unwarranted) rough-around-the-edges rep. The arrival of restaurants from high-profile chefs such as Mitch Tonks and Marco Pierre White, as well a multimillion-dirham waterfront regeneration project, mean this once-tired seaside city is beginning to look ship-shape again. In the old port you’ll find pretty Elizabethan gardens, contemporary art galleries and waterfront cafés spilling out across the cobbles (Plymouth has the largest concentration of cobbled streets in Britain). There’s history in these harbours, and 2020 marks a landmark year for the city which, for centuries has had its fortunes shaped by the sea. On September 6, 1620 the square-rigged Mayflower set sail from Plymouth on its voyage to the New World (or as we now know it, the United States of America) in search of a life of religious freedom. More than 30 million US citizens – including several US presidents, reams of writers and poets and celebrities including Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe – can trace their roots back to one of the 102 passengers and 30 crew who made the epic journey. Plymouth is marking the 400-year anniversary with a programme of more than 100 events, including a festival of light-based art installations scattered across the city, and This Land, a theatre production performed by locals and members of the Native American Wampanoag tribe. Another big happening for 2020 will be the opening of The Box, a cultural attraction on a grand scale developed on the site of the former Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. The new building will house the city’s most important heritage collections on one site, including archive TV and film footage, vintage photography and art both historical and contemporary. Plymouth’s ancient quays are getting their buzz back. – LP

Qingdao, China
Qingdao on China’s Yellow Sea coast is a place of exhilarating contrasts, where historic German buildings (remnants of its occupation in the late 19th century) rub up against dazzlingly modern sculptural art. Fresh sea air keeps coastal Qingdao cool while inland cities swelter during the hot summer months. Thankfully, the ubiquitous hometown hops Tsingtao is also on tap to keep parched throats at bay. The mish-mash of architecture – from its concession-era old town mansions to its resplendent red-roofed hillside villas – sets it apart from some of China’s comparatively soulless, glass-and-blue-tiled industrial hubs. The green city also frequently tops lists for liveability, with its leafy parks, well-trodden boardwalks and alluring hiking trails in the Laoshan Scenic Area to the east of the city, which wind through mist-cloaked granite peaks and bubbling spring water pools (Taoist priests once declared this place the home of immortal beings and sacred waters). But Qingdao is about to get even more green with the arrival of the new China Eden Project in 2020, the first of its kind outside the UK. The project – designed in collaboration with London-based Grimshaw Architects, also behind the Eden Project in Cornwall – is being constructed on a large sweep of reclaimed and environmentally damaged land at the confluence of two rivers, which was originally used for salt production and prawn farming. The eco-attraction is set to be themed around water (apt as the city itself is surrounded by sea on three sides), and will have the world’s highest indoor waterfall at its centre, plunging from 51m up, the same height as Niagara Falls. – LP

Rwanda
Just over 25 years ago Rwanda experienced one of its darkest periods in history, the 1994 genocide. It’s important to acknowledge that fact – not only because it’s politically correct to, but also because it highlights just how extraordinary Rwanda’s transformation has been in a mere quarter century. Today, the mountainous country is the poster-child for economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa, is largely safe and clean, and has positioned itself as a low-footprint luxury travel destination. Clearly that positioning is working: over the past year and a half, One&Only opened two high-end wilderness properties – Nyungwe House and Gorilla’s Nest – and Singita landed with the eco-luxe Kwitonga Lodge (inaugurated by the country’s president, Paul Kagame, showing just how important tourism is to Rwanda’s plans). Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Ellen DeGeneres vociferously – and financially – joined the mountain gorilla conservation effort in the country last year. The endangered gorillas are certainly the strongest draw for bucket-list-chasing travellers with cash to spare (the entry permit to the national park comes in at a hefty AED 5,500 per person – 10 per cent of which is reinvested into local communities and villages – and only 80 permits a day are given to protect the animals’ well-being) yet there’s plenty more to stay for. Wildlife enthusiasts can further sate their nature thirst with treks to see golden monkeys (also in Volcanoes National Park) or chimpanzees (in Nyungwe Forest), or even the Big Five – in recent years black rhinos and lions have been reintroduced. Between wilderness visits, Kigali has grown into a capital city with much to offer, starting with the heartstring-tugging Genocide Memorial as well as the Rwanda Art Museum and the Inema Arts Center for contemporary art. Consciously sourced Rwandan coffee is on tap at Question Coffee and Baso Pâtissier, the brainchild of part-Rwandan Bruno Basomingera, serves freshly made breads, pastries and breakfast.
All signs that Rwanda is headed toward a brighter future. – RS

SIDI BOU SAÏD IN TUNIS

Tunisia
A decade after the revolution that nullified Tunisia’s tourism appeal, a promising stability in recent years has led countries like France, Germany and the UK to lift their travel advisories. The Tunis-Carthage International Airport launched the country’s first Duty Free and the first eight months of 2019 saw over six million tourists welcomed – a 46 per cent increase on the previous year. It’s a heartening sign and all the more reason to visit this year, doing your bit to help boost the tourism economy while getting in before the sights are inundated. With the tourists come new hotels, starting with the launch of the beachfront Four Seasons Hotel Tunis in the chic Gammarth suburb, near the Santorini-without-the-crowds-feeling Sidi Bou Saïd neighbourhood and the ancient site of Carthage. From this distinctly Mediterranean start you need fly only about an hour inland to the gateway of the Sahara to be immersed in Berber heritage. Here, oasis town Tozeur sits on the fringes of the Chott el Djerid salt flat, with vast swathes of date palms and a quiet old medina whose façades are decorated with eye-catching geometric brickwork that’s unique to the region. Its natural beauty and potential to attract affluent adventure travellers – hot-air ballooning, desert safaris and horse-riding – caught the attention of Anantara, which opened a resort in December last year, soon to be followed by The Residence by Cenizaro in nearby Douz later this year. The brand has plans for two more properties in the next three years – clearly, Tunisia is ready for a revival. – LM

Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan has a varied, rich and stellar culinary tradition. People in Taiwan have long known that, but perhaps the good word hadn’t spread quite so far and clear as it did in 2018 when the Michelin Guide arrived and bestowed its coveted stars for the first time on about two dozen restaurants in capital city Taipei (plus Bib Gourmand mentions for several street-food gems). The culinary landscape here is shaped by myriad influences including that of indigenous tribes, mainland Chinese ethnicities and 50 years of Japanese occupation, and the list reflects this diversity: restaurants like Mountain and Sea House Restaurant celebrate traditional Taiwanese fare, modern temples to cuisine like MUME use local ingredients interpreted through a Western lens, Sushi Nomura showcases star-level counter-side omakase sushi and sashimi menus, and the only three-star spot on the list is Cantonese. But it’s not all fine-dining – in fact, the heart of Taiwanese food traditions are found at the many night markets and street-side noodle shops. This is where you’ll find the best oyster omelettes and fried chicken cutlets, slurp-worthy bowls of beef noodles and sweet-salty pork rice – washed down with milky bubble tea. And lest we forget, one of the greatest international dumpling success stories is Taiwanese: Din Tai Fung originated here before spreading across the world as far and wide as Dubai and New York. There’s more to Taipei than its culinary cred, of course – the temples, the national parks, the art museums, the boutique shopping – but the fact that it’s now gained international recognition for being among Asia’s most delicious cities makes the time to go nigh – before getting reservations becomes a matter of booking many months in advance. – RS

Entries by Lizze Pook originally ran at cntraveller.com

Source: https://www.cntravellerme.com/22288-14-of-the-best-travel-destinations-for-2020