Jackie De Burca Today’s guest is Byddi Lee, an Armagh-based author who’s lived in Canada, South Africa, Paris and California, before settling back in her hometown of Armagh in Northern Ireland. Her first novel March to November was written while she was living in California and actually helped her ease her homesickness. Byddi’s Rejuvenation Trilogy...
Jackie De Burca Today’s guest is Sean Mackel, who writes fiction and poetry as well as being a visual communicator. He won the Kanturk Flash Fiction Prize in 2019 for his story, The Silent Mouth. Sean has been lecturing and working in graphic design for decades in Australia, Germany and Ireland. Sean, you’re very welcome...
Jackie De Burca A very warm welcome to Susanne Stich who’s a wonderful writer, and all-round creative who hails originally from Bavaria in Germany. But she’s actually been living in the North of Ireland between Derry and Donegal. Welcome, Susanne. Susanne Stich Hello, Jackie, I’m so delighted to be here. Thank you for having me....
© Chensiyuan CCASA4 Aerial View of Sarlat A film set with probably the best market in France This magnificently restored Gothic and Renaissance town is situated deep in the heart of the Périgord Noir in a basin surrounded by wooded hills. Sarlat, officially Sarlat-la-Canéda, has been the location for two Hollywood films, The Duelists and...
Nîmes is one of the great cities of Southern France and should be on everyone’s itinerary for its spectacular Roman monuments, gardens, fountains, boulevards, shops, outdoor cafés, restaurants and bullfights. Although not technically part of modern Provence (PACA), the eastern half of the Gard département, of which Nîmes is the capital city or Prefecture, is...
A Travel Guide to fascinating Marseille Marseille is the oldest city in France. It dates back 2600 years when it was founded by the Phocaeans, or Greeks, from what is now Turkey. Named Massalia the town became very prosperous setting up trading posts in surrounding settlements. It remained independent of the Romans when they occupied...
By Marilou Trias Few ports embody the all-natural beachy goodness of Alicante, Spain. This port city is located in Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca and is the Capital of the Alicante Province. It is also the second-largest city in the Valencian Community with approximately 330,000 inhabitants. For over 7000 years, this area appears to have been...
By Chris Price The Writing’s on the Wall: Graffiti in the modern city. Graffiti is an interesting concept, straddling the lines between art and anti-social behaviour, freedom of expression and downright nuisance, depending on your point of view. Stemming from the Italian word graffio (“scratch”), graffiti (“incised inscriptions,” plural but often used as singular) is...
By Marilou Trias I heard that there was a concentration of Michelin chefs in San Sebastian. I was soon headed on a Western European cruise and had to fit this destination in somehow. I decided to fit it into the first leg of the trip so that I could cross it off my bucket list....
Retiring to Portugal as a pensioner is a dream for many, however, it is important to analyse the specific features of the cities and areas, as they can differ a lot economically, environmentally and socially. Discover the vital statistics of these 6 wonderful places to retire to in Portugal. Originally written in Italian, by an...
Provence – a state of mind? Provence is one of those magical destinations that travellers dream about. Blue skies, warm days, balmy evenings, healthy cuisine, splendid architecture, fascinating heritage and the wonderful sing-song accent of the local inhabitants, the Provençaux. It is almost as much a state of mind as a geographical area. But where...
By Shauna Hehir What springs to mind when you hear the word Romance? Long walks along the promenade while the sun is setting? Moonlight walks on the beach? A romantic picnic for two? Or is it a more of a simplistic idea of dining out in a local restaurant? No matter what your idea of...
By James Dempsey What is the dream of a Sports Fan? Watch their team win the World Cup? Perhaps meet their sporting idol or being ringside for the fight of the year. Sports fans now more than ever want to experience electric moments and create long-lasting memories. By attending sporting events the traveller becomes immersed...
By Noreen Duffy Lisbon isn’t just a place to relax or to party, it’s a place full of history and wonderful people that let you delve into what it is truly like to be a ‘Lisboetas’. This city has completely encapsulated me from the people and their lifestyle to the food and gorgeous architecture. Lisbon...
By Paul Shawcross No visit to Provence is complete without a visit to at least one of its many ancient villages and some of the best examples in France are to be found in sun-drenched Provence. Not only that, several of France’s most well known, officially designated, Plus Beaux Villages are here too. I have...
Lisbon For Families- Treacherous Hills But Lots To Do With Children By Rhiannon Hoey Age is no barrier when it comes to treacherous hills of Lisbon. For families and kids, the city may seem daunting at first but, this is far from the truth. A place for young and old, the incredible colours and spectacular...
By Emer Mc Hugh The architecture and layout of Lisbon have been shaped by an earthquake which happened in 1755, which destroyed most of the city. While in Lisbon we did a walking tour, a food tour, a tour of the cruise terminal and our own guided tour so we saw lots of interesting buildings...
By Eduardo Lera Latorre Lisbon, a destination in the south of Europe, known as one of the oldest cities in the world, offers visitors a mix of tradition with modernism which is accompanied by good weather all year round. It’s 2020 and Lisbon is probably one of the best destinations to visit if you are...
By Max Reid Lisbon, what an amazing city. As a third year student currently studying the ‘International Tourism Management’ program in GMIT Galway, I was required to partake in a mandatory international study tour (definitely not a holiday) in January 2020. What were my expectations of Lisbon for Millenials? After what seemed a long Christmas...
By Hannah Smyth Forget Paris, London and Venice; Lisbon is the perfect weekend getaway for the girls without the crippling price. It lies about half-way on Portugal’s western coast. The capital attracts 4.5 million tourists a year and was classed as the “World’s Leading City Break Destination” in 2019 by the World Travel Awards. A...
By Amy Creighton The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in western Europe and lies on seven hills. It is known for its beauty, history, food, its nightlife and its good weather. It is a great city to explore the wide range of Portuguese food as it is authentic, unique and...
By Peter McGrath Fado (Fate) is a traditional Portuguese musical genre that is said to have originated in the early 19th century in the city of Lisbon and Coimbra. This type of music often contains sad music and lyrics and so is often described as the Portuguese expression of the blues. It often contains themes...
By Xijie Zhang In the charming cities of EU member states, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, appears less attractive. However, this ancient city recovered from the earthquake ruins has its own unique temperament and character. As the centre of the former maritime empire, it does not lack elegance. In the era of the great geographical...
By Ciara Enright People often describe cities as being “vibrant,” but what does that mean to you? Colourful and bright? Energetic and full of life? Most people go to cities because they want to experience the exciting and diverse culture that cities tend to offer, and it is safe to say that Lisbon is no...
By Tara Smollen, edited by Jackie De Burca Lisbon is the spectacular capital city of Portugal, with a reputation as one of the most lively, charming and colourful cities in Europe. There an abundance of reasons to attract visitors to this wonderful city. Naturally, Lisbon’s magnificent architecture is one of its most important attributes. The...
Did you know that CNN has listed the Krakow Christmas Market as one of the 17 best Christmas markets around the world? While the Irish Times rates it as one of Europe’s top ten Christmas markets. But this is not the only reason to take a winter city break in Krakow, there are a milliard...
From taking part in wild watersports to exploring historical sites and immersing yourself in the local culture, the beautiful Balearic islands boast plenty of things to see and do. Follow C.J Hamand, as she takes you along some of the best things to do in the Balearic Islands. CJ is an avid traveller and a...
For when it is safe to travel again or for local explorers when allowed – updated September 2020 Seeing the Northern Lights is a highlight on many bucket lists, but this phenomenon is as expensive as it is elusive. So how can you see the greatest show on earth without breaking the bank? In this...
Founded by the Romans, birthplace of Cézanne and City of arts Birthplace of renowned artist Paul Cézanne, the university town of Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant place with the arts firmly at its heart. Aix, (pronounced Ex) as it is more commonly known, is referred to as the city of art and lights and has been...
Languedoc-Roussillon – the ‘Other’ South of France When people speak of the South of France they are usually referring to the Côte d’Azur. However, the travelling cognoscenti know that there is another part of the so-called Midi. One which also enjoys equally beautiful blue skies, arguably even better beaches and nearby high mountains. While the cities...
Collioure is all about art and inspiration – gastronomy – pretty harbour Nestled in a sheltered bay on the Mediterranean coast, Collioure is a charming seaside town at the very south of France, close to the border with Spain. One of the jewels of the Côte de Vermeille or Vermilion Coast which stretches from Argelès-sur-Mer...
Cité de Carcassonne © Xiquinho Silva CC2 Carcassonne – fairy tale castles – two UNESCO world heritage sites Floating among the clouds, the atmospheric Cité de Carcassonne sits majestically at the top of a hill. Lying north of the River Aude, many say it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. And with its high walls, elegant...
Caravan holidays in France: how to take care of your foodie needs Now you’re on the road with the freedom of France and its vast road network ahead of you. Over half a million square kilometres to explore, with over a million kilometres of public roads. How much of France you’ll be able to explore...
For when it is safe to travel again or for local explorers when allowed – updated November 2020 By Jackie De Burca – Follow Jackie on Twitter Badalona Spain Travel Guide Fine sandy beaches, a Roman civilisation and only 10km from Barcelona …are a handful of the charms of the city of Badalona. The third...
For when it is safe to travel again or for local explorers when allowed – updated November 2020 By Jackie De Burca – Follow Jackie on Twitter The luscious lure of the vast landscape of central Spain spread out in front of us; a land bursting with endless possibilities. Not unlike a flirtatious Señorita waiting...
Birthplace of Juan Carlos Ferrero, the world’s number one tennis player in 2003, Ontinyent can be found inland in the province of Valencia. It has been featured as one of our 5 Underrated Towns In Valencia Spain-Waiting To Be Discovered. Where is Ontinyent? Ontinyent is situated in the south of the province of Valencia, in...
Norway is no less than a magical place. From its vast, stunning landscapes to Norway's famous, picturesque fjords, and from the art and culture of the cities to the strikingly stunning Northern Lights. The country woos tourists with its breathtaking beauty. Let’s take a look at some of the most eminent aspects of Norway that...
This May in Gloucestershire, there's a great selection of all sorts of things to do and events.
This May in Gloucestershire, there's a great selection of events for family days out and also education. From kite flying to adventures, and from story telling to
This May in Gloucestershire, there's a whole host of events on to help your health and well being. From forest bathing to living a low carb lifestyle, there's something here for everyone.
Calling all Gloucestershire Gastronomy Lovers! Check out this super selection of food and drink events happening around Gloucester in May 2019.
Around Gloucestershire in May 2019, we have plenty of great music events for your entertainment. From free music events for the family such as Baby Bounce & Rhyme to tribute bands and choral singing, there’s sure to be something for everyone. In our calendar below, all you need to do is have a look around,...
Come on a virtual tour with an incredibly talented photographer, Graham Custance, who will show you these beautiful places in Cornwall through his eyes, revealing the special moments he has captured with his camera. Let's open the door to this magical tour of Cornwall. As you go on this journey with Graham, some of these...
Come on a virtual tour with talented, local photographer, Graham Custance who will show you the 5 most Instagrammable places in the Chilterns. The Chilterns are an official AONB: area of natural beauty. Currently there are 46 of these in the United Kingdom. There are few people who will know an area, its landscape and...
Discover 9 beautiful places in the Isle of Wight on a virtual tour with the super talented photographer, Graham Custance. Graham captures the essence of The Island in magical moments, where the landscape and light merge to make pretty postcards of perfection. The Isle of Wight is located in the English Channel. It lies between...
Copenhagen, originally a small Viking fishing village created one thousand years ago, is the capital city of Denmark, a frequent winner of ‘the happiest country in the world’. This is partly due to their world-renowned welfare model, including excellent health care and education, and partly due to Hygge. Pronounced hoo-gah (or maybe not, there is...
Located in Morbihan, Auray is a picturesque town with a lovely old quarter, which enjoys mild short winters and long blissful summers. It is a good base from which to explore the Gulf of Morbihan, the Quiberon Peninsula and Carnac. The town is set in a bend in the River Lock, which is spanned by...
City, Coast and Mountains Fabulous Nice, capital of the The French Riviera, occupies a prime position on the graceful iridescent curve of the Baie des Anges, or Bay of Angels, which stretches from Cap d’Antibes in the west to Cap Ferrat in the east. Moreover, Nice’s Italianate charm, resulting from a long association with its...
Think Bordeaux, think wine. But not just any old plonk. Located on the River Garonne, Bordeaux is the largest wine-producing region in France, and possibly the most famous too – producing a range of wines that are considered among the best in the world. The Romans brought vines to the area as far back as...
France’s ritzy Atlantic resort of Biarritz is famous for many things, among them its love affair with Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie. On a visit to Biarritz in the 1850’s she fell in love with the city and built a palace on the beach – now the swish Hôtel du Palais – and stayed here...
Located on the river Garonne in the South-Western region of Aquitaine, Agen is a historic market town that dates back over 2,000 years. Once a bustling Roman trading centre, Agen’s prominent location between the cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse – and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic – meant it provided a vital crossroads and...
An incredibly picturesque spot on the edge of the River Dordogne, Bergerac is embraced by rolling fields and lush vineyards, and of course is well-known as the birth place of satirist and dramatist, Cyrano de Bergerac. And even though it seems like there is an almost endless list of towns and cities throughout France that...
The town of Bayonne, barely 50 km from the border with Spain, nestles a few kilometres inland from the coast at the confluence of the rivers Adour and Nive (known as Errobi in the Basque language). An important tourist centre and prominent Basque town, Bayonne is one of the principal towns in the department of...
While Galway city is undoubtedly a gem, filled with colour, gorgeous buildings, culture, friendly people and lots of "craic agus ceol", the county of the same name has much to offer. It would be a shame to travel to the West of Ireland without exploring some of the beautiful towns and charming villages of County...
Galway Most Beautiful Places For when it is safe to travel again or for local explorers when allowed – updated August 2020 By Jackie De Burca – Follow Jackie on Twitter Galway’s wonderfully wild Connemara coast was the adored location of my childhood family holidays. The contrast with my hometown of Dublin was deliciously different...
Spain Top Carnivals 2021 Carnival is an amazing time to visit Spain. Step off your plane or train, and come to party with the locals, understand some more of the culture and marvel at some of the antics and fascinating traditions. As you can imagine, in a country where fiestas take pride of place, these...
The old part of the city of Cuenca Spain is placed high up in the mountains of east-central Spain, situated above the gorges of the Huécar and Júcar rivers below. The old town is compact and all around it is green or stone. This idyllic Spanish town is located in the region of Castilla la...
Oh, Granada Spain! Of all the cities and pueblos on the Iberian Peninsula, this one may be the most Spanish—and I mean that in the best way possible. The city shares its name in Spanish with the pomegranate. And much like the fruit, the city has a tough exterior. But its insides are lush and...
Villajoyosa translates as “joyful village”. This title is very descriptive, as it is difficult not to be joyful while you are here in this Spanish Costa Blanca town. This tranquil seaside destination has sunny days, soft sand and bright multi-coloured houses that are sure to make you smile. Life in Villajoyosa is pretty sweet and...
Every now and then, a holiday becomes a necessity as you just need to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. It’s amazing how refreshing it can be to wake up in a new place, explore unfamiliar streets, try new food and meet new people. An ideal spot for a rejuvenating break is...
Denia is situated in a prime location right at the northern edge of Alicante province. This beautiful city enjoys both the warm Mediterranean Sea as well as the impressive mountains within the Montgo Natural Park. It is the ideal place to visit if you are looking for somewhere tranquil to explore nature, relax on the...
It’s that time that the whole family has been looking forward to for weeks, your holiday to beautiful Benidorm. You have your swimming costumes and suncream packed, your flights booked and you are already dreaming of lazy days by the pool and playing on the beach. You only get to enjoy your holidays for a...
Altea is an ideal spot for a day trip or it is also a quiet and peaceful spot to stay if you want to escape from the crowds that usually gather on the beaches and want a more laid back holiday. A visit to Altea might involve walking through the lovely cobblestone streets of the...
Bellagio is a village on a promontory jutting out into Lake Como, in Italy. It’s known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden with lake views. Nearby are the Tower of the Arts, a venue for exhibitions and performances, and the Romanesque San Giacomo Church. Close to rocky Loppia Beach, the Museum of Navigational Instruments displays sundials and compasses.
By Sam Payne, aged 16 at the time of writing – Travel & Tourism Student I had a dream of visiting Madrid since I studied Spanish in year 9 of British secondary education and on the 8th July 2017, that dream finally came true. I have visited Spain prior to this trip, to Murcia in...
Vienna, Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.
Although Granada city certainly deserves to be famous for its UNESCO listed Alhambra, and in fact for lots of other reasons, many tourists miss out on visiting some of the most gorgeous spots that can be found in the province of Granada. Not only can you find beautiful nature, but the province of Granada is...
The beautiful region of Valencia is known for its varying landscapes. The turquoise coastline, impressive mountains, quaint countryside and urban areas encompass the nearly 24,000 km2 that make up this gorgeous part of Spain. While many escape to the metropolitan cities of Valencia or Alicante, there is a multitude of charming towns and villages located...
When I first visited Valencia, I had very little expectations. I had recently moved to Madrid and wanted to venture out and explore another part of Spain. I hoped to enjoy a little beach time and eat some paella but that was all I had planned. For me, this trip was a mini break to...
This feature firstly gives you an overview of the artist's connection to these places, and then suggests an overnight itinerary to enjoy the route. "Aside from being forbidden in the kitchen I was allowed to do anything I pleased. I wet my bed till I was eight for the sheer fun of it. I was...
Starting off in Benicassim, which is best known for its music festivals, this route includes Belle Epoque by the beach, plus a tour in the Carmelitano liqueur distillery. Then head up into the Desierto de las Palmas, for food with the most amazing views!
Travel to three of Spain's officially most beautiful towns, where foodie and wine experiences abound! This experience takes you through Peñiscola, Vilafamés and Morella!
For true foodies, who wish to see the process from source to table, the Delta de l'Ebre is a must! Take a beautiful boat trip, where you can visit the mussels and oysters farm area, while seeing a stunning perspective of the wonderful Delta. From there, once you've been suitably educated by the Professor, you...
This Michelin Triangle route is one very close to my heart! With one foot in Catalonia and the other in the Valencian Community, this route is a treat for any foodie, who wants to experience Spain & Catalonia at their best.
When I first moved here in 2003, I was based in Catalonia, I've travelled and lived in various parts of Spain since then, but ended up settling back very close to Catalonia. With almost 90 Blue Flag beaches, it is a superb choice for any type of holiday. Check out this amazing feature: Catalonia Best...
Spain's Mediterranean offers such a vast choice of great beaches, that choosing the best is definitely a challenge. This article rises to that challenge by suggesting 10 of the top Spanish Med beach destinations. Discover: Spain Seaside Destinations-Top 10 By The Mediterranean
Ali Meehan confesses to being a serial expat. She has lived and worked in Australia, Spain, the Middle East, Asia and now she is back in Spain! Her partner (now husband) introduced her to Spain and the rest, as they say, is history. Ali originally set up Costa Women, as a way for her to...
Carol is passionate about her job and has been in the tourism and hospitality industry for more than 25 years. She was born in Catalonia and after living in different places in Spain and Europe, she established herself in Rioja Alavesa in 1998 where she founded her own company, Thabuca. Carol is an avid globertrotter...
An evocative, informative, insider article about La Rioja Spain wine experiences in beautiful surroundings, by tour guide Carol Gutiérrez. The name of Rioja evokes wine, great wine. It is one of Spain's best known wine regions with a long tradition of wine production since Roman times. But La Rioja is much more than..
