I tried the extreme-daytripping trend with a 12-hour trip to Paris – here's what they don't tell you on TikTok
EXTREME daytripping – where you go to another country, explore for a day and return home before bedtime – has exploded on social media.
But to make the most of those precious few hours in a foreign city, pre-booking your experiences with an expert is a savvy decision.
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A look across the Seine to Notre Dame
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The Shakespeare And Company bookshop counted Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein among its visitors
Credit: Alamy
And many offer time-saving extras like skipping queues or going into attractions after dark.
I've never been to Paris, so this seemed the ideal first extreme trip for me – the chance to take in the city's amazing sites and fabulous food in just a day.
My morning started with a 5am alarm, and by 6.30am I was in my seat on one of the first Eurostar services out of London.
Just two and a half hours later, I was pulling into
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A must-see was the Impressionist art at the Musee d'Orsay.
But there was no queueing for tickets – my guide met me at the entrance and we were straight in.
The museum is regularly voted one of the best in the world and inside are over 15,000 pieces of art, from paintings to sculptures.
The most notable artists are Monet, Degas and Renoir. Up in the attic I saw works by Vincent Van Gogh.
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It was the busiest room of the museum, but it was worth manoeuvring through the crowds to get a glimpse of the magnificent Starry Night Over the Rhône.
The museum is beautiful, with a huge gold clock and a vaulted ceiling – features from its former life as a train station. The clock has been ticking there since 1900.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
I wrapped up at the Orsay at 1pm – and I was already halfway through the day.
With an afternoon food tour booked, I was on a mission to see
Coffee carts on the Left Bank were handy for a caffeine boost after the early start, and I picked up a little souvenir at the stalls along the way.
I wandered from winding streets to broad avenues lined with trees in full blossom.
I stopped outside the famous bookshop, Shakespeare And Company, which opened in 1951 and counted Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein among its visitors.
Across the road was Notre Dame which, after the devastating fire in 2019, has just begun to allow visitors.
However, guided tours are not available until June.
Half an hour after marvelling at the cathedral, I was tucking into a buttery, layered croissant on the City Experience's Ultimate Food Tour.
Across the Marais neighbourhood, I was taken on a gastronomic journey sampling award-winning chocolate, macarons, classic French cheeses and onion soup, all while learning interesting tidbits along the way.
In the Jewish Quarter I stopped for a pastrami sandwich, then a French-Syrian bakery for sweet treats and to top it off, I sampled two French wines, including delicious Chablis.
I had an hour left before my 8pm Eurostar, which had me back in London by 10pm.
As a homebody, extreme daytripping is a trend I can definitely get on board with.
GO: PARIS
GETTING THERE:
Return Eurostar fares to Paris from £52.
See
SIGHTSEEING:
Musee d'Orsay Skip-the-Line tour is from £47.
The Ultimate Food Tour is from £87.
See
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Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Ireland's 60 best beer gardens – from proper pubs to trendy rooftops and sunny terraces
The best traditional pubs with beer gardens Grogan's Castle Lounge 15 South William Street, Dublin 2; 'I'll drop them out to you' — rare words of service for a city centre pub that you'll often still hear at Grogan's. The attentive staff will sometimes even magic some extra stools for you among the al fresco street seating that wraps around this beloved old-school boozer. Add unbeatable people-watching and an almost festival vibe on a sunny day, and it's clear to see why these are some of the most coveted outdoor seats in town. Toners 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2; An institution in Dublin, this authentic Victorian pub is best known for its historic interiors and literary connections. James Joyce and Patrick Kavanagh were such regulars here, they even feature on the pub's signage. You'll need to drag yourself from the storied front bar (and snug) to find the beer garden, one of the largest and best in the city centre. Here, tourists and the after-work crowd gather to enjoy top-tier pints and soak up the sun. Hynes' Bar This much-loved Stoneybatter local is well known for its brightly painted, festooned beer garden. It's a pure suntrap and the perfect place to sink a few pints in the summer. A solid line-up of beers is always on offer, and even a few cocktails. The pub hosts regular events, from quizzes to trad sessions, and it's also proudly Gaeilgeoir- and dog-friendly. Harry Byrne's 107 Howth Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3; The beautiful red-brick exterior and colourful window boxes of this pub, dating back to 1798, make Harry Byrne's a local landmark. Inside, the pub has plenty of character, and step around the back and you'll find a spacious courtyard beer garden packed with seating, booths and big screens, making it a magnet for any sporting event. Smooth pints are happily sipped in the sun, and there's often a food truck in the yard to keep hungry punters fuelled. The Old Royal Oak Kilmainham Lane, Dublin 8; This self-proclaimed 'authentic country pub in the city,' on the edge of Kilmainham, is a cracking destination for a pint in the sun. The small but perfectly formed beer garden fills up fast, but it's one of the best places in town to enjoy a perfectly poured pint. Bonus points for a stellar crisp selection and the chance of trad music indoors when it gets chilly. ADVERTISEMENT Peggy Kelly's 159/163 Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6W; Peggy Kelly's is one of many traditional pubs that transformed their outdoor areas over the Covid years. Now what was once their car park is the vibrant 'Park' beer garden, covered in street art with colourful seating. Harold's Cross locals flock here for sunny pints — luckily, there is plenty of seating. To drink, you've got all your classic pub pints plus a good selection of craft beers. It's still a proper pub, just with a bright, outdoor twist. The Blue Light Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin 18; Sitting in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, The Blue Light dates back over 300 years. It was named after a blue ship lantern once lit to guide smugglers in the 1700s. Today, the pub is better known for its scenic setting, suntrap beer garden, sunset sessions, and unrivalled views over Dublin Bay. They pour a great pint, and it's well worth the hike or bus ride up the hill on a sunny day. Egan's Bar Liscannor, Co Clare; The classic design and straightforward look of this pub — emerald-green facade, plain lettering and a simple stone beer garden — perfectly reflect its no-nonsense attitude. In a good way. It's no frills and all fun, well known for lively front courtyard sessions. For many, including me, a perfect West Clare day includes a swim at nearby Clahane, fish and chips next door at Vaughan's, and a pint at Egan's to finish. Tigh Ned Inis Oírr, Co Galway; If you're lucky enough to get over to the Aran Islands this summer, add Tigh Ned's on Inis Oírr to your plans. This traditional pub, run by the Ó Conghaile family since 1897, is a standout place for a pint, with a unique grassy beer garden that stretches down towards the water with panoramic views of Galway Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Clare coastline. The pub also has a great reputation for seafood and trad sessions. Brady's Clockhouse Main Street, Maynooth, Co Kildare; This popular local pub has become well known in recent years for its outdoor seating in a prime location by the town square. On sunny days, you might have to wait for a seat — there are no pavement pints here, and landlord Declan Kennedy runs a tight ship. But tables do turn, and it's well worth the wait for table service, well-poured pints, and sun late into the evening. Jackal 10 Market Square, Navan, Co Meath; Jackal is in the spot that was previously Smyth's, on Market Square in Navan. Out back, you'll find a smart and buzzy beer garden featuring long benches and a retractable roof to suit any weather. There's a noteworthy beer selection, with plenty of craft options. No surprise, given it's part of the Animal Collective bar group, which also runs three Dublin bars with great beers and outdoor seating — Kodiak in Rathmines, Caribou on Stephen Street and the ever-popular beer garden at Bonobo in Smithfield. Swan's Bar and Paud O'Donoghue's Forge Curragha, Co Meath; Winner of the Best Outdoor Pub 2024 in the VFI Awards for good reason. First, you've got a proper pub, Paud O'Donoghue's Forge, that has been lovingly restored with plenty of nods to the building's blacksmithing past. Then there's a comfy covered beer garden area and then another large fully outdoor area with ample benches, booths and even a little chapel space they use for weddings. The Tin Pub Ahakista, Co Cork; This seasonal pub on Cork's Sheep's Head peninsula is a delight. You arrive at a modest building made of corrugated iron (hence the name), but don't let the frontage fool you. Inside, you'll find a classic, simple pub adorned with black and white wood and three stouts on tap — Murphy's, Beamish and Guinness. Grab your pint and head to the beer garden, where grass rambles down to a stone wall and, beyond that, the beach. It's an idyllic place to drink in both the scenery and very tasty pints. Dick Mack's Dingle, Co Kerry; How can a pub have it all? Dick Mack's in Dingle shows us how. Established in 1899, it's a legendary joint renowned across Ireland and beyond. While it could easily become a tourist trap, it somehow manages to maintain its integrity and still exudes that quintessential, cool pub charm. Pass through the history-steeped bar out front to find a large, bright beer garden: a lively space for sunny sessions. The pub serves all the classic pints along with its own brewhouse beers and boasts one of Ireland's top whiskey selections. Tigh Neachtain 17 Cross Street, Galway; Tigh Neachtain, in Galway's city centre, is instantly recognisable by its distinctive blue and yellow exterior, and is featured in every guidebook and list for good reason. The seats outside are sought after for prime people-watching and soaking up the lively, arty Galway vibe. Known for great pints, craft beers, Irish whiskeys, oysters and chowder, it's a favourite for both locals and visitors alike. The Quays Bar Cloonmonad, Westport Quay, Co Mayo; The streetfront of this pub offers no hint, except maybe the sunset motifs by the name, that it's hiding one of the best beer garden backdrops around. Step through the pub, Peggy Brawns, and you'll discover a spacious terrace with spectacular views over the water, with uninterrupted sights of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. An ideal setting for a pint in the sun. The Beach Bar Aughris, Co Sligo; What's better than a pint in a 17th-century thatched pub? When that pub sits right on the edge of Aughris Beach in Sligo Bay. The seats out the front of this pub are like gold dust on a summer's day, filled with locals, tourists and thirsty surfers. Take in impressive views over the Atlantic and across to Benbulben, order some Irish seafood and wash it down with a local beer — they've recently added the brilliant Lough Gill Brewery to their taps. Mother Mac's Mother Mac's in Limerick was once known as the Round House, thanks to its distinctive circular architecture dating back to the mid-1800s. The perfect place to admire this piece of history? Out front of the pub, in their small but lively beer garden, where standing pavement pints are just as good as a seat, thanks to the stellar selection of beers they always have and a great line-up of whiskeys, if that's your thing. Bob's Bar The Square, Course, Durrow, Co Laois; Bob's Bar in Durrow makes the most of its riverside setting. Its outdoor seating extends into a well-kept grassy beer garden that stretches down to the banks of the River Erkina, offering views of a beautiful stone arch bridge. Inside, the pub is often called the 'museum pub' thanks to its vast collection of memorabilia, antiques and old photos. They're also well known for serving excellent pints of Guinness. The Suir Inn Cheekpoint, Co Waterford; Nestled on the harbour front at Cheekpoint, where the Rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir meet, The Suir Inn is a charming, no-frills pub with a prime riverside beer garden offering excellent estuary views. Dating back to the 18th century, the bar is a traditional haunt pouring good pints. The adjoining restaurant serves local seafood and homely dishes. A simple spot and in a fantastic setting. 20 beer gardens & terraces for food The Circular & Coke Lane Pizza 536-538 South Circular Road, Dublin 8; This is a modern pub that still feels like a proper traditional boozer, so you get the best of both worlds. Great pints poured just right are part of a cracking drinks list of craft beers, wine on tap, cocktails and plenty of low- and no-alcohol options. All perfect to pair with Coke Lane's wood-fired pizzas, which are served daily from 4pm. Nab a space on the sunny street terrace benches outside. And if you like The Circular, check out its sister pub, Lucky's on Meath Street, where Coke Lane also operates. Rascals Brewing Company Unit 5 Goldenbridge Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8; A brewery with a sunny terrace, great food, and just a stone's throw from the city centre — what's not to love? Rascals have been brewing delicious beers in Dublin for over a decade, and you can taste their latest creations on site, plus they always have some fun guest brews on tap. They have their regular pizza menu and they often team up with food trucks for a bit of extra variety. There's always something happening here, so get on that Luas this summer. Pot Duggans New Road, Ennistymon, Co Clare; Pot Duggans has been constantly evolving since Bodytonic took over the pub back in 2017, and in the last few years it really feels like it's found its groove. They offer a wide range of food options — a cafe by day, then The Melting Pot and Pizza Board from the afternoons onwards. The drinks list is long and varied. There's generous seating inside and outside their restored barns, but the spot to seek out is always the hidden riverside garden, looking out on to the Inagh. Arundel's by the Pier Ahakista, Co Cork; Arundel's take full advantage of their enviable seaside location with bench seating outside overlooking the gorgeous scenery, and even a few scattered on the lawn across from the pub. They embrace the location in their food sourcing too, featuring plenty of local seafood and Cork producers on their menus. Bowls of mussels or fresh fish and chips paired with a chilled rosé or a pint in the sun here are hard to beat. The Lifeboat Inn Courtmacsherry, Co Cork; If every fishing village had a pub like The Lifeboat Inn, they'd be very lucky. The 'lads' (as they call themselves) run a well-appointed gastropub serving classic pub grub with a strong focus on local seafood and Cork suppliers. The waterfront beer garden is a wonderful spot for lunch or dinner, overlooking boats bobbing in the water. Check out their socials, 'The Lads from The Lifeboat', for a glimpse of what's on offer and the story behind this West Cork treasure. The Moorings Dungarvan, Co Waterford; Chowder and a pint by the water is a quintessential Irish summer experience — or if it's not, it should be, and the Moorings in Dungarvan is probably the perfect place to find it. This harbourside pub has buckets of maritime charm, a big bistro menu (with chowder) and, most importantly, plenty of outdoor seating, including a courtyard bar enclosed by castle walls, and waterside seats out front. O'Connell's Bar & Dough Bros Eyre Square, Galway; O'Connell's is a solid pub, pouring good pints, and its Eyre Square location means it's often hopping. Still, I'm always happy to brave the busy crowds here because a) there's a sprawling beer garden out back, and b) the Dough Bros sling their signature 'Neapolitan-inspired but distinctly Irish' pizzas from a cute green hatch there. Galway's best pizza in a buzzy beer garden? It would be rude not to, really. P. Dan's Pub & Misunderstood Heron Killadoon, Louisburgh, Co Mayo; The food world rejoiced at the news that food-truck favourites The Misunderstood Heron found a new nest for the summer. They are setting up shop at P. Dan's, a scenic pub on the Co Mayo coast, which means The Heron can continue serving its acclaimed food while the pub attracts a fresh crowd of hungry diners. And all of the above can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace overlooking Clew Bay. Dunmore House Clonakilty, Co Cork; Dunmore House boasts one of the most glorious locations, overlooking the shores of Clonakilty Bay. Last summer, they added their Sea Terrace, serving Boatshed Pizzas made with the same care and local ingredients as their award-winning hotel restaurant. Plus, they use vegetables and herbs from their very own organic Ocean Garden. Honestly, I don't think there's a more picturesque spot in the country for a pint and a pizza. O'Neills The Point Renard Point, Cahirsiveen, Co Kerry; This seasonal pub and restaurant at Renard Point offers some smashing outdoor seating overlooking Valentia Harbour. In the O'Neill family since the 1800s, it has evolved from a sailors' pub into a seafood destination serving super-fresh, locally sourced fish. The menu is simple and focused, usually featuring oysters, crab and lobster, and they are well known for their expertly poured pints. Put it on your Wild Atlantic Way list pronto. The Algiers Baltimore, Co Cork Hidden behind this gastropub — inspired by Baltimore's pirate past and North African connection — is a sun-kissed beer garden serving signature cocktails with a local twist: think a West Cork Old Fashioned of Connemara whiskey given depth by locally foraged kombu and dillisk, perhaps, or the seasonal Kind of a Cocktail with fresh sprouts from a lone pine tree. The casual food menu stars Roaring Water Bay mussels in harissa broth, tacos and chicken taquitos. The Terrace at Ballynahinch Castle Recess, Connemara, Co Galway; You don't have to be a resident to spend some heavenly hours watching the mesmeric Owenmore River take its wide bend below the south-facing terrace of this very special hotel. The seafood-focused menu has treats for every budget, from beer-battered fresh fish to potato waffles with Oscietra Royal Caviar and sour cream — and an unmissable platter of dressed Cleggan crab, Galway Bay prawns, Letterfrack oysters and Connemara lobster. Charlotte Quay Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4; Sun-seekers flock to soak up late-evening rays and dockside vibes at this Bereen Brothers restaurant and bar, both with their own seated terrace. The bar terrace takes group bookings but if it's full, regulars happily sit on the dock wall, feet dangling above the water. Like its sister restaurants Coppinger Row, Row Wines and Orwell Road, all overseen by talented executive chef Dan Hannigan, the food and cocktails are on point. Fisk at The Harbour Bar Downings, Co Donegal ; What do you get when you pair a hilltop traditional pub overlooking one of Ireland's finest golden strands with a chef-owned whitewashed fish shack right next door, serving the likes of buttermilk-battered fish tacos, prawn bahn mi, Bloody Mary oysters and crab grilled cheese toasties? A slice of heaven is what — especially if the sun shines and you nab an outdoor table in the shared beer garden. The Glyde Inn Annagassan, Castlebellingham, Co Louth; This dreamy beachside pub with views of Dundalk Bay and the Mourne and Cooley mountains makes an excellent pitstop for an M1 journey, and a worthy destination in its own right (with bus connections from Dundalk and Drogheda). Arrive early to ensconce yourself in the outdoor terrace, which doesn't take bookings — but does serve the restaurant's seafood-heavy menu plus local bevvies from Linn Duachaill beer to Dan Kelly cider, Listoke gin and Koffy coffee. Hartley's Restaurant Harbour Road, Dún Laoghaire; Inside the former Victorian railway ticket hall is a high-ceilinged family-favourite restaurant, but the harbour-view terrace also offers sunny-day dining with waiter service from breakfast to lunch and dinner. A newer high-tabled patio area serves al fresco drinks for non-diners, from post-pier pints to extensive cocktails (think six spins on a margarita plus refreshing house mocktails) to plenty by the glass from a well-considered wine list. Helen's Bar Kilmackillogue, Tuosist, Co Kerry; Helen Moriarty's fifth-generation bar midway between Kenmare and Castletownbere is beloved for its bay and mountain views, the value of its pints and the perfection of its old-school open crab sandwich. The outdoor wooden tables are hot property on a sunny day, but you won't care when perched on the pier wall with local bay mussels, Castetownbere-landed fried fish, a Beara Belties burger or whatever you're having yourself. Margadh RHA Ely Place, Dublin 2; The kerbside terrace outside the RHA gallery is a wonderful suntrap on a sleepy cul-de-sac off St Stephen's Green. This weekday cafe switches to wine bar in the evenings and at weekends, serving snacks and small plates like arancini, Kelly's oysters or pork rillette through to primetime tasting menus. Drinks include wine flights with cheese, charcuterie and olives, wines by the glass aplenty plus various spritzes, negroni, sherries and homemade kombucha. Mo Chara Roden Place, Dundalk, Co Louth; A community hub brewpub with taps aplenty from three beer-loving best pals, Mo Chara's beer garden has hosted pop-up kitchen collabs with Chimac and Feast (with plans a-brewing with Bambino), Sunday markets and dog mornings, trad sessions and mariachi bands, plus much more. The bar menu stars Dundalk buttermilk chicken atop hand-rolled Neapolitan-style pizzas or loaded fries, or crisp-fried and tossed in one of several house sauces. Morans on the Weir Kilcolgan, Co Galway; Galway has several seafood bars with seaview outdoor seating within an easy spin of the city, including O'Grady's on the Pier in south Connemara's Barna, and Linnane's Lobster Bar over the Clare border into the Burren — but it's hard to beat Morans' sheltered weir-side tables as an essential pitstop for plump Kelly's oysters (try the native 'Galway flats' if in season) and a brimming pint. Iconic for good reason. Rooftops and terraces for wine and cocktails... Allta Three Locks Square, Dublin 2 This chic destination restaurant where chef Niall Davidson playfully elevates modern Irish food is also home to a bright, roomy bar spilling on to a sheltered courtyard. Grab (or book) a low terrace table for fun, flavourful cocktails, Whiplash beers and maybe a Woodtown Jersey beef burger in a No Messin' bun. Their bottle shop sells pre-mixed cocktails if you want to bring the vibes home. L'Atitude 51 Union Quay, Cork; Cork city offers several riverside terraces where you can watch the River Lee run towards the sea, from The River Club's semi-covered tropical oasis to the peaceful upriver escape of The Kingsley. For natural-wine lovers, though, nothing beats a quayside table at L'Atitude 51, the beloved wine bar, wine shop and small-plates kitchen in the heart of the city with a joyful curation of wines by bottle or glass. Bar 1661 Green Street, Dublin 7 ; Recently nominated for Best International Bar Team (Europe) 2025 in the world-class Spirited Awards, Bar 1661 has been leading the way in Irish cocktail culture with menus that celebrate community, collaboration and independent spirits. Their suntrap terrace overlooks leafy St Michan's Square in a surprisingly sleepy corner of town just off buzzing Capel Street, and enjoys full sunshine from afternoon into evening, plus full table service from this top team. The Boathouse Bistro Dromquinna Manor, Kenmare, Co Kerry; 'There is nothing like a straightforward gin and tonic, with no elderflower or other herb,' reckons hotelier John Brennan. 'The quinine works best with gin, lime and a ton of ice. Pure bliss.' Except that at The Boathouse terrace, there's nothing straightforward about their choice of over 40 international gins — and nothing ordinary about the waterside setting in the sunshine, which becomes 'like something from the South of France, without the bling'. Cashel Palace Hotel Main Street, Cashel, Co Tipperary Yes, the adjoining Mikey Ryan's gastropub offers fabulous al fresco dining, but thirsty non-residents are also welcome at the tranquil terrace at the rear of the hotel itself with views over the manicured garden to the castle ruins. It's uncovered, so weather-dependent, but should you get clear skies, then where better to sip a glass of Deutz Champagne Brut or a Strawberry and Mint Spritz featuring Blackwater Strawberry Gin and prosecco? Cask MacCurtain Street, Cork; One of Ireland's leading destination cocktail bars (and sister to the newer, Latin American-inspired Paladar), Cask are so dedicated to celebrating seasonal farm-to-glass flavours that they change up their cocktail menu completely every 12 weeks, which is no mean feat. Their open-air courtyard in the heart of Cork's Victorian Quarter doubles their indoor capacity, with a waterfall providing a soothing backdrop to what will be a memorable sensory experience. Cliff House Hotel Ardmore, Co Waterford; Is there a better coastal view from a hotel terrace than down to the golden strands of Ardmore Beach from this five-star cliffside escape? Order a glass of Gosset Extra Brut Champagne, perhaps, or a driver-friendly Eins-Zwei-Zero Riesling, or from the cocktail list a Gunpowder Spritz of Drumshanbo pineapple gin and Poachers ginger beer, or Ardmore Sling featuring Waterford's own Blackwater No. 5 Gin… and breathe. Drury Buildings Drury Street, Dublin 2; Drury Street is (in)famous for its kerbside scene of pubs and wine bars. But for the added luxury of an actual table and chair, this streetside heated terrace is your action-adjacent hub. They take their cocktails seriously, with in-house syrups, shrubs and sous vides from a purpose-built cocktail kitchen. Inside has more outside options too, with shady gardens and balconies wherever you look. Green Man Wines Terenure Road, Dublin 6W; Dublin is blessed with several wine bars with prime outdoor seating — think 64 Wine in Glasthule and Loose Canon on Drury Street as well as Green Man Wines — where you can order from a fine selection of wines by the glass or buy a bottle to enjoy onsite for a nominal corkage (€15 in this case), served by passionate wine lovers who know their stuff. A treasure. Haddington House Haddington Terrace, Dún Laoghaire; There are many ways for non-residents to enjoy this boutique seaside hotel, from the elegant Parlour cocktail lounge to outdoor Platform for casual plates and pizzas, and modern Italian cooking at Oliveto. One of the loveliest is to take in garden views of the East Pier and harbour down towards Sandycove beach, with something refreshing from their outdoor bar — a homemade lemonade with gin, perhaps, or a frozen margarita. Harvey's Point Terrace Donegal town, Co Donegal; It's all about lakeside views and home-from-home charm at Harvey's Bar & Terrace, where non-residents are welcome at the patio tables for a glass of Rosé d'Anjou or Picpoul de Pinet, something modern or traditional from the cocktail list (a limoncello spritz, perhaps, or a French 75), one of several liqueur coffees or a booze-free cocktail such as their Clean Rhubarb Spritz. The Moët Garden Blue Haven Hotel, Kinsale, Co Cork; Enjoy three different expressions of Champagne Moët & Chandon — the Brut Imperial, Rosé Imperial or Grand Vintage 2015 — by the glass or as a flight at this streetside terrace of Kinsale's boutique hotel as you watch the world go by. There is plenty more wine by the glass, including decent non-alcoholic choices from Kolonne Null, plus summer-friendly quenchers in a short but smart cocktail list. The Montenotte Hotel Middle Glanmire Road, Montenotte, Cork; Besides Cork city's rooftop bars (Clancy's Skybar for high-octane energy and Sophie's at The Dean for prime docklands views), the hillside slopes of Montenotte will take you skyward. At this former 18th-century merchant-prince residence, you can choose al fresco dining and city-view cocktails at the Botanical Panorama Terrace or stroll through the Victorian sunken gardens to the intimate terrace and Art Deco glamour of The Glasshouse bar for a botanical cocktail. The Palmer The K Club, Co Kildare; With its deep-rooted wine heritage, you can expect excellent wine choices throughout this resort, and The Palmer's wraparound terrace does not disappoint. With views over velvet golf greens and shimmering lakes, this first-floor clubhouse venue is open to non-members and non-residents alike, with an all-day menu and plenty by the glass available to non-diners too (make mine a Barton & Guestier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Cremant). La Touche Wines Greystones, Co Wicklow; Locals know the blue-sky rules for this wine store that turns wine bar for three hours a day. Bring your own chair if you want to guarantee a seat, otherwise elbow into a barrel or bench. Order a glass or buy any bottle for €8 corkage. Choose nibbles from the short menu, or buy your own gourmet bits from around the shop and they'll plate it up for you. Simples. The Rooftop Bar & Terrace, Anantara The Marker Dublin Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2; The rooftop bar of this luxury docklands hotel has 360-degree views out to the bay, up to the mountains, down to the canal basin and upriver through the city. Don't miss the lobster toast on executive chef Gareth Mullins' Asian-inspired bar-bites menu, while the drinks menu continues the theme in its mocktails and cocktails, plus local beers from Hope Brewery and Ayala (Bollinger's little sister) as the house-pour champagne. The Terrace at The Shelbourne St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2; Hidden in an airy first-floor courtyard inside this Grand Dame hotel is a summer-only rooftop plaza with generous sky views. Floral displays and colourful woollen throws bring garden colour to serene green tones. Order wines on tap from Wine Lab or a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé perhaps, or choose from a smart curation of top-shelf spirits, with or without something from the decadent sharing menu created by executive chef Garry Hughes. The Station House Hotel Kilmessan, Co Meath; A highlight of the Boyne Valley Garden Trail, this former railway terminus station house is surrounded by 12 acres of woodland charm complete with the original railway turntable and signal box. Two separate terraces bridge inside and out: the bookable Platform Terrace with its wicker chairs, giant parasols and menus proudly showcasing Boyne Valley food producers, and the Moroccan-inspired (weather-dependent) Garden Terrace for an impromptu glass of rosé or limoncello spritz. The Universal William Street West, Galway; On one of Galway's West End streets, now pedestrianised during the summer (along with neighbouring Dominick Street Upper, Ravens Terrace and the Small Crane), you'll find this smart bar. It serves natty wines, craft beers and clever cocktails with a strong local twist — such as the Focal Deireanach featuring Connemara's own Micil Gin, Glas 55 Irish Herbal Liqueur, maraschino cherries and lime — and will spill its tables on to the street on balmy evenings. Urban Brewing CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1; As you'd expect, this dockside brewery-bar from Carlow Brewing Company has lots of house beer to enjoy fresh from the tanks, plus 200 more from around Ireland and the world. They also have a cocktail menu featuring vermut-based aperitifs and spritzes through classics with a twist to signature serves inspired by Irish myths. All on a sunny terrace with no neighbours blocking the late rays — and a vaulted cellar restaurant should you get hungry. Read more Beyond bland: Try these five Italian whites with Pinot Grigio's universal appeal From 'happy juice' to clarete: the rise of dark rosés and pale reds The French foodie connection – our restaurant critic says Marseille is having a moment
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried the European train that runs from seaside to city – it felt like a first class flight but cost just £40
AFTER tucking into the smoked salmon, pesto and cream cheese brioche handed to me by a smiling attendant, I reclined in my seat while the landscape flashed by. It might sound like the first-class cabin of an airline, but I'm actually on a Polish train. 5 The intercity high-speed trains that run from the pretty port city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast down to the stately southern city of Krakow, pictured Credit: Getty 5 A first-class ticket, complete with food, drink and a rolling vista of wonderful views, costs around £40 Credit: Getty The intercity high-speed trains that run from the pretty port city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast down to the stately southern city of And a first-class ticket, complete with food, drink and a rolling vista of wonderful views, costs around £40 for the 300-mile journey. The British equivalent would be taking a train from London to Glasgow. But you'd need to add a zero to the price at peak times. Gdansk wears its history lightly but respectfully. READ MORE ON TRAVEL This is where World War Two started, when the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein bombed the port of what was then called Danzig. There's a huge museum in a slanting building dedicated to the conflict ( which takes pains to concentrate on witness testimonies from ordinary Polish citizens who lived through the war. The sheer size of the tank that sits on a recreated city street puts paid to any Hollywood notions of war being anything other than an exercise in terror. Gdansk's nightlife is every bit as lively as you would expect from a port city, but the cliché of rough sailors' pubs has long gone. The Mercure Hotel offers knockout cocktails in its chic bar, while I also sampled sublime local vodkas to a DJ soundtrack amid the battered Chesterfield sofas inside Bar Lamus. Most read in News Travel The train south to Krakow takes just over five hours and runs right through the centre of the country. Leaving the Baltic coast, we passed vast fields of racing green, clusters of birch trees, red painted barns and deserted rural stations with flowerbeds outside. Iconic steam train Tornado delights crowds as it powers through Cornwall on rail tour Arrows of sunlight pierced tapering lanes and turned the glossy, depthless rivers and streams the colour of pewter. For a country that has seen so much bloodshed, from a high-speed train, the nation looks ordered, calm and reassuringly familiar — like the landscapes of Lincolnshire or Kent from half a century ago. As I order a glass of white wine, we run through the teeming cluster of Warsaw, with its mowed parks and jumble of new skyscrapers in the background. An afternoon nap was inviting, but I was once again transfixed by the landscapes as we rolled further south. Ice-cream-scoop clouds hung above stout houses with roofs the colour of strong tea. 5 Gdansk wears its history lightly but respectfully Credit: Getty 5 There's a huge museum in a slanting building dedicated to the conflict Credit: Getty 5 Soviet tank in Gdansk museum Credit: Alamy I felt I could sit on this train for ever. But Krakow is the end of the high-speed line, and so I made my way on foot into the Old Town — a pleasing maze of arcades and courtyards that meanders past the majestic royal castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill and down to the Vistula River. Dinner came courtesy of Pod Baranem ( which looks like a Polish granny's living room but serves delicious plates of local classics such as dumplings stuffed with cottage cheese and roast veal with mushrooms. Back at the funky, loft-style Mercure Fabryczna hotel, I fell into bed feeling I needed to rethink my definitions of luxury travel. You don't need five-star cruise liners or infinite air miles to travel in style. A Polish train can make you feel pampered in a way that's unlikely to ever occur on National Rail. GO: GDANSK & KRAKOW GETTING THERE: Book high-speed Inter City train tickets from Gdansk to Krakow in advance at Ryanair flies from Stansted to Gdansk from £18.99 one way. See Easyjet flies from Krakow to Gatwick from £61.88 one way. See STAYING THERE : There are Mercure Hotels in both Gdansk and Krakow where doubles start from £105 B&B. See MORE INFO : See
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major blow as ANOTHER popular Ryanair flight to top destination scrapped as busy season kicks off
RYANAIR has scrapped flights to another popular European destination over "sky-high" charges. The 1 Ryanair has stopped flying to a popular Dutch airport Credit: Getty Starting October 26, Ryanair will cancel every route it operates from They have said Maastricht is one of the most pricey airports in Europe, and the charges could harm air travel connections in the Netherlands. Back in 2021, Maastricht introduced an environmental tax that charges Ryanair with nearly €30 for each passenger flying out. And this tax has been in place in other major READ MORE IN TRAVEL This has led Ryanair to also cut the number of flights - including those to Alicante, Bari, Girona, Porto, and Zadar which wipes out around 150,000 seats each year. Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer said the taxes at Maastricht have skyrocketed by 275 percent in just four years. He said: 'Ryanair continues to grow traffic - this year from 200m to 206m - by offering unbeatable low fares to customers across Europe at airports that have low access costs. "Maastricht's sky-high costs are damaging its connectivity. Most read in News Travel 'It is evidenced by the Airport's failure to recover its traffic post-Covid, lagging far behind the rest of Europe at just 50 per cent of pre-Covid traffic in 2024." Earlier this year, the budget airline trimmed summer flights in 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine Similarly, the airline pulled all flights to and from Aalborg after Denmark introduced a €6.70 passenger fee, which airlines are required to cover. Ryanair called the tax 'harmful' and said it forced them to scrap flights to major This move means Ryanair is losing around 1.7 million seats and closing several routes in Denmark. And back in September 2023, they pulled 17 routes for the winter season, blaming a 45 per cent hike in passenger charges at Dublin Airport. They also moved their special eco-friendly 'Gamechanger' planes to other airports that offer better deals. Then in September 2024, Ryanair said it would cut another 14 routes due to a passenger cap at Some of the routes cut included places like Asturias, Castellón, and Santiago in Spain, plus airports in Denmark, the UK, France, Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland. ROUTES CUT And just this week, Ryanair decided to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv due to ongoing security concerns and instability in the region. The airline had briefly resumed operations in the past month, but recent security issues due to the war in CEO Michael O'Leary stated that safety remains the top priority and that conditions in the area no longer support regular flight operations. He said: "I think we're running out of patience too with Israel… flights to and from Tel Aviv. "If they're going to keep being disrupted by these security disruptions, frankly, we'd be better off sending those aircraft somewhere else in Europe."
