Travel review: Exploring the hidden gems scattered across the heart of Ireland's ancient east
The heart of the Boyne Valley in Louth and Meath has plenty to offer visitors, from Neolithic tombs and First World War poets to whiskey tasting and great food
Long before the first Pharaoh of Egypt commanded a pyramid to be built along the Nile's fertile valleys, an Irish society was already thriving in a valley of its own.
Sprawled across a corner of Ireland's ancient east, the Boyne Valley was at the heart of advancement in Ireland, with some of the nation's oldest Megalithic sites dotted along the Boyne river.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Bucket-list beach with a stream running to the sea, a castle and surfers love it
Bucket-list beach with a stream running to the sea, a castle and surfers love it It's brilliant for families, has picture perfect scenery and is just as pretty as some of the better known destinations Manorbier Bay, Pembrokeshire. (Image: ChrisAt - Getty ) If you're looking for a beach that flies a little under the radar but still delivers on views, great surfing conditions and golden sand, Manorbier might be worth a visit. Tucked into the south Pembrokeshire coastline just west of Tenby, this sandy, dune-backed beach sits in the shadow of a medieval castle. It has a bit of everything with rock pools, jaw-dropping views and even a stream that cuts down through the dunes before spilling into the sea. The beach faces south-west which makes it a popular spot for surfers although this particular beach can have some strong currents, so there are a number of warnings online advising people to stay cautious. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Manorbier has been described as being 'perfect for rock-pooling' (Image: Getty ) According to Bluestone Wales, it's 'a favourite among families, perfect for rock-pooling and for water activity enthusiasts.' The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs right past it, so it's an ideal spot to add to your beach bucket list if you're taking on some of the walk. Article continues below Sea waves crashing against the rocks (Image: Getty ) Manorbier Castle also overlooks the beach which was built in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family and later came under the control of the Earls of Pembroke. The main entrance is a fortified gateway with a portcullis and heavy door, while a smaller postern gate gives access to the beach, and the entire castle looks like it was purpose-built to be the perfect beach backdrop. If you head south east along the cliffs, you'll also find King's Quoit which is a Neolithic burial chamber that's been perched there for around 5,000 years. Manorbier castle as seen from the beach, is a Norman castle which was founded in the 11th century. (Image: Getty ) Visit Pembrokeshire describes the beach itself as 'a sandy, dune-backed beach with a stream running down the northern end,' and gives the usual local advice to check tide times before you head down even if you're not surfing, as it can shrink quickly on an incoming tide. (Image: Getty ) Parking is fairly limited as there's space for around 30 cars in the National Park car park just above the beach and a few more along the road toward Freshwater East. Toilets are available, and an ice cream van is usually parked up during peak times, so it's perfect if you're heading on a family day out. Manorbier Bay in the spring sunshine (Image: Getty ) In the village itself, you'll find a couple of cafés, a pub, and a mix of places to stay with everything from guesthouses to a Youth Hostel at nearby Skrinkle Haven which is definitely a good base if you're looking to explore this quieter stretch of coastline away from the more crowded tourist spots. Although if you are sticking around for a few days, there are some brilliant beaches nearby that are worth the extra drive (or walk, if you're up for a longer stretch along the coast path). Freshwater West Beach is one of Wales' best (Image: Mario Sánchez Prada ) Freshwater East is the closest and has a wide, gently shelving bay that's great for swimming and tends to stay pretty calm even when it's windy elsewhere. A little further west you can also find Swanlake Bay which is a real hidden cove that's only accessible via the coast path or footpath from the road above. There's no car park or facilities, but you'll usually have it almost to yourself. If you're after postcard-perfect scenery, Barafundle is about a 20-minute drive away and is often described as one of the best beaches in the UK (though it does get busy in summer). It's a bit of a walk from the car park at Stackpole Quay, but you're rewarded with golden sand, turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. For something wilder and more remote, Broad Haven South and the Bosherston Lily Ponds are also close by and you can walk from one to the other and back again in a big loop. But if you don't mind spots with a bit more buzz, you could also head over to one of the beaches named in the UK that's also in Pembrokeshire if you'd prefer more things to do inland while making the most of the sea air. Saundersfoot is one of 20 coastal towns to make the Sunday Times list of best in the UK. Article continues below The beach itself backs onto the cute and quirky village with stunning foodie options and lovely residents who instantly make you feel welcome, so is well worth stopping off at if you're in the area. Let us know if you have a favourite beach in Pembrokeshire, or anywhere else in Wales in the comments below.
The Herald Scotland
15 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's best summer walks for spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Cairnpapple Hill, near Torphichen, West Lothian Many of Scotland's fascinating Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, stone circles and cairns appear to have been built around the position of the sun at the summer and winter solstices. Among those thought to have been used in this vein is Cairnpapple Hill. An important site for ceremonies and burials for at least 4,000 years – its Neolithic henge dates from about 3,800 BCE, later used for Bronze Age rituals. Not only does it provide a powerful connection to the past, but it occupies a lofty perch proffering incredible views across Central Scotland to the Bass Rock and Berwick Law in the east and the distant mountains of Arran to the west. Afterwards head to the Hideaway Cafe at Beecraigs Country Park where the menu includes soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, slushies, ice cream and homemade cakes. Read more of Susan's Scottish picks Montrose Basin, Angus A while back I saw a breathtaking sunset picture that, at first glance, I mistook for an oil painting rather than a photograph. It showed Montrose Basin in late June and the vivid colours of the sky – every shade of pink, orange and red – reflecting off the water were spellbinding. Here's hoping for more of the same in the days to come. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is hosting a guided summer solstice walk from 7pm-9pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with the chance to see brown hare and roe deer, as well as mute swans, skylarks, yellowhammers and shelducks. There's a small coffee shop at the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. This closes at 5pm, so, if you're heading along a bit later, aim to grab a bite to eat in nearby Montrose. The Roo's Leap restaurant, despite the distinctly Aussie-sounding moniker, offers a globe-trotting odyssey of international cuisine, from quesadillas and katsu curry to bitterballen and Cajun king prawns. Bird watching at Montrose Basin (Image: J Brogan) Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh With its wow-inducing, 360-degree panoramas across the Edinburgh skyline, Firth of Forth, Fife and the Lothians, Arthur's Seat is a magnificent vantage point – haar permitting – for a life-affirming daunder. Seen from afar this extinct volcano in Holyrood Park – which rises to 823ft (251m) – variously resembles a recumbent lion, or the rounded backside of an elephant with its trunk stretching out in front, depending on your perspective. The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston is a perfect post-walk pit stop, serving steaks, pasta, burgers and stone-baked pizzas. The shared plates are top-tier, with a selection that includes padron peppers, slow-cooked beef croquettes and halloumi fries. Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire With its bird's eye view of the winding, silvery waters of the River Tay and the photogenic folly of Kinnoull Tower, this is always a joyous spot for a sunrise hike. In fact, Kinnoull Hill is gorgeous at any time of the day, home to mature woodland with beech and pine trees. Afterwards head to Perth's cafe quarter for a yummy brunch – or to grab coffee and a sweet treat. The French brasserie Cafe Tabou is the place to go for delectable eggs (benedict, royale, scrambled, omelettes) and freshly baked pastries. Hinterland is another delightful option, with tasty bagels, topped toasts and filled rolls – the menu even has a 'cake for breakfast' section. Ayrshire Coastal Path If you're more of a sunset person, than an early bird who loves catching a sunrise, then you probably need a west-facing adventure, with the Ayrshire Coastal Path ideal in that respect. Covering 106 miles (170km) from Glenapp Kirk to Skelmorlie, it boasts a long list of castles, beaches, harbours and picture-postcard landscapes. For a sandy beach stroll with impressive vistas, take your pick from Ayr, Troon or lesser-known gems such as Maidens. The stretch around Lendalfoot is known for its unusual coastal geology, with the brilliantly named sea stacks 'Forest of Rocks' and the 'Old and Young Laird'. Dunure is another scenic setting with its pretty harbour and crumbling castle ruins. The village has two excellent eateries, The Harbourside and The Anchorage. Ayrshire Coastal Path (Image: unknown) Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
Belfast Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Travel review: Exploring the hidden gems scattered across the heart of Ireland's ancient east
The heart of the Boyne Valley in Louth and Meath has plenty to offer visitors, from Neolithic tombs and First World War poets to whiskey tasting and great food Long before the first Pharaoh of Egypt commanded a pyramid to be built along the Nile's fertile valleys, an Irish society was already thriving in a valley of its own. Sprawled across a corner of Ireland's ancient east, the Boyne Valley was at the heart of advancement in Ireland, with some of the nation's oldest Megalithic sites dotted along the Boyne river.
