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The little-known European sunshine spot that's less than 3hrs from Ireland with 26C heat, fab beaches and €29.99 flights

The little-known European sunshine spot that's less than 3hrs from Ireland with 26C heat, fab beaches and €29.99 flights

The Irish Sun18 hours ago

TAKE a look at this little-known European sunshine spot that is less than three hours from Dublin with incredible streets, amazing food and flights from €29.99.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a resort town located in the southwest of the Principality of Monaco.
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Enjoy a romantic stay in this hidden european sun spot
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It has stunning views by the port with cruise ships regularly docking here
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Get a view of the harbor as you stroll the streets of Villefranche on the French Riviera.
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It is the perfect getaway for couples
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And Ryanair is offering flights from just €29.99 during peak season in July.
This stunning resort town is less than 20 minutes from Nice
Soak up the sun on one of the many beaches in this city with an enchanting setting and a relaxing atmosphere.
From the emblematic Plage des Marinières to the more private Plage de la Darse, the Villefranche-sur-Mer bay awaits you for sunbathing this summer.
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With tickets from just €15, you can witness a stunning light show in the Nice basilica - perfect for
Discover the city of Nice and its places not to be missed and follow the coastal road to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer for breathtaking scenery.
While also getting to taste the famous French wines on the hills of Nice near waterfalls.
This tour is perfect for a girls' trip away with groups of eight people allowed on the tour.
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The legacy of the Saint-Elme Citadel and Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by
Take a break from the port based town with a day trip to
Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations
Stroll down the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, explore the historic Le Suquet neighborhood.
There's even something for the kids as there are fun activities like movie screenings, shopping on Rue d'Antibes, and enjoying the Forville Market.
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While not known for its club scene, this town offers a more sophisticated
Choose from a range of restaurants offering fine dining from seafood to fine French cuisine.
Popular spots to visit are La Belle Etoile or the Cave Nature, which is a French tapas restaurant.
But you can still party as the city of Monaco is only a 34 minute drive away.
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Stay in one of the many luxury resorts in this beautiful coastal town.
You can be based right by the ports at the Hotel La Fiancée du Pirate with a 4.4 star rating on TripAdvisor.
Rooms start from €200 and are within a minute's walk from numerous bars and restaurants.
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Enjoy a meal by the sea in one of the many bars and restaurants
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History buffs will love the 16th century Citadelle Saint-Elme fortress
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The best six days out for the whole family for UNDER a tenner – plus our guide for where kids eat for FREE
The best six days out for the whole family for UNDER a tenner – plus our guide for where kids eat for FREE

The Irish Sun

time14 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The best six days out for the whole family for UNDER a tenner – plus our guide for where kids eat for FREE

AS the summer holidays get underway, many people will be on the lookout for out-of-the-ordinary activities to do with the kids. With the 7 There are plenty of unique outdoor activities you can do in Ireland this summer Credit: Social Media Collect 7 And they will set you back only a tenner or less Credit: Social Media Collect 7 One of them is completely free Credit: Getty Images But in Ireland, there are a range of activities that are either free or cost less than €10 - opening up the possibilities for the And to top it off, there are a number of Milano and Saba offer free kids In Eddie Rockets, On Wednesdays, IKEA Family members can get a free kid's meal with every adult meal purchased. And here are a few unique days out in Ireland that leave you bankrupt over the next few weeks. First up is a guided cave tour in the Cuilcagh Mountains. Guided cave tour Located in The guided tour takes visitors through winding passages, underground rivers and vast cave networks that showcases stunning stalactites and crystal-clear pools. Each tour lasts an hour and 15 minutes and covers over one kilometre of the cave system - and it's accessible to most ages and Visitors are provided with helmets and headlamps and experienced guides lead the group while sharing insights into the geology and history of the caves. The Marble Arch Caves are open daily from spring throughout the summer with tours running every hour though you should always book ahead. And although an adult ticket cost £16, a family ticket, which includes two adults and two Alongside the caves, the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark offers walking trails and outdoor activities for those wanting to explore more of the area. But it should be noted that there are 154 steps to enter and exit the caves, so it's important to wear proper shoes. Velorail experience Up next is railbiking in This outdoor activity is suitable for individuals, families and groups seeking a unique way to explore the area - and it's less than 30 minutes from Castlebar. Inside Irish Olympic medallist's hiking trip to iconic US landmark - complete with 'perfect views' Spanning 9 kilometres, there are three types of railbikes available - two seater railbikes, four seater Before setting off, participants are securely fastened with seatbelts and receive a safety briefing from trained staff. Each session is one hour and 15 minutes and riders are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure to ensure they are fully prepared. The cost is €40 per railbike, regardless of the number of passengers - making it only €10 per person for a group of four. Along the way, participants can enjoy uninterrupted views, spot native wildlife and experience a peaceful car-free environment. For more information or to book your railbike adventure, visit the official website: And it doesn't matter if your ticket is booked for a rainy day, as according to one review it can be enjoyed in any conditions. One visitor wrote: "Weather was not great but that doesn't matter as the Velo rail has a top which protects you and the shop has rain ponchos to purchase." Hiking the stairway to heaven Or, you can hike the stairway to heaven at the Mourne Mountains, Co Down. The trail begins at the Kilkeel car park and follows well-marked paths ascending steeply towards the summits of Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. At approximately 7.5 kilometres in length with 450 steps, the hike typically takes three to four hours to complete - depending on your fitness level. Hikers encounter a variety of terrain including rocky steps, narrow ridges and open moorlands. The route finishes at the summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak where views stretch across the Mourne Mountains and even as far as And there is no entry fee to access the trails. The Stairway to Heaven hike is open year-round, and is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure. But visitors should always pack some water and food - and could even enjoy a picnic with the stunning views. One visitor wrote: "MAKE SURE YOU BRING WATER AND SOME CARBS!! "On our way down so many people were walking up and I heard on multiple occasions of people not have water with them. Don't be that group who goes unprepared. "The carbs are to keep you going on the route." Wells House & Gardens, Wexford This 17th Century Victorian Manor House has a history dating back to the Cromwell days. The Tickets to enter the A And even better, kids under two can enter for free. You can take two Woodland Walks, where you can see dragons, fairies and trolls, or spend time in the Adventure playground. Visitors can head to the animal farm, enjoy the stunning view from the terraced gardens or see the arboretum. Included in the ticket is: No time limits Tranquil Gardens & Arboretum Lady Frances Fairy & Gruffalo Walk Mogue's Enchanted Woodland Walk (new) Playground Animal Farm (new additions) Free Parking Toilets & Baby changing facilities Free Wifi Access to Ireland's no.1 Tourist attraction 2019 Explore acres of enchanting woodlands & gardens Picnic areas And to drive from Visitors have left many reviews speaking about the beauty of the site - and one in particular spoke about the attention to details on the trails. They wrote: "I visited Wells House yesterday with my daughter and granddaughter. We had the most amazing time, the grounds and walks were amazing. "I cannot believe the level of detail along the walks - my granddaughter was absolutely delighted every step of the way. And we racked up a lot of steps!!! "The formal gardens are beautiful and the walled garden a delight." Kildare Maze This is a great idea for families who want a bit of adventure - and admission is very reasonable. It is Leinster's largest hedge maze, and is located just outside Prosperous in the North It offers a challenging and exciting day out for the family at an affordable price. Here, you can enjoy the Hedge Maze, the Wooden Maze, Crazy Golf, an Obstacle Course, a Picnic Area and a Zip Wire. Tickets for adults cost €9, while children and students can enter for €7. Admission includes all activities and there are two time slots to choose from. There is 1.5 acres of hedge-lined paths, which after 2km leads to the viewing tower at the centre of the maze. The viewing tower offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the stunning maze. The patron saint of Kildare is St Brigid, which is the inspiration for the design of the maze. The cross is located within the four quadrants, and the centre of the cross is the centre of the maze. Many visitors praised the price of the entry to the maze, and one noted that the time to solve it can vary. The review reads: "Started with the main maze. Managed to solve it in 10 minutes with my son. "My daughters did it in 20 minutes (with some help from us in the viewing tower!). Took other groups up to an hour though! Onto the next (wooden) maze. "Proved tougher to find all 8 clues than the main maze for us! And there is a zipwire (we loved) and sandpit (mine are a bit old for this). "And then there was still Crazy/ Mini the value was fantastic! "The whole afternoon cost less than the takeaway food (in the local town) afterwards." Nore Valley Park This park is the ultimate day out for families, with loads to offer. It is located in a serene valley overlooking the River Nore in It has been in operation since 1989, when the owners transferred their beef and tillage farm into a campsite and open farm. This 60-acre open farm has 120 camping pitches, offering adventure play areas, hands-on farm experiences and seasonal events. You can bottle-feed baby goats, enjoy scenic tractor rides along the river and camp under the stars. Or, head go-karting or hop on a trailer ride, before playing crazy golf or giant chess. There is also a 3km river walk and nature trail to spend time in nature. Tickets for the pet farm start from €11 and there are plenty of different seasonal events on offer. Reviews on Tripadvisor are full of parents recommending a visit, both due to the price of tickets and the care taken with the animals. One person wrote: "This is a wonderful site for families with young children. "They have an extensive pet farm with the most well cared for and tame animals I've ever come across. "They also have a large sand pit with excavators that kept our two kids amused for an extended period! "The site itself has the most beautiful views onto a valley with beautiful mature trees. Tents and caravans are all pitched together which is lovely and rare to find these days. "The playground is impressive and a security man arrives at 10pm to send the kiddies home to bed." 7 The Kildare Maze is a great day out for families Credit: The Kildare Maze 7 Wells House & Gardens is great to step back into history Credit: Wells House & Gardens 7 Nore Valley Park overlooks the River Nore in Kilkenny Credit: Nore Valley Park 7 Several restaurants offer free meals to kids Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Quiet peaceful holidays popular in 2025
Quiet peaceful holidays popular in 2025

Extra.ie​

time16 hours ago

  • Extra.ie​

Quiet peaceful holidays popular in 2025

Eco friendly holidays, nature based breaks and gazing upwards at the night sky are topping the list of holiday wishes for the year ahead, according to a new survey. The data compiled by Airbnb and found that holiday makers are looking ahead with an eco friendly eye on their annual summer getaway. While the travel industry has more or less returned to pre-covid levels, the growing level of economic uncertainty, alongside the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and Donald Trumps presidency in the USA is apparantly making 2025 feel quite unpredictable in the world of travel. Pic:Visitor numbers to the USA have already seen a drop this year while more and more people are looking to 'step out of reality' and embrace an almost 'ethereal experience' on their annual sojourn for rest and relaxation. This is shown in a new trend towards taking 'Calmcations' holidays where your every move is geared towards total relaxation and zero stress, with absolute peace and tranquility. Pic: Shutterstock In fact, a recent survey from the World Health Organisation rated noise pollution, particularly from traffic, as the second most important cause of sickness in Western Europe. Travel agencies are also reporting a rise in bookings to the Scandinavian countries with increasing interest in Norway and Sweden as Summer destinations, instead of the popular perennials like Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece which have seen protests over the past couple of years from locals there complaining about over-tourism in their areas. TENERIFE, SPAIN – MAY 18: Thousands of people protesting against the tourism model and mass tourism in the Canary Islands in Tenefire, Spain on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Andres Gutierrez/Anadolu via Getty Images) But while the usual holiday hotspots are seeing a decrease in popularity among some sun-seekers, it seems people are not really looking at travelling further afield, as more than likely swapping one holiday hotspot for a similar neighbouring country that may be cheaper and less crowded, like moving from Italy to Bulgaria or Croatia to Albania instead. And have you ever considered Noctourism? Combining the night time with tourist experiences from glowing bioluminescent beaches to the Northern Lights. Pic: Getty Images Stargazing holidays are expected to be popular this year as, according to leading astronomers, solar activity is going to reach new heights in 2025, sending higher than average numbers of charged particles to interact with the Earth's atmosphere, creating dramatic aurora viewing opportunities. So if you're still undecided about where to go this summer, maybe a peaceful, star gazing type of break is just what the doctor ordered.

Urgent 'don't travel to Israel' warning to Irish citizens after airstrikes on Iran
Urgent 'don't travel to Israel' warning to Irish citizens after airstrikes on Iran

Extra.ie​

time17 hours ago

  • Extra.ie​

Urgent 'don't travel to Israel' warning to Irish citizens after airstrikes on Iran

The Irish Government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel following a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran. The escalation in regional tensions has raised concerns about further retaliatory attacks and the potential for broader instability across the Middle East. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have said they were 'deeply concerned' after Israel launched strikes on Tehran early on Friday, targeting the country's nuclear programme and rekindling fears of a full-scale conflict. The Irish Government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel following a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that Israel should expect 'severe punishment' in response, and it was reported on Friday that drones had been launched. This marks the most significant attack Iran has faced since its war with Iraq in the 1980s. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has since stated that stability was needed and called for diplomacy. This picture shows a building damaged in an Israeli strike on Tehran on June 13, 2025. Israel hit about 100 targets in Iran on June 13, including nuclear facilities and military command centres and killing senior figures including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists. Pic: MEGHDAD MADADI/TASNIM NEWS/AFP via Getty Images 'I call on all in the Middle East to exercise the utmost restraint and to avoid further escalation,' he began. 'The region and the world need stability. Diplomacy must be the only way forward.' Also speaking on Radio 1 this afternoon, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the 'alarming' development meant there was a risk of 'regional spillover.' 'Today we have taken a decision to update our travel advice in relation to Israel and the very clear travel advice from Ireland now is that no Irish citizen should travel to Israel. We already had such travel advice in place in relation to Iran, and today we're extending that in relation to Israel.' Mr Harris, who is also the minister for foreign affairs, added: ' We're keeping in very close contact with our diplomatic teams on the ground in Iran and in Israel, but I would ask all Irish citizens to heed that updated travel advice.' ' This is an extraordinarily dangerous and volatile time and I'd encourage all Irish citizens to heed that advice,' he continued. Speaking on the ongoing conflict in Palestine, Mr Harris stressed: ' What's happening at the moment in Gaza is genocide. There are children being left to starve and a two-state solution is further away than it ever has been, and now is actually the time, not for diplomatic cables, but for leadership. For leadership to make sure the starving children can get the food, much of which is parked in Jordan, and to help bring about an end to the horrific genocidal activity. ' I know that is the very, very strong view of the Irish people and it's a very strong view of the Irish government,' the Tanaiste added.

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