Lucinda O'Sullivan's restaurant review: While lunch in Cobh needed refining, dinner in Garryvoe demonstrated excellence
'Cobh is having a moment,' said my East Cork friend, Farmer Browne, as we drove past the fab five-star Fota Island Resort and Fota Wildlife Park, on over the bridge to the Great Island at the mouth of the River Lee, and past the restored Anglo-Norman tower of Belvelly Castle.
An evocative place of tragedies and triumph, Cobh was formerly known as Queenstown, a significant garrison town, and the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. Today, the town is a destination for cruise ships and those on the trail of both the Titanic and the Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat during WWI.
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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue
And many festivals are happening this month ON TRACK The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue TAKE a look at the beautiful destinations in Northern Ireland that are just a train ride away from Dublin. Northern Ireland is popular among Irish and international tourists due to its unique historical sites such as the Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Belfast. 5 The Grand Central Station in Belfast is the perfect travel hub for tourists Credit: Discover Northern Ireland 5 The station offers services to popular travel hotspots in Northern Ireland Credit: Discover Northern Ireland 5 Many festivals and fairs are happening this month Credit: Discover Northern Ireland And Discover Northern Ireland has created the following itineraries for four hotspots that tourists can follow if they wish to explore the hidden gems of the island's northern part. Tourists can start off their adventures by boarding the hourly Enterprise service at Connolly Station in Dublin and arriving in the bustling and brand new Grand Central Station in Belfast. Belfast is the best staging post for a great value giant adventure in the North due to its connection to popular tourism spots via train. The capital is full of a unique blend of British and Irish culture, music and banter, especially in the charming pubs. It is home to the award-winning visitor experience that tells the story of the Titanic's history. It includes over nine awe-inspiring interactive galleries, just a few minutes from where the ship was famously designed, built, and launched in 1911. Over the weekend of September 6-7, the Titanic Quarter will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of sea, ships and stores as the Maritime Festival makes its comeback. And some music artists are performing at the special open-air concert on Saturday evening, featuring the Hothouse Flowers and special guests Rioghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet. Within walking distance from the station, there is a vast selection of places to stay, including the Europa and Fitzwilliam hotels. After your relaxing stay in the bustling capital of Northern Ireland, it is time to return to the station and explore what the Bangor Line has to offer for everyone. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets As the train departs the city, be prepared to deboard at Holywood, home of Northern Ireland's golf legend Rory Mcllory. You have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps at one of his regular eateries, the Dirty Duck or visit his home club, Holywood Golf Club. After your quick pitstop, hop back on board for the short trip to Cultra and the Ulster Transport Museum, where you can learn about one of Europe's most comprehensive transport collections. Or learn more about the everyday skills, customs and traditions passed down over many generations, at the neighbouring Ulster Folk Museum. The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn is a perfect base to explore Co Down's 'Gold Coast'. The establishment dates back to 1614 and is labelled as one of the region's most historic hotels due partly to its links with author and 20th-century literary icon C.S. Lewis. For spa lovers, you will enjoy the indulgent treetop spa, which will transport you to your version of Narnia. Bangor's Open House Festival is running until August 31, and it has a packed programme of music, comedy, film, theatre, boat trips, food, drink, talks, and unique crafting events for tourists. CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE Tourists can take one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, which was praised by Sir Michael Palin, which boasts incredible scenery of the Causeway Coast, the wild Atlantic Ocean, and the views across Rathlin Island. Portrush is the perfect base to stay while exploring the hidden gems of the coastal route, it offers trips to some of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks and attractions are within easy reach. The ruins of Dunluce Castle are steeped in legend while The Giant's Causeway never ceases to amaze the one million visitors it attracts each year and The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge will provide the perfect photo opportunity moment for the gram. For alcohol lovers, the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest distillery, is worth a visit as you witness the magic of more than 400 years of master blending. The Ould Lammas Fair, Ireland's oldest fair, will return to the seaside resort of Ballycastle for another round of trading, bargaining and a programme packed with entertainment from August 23 to 26. A must-see stop off in Castlerock is the stunning Benone Strand where the fabulous Mussenden Temple sits perched on the clifftop at Downhill Demesne looking out to the Atlantic Ocean while trains below disappear into the beachside tunnel. DERRY The last destination is located at the end of the glorious railway line, which lies the only Walled City on the island. Filled with a fantastic, vibrant nightlife and a burgeoning reputation for excellence with foodies, Derry is the ideal location for a city break during summer. Tourists are urged to visit the Derry Girls Mural and Experience in the Tower Museum, or they can check out the Craft Village as you get under the skin of the warm and friendly city. The heart of the city offers a vast selection of restaurants, local shops, pubs, cafes and fantastic accommodation options. Another thing to do for alcohol lovers is the Beer Masterclass at the Walled City Brewery, where you get to make your own micro-beer and enjoy the taste of it. And you also get the chance to try up to 10 other beers, including a cream chocolate stout named Derrymilk. Another festival will be held at Ebrington Square, where it will come alive with music as four-time Brit Award winner Emeli Sande makes her Derry debut on August 22. To help you discover the 'rail' Northern Ireland visit 5 It will make the perfect last-minute staycation trip this summer Credit: Discover Northern Ireland
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- RTÉ News
TUI beats quarterly earnings forecast as new strategy 'paying off'
Europe's largest tour operator TUI has today reported better-than-expected results as summer travel proved more resilient after chief executive Sebastian Ebel previously warned that 2025 could be a "challenging" year for the group. European airlines broadly performed well during the second quarter as concerns about a dip in travel demand appeared to have had a limited impact on results. TUI reported underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of €321m in its quarter ended June 30, compared with the €269m expected by analysts polled by LSEG, and up 38% on the previous year. Revenue in TUI's third quarter across all segments stood at €6.2 billion, gaining 7%. The group raised its full-year profit guidance yesterday, after strong hotel and cruise demand boosted the business so far this year, sending shares up. "The third quarter and the first nine months of the financial year 2025 were strong. Our strategy is paying off," Ebel said in a statement today. The company acknowledged that the environment for its airlines business remained difficult. In the previous quarter, TUI had flagged a slight drop in summer bookings, amid concerns that inflation and macroeconomic worries could weigh on consumer appetite for travel. While there was a 2% decline in summer bookings tied to the Middle East conflict, ticket prices were up 3%, helping to balance out higher costs, according to a media presentation. European travellers, making up the core base of TUI's customers, tend to be more price-sensitive than North American travellers. German bookings were also down 5% due to hot weather, Ebel told reporters on a media call, but added that he expected more customers in the autumn.
The Irish Sun
07-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Airline to launch new ‘beer festival' flights from the UK next month
Plus, five German beer halls to visit in the UK HOP ONBOARD Airline to launch new 'beer festival' flights from the UK next month OKTOBERFEST lovers will be happy to hear that a major airline is launching flights from the UK to the beer festival next month. Lufthansa is launching flights between London Stansted to Munich for Oktoberfest. Advertisement 3 Lufthansa is launching flights to Munich next month for Oktoberfest Credit: Getty 3 The popular beer festival attracts over seven million visitors each year Credit: Alamy Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here The airline will run 14 return flights to the Bavarian city between September 19 and October 5 for the largest beer festival in the world. Each flight will depart from London Stansted at 7:50pm and arrive in Munich at around 10:30pm local time. Oktoberfest will officially kick off in the European city on September 20 and will then run until October 5 at Theresienwiese Park. Advertisement Simon Gorrighan, London Stansted's aviation director, said: "We are delighted to welcome Lufthansa back to London Stansted to once again offer people from across our region an easy and convenient way to experience the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich. "Oktoberfest dates back to 1810 and is considered the largest beer festival in the world with over six million visitors each year so we know flights will be in high demand." The beer festival has attracted tourists for decades and become a major annual event in Europe. Around seven million people visit the drinks festival each year, with around 85 per cent of that number being German attendees. Advertisement Most visitors will also dress up in traditional Bavarian clothes - lederhosen for guys and dirndls for girls. Outside the beer tents, the entire festival has a carnival vibe with games, rides and even haunted houses. Explore Oktoberfest Then inside the tents is where you will find the traditional Oktoberfest staples, including food stalls, music and of course, large steins of beer. All the tents at the festival are free to enter, with beer typically costing around €12 (£10.40). Advertisement And there are so many tents to explore, such as Marstall which can host over 3,400 people. Alternatively, you can head to Armbrustschützen-Festhalle which even features a crossbow competition that has been running since 1895. Food varies in price, with meals costing between €10 (£8.67) and €20 (£17.34) on average. But if you do want a traditional sausage or bratwurst, you can grab one for around €6 (£5.20). Advertisement If you are unable to head to Germany, there are often several events that run in the UK as well. Five German beer halls to visit in the UK THERE are plenty of beer halls to visit in the UK, with pubs serving traditional German grub dotted across the country. Stein's, Richmond & Kingston These beer gardens in London serve authentic German dishes and a variety of German beers, making them perfect spots for an Oktoberfest celebration. The Bierkeller, Manchester Located in The Printworks, this pub offers an extensive range of German beers, live Oompah bands and a festive atmosphere. Albert's Schloss, Manchester This Bavarian-themed bar and restaurant is known for its lively vibe, with live music, a wide selection of German beers, and traditional Bavarian food. The Bavarian Beerhouse, Bristol Similar to its London counterparts, this pub provides a great selection of German beers and traditional Bavarian fare, making it an ideal spot for Oktoberfest celebrations. The Bierkeller, Leeds Situated in the heart of the city, this venue offers a wide range of German beers, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that's perfect for Oktoberfest. A Sun reporter headed to Oktoberfest last year – here's how to avoid the tourist mistakes and drink better. Plus, Europe's best-value Oktoberfest hotspots – with £1.20 pints and affordable TUI holiday deals. 3 There will be 14 flights over the duration of the festival between London Stanstead and Munich Credit: Alamy
