Latest news with #Dalmatian
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The European sunshine spot 3 hours from Ireland with stunning beaches, historical sites, €3 pints & €60 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the European sunshine spot just three hours from Ireland with stunning beaches, historical sites, €3 pints and €60 Ryanair flights. Zadar is a beautiful city located off the coast of 4 Zadar is one of Europe's most underrated holiday destinations Credit: Getty Images 4 It's the perfect spot to start your trip along the Dalmatian coast Credit: Getty Images 4 Ryanair flights from Dublin go for just €70 next month Credit: Alamy The hottest month in Zadar is July and with temperatures still reaching a whopping 35C in August, it's the perfect spot to visit this summer. Zadar is one of Croatia's most charming coastal cities, known for its ancient Roman ruins, island-dotted coastline and stunning beaches. And Set along the Adriatic Sea on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, this lively city attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its historic Old Town, vibrant food scene and laid-back vibe. READ MORE IN TRAVEL Zadar is also one of the more affordable Croatian destinations, offering The city's seafront promenade is a major highlight, with views over the islands and two renowned art installations – the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. Zadar is also home to several scenic beaches, including Kolovare Beach and Borik, which both feature soft sand and crystal-clear waters. With lifeguards on site every summer, they are both ideal for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Most read in News Travel Visitors can hop on boat tours to explore nearby islands such as Ugljan and Dugi Otok, where they'll find hidden coves. In the city there's plenty to explore – from ancient Roman forums and medieval churches to lively markets and bars tucked into narrow streets. The beachfront Croatian campsite set for multi-million revamp Zadar is also a great destination for history lovers. Along with several museums, highlights include St Donatus Church, the Roman Forum and the stunning Land Gate. Another must-see is the Museum of Ancient Glass, where visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and see hundreds of preserved Roman glass pieces. The Old Town is a must-visit when in the city and it features lots of pubs, wine bars and traditional restaurants serving fresh 'ABSOLUTELY STUNNING' For those seeking more nightlife, Split is about two hours away – offering open-air clubs and beach parties that stay busy well into the night. Drinks are well priced too, with cocktails and local beers starting around €3 - and many beach bars offering two-for-one deals during happy hour. Zadar also hosts summer festivals like the Musical Evenings in St Donatus and the Full Moon Festival, with outdoor concerts and pop-up markets along the city's seafront. Visitors on One review said: 'Both are interesting to have a look around but the old town is absolutely stunning and this nice bridge with lovely views.' Another added: 'The views across the marina and the old town are worth seeing. "A number of bars, cafes and restaurants are nearby too." 4 The stunning old town is another must-see Credit: Alamy
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Departure Lounge: Take a solo trip to Morocco's Medinas, mountains and coast
Doing it solo Solo travellers are finding an increasingly diverse and sophisticated offering for holidays and adventures. Solos' new women-only tours for 2026 offer private rooms with no single supplement, small group sizes, female tour leaders, and women-focused experiences designed for mature, independent travellers. Their 13-day female-only Moroccan Medinas, Mountains & Coast looks great, with Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh and Essaouira all on an itinerary mixed with visits to Hassan II Mosque, the Bahia Palace and Yves Saint Laurent's glorious Majorelle Gardens. Expect cultural encounters with Berber women in the Atlas Mountains, a Moroccan calligraphy workshop, a cooking class at La Maison Arabe with a local female chef, and visits to embroidery, pottery and argan oil cooperatives run by women. Departs March 31 2026, costs £4,399; Korcula, Croatia Sail away Sailing holidays are on the up, with the Greek Isles and Croatia firm favourites. For next summer, plan a seven-night Adriatic expedition on a five-star Croatian yacht with just 19 cabins. Journeying along the Dalmatian coast, you'll visit historic Split, Makarska, Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Mljet, Šipan and Dubrovnik. €1,590 including flights from Dublin, pre-stay hotel in Split, all transfers, seven-night cruise in a premium superior cabin with ensuite, welcome reception, breakfast, lunches onboard, captain's dinner, olive oil and wine tasting and three guided tours. Departs May 16 2026; Geneva, Switzerland Winter routes Aer Lingus revealed three new winter routes last week, with flights from Dublin to Turin (perfect for accessing Italy's alpine slopes) and from Cork to Prague and Geneva. Nestled between the Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland's second largest city is a scenic and cultural treat, but also ideal for ski trips. A gateway to Morzine, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, including the famous Vallée Blanche, flights will operate once a week from Cork Airport to Geneva on a Saturday, from December 20 to March 28, with one-way fares from €49.99. Fitzpatrick's Castle, Killiney Deal of the week Experience two sides to Leinster with Fitzpatrick Hotel Collection's new two-centre escape. Combining rest and adventure, enjoy one night B&B with dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, with padel courts, an ice bath and Scandinavian sauna and steam room (and just a DART ride from Dublin city). Explore Killiney Beach, Bray Head and Killiney Hill before high-tailing it to the rolling hills of Wicklow to stay at Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, Ireland's oldest hotel for one night's B&B with dinner. Overlooking the Aughrim river and enveloped in scenic walking, hiking and cycling routes you can explore, relax or play golf. Ideal for families or couples, the package can be booked on a non-consecutive basis if desired. Available September and October, from €419 midweek and €493 on weekends; Irish Ferries is offering great deals for 2025 with the added advantage of a 25% discount on your 2026 sailing to Britain or France. Ferry good deals Irish Ferries is offering great deals for 2025 with the added advantage of a 25% discount on your 2026 sailing to Britain or France. The deal applies to new motorist bookings on the Dublin–Cherbourg route and includes Economy and Flexi fares only. The award-winning Irish ferry company sails from Dublin to Holyhead and Cherbourg, from Rosslare to Pembroke, as well as from Dover to Calais.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
European island boasting over 2,700 hours of sunshine a year is just 4 hours from UK
This stunning island id located in the Adriatic Sea Just a three-hour flight from the UK lies the Croatian city of Split, from where you can catch an hour-long ferry to the gorgeous island of Hvar, which enjoys over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually. This breathtaking island, nestled in the Adriatic Sea, offers the perfect escape for those seeking a vibrant island break without the crowds found in Ibiza, Tenerife, and Santorini. Hvar makes for an excellent holiday spot throughout the year, though like any tourist hotspot, it does get busier during peak summer months. Travel gurus at LonelyPlanet suggest visiting during spring or autumn, noting that these seasons are especially magnificent in the Dalmatian region. They explained: "You can expect plenty of sunny weather, the water is still warm enough for swimming, the island is less busy, and prices are lower." There's no shortage of activities for holidaymakers on Hvar, from taking a refreshing plunge at the rocky Hvar Beach, to exploring the 15th-century Tvrdalj Castle, or Fort Napoljun (Napoleon), which harks back to the Napoleonic period when Hvar was under French control. Tourists to Hvar have posted glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one declaring: "Walk around the island on foot and you will be amazed by the beautiful landscapes and views of Hvar. We were delighted with the beautiful walk, the walk is long, but very well worth it." Another visitor, who tackled the trek to the fortress, remarked: "Worth the twenty minute hike up and back to see the amazing views! The fort's history is pretty cool and worth a stop off. There is an amazing cactus garden on the path too." Hvar also serves as an excellent launching point for exploring the neighbouring Pakleni Islands. The biggest of these, Sveti Klemen, houses just three villages. Yet it's Marinkovac that proves most sought-after amongst these isles, boasting crystal-clear waters and trendy beach clubs. Equally renowned for its nightlife scene is Stipanska Island, which plays host to the globally celebrated Carpe Diem Beach that transforms into a buzzing beach club after sunset. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can venture to Bisevo to experience the breathtaking blue cave. Countless excursions are on offer for island-hoppers, regardless of whether they're based on one of the islands or back on the mainland in Split.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dog Goes To Spend His First Influencer Paycheck—Results Are Adorable
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For most dogs, a trip to the pet store is a treat. But for Ryder, a 3-year-old Dalmatian, his recent visit to PetSmart was a business trip with an adorable twist: he was there to spend his very first influencer paycheck. His owner, Sandra Macedo, 29, captured the heartwarming event in a TikTok video and told Newsweek about the pivotal moment for Ryder—a sweet pup training for a greater purpose. The clip follows Ryder and Macedo on their mission to spend his $85.27 influencer earnings. The footage shows Ryder navigating the aisles of PetSmart, seeming to make his own selections. By the end of their shopping spree, the duo had garnered a collection of toys, with the total coming in at $76.97. Photos from Sandra Macedo's TikTok video of her dog, Ryder, "spending" his first paycheck at PetSmart. Photos from Sandra Macedo's TikTok video of her dog, Ryder, "spending" his first paycheck at PetSmart. @ryderthedal/TikTok Macedo shared her immense pride in watching Ryder "spend" his hard-earned money. "It honestly brings me so much joy being able to spoil him for all his 'hard work,'" she said. "Sure, I plan, film and edit the content, but he's the real superstar." Among his new treasures, one item clearly stood out to the Dalmatian: "His favorite item was definitely the tug toy," Macedo said. "Tug-of-war is his favorite game, so there's no surprise it was a big hit." 'Our Full-Time Job' Ryder's journey to becoming a pet influencer began in 2022 when Macedo got him—her first dog in about eight years. "I started his TikTok account the same month I brought him home, as I wanted to document the entire journey almost like a digital diary," she said. And, beyond the adorable shopping trips, Ryder's influencer income plays a crucial role in ensuring he lives his best life. "[I want to] continue to give Ryder the best life possible," she said. "What started as 'posting for fun' has turned into our full-time job." The opportunities from working with various pet and other brands have "truly improved his quality of life and have allowed me to give him the best-possible care." Macedo is meticulous about how Ryder's earnings are utilized. "The income we make from our social-media accounts go toward his care first," she said. These essential expenses include vet costs, pet insurance, monthly prevention, food, toys, treats, grooming, professional training and more. Macedo's philosophy for Ryder's life is expansive: "As I like to say, their world is as big as we make it, and I want to show him just how big this world is." Looking ahead, she dreams of exploring the country with Ryder, and hopefully one day traveling abroad together. Ryder's influence extends beyond personal gain; he actively gives back to his community, too. "He and I are a therapy dog team in training," Macedo said. The duo have undergone professional training and have already visited elementary schools, nursing homes and a school for adults with developmental disabilities. Their goal is to become a nationally recognized therapy dog team within the next few months. Furthermore, Ryder's platform is used for animal welfare. Receiving products from pet brands—sometimes, more than they can reasonably use—Macedo donates new and gently used toys, food, supplements and more to their local shelter, LifeLine Animal Project. "Giving back is extremely important to me," Macedo said. "Ryder is one lucky dog because of the continuous support from our online community. So, in return, we give back to our local community." Ryder's story is just one example of how pet influencers can leverage their online popularity for both personal enrichment and community impact, proving that even a dog's "paycheck" can spread joy far and wide.
Forbes
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This New Dubrovnik Restaurant Features A Dish With A 5,000-Year History
A peka dinner at Local Dubrovnik in Old Town. A few summers ago my friend Ivan Vuković texted me to meet him around a fire for dinner. "Trust me," he said, who just so happens to be an incredible tour guide in Dubrovnik. I schlepped up the stairs (there are a lot of them in Dubrovnik, where houses dot the hills), sweating profusely, to the home of Marija and Zlatko Papak. The Papaks frequently cooked home feasts for strangers in their home on the city's outskirts, which they coined 'Eat with Locals,' to give insider glimpses into dining in the Dalmatian region. That evening changed everything I thought I knew about Croatian cuisine, and now, the Papaks are bringing that same magic inside Dubrovnik's ancient walls in a restaurant setting. Croatian wine at Local Dubrovnik. A few summers ago, my friend Ivan Vuković texted me to meet him around a fire for dinner. "Trust me," he said. Ivan happens to be an incredible tour guide in Dubrovnik, so I did end up trusting him as I schlepped up a long strip of stairs (there are a lot of them in Dubrovnik, where houses dot the hills), sweating profusely, to the home of Marija and Zlatko Papak. The Papaks frequently cooked home feasts for strangers in their home on the city's outskirts (experiences they coined "Eat with Locals") to give insider glimpses into dining in the Dalmatian region. That evening changed everything I thought I knew about Croatian cuisine, and now, the Papaks are bringing that same magic inside Dubrovnik's ancient walls. Enter Local Dubrovnik, a brand new concept behind the beloved duo behind the legendary home feasts on the city's outskirts. They've brought their signature hospitality right into the heart of Old Town with something unprecedented: the city's first and only dedicated peka restaurant within the ancient walls. Zlatko Papak cooking peka. For those new to peka, think of it as a 5,000-year-old Croatian cooking ritual engrained in Dalmatian food culture. The name refers to both the bell-shaped iron lid and the method itself: meat (often lamb, veal, or octopus), potatoes, and vegetables are arranged in a tray, covered with the peka lid, then slow-roasted for hours under hot embers and ash. The result is meat so tender it practically melts on your tongue, infused with smoky, earthy goodness that only comes from this prehistoric technique—a taste of ancient Dalmatia served in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful cities. "I never get tired of peka; local people will always mention peka. Sunday lunch with the whole family—it's something we do," Marija says, capturing how this dish is as much about togetherness as flavor. If you want to taste Dubrovnik like a local, Local is where you start. This isn't your typical tourist spot—reservations are essential for this intimate experience. With just one seating at 7 p.m. each night and a cap of 40 guests, the experience is communal and deeply rooted in tradition. Peka at Local Dubrovnik. The peka dinner starts at 120 euros per person and unfolds like a proper Croatian feast. It begins with traditional aperitifs—free-flowing Croatian wine, homemade grappa, and rakija—alongside a stunning charcuterie spread featuring Marija's standout house-made bread, local pršut (prosciutto), dreamy oil-soaked cheeses, olives, and more delicious bites than you could dream of. Consider yourself lucky to watch Marija precisely slice the pršut on her custom prosciutto stand, engraved with her name. Then comes peka, the star of the evening. And just when you think the meal is complete, dessert appears to cap off the night. Local elevates this tradition in a setting that's both cozy and elevated. Perched above the busy, cobblestoned Old Town streets, the restaurant's stone fireplace dominates the space, crackling with the same wood fires that have cooked peka for millennia. "When we saw the fireplace, we knew that was it," Marija says. The atmosphere invites mingling between locals and travelers alike, sharing family-style platters, glasses of wine, and stories from Dubrovnik's vibrant food scene. The space smells like rosemary, sage, and wood smoke, while the clinking of wine glasses and conversation with fast new friends make you feel worlds away from the tourist crowds just below. What sets Local's peka apart is precision technique married to prime local ingredients and the simple fact that this ancient cooking method can now be experienced within Dubrovnik's historic walls for the first time. One of the biggest draws, food aside, is Marija and Zlatko's company. Peka at Local Dubrovnik. Marija's vision was simple yet profound: "I just imagined to make Local a place in Old Town to mingle and talk with people, just like at our house," she says. "Peka isn't something you eat alone. It's made for sharing—with friends, with family, with laughter, stories, and long, slow conversations around the table," she adds. Their previous home feasts served up to 200 pekas during peak summer seasons, building a loyal following of food lovers who made pilgrimages to their terrace in the hills. Now that passion lives on inside Old Town, where every meal feels like a dinner party you're lucky to have stumbled into. Marija Papak's cooking class at Local Dubrovnik. Marija also leads hands-on cooking classes that begin at Dubrovnik's vibrant Gundulićeva Poljana Market, right in front of Pucić Palace Hotel (the city's only five-star hotel in Old Town). After handpicking the freshest seasonal ingredients, guests head to The restaurant's dedicated cooking space to prepare authentic dishes like homemade bread, mussels buzara (a classic Dalmatian dish with white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs), hand-rolled macaroni with olive oil and goat cheese, and traditional candied almonds. So if you find yourself in Dubrovnik, skip the tourist traps and head to Local, where every bite connects you to 5,000 years of history and every meal feels like coming home.
