Holiday Destinations in the U.K. and Ireland

With 66% of us planning to take between 2 and 4 holidays this year, there’s plenty of variety to be had. You may have flown to many memorable destinations in your time, but I wonder if you’ve ever considered what lies just 12 miles away across the Irish sea?

That’s right – close to home (for those living in the British and Irish Isles), you’ll find a destination that offers a rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. And it’ll likely be more wallet-friendly than flying to far-flung lands.

Here we’ll delve a bit more into some locations for whatever type of holiday you’re looking for both for Irish people holidaying in the UK and for Brits considering Ireland- whether it’s a cultural city break, adventure holiday or a more relaxing stop by the coast.

Remember you can get local knowledge and find a friendly face to enrich your holiday by signing up to meet our like-minded Freebirds as part of the Freebird Club.

Irish Holiday Ideas

With a broad history, varied and vibrant landscape and a friendly welcome, Ireland’s magical atmosphere has plenty to offer, for first-time visitors and those drawn back by a love of life.

From the coastal wonders of the Giant’s Causeway, to the historic Blarney Castle, Ireland has something for everyone. Here are some ideas to whet your whistle.

Best Coastal Holiday in Ireland

It’s impossible to choose ‘the best’ anything, either in Ireland or Britain. Both have a wide range of wonderful destinations across the board.

Why not take as much of the coast in as possible by taking in as much as possible of the Wild Atlantic Way. Set over a not insubstantial 1,600 miles, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal and it proceeds through seven counties before finishing in Kinsale, County Cork.

Split in 14 sections for easier navigation, along the way you’ll be able to visit beaches, historic monuments, islands, castles and much more. It’s a great way to experience so much of what Ireland has to offer and still leave you wanting more.

Best City Breaks in Ireland

There’ll be no pitting cities against each other, but here are three to consider for different reasons.

Dublin – is of course the Capital, and full of pubs, museums and home to Dublin Castle. Described by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “famous for its craic – that mixture of repartee, humour, intelligence, and acerbic and deflating insight that has attracted writers, intellectuals, and visitors for centuries.”

If you do just one thing: Visit the Guinness Storehouse.

Cork – The Republic’s second city is full of similar experiences to Dublin, but on a smaller scale. The city feels more walkable and offers a wide range of tourist destinations with a local feel.

If you do just one thing: Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Blarney Stone.

Belfast – Capital of Northern Ireland. Each of the city’s Quarters tells a story – from tales of the city’s past at the Ulster Museum to iconic Game of Thrones locations. A veritable mix of history and culture.

If you do just one thing: Visit the Titanic Museum

Best Country Retreat in Ireland

For a less urban experience, step into the lush green fields and rugged landscape of the Irish countryside. From Killarney National Park to Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland offers breathtaking views and peaceful areas to soothe any trouble or inspire long walks in nature – in fact there’s a whole site dedicated to discovering Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Take in The Nine Glens of Antrim

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs from Ballymena to Larne on the North east coast. Its inspirational, awe-inspiring landscapes has inspired poets and writers for many years. From highs of the Mountains, to the wooden glens and the dramatic waterfalls- you will fall in love.

Explore the Aran islands

Coming under a renewed spotlight thanks to the oscar nominated ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’: ’Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are the last lands to the west before you reach America. They offer barren rocky views of the Atlantic and an insight into an older way of living. For a truly authentic Irish experience, no trip would be complete without coming here.

Best Adventure Holiday in Ireland

If you’re keen to get the blood pumping in addition to enjoying the local hospitality, there are a number of varying options. We’ve picked a veritable triathlon!

Climb Carrauntoohil

Mountain climbing isn’t for everyone, but if you are an experienced hiker who fancies a bit of a challenge, then this is it. There are also guided tours available which may suit the less experienced hiker who wants a day surrounded by nature.

Cycle the Great Western Greenway

If cycling is more your thing, the Great Western Greenway (part of the Wild Atlantic walk) is a dedicated walking and cycling trail. Beginning in the seaside town of Westport, it traverses through the quaint towns and villages of Newport and Mulranny before coming to a gentle finish at Achill Sound.

Sea Kayak the Copper Coast

A number of local companies provide the opportunity to explore the caves, tunnels and arches of the beautiful Waterford Coastline. The majority of people only ever see the copper coast from the land – getting into a kayak gives you the opportunity to experience it close up.

Best Hidden Gems in Ireland

Glencolmcille Folk Village

A living-history museum. It is a cluster of several cottages, perched on the hills overlooking Glen Bay Beach in South West Donegal. It has been designed, built and maintained by the locals. Learn more about different eras of Ireland’s history, along with a couple of phrases of Gaelic – then enjoy a nice mug of tea.

Franciscan Well Brewery

Found in Cork, the brewery is built on the site of an old Franciscan monastery and well, dating back to the year 1219. The water from the well reputedly had miraculous and curative properties, and people would come from afar to drink from it. The same can be said for the beer brewed here!

Trad on the Prom

Having been around since 2005 and having won a host of awards, perhaps ‘hidden’ gem isn’t quite accurate. Experience Irish dancing and folk music in an exhilarating fashion that will almost certainly get you tapping your toes!

British Holiday Ideas

As with Ireland, Britain has a wide and varied landscape – from the mountains that form the 3-peaks challenge, to the low-lands of the Norfolk Broads, to the urban environments of its major cities. Whether it’s culture or calm you’re after, Britain can offer it all.

Best Coastal Holiday in Britain

Britain is blessed with a wide variety of coastal towns, each with their own regional feel. The majority of beaches are stony, but the towns themselves offer excellent sea-soaked experiences. Some of our favourites include.

Southwold, Suffolk

In addition to a thriving market town atmosphere, Southwold is one that does have a sandy beach. Not only that, but it has a grade II listed working lighthouse and a pier. This stretches 190 metres into the sea.

East Beach, Lossiemouth

Lossiemouth is a popular town with surfers – especially the pebbly East Beach. If you keep walking west, the pebbles become sand.

While there, you can look for birds and bottlenose dolphins, and there are attractive dunes to admire, too.

St. Ives, Cornwall

One of TripAdvisor’s top 10 European beaches, St. Ives offers award-winning restaurants, sandy beaches and some inspirational walks towards Land’s end. In short, a bit of everything.

Anglesey, North Wales

Some of the most dramatic beach scenery is in Wales, with 2 of its Pembrokeshire beaches featuring in the top 100 beaches of the world. Anglesey offers incredible views of Snowdonian mountains, descending into beautiful clear sea water (although a tad colder than the clear blue sea of the Med!).

Best City Breaks in Britain

Britain’s cities are as unique as the landscape. The capital, London, is escapable as a potential destination, but the rest of the country has just as much claim to wonderful culture, delicious restaurants and diverse history.

Bath

A small, picturesque city, Bath is famous for its… Roman Baths, Spas and decadent Georgian architecture. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as it packs a lot into landscaped, hilly streets. Museums, galleries, restaurants and a canal are all excellent options to visit.

Edinburgh

Home to the festival, the castle and the capital of Scotland. Edinburgh is a bustling, cultural city with plenty of amazing architecture, tea-rooms and heritage.

Cardiff

The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a hotbed of culinary innovation and burgeoning cultural delights. The recent development of Cardiff Bay has helped propel the city into the 21st century, while the mix of architecture offers historical discoveries.

Best Country Retreat in Britain

With a high proportion (<80%) of Britain being countryside or agricultural land, there’s plenty of green space to escape into. From Flatlands on the east to hills and valleys in the west, whatever you prefer there’s a place to go.

Lake District

While only 3% of the Lake District is actually lakes, the beauty of the 885-square-mile region seduced Wordsworth and other literary giants. It continues to those in search of wonderful landscapes and adventure

New Forest

The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. It was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, featured in the Domesday Book .

Pembrokeshire

Lapped by sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire has the perks of an island, as well as the cultural riches befitting a dramatically scenic corner of Southwest Wales. An area of outstanding natural beauty.

Best Adventure Holiday in Britain

Three Peaks Challenge

Although you may be after a slightly more relaxing holiday, inspiration can be found in the National Three Peaks Challenge. The challenge itself is completed in 24 hours, but use it as an opportunity to visit the mountainous terrains of England, Scotland and Wales.

Offa’s Dyke: Pandy to Hay-on-Wye

The landscapes of Wales and England lend themselves to walking trails. Offa’s Dyke path is 177 miles long and named after King Offa and his ambitious 8th century Dyke.

Passing though many landscapes, including the Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley and the Shopshire Hills – moving from the River Severn to the Montgomeryshire canal is especially serene.

Sea kayaking, the Highlands

Grab the opportunity to learn to Kayak on the sea. Starting on a sheltered sea loch, once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll venture out to the coast to see Seal colonies.

Best Hidden Gems in Britain

Three Cliffs Bay, Wales.

A stunning shoreline consisting of sand dunes, salt marshes and the titular three limestone cliffs. A wonderful place for a picnic.

Northumberland National Park

One of the most peaceful places in the country. The park has clear air and pristine water. Undertake a guided walk, indulge in some star-gazing and even see Cheviot Goats! There might be a moment to unearth a Bronze Age settlement.

Only 12 cars are allowed here per day to preserve the clean air, so you’ll either buy a permit ahead of visiting, or arrive on foot or by bike.

Loch Awe, Argyll

For another tranquil experience, check out Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, which stretches for 25 miles through the glorious Highland landscape. Here you’ll be able to explore castles and wildlife and truly escape urban living!

Both islands have a bounty of options to explore, and experiences to offer. Why not create a dream itinerary and join the Freebird club today to meet some locals to enhance your experience.

Join Freebird Club here.