Weekend Breaks in Dublin

The main advantage to living in a small country like Ireland is that getting away for the weekend is not difficult. Dublin is a three-hour drive from the beaches of Donegal, the nightlife of Belfast, the country roads of West Cork or the festivals of Galway.

Belfast

Belfast’s history has long overshadowed its many attractions. Still, any expat who travels up from Dublin will find a welcoming city and an active nightlife. The compact city centre allows for easy access to attractions like the Opera House and the Giant Wheel. Expats wanting to learn about Irish history should take one of the Black Taxi tours, but prepare for an emotional ride.

Cork

Cork City is known by locals as the Real Capital of Ireland, and a popular T-shirt range proclaims 'The People’s Republic of Cork'. Named as one of the Top Ten Places to Visit in 2010 by Lonely Planet, the small city is a 30-minute flight or 2.5-hour drive south of Dublin. Visitors can climb St Anne’s Church Tower and ring the famous Bells of Shandon or walk out to the Glucksman Gallery. The city centre lines up along the River Lee, giving easy orientation to visitors. Annual highlights include the Guinness Jazz Festival, the Midsummer Festival and the International Choral Festival. And if you want to improve your English, you can kiss the Blarney Stone.

Donegal

The mountainous wilds of Donegal are among the most beautiful areas of the country. Surfers, kayakers, hikers and lazy tourists alike flock to this county all year round. Towns like Bundoran offer all the typical summer entertainment while the Blue Stack Mountains are perfect for getting away from city smog. Surfers can find some of the best breaks in Europe waiting for them along the western coast between Donegal and Clare. Drive there in three or four hours, but allow for long tailbacks on Sunday evenings.

Galway

The City of Tribes spreads across and around Galway Bay with winding, medieval streets to draw people in. Summertime sees some of Ireland’s largest festivals with Galway Races well known for scenes of indulgence. The Oyster Festival and the Arts Festivals cater for a different crowd, but both times are perfect for getting to know people and finding new sides to an Ireland you thought you knew.
Otherwise take a ferry out to the Aran Islands for a real taste of pre-Celtic Tiger Ireland; empty beaches, generous friendly people and a landscape that gets deep into the heart.