Dubai, UAE: As the crisp winter months provide an atmospheric setting for a number of events and activities around Ireland, Tourism Ireland unveiled some of the most magical getaways this season.
From some of the country’s most spectacular New Year’s celebrations to unique spa retreats and luxury train journeys, there’s little doubt that there is something for all travel aficionados to do this winter in Ireland.
Explore the great outdoors at the Galgorm Resort and Spa
Northern Ireland has a beautiful range of luxurious and unique retreats which allow visitors the chance to escape from it all and enjoy some peace and tranquillity. Galgorm Resort and Spa, located just 30 minutes from Belfast, is situated among 163 acres of stunning parkland and the spa has recently opened a new Thermal Village, the first of its kind in Ireland, or why not indulge in a Celtic Sauna?
Luxury Belmond Experience
Marking a new era in luxury rail travel, Belmond Grand Hibernian is the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout the Island of Ireland. Guests can now book the six-night itinerary for 2017, covering 2217 kilometres, guests will first travel from Dublin to Cork where they will visit the Jameson’s Distillery, followed by a private visit of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone before the grounds are open to the public. Belmond Grand Hibernian then heads west to Killarney and its National Park for a boat tour of the spectacular Lough Leane. As the train heads north, a walking tour of the creative city of Galway is followed by a full day visit to Ashford Castle for a lunch and walk around the property’s stunning grounds.
The elegant, midnight blue carriages then travel to Northern Ireland and Belfast for a visit of the award-winning Titanic Experience. The train then returns south to the Viking port of Waterford for a visit to the House of Waterford and Curraghmore House, home to the Waterford family. The journey then ends in Dublin.
Shopping at Brown Thomas
For those looking to purchase the perfect gift for the loved ones or simply shop at one of the world’s best department stores in Ireland, visiting Brown Thomas is a must. With four locations throughout Ireland, Brown Thomas is the country’s premier luxury department store that remains quintessentially Irish and unique. Featuring more than 200 labels, which are carefully selected from around the globe and edited specifically to customers’ tastes and lifestyles, it promising the best in Irish and International brands across womenswear, menswear, beauty and homewares to cater all tastes.