Half-term breaks in Ireland

Ireland represents a world of opportunity for British travellers, boasting everything from vibrant cities and cultural hotspots to isolated beaches and towering cliffs.

With just a short ferry ride separating the destination from mainland Britain, there really is no excuse for holidaymakers not to discover the countless sights, experiences and events the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Getting there

There are several travel options for visitors to choose from, including the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route, which is served by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Both P&O Ferries and Norfolkline Irish Sea also offer ferries to Dublin, both operating from Liverpool.

People who would find it more convenient to travel from south Wales can take ferries to Rosslare from Fishguard with Stena Line or from Pembroke with Irish Ferries.

Northern Ireland is accessible via Belfast ferry links, which are provided by Stena Line from Stranraer and by Norfolkline from Liverpool. Stena Line also operates ferries to Larne from Fleetwood, while P&O Ferries serves the port from Cairnryan.

Those based on the Isle of Man can travel to Ireland with the Steam Packet Company, which runs Dublin and Belfast ferry services from Douglas.

Things to do

Whatever your tastes, you will find plenty of events and activities to interest you in Ireland. Those looking for some outdoor adventure might be interested in going caving in the Burren in County Clare or trying some watersports, such as canoeing along the River Liffey or waterskiing on the Shannon. There are also several locations in Ireland that offer the opportunity to try rock climbing, such as Glendalough in County Wicklow and Fair Head in Antrim.

People who would prefer a more relaxing pursuit can head to one of Ireland's spas or wellness centres. Options include the Monart spa in Wexford, Park Hotel Kenmare and the Temple Country Retreat in Horseleap. Visitors looking for specialist treatments such as thalassotherapy and seaweed baths are likely to find what they are after at Kilkee Thalasso Centre, Nirvana Beauty and Day Spa in Coleraine or Dungannon's Lavender spa.

As well as taking advantage of Ireland's permanent attractions, people planning a visit during the February half-term break will be able to experience a number of temporary events. One of the major highlights of the period will be Chinese New Year, which will be marked with a festival in Dublin from February 12th to 21st and a giant celebration at St George's Market in Belfast on February 14th. Those visiting south-east Ireland might get to experience the enchanting Snowdrop Week at Altamont Gardens in Tullow, which runs from February 8th to 14th and looks forward to the imminent arrival of spring. Dublin will be the place to be for movie fans, with the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival set to take place between February 18th and 28th.

Things to see

One sight that people visiting Northern Ireland will be eager to see is the Giant's Causeway, which is located in County Antrim on the north-east coast. The area comprises some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which were the result of a volcanic eruption between 50 and 60 million years ago. The more exciting history of the causeway tells that the Irish giant Finn McCool laid down the rocks so he could walk to Scotland to fight with his rival Benandonner. After seeing the impressive spectacle, visitors can take a walk along the scenic coast of Country Antrim, which is home to other attractions such as the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Whitepark Bay.

People with a passion for nature and the outdoors are spoilt for choice in Ireland. Located on the west coast of County Clare are the Cliffs of Moher, which range for 8km along the Atlantic Ocean and reach a height of 214 metres at their highest point. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy views stretching to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the Maam Turk mountains in Connemara. Other natural wonders include the Slieve Blooms in County Laois, which encompass forest trails, waterfalls, glens and more. The Ring of Gullion in Armagh is a unique geological landform that is linked to a number of Irish legends and myths.

Ireland's man-made attractions offer a fascinating insight into its culture and heritage. There are several castles located throughout the region, such as Trim in County Meath, which was the largest and most important fortress in Ireland for centuries. Located 50 miles to the south-west is Leap Castle in the village of Clareen, which is reportedly the most haunted castle in Ireland. Those who want to venture even further back into history can visit ancient monuments such as the megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange. This location is thought to be older than the pyramids and has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site. At Beaghmore in County Tyrone, visitors can walk among seven stone circles that date back to around 1500 BC.

Places to stay

There are accommodation options in Ireland to suit every taste and budget, from affordable inns to luxury manor houses. The big cities provide the most choice, with Belfast offering options such as the three-star Jurys Inn next to City Hall and the four-star Ramada in Lagan Valley Regional Park, ten minutes' drive from the city centre.

Holidaymakers planning to stay in the centre of Dublin can choose from properties such as the three-star Grafton Capital and Central hotels. Those looking for a really memorable treat might be interested in one of the city's five-star establishments, with the Westbury and the Clarence among the most popular choices.

There are many other accommodation options throughout Ireland, like the two-star Two Mile Inn in Limerick, the three-star Valley Hotel near Enniskillen and Cork's Belvedere Lodge, which boasts a four-star rating.

Posted by Mark Robinson