Deal

Atmospheric cobbled streets, with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside, is Dublin in a snapshot. A city of irrepressible energy and lust for life, Ireland’s capital is as welcoming a place as you’ll find. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets, blending with an easy-going, cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs, any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company.

The stunning Isle of Lunga is the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. With volcanic origin the isle was populated until the 19th Century, and remains of black houses can be seen around this magnificent coastal jewel. Abundant plant life and exotic birdlife are now the main inhabitants of the area. Fortunate visitors view the magnificent array of birds, especially the great puffins that breed on the islands plateau. One can sit within just a few feet away without disturbing the avian ambassador’s peace. The 81 hectare island is home to many rare and endangered plants such as, primroses and orchids.

Gloriously remote, St. Kilda is an archipelago 50 miles off the Isle of Harris. Although the four islands are uninhabited by humans, thousands of seas birds call these craggy cliffs home, clinging to the sheer faces as if by magic. Not only is St. Kilda home to the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffin (almost 1 million), but also the world largest colony Gannets nests on Boreray island and its sea stacks. The islands also home decedents of the world’s original Soay sheep as well as having a breed of eponymously named mice. The extremely rare St. Kilda wren unsurprisingly hails from St. Kilda, so birders should visit with notebook, binoculars and camera to hand. While endemic animal species is rife on the island, St. Kilda has not been peopled since 1930 after the last inhabitants voted that human life was unsustainable. However, permanent habitation had been possible in the Medieval Ages, and a vast National Trust for Scotland project to restore the dwellings is currently being undertaken. The islands even enjoyed a status as being an ideal holiday destination in the 19th century. Today, the only humans living on the islands are passionate history, science and conservation scholars. One of the caretakers even acts as shopkeeper and postmaster for any visitors who might like to send a postcard home from St. Kilda. It should be noted that St. Kilda is the UKs only (and just one of 39 in the world) dual World Heritage status from UNESCO in recognition of its Natural Heritage and cultural significance. Erupting out of the Atlantic waters like a mythical beast, Boreray Island captivates all those who lay eyes upon it. As we approach, listen out for sharp intakes of breath – the abrasive and immense form of this staggering island never fails to astound. Few locations command such awe as uninhabited Boreray, left to the seabirds since the last residents of the St Kilda Islands departed in 1930. Watch as vast numbers of Northern Gannets glide overhead before attempting skilful landings at tucked-away nest sites or plunge into the sea, seeking food for their new chicks. Northern Fulmars also make their homes on the volcanic cliffs, while Atlantic Puffins dart in and out of burrows on the slopes. The rugged, rocky island is also well known for the hardy sheep who cling to its shores. You might be able to pick out the rare Boreray Sheep, unique to the island, grazing on the hilly slopes as we cruise alongside the island and the attendant rock stacks that stand tall against the Atlantic onslaught. Boreray forms a part of the dramatic St Kilda World Heritage Site and is a rare example of a site recognised for both its outstanding natural and cultural values.

Slow the pace and discover the refreshing approach to life that Djupivogur has made its trademark. You can leave your phone behind as you step out into this Icelandic town, which has won awards celebrating its leisurely outlook and stubborn rebellion against the frenetic pace of modern life. After all, who needs emails and notifications when you have some of the most humbling monochrome scenery and gashed fjords, waiting on your doorstep? Sitting on a peninsula to the south-east of Iceland, the glacial approach to life here wins many hearts. A place where hammers knock on metal in workshops, artists ladle paint onto canvases, and where you might spot a few Icelandic horses roaming across mountains, Djupivogur is an uninhibited artistic hub – full of makers and creatives. The most expansive project is the 34 egg sculptures that dot the coastline, created by the Icelandic artist, Sigurður Guðmundsson. Each egg represents a different native bird species. Fishing remains the primary industry, and you can savour the soft fruits of the labour in restaurants serving up smoked trout and fish soup within their cosy confines. Wander the surrounding landscapes, where snow-freckled mountains rise, and lazy seals lie on dark rock beaches, to feel Djupivogur’s natural inspiration seeping under your skin. Alive with greens and golds in summer, further ventures reveal glaciers and the sprawling waterfalls of Vatnajökull National Park. The cliff-hugging puffins of Papey Island are a must see, while Bulandstindur Mountain’s pyramid shape is a stand out even among these fairy-tale landscapes.

Connect with an authentic way of life amid the achingly beautiful landscapes of Iceland’s north. As you delve into this raw and secluded environment, golden tundra expanses and rich blue Atlantic waters form a stunning visual palette. You’ll visit a sheep farm to hear stories of life and land at this far-northerly latitude and savour local delicacies, such as Kjötsúpa, a hearty lamb soup, and kleinur, Iceland’s famed twisted doughnuts, which add a sweet touch. Relax amid the glorious grandeur of the landscape, simply breathing in the crisp, fragrant air – or head out to join local experts on spectacular hiking trails alongside the gushing river. Encounter the hardy sheep as they graze across expansive farmlands, all framed by salt-and-pepper-hued mountains. Heading down to the dark, volcanic beaches, you may witness majestic Icelandic horses thundering along, splashing through the gentle waves as they roll in. Keep your eyes peeled to spot Iceland’s diverse birdlife and other wildlife during your time in Tumavik; new encounters are never far away. Located in the very northernmost reaches of Iceland, Raufarhöfn sits within touching distance of the Arctic Circle. This small, unassuming town, known as the Arctic Circle Village, was once a bustling hub of the herring trade until its decline in the 1970s. This proximity to the Arctic Circle – just a few miles offshore – provides Raufarhöfn with long summer days, dark winters, and intense prolonged sunsets and sunrises. This ethereal setting is the ideal location for an ode to Iceland’s rich folk traditions. Just outside the town, the Arctic Henge, a colossal modern monument inspired by ancient pagan traditions, awaits. The brainchild of a local visionary Erlingur Thoroddsen, the stone circle here was designed by Icelandic artist Haukur Halldórsson. The series of tapering archways and concentric stone circles span 52 metres in diameter and carefully integrates inspirations from the Eddic poem Völuspá and Norse mythology. Composed of vast basalt stones, the henge aligns with celestial events and dramatically frames the midnight sun’s majesty, serving as a pagan calendar. A truly unique site in Iceland; it’s hard not to feel a profound sense of awe at this latitude as the stone circle glows in honeyed daylight, casting beautiful shadows all around.

Beyond the reach of most tourists, Hofsos offers a secluded and rejuvenating glimpse into northern Iceland’s immense beauty. Sitting on the Skagafjörður Fjord’s eastern edge, this colourful village was one of Iceland’s oldest trading stations and retains its unique historical charm. The scenic fjord’s waters are punctuated by a trio of stark islands, which beckon birdwatchers and folklore enthusiasts alike – spot puffins and seabird colonies amid the artfully sculpted rock formations and cathedral-like cliffs. Dry off ahead of a visit to Hofsós’s thoughtful museum, which details the stories of the thousands of Icelanders who emigrated to North America in the 1800s, seeking an escape from the challenging life at the time, which was wrought by a cycle of volcanic eruptions and perilous famines. Nearby, you can also find a small, almost camouflaged surprise blending into the surrounding mountains – the oldest church in Iceland. The stunning setting and turf-clad wooden chapel propose a peaceful moment of contemplation and tranquillity. Emerging from the tranquil waters of Skagafjörður in northern Iceland, Malmey Island is a striking s-shaped strip of land, its perspective constantly shifting as you sail alongside. In combination with its sister islands – the steep-sided Drangey and the puffin-populated Flatey – Malmey forms a distinctive trio, each contributing intrigue to the scenic fjord. Spanning just over two miles in length and less than a mile in width, Malmey Island is a captivating feature of Skagafjörður, surrounded by the remote beauty of the Icelandic wilderness and undulating mountain valleys. At the island’s southern tip stands a solitary orange lighthouse, overseeing an area rich in mystery, history, and intriguing folklore. Legend has it that the island bears a curse, foretelling doom for any family that dares to inhabit it for over twenty years. Whispers say that any housewife who dares to test this is doomed to a grim fate of madness, disappearance, or a transformation into one of northern Iceland’s trolls. Drangey Island, famed as the refuge of Iceland’s most notorious outlaw – Grettir the Strong – stands as a commanding fortress of rock in the tranquil waters of Skagafjörður. A stark interruption to the expansive, open views of the fjord, this natural citadel is also a stronghold for dozens of nesting seabird colonies. This dramatic island, which towers 180 metres high, is a lasting remnant of a 700,000-year-old volcano – although Icelandic folklore dictates that the island formed when two trolls and their cow were petrified by the morning sun’s rays while attempting to traverse the fjord. The island’s lore runs deep, and Drangey is intrinsically intertwined with tales from the ‘Grettis Saga’. Drangey Island was Grettir’s last escape, and he spent his final three years in exile here alongside his brother Illugi before finally succumbing to his enemies. Today, the only outlaws to be found running amok are the hordes of curious puffins and other seabirds, such as white-bellied guillemots and diving gannets, which thrive on the steep, sheer cliffs. Below, in the deep fjord waters, the sounds of whalesong reverberate, and gentle giants like humpbacks and minkes frequent these waters.

Discover northern Iceland’s fantastic, outlying beauty as you cruise the length of majestic Veidileysufjörður. Nestled far away in the northernmost reaches of the scenic Westfjords, few visitors manage to reach this distant and secluded area. Enjoy privileged access as we sail the untouched fjord, which carves deeply towards the stunning wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, home to elusive Arctic foxes. Veidileysufjörður’s perfect isolation makes it the ideal locale for revelling in Iceland’s grandiose natural glory. Views of snow-capped peaks contrast sharply against the deep blue hues of the North Atlantic. The pristine fjord is also a haven for Iceland’s incredible marine life; in the summer, its inky waters are frequented by humpback whales and playful seals. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, soak in the silence and serenity, punctuated only by the calls of various seabird species like Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Guillemots, which swoop above the surface, their calls echoing across the still waters. For an authentic, untouched insight into Iceland’s natural vistas, far from the crowds and untouched by human influence, the remote and magnificent Veidileysufjörður is hard to match. Almost swallowed whole by the scenic embrace of Iceland’s Westfjords, tiny Djupavik enjoys a starkly beautiful location, which echoes with forgotten industry. This northwestern haven is often cut off by winter’s heavy snows and reachable only by a winding road, adding to the aura of distant adventure. The ceaseless murmur of Djúpavíkurfoss waterfall calls visitors ashore to a small huddle of cherry red houses trimmed in cream beside the glistening fjord waters. Set in one of the most sparsely populated regions on the island, the shore is dominated by an incongruous, sprawling factory. When built, it was the largest concrete structure in Iceland and a state-of-the-art hub of advanced automation and entrepreneurship. Now hauntingly silent, the abandoned herring factory, which dates back to 1934, serves as an eerie reminder of the once-thriving trade that sprung up in an unlikely manner in this far-flung corner of Iceland. Explore the remains, including the rusting ship that once served as a dormitory for the factory’s male workers and now rests forlornly near the water. Nowadays, the factory’s shell has been carefully and creatively repurposed as an evocative art gallery and hotel. Hikers can wander amid the fjord’s beautiful setting, with trails offering explorations of the tumbling waterfall behind and widescreen views of the picturesque, moody Reykjarfjörður fjord scenery below.

There’s simply nowhere better than Husavik – the European capital of whale watching – for getting up close and personal with the majestic giants of the ocean. Feel the awe as whales breach the waves around you, before gulping in air and plunging away with almighty tale flicks. Pretty Husavik is framed by the majestic Húsavíkurfjall mountain, which swells up behind, creating a stunning backdrop for the town’s tiny wooden warehouses, cherry red houses and undulating fishing ships. The little wooden church has been a beacon of light, guiding tired fishermen back to the shores of Iceland’s oldest settlement, since 1907. Let the wind rip through your hair and the sea speckle your face, as you ride waves out among the region’s almighty marine creatures, who throw their weight around so spectacularly. Sail among gentle giants in Shaky Bay, spotting humpbacks, minke whales and the world’s biggest – blue whales. You may also see teams of smaller white-beaked dolphins skipping across the waves, displaying the full range of acrobatic skills. The town’s whale museum is an interesting journey through Iceland’s relationship with the sea giants, while its restaurants serve up local specialities – taste juicy reindeer burger and plokkfiskur, a buttery mash of local fish. Hikes into the surrounding countryside can take you up around Lake Botnsvatn, to views down from the slopes of the Húsavíkurfjall – where purple spired lupin flowers spill down amongst the emerald slopes. From the summit, look out over views of the bay, reaching out to the crumpled snowy peaks beyond. Or feel the full force of this land of natural power, at Dettifloss Waterfall, one of Europe’s most powerful, thrashing flumes.

Almost swallowed up by the looming forms of Eskja and Hólmatindur mountains, the quiet fishing village of Eskifjordur minds its own business in the midst of some of Iceland’s most extroverted natural scenery. A place where the wind’s gentle whistle and the whir of fishing rods unspooling are the only sounds you hear as you stroll, Eskifjordur is a peaceful introduction to eastern Iceland’s fjord lands. Get lucky, and you’ll witness the scenic setting bathed in an otherworldly, achingly-beautiful light – as daylight trickles away and emerald plumes spread across the night’s sky. Natural wonders abound here, whether it’s the streams that gurgle, the finger-like reach of the Reyðarfjörður fjord, or the geothermal pools that bubble with warmth from the depths of the earth. Hólmatindur mountain lends the area’s scenery evocative drama, soaring from the waters like a snow-speckled pyramid. Ambitious hikers who conquer the peak will be richly rewarded with magnificent widescreen panoramas across the stunning landscape. The views are no less mesmerising from ground level, with pretty, cherry-red fishing huts adding a charming accent to the landscape. Indulge in gentler walks among the cacophony of birdlife, or take in cultural pursuits like the Maritime Museum, and exposed spar mine nearby. Fishing is a way of life here, and the glass-smooth fjord waters hold a rich bounty for keen anglers. Try for yourself – to witness first hand how the fish practically jump onto your line – or leave it to the experts and taste the produce that Eskifjordur is best known for – shark meat and pickled herring.

Modern Stromness hasn’t changed dramatically since the turn of the last century and stone houses still stand over cobbled streets, but Orkney’s main historic claim is the rich legacy of Neolithic sites and artefacts found here. It was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 under the title “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.” The most famous of these monuments is probably the settlement of Skara Brae, once a small village of 50-100 people living together near the shores of Skaill Bay. Occupied from roughly 3180 BCE-2500 BCE, the site has given us invaluable insight into the daily lives of our forebears, and Skara Brae forms the hub of a network of Neolithic sites across the Orkneys, many of which are still being excavated. Other sites include the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, situated on an isthmus between the sea loch of Stenness and the freshwater loch of Harray.

An ancient stone castle on a remote rugged landscape evokes all sorts of fantasies, especially when approached from the sea. You can imagine mythical, romantic or historic tales as you approach or explore the Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull. The true stories may be just as good. The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the islands of the Inner Hebrides, after the Isle of Skye. The island has a mountainous core and several radiating promontories covered in moorland. On one headland jutting into the Sound of Mull sits Duart Castle. It was originally built in the 13th century and soon became the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. Control and ownership of the castle has changed hands over the centuries as broader conflicts for the Isle of Mull and Scotland played out. It was a ruin when the Maclean clan regained control by purchasing and restoring the castle in 1911. It is clan home for all the descendants of the family of Maclean spread throughout the world. There are stories of wrecks and treasure in the waters near Duart. The most evocative must be the wreck of a Spanish galleon in Tobermony Bay. This ship was part of the Spanish Amarda defeated by the English fleet and Atlantic storms, and the crew were taken to Duart Castle. The galleon is rumoured to have a treasure of gold bullion still waiting to be found. Zodiac travel may reveal other treasures. Mull is known for its European Otters and the majestic White-tailed Sea Eagle which has successfully re-colonised Mull after a long absence.

Reborn as a cool, modern city, Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Take a voyage of discovery in its maritime quarter, home to a celebrated museum dedicated to the most famous ship ever built, which was constructed right here in the city’s shipyards. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life, and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. Wind up a nautical-themed ramble along the Maritime Mile with a visit to SS Nomadic, the smaller cousin of the Titanic, and a ship which serves as a fascinating time capsule back to the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic, while also telling its own stories of service in both World Wars. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck, before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles, when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays, you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls, which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions, a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building, which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs, restaurants and theatres, and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night, and many a pint is cheerily shared.