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. Home to perhaps the world’s most famous beer – slurp perfect pourings of thick, dark Guinness – cranked out for the city’s thirsty punters. Learn more of the humble pint’s journey at the Guinness Storehouse.

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. Views over the landscape and across the ocean can be seen from the 300 foot high cliffs.

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. Erupting out of the Atlantic waters like a mythical beast, Boreray Island captivates all those who lay eyes upon it. As you 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.

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, the volcanic beaches, moss-covered tundra expanses and rich blue Atlantic waters form a stunning visual palette. Setting foot ashore onto the region’s stark and scenic sands, you will learn fascinating stories of life and land at this far-northerly latitude. Connect with the warm locals who reside at this remote location and have many stories to share spanning generations. Relax amid the glorious grandeur of the landscape, breathing in the crisp, northerly air – or join a hike to tread spectacular trails across landscapes framed by salt-and-pepper mountains in the distance. On the dark, volcanic beaches, you may witness adorable Icelandic horses cantering along, their hooves 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 too 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.

Enjoy a rejuvenating glimpse into northern Iceland’s immense beauty. Sitting on the Skagafjörður Fjord’s eastern edge, Hofsós was one of Iceland’s oldest trading stations, and the colourful village has successfully retained 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. 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 Lundey – 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. 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.

Discover northern Iceland’s fantastic, outlying beauty as you cruise the majestic Veidileysufjörður. Nestled away in the scenic Westfjords, relatively few visitors reach this secluded area. Enjoy privileged access as we sail into the waters of the fjord, with its steep, bowl-like valley sides. Veidileysufjörður’s serene isolation makes it an ideal locale for revelling in Iceland’s grandiose natural glory, and you can admire views of snow-capped peaks contrasting sharply against the deep navy-blue hues of the North Atlantic. At the fjord’s terminus, a burbling waterfall tumbles its way leisurely down the emerald hillside from above. 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.

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.

Scattered just off the northern tip of Scotland, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands – a scenic archipelago of fascinating, dual heritage. The Viking influence is deep, while a prehistoric past and World War history adds to the endless stories that these dramatic islands have to tell. Sparse and beautiful, let the sweeping seascapes of frothing waves, and dance of the northern lights, enchant you as you explore. Windswept beaches are inhabited by whooping swans, while grassy cliffs hide puffins amid their wavy embrace. Sea caves and crumbling castles – and the dramatic meeting of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean add to the romantic beauty of these lands, which may be physically close to the UK, but feel an entire world away. The sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral is the centrepiece of Orkney’s main town – a place of winding lanes and atmospheric walks – and Britain’s northernmost cathedral is a masterpiece that took 300 years to complete. Started in 1137, the beautiful cathedral is adorned with mesmerising stain-glass windows and has been evocatively named as the Light of the North. Look down over the ruined Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces nearby from the tip of the cathedral’s tower. Or, test out the islands’ history-rich distilleries, which produce smokey single malts – said to be the best in the world. You can also venture out to Europe’s best-preserved Stone Age Village, at the extraordinary World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, which offers an unparalleled vision into prehistoric life.

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. If tiny islands that resonate with peace and tranquillity are your idea of travel heaven, then welcome to Iona. Almost 200 miles east of Edinburgh, set in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, this magical island has a spiritual reputation that precedes it. And luckily, more than lives up to. The island is miniscule. Just three miles long and only one and a half miles wide, this is not a place that hums with urban attractions. 120 people call Iona home (this number rises significantly if the gull, tern and Kittiwake population is added), although residential numbers do go up (to a whopping 175) in summer. The beautiful coastline is lapped by the gulf stream and gives the island a warm climate with sandy beaches that look more Mediterranean than Scottish! Add to that a green field landscape that is just beautiful, and you’ll find that Iona is a place that stays with you long after you leave.

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.