Coastal Gems & Culture of Ireland

Rosyth is in good proximity to the heartlands of Scotland, and many historic attractions are within an hours drive of Rosyth. Also within easy reach of Rosyth is the city of Edinburgh. You can explore this historic city, experiencing the famous Military tattoo, the museum of Scotland, as well as Edinburgh castle itself.

The welcoming, picturesque Irish town of Killybegs is a great place to pass the hours watching fishing boats and net menders, or catching a glimpse of the seals in the harbour. Home to Ireland’s premier fishing port, Killybegs is a town with a deep maritime history and a fine harbour. Located within the rolling hills of the Wild Atlantic Way – a 2,500km tourist trail that stretches from County Donegal to County Cork – Killybegs offers links to some of Ireland’s most popular attractions including Malin Head; The Shannon Estuary, which is home to bottlenose dolphins; and Claire Island Lighthouse. In town, Killybegs’ International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre and the Maritime and Heritage Centre are both worth visiting to get an understanding of the history of this small, yet important, Irish town. On the outskirts, two areas of superb natural beauty – the unspoilt grasslands of Saint John's Point and the blue flag Fintra Beach – provide fantastic views of Donegal Bay and Benbulben Mou…

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland's capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived. Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber. Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology. To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea.Show less Belfast is al…

Dun Laorghaire, pronounced Dunleary, is an elegant little coastal town situated close to Dublin and is steeped in history. You’ll be sure to receive a traditional Irish welcome as you step ashore and begin your explorations. Breathe in the Irish sea air as you take a stroll along the mile-long East Pier Walk, marvelling at the stunning views across Dublin Bay, passing by the beautiful Victorian bandstand, as small boats quietly sail in and out of the harbour. Explore the People’s Park, created as a formal Victorian Garden, encircled by wrought iron railings, and housing a multitude of landscaped lawns and sweet-smelling flowers. Each weekend, market vendors bring colourful art collections and local produce here, drawing visitors in to browse contentedly. The famous James Joyce Tower and Museum, noted for its appearance in the opening scenes of the novel Ulysses, now houses many artefacts of Joyce, including letters, photographs and rare first edition books. For those feeling brave eno…

The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the 'Emerald Isle' between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic's final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. Today, the town sat in world's second largest natural harbour, is known more for its brightly coloured houses and imposing, Gothic revival-style St. Colman's Cathedral, which overlooks the harbour from a dramatically steep hill. At the centre, a number of attractions point to Cobh's fascinating past. The Cobh Heritage Centre examines the gruelling potato famine period, the town’s museum explores Cobh's maritime heritage and the impact of RMS Lusitania's sinking nearby, and the Titanic Experience, where a virtual version of ship's infamous voyage can be experienced.

Thanks to its sheltered location, Stornoway, on the island of Lewis and Harris, is the largest town of the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland. The port offers a warm welcome to those visiting Lewis as part of their exploration of one of the UK’s remotest locations. A stroll along the quay reveals local fishermen on traditional fleets landing the catch of the day, before shipping it to one the island’s amazing eateries. There is an unmistakeable odour of peat in the air as the smokehouses turn the seafood into island specialities. Historic Lews Castle and the adjoining museum are key cultural centre for the islands’ heritage. An Lanntair Art Centre samples local arts and a good programme of art events, while a unique shopping experience awaits at the Harris Tweed Hebrides Outlet and Lewis Loom Centre, where traditional weaving methods can be discovered. Alternatively, a wander through the surrounding woods and a visit to the Woodland Centre can while away a pleasant hour or two.

Rosyth is in good proximity to the heartlands of Scotland, and many historic attractions are within an hours drive of Rosyth. Also within easy reach of Rosyth is the city of Edinburgh. You can explore this historic city, experiencing the famous Military tattoo, the museum of Scotland, as well as Edinburgh castle itself.