Where to next?

Derry~Londonderry and surrounds

In the first episode, Baba hits up the walled city of Derry~Londonderry – home of the irrepressible Derry Girls and a place known for its unique combination of warmth and wit. Get the low-down on a walking tour with a local guide, taking in sights such as the red sandstone Guildhall, the 16th century walls and the famous murals in the Bogside.

You’re right on the Causeway Coast here, a rugged stretch of coastline between Derry~Londonderry and Belfast known for its breathtaking blend of geology, mythology and sheer charisma. Boasting must-see spots including the nerve-jangling Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway, it’s also home to Downhill Beach, which you might recognise from a little TV show called Game of Thrones®.

Follow Baba’s example and fill your day with adventure before heading back to the city to settle in for the night at the Walled City Brewery, where the craft beers have as much character as the people and the food is tasty and locally sourced.

Donegal

Episode Two of “Where to next?” brings Baba to County Donegal in Ireland’s north west. Is it the combination of spectacular scenery and rich heritage that makes Donegal such a show-stopper? Lonely Planet certainly thinks so. The travel bible loves the place, naming it one of the best regions in the world to visit in 2024. After all, where else can you stand atop Europe’s highest sea cliffs then stroll down the road for a behind-the-scenes look at how Donegal’s famous tweed is woven; or skim across the bay on a boat tour before exploring Donegal town’s splendid 15th century castle?

Culture and landscape have always been inextricably linked in Donegal, as people discovered ways to live and thrive in this remote place. Maybe that’s what makes a walk with an alpaca here a spiritual experience and what transforms a traditional music session into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Just ask Baba.

Galway and Clare

Galway is one of those cities that can only be described as life-affirming and that’s where we find Baba in Episode Three. Walk down the bustling streets, with their buskers, street performers, quirky shops and traditional pubs and you’ll feel it… a breezy bohemian sense of fun that’s intoxicating. Follow the local customs as Baba did with prom walks and GAA lessons. Or take it beyond the city and explore what Oscar Wilde described as the “savage beauty” of Connemara. It’s a real treat.

Speaking of treats, you’re so close to County Clare here it would be a shame to pass on stunning sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like landscapes of The Burren, Clare is also home to a vibrant food scene that serves up everything from artisan chocolate and farmhouse cheeses to fresh oysters and smoked fish. So, once you’ve indulged in your taste for dramatic landscapes, you can rest and refuel with some of the best food on the island.