Ireland: slow down, feel more

Galway is a seaside city that vibrates with bohemian energy, from its lively street performers to its traditional pubs. But for all its buzz, Galway can’t be rushed. It reveals its secrets slowly, as you wander through its medieval alleys. It surprises you with glimpses of dramatic history, then wows you with expansive sea views and glimpses of the fabled Aran Islands lying just off-shore. The perfect combination of relaxed city break and coastal adventure.

At just two-and-a-half hours from Dublin by train, getting to Galway is a pleasure in itself, with a leisurely journey that weaves through the heart of Ireland on the way to the west coast.

Explore a quiet corner of Ireland where the Mourne Mountains beckon and the tranquil beauty of Strangford Lough invites you to slow down and breathe deep. Amid these dramatic landscapes, life moves at an easy pace and days are spent walking forest trails, rambling along coastal paths or paddling through crystal-clear waters. Dotted with fairytale castles, elegant stately homes and ancient monastic sites, it’s also one of the most richly bio-diverse regions in Europe – an ideal spot to escape into nature.

Strangford Lough is an hour and a half from Belfast if you take the scenic route – travelling by bus along its shores and enjoying the ferry crossing between the pretty villages of Portaferry and Strangford. Head further south to reach the Mournes by bus via Downpatrick to Newry.

Discover a destination defined by its connection to both water and land and admired for its pure beauty. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is shaped by the River Shannon, which connects to the glistening beauties of Lower and Upper Lough Erne via the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Explore by boat or by land – you’ll be entranced by ruined castles, floating boardwalks, quiet greenways and Ireland’s only island town. There’s no better place to experience an unrushed holiday in Ireland. 

Whether you’re boarding a bus from Belfast to Enniskillen or taking the train from Dublin to Athlone, you can be in the tranquil heart of Ireland in about two hours. Planning to hire a cruiser for your trip? Check if your hire company runs an airport transfer service.