The Legends Of Ireland And The Highlands

Known locally as 'the gateway to the world', the port of Hamburg has a rich maritime history. Of course the city has its seedy side, as characterised by the old red light district around the Reeperbahn, but it's also a vibrant, progressive city with some excellent museums, galleries and theatres.

Every August sailors from all over the world descend on Cowes for Cowes Week, the world’s oldest sailing regatta, and the town has an unmistakable nautical vibe. Spend some time perusing the upmarket shops, tuck into some fish and chips or head out and explore the Isle of Wight's beautiful coastline.

This pretty little town sits at the mouth of the Fowey river on the south coast of Cornwall, and was once home to the writer Daphne du Maurier. Explore the historic streets, take the short ferry ride across to the old fishing village of Polruan or visit the fantastic Eden Project, just a 20-minute drive away.

St Mary’s is the largest of the Isles of Scilly, and the gateway to the islands for those arriving by ferry from Penzance. Take a wander around charming Hugh Town, explore some of the lovely nearby beaches and look out for wildlife including seals, puffins and fulmars.

Colourful Kinsale is situated on a sheltered natural harbour, guarded by a brooding 17th-century fortress. The winding streets are a delight to explore, and the town is home to some excellent restaurants, galleries, pubs and shops. For sublime coastal views, take a trip out to the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse.

Bantry Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on County Cork’s west coast, sandwiched between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. Local highlights include the 18th-century Bantry House, with its elegant gardens and intriguing links to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.

The beautiful Dingle Peninsula reaches out into the crashing Atlantic surf, culminating in the westernmost point on the Irish mainland. The peninsula’s buzzing ‘capital’, Dingle town, is a charming little place full of lively pubs, colourful shopfronts and toe-tapping traditional Irish music.

Galway is known as the ‘city of festivals’, home to a cosmopolitan mix of artists, musicians and students. Buskers and folk bands provide the soundtrack as you explore the city’s fantastic pubs and pedestrianised streets, and Galway is also a useful base for visiting sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.

The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.

The pretty fishing town of Ullapool is a popular gateway to both the Highlands and the Western Isles, bustling with visitors during the summer. There is an excellent museum with exhibits on crofting, fishing and emigration, while just offshore the uninhabited Summer Isles are home to seabirds, dolphins and porpoises.

The ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen is flush with money from the North Sea oil boom, and boasts cultural attractions including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Head out into the countryside and you’ll find magnificent castles, wild mountain scenery and whisky distilleries aplenty.

Cosmopolitan Edinburgh, Scotland’s lovely capital, is located in spectacular countryside, always visible from the city centre. Striking architecture, lots to see and do, and great food mean that your time here will be very busy. And if your visit coincides with the Festival, you have a treat in store.

Known locally as ‘the gateway to the world’, the port of Hamburg has a rich maritime history. Of course the city has its seedy side, as characterised by the old red light district around the Reeperbahn, but it’s also a vibrant, progressive city with some excellent museums, galleries and theatres.