Author: Brian Ogle

NEW data from ABTA – The Travel Association, finds an increasing number of people know European countries are introducing a new electronic border process, called the EU Entry/Exit System.

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DUBLIN Airport’s busiest ever August saw it welcoming close to 3.8 million passengers (3,784,759), 4.1 per cent higher than the same month last year.  

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CELEBRITY Cruises is preparing to make its long-anticipated debut in the river cruise market, with plans to launch its first sailings along Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers in 2027.

1. Wild Ireland: Past, Present, Future at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, until 31 August. Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers has collaborated with Ulster Museum Natural Sciences curator, Dr Mike Simms, to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present. 
2. Royal Style in the Making at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 4 January. Step into a world of elegance at Royal Style in the Making, a striking exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Explore the relationship between royal women and their designers, and how British fashion shaped their iconic looks. See rare pieces up close, including the original toile for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s 1937 coronation gown, and sketches by top designers including Norman Hartnell, David Sassoon, and more.
3. The Summer Finale at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 25 August. Enjoy nature as you are surrounded by summer beauty in the Trails and Gardens, indulge in a seasonal barbeque and grab a burger just freshly off the grill. Relax in the summer sun whilst listening to live music in The Walled Garden. You will be entertained by a whirlwind of different activities that will bring joyful summer fun to you and all the family.
4. Guided Historical Tour of the Earl Bishop’s Estate at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 25 August. Join the National Trust and Hervey Heritage Group on a journey through time and history across one of the jewels of the Causeway Coast. Taking off from the Bishop’s Gate entrance of Downhill Demesne, this two-hour walk-and-talk will take you through the Earl Bishop Hervey’s estate, including his gardens and ‘castle’. It is the perfect opportunity to soak up the surrounding landscapes and breath-taking views of golden beaches and crashing Atlantic waves.
5. Carrick Coastal Vibes, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, 25 August. Carrickfergus is set to come alive with music and activities as Carrick Coastal Vibes takes over Castle Green for an unforgettable afternoon of free family fun and entertainment. As well as a packed programme of live music, workshops, and children’s activities, visitors can browse an artisan market featuring local traders selling a wide range of unique goods.
6. Sourdough Bread Cookery Class at The Courthouse, Bushmills, County Antrim, 27 August. Join this hands-on cookery class at Bistro at the Courthouse and learn how to nurture your own starter and bake a delicious loaf. You’ll take home a starter, proving basket, your own loaf to bake, and all the recipes you need. Plus, enjoy a glass of Cava and receive a beautiful breadboard and dips to enjoy.
7. Shakespeare on the Hill: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 29 and 30 August. It is going to be a summer to remember as Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Bardic Theatre brings the magic of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to one of Mid Ulster’s most beautiful and historic locations, Hill of The O’Neill. This is a rare opportunity to experience Shakespeare in a setting as grand and storied as the play itself – a unique cultural evening where history, heritage and live performance meet.
8. Todds Leap Family Open Park Days, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 31 August. Join the fun at Todd’s Leap Family Open Park Days. Experience over 15 amazing activities, from ziplining and blindfold driving to the Big Yella Slide and Clip ‘N’ Climb. There’s fun for everyone.
9. Summer Sunset Yoga at Crom, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 29 August. Take in the nature around you as you move through some lovely beginner-friendly yet strong, grounding flows as each day begins to draw to a close. Then indulge in warm drinks and tasty treats as you sit together and enjoy local wildlife and folklore tales.
10. Summer Saturdays in Armagh City Centre, County Armagh, until 6 September. Armagh Summer in the City is back this year with children’s activities including face painting and balloon modelling. There will be great live music on the bandstand each Saturday. All Summer in the City activities are free and open to all visitors.  

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates. 

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Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have put their Winter 26/27 Christmas Markets Programme on sale from Belfast International Airport, offering customers and independent travel agents a fantastic choice of festive getaways next winter.

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WITH just over a month left of Ibiza’s electric Summer 25 party season, VIBE by Jet2holidays is inspiring holidaymakers to jet away to the White Isle for its world-renowned closing parties.

AS much as £14,000 in fines could be coming the way of UK drivers if they make simple Highway Code mistakes this summer, according to new research by cinch, the UK’s biggest online used car retailer: https://www.cinch.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen

WITH two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip, there’s a lot more to prepare for over the coming weeks than drivers might realise.

FOLLOWING the recent news that the EU’s ban on carrying liquids over 100 millilitres was being lifted, all three Northern Ireland airports have confirmed that the high-tech scanners capable of screening up to 2 litres of liquids have been rolled out.

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THE EU’s ban on carrying liquids over 100 millilitres, which had caused headaches for holidaymakers for years, is set to be lifted. The move comes after the European Commission announced that high-tech scanners capable of screening up to two litres of liquids will be rolled out… but not all airports will be ready to lift the ban immediately.

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ROYAL Caribbean has announced the return of the popular charter flight from Belfast to Bologna for Summer 2026 – and it’s available to book now!