United Kingdom

United Kingdom

London Breaks: Theatre, Art and Culture in 2026

We travelled to London in early March for a trade show and took in a new theatrical experience at the New Canary Wharf theatre. This high-tech “Hunger Games” show for me was a step into the unknown and part of a new dystopian future. Named after the successful film version, the show has been on Broadway and opened at the new high-tech Canary Wharf theatre near the East London financial district. For more UK city break inspiration, read our guides to Paris spring breaks and Hamburg cultural weekends on the blog. Thames River Journey to Canary Wharf We went there on the new Thames river fast ferry service direct from Putney on the west side of the city close to Hammersmith, passing via Battersea, Westminster and Tower Bridge. The ferry costs are on the Oyster system and for around £11 sterling you get a great value photo tour of the Thames River in Central London. We enjoyed the show even if a little long, as it proved to be unique with stages moving and even some of the seating too. Many high-tech influences, great costumes, dance and music ensured great entertainment for this Sunday matinee performance off season. There was a varied audience of young and older folk, some scary bits too, and one felt like being at a modern version of a Roman amphitheatre as characters in the show battle it out to stay alive. There is a long interval. Useful Links Visit London: Visit London London Theatre Tickets: Official London Theatre Thames Clippers River Service: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Brick Lane and Shoreditch Afterwards we took a train to near Brick Lane on the Docklands Railway. Brick Lane is famous for Asian food and Shoreditch is now a hip area. We had a drink in the pub Queen of Prussia beforehand and it proved a personal trip down memory lane in this ancient historical part of London, not far from the Tower of London. There is even a museum depicting the life of Jack the Ripper, in what were haunted streets of the past, many destroyed in the Blitz period. The modern skyscrapers were an earlier backdrop at Canary Wharf in what is a mini Manhattan or Wall Street in New York. This area is quiet at weekends and easy to explore. London Art Galleries and Museums The following days we would see Trafalgar Square, the Strand, Westminster area and St. James’s Park. Good exhibitions were on at the Courtauld Gallery, where there are amazing collections from the 19th-century French Impressionists with great works by Cézanne, Manet, Monet, Gauguin and Seurat. This was all for the bargain entry fee of around £8-10. Booking a time in advance is suggested to avoid queues. This was a new venue for me and is near Somerset House, famous for birth certs, and just a short walk from Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. A day later we got to the National Gallery, where there are similar pieces of world-class art to see and in this case all for free, although there are rumours of new charges in future years. The National Gallery has great art from Constable to Gainsborough, Dutch masters, as well as famous French Impressionist artists like Pissarro, Renoir, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and many more. Useful Links The Courtauld Gallery The National Gallery London Tate Modern Tate Modern and London Culture Lots of cultural opportunities exist in central London. The Tate Modern had Londoner Tracey Emin and her themes from Margate seaside, while the old Tate Gallery at Millbank featured Turner and Constable too. Going around London, signing up for the Oyster Card means getting around is simple. A bank card can also be used but might include more exchange charges. Over at Westminster Square there were protests against the Commonwealth gathering of nations and the Monarchy. It all added to the international flavour of a world city, where all manners of opinions and politics exist. Where to Stay in London For a good value stay in the area try the Premier Inn Hub near Westminster and Victoria Station. Premier Inn at St. James’s Park has good value hotel rooms and a good breakfast. Lots of eating options and good pubs nearby including The Two Chairmen, The Feathers and The Buckingham Arms. Riviera is a great French restaurant while Italian restaurants nearby are generally good value, although some others are pricier. Leicester Square and the West End are not far away if you want to try Soho or Chinatown. Hotel and Travel Links Premier Inn London Hotels Transport for London Oyster Card Ticketmaster UK Final Thoughts on London Breaks Lots of great music and culture exist in London, as well as unique dining. Prices are now on a par with Dublin, so booking ahead with London theatre and concert listings is advised. Made Travel helped us out on our visit to the Hunger Games and last year for The Lion King. Your local favourite Waterford travel agent can also organise your London trip and often secure special hotel offers. London remains one of Europe’s leading city break destinations for theatre, museums, galleries, shopping and entertainment, with something new always waiting around the corner. Related Travel Guides For more regional travel inspiration, readers can also explore our guides to: Bradford City of Culture Beautiful Bath: A timeless Georgian Gem in Somerset

Europe, United Kingdom

Armagh City: Northern Ireland’s Georgian Gem

A Surprising City Break Armagh City proved to be a wonderful surprise as a destination to visit. We have crossed the border many times over the years, but had never properly explored Armagh until it was recommended to us for its history, architecture and cultural importance. The city may still carry an image of cathedrals and prayer, known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, while also having experienced its share of political troubles during past generations. Yet today, Armagh has emerged renewed and revitalised through restoration and investment following the peace process. Settlement here dates back to the 5th century and St. Patrick himself, who was granted land for a church after reportedly curing a local chieftain’s family member. The city eventually received official city status in the 1990s and today has a population of approximately 15,000. Georgian Beauty and the Famous Mall Apart from our home city of Waterford, Armagh may well boast one of the finest Georgian malls in Ireland. The Mall — a huge green open space lined with trees — was originally used for horse racing before being converted for cricket and public recreation. Walking through this elegant area, one could easily imagine being in a historic English city. Many of the impressive Georgian buildings date from the late 1700s, when Church of Ireland Archbishop Robinson became not only an influential church figure but also a visionary city planner. Unlike Dublin, where many Georgian buildings were demolished, Armagh preserved much of its architectural heritage beautifully. For readers interested in historic European cities, you may also enjoy our feature onBeautiful Bath Travel Guide Charlemont Place overlooking the Mall contains some remarkable architecture, now occupied by professionals and businesses. Nearby are museums, churches and historic halls that reflect the city’s layered religious and political history. Walking Tours and City History One of the best ways to discover Armagh is through a guided walking tour. We joined former council worker and local historian Brian McDonald for a fascinating 90-minute tour of the city. Brian, also a fan of Waterford hurling, shared tremendous insight into Armagh’s history, restoration and renaissance. For organised tours:Donna Fox Tours The city has transformed dramatically since the Troubles. Streets once damaged by bombs and neglect have been restored using local limestone. Dobbin Street, once home to traditional farm markets, now features quirky gargoyles and public art inspired by medieval history and mythology. Property prices remain relatively affordable compared to many Irish cities, with much employment focused on agriculture and agri-business, while nearby Newry acts as a major commercial centre. Cathedrals, Religion and St. Patrick Armagh is famously known as the city of seven hills and is dominated by its two impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedrals. The Church of Ireland cathedral carries the older history, while the Catholic cathedral was built after the famine on a hill overlooking the city. Both offer magnificent views across the surrounding drumlin countryside. The Church of Ireland Gothic cathedral, rebuilt in the 1840s, stands proudly beside parkland and cultural buildings including the Market Place Theatre, visited recently by King Charles. Nearby stands the memorial to Brian Boru, whose remains were reportedly brought here after the Battle of Clontarf. Visitors can also follow parts of the famous St. Patrick’s Trail stretching towards Downpatrick and the Antrim hills. More information:Visit Armagh Tourism Food, Music and Local Culture Armagh has a surprisingly lively food and music scene. One popular recommendation is Uluru Bar & Grill, which even serves kangaroo alongside Malaysian seafood dishes and international cuisine. Other recommended dining spots include: Embers Mulberry Bistro Red Neds Callan Bar at Armagh City Hotel Traditional music remains an important part of city life. The famous “Hole in the Wall” pub is highly regarded, while local piping clubs continue strong traditions in Irish music and instrument making. A Dublin friend later remarked how impressed he was by Armagh’s traditional music scene, describing it as one of the hidden gems of the island. A City Moving Forward Armagh experienced terrible violence during the 1970s and 1980s, with bombings, sectarian attacks and political division deeply affecting the city. Yet modern Armagh feels welcoming, peaceful and optimistic. Locals proved exceptionally friendly during our stay. Even when asking for directions inside Devlins Bar, several people immediately offered assistance and local recommendations. Armagh city has clearly undergone a renaissance and deserves much greater recognition as a destination on the island of Ireland. Interested in Irish cultural destinations may also enjoy:Achill Island Travel Series Armagh Apples and Cider Outside the city we visited the Troughton apple farm on the Portadown road, producers of the well-known Armagh cider sold across Ireland. Armagh remains Ireland’s leading apple-growing county thanks to its unique microclimate and sheltered drumlin landscape near Lough Neagh. The family-run farm offers tours, cider tastings and a wonderful farm shop selling juices, dry ciders and local produce. We sampled their excellent apple juice while meeting visitors from America touring the region. Where to Stay in Armagh City Hotel Recommendation Armagh City Hotel Comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast and carvery dining, leisure facilities and ample parking in a very central location. Official website:Armagh City Hotel Drinks and Food Recommendations Pubs Hole in the Wall Devlins Bar Shambles Bar Restaurants Uluru Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant Callan Bar Getting There from Waterford By car, Armagh is approximately 300km from Waterford and around a three-hour drive via the M9, M50 and M1/A1 through Newry. Public transport options include: Train to Newry via Dublin, then bus to Armagh Bus from Dublin Airport on the X4 route towards Derry stopping in Armagh Final Thoughts Armagh combines Georgian elegance, religious heritage, excellent music, local food and fascinating history in a compact and welcoming city. It feels peaceful today, while still honestly reflecting on its complicated past. We left convinced that Armagh deserves far more attention from visitors across Ireland and beyond — and we certainly plan to return.

Europe, Travel Stories, United Kingdom

Beautiful Bath: A Timeless Georgian Gem in Somerset

There are some cities you visit… and others you experience. Bath in Somerset is firmly in the second category — one of England’s most elegant and walkable small cities, steeped in history, culture and Georgian charm. I hadn’t been in decades, so on a recent road journey to London, we made it our stopover — and it was the perfect choice. Getting to Bath If you’re travelling from Ireland, Bath makes a superb gateway to southern England. Sail with Stena Line from Rosslare to Fishguard (around 3 hours’ drive to Bath). Book early for fares from €200 with car. Irish Ferries operate to Pembroke — a slightly longer sailing but convenient for the A40 route. Combine your trip with stops at the Gower Peninsula, Margam Park, or Cardiff. Flying?Arrive via Bristol Airport, then take a 30-minute bus connection (approx. £11). Train links are also available from Fishguard via Swansea and Cardiff. A City of Honey-Coloured Stone Much of Bath’s stunning architecture dates from the 1700s and 1800s, when the city became a fashionable Georgian spa retreat. Its creamy sandstone terraces are instantly recognisable. The iconic Royal Crescent remains one of Britain’s finest examples of Georgian architecture — a sweeping curve of aristocratic townhouses that feels like stepping into a period drama. It brings to mind Georgian Dublin, when elegance and symmetry defined urban life. The Roman Legacy Bath’s story goes back much further than the Georgian era. The world-famous Roman Baths are among the best-preserved Roman sites in Europe. Built around the sacred spring of the goddess Sulis Minerva, they still flow today. Book tickets in advance — weekends are especially popular with London visitors and overseas travellers. Culture, Festivals & Fashion Bath is small but culturally mighty. It has a vibrant year-round calendar of festivals and events: Performances at the beautiful Theatre Royal Bath Comedy and music at Komedia Bath The annual Bath International Music Festival (May) Folk Festival (August) The renowned Christmas Market — one of Britain’s best Literary fans can explore the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating the author who lived here and immortalised Georgian society. Fashion also has deep roots in Bath. The dandy Beau Brummell once set trends here, and the city continues to celebrate style with fashion events and exhibitions. Museums & Attractions Beyond the Roman Baths and crescents, there’s plenty more: American Museum & Gardens – fascinating exhibitions (from Wild West themes to Prohibition-era Americana reminiscent of Boardwalk Empire) Fashion Museum Georgian gardens and walking trails Bath Spa and visitor centre Excellent independent shopping near the Abbey and Roman Baths Sports lovers will know Bath Rugby, who play at “The Rec,” while horse racing fans can visit Bath Racecourse on the edge of town. Food & Atmosphere Bath has a relaxed but refined food scene — from cosy pubs to contemporary dining spaces and art cafés. It feels lively yet intimate, with a friendly West Country charm. The city thrives on tourism and education (with three universities), while many professionals commute to London — just 90 minutes away by fast train. Where We Stayed We stayed at the Bay Tree House, a comfortable and central guest house with parking — a real bonus in Bath, where parking can be expensive and scarce. Rooms ranged from £75–£100 per night for two. Louise was a welcoming host, and despite our late booking (the city was nearly full), we were well looked after. Walking Bath Bring comfortable shoes — Bath is hilly, but wonderfully compact. Wandering its streets reveals hidden courtyards, artisan shops, bookshops and inviting cafés. The pale stone glows beautifully in the late afternoon sun — a photographer’s dream. A Perfect Stopover Whether you’re en route to London, planning a long weekend, or combining Wales and England in one road trip, Bath offers history, architecture, culture and relaxation in one elegant package. If travelling by ferry with a car, remember: Duty-free wine can be purchased on return Petrol is generally cheaper in Ireland, so fill up before sailing Sterling exchange rates currently favour euro travellers Bath is not just a stop on the map — it’s a step back into refined England, where Roman waters still flow and Georgian crescents curve with timeless grace. A truly beautiful city.

Europe, Travel Stories, United Kingdom

Bradford City of Culture

Art and Urban Renewal Bradford has become the latest UK city of culture, we wrote about Coventry in the past, which had many Waterford links through sport and work. Hull was more recent and Derry got a boost to from this accolade. You will be impressed with great art and fine sights to see from Little Germany in Bradford to the model village of Saltaire. Bradford is in West Yorkshire between Manchester and Leeds, which also have Irish links. We were invited there by local contact in Bradford city council and via local journalist and given a number of interesting things to see like the Media Museum, the old town and the model town of Saltaire. We also visited galleries, linked to world renowned local artist David Hockney, who now lives in Los Angeles. The art galleries were free as was the media museum. Getting There & Accommodation The city has an airport nearby covering the Leeds Bradford area, with local bus links. The Midland hotel was recommended as being central to the old town that grew from the woollen mills in the 19th century, when it was known as Woolanopolis or Worstedopolis, as their textiles were sent to the empire world and Europe. They went so much to Europe that German buyers and traders came over to construct impressive sand stone buildings in the city and what is now still called ‘little Germany’. Many important institutions use the buildings today. We had been to this area in the 1990s. There have been noticeable building up grades and cleaning of exteriors in the city centre, on a negative side too many bookies and gaming places are in the centre. City Life, Food & Nightlife Night time area downtown is on Ivegate, where the Dubliner pub located, some pubs midweek charged 3 pound a pint. Nice eateries nearby, including as the city is famous for curries. The city centre reflects prosperity in the past and the city of culture was added to provide further rejuvenation. Media Museum & David Hockney Media museum has a brilliant David Hockney exhibition, where layered and photography using joinery methods where several cameras used on vehicle to film 4 seasons in local Woldgate woods in East Yorkshire, done in a split second and pieced together. Hockney is a brilliant modern artist with these multiple images. On the downstairs of the Media museum, there is a tribute to the early days of photography from its early discovery and science to the early pictures in France and UK in mid 1850s to the Kodak Brownies and seaside snapshots of visitors. Photos were the preserve of the well off originally but then holiday makers and families would go to photo studios. Polaroid cameras would have big impact, but the digital camera would see the almost the end of film photography and Kodak from the American city of Rochester, twinned with Waterford and the home of Bausch and Lomb also. Cartwright Hall & Further Art We took a bus ride to the Cartwright Hall for more art on Hockney and others like Lowry, again free and worth the visit, the local lad who made good, starting in the local art college and then the Royal College of Art. He had studios after in Notting Hill and very innovative using modern styles and photography. Light and change are used so well. Hockney still works into his 80s and loves swimming pool settings in LA and has his own one.!! loves also the American west, less so loud New York. Saltaire – Model Village Our final destination was the model village of Saltaire, built by mill owner Titus Salt, where better living conditions for workers were created with company housing, schools, community center and church plus a mill employing 3000 workers. Trading could change in the post war eras and eventually, the mill would close. A local entrepreneur would purchase it and turn it into a gallery, concert venue and local shops. Hockney would support him as a friend with an art donation and still does to new operators. Jonathan Silver would die of cancer when only partly achieving his objective. Today it is a must see and highly recommended by locals, we had been there in the 1990s prior to the full transformation but now is outstanding. Saltaire even has its own local craft brewery, brewing not allowed in the old days, even a Titus bar too, nearby fine bakery, where you can buy a fine local Yorkshire pasty and home made soup. Timothy Taylor is the local brew in Bradford, be sure to try this fine ale. Industry, Community & Heritage It would be great if something similar was possible for the Portlaw tannery plant, but it takes a lot of money. Nearby modern Leeds based workers have bought the nice sandstone houses and with convenient Saltaire rail links, the area is revived and Fashionable. Salt mills had thriving shops, galleries and eateries, just a few miles from hills of Yorkshire where sheep graze. The local wool was the raw material for this world renowned wool industry. Saltaire also used Alpaca from Peru to get premium market leadership. It is a great tale, watch the film on top floor about the story of Titus Salt family and its development, fascinating. Get there via local bus from Cartwright Hall, the number is 662 and will also bring you to Bradford city centre. There is a large Asian community in the city form the sixties to work in the textiles industry prior to its demise. See Manningham Lane on this route where there are many Asian clothing shops. Bargains to be had here. Food, Culture & Links In terms of Asian food and restaurants try the International Sweet Centre and My Lahore in the city centre, see visit bradford.com, where they have even a curry guide. Bradford also famous for the Bronte family. Derry, which we know and Coventry were previous culture cities we wrote about, areas that have potential for

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