coastal

Nestled in County Dublin, the picturesque fishing village boasts stunning coastal walks, fresh seafood restaurants and a historic lighthouse, all just a short drive from the city

Just a 40-minute journey northeast of Dublin sits a charming village boasting stunning architecture and breathtaking vistas of Ireland’s magnificent coastline.

Renowned for its picturesque seaside location and rich fishing heritage, Howth has become a beloved escape for Dublin residents seeking respite from urban life. The village provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital, offering all the hiking and adventure you could wish for, infused with authentic Irish character – and without the need for lengthy travel.

The Howth Cliff Walk stands out as one of the area’s biggest draws, attracting visitors from far and wide with its spectacular panoramic views across Dublin Bay. Along the route, walkers can also catch sight of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island.

Following a visit, one traveller described the coastal path as “breathtaking” and “well worth it” for the brief excursion from the city centre.

Another visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “A short trip from Dublin on the Dart and it’s like being on a different planet. So peaceful and serene. Had a walk around the harbour and a lovely meal at one of the harbour restaurants.”

Howth Harbour presents plenty of attractions for those passing through. While preserving the village’s genuine character, it features a vibrant, colourful setting with a lively ambience.

Naturally, the main attraction here is the array of seafood eateries serving freshly caught, locally sourced fish. The area boasts numerous restaurants where diners can enjoy fresh seafood whilst taking in breathtaking ocean vistas.

Well-loved establishments include The Pier House, Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas Bar, Aqua Restaurant and 30 Church Street Restaurant.

Beyond the dining scene, the harbour plays host to a weekend market showcasing local produce, from artisan foods and freshly baked treats to handcrafted items, gifts, trinkets and much more. With up to 25 market stalls on offer, it’s the ideal spot for a leisurely browse between coastal rambles.

Adding to the village’s charm is the striking Baily Lighthouse, perched serenely atop the clifftop. Though originally built during the 19th century, it was later decommissioned in 1982 and replaced with a contemporary pole light – yet it still creates a picturesque coastal scene.

One visitor commented: “This lighthouse is in a strategic spot on the edge of a point that sticks out into the sea. Here to protect the ships from going aground. It forms a lovely and charming site when you take your hike on the coast near this seaside town.”

Another shared: “Walked out to the lighthouse; the surrounding area is very clean and well kept, with a great view. Pretty lighthouse with flowers, etc., looking back into the marina is lovely.”

What was once a modest trading port for fishing as far back as the 14th century, now stands as a bustling seaside community. Boasting stunning heathland, breathtaking coastal views and a plethora of highly-rated food spots, it continues to be a must-visit destination in Ireland.

Arnside is a picturesque coastal village often overlooked by tourists heading to nearby Lake District hotspots, and locals are happy to keep it under wraps

A stunning UK coastal village remains under the radar as tourists flock to a nearby hotspot, and residents are quite content with flying under the tourist board’s radar.

The Lake District has earned worldwide recognition for its breathtaking scenery that has captivated poets, writers and musicians across the centuries. Whilst holidaymakers descend upon famous locations like Lake Windermere, Kendal or Keswick, a charming seaside village – praised by The Times as one of Britain’s finest coastal places to reside – often escapes notice.

Arnside presents a captivating mix of lush, countryside vistas where pheasants are spotted as frequently as seagulls gliding above the pristine sands.

Jackie Ellis, 69, who lives in Penrith in the Eden Valley, Cumbria, made the 50-mile journey from her home to the picturesque coastal gem. “I like to be beside the sea. It’s near for me and it’s very charming. It’s an oasis of peace and it’s beautiful,” she explained.

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Yet, she reckons that the tourist board’s preoccupation with marketing the Lake District means lovely places like Arnside stay off most people’s radar, reports the Express.

Jackie, who works as a writer, continued: “Cumbria Tourist Board is obsessed with the Lakes and don’t take an interest in us! Who on earth wants to go to Beatrix Potter [a famous Lakes’ museum] if you can come here! What’s the point? You have beautiful countryside on your doorstep. People come and stay here as it’s maybe that bit cheaper than Ambleside and use it as a jumping off point.”

However, she pointed out that locals enjoy a peaceful environment compared to the bustling tourist hubs in Cumbria. She commented: “But if I lived here I would be very grateful to be overlooked.”

Visitors to Arnside should note that the village boasts two geographical phenomena that make it slightly more challenging than your typical seaside location.

The village is famous for its tidal bore, a unique tidal event that occurs when the incoming tide meets resistance from the bay’s sandy channels. When the wave surges up the estuary, an alarm echoes throughout the village, alerting residents and visitors to the approaching swell.

Situated on Morecambe Bay, Arnside is infamous for perilous quicksand and mudflats, which frequently result in Coastguard teams and Bay Search and Rescue saving people and animals trapped in the dangerous, waterlogged sand as the tide rolls in.

Trevor Brown, 72, made the move to Arnside from East Sussex 14 years ago. He vividly remembers how his first trip to this scenic village captivated him entirely. The retired industrial chemist now dedicates himself to landscape photography, snapping breathtaking shots of his cherished locale.

He remembered: “Somebody said to me ‘go and see Arnside’ as the sunsets are the best in the world. The first time I came here the rain was hitting me horizontally but I came back when it was sunny. I fell in love with the place.”

Although practically devoid of tourists during our visit, he notes the location’s increasing popularity. He observed: “If you come here in the summer it is very busy – you won’t get a parking spot as it’s like Brighton!”

Leonie Punter, 53, runs She Sells, a seafront enterprise she’s operated for 15 years. A Manchester native, she currently lives in Lancaster, roughly 25 minutes away by vehicle. She noted: “On a sunny day it attracts lots of people but it’s overlooked as lots of people go to the Lake District. Only people in the know come here. It’s a hidden gem.”

The seaside spot is perfect for a wintery day trip or weekend away, and even in the freezing weather, it’s so charming

We’re already a week into January, and while the start of a new year can be invigorating, it’s tough to kick-start your routine after the celebrations. You’re likely feeling drained after returning to work, eagerly awaiting a weekend of rest.

However, exploring a new town or village can do wonders for your mood, which is exactly what I did last weekend. Bracing the frosty breeze, I embarked on a half-hour train journey from Glasgow to Troon, a seaside town bustling in summer but much quieter in winter.

It was an almost perfect day trip, with one minor hiccup threatening to ruin the trip – but don’t let that deter you.

Nestled on Scotland’s west coast with views over the Firth of Clyde, Troon is the perfect coastal retreat from city life. Admittedly, my last visit was around age 15 and I had never been during winter, but craving some outdoor time before returning to work, this seemed ideal.

Upon getting off the train, we made our way to the waterfront, which was freezing yet beautiful. The sun was shining, and although the sea would have been unbearably cold for a dip, it looked stunning, reports the Express.

Depressingly, the sun had begun to set as early as 1pm during our visit, but it provided a lovely backdrop for photos. We walked along the huge beach for around an hour, climbing on top of a paved hill at the end to really take in the panoramic views of the town below.

For kids, there’s a huge play area that was bustling even in the biting cold, so I can only imagine how busy it’ll be in summertime.

When the chill became almost unbearable, it was time to seek out some food. Troon boasts an array of great places to eat and drink, from the stylish Scotts restaurant by the marina to numerous fish and chip shops dotting the high street.

One of the main reasons for this trip was to try out The Wee Hurrie, a seafood shack near the water that had been highly praised by relatives and friends. With TripAdvisor users hailing it as the ‘best chippie in Scotland’, we couldn’t wait.

After braving the icy beach walk, our hunger was intense, so imagine our dismay when we found The Wee Hurrie shuttered. This was our fault, and we should have checked ahead, but the combination of freezing temperatures and hunger nearly brought me to tears.

The closure was due to the Scottish fishing fleet being docked for Christmas, which is entirely understandable. As of Friday (January 9), it’s back in business, and you can bet I’ll be running back as soon as I can for some beachfront fish and chips.

By 3pm, we were still on the hunt for lunch, so we started our journey back to the town centre. As if to rub salt in the wound, it began to snow – but luckily, it was just a brief flurry that ended as quickly as it had started.

I wasn’t expecting much activity on the high street at this time on a Sunday in early January, but I was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of people bustling about, popping in and out of eateries and shops.

Still craving seafood, we stopped into Tempura and ordered a serving of battered prawns and chips each. It hit the spot perfectly, and spotting a tempura Mars bar on the menu made me laugh. You cannot escape the deep-fried life in Scotland.

Despite the slight hiccup with our initial food plans, it was still a great day out – albeit a bit chilly for my liking. But rest assured, as soon as that first hint of warmth graces us in March, I’ll be heading straight back there.

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