Author Archive for Jackie de Burca

19 facts you may not know about Champagne

19 facts you may not know about Champagne

The idea of Champagne conjures up feelings of good living, elegance, sociability, and somehow that only the best in life is good enough. It’s funny when you think about it, Champagne is probably the only alcoholic beverage that you can drink in the morning and not be considered a raving alcoholic! Here are 19 fun
13 of Dublin's most romantic hotels

13 of Dublin's most romantic hotels

Did you know that Dublin has outranked London in a 2014 poll of the top cities to live in Europe? Also its architecture, atmosphere, people, history, music, pubs and city’s hospitality have made Dublin one of the most romantic, popular travel destinations in Europe. It really doesn’t matter where you go in the world, and
8 of Dublin's best pubs to drink Guinness

8 of Dublin's best pubs to drink Guinness

You can’t possibly visit Dublin without sampling at least one pint of Guinness. Apart from the embarrassment of having to admit this to family and friends back home, you know it’s good for you – at least that’s what I was told when I was growing up in Dublin! It was normal to understand from
11 of the world's best places to eat oysters

11 of the world's best places to eat oysters

Here’s an idea for a trip – why not focus on travelling to places that can serve you delicious food, but food that is also an aphrodisiac? Oysters are a favourite aphrodisiac around the world, and in the words of Catalan man, Agustí Bertomeu, who has been farming oysters for most of his life: “Six
18 reasons to drop everything and visit Benicassim, Spain

18 reasons to drop everything and visit Benicassim, Spain

It’s always fun to be the first one out of your group of friends and family to discover somewhere new and interesting. You may have heard of Benicassim because of its famous music festival, but this gorgeous, stylish town on Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast has at least 18 reasons to encourage you to drop everything
5 amazing carnivals in Catalonia, Spain

5 amazing carnivals in Catalonia, Spain

There’s no need to travel to Rio to have a fantastic time at a carnival, you can join in on some serious festivities during carnival time in Catalonia, Spain. In the country where fiestas and carnivals are integral to the culture; Catalonia, which is considered by many to be the gastronomic capital, is also the
19 facts you never knew about Guinness

19 facts you never knew about Guinness

Go into a pub in Ireland and ask for Mother’s Milk, the Good Stuff or simply a pint of Arthur, and any bartender worth his salt should know immediately that you want a pint of Guinness. Being Irish I grew up on Guinness… okay, just joking, we’re not quite that bad in Ireland… we don’t
An award-winning, hidden treasure in Kilkenny, Ireland

An award-winning, hidden treasure in Kilkenny, Ireland

We may not always get the weather, but we do have an abundance of genuinely friendly people, delicious, locally sourced food and luxury accommodation in country estates and castles. Us Irish are waiting to give you a really warm welcome, after all Ireland is the land of “a céad míle fáilte” – a hundred thousand
The top 5 elite luxury resorts in the Maldives

The top 5 elite luxury resorts in the Maldives

Do you want to dine on exceptionally fresh lobster? Or maybe you fancy sipping cocktails in your luxury water villa as you listen to the waves gently lapping underneath? Perhaps you crave romance, peace and remarkable beauty – if this is the case the Maldives is the perfect luxury escape. Voted the world’s most romantic
Romance in Provence - follow in Picasso's footsteps

Romance in Provence - follow in Picasso's footsteps

Share romantic nights under the stars with that special someone, in the quaint, romantic village of Saint Paul de Vence, which has been the inspiration of numerous artists. Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and Matisse, in this French hilltop village, which almost seems to touch the sky. Wander through the charming, cobbled streets, which
Romance in Provence - spectacularly seductive Èze

Romance in Provence - spectacularly seductive Èze

Èze is one of the most spectacularly romantic spots in Provence; a French region that oozes romance. Perched atop a cliff, the village of Èze has been likened to an eagle’s nest because of its dramatic location 1401 feet above sea level. Its hilltop views over the sea are famous worldwide. The village has seduced celebrities,
3 very special Michelin-starred, gourmet, cultural tours in Spain

3 very special Michelin-starred, gourmet, cultural tours in Spain

Take a little time to discover some of Spain’s Michelin starred restaurants, whilst truly absorbing the Spanish culture. Get involved in incredible Michelin starred culinary classes, meet the bulls up close and personal, and enjoy wine tasting rarities. Here are a few different ideas to get you started. Authentic Michelin star tours in Andalucia Take
3 romantic, historic Irish castle hotels

3 romantic, historic Irish castle hotels

In Ireland we have a saying, which translates into English as: “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” – Céad Mile Fáilte! This is a saying that is an integral part of the personality of many Irish people; we love to welcome visitors, to know that you have a good time and enjoy the offerings of our small,
8 sensational luxury cruises

8 sensational luxury cruises

Experience the ultimate luxury on the high seas; from floating boutique hotels to the feeling of owning your own private yacht. Choose from unusual exotic itineraries, see some of Europe’s gems or discover the rugged beauty of the Hebridean Islands. Learn piano, polish your golf, go to caviar and Champagne beach parties, or go diving
3 luxury holidays where you can make a difference

3 luxury holidays where you can make a difference

Some of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences that we can have in our lives are when we help others, the environment or species which share the earth with us. Here are three luxury holidays where you can make a difference and you can enjoy experiences that will touch your heart. Baby sea turtle rescue
 3 designer hotels for sweet Californian dreaming

3 designer hotels for sweet Californian dreaming

From the white sandy shores of La Jolla beach, to Napa Valley, and to the most spectacular views over the San Francisco Bay; it’s all about sweet, relaxing Californian dreaming in designer, luxury style. Here are three designer hotels to be found in California, each chosen for their unique designer feel. Hotel La Jolla, La