Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

An ancient stone castle on a remote rugged landscape evokes all sorts of fantasies, especially when approached from the sea. You can imagine mythical, romantic, or historic tales as you approach or explore the Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull. The true stories may be just as good.

The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the islands of the Inner Hebrides, after the Isle of Skye. The island has a mountainous core and several radiating promontories covered in moorland. On one headland jutting into the Sound of Mull sits Duart Castle. It was originally built in the 13th century and soon became the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. Control and ownership of the castle have changed hands over the centuries as broader conflicts for the Isle of Mull and Scotland played out. It was a ruin when the Maclean clan regained control by purchasing and restoring the castle in 1911. It is clan home for all the descendants of the family of Maclean spread throughout the world.

There are stories of wrecks and treasure in the waters near Duart. The most evocative must be the wreck of a Spanish galleon in Tobermony Bay. This ship was part of the Spanish Armada defeated by the English fleet and Atlantic storms, and the crew was taken to Duart Castle. The galleon is rumored to have a treasure of gold bullion still waiting to be found. Zodiac travel may reveal other treasures. Mull is known for its European Otters and the majestic White-tailed Sea Eagle which has successfully re-colonised Mull after a long absence.

St Kilda is a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some 40 nautical miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. The stunning cliffs and sea stacks are home to the most important seabird breeding colony in northwest Europe. St Kilda is one of the few places in the world to have received dual World Heritage status from UNESCO in recognition of its Natural Heritage and cultural significance. Village Bay on the island of Hirta once supported a population of over 200, but the last islanders left in the 1930s. Recent restoration work on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers a marvellous link with the past. One of the caretakers acts as shopkeeper and postmaster for any visitors who might like to send a postcard home from St. Kilda.

Erupting out of the Atlantic waters like a mythical beast, Boreray Island captivates all those who lay eyes upon it. As we approach, listen out for sharp intakes of breath - the abrasive and immense form of this staggering island never fails to astound. Few locations command such awe as uninhabited Boreray, left to the seabirds since the last residents of the St Kilda Islands departed in 1930. Watch as vast numbers of Northern Gannets glide overhead before attempting skillful landings at tucked-away nest sites or plunge into the sea, seeking food for their new chicks. Northern Fulmars also make their homes on the volcanic cliffs, while Atlantic Puffins dart in and out of burrows on the slopes. The rugged, rocky island is also well known for the hardy sheep who cling to its shores. You might be able to pick out the rare Boreray Sheep, unique to the island, grazing on the hilly slopes as we cruise alongside the island and the attendant rock stacks that stand tall against the Atlantic onslaught. Boreray forms a part of the dramatic St Kilda World Heritage Site and is a rare example of a site recognized for both its outstanding natural and cultural values.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Slow the pace and discover the refreshing approach to life that Djupivogur has made its trademark. You can leave your phone behind as you step out into this Icelandic town, which has won awards celebrating its leisurely outlook and stubborn rebellion against the frenetic pace of modern life. After all, who needs emails and notifications when you have some of the most humbling monochrome scenery and gashed fjords, waiting on your doorstep? Sitting on a peninsula to the south-east of Iceland, the glacial approach to life here wins many hearts. A place where hammers knock on metal in workshops, artists ladle paint onto canvases, and where you might spot a few Icelandic horses roaming across mountains, Djupivogur is an uninhibited artistic hub - full of makers and creatives. The most expansive project is the 34 egg sculptures that dot the coastline, created by the Icelandic artist, Sigurður Guðmundsson. Each egg represents a different native bird species. Fishing remains the primary industry, and you can savor the soft fruits of the labor in restaurants serving up smoked trout and fish soup within their cozy confines. Wander the surrounding landscapes, where snow-freckled mountains rise, and lazy seals lie on dark rock beaches, to feel Djupivogur's natural inspiration seeping under your skin. Alive with greens and golds in summer, further ventures reveal glaciers and the sprawling waterfalls of Vatnajökull National Park. The cliff-hugging puffins of Papey Island are a must-see, while Bulandstindur Mountain's pyramid shape is a stand out even among these fairy-tale landscapes.

Connect with an authentic way of life amid the achingly beautiful landscapes of Iceland's north. As you delve into this raw and secluded environment, the volcanic beaches, moss-covered tundra expanses, and rich blue Atlantic waters form a stunning visual palette. Setting foot ashore onto the region's stark and scenic sands, you will learn fascinating stories of life and land at this far-northerly latitude. Connect with the warm locals who reside at this remote location and have many stories to share spanning generations. Relax amid the glorious grandeur of the landscape, breathing in the crisp, northerly air - or join a hike to tread spectacular trails across landscapes framed by salt-and-pepper mountains in the distance. On the dark, volcanic beaches, you may witness adorable Icelandic horses cantering along, their hoofs splashing through the gentle waves as they roll in. Keep your eyes peeled to spot Iceland's diverse birdlife and other wildlife during your time in Tumavik; new encounters are never too far away.

Located in the very northernmost reaches of Iceland, Raufarhöfn sits within touching distance of the Arctic Circle. This small, unassuming town, known as the Arctic Circle Village, was once a bustling hub of the herring trade until its decline in the 1970s. This proximity to the Arctic Circle - just a few miles offshore - provides Raufarhöfn with long summer days, dark winters, and intense prolonged sunsets and sunrises. This ethereal setting is the ideal location for an ode to Iceland's rich folk traditions. Just outside the town, the Arctic Henge, a colossal modern monument inspired by ancient pagan traditions, awaits. The brainchild of a local visionary Erlingur Thoroddsen, the stone circle here was designed by Icelandic artist Haukur Halldórsson. The series of tapering archways and concentric stone circles span 52 meters in diameter and carefully integrates inspirations from the Eddic poem Völuspá and Norse mythology. Composed of vast basalt stones, the henge aligns with celestial events and dramatically frames the midnight sun's majesty, serving as a pagan calendar. A truly unique site in Iceland; it's hard not to feel a profound sense of awe at this latitude as the stone circle glows in honeyed daylight, casting beautiful shadows all around.

Enjoy a rejuvenating glimpse into northern Iceland's immense beauty. Sitting on the Skagafjörður Fjord's eastern edge, Hofsós was one of Iceland's oldest trading stations, and the colorful village has successfully retained its unique historical charm. The scenic fjord's waters are punctuated by a trio of stark islands, which beckon birdwatchers and folklore enthusiasts alike - spot puffins and seabird colonies amid the artfully sculpted rock formations and cathedral-like cliffs. The Hofsós swimming pool is one of Iceland's most beautiful opportunities for a dip. Sink into the warm pool waters and drift toward the infinity edge, where it appears as though you could swim out into the breathtaking fjord waters towards the distant mountain border. Close to the pool is a set of basalt rock columns stacked up like natural organ pipes. Dry off ahead of a visit to Hofsós's thoughtful museum, which details the stories of the thousands of Icelanders who emigrated to North America in the 1800s, seeking an escape from the challenging life at the time, which was wrought by a cycle of volcanic eruptions and perilous famines. Nearby, you can also find a small, almost camouflaged surprise blending into the surrounding mountains - the oldest church in Iceland. The stunning setting and turf-clad wooden chapel propose a peaceful moment of contemplation and tranquility.

Emerging from the tranquil waters of Skagafjörður in northern Iceland, Malmey Island is a striking s-shaped strip of land, its perspective constantly shifting as you sail alongside. In combination with its sister islands - the steep-sided Drangey and the puffin-populated Lundey - Malmey forms a distinctive trio, each contributing intrigue to the scenic fjord. Spanning just over two miles in length and less than a mile in width, Malmey Island is a captivating feature of Skagafjörður, surrounded by the remote beauty of the Icelandic wilderness and undulating mountain valleys. At the island's southern tip stands a solitary orange lighthouse, overseeing an area rich in mystery, history, and intriguing folklore. Legend has it that the island bears curses, foretelling doom for any family that dares to inhabit it for over twenty years. Whispers say that any housewife who dares to test this is doomed to a grim fate of madness and disappearance, while another legend states that horses and mice cannot remain on the island. The island has lain uninhabited since a devastating fire wiped out a small farming community of 14 people in 1950 - aside from the abundant birdlife, which can be spotted on the cliffs and swirling above the waters. Massive breaching whales and lazy seals are also regular visitors to these waters.

Drangey Island, famed as the refuge of Iceland's most notorious outlaw - Grettir the Strong - stands as a commanding fortress of rock in the tranquil waters of Skagafjörður. A stark interruption to the expansive, open views of the fjord, this natural citadel is also a stronghold for dozens of nesting seabird colonies. This dramatic island, which towers 180 meters high, is a lasting remnant of a 700,000-year-old volcano - although Icelandic folklore dictates that the island formed when two trolls and their cow were petrified by the morning sun's rays while attempting to traverse the fjord. The island's lore runs deep, and Drangey is intrinsically intertwined with tales from the 'Grettis Saga'. Drangey Island was Grettir's last escape, and he spent his final three years in exile here alongside his brother Illugi before finally succumbing to his enemies. Today, the only outlaws to be found running amok are the hordes of curious puffins and other seabirds, such as white-bellied guillemots and diving gannets, which thrive on the steep, sheer cliffs. Below, in the deep fjord waters, the sounds of whale song reverberate, and gentle giants like humpbacks and minkes frequent these waters.

Discover northern Iceland's fantastic, outlying beauty as you cruise the majestic Veidileysufjörður. Nestled away in the scenic Westfjords, relatively few visitors reach this secluded area. Enjoy privileged access as we sail into the waters of the fjord, with its steep, bowl-like valley sides. Veidileysufjörður's serene isolation makes it an ideal locale for reveling in Iceland's grandiose natural glory, and you can admire views of snow-capped peaks contrasting sharply against the deep navy-blue hues of the North Atlantic. At the fjord’s terminus, a burbling waterfall tumbles its way leisurely down the emerald hillside from above. The pristine fjord is also a place to look out for Iceland's incredible marine life; during summer, humpback whales and playful seals often frequent its inky waters. Soak in the silence and serenity, punctuated only by the calls of seabirds like Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Guillemots, which swoop above the water's surface, their calls echoing across the still waters. Just beyond the northern mountains of Veidileysufjörður lies Djupavik fjord, which boasts an attractive waterfall and a repurposed historic herring factory.

Almost swallowed whole by the scenic embrace of Iceland's Westfjords, tiny Djupavik enjoys a starkly beautiful location, which echoes with forgotten industry. This northwestern haven is often cut off by winter's heavy snows and reachable only by a winding road, adding to the aura of distant adventure. The ceaseless murmur of Djúpavíkurfoss waterfall calls visitors ashore to a small huddle of cherry red houses trimmed in cream beside the glistening fjord waters. Set in one of the most sparsely populated regions on the island, the shore is dominated by an incongruous, sprawling factory. When built, it was the largest concrete structure in Iceland and a state-of-the-art hub of advanced automation and entrepreneurship. Now hauntingly silent, the abandoned herring factory, which dates back to 1934, serves as an eerie reminder of the once-thriving trade that sprung up in an unlikely manner in this far-flung corner of Iceland. Explore the remains, including the rusting ship that once served as a dormitory for the factory's male workers and now rests forlornly near the water. Nowadays, the factory's shell has been carefully and creatively repurposed as an evocative art gallery and hotel. Hikers can wander amid the fjord's beautiful setting, with trails offering explorations of the tumbling waterfall behind and widescreen views of the picturesque, moody Reykjarfjörður fjord scenery below.

There's simply nowhere better than Husavik - the European capital of whale watching - for getting up close and personal with the majestic giants of the ocean. Feel the awe as whales breach the waves around you, before gulping in air and plunging away with almighty tale flicks. Pretty Husavik is framed by the majestic Húsavíkurfjall mountain, which swells up behind, creating a stunning backdrop for the town's tiny wooden warehouses, cherry red houses, and undulating fishing ships. The little wooden church has been a beacon of light, guiding tired fishermen back to the shores of Iceland's oldest settlement, since 1907. Let the wind rip through your hair and the sea speckle your face, as you ride waves out among the region's almighty marine creatures, who throw their weight around so spectacularly. Sail among gentle giants in Shaky Bay, spotting humpbacks, minke whales, and the world's biggest - blue whales. You may also see teams of smaller white-beaked dolphins skipping across the waves, displaying the full range of acrobatic skills. The town's whale museum is an interesting journey through Iceland's relationship with the sea giants, while its restaurants serve up local specialties - taste juicy reindeer burger and plokkfiskur, a buttery mash of local fish. Hikes into the surrounding countryside can take you up around Lake Botnsvatn, to views down from the slopes of the Húsavíkurfjall - where purple-spired lupin flowers spill down amongst the emerald slopes. From the summit, look out over views of the bay, reaching out to the crumpled snowy peaks beyond. Or feel the full force of this land of natural power, at Dettifloss Waterfall, one of Europe's most powerful, thrashing flumes.

A charming fishing village and port in the middle of Iceland's eastern fjords, Eskifjörður is surrounded by a spectacular panorama of glaciers, icebergs, volcanoes and waterfalls accessible via land and boat. Two mountains, Eskja and Hólmatindur, dominate the fjord; Hólmatindur is renowned by locals as the most beautiful mountain in the vicinity. In 1786, Eskifjörður was established as an official trading post and has been a commercial centre since 1798. In 1998, Eskifjörður joined Neskaupstaður and Reyðarfjörður to form the new municipality of Fjarðabyggð, or 'fjords-settlement'. Since village culture and industry has been shaped by the sea, a stroll through Eskifjörður is recommended. Along the way, historical buildings, piers and the Maritime Museum offer a splendid look at the vestiges of the town's seafaring history, as does the Randulfssjóhús Lodge, unchanged since 1890. You can taste the shark and dried fish still produced here utilizing traditional methods observed for generations, or set sail around the picturesque fjord and try your hand at fishing the teeming coastal waters. Eskifjörður's geology is especially notable for producing some of the most beautiful and exquisite stones in existence. Some of the world's largest spar crystals have been excavated from one of the most famous spar mines along the coast, and thousands of polished, cut and original stones from all over the island are displayed in the Sören & Sigurborg Stone Museum, and the Petra Collection in Stöðvarfjörður. Due to its compact size, Eskifjörður can be easily explored in just a single day.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.

With a population of 120 residents, Iona is Located off the Southwest of Mull. The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide but draws in thousands of visitors each year due to its natural beauty and historical interest. Saint Columba and his fellow monks landed here in 563. This beautiful stretch of coastline brings out the true beauty of Iona facing onto the Gulf Stream that gives the island its mild climate. Located to the south of the road lies Sìthean Mòr (Large fairy hill) and alternatively known as the Hill of Angels, this is said to have been the setting for many rituals and traditions dating far back in history. This wonderful highlight, Iona Abbey was founded by Saint Columba in 563 and is said to have survived many Viking attacks. Although little remains of the monastic buildings of this period, the magnificent Abbey is the main attraction.

The stunning Isle of Lunga is the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. With volcanic origin the isle was populated until the 19th Century, and remains of black houses can be seen around this magnificent coastal jewel. Abundant plant life and exotic birdlife are now the main inhabitants of the area. Fortunate visitors view the magnificent array of birds, especially the great puffins that breed on the island's plateau. One can sit within just a few feet away without disturbing the avian ambassadors’ peace. The 81-hectare island is home to many rare and endangered plants such as, primroses and orchids. Views over the landscape and across the ocean can be seen from the 300-foot-high cliffs.

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.

Atmospheric cobbled streets, with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside, is Dublin in a snapshot. A city of irrepressible energy and lust for life, Ireland's capital is as welcoming a place as you'll find. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets, blending with an easy-going, cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs, any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company. Home to perhaps the world's most famous beer - slurp perfect pourings of thick, dark Guinness - cranked out for the city's thirsty patrons. Learn more about the humble pint's journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin has come a long way since the Vikings established a trading port here, back in the 9th Century. In the time since, the city became the British Empire's de facto second city, and the Georgian imprint still adds oodles of historic character. Learn of 1916's Easter Uprising, when the Irish rebelled and established their independence here, as you visit the infamous, haunting Kilmainham Gaol. The uprising's leaders were tried and executed in these dark confines. Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral has immense history below its steep spire, which dates back to 1191. There's rich literary heritage to leaf through too, and the city's streets were rendered vividly in James Joyce's classic Ulysses. The Museum of Literature celebrates the full scope of Dublin's lyrical talents. Trinity College also has a prestigious roll-call of alumni - visit to see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated bible of the medieval era.