Prague – The Heart of Europe which you have to experience
Martin Gill • 15 September 2025
Prague, often called the “City of a Hundred Spires”, is one of the most charming capitals in Europe and the capital of the Czech Republic. Thanks to its central location, it’s easily accessible from Ireland and offers a perfect combination of history, culture, stunning architecture and modern city life.
In the evening, Prague transforms into a lively city full of atmosphere. From cosy traditional pubs serving world-famous Czech beer as Pilsner Urquell to stylish cocktail bars and jazz clubs, there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy a night at the theatre or opera, take a river cruise under the illuminated bridges, or simply stroll through the beautifully lit Old Town.
Easy Connection from Ireland
Getting to the Czech Republic is simple – a direct flight from Dublin to Prague takes just about 2.5 hours. Several airlines, including Aer Lingus and Ryanair, operate regular services, making it easy to find convenient times and good fares. With such a short journey, Prague is perfect not only for a weekend city break but also for longer holidays, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cultural trip or a lively group adventure.
Historic Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
- Prague Castle
The largest castle complex in the world, once home to Czech kings and now the seat of the president. Inside you’ll find the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the charming Golden Lane. - Charles Bridge
This 15th-century stone bridge, decorated with 30 Baroque statues, is one of the most photographed spots in the city. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset. - Old Town Square
&
“Orloj”
The Astronomical Clock
The colourful Old Town is home to the Týn Church and the famous Astronomical Clock, dating back to 1410 – the oldest working clock of its kind in the world. Every hour, small figures of the Apostles put on a little show for the crowds. - Wenceslas Square
A lively boulevard combining history, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. At the top you’ll find the impressive National Museum.
Culture & Entertainment
- National Theatre – a neo-Renaissance gem where you can enjoy opera, ballet and drama.
- Dancing House – a modern architectural icon nicknamed “Fred and Ginger”. There’s a stylish café on the ground floor – perfect for coffee or dessert with a view.
- Vltava River Cruise – a relaxing way to enjoy the city from a different perspective, especially magical in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.
The Best Views in Prague
- Petřín Tower – inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it offers panoramic views across the whole city.
- Vyšehrad – a historic fortress with the Basilica of St. Peter and St Paul and a cemetery where many famous Czechs, including composer Antonín Dvořák, are buried.
- Letná Park – a favorite green spot with great views over the Vltava River and Prague’s bridges.
Practical Tips for Visiting Prague
- Currency – The Czech Republic uses the Czech crowns (CZK), not the euro. Most places accept cards, but it’s useful to carry a little cash.
- Transport
– Public transport is reliable and cheap. A 24-hour ticket costs about €5 and covers metro, trams and buses and some trains in Prague. The quickest way from the airport to the centre is the Airport Express bus or using apps like Bolt.
- Language – The official language is Czech, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Prices – Prague is more affordable than many European capitals. A restaurant meal starts around €12 and a beer around €2.
- Safety – Prague is a safe city, but like anywhere, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas such as Charles Bridge and the Old Town.
- Weather – Winters are cold (0 °C or below), summers are warm (20–30 °C). The best time to visit is May–June or September–October, when the city is pleasant and less crowded.
How Not to Get Caught Out in Prague
- Currency Exchange – Avoid small exchange offices in tourist areas (especially near
Wenceslas Square). Some advertise “great rates” but add hidden fees. Others, there are new scams, which may even hand out worthless foreign currency instead of Czech crowns. Always use ATMs or official banks.
- Taxis – Street taxis can be expensive. Use apps like
Bolt or Uber, where the price is fixed before you travel.
- Restaurants in tourist hotspots – Prices are much higher around Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Walk just a few streets away and you’ll find better food at better prices.
- Trdelník – This sweet pastry is often sold as a “traditional Czech dessert”, but it actually comes from Hungary. While it’s tasty, if you want a real Czech treat, try
koláče
(sweet pastries filled with fruits, poppy, nuts or cheese) instead.
- Pickpockets – As in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport.
Day Trips Worth Taking
If you have a little more time, Prague is also a great base for exploring the Czech countryside.
- Kutná Hora
– just an hour by train, this UNESCO-listed town is famous for the Gothic
St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the unique
“Bone Church” (Sedlec Ossuary), decorated with thousands of human bones.
- Karlštejn Castle – one of the most iconic castles in the country, built in the 14th century by
Emperor Charles IV to protect the crown jewels. It’s only 40 minutes from Prague by train.
- Český Krumlov – a fairy-tale town in South Bohemia, about 2.5 hours away, known for its Renaissance castle, winding alleys and riverside cafés.
These trips are easy to do in a day and offer a chance to see more of the Czech Republic’s history and charm beyond the capital.
Not every place makes a good first impression. Some destinations look quiet on the map, unremarkable in photos, and easy to overlook when compared to Europe’s better‑known cities and regions. They don’t promise instant wonder or dramatic scenery, they don’t shout for attention, in fact, they can seem so familiar that you wonder whether they’re worth the trip at all. And yet, these are often the places that surprise us the most. Once you arrive, expectations begin to fall away. You stop searching for highlights and start noticing moments instead: the rhythm of daily life, the way people interact with their surroundings, how time feels different when nothing is urging you forward. Slowly, almost without realising it, the place begins to matter. This is the kind of travel that doesn’t reveal itself all at once, it unfolds through small details, unplanned pauses, and experiences that don’t always fit neatly into an itinerary. By the time you leave, you understand something important: the places that felt ordinary before the trip are often the ones that stay with you longest afterward. Europe is full of destinations like this, quiet, understated places that reward curiosity rather than expectation. These are some of them.
Explore Riviera Travel river cruise itineraries across the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro, with curated excursions and immersive experiences. Now with €99 deposits, 10% off 2027–2028 sailings and limited-time savings on selected 2026 cruises.
At their core, music festivals are more than live performances or carefully curated line‑ups. They are cultural gatherings, temporary communities where locals and travellers come together in shared spaces shaped by creativity, tradition, and emotion. For a few days or weeks, familiar landscapes are transformed, and in that transformation a place reveals how it celebrates, how it communicates, and how it welcomes outsiders. These moments go beyond what happens on stage. Festivals unfold within real places, not isolated bubbles, and they carry the imprint of their surroundings. The food reflects regional traditions, the rhythms of daily life seep into the schedule, and local values are expressed through art, design, and the way people interact. Whether set in countryside fields, historic cities, or coastal neighbourhoods, festivals offer travellers an unusually intimate way to experience a destination. This is what makes music festivals such compelling entry points for cultural travel. They encourage movement without urgency, discovery without a checklist, and connection without preconception. Rather than following an itinerary, travellers follow a feeling, allowing sound, place, and human connection to shape the journey. In these moments, travel becomes less about where you go next, and more about how deeply you experience where you are.
Malta is one of those places that completely catches you off guard, in the best ways imaginable. For such a tiny island nation, it packs more beauty, history and “wait, why does nobody talk about this?!” moments than seems fair. One minute you're wandering through golden stone streets that look straight out of a period drama, and the next you're floating in shockingly blue water, wondering why it isn't illegal for the sea to look that good. It’s the kind of destination where the big attractions blow your way, but the hidden corners are what quietly steal your heart This guide is here to walk you through Malta the way a fellow traveller would, with honest insight, friendly advice and all the info you need to make your trip effortless and unforgettable
Choosing a holiday is more than deciding on a place to visit, it’s choosing the version of yourself you want to step into for a little while. Some people come alive on high mountain trails, others find their joy floating in warm turquoise seas. Some feel energised exploring new cultures, while others crave nothing more than sunshine, good food and the simple luxury of slowing down. Travel isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s a reflection of you. And that’s why the best holidays aren’t picked at random, they’re chosen by discovering what kind of traveller you truly are. Are you the adventurer? The luxury seeker? The family memory‑maker? The culture lover? Or the dreamer ready to explore a far‑flung corner of the world? When you match your personality to the right holiday style, something magical happens: the anticipation grows, the excitement builds, and suddenly the journey feels like it’s already begun. So let’s dive in. Let’s explore the escape that suits your spirit, the holiday that feels like it was created with you in mind. Your perfect match is waiting…and it might just surprise you.
If you have noticed more Irish people swapping sun loungers for start lines, you are not imagining it. Fitness tourism, sometimes called race-cation have become one of the fastest growing travel trends for Irish holidaymakers. From destination marathons to HYROX events abroad, more of us are choosing to travel with a purpose, challenge ourselves in new cities and come home with a medal rather than just a tan. And the numbers back it up. Global marathon participation rose 9% last year, with runners increasingly choosing races based on location rather than proximity to home. HYROX, too, has exploded on social media, giving travellers a whole new kind of event to plan trips around So what's behind Ireland's growing love affair with fitness-focused travel? Let's break it down.
Imagine Cork Airport not as a terminal, but as a hallway lined with doors, each one opening onto a completely different world. Behind one door: golden beaches warmed by the Canary sun. Behind another: cobblestone streets, cafés buzzing with conversation, and the soft glow of city lights reflecting off canal water. Further down, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast invites you to slow down, wander, taste, and explore. No matter what type of traveller you are, sun chaser, culture seeker, foodie, or adventurer, Cork’s direct flight network now connects you to the places you’ve been dreaming about. Here are six of the most inspiring destinations you can reach in just one flight. Step through any door you like.
When most people think of island holidays, they imagine one thing: golden sandy beaches and long, lazy days by the sea, but the Portuguese island of Madeira is unlike any other. In this destination, you can experience landscapes and activities that feel like travelling across several destinations. One moment you’re wandering misty mountain peaks shrouded in clouds, the next you’re swimming in volcanic pools, and by evening, you could be savouring world-famous wine while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. Madeira is nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one compact island. Here’s why it’s a destination you simply cannot miss.
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and travellers are already dreaming of sunny beaches, cultural getaways, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a short city break, a family holiday, or a luxury escape, knowing which European destinations are trending this year can help you plan the perfect getaway. From the postcard-perfect cliffs of Santorini, Greece, to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the rustic beauty of Calabria, Italy, the cultural energy of Bilbao, Spain, and the year‑round sunshine of Tenerife, Europe is full of extraordinary places waiting to be explored this summer. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the hottest destinations of 2026, complete with insider tips, must‑see attractions, and ideas to help you plan the perfect summer getaway.
Hiking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the world's natural beauty, offering travellers the chance to slow down, breathe deeply and connect with landscapes that feel untouched by time. From dramatic mountain passes to lush tropical coastlines, the best hikes around the world provide not only physical challenge but also cultural discovery and breathtaking scenery. For Travel Enthusiasts seeking their next great adventure, these iconic trails represent some of the most rewarding journeys on the planet.
