Looking for a short break with the wow factor this year? If you’re tired of spending long weekends trudging round the same well-trodden galleries in the same well-worn capitals, help is at hand. We’ve put together the definitive guide to the year’s most happening destinations – all guaranteed to inspire awe and envy from colleagues on your return to the office.
Edd.ie Jameson International Film Festival
1) Dublin – More than merely St Patrick’s Day shenanigans, Dublin offers a belting array of events all-year long. From the 13 – 23rd February, the Jameson International Film Festival, showcases 120 Irish and international films in cinemas across the city – watch out for the explosive live special effects demonstrations pending weather conditions. From flicks to fish, foodies will be spoilt for choice with the latest catch at the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, (25 – 27 April), following hot-on-the-heels of the divine Dine in Dublin Week, (24 Feb – 1 March). Elasticated trousers highly recommended!
2) Riga – As the stag break hot spot of Eastern Europe, Riga strips off its raunchy reputation to take on the mantel of European Capital of Culture 2014. The year blazed into action with the World Fire Sculpture Exhibition igniting 12 months of jam-packed activities ranging from Europe’s largest Festival of Light to the Rigapunkts Science Festival – a surprising synergy of science and music like you’ve never heard before.
Guillaime Speurt European Capital of Culture 2014
3)Tel Aviv – Billed as the city that never sleeps, Tel Aviv’s White Night (27h June 2014)offers a nocturnal rampage not-to-be-missed. From light installations blazing across buildings to Wi-Fi headphone parties thrumming through the wee, small hours, get ready to greet the dawn with a live music concert at Zuk Beach or a spot of sunrise yoga at the Old Port. A great way to maximise a short break and save on accommodation into the bargain.
nOthing Tel Aviv White Night performers
4) Glasgow – With a reputation for deep-fried confectionary, Glasgow will prove that it’s far more than a flash in the chip pan this year. As the official host of the Commonwealth Games, the city will snatch the spotlight from the Edinburgh Fringe with a six-month Homecoming programme of jaw-dropping visual arts, dance, music and theatre bringing every nook and crannie of the city to life. Book your accommodation now and prepare to be amazed.
The Consortium Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
5) Rabat – Overshadowed for too long by Marrakesh’s flashy riads, Morocco’s capital will finally take the limelight this year thanks to Ryanair’s new Stansted – Rabat route. Offering souks-galore, the ancient Medina vies for attention with cutting-edge urban design springing up in the capital’s Bouregreg Valley. One of North Africa’s largest regeneration projects, 6000 hectares of new retail, hospitality and entertainment space is due for completion at the end of 2014 and includes the hotly-anticipated Zaha Hadid Rabat Grand Theatre. Be the first to visit.
Forgemind Archimedia Zaha Hadid Rabat Theatre
What’s top of your short break list this year? I would love to hear where you’re off to!