Whether you love country, classical or dance music, or you’re an Elvis or Eurovision stan …
“Following the Music” is one of this year’s top travel trends, according to Lonely Planet’s experts, with music-loving travellers naming De Barra’s Folk Club in Co Cork and Ryman in Nashville, Tennessee in the US, as two of the best global temples of sound. The latter has always been on my radar and just got a lot easier to reach with new direct flights from Dublin. Great news for country music lovers …
According to Aer Lingus research, 71 per cent of adults in Ireland listen to country music, with the figure rising to 87 per cent of Gen Z. Country music fans can soak up the tunes at the city’s honky-tonks, dance at the Wilhorse Saloon and explore the Grand Ol Opry – celebrating its centenary this year. Another must-visit is Dubliner Trevor Moran’s Locust restaurant that’s made multiple Best Restaurant lists in the US, including The New York Times. Where to stay? A trio of boutique hotels provide a central location and plenty of creative inspiration. The Hutton, Noelle and Fairlane Hotel are all hip and reasonably priced.
While in Tennessee, make a detour to Memphis (stopping off at Pigeon Forge to see Dollywood) where Elvis Presley’s home Graceland remains the second most visited private home in the US. This year would have been The King’s 90th birthday, so many events are planned. In London, the immersive Elvis Evolution at the London Excel Waterfront promises to be a high energy homage with themed entertainment, a Blue Hawaii bar and an All Shook Up After Party Bar! My tip for staying centrally without blowing the budget is at The Lime Tree boutique hotel in Belgravia, also very close to the Ronny Scott’s legendary Jazz Club.
Concerts that are having an impact on global travel choices include Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter world tour and Lana Del Rey’s new country album. Both mean that #cowboycore-inspired holidays have seen an uplift, according to American Holidays. For those who want to embrace their inner cowgirl, “Lone Star” state Texas offers the ultimate escape. In Fort Worth, visitors can learn about Western culture at the Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame or let loose and line dance at Billy Bob’s – the largest honky tonk in the world. Don’t leave without a trip to Dallas where the slick Thompson Dallas Hotel‘s décor channels Art-deco glamour and Sixties energy, with a great art collection and rooftop infinity pool to boot.
The White Isle has long been a destination for music fans, where the summer season has just started for many hotels. Expect lots of hype around the opening of Soho Farmhouse Ibiza, set in a working olive grove in Santa Gertrudis. I recommend stylish Standard Amàre Beach Hotel in the centre of the town – pop in for a drink on its uber cool rooftop – as well as the boho chic Hyde and secluded Six Senses Ibiza. The latter even has a state-of-the-art recording studio … should inspiration come while on holiday! For clubbing fans, Lío Ibiza, known for its iconic club residencies, has launched a new programme, TIEMPO by Nomis. This runs the gamut from Nasty Beats to the laidback elegance of Blanche Ibiza and the timeless sounds of Vintage by Sebastian Gamboa.
Fun-loving “Starchitect” Philippe Starck, renowned for his avant-garde, whimsical hotel projects, frequently uses ambient sound and music-related design elements. At the cool Brach Madrid in Spain, the sounds of flamenco guitar are one of the key details. This summer, expect much fanfare around the opening of Starck’s latest hotel, Maison Heler in Metz, France. Its surreal design includes guitars, tambourines and castanets – memorabilia of its imaginary owner Manfred, which Starck used as inspiration for this hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
As for cruises, I was impressed with a Royal Caribbean cruise in the past on the mega-ship Icon of the Seas, with its menu of musical entertainment and choice of restaurant options. This year, Eurovision fans can set sail on song contest-themed holidays such as Allure of the Seas from Barcelona or Civitavecchia.
Closer to home, Ireland’s only summer opera festival, Blackwater Valley at Lismore Castle in Co Waterford has something for everyone, whether you’re a classical music fan or just looking for a glamorous evening out. The highlight will be four performances on the castle grounds of Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Brophy. There are also free Open Air Lunchtime Recitals in Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal and Castlemartyr for the very first time.
For traditional Irish music lovers, Tunefest in June is an emerging trad music festival attracting international musicians to Dungarvan, teaming up with local hotels to offer special packages for those looking to stay for the weekend.
As for where to stay in the sunny south east, my choice is Marlfield House in Gorey, Co Wexford (especially their secluded Pond Suites) while the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal, Co Cork is recommended by insiders too.
For #gigtrippers, upcoming concerts in Dublin include Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Morrissey, Lionel Ritchie, Bryan Adams – and the long awaited Oasis reunion. Where better to book than U2-owned The Clarence Hotel in Temple Bar, especially its “Dine & Unwind” offer for two that includes breakfast in Cleaver East and dinner in neighbouring Roberta’s restaurant.
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