2014 promises big things for Scotland, from the Commonwealth Games to the Ryder Cup, so why not head to Glasgow for a weekend break
JOE spent this last weekend visiting our Celtic brothers across the water in Scotland's second city, Glasgow, and there was plenty to do to fill our two days. With this year being The Homecoming Scotland 2014 (an initiative from the folks at
VisitScotland.com), they expect to get plenty of tourist interest in the coming months.
Not only that but the Ryder Cup, with the European team captained by an Irishman, is heading to Gleneagles and the Commonwealth Games are also happening in the summer, so there's never been a better time to Visit Scotland. Here are our recommendations for a few things to do, places to eat and beers to drink if you've only got a weekend free to spend there.
How to get there:
Obviously you can fly to Glasgow Prestwick, but JOE took the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan, which is the shortest and fastest crossing, and a great way to see a little bit of Scotland outside the main city when you arrive. We travelled in the Club Lounge with P&O Ferries, which meant there was no worrying about whether our bags were going to meet the weight allowances or not, and we got a couch to ourselves, as well as free tea, coffee and snacks. Overall, worth the early start to enjoy the comfort of not being crammed into a plane.
Rates for crossings with P&O start from as little as €91, and details can be found on the P&O website here
Where to stay
The Indigo Hotel is where JOE pitched our tent for the two nights, and it's very centrally located, right in the heart of Glasgow's financial district and within a few minutes' walk of the city's main shopping areas. The room was incredibly comfortable and had everything from a hairdryer to an ironing board, so our shirts were nice and crisp. There's even a gym so you can keep those guns pumped on your holiday.
The Hotel Indigo is located 75 Waterloo Street in Glasgow. You can check the website for more details on prices and rooms
Where to eat and drink
There are loads of great places popping up around Glasgow to eat and drink if you're a bit of a foodie, and we managed to get to a few of them in our time there.
La Boca
A little tapas spot that's open only a few weeks, the staff were beyond helpful and incredibly friendly. They've got a great selection of wines and Spanish beers, and more importantly coat hooks under the bar, which means they pass the properly Spanish test that we apply to all our favourite tapas places. Prices are very reasonable and the dishes aren't huge so you can pick a few and get a sample of everything. Great to drop in for a bit of lunch before heading on to the shops a few streets down. The owner runs it with his family, not to mention that he used to work for Guinness for ten years so he's got a fondness for us Irish.
189 Hope Street, Glasgow +44 141 237 7575
Stravaign
Local produce (apparently the herbs are picked fresh by the chefs themselves) cooked in an innovative way is the theme of this restaurant, and we had some amazing dishes that were a little off the wall, but still delicious. There's a lot of thought put into flavours that will work well together, so although there might be some strange combinations in here, go with it and savour the tastes. Well worth a visit, and a must for any foodies.
28 Gibson St, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow +44 141 334 2665
If you're looking for a spot to get lunch then
The Riverhill cafe do a delicious sandwich, a fantastic pastry and a mean coffee, while the
Avenue G Cafe is also great, and owned by folks from Galway.
Brew Dog
One of the up and coming craft beers that's been on the rise globally in recent years is Brew Dog, and they have their own bar up near the Kelvingrove Art Palace on Argyle Street. You can sample a huge selection of their brews on tap, as well as in bottle, and it's a great spot to really enjoy a drink with a pretty excellent view.
1397-1403 Argyle St, Glasgow +44 141 334 7175
What to do
Shopping
Glasgow has one of the best shopping districts in the United Kingdom, second only to London, so between vintage shops near the university end of town on Byres Road and department stores like House of Fraser on Buchanan Street, you're sure to find what you're looking for. Prices are very competitive, and if you can time your trip during the sales like JOE did, then you're guaranteed to get a bargain. The area around Merchant Square (Albion Street) is also full of shops, cafes and bars that will keep you occupied for a few hours at least.
For more details and suggestions, check the VisitScotland website
Museums
One of the best museums in town is a must see for any petrol heads, or anyone with a passing interest in transport, the Riverside Museum, which charts the history of Transport. You can see old cars from the 1950s, reconstructed old trams and trains, and a huge tall ship, this is one that you shouldn't miss. You can get to it by hopping on the City Sightseeing bus, which brings you around some of the most famous sights Glasgow has to offer, with an audio guide from historian Neil Oliver, which gives you plenty of hints and tips about the city that you might not have known. There's also a huge selection in the city, but we recommend the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Argyle Street if for nothing else than to see the building alone, which is stunning.
For more details and suggestions, check the VisitScotland website
Stand Comedy Club
We were in town for the
Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and there were some great acts to enjoy on the night in one of the best venues for comedy in the country. There are plenty of famous acts stopping in on a regular basis, and with comedians like Kevin Bridges and Frankie Boyle among them, as well as plenty of local talent, you won't be disappointed if you pop by.
333 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow +44 844 335 8879. For more information on the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, check out their website
You wouldn't get this at home
Glasgow is a city known for sport, in particular football, and for most of the JOEs out there, Celtic Park is a must see. In the run up to the Commonwealth Games this summer, there are plenty of events related to sports that you can get a look at, and we thoroughly recommend heading to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, located right next to Parkhead, where there will be several events in the Commonwealth Games held this year. You can rent everything you need there, from the bike to the helmet, to give it a go, and it's a serious cardio workout.
1000 London Rd, Glasgow +44 141 287 7000
For more information on holidaying in Scotland in the Year of Homecoming go to the VisitScotland website, where there is plenty of information on all that Scotland has to offer. For further helpful information about Glasgow in particular, then check out PeopleMakeGlasgow site
