Yorkshire has more going for it than its famous puddings (and Emmerdale)...
It's a place with a buzzing nightlife, a massive sporting background and a cultural heritage to rival the best.
Plus, Harry Kewell isn't there any more, so random injuries in the area have dropped dramatically.
Aer Lingus Regional has launched a new route from Dublin to Leeds Bradford, flying there up to twice daily from only €24.99 one way including taxes and charges. So it's fairly handy to get to as well.
JOE's getaway guide has decided to give Yorkshire's unofficial capital, Leeds, the once over.
After all, it's about time we gave this 'rugby league' thing a fair crack of the whip.
Here's our overview.
Nightlife
Leeds was home to the famous Tetley's brewery for 200 years. Unfortunately the place was demolished in 2012, but the locals desire to brew some tasty beer and have the craic didn't go down with the bricks and mortar.
The
Leeds Brewery, which was established in 2007, have a great pub called the
Midnight Bell. It is named after one of their four wonderful beers - the three others are called Leeds Pale, Yorkshire Gold and Leeds Best and can all be found within the walls of the bar.
Three times winner of both the “Best Nightclub” and “Best Live Music Venue” at the annual Leeds Bar & Club Awards, the
HiFi Club, is another great option when out and about.
This club is famed as a top-class live music venue too, where the likes of Lykke Li and Corinne Bailey Rae have played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnR7Zk2ZsVM
Clip via: judelakshmi
They also have a pretty brilliant comedy club which has hosted everyone from Alan Carr to Reginald D Hunter.
Sport
Despite a recent downturn in fortune,
Leeds United is still one of the most famous football teams in world football.
Their fantastic Elland Road stadium gets huge crowds on a weekly basis and they'll always have a close connection with all us Irish.
They even gave Darren O'Dea a game, for god's sake.
If the oval ball is more your thing, these guys are all about rugby league. Their team is the
Leeds' Rhinos and if you want to find yourself in hot water pretty quickly just tell the locals that the Bradford Bulls or Huddersfield Giants are more your cup of tea.
If rugby union is your code of choice, you can catch two Rugby World Cup games at Elland Road next year.
Generally speaking, Leeds is represented in most fields and often at the very top level so if you travel for a sports mad holiday, you won't be disappointed.
Culture
Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182 are just a few of the bands that played the
Leeds Festival this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z02jJ9FQvRg
Video via: anip94
Year after year, the Leeds festival gets the best bands and it is now regarded as one of Western Europe's finest music events.
Their theatre scene isn't a bad one either, particularly at this time of the year in the run up to Christmas.
Leeds is a pretty well rounded city, which has a little bit of something for everyone - whether you're sports, parties or culture mad.
So if you're still looking for ideas for Christmas presents, then look no further as Leeds could be the perfect weekend break.
If all else fails though, you can put on some of Yorkshire's famous puddings and watch the omnibus of Emmerdale in the hotel room... Book here
now.
Aer Lingus Regional is operated by Stobart Air. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Valid for travel to 31 January 2015. Weekend supplement applies. €7 admin fee per person, per one-way flight applies.
