AT 37 years old and having just won a second La Liga title in Spain, Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona and Poland striker, attributes his playing longevity —at least in part—to following what’s known as the ‘reverse diet.’ Basically it means that he consumes his dessert first, before turning to his main course.

ST JAMES the Great Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann recently visited Ireland to forge close links with two branches of the Irish cultural organisation, and it was music, music, music all the way.

THE Men’s National Football League can be seen—from the outside at least—like the weigh-in before a heavyweight title fight. The pugilists get close, look each other square in the eye with maybe some shadow-boxing or actual pushing, before stepping off the stage knowing that the real deal is just around the corner.

IRELAND'S Hidden Heartlands stretch across nine unmissable counties, each with its own history, heroes—and, of course, heart. We’ve chosen five great towns and villages you simply can’t miss. The only question is: which one will you visit first?