The administrative seat of the EU is also a fun, beautiful city of elegant restaurants, splendid architecture and museums, says Tony Clayton-Lea.

Last month, Kay Cairns wrote of her plans to go Brussels and tweet about her three-day trip. But not just any visit, Kay had a strict budget of €65. This included flights, accommodation, transport, food, beer and attractions. How did it go? Find out ...

The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the late-Middle Ages throughout the German-speaking regions of Europe, but these days they pop up all over the world. Tony Clayton-Lea chooses the best and most atmospheric to visit in the UK and Europe.

LAST month, during a walking tour of Béthune in northern France, our guide recalled the work of a Cork woman, Kate McCarthy, who nursed wounded soldiers during both world wars. Her niece, Sr Breda McCarthy of the Loreto Convent in Bray, told me this extraordinary woman’s story.

IN the middle of a news blackout, who comes and who goes offers a vital clue as to what is going on for the myriad of intrepid reporters covering EU meetings.

Authorities in Belgium stepped up security after police detained 14 suspected Islamic extremists who the government said were plotting a jailbreak to free an al-Qaida prisoner convicted of planning to attack US military personnel.

I CHANCED upon a press release from Brussels this week and it makes interesting reading for more than one reason.