With so many natural spectacles packed into the U.S., planning sightseeing trips can be a conundrum — the choice is bewildering.
With this in mind, we’ve assembled a list of 10 must-visit-at-least-once landscapes that should be inked into your bucket list. These are places that have mesmerized tourists, stolen scenes in Hollywood movies and adorned millions of postcards — wild America at its most theatrical.
Our round-up includes a canyon in Arizona so vast that storms sometimes form inside it, a geothermal wonderland in Wyoming containing half the world’s geysers, a waterfall in New York that will leave you awe-struck (even if it does seem familiar) and a valley in California that’s home to some of the world’s most famous cliff faces.
Alaska claims two entries, thanks to an epic glacier and an extremely lofty mountain, while Oregon makes the cut thanks to a lake that’s surreally beautiful.
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In Hawaii, there’s the coastline that wowed Steven Spielberg and a bizarre monolithic rock that caught his attention in Wyoming.
In New Mexico is a jaw-dropping desert that looks like it’s covered in snow.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and so deep it has its own weather systems (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
While there’s a postcard familiarity about the Grand Canyon, nothing beats experiencing the humbling majesty of the chasm in real life.
Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years (with rocks as old as two billion years old), the gorge, an uncontested entry on the seven natural wonders of the world list, has an immensity that’s almost difficult to comprehend.
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A mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, and stretching for 277 miles, it’s one of Earth’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, and so huge that storms sometimes form within it.
The South Rim offers one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon. It’s open year-round and is where you’ll find viewpoints such as Mather Point or Yavapai Observation Station. The canyon is also a popular day trip from Las Vegas by helicopter.
Great place to stay: El Tovar Hotel (rooms from $270) is set directly on the canyon rim and is imbued with historic charm. It was built in 1905 as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian Villa.
2. Yellowstone’s geothermal drama — Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Old Faithful, which shoots hot water around 180 feet into the air, is one of around 500-700 geysers in Yellowstone National Park (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Thanks to a vast supervolcano lurking beneath the surface and heating the groundwater, Yellowstone National Park — which spans Wyoming, Montana and Idaho — is a geothermal adventure land, with around 10,000 hydrothermal features making it seem as if the land itself is breathing.
The 3,472-square-mile park features brightly colored hot springs, mud pots, travertine terraces and between 500 and 700 geysers (roughly half of the world’s total).
The most famous of these is Old Faithful in Wyoming, which blasts water up to 180 feet in the air around 20 times a day.
One of the best ways to view the park’s theatrics is to walk the boardwalks around Wyoming’s Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful and around 150 other geysers.
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Great place to stay:Old Faithful Inn (rooms from $205, open May to October) oozes rustic simplicity — there’s no wifi or air conditioning, for example. But on the plus side, you’re within walking distance of the world’s most famous geyser.
Niagara Falls is a sight and sound you’ll never forget. Pictured is the epic Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the U.S./Canadia border. Goat Island, on the U.S. side, can be seen on the far left (Getty Images)
Around one million bathtubs of water pour over the edge of Niagara Falls every minute during peak flow. It’s a sight — and a thundering sound — that you’ll never forget.
Niagara comprises three waterfalls — the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which are both in the U.S., and the vast Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the U.S./Canadian border.
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The best way to experience the spectacle from the U.S. side is from the close-up viewpoints on Goat Island, which sits with the American and Bridal falls on one side, and the Horseshoe Falls on the other.
For perhaps the most awe-inspiring encounter, board the Maid of the Mist electric boat tour, which will take you right into the mist of the falls.
Great place to stay:The Giacomo is set in a restored Art Deco tower just minutes by foot from Niagara Falls State Park and the bridge to Goat Island.
This Yosemite Valley image was taken from Tunnel View, with El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the distance (center) and Bridalveil Fall on the right (Getty Images)
Few would argue that Yosemite Valley delivers some of the USA’s most iconic scenery.
Within this seven-mile-long glacial valley, which sits within Yosemite National Park, monolithic El Capitan (3,000 feet) and Half Dome (4,700 feet) rise dramatically from the valley floor, and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, cascades 2,425 feet down a vast cliff face into Yosemite Creek.
One of the most breathtaking places to drink in the valley’s majesty is Tunnel View, just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41.
It’s a vista made famous by the work of legendary photographer Ansel Adams, from where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
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Great place to stay:Yosemite Valley Lodge (rooms from $350) is in the heart of the valley, close to Yosemite Falls.
Denali, as seen from Reflection Pond in Denali National Park (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet — but also one of the world’s great vertical ascents: from base to summit, the Alaskan behemoth measures 18,000 feet.
It’s a sight to behold, though famously elusive, with clouds often cloaking the summit.
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The mighty mountain sits around 90 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, which is near the small town of Denali Park on the eastern edge.
As private cars are banned beyond the 15-mile mark, better views of Denali are offered by Denali National Park bus tours, which venture further in and feature a trained naturalist who both drives and provides narration.
Great place to stay:Grande Denali Lodge (rooms from $280) is about 1.5 miles from the park entrance and offers sweeping mountain views.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. — and has some of the clearest water in the world (Getty Images)
Behold America’s deepest, and most surreal, lake.
Crater Lake fills the caldera of a mammoth volcano that collapsed 7,700 years ago, and plunges to a depth of 1,943 feet. And the dazzling water is among the clearest on Earth. With no rivers in or out, it’s topped up only by rain and snow.
Adding to the otherworldly vibe is Wizard Island, a lone volcanic cinder cone at the west end that rises to 755 feet.
You’ll get the best photographs from the 33-mile road that loops the caldera, but taking to the water on a boat tour is also a must.
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Great place to stay:Crater Lake Lodge (rooms from $280) is perched dramatically on the rim of the caldera, with showstopping views as standard.
The Na Pali Coast — so dramatic it was used as a filming location in Jurassic Park (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s no exaggeration to say that this landscape is truly cinematic — after all, it has the stamp of approval from Steven Spielberg.
The director used the serrated emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast as a stand-in for “Isla Nublar” in Jurassic Park.
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In the movie, we see a helicopter carrying Dr. John Hammond and guests flying towards the shoreline’s seemingly razor-sharp ridges — this part of the coastline is so steep that road-building is completely thwarted. A fact that’s helped to preserve its lush, primeval look.
A helicopter tour is the gold-standard way to see the cliffs, but you’ll also get a great view from the water. Ground-level views are available via the Kalalau Trail.
Great place to stay:Hanalei Colony Resort (rooms from $350) is set by the beach, just minutes from the Na Pali Coast.
Devils Tower gives one section of rural Wyoming a startling look (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Devils Tower is one of America’s most startling natural sights, an 867 foot-high rock monolith in a rural area near the Black Hills of Wyoming that will stop you in your tracks.
The formation, created around 50 million years ago when molten rock erupted from below and cooled into distinctive hexagonal columns, has long attracted tourists — it became America’s first national monument in 1906. However, most will know it from Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where it was used to striking effect as the point on Earth where aliens want to make contact with the human race.
For eye-popping up-close views, there’s a 1.3-mile trail that loops the base. Want to see what the view from the top is like? There are around 200 routes — but you’ll need to be an expert climber.
Great place to stay:Devils Tower Lodge (rooms from $200 per night) is just a few minutes from the monument’s base.
Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska is not just breathtaking, but easily accessible (Getty Images)
Mendenhall Glacier is vast — around 27 billion tons of ice stretching 13 miles from the mountainous Juneau Icefield to a lake dotted with icebergs. And it’s on the tourist trail, remarkable for being so easily accessible.
While many glacier visits require plane, helicopter or boat trips, followed by adventurous climbing, Mendenhall is an easy 12-mile drive from nearby Juneau city. Once there, tame trails lead to viewpoints with breathtaking vistas. You can even take to the water — guided kayak tours offer the chance to paddle among the icebergs.
There’s also the bonus of Nugget Falls, which plunges into the lake from a height of 377 feet, and the chance to spot wildlife, including black bears and eagles.
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Incorporate the Visitor Center into your visit to learn about the glacier’s dramatic retreat since the 18th century.
White Sands National Park is 275 square miles of ‘snowy’ sand (Getty Images)
Snow in the desert? At White Sands National Park, you’d be forgiven for thinking so.
The park, which sits within the northern part of the Chihuahuan Desert, is 275 square miles of brilliant white powdery gypsum sand, and looks for all the world like an Arctic landscape.
However, in the summer you can expect highs of 100F. Remarkably, because gypsum doesn’t absorb heat very efficiently, it’s possible to walk barefoot across the dunes even in strong sunshine.
The Dunes Drive loop, which begins just beyond the main park entrance off U.S. Route 70, between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the spectacle, especially at sunset. It’s a paved route, and there are several parking areas from which you can step directly onto the snowy grains.
Great place to stay: Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces (rooms from $180) is around one-hour’s drive southwest of the park.
Adm. Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, told attendees of a recent annual special forces conference in Tampa, Florida, that troops “have to be very careful about how we come to (AI’s) employment and its inspiration into the delivery of lethality.”
Bradley said he can see a future where AI determines what targets to hit but that “we, as humans, have to have the confidence that … it’s going to deliver violence only where we intend it to be delivered.”
The remarks from Bradley, who oversees the units that handle the military’s most difficult and dangerous operations, about the need to ensure safeguards come as his boss, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is pushing to rapidly evolve the military through AI. It is a push that has led to clashes with some tech companies worried about safety measures.
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Hegseth has insisted that the Pentagon be allowed to use the technology any legal way it sees fit. He told an audience of SpaceX employees in January he would reject any AI models “that won’t allow you to fight wars” and that his vision for the technology was systems that operate “without ideological constraints that limit lawful military applications.”
AI’s use in the military is part of the Republican administration’s larger push to grow the capability it sees as a unique American advantage even as it faces pressure to ensure responsible safeguards.
President Donald Trump abruptly called off plans to sign a new AI executive order hours before an expected White House ceremony over concerns the measure could dull America’s edge on AI technology.
“We’re leading China, we’re leading everybody, and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead,” Trump told reporters.
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Two differing AI worlds within the military
When asked about Bradley’s remarks, a Pentagon official said efforts are focused on using AI to create “functional battlefield tools” that can help troops come up with and identify targets more quickly and, as a result, speed up strikes on those targets. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to offer more candid remarks.
Officials at U.S. Special Operations Command talked about AI not as something that will help eliminate targets but rather as a tool that can offer troops more time to focus on their mission.
Sgt. Maj. Andrew Krogman, the top enlisted official for U.S. Special Operations Command, said at the conference that he sees AI handling administrative tasks to free up operators or helping modernize how the command does business.
Melissa Johnson, the top acquisition official for the command, said AI should be “reducing the cognitive workload on mundane tasks.”
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“We’re leveraging AI more and more, but it’s not to replace operator judgment, it’s to enhance it,” she added.
Helen Toner, interim executive director at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, said those differing descriptions about AI in the military are both true.
“There are a huge number of potential uses for AI in these kinds of bureaucratic settings, which the U.S. military is actively exploring,” Toner said.
Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, head of Air Force Special Operations Command, told a congressional committee in May that his troops used AI “bots” to convert top secret intelligence down to a secret classification within seconds to make it easier to share with drone operators on the ground during the Iran war.
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However, there is no doubt that AI also is helping the military find and strike targets.
The center that Toner oversees published a case study two years ago on how the Army’s 18th Airborne Corps used AI to target artillery strikes “just as efficiently as the best unit in recent American history” and with 2,000 fewer service members.
“Human operators are still the ones making crucial decisions, but AI … is making it possible to operate with a new level of speed and scale,” she said.
AI safety has created a public dispute between the Pentagon and Anthropic
The clash over the integration of AI into the military, who ultimately controls the technology and the ethics behind its use has played out in unusually public fashion during the Trump administration.
After CEO Dario Amodei refused to back down over concerns about how the chatbot Claude is used in classified Pentagon networks, both Trump and Hegseth accused Anthropic of endangering national security.
The Pentagon formally labeled the San Francisco-based company a supply chain risk — ending its $200 million defense contract and prohibited other government contractors from working with the company.
Anthropic sued, claiming the Pentagon is illegally retaliating by stigmatizing the company with a designation meant to protect against sabotage of national security systems by foreign adversaries. The Pentagon has since emphasized its turn to Anthropic rivals — including Google, OpenAI and SpaceX — to secure AI technology that can “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments.”
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Toner, a former OpenAI board member ousted after a clash with CEO Sam Altman, said “the general public often seems to underestimate the caution with which the U.S. military approaches new technologies.”
“Commanders want their missions to succeed, which means both being able to create lethal effects at scale, and avoiding unintended effects like friendly fire, civilian casualties, or simply identifying targets incorrectly,” she said.
President Donald Trump has made a stunning new claim about Iran, telling Fox News on Saturday that “we’ve actually left their military alone” after repeatedly claiming the US had completely destroyed Iran’s military forces.
“Their Navy is totally gone, 100%,” Trump told his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump on her show, “My View.” “Their Air Force is totally gone, 100%. Their military, we’ve sort of left it alone — because we think that their military is somewhat moderate. They have other people that aren’t moderate. We’ve taken them out. We’ve taking different forms of leadership out.”
“We’ve actually left their military alone,” he continued. “People would be surprised to hear that. Because mistakes have been made in wars where you wipe out everybody and then you have a country that for 40 years can never rebuild.”
Trump’s remarks came after he boasted on multiple occasions in Truth Social posts that Iran had been “totally defeated” by the US and is “no longer the‘Bully of the Middle East.’”
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“We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise,” Trump wrote in a separate Truth Social post in March before specifically claiming that Iran’s Navy, Air Force and air defences had been annihilated.
“Their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth,” he continued. “We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time.”
The president made another stunning claim during his Fox News interview, admitting to Lara Trump: “We shouldn’t have been in Iran.”
“Look at what happened with Iraq,” he said. “We did so bad, that was such a foolish thing, what we did. We shouldn’t have been there in the first place, by the way.”
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“And we shouldn’t have been in Iran. But Iran has the capability — if we didn’t hit them with the B-2 bombers nine months ago, they would have a nuclear weapon right now, and it would be a whole different story,” Trump continued.
Noting that “there’s no deal that’s good enough,” on Friday, Trump reportedly sent back changes to the proposed deal with Iran after a meeting with advisers, officials said, subsequently continuing on the seesaw of negotiations into another week.
Watch Trump’s Fox News appearance below. Skip to the 2:24 mark to hear his comments on Iran.
It’s a major bone of contention for many frustrated drivers who struggle to find a free parent and child spot at their local supermarket or shopping centre
Three out of five Northern Ireland drivers believe people who misuse parent and child parking spaces should face fines, new research has revealed.
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A survey of 700 motorists found that 59% support car park operators issuing penalties to drivers who wrongly use the designated bays.
The findings by CompareNI.com highlight what has become a major bone of contention for many frustrated drivers who struggle to find a free parent and child spot at their local supermarket or shopping centre.
While these reserved bays provide extra space to allow parents or guardians to get their children in and out of a vehicle safely, two thirds (66%) of those surveyed said they have seen a driver without a child using them.
Despite this, only 28% of respondents said they would feel comfortable confronting someone over their misuse of a parent and child bay.
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Car insurance experts have warned that drivers who abuse these designated spaces are forcing parents to use narrower bays, which can see unintended damage caused to vehicles as parents attempt to remove bulky and heavy pushchairs or car seats – potentially leading to costly and avoidable insurance claims.
Some major supermarkets have begun clamping down on improper use of these special spaces, with signs warning motorists that misuse could result in parking charges of up to £100.
The apparent abuse of parent and child spaces has sparked widespread debate online, with disagreements over who should qualify to use them – including whether heavily pregnant women and parents with older children should be permitted to park in these spots.
Unlike disabled parking bays, there is currently no national law governing the use of parent and child spaces. Because the bays are usually located on private land, such as supermarket car parks, the rules are set by individual retailers and parking operators – meaning policies can varies from site to site.
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While many operators allow parents with children aged up to 12 to use the spaces, others restrict access to those travelling with babies or toddlers.
Rules around expectant mothers also differ, with some car parks permitting heavily pregnant women to use the bays while others do not. It is important for drivers to always check the management signage in each car park to avoid being caught out.
While parent and child spaces are typically found in supermarkets or shopping centre car parks, there have been growing calls for more of these accessible bays to be introduced at council-owned parking facilities.
Many off-street car parks in Northern Ireland do not offer family-friendly parking, as councils are not legally obligated to provide them.
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Campaigners have successfully lobbied some local authorities to expand the number of parent and child spaces, highlighting how the lack of these dedicated bays is not only creating a safety issue, but is also driving some people away from town centres and impacting high street footfall.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “The misuse of parent and child parking spaces is a major bugbear for many motorists, with our research showing strong public support for tougher action against drivers who flout the rules.
“Accessible parking is very important for parents, helping them get young children into and out of cars safely, as well as manoeuvre heavy pushchairs and bulky carrier seats. These bays are also usually positioned closer to store entrances, allowing parents to avoid navigating busy car parks with small children.
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“Abusing these spaces not only causes unnecessary difficulties for parents who genuinely need them by forcing them into narrower bays, it also increases the risk of accidental vehicle damage. Parents could damage their own vehicles trying to remove a car seat, or scratch or dent a neighbouring car, leading to costly repairs.
“Busy car parks, particularly at supermarkets and shopping centres, are some of the most common places for minor bumps and scrapes, accounting for a fifth of car insurance claims each year.
“Even minor incidents can lead to claims, ultimately contributing to higher insurance costs across the board. Respecting designated parking spaces can help improve safety for everyone, reduce unnecessary accidents and lower insurance premiums.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States bombed Iranian radar and drone control sites in Iran after Tehran shot down an American MQ-1 Predator drone this weekend, the American military said Monday. Iran acknowledged launching a retaliatory strike, while Kuwait said it was intercepting incoming drone and missile fire.
The dueling attacks reflect the fragility of a weekslong ceasefire in the Iran war, which has seen repeated attacks even as American and Iranian officials try to negotiate a deal to extend it. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in the meantime, disrupting global energy supplies as a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate as Israel extends its occupation of Lebanon beyond the Litani River and as the militant group Hezbollah continues to launch drones into Israel.
US military attacks Iran
The U.S. military’s Central Command said it carried out the strikes in Iran on Saturday and Sunday around the city of Geruk and on Qeshm Island.
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“The measured and deliberate strikes occurred … in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters,” Central Command said.
“U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters.”
The Predator has been phased out of service by the U.S. Air Force, which now flies the MQ-9 Reaper, though the U.S. Army still flies the Predator. The U.S. military said no American troops were hurt in the attacks.
Kuwait reports incoming fire
Kuwait meanwhile said its air defenses had opened fire early Monday morning to intercept incoming drone and missile fire. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency that U.S. forces had targeted a telecommunications tower.
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The Guard said it responded with an attack without saying where, likely referring to the attack on Kuwait. The country is home to U.S. Army Central, the Mideast forward command for the Army.
Iranian state television later shared footage of the ballistic missile launch, including a close-up showing a sticker on its body depicting a bruised U.S. President Donald Trump overlaid on a “closed” Strait of Hormuz with the caption: “Until the last American soldier leaves the region.”
Attacks rattle ceasefire talks
The attacks represent the latest escalation between the U.S. and Iran, even as both have insisted they are continuing to negotiate, particularly over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Over the weekend, the U.S. fired a missile into the engine room of a Gambia-flagged cargo ship trying to break its blockade of Iranian ports.
A trickle of ships have made it out of the strait, but pressure continues on global energy supplies, as well as chemical fertilizer which has led to fears of food shortages. The Gulf region produces 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizers.
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Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide on whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal had not been finalized.
Trump expressed optimism about the talks in a post on his Truth Social platform early Monday in Washington, mocking critics without addressing the ongoing crossfire.
“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” he wrote. “Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end — It always does!”
Stuart Grehan aced the demanding 17th hole at Baltray before parring the last to finish the tournament on 17-under-par
19:58, 31 May 2026Updated 20:17, 31 May 2026
This is the moment Stuart Grehan made a hole-in-one on his way to claiming the East of Ireland Amateur Championship title for the second time.
Amidst tremendous cheers from the spectators at his home course, the County Louth golfer aced the challenging 17th hole at Baltray before parring the final hole to finish the tournament on 17 under par.
Grehan, who previously secured the title in 2015, finished six strokes ahead of fellow former champion Caolan Rafferty from Dundalk.
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The Tullamore native has established himself as a formidable competitor since rejoining the amateur circuit in 2025 following several years as a professional touring player.
He represented GB&I in the Walker Cup last year, but achieving a hole-in-one while winning the East of Ireland at his adopted home club must surely be amongst the pinnacle moments of his golfing journey.
Grehan posted rounds of 70, 69, 67 and 65, and was one of three Baltray members to place within the top five at this esteemed amateur competition, which has previously been won by numerous legendary figures in Irish golf, including Joe Carr and Darren Clarke.
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Gerard Dunne, who has previously come close to winning the competition on several occasions, recorded rounds of 77, 69, 66 and 70 to finish in a tie for third place with Joshua Hill on nine under par.
Meanwhile, promising young talent Gavin Tiernan, also a Baltray member, secured fifth place on five under par.
England embark on another international tournament campaign hoping to claim a major men’s honour for the first time since 1966.
The Three Lions have hired proven winner Thomas Tuchel, who has named a controversial squad for this summer’s competition in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
They take on Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L in the first ever expanded bracket, including 48 teams following the recent expansion.
Tuchel’s men are hot favourites to steamroller the group stages, but questions remain over how they will fare against the better sides in the later rounds after some disjointed performances in the latest international windows.
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Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed Spence
Midfielder: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze
Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
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Do or die: Thomas Tuchel
Getty
England World Cup fixtures
England vs Croatia 9pm on June 17, AT&T Stadium)
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England vs Ghana (9pm on June 22, Boston Stadium)
England vs Panama (10pm on June 24, MetLife Stadium)
England World Cup prediction
The FA made a bold statement in hiring their first non-native since Fabio Capello, insisting that Tuchel’s Champions League pedigree could help see the Three Lions to glory across the pond.
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Performances have flattered to deceive in recent months, however, but with more time to coach his players, and the adrenaline and momentum that comes with a major tournament, it could actually prove to be a special summer Stateside.
Otherwise, it is looking like a mid-knockout stage exit once more, in a similar vein to that of Qatar, where Gareth Southgate’s men crashed out to France in the last eight.
Star man: Harry Kane
Getty
Harry Kane is the hot favourite for the Ballon d’Or after a sensational season leading the line for Bayern Munich.
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The former Tottenham striker, who will lead England at this tournament, has scored 61 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions in an incredible individual campaign.
If he is fit and firing, then England will take some stopping.
Latest England World Cup odds
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The findings come despite Welsh Government figures showing a 25 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or injured on low-speed roads since the policy was introduced there.
Drivers in Northern Ireland could react negatively to the introduction of more 20mph speed limits, according to new research carried out in Wales, where similar restrictions have already been introduced.
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The warning comes after the Department for Infrastructure completed a 14-week consultation on plans to introduce reduced speed limits in targeted areas across Northern Ireland.
The issue has already sparked debate locally following the introduction of part-time 20mph zones outside 40 schools in June last year.
Insurance broker Sterling Insurance surveyed almost 1,500 Welsh drivers to gauge attitudes towards 20mph limits following their rollout in Wales more than two years ago. The survey found that seven in 10 motorists wanted the reduced limits reversed and restored to 30mph.
Men were more likely to oppose the changes, with 72 per cent supporting a return to 30mph limits compared to 63 per cent of women surveyed.
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The findings come despite Welsh Government figures showing a 25 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or injured on low-speed roads since the policy was introduced.
According to the data, 2,638 people were hurt or killed in the most recent 18-month period compared to 3,520 in the period before the changes came into force.
Sterling Insurance general manager Peter Cook said improved safety statistics were “encouraging” but acknowledged many drivers remained unhappy with the restrictions.
“While safety remains paramount, it was interesting to see how many people are not in favour of the changes and we suspect the consultation may have discovered some similar responses,” he said.
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“But these results are even more telling given they’ve come from drivers who have experienced these changes already.”
The survey also found 64 per cent of respondents wished the limits had never been introduced, while 62 per cent described them as an inconvenience.
More than half of drivers surveyed said they did not feel safer on the roads despite the lower limits.
Meanwhile, 83 per cent said they were watching their speedometer more frequently and 59 per cent reported feeling more stressed or anxious while driving.
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Sterling said it had recorded a 60 per cent drop in accidents among its Welsh customers since the changes were introduced, alongside a 59 per cent reduction in speeding convictions and 57 per cent fewer insurance claims.
The debate comes amid a rise in motoring offences in Northern Ireland.
PSNI figures show motoring offences increased by 1 per cent in 2025, rising from 36,837 to 37,120. Speeding accounted for 4,513 offences, representing around 12 per cent of the total.
Northern Ireland currently has 20mph schemes operating in 20 locations, alongside around 33 advisory zones and approximately 700 roads featuring traffic-calming measures.
Pep Guardiola has said farewell to Manchester City and talk has now turned to how the club will fare without the legendary manager.
From returning club legends to a message from Neil Warnock, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City farewell threw up more than its fair share of surprises but was a fitting way to say goodbye to one of the greatest managers the Premier League has ever seen.
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With the ticker tape swept up and the bunting back in the cupboard, talk has already turned to what the post-Pep era will look like. Enzo Maresca is set to replace Guardiola in the Etihad hotseat as he seeks to continue the incredible success the Catalan coach has delivered over the past decade.
While City’s rivals are licking their lips in the hope of a United-esque drop-off following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the set-up at the Etihad should ensure no such prediction comes to pass, although the task of following a manager who delivered 20 trophies in 10 years cannot be underestimated.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Our City writers discussed the challenge facing Maresca in the latest episode of the Talking City podcast, with Chief Manchester City Writer Simon Bajkowski confident there will be enough motivation in the squad to prove they are not reliant on Guardiola to deliver success.
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“I think there’s going to be a sea change but Erling Haaland said at the after party ‘We want to win the biggest titles and we didn’t win them this year, we want to fight for those titles’. So the players that are still here will be determined to improve on last year,” he said.
“Everyone thinks there’s going to be a drop-off after Pep – it would be weird if there wasn’t – but you’ve got Enzo Maresca coming in who is determined there won’t be, and the players as well, they don’t want to be seen as players who are nothing without Pep.
“If we’re being honest, a lot of them want to win the World Cup and do as well as they can for their countries, but when they come back there will be a different level of motivation from them.”
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The rumoured line-up for Strictly 2026 is taking shape… (Picture: Shutterstock/AP/BBC)
As cha cha closer to Strictly Come Dancing season once more, speculation on who could be taking part is red hot.
Last series saw Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu take home the trophy, and there will surely be a string of celebrities keen to replicate their success.
And to say the new cast will be joining Strictly at an important time would be an understatement, as there’ll have been plenty of big changes by the time the BBC flagship show returns to screens.
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So, as bosses look to fill the gaps and carry Strictly into a new era – hopefully free from scandals and internal investigations – let’s take a look at the rumoured line-up for 2026.
Lacey Turner
Might Lacey Turner be swapping Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor? (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
According to reports, the 38-year-old soap actress is looking to use her break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, with a TV source spilling to The Sun: ‘Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap.
‘She’s down to earth, and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square.’
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They added: ‘She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.’
It wouldn’t be the first time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who could forget Jake Wood (aka Max Branning) with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson is said to have been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for a while (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite.
Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.
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‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.
They added to The Sun that the ball is has already started: ‘They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.’
‘Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,’ the insider also claimed. ‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’
Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.
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Delta Goodrem
Could Delta Goodrem succeed in both Eurovision and Strictly in the same year? (Picture: Shutterstock for IOMTV Malta)
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has also reportedly been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for ‘years’.
A source told the Daily Mail that her signing this time is ‘all but a done deal’.
‘They’ve been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show.’
The 41-year-old is no stranger to live performances thanks to her music career, having been signed in the early 2000s and released a string of hits Down Under. Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, charted at number two in the UK.
Delta has also dabbled in acting, having played Nina Tucker in Neighbours.
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Having sold nine million records, Delta knows a thing or two about success – but could she add another accolade to her name and become a Strictly champion?
If she does ultimately sign on the dotted line, 2026 will prove to be a very busy year for her, as Delta represented her country in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her song Eclipse, which saw her finish fourth.
Dani Dyer
Will Dani Dyer return to finish what she started? (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Poor Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, as she was forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture.
Partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, he went on to reach the final with Amber Davies, while Dani had to watch on from home while recovering.
The former Love Islander has already expressed interest in returning for a proper attempt, and it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened, as Jamie Laing famously returned the following year after an injury early on made him pull out.
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Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show after her premature exit, Dani said she would ‘love to do’ Strictly again.
‘If they rang me, I’d answer the phone,’ she shared. ‘I was devastated.
‘It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’
When contacted previously for comments, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the new series of Strictly will be confirmed ‘in due course’.
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
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Before their performance, the group described Clarkson as their “biggest cheerleader” and added they “couldn’t thank him enough”, while judge KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, said he wanted to add their original song, This Is Home, to his Spotify playlist after they performed it.
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