7 Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Pack When Travelling to

Posted on: 02 September, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

7 Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Pack When Travelling to Ireland

Warm clothes and shoes- Ireland has a moist climate and it can be windy, which when combined makes it feel cooler. The Gulf Stream means we have a very moderate but unpredictable climate. So packing clothes for Ireland is easy: something wind and water proof and also something warm.

Be prepared also for good weather as we do actually get some very nice hot sunny days! Bring layers and a waterproof jacket. ‘Layers’ such as a good wool sweater and a light rain/wind breaker!

In winter it can get quite damp so bring plenty of warm clothes. The west coast of Ireland has some of the best beaches in Europe so bring some beachwear too, especially in summertime.

Shoes – comfortable walking shoes in fact! Make sure to pack a pair or two of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots as the best way to see the Irish countryside and many of it sights is on foot.

The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro – in Northern Ireland it’s Sterling. Make sure you have some of both currencies especially if you are travelling to both parts of Ireland.

A backpack is always handy – especially if you’re hiking or walking long distances to attractions – and bring along some waterproof bags! The wonderful Irish countryside will make you want to walk and walk some more!

Pack that camera and if you have one, a film video camera. Don’t forget essentials for the digital camera such as rechargeable batteries, charger for the camera, and plenty of film! Ireland and its natural beauty offers a wonderful backdrop for marvellous photograph images so be prepared to snap our natural beauty!

Don’t forget a plug converter/adaptor – so you can use essential electrical items. The three-pronged plugs are the ones that will work in Ireland so make sure to pack these.

If you’re on prescription medicine make sure you bring a prescription with you, and you’re your health insurance details.

Pack a good Travel Guidebook and Road Map of Ireland. Especially if you’re booking car hire in Ireland. Fair enough the modern car hire contract can afford you a GPS and Satellite Navigation systems, but a good tip is to purchase an ordnance survey map of Ireland. The place names will be in both the Irish and English language. Please also visit the GoIreland.com Maps page.

Not necessarily important but if you have room in your luggage and if you play a musical instrument take it along! If you can sing and play it would go down just mighty in any pub session you may drop into, especially along the west coast of Ireland. And don’t forget to pack your smile to Ireland – it will be given back to you a thousand times!

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Top 10 Prehistoric Sites in Ireland

Posted on: 01 September, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Newgrange

Constructed around 3200 BC, Newgrange is perhaps the most important prehistoric site in Ireland, and maybe Europe. It outdates Stonehenge in the UK by some 1,000 years!

It consists of a megalithic passage tomb, and the mound covers an area of over an acre and is circled by almost 100 kerbstones, which are tastefully adorned with megalithic art. A designated World Heritage site by UNESCO, the site was excavated in 1962. You cannot gain direct access to the tomb, but there is a guided tour from the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre that is near the village of Donore, County Meath.

The Centre will afford you a fine summary of the historical and astronomical background to the site, and the tour will take you to the inner chamber for a winter solstice simulation. The significance of Newgrange can be seen on December 21st each year; when the sun rises, the whole passage and chamber are lit up. This solar masterpiece is a testament to the wisdom of megalithic man in Ireland and its importance in telling the seasons and the calendar.

Knowth

The great mound at Knowth was constructed possibly 5,000 years ago, after the construction of Newgrange. The most impressive thing of these prehistoric chambers is the work that went into creating them, with granite coming from Dundalk Bay, and white quartz from Wicklow Bay forming the basis of the creation of the chambers.

The tomb has two passages on opposite sites and both have solar significance at the time of the winter solstice. The megalithic artwork on the stones shows the importance of Knowth as an astronomical centre of its time, and the Calendar and Lunar stones are magnificent works. You can take a tour from Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre.

Dowth

Known as the ” Fairy Mound of Darkness”, it’s similar in size to Newgrange and Knowth and was built in the same period. Visitors to Dowth can drive directly to the site on the north bank of the river, a couple of miles from the Slane to Drogheda road, and you can discover the beauty of the peaceful mound for yourself as it is not covered by the tour of Newgrange and Knowth. The rays of the setting sun illuminate the passage and chamber around the time of the winter solstice.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Located in the Karst landscape Burren area of County Clare, this is the archetypal dolmen, which was excavated in 1986 and it was found to be a prehistoric burial area for around 20 adults and six children. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the strange and alluring limestone area of the Burren. Basically the dolmen consists of standing stones with a large stone at the top at an angle. The dolmen is a short walking distance from the road and is located 1km north of the village of Caherconnell.

The area is littered with other stone forts at Cahermore and Poulawick Cairn, which are other prehistoric burial chambers. The Burren is an area of startling beauty, with unique flora and majestic sights. An area filled with charm and a fitting testimony to Ireland’s prehistoric past!

The Hill of Tara

Also containing the “Mount of the Hostages”, the Hill of Tara has a deep historical significance that is generally regarded as being the site where the High Kings of Ireland held court, and this was long after the passage tombs were created on the Hill of Tara. The most famous King who sat at Tara was Cormac Mac Airt who ruled in the 3rd century AD. The artwork on the stones, and their meaning on the hill of Tara like the Newgrange sites are open to interpretation, but it is fair to say that they may well have depicted an ancient calendar.

Loughcrew Megalithic Cairns

It’s widely regarded as Ireland’s second largest megalithic cemetery. The Loughcrew site contains some passage tombs that offer solar illuminations (in contrast to Newgrange Loughcrew experiences them at the time of the Spring and Autumn equinoxes) and also contains some stunning rock art. The passage tombs are well worth viewing and the views are spectacular. Loughcrew is located to the south of Oldcastle in County Meath.

Dun Aengus

Located on the picturesque Inismore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, situated off the coast of County Galway. The site is a promontory fort which is bordered by walls on three sides, and with a huge drop to the ocean!

Dun Aengus is located at the edge of an approximately 100 metre high cliff, in an awesome setting with wonderful views. Rumoured to have been built in the 2nd century BC, its use was probably for religious ceremonies for the druids rather than military. Archaeologists remain convinced that Dun Aengus was once located further inland on the island but coastal erosion has led to its cliff edge position.

Carrowmore

Widely regarded as the largest Megalithic burial ground in Ireland, Carrowmore, located in County Sligo outside Sligo town, once had over 200 megalithic monuments but these have been destroyed over time and only around 40 remain visible today. Like Newgrange, some of these burial chambers date back to 3000 BC, which makes them maybe 500 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Tombs of all shapes and sizes are located here, and each with a solar alignment. There’s a small visitor centre, which gives historical information in relation to the area.

Queen Maeve’s Grave

Located in the same area as Carrowmore in Sligo, the Grave that is reputed to be the final resting place of Queen Maeve, the legendary Queen of the Celtic people. It is comprised of several “sacred” stones perched at the top of Knocknarea, and affords wonderful views of Sligo Bay, and is a must visit for the spectacular views alone!

Navan Fort

Lying to the West of Armagh lies Navan Fort, also known as Emain Macha. It’s widely regarded as one of the earliest capitals of the Ulster state. There have been amazing discoveries made at Navan Fort, and there are the remains of a large Celtic temple that functioned there. It’s reckoned to have been built around 95BC. The remains are mainly in earthwork form and there’s a visitor centre there so you can learn all about the history of the Fort.

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Sligo Offers Beautiful Golfing in Ireland

Posted on: 31 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Golfing fans tend to plan their vacations around their golfing, and look for the best courses around the world. There is a growing trend in packing their clubs and heading off to Ireland.

Whether you like playing on links courses or parklands, Ireland has some of the best in the world. So its easy to see how the little island is becoming so popular.

Travel from Sligo for 8km in a north westerly direction and you will come across one of the oldest and most famous courses in the world. This is a testing course even for the most serious golfers, and lowering your score on this course is one of today’s big golfing challenges.

A lot of ‘golf widows’ bemoan the fact that that their husbands go off playing golf while they are left at home with the kids. This isn’t as issue with Sligo, the whole family can go and there is plenty of other stuff to do apart from playing golf.

It’s a fabulous region for nature and wildlife. Woodville farm has a vast variety of rare animals and the biggest bird sanctuary in Ireland is also in the immediate area. This is home for many birds of prey and the chance to see these creatures up close is fantastic.

Another big attraction here is horse riding. This is a lot of fun for the whole family. A gentle trot through the countryside will show you the best that this area has to offer. If you are a more experienced rider, a gallop along the sands is truly exhilarating.

Make sure that you get to try as much of Ireland’s famous cuisine as you can. Fine dining is a key feature of this island, and you will be amazed at the array of dishes on offer, each one more delicious than the last.

Now you won’t have to leave your family at home anymore. No more lonely nights alone in hotel rooms.

So now you know that if you are looking for somewhere to go on vacation that has great golf and is also for families, Sligo is the ideal choice.

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Inexpensive Dublin Hotels

Posted on: 30 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and is situated in the east-central part of the country on the Irish Sea coast. It is the largest city in Ireland. The most well known industry in Dublin is brewing. Whiskey and stout are the chief export products of Dublin. The city is also a major manufacturer of glass and cigarettes.

Several business people and industrialists visit Dublin for professional purposes. There are various types of hotels in Dublin such as luxury hotels, budget hotels, bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, and everything in-between, to fit the budget of any individual.

Some tourists prefer to stay in inexpensive hotels in order to save money. Most tourists allocate a large part of their budget to visit other places and restaurants available in Dublin. There are many options available for people who have a budget to meet. Usually the choice of an inexpensive hotel is made with respect to factors such as mode of transport, places to visit and budget of the visitors.

Individuals who prefer inexpensive hotels can always opt for condos, lodges, motels, inns, and home rentals. One may even rent a villa if in a large group. These places may provide their guests with a comfortable atmosphere at a reasonable tariff. Some individuals may prefer to stay in an all-inclusive resort that includes facilities such as cost of airfare from departure destination, transportation between airports, accommodation charges with all meals and drinks included.

After people have chosen the inexpensive hotel, it is advisable for them to get the reservations done. It is possible to plan the entire vacation when booking through a local operator. Along with reservations, these operators plan sightseeing and provide travel options. Many websites provide information regarding inexpensive Dublin hotels. Local and online travel agents also cater to businesses and other organizations. These services prove to be reasonable as they can arrange for immediate bookings; they have special arrangements with certain Dublin hotels.

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Galway: Ireland’s Best City

Posted on: 30 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Galway is a city located in the province of Connacht in the Republic of Ireland. The city rests on the west coast of Ireland and it boasts a population of 65,832. The city dates back to a fort built in 1124 by the King of Connacht – around which a small settlement began to grow. The settlement started to thrive during the Middle Ages under the rule of fourteen merchant families known as the ‘Tribes of Galway’. At this time Galway established itself as an international trading post. Today, the city continues to boom and Galway contributes both commercially and culturally to the country.

Galway is one of the few cities in Ireland where the Irish language is commonly spoken – giving it the title ‘The Bilingual capital of Ireland’. The city places strong emphasis on the importance of Irish culture, traditions, music, song, dance and storytelling – this is mainly due to the city’s proximity to the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht area. As well as rich traditions and culture, Galway offers visitors a glimpse at some beautiful architecture. The city boasts an abundance of medieval buildings, not least St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church built in 1320, or Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street. For those interested in Renaissance architecture, the extravagantly named Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is well worth a visit.

The city is a famed home of artists, musicians and writers and Galway hosts a large number of arts festivals each year, including: the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Early Music Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh. Galway is a perfect base from which to discover the beauty of the West of Ireland, such as the Aran Islands or the Burren. However the city itself offers the perfect location for a relaxing break steeped in the area’s rich traditions and lively culture.

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Top 5 Castles & Manors in Ireland

Posted on: 29 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Ireland sings to the senses and there is no better accommodation than manors and castles to create that something extra. Here are our suggestions for the top 5.

In County Limerick, the Adare Manor Hotel offers five star accommodation along with great activities like playing a round on its championship golf course, shopping, fishing and sightseeing. There are several room types available from the Manor House itself to the Carriagehouse rooms and Villas. For plain decadence, a Dunraven Stateroom in the Manor House cannot be beaten.

The hand carved wood and marble fireplaces are works of art and the four poster bed is sumptuous. The Presidential Suite is palatial and stately with spectacular views.

The Oakroom Restaurant offers haute cuisine combined with an extensive cellar. Have a drink beforehand at the Drawing Room or a pint in the Tack Room Pub. For a more relaxed meal, dine at the Carriagehouse Restaurant where, in summer, you can watch the spectacular sunsets from the terrace.

Overlooking Ballinakill Bay, the Rosleague Manor sits peacefully hidden in its own private woodland. The Manor in Connemara, is full of nineteenth century charm and only fifteen kilometres from the bustling town of Clifden. Each bedroom has its own unique layout featuring antique furnishings with their own special history. The superior rooms all enjoy luxury modern conveniences such as super soft towels and heavenly mattresses.

You can explore the unspoilt terrain of Galway and the five thousand acres of Connemara National Park, or visit Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens before dining on Connemara lamb and fresh seafood at the fabulous Rosleague Restaurant. With its fine wines to compliment the superb food, you will want repeat the experience.

With breathtaking views across the famous Galway Bay, Gregan’s Castle Hotel, in County Clare, is the ultimate in five star accommodation. The themes for this unique Hotel are fabulous hospitality, the best of the local foods in season and the natural tranquillity of the surroundings. This graceful house is adorned with modern Irish art and a wonderful mix of antique paintings and furniture.

With no television in your private room, you will have the time to explore the local walking tracks and the Ailwee Caves. Your hearty appetite will be replete when you visit the dining room where you will be served fresh local foods, beautifully prepared. While you study the menu, enjoy sitting by the turf fire with your aperitif at the Corkscrew Bar.

When staying at Cork, Hayfield Manor is only one mile from the city centre. This retreat is an ideal place to base your stay when visiting the fabulous art galleries, historic university and the opera. The spacious bedrooms are fully equipped with all modern conveniences while providing comfort and charm. The exquisite fabrics bring a touch of elegance and the manor rooms enjoy king size beds and marble bathrooms.

After exploring the vibrant city of Cork, shopping in boutiques, visiting the Cathedral or enjoying a round of golf; return home to the two restaurants which showcase the local organic produce. Both the private dining room and the Vine Wine Cellar provide intimate surroundings and stylish décor. You can also revive the soul while relaxing your body at the Beautique. Be cocooned in the warmth and luxuriate with the essential oils amid the antique furnishings and glamorous chandelier. Swim in the heated pool or jump in the Jacuzzi. The Hayfield will leave you feeling pampered.

Over in County Kildare, the Barberstown Castle is internationally renowned. Built in the 13th Century, it is only thirty minutes from the airport and Dublin city centre. The Victorian and Elizabethan additions are skilfully blended with the 1288 castle battlement. The bedrooms are elegantly appointed with antique furnishings and include up to the moment luxuries to cosset you during your stay. Each one is named after one of the owners in its 700 year history.

Enjoy the day shopping in Dublin in the chic boutiques, go horse riding, trout fishing, play golf at the K Club or Carton House, or saunter round Dublin’s many historical buildings. The quirky and unique shops in the local village of Straffan will also entertain you.

Enjoy a light meal in the tea rooms. The outdoor terrace overlooks the sculptured gardens while a fire burns merrily in the hearth. For a more formal dinner, choose the restaurant with its white linen tablecloths and candles. Built in 1562, the medieval banqueting hall has an oak dance floor and a gothic gazebo in its courtyard gardens.

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5 Star Killarney Hotels, Ireland

Posted on: 28 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Killarney is home to some of the top 5 star hotels in Ireland. Each hotel has a remarkable location whether you want to be close to the action or enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside. Although each hotel has the same high standard of accommodation, each 5 star Killarney hotel is uniquely different.

The Killarney Park Hotel

If a central location is important to you, then the 5 star Killarney Park Hotel is for you. This Killarney hotel is located on its own grounds just off East Avenue Road near Kenmare Place. Although it’s just steps from the vibrant town centre, it’s still far enough away to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep and relaxing break. This Killarney hotel has a long list of awards to its name and as it’s family run, you’ll find it welcoming, friendly and relaxing. The hotel has 72 deluxe guestrooms, which are the utmost in comfort with crisp white linen sheets, a spacious ensuite and in room facilities like a satellite TV and DVD player, an electronic safe, a direct dial phone and music system to name a few.

When you stay at this Killarney hotel you can enjoy Afternoon Tea in the lounge, sip a cocktail in the Garden Bar or wine and dine in the Park Restaurant. A visit to ‘The Spa’ at the Killarney Park is a must. It boasts eight treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a hydrotherapy suite. The resident golfer can take advantage of the hotel’s club cleaning service and purpose built locker rooms.

The Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney

This is one of the newest 5 star Killarney hotels and is the only Killarney hotel to be located within the spectacular Killarney National Park. The prestigious Muckross Park Hotel can be found on the N71 Muckross Road about a 5-minute drive from Killarney town centre. It has a superb location right across the road from Muckross House and Traditional Farms.

It claims to be one of the oldest hotels in Killarney, having been opened since 1795. It was previously known as the Herbert Arms and was originally part of the Muckross House Estate. In fact, Queen Elizabeth, who visited Muckross House in August 1861, had lunch at the hotel on Wednesday 28th of August that year! The hotel boasts large, deluxe guestrooms which are fitted out with everything for your maximum comfort. There’s also two bars, two restaurants and one of the top spa’s in the country – the Cloisters.

The Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney

The Aghadoe Heights Hotel is synonymous with the words “luxury” and “relaxation”. It has long been regarded as one of the top 5 star hotels in Ireland and is a favourite haunt for celebrities. The hotel is called after the area in which it’s located “Aghadoe”. It is perched overlooking the town, the lakes and the National Park, so from each guestroom you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of Killarney below.

The guestrooms at the hotel are superbly designed and have everything you could possible want at your fingertips. Guests can enjoy exquisite dining in the Lake Room and afterwards some cocktails and fine wines in the hotel bar and lounge. Relax and rejuvenate after a long day’s sightseeing at The Spa. Here the highly trained professionals will tend to your every need whether it be a massage or a beauty treatment. Guests can also avail of the 14m indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym or the on-site tennis courts.

The Hotel Europe

This Killarney hotel has recently undergone major redevelopments to stand out as one of the best hotels around. This 5 star resort is located on its own grounds beside one of Killarney’s three lakes – Lough Lein. It can be found in Fossa, which is about a 5 minute drive (from Killarney town) on the N72 to Killorglin – Ring of Kerry road.

Guests can enjoy a choice of two restaurants, a lounge, bar and a library. As part of its redevelopements the hotel has upgraded it conference and events centre and has also added one of Ireland’s largest spa facilities – ESPA, which has 16 treatment room and lots more! Onsite, you’ll also find 2 tennis courts, an indoor and outdoor children’s play area and a snooker room. The hotel is adjacent to the 18 hole Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

Dunloe Castle Hotel, Killarney

The exclusive Dunloe Castle Hotel can be found near the world famous Gap of Dunloe, which is just a short drive from Killarney town. With such a serene tranquil setting, this hotel is a haven for a relaxing break in Killarney. The hotel has a magical location, with a tree lined avenue entrance leading to the hotel. It stands proudly on well manicured 64 acre estate. The hotel has a café, a bar, a lounge and a restaurant. For leisure you can enjoy the indoor swimming pool and a large indoor tennis complex. Outside you can take a ride on the ponies, enjoy a spot of fishing or simply stroll around the hotel grounds and explore the ancient ruins of the castle.

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Reeling in the perfect gift

Posted on: 27 August, 2010 - Category: Uncategory by: admin

Deciding what gifts to buy my mom for her birthday and special occasions is always tough. She’s pretty picky and sticks with what she knows, so that means that most new nightgowns, sweaters and perfumes my kids pick out for her for Christmas stay in their boxes underneath her bed. It’s not that she doesn’t appreciate the things, it’s just she doesn’t like to try new things.

But one thing that we know she loves doing is watching movies. So the kids thought that we would share our love of Netflix with her and it has been quite a hit. Her internet provider wasn’t so great and we knew that our satellite internet in Alpine CA would be much better for streaming movies, so we got wildblue in Kansas for her.

I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say she’s the company’s best customer because every time I talk to her on the phone she tells me about al the movies she’s watched with wild blue direct tv in the days since we last talked. I’ve also introduced her to “The Office,” which she seems to really love.

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Ireland West Offers Wonderful Scenery and Leisure Opportunities

Posted on: 27 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Galway and Mayo and Donegal are the two largest counties in the Ireland West region and Donegal has the longest coastline in Ireland giving it two outstanding features that make it stand out from most other counties – magnificent beaches and one of the best surfing climate and areas in the world. The beaches, vast and desolate in many cases, are the best in all of Ireland and to add to the seaside attractions that go with them are many magnificent links golf courses such as Ballyliffen with its two courses on the Inishowen Peninsula and Murvagh in South Donegal. The powerful Atlantic Ocean currents and rugged coastline create a natural combination of forces to produce the best surfing opportunities possible and thousands of avid participants visit every year. Add in the magnificent Glenveigh National Park, The Rosses, Dungloe and Letterkenny, the county town and visiting Donegal is more akin to a trip to another country.

Sligo has a small coastline and Leitrim, to the surprise of many, actually has 10 kilometre coastline, wedged between Sligo and Donegal. What it lacks in size, Roscommon and Leitrim make up for their lack of seaside frontage by having wonderful lake and river amenities. In Leitrim, places such as Glencar Lake and Waterfall, along with the attractive bustling Carrick-on-Shannon make the least populated county in Ireland a treat to visit. Neighbouring Roscommon has the stunning Curlew Mountains and the vast and breathtaking Lough Key Lake and Forest Park, near the town of Boyle.

By far the most famous area in the region is Connemara, a vast area of outstanding and breathtaking natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors every year. Most of the Connemara area is situated in County Galway but to the north it stretches up to Louisburgh in County Mayo, west of Westport. The capital of Connemara is Clifden, some 80 kilometres west of the city of Galway. This wonderful vibrating town, so full of character, epitomises the laid back mentality of the western Irish people that so endears them to visitors. Here there is no hurry. Haste is not a word that enters the local vocabulary, most of which is spoken in Gaelic native tongue. Even if you could understand them, there is still no hurry!

Connemara has everything to offer from lakes and mountains, golf fishing, horse riding, adventure centres and the stunning Connemara National Park, home to such a variety of wildlife and nature.

Galway City is the capital of the West of Ireland and noted as the most fun place in Ireland, ahead of even Dublin the capital city of the country. Festivals are a full time occupation in Galway, it seems. Every week in the summer months there is something different on with the most famous of many events being the Galway Races held in July/August every year. The seven day festival attracts hundreds of thousands, many with not the slightest interest in racing; there just for all the other side shows and what the Irish know as the craic!

Other festivals include the world-renowned Arts Festival and two Oyster Festivals along with a noted drama Festival. The compact centre of Galway offers great shopping restaurants and most of all great pubs to quench the thirst and enjoy the company.

County Mayo, whilst not being as populated as Galway, nonetheless offers a magnificent choice of scenery, towns and activities. Castlebar is the county town capital, a modern thriving town that is the gateway to west of the county. The most noteworthy town however is not the biggest, but definitely the most beautiful.

Westport has the distinction of being the only town in Ireland architecturally designed and the place is gorgeous. Winner of the Irish Tidy Towns on numerous occasions, it is a great base to explore all of Mayo, but particularly the southern part of the county and Achill and Clare islands. Achill has a bridge to access it but Clare Island, sparsely inhabited, can only be reached by boat. Westport offers everything from superb accommodation and a host of leisure activities to a great choice of culinary excellence to satisfy all budgets. It is location of one the most famous mountains in Ireland, Croagh Patrick, just west of the town. Named after Saint Patrick who founded a church at its summit, the mountain attracts visitors all year round but particularly on what is known as “Reek Sunday” when thousand partake in a pilgrimage to the top where Mass is celebrated. From here you have outstanding views of Clew Bay and the reputed 365 islands that are situated in it.

Further north, Ballina is the second largest town in Mayo and is a busy market town that is perfectly located for the pursuit of the rich fishing lakes that surround it. It is a ideal base for exploring the north Mayo coast where one can find exceptional links golf courses, such as Carne/Belmullet Golf Club. Don’t forget to take in the wonderful sights of the megalithic Ceide Fields for a unique look into the past.

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Witness the Beautiful Spots As You Travel to Ireland

Posted on: 25 August, 2010 - Category: Vacation in Ireland by: admin

Have you ever been to the different golf courses and seen professional golfers playing? As you plan to travel to different places and witness the events you do not have to worry about the places for you to go. You plan to travel to different countries that you want to enjoy and relax. Doing this, include Ireland travel on your list and be amazed with the beautiful places together with the different golf courses you want to explore and take some time playing golf if you want to. Stay cool as we tour the brilliant spots of Ireland the way you want to travel the place.

Ireland travel aids in giving out fun and enjoyment to individual who loves to see outdoor games like golf. In this place it has a fantastic nature that provides raw materials for golf architects in the whole world. They launch the place as one of the admired destination for golfing and design it into the finest world golfing challenges. The awesome nature that surrounds the place made it more fabulous and the scenic view that gives you refreshing feeling as the wind blows. Now, witness every distinct golfing region of Ireland that you will appreciate and enjoy.

To start with prepare yourself as you will see the natural course ever at Ballyliffin which is considered the most highly rated in the Northern region. To continue traveling the island going right you can see the world’s best link the trio which includes the Duncle, Royal Portrush course, Portstewart and the Royal Country Down which is the course of premier links. You should not miss Royal Belfast and Castlerock in this region having your island vacation. Going south you can enjoy playing golf in County Kerry with the world’s famous Cashen and Ballybunion Old, Waterville Golf links that are located at the tip of the lovely ring of Kerry.

Together with this are other links that is worth it to be played for is the Ceann Sibeal and Dooks in Dingle. Your stay will not be complete if you miss to visit Killarney Golf and fishing club and the 1996 Curtis Cup. There are other courses that attract many golfers which is the Country Clare the home of the famous Lahinch and Doonbeg. Don’t miss these places as you have your Ireland travel.

As you continue your travel to Ireland we will now visit the Eastern region of the place. In here we can have our first step in a friendly city which is brilliant with golf courses worldwide the Dublin, the Ireland’s Capital. 1991 Walker Cup and the world recognized Portmarnock are the link courses. These are one of the famous courses that you need to visit for you can enjoy whatever you want in here. Lastly as you step down to the western area you can discover the special courses that are highly rated and one of this is the Donegal Golf Club Murvagh describe as a sensational links by the Golf World. In here we you can feel the modern parkland links that are distinctive. Your travel will not be complete if you will not take your final step at County Galway.

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