Travel and Vacation

Dublin city

Dublin city has long been recognised as one of Europe’s friendliest small cities. It is, in fact, the 6th most visited city in Europe, behind major cities like Paris and London, but ahead of Madrid, Berlin and Amsterdam.

Dublin is a fantastic city break destination. It’s got a compact city centre of about 3km squared and all the attractions are pretty much within walking distance of each other.

Culture vultures will love the numerous art galleries and museums while the wonderful Dublin coastline, harbour, mountains and city parks are bound to attract nature lovers. Of course no visit to Dublin is complete without taking in some of its world class attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral to name a few.

Ireland is renowned for its warm and friendly hospitality and Dublin is no different! No matter where you find yourself you’re sure to sample plenty of this!

St. Patrick’s Day

Where better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than in Ireland – as St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland! You simply will not find more colour, atmosphere or excitement all over the world on this day, than in the cities and little towns and villages the length and breath of Ireland.

Cities like Galway, Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny always put on spectacular parades, while the biggest of all will take place in the capital Dublin. In fact, Dublin boasts a St. Patrick’s Festival! Plans are already well underway for an action packed 2010 festival and it will run from Friday 12th to Wednesday 17th March. So if you ever needed an excuse to head to the best Irish celebration in the world – this is it!

Cork – Lonely Planet

The Lonely Planet Guide has named Cork city in its list of top 10 cities to visit in 2010! The vibrant city of Cork is listed among top cities like Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Singapore and Vancouver – not bad for a city with a population of about 130,000!

The renowned travel guide states that Cork is now “at the top of its game…sophisticated, vibrant, diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit” and “too long has Cork been in Dublin’s shadow, it has emerged as a fantastic destination in its own right with great restaurants, galleries, bars and shops as well as stunning scenery on its doorstep.”

Cork City was also designated the ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2005, and this has definitely helped to encourage and promote the city’s artistic and cultural side.

The city boasts some top attractions like; the Cork City Gaol, the Old English Market, The Shandon Bells and the Cork Butter Museum. Due to its strategic location on Ireland’s beautiful south coast, Cork city makes a fantastic base for exploring the south and south west of Ireland.

Top Festivals…

If you want to check out some of Ireland’s legendary festivals then we recommend you come during the Summer months when Ireland’s festivals are in full swing!

If you’re into music festivals then there’s Oxegen – the biggest music festival in Ireland, in 2010 it’s taking place on 8th-11th July 2010 at Punchestown Racecourse Naas. If you’re looking for something more traditional then check out ‘Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann’ Ireland’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance.In 2010, it takes place in Cavan from 16th-22nd August.

There are two major arts festivals in Ireland. The Kilkenny Arts Festivals will take place from 6-15 August 2010, while the Galway Arts Festival will take place the 12-25 July 2010.

One of the biggest race meetings of the year is the Galway Races. This racing festival is world renowned for its electric atmosphere. Its summer racing festival will run from 26th July to 1st August 2010.

Value for Money

There’s never been a better time to visit Ireland! If you’re travelling to Ireland on a budget then you can really make your Euro stretch further. Due to the economic climate we are in, visitors can now find excellent prices in shops, restaurants, bars, transport, attractions and accommodation.

If you’re on a tight budget then don’t forget that booking accommodation well in advance, visiting Ireland in the off-peak season and booking car hire to get around can save you money.

If you have already landed in Belfast or Dublin Airport from Paris, or for that matter, from London, you must already be making your plans of visiting the nook and corner of Ireland, to explore the rare natural beauties that this country claims to offer.

Well, getting about in Ireland is not a challenge at all, provided some element of study or planning has been done on this aspect. Know one thing – You are never far away from any mode of transportation in Ireland; it is just that you need to know, which mode can help you in getting about in Ireland, the fastest.

It is widely believed that air travel or rail travel in parts of Northern Ireland could be an expensive affair. Visitors are thus recommended to use the car to visit places in Northern Ireland. Since Ireland follows a left-drive policy, much the same as some European countries, this wouldn’t be a tough ordeal for most visitors.

Getting about in Ireland has a rather peculiar problem. If you get stuck in a village or a far off place without any mode of transport to ferry you back to the hotel, you must make a decision fast. You could probably take something that could fetch you to the nearest city. Most cities in Ireland are well connected by rail, road and by air.

If you intend to drive a car all by yourself in Ireland, make sure you follow the road safety rules. Not doing so, could result in your trip to Ireland culminating in the hospital bed.

Travel light is the advice and yes, that implies to the luggage you carry in your hands, and on your wallets too. This is not to say that you got to pack your wallet with all the cards you have. Carry some spare cash, enough for you to last your travel.

If you are going to visit remote places, given their scenic beauty, you may want to stock up some sandwiches and fluids. Having a map of directions to the place is always going to be handy for you, as it would help you track the locations easily.

Getting about in Ireland is not going to be tough at all for you, provided you are able to follow basic directions and rules. This especially applies if you are driving a car in Ireland. But most importantly, whatever mode of travel you choose, you must ensure that the mode of travel gets you to the place you want to go, quickly.

The town of Helen, Georgia was modeled after a quaint alpine village and provides a relaxing and invigorating retreat for anyone who visits. The Convention & Visitor’s Bureau denotes the town as having “Mountain beauty with a touch of Bavaria”, ensuring that you’ll enjoy an interesting and fun-filled vacation in this Northern Georgia mountain town.

Helen is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains right on the Chattahoochee River, offering many different features and tourist attractions for all. From the history of the area to the shopping, restaurants, beauty of the Bavarian style architecture and nightlife, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this destination.

The Cherokee Indians have history here in this mountainous Northern Georgia area, including Indian burial mounds and other historic locations and sites in and around the town. There is also history in the form of settlers who came to mine for gold and log the timber of the area in the early 1900′s. The town itself has been completely modeled after an alpine village, including Bavarian Towers and cobblestone alleys that are reminiscent of a Swedish village right out of a story book.

The best feature about this vacation destination, however, is the plethora of Georgia cabins rentals and resorts that exist for vacationers who want to get away to an alpine retreat without traveling overseas. There are rustic cabins in the woods, luxury cabins and chalets for romantic getaways and all the creature comforts of home, and many other inns and bed & breakfast accommodations to choose from.

Helen Georgia also has many festivals and special events throughout the year, including a hot air balloon race, Winefest, Christmas parades, Fourth of July festivities and fireworks, Volksmarch, and Bavarian Nights of Summer. The town also holds the longest Oktoberfest celebration in the South, with the festivities lasting from mid-September through the month of October. For winter fun, the Alpenfest provides endless entertainment and enjoyment from Thanksgiving through December.

Helen, Georgia has something for everyone in its quaint Bavarian setup, including romantic getaways, fun nightlife, shopping excursions, hiking and scenic journeys through the wilderness, and so much more. Although it isn’t known as well as many other destination towns across the country, this hidden gem provides a little bit of everything for every different type of visitor that comes. Helen was once a logging and gold mining town, that has now become a whole new town based on the tourist industry and celebrating its heritage everyday. The small mountain community has come a long way throughout many decades, and now hosts millions of visitors every year.

Your whole family will enjoy a trip to the historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland. It is located above the town of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most historic and spectacular heritage sites in Ireland.

Cashel is one hour by car from Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick and Cork. Dublin is only two hours away.

The setting of the Rock of Cashel rises above and towers over the town on an outcropping of limestone. It is said that this is the site where St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster in the 5th century.

The church towers, high crosses and chapel were erected in the 12th century and are still standing. When you visit the site, you can explore the central square tower and enclosed living quarters. The main house was recently restored. The stone walls around the Rock of Cashel are beautiful.

You will want to see the exhibits and take a guided tour to get the full experience of the Rock of Cashel. When I visited, I took many photographs of the castle and the views from the grounds. You can see for miles in each direction.

The Town Plaza is within walking distance from the Rock of Cashel. The Victorian town center is a busy retail area with nice shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The Bolton Library on John Street, Cashel, contains a collection of antiquarian books which were collected by Archbishop Theophilis Bolton. He was archbishop from 1730 to 1744. The library is situated in the Chapter House at Cathedral Church of St. Patrick’s Rock and St. John the Baptist.

Cashel Folk Village is near the Rock of Cashel. It is an interesting group of reconstructed thatched village shops and other businesses where you can study the local history.

If you are a golfer, you will want to visit some of the nearby courses. This southeast region of Ireland has thirty eighteen hole courses. You are more likely to have nice weather for your golf game in this part of Ireland. It is known as the “Sunshine Circuit”. After your visit to Cashel, you will find some of the most beautifully designed golf courses at Cahir, Ballykisteen, Thurles, Dundrum and Tipperary.

When you are traveling near Cashel and nearby Thurles, you may want to visit other historic sites in the area. The ruins of Dominic’s Abbey is southeast of the Rock of Cashel. It was built in the 13th century by Archbishop McKelly and dedicated to St. Dominic.

Athassel Abbey, in Golden, is located on a four acre site at a bend in the River Suir. At one time it was the largest active monastic site in medieval Ireland.

Holycross Abbey and Cahir Castle are two other historic sites to see on your trip through southeast Ireland. The Glen of Aherlow has beautiful walking trails and fantastic views of the landscape. Mitchelstown Caves are another great spot to explore. You will find a wide variety of opportunities for you and your family when you travel in southeast Ireland. Whether you are looking for a quiet destination or a stopover for your travels between Dublin and Cork, you will enjoy your time in Cashel.

Copyright, Patricia McKinney-Lins. All rights reserved.

“There are sheep in the road!” she screamed. “What?” I replied. With her voice ten octaves higher, my daughter Sarah yelled, “There are sheep on the road!” Calmly, I retorted, “I don’t see any shee . . .p!” “Wow, that was a close one,” I exclaimed as I slammed on the brakes. Sure as anything, there were sheep in the road. They were really on the side of the road, but from where my daughter sat, I guess they looked like they were closer to the middle of the road. There was a fold, (I guess you call them a fold . . . they did in Biblical times). They had big x’s painted on them. Pink x’s. Blue x’s. Someone we met explained that the color of the x’s designated what farm the sheep belonged to.

Sheep lover that I am, I stopped the car and I begin to say softly, “Here, sheep. Come to over here to me.” My daughters laughed at me when they heard what I had said to the sheep. But the kid in me wanted to pet one of the sheep. The sheep could have cared less if I had come all the way from America to pet them, let alone almost take their life away as I was mastering driving on the opposite side of the road. They stayed far back from the fence and barely gave me a glance. Moral of the story? Watch out for the sheep! I am sure you have heard about the sheep in Ireland. They are not storybook kind of sheep where the shepherd is seen holding his staff in his hand. They are real honest to goodness sheep who rule the road. So, if you don’t want to be wearing a wool coat with an “x” on it, go slow, and remember, “Sheep Rule.”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.