Northern Ireland Natural Wonder

Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2011

To visit the Giant’s Causeway, remember one direction: North. There, in the County of Antrim, Northern Ireland, at the North Channel convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, is one of the planet’s most fascinating natural wonders: an ancient landscape of some 40,000 stair-stepped columns of black basalt leading into the sea.

This UNESCO World Heritage site began to take shape some 60 million years ago, with series of massive volcanic eruptions. The cooling lava formed into distinctive polygonal (mostly hexagonal) columns, which were eventually eroded by retreating sea ice during the Ice Age. Irish legend tells of the giant Finn MacCool using these steps to cross the sea toward his sweetheart’s home on the Hebrides island of Staffa.

A circular walk leads past amphitheaters of stone columns and formations with names like the Honeycomb the Wishing Well, the Giant’s Granny and the King and his Nobles, past Port na Spaniagh, where the Spanish Armada ship Girona foundered, past a wooden staircase to Benbane Head and back along the cliff top. In addition to the geologic intrigue of the site, fauna and flora among the rock formations include seabirds, such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill, and plant species such as sea spleenwort, hare’s foot trefoil, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid.

The Giant’s Causeway truly is one of the world’s great natural wonders.

What You'll See When Touring in Ireland

Posted on Friday, September 03, 2010

Your friends have told you about many of the sights they enjoyed in Ireland:  Dublin’s pubs and Abbey Theater; Ha’Penny Bridge over the Liffy River and , of course, kissin’ the Blarney Stone!!  And you wondered, as they extolled the beauty and history of the fantastic Ring of Kerry, what’s the Ring of Kerry…who’s Kerry and what kind of ring?

To begin, the Ring of Kerry is a 110 mile loop on the Ivenagh Peninsula in south-western Ireland.  Here you will encounter the raw beauty that is real Ireland.  Rolling hills and forested valleys, colorful villages and towns; traces of ancient monasteries and stone circles, such as the Seven Sisters, erected by pagans during the Bronze Age.  Starting in Killorglin, and proceeding on a counter-clockwise route, you will enjoy the Ireland of your dreams; verdant, charming and sparsely settled (except you will see lots of other tourists!). Note that I said counter-clockwise…the road is narrow and tour buses are many, so you can avoid traffic problems by starting early and stopping at any and all sights that may intrigue you.  Yes, you can do this by tour bus, but you’ll miss the leisure of stopping at an out of the way town, having a pint at a small pub, or just dreamily looking out over the ocean and mulling over the year of history, the Troubles and the Great Famine.

Take your time…yes, you can drive the entire Ring in a day, but so much nicer to stop for the night at a charming B & B,  relax over a fine dinner, perhaps enjoy an Irish Night with set-dancing, or just chat with the locals. After a hearty breakfast you can be on your way. You’ll have a chance to drive Coomanaspig Pass, the highest point accessible by car; from which you can see the Skellings and other small islands.  There’s a sixth century hermitage once inhabited by monks. Or you may wish to pay homage to Daniel O’Connell, the Emancipator, at Derrynane House, his home, now restored.

And oh, the names!  MacGillycuddy Reeks, Staigrefort, Rossbeigh, Bog Village and Black Valley, Killarney.  Rossmaine and Cahersiveen and Cahsrdaniel…what names, how lilting!! 

How about a stop in Kenmare to see and perhaps buy, some Kenmare Lace, started as a cottage industry during the "Little Famine Years" by the Poor Clare nuns, and still being hand-made by the local women.  Take a jaunting car ride, and think back to the great classic movie with John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald, "The Quiet Man" .  Look closely at the road side, especially if there’s a rainbow:  that brief movement in the bush?  Leprechauns!!

I must admit, my favorite tour was a drive on the Dingle Peninsula…further north and the westernmost area on the European continent. Only ten miles wide and forty miles long, from Tralee to Slea Head The locals will tell you that they’re so far west that the next parish is Boston!!!  But you may have a bit of trouble understanding the people in the villages; they often speak An Gaeltacht, a Gaelic-English mixture. But they are friendly and they’ll be glad to regale you with stories of their family, their history and a lot of lore…you’ve heard of  a load Malarkey, haven’t you?

Drive through the Connor Pass to Dingle, the most westerly town in Europe, and then Tralee.  You will be rewarded with beautiful drive, green and rugged and not too touristy.  The fishermen still sail out, not for your camera, but for their family’s living.  Only about 1500 people live in Dingle Town…but it is calculated that there are 500,000 sheep in the hills.

Along the way to your delightful hotel at the world’s edge, you will find Bronze Age settlements, monasteries from the Middle Ages, scenes straight out of the movie "Ryan’s Daughter" and even some of the "beehive huts" where hermit monks once lived.  The scent of peat, as you linger with your coffee after a wonderful dinner, and you’ll know you’re near the ocean, as the sea breeze wafts into your bed room and you snuggle into your feather duvet…dream, relax, know that you are truly in Ireland.   

Popular Ireland Castle Stays

Posted on Friday, July 02, 2010

Western Region

Galway, Mayo & Roscommon

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Clifden, Galway. Located on the Sky Road and set in pleasant gardens. Built in 1832, the hotel is renowned for quality cuisine. Abbeyglen has 18 superior rooms, many with four poster beds and open fires.

Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch, Galway. This manor, set in a 455-acre estate, dates from the 18^th century. Tastefully-furnished guest rooms have special features and excellent views. Relax in the superb restaurant or old-world bar.

Ashford Castle Hotel

Cong, Mayo. This famous castle, on the shores of Lough Corrib, is one of Ireland’s most luxurious retreats. Guests relax in spacious rooms, dine in the elegant restaurant and enjoy golfing, horse riding and more.

Kilronan Castle

Ballyfarnan, Roscommon. This luxurious property is set in 40 acres with lovely scenery all around. Enjoy a wonderful mix of old-world elegance and state-of-the-art facilities and standards to make your stay memorable.

South Western Region

Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Clare

Cahernane House Hotel

Killarney, Kerry. Set in its own parklands on the edge of Killarney’s National Park and dating from 1877, the hotel features elegant bedrooms, comfortable reception areas and the award-winning Herbert Restaurant.

Dunloe Castler Hotel

Killarney. Overlooks the Gap of the Dunloe, a few miles outside the town. Deluxe bedrooms, restaurants and bars create a relaxing haven. Enjoy the gardens and health club plus golf is available nearby.

Ballyseede Castle Hotel

Tralee, Kerry. Step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Elegant bedrooms are decorated with taste and imagination. The gracious dining room serves Continental and Irish cuisine with a fine wine cellar.

Bunrathy Castle Hotel

Bunratty, Clare. Close to Durty Nelly’s Pub, Bunrathy Castle and Folk Park. All traditional-style rooms offer air conditioning and every modern comfort. Relax in Kathleen’s Irish Pub with great food.

Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare. One of Europe’s top luxury hotels with stately halls, elegant facilities and luxurious guest rooms designed for relaxation. Sample award-winning cuisine, enjoy golf or leisure center.

North Western Region

Donegal, Leitrim, Monagham, Cavan & Northern Ireland

Solis Lough Eske Castle

Donegal. The current castle was built in the 1860s and is newly renovated. Beautifully appointed rooms feature bespoke furnishings in calm neutral tones. The new Cedaes Grill combines easygoing elegance with a very contemporary sense of style.

Lough Rynn Castle

Mohill, Leitrim. This is the original 19^th century home of the Clements family. The gracious manor house offers 42 luxurious bedrooms, intimate public rooms, elegant dinning, a world-class spa and a championship golf course on a 300-acre estate.

Castle Leslie

Glaslough, Monaghan. Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating country-side, the Leslie family has lived here since the 1660s. The Castle offers authentic interiors and warm hospitality. Located only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast.

Ballygally Castle

Ballygally, Antrim. The Castle dates to 1625 and is located on the scenic Antrim coast. 44 bedrooms offer old beamed ceilings and modern décor. All the top facilities add to the welcoming atmosphere and the Garden Restaurant offers excellent food.

Cabra Castle Hotel

Kingscourt, Cavan. Dating from 1760, the hotel is set in 88 acres of parkland with a 9-hole golf course. Well-appointed guest rooms, gourmet dining and gracious public rooms combine for a great stay.

Eastern Region

Meath, Westmeath, Wicklow, Laois, Kilkenny, Tipperary & Waterford

Dunboyne Castle

Dunboyne, Meath. This hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, magnificent gardens, a fully-equipped spa and great facilities for dining and relaxing. Close to Dublin Airport and tomb of Newgrange and Knowth.

Ireland Bus Tour

Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009

A tour of all the major cities in Ireland would take 12 to 14 days, however keep in mind that this is just an overview of the sites. You will find that these itineraries typically spend only one or two nights in the larger cities, and are on the move the rest of the time getting from place to place. This is why many travelers choose to focus on a specific region of Ireland, to ensure they can take everything in.

The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique style with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.

Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.

Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks. Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.

Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.

The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon, is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area.   Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.

Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.  See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle. 

The shorter tours typically allow you to spend at least two nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from budget hotels and inns, to five star hotels and overnight castle stays. Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price. Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a little more up front, is a better value in the end to ensure you are getting the most from your visit.

In 8 to 10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include highlights and visits to such places as the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney kissing stone and Waterford Crystal Factory.

On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.  The drive from the west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. 

You can take an Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don't mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season. 

You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewely, handmade sweaters and more.

Ireland Travel Tips and Information

Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009

Famous for: St. Patrick, Leprechauns & Guinness

Language:  English & Irish

The currency used is the Euro.

Geogrpahy:  Mostly level to a rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; there are sea cliffs on the west coast. Over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin.

Climate & Clothing:  Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 60ºF to 70ºF (15ºC to 21ºC), July being the warmest month. Average winter temperatures range from 40ºF to 46ºF (5ºC to 8ºC). The most useful clothes are casuals, lightweight wools, sweaters for cold spells, comfortable walking shoes and a light raincoat.

Food & Clothes: In the last decade, Ireland has made a giant gastronomic leap. Common foods include smoked salmon, soda bread, and a variety of seafood, and game when in season. Traditional dishes consist of Irish stew, boxty (potato pancake) and coddle (boiled pork sausages). The country is best known for its stout and beer, the most famous being Guinness. However other, popular brands include Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish, and Kilkenny beer. Whiskey is also renowned with the most famous distilleries being the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills Distillery in Antrim. Water across the Republic of Ireland is safe to drink.

Best Buys: Tweed clothing, traditional Aran knitwear from the Aran Islands (once handmade by fishermen featuring family patterns), Irish music, linen, pottery, Waterford crystal, Irish whiskey and basketry.

The gender signs on the doors in the republic may be printed in Gaelic, not
English. ‘Mna’ is Gaelic for Ladies and ‘Fir’ means gentlemen.