Ireland Travel, Irish Gifts, Celtic Symbols, Irish Festivals and News

Remember reading about County Tipperary? Well in Tipperary’s Golden Vale is a rock rising above it. This monument, the Rock of Cashel has one of the most imposing collections of ecclesiastical monuments in Ireland.

The Rock was once a fortress, and was where allegedly St. Patrick baptized a king of Munster. In 1101 it was handed over to the church and later became the seat of the province’s Archdiocese. The oldest surviving building in this collection is the round tower – which is estimated to date circa 1100. The next oldest would be the Cormacs Chapel (estimated to be circa 1124-34 ).

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County Leitrim is a maritime county with a small population in comparison to other counties. This is mostly due to the county’s poorly drained land making farming difficult. This forces many potential residents to leave in search of better living elsewhere. The country still delivers lush landscapes – which is divided into two separate sections north and south of Lough Allen. Many coarse angling lakes are interspersed around the area.

Leitrim has the shortest coastline of any Irish maritime county but still promotes heavy maritime activity. Most boating activity is focused in the county capital, the fine inland marina at Carrick-on Shannon.

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Welcome to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast! Belfast (derived from the Irish word Beal Feirsde or “mouth of the river”) has been Ireland’s capital city since 1921, and was a major industrial center in the nineteenth century. Belfast was settled since the seventh century but was official made into a township by Sir Aurthur Chichester in 1603. Later in the eighteenth century, the industries such as linen began to develop along the valley of the River Lagan.

Belfast has many key links to history. One was that the Titanic was built in Belfast – a well known saying among the shipyard workers was “IT WAS FINE WHEN IT LEFT HERE”.

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Ireland is a virtual treasure trove of locations for the interested traveler to explore. Ireland is chock full of ancient ruins; places that reflect the storied history of the Celtic peoples. The many monasteries, beehive huts, castles, and burial grounds found all over the Isle have withstood stood the test of time for over thousands of years.

These sites have become powerful symbols of both Irish and Celtic culture along with the many unique design elements found peppered on them. The mystical spirals, knot work, and crosses bring up themes of spirituality, faith, and eternity – and are great to study alongside the landmarks on which they are featured.

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Many trips and tours abound in Ireland – by boat, and by car. But there is a more direct option – by foot. Why huddle in a tour bus when you can take advantage of everything the Emerald Isle has to offer? It’s way different seeing sights from afar as opposed to walking up and touching Ireland’s famous historic landmarks and natural wonders. To walk through villages and experience the country’s lush landscapes up close can be an enriching experience.

Keep in mind the practical issues that arise in planning a tour on foot – preparing for the local weather and its unpredictable nature, packing food and guidebooks, small things like a camera to record your trip and knowing what your fitness level is at. There is nothing worse then planning a scenic tour down an intense path you are not physically able to handle! Don’t forget essentials like a phone, your identification papers, and a secure (read: discreet) traveling case for cash.

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The UNESCO world heritage site Skellig Michael has gone under a safety review after 2 people fell to their deaths last year. The island, known for its steep climb and monastic settlement is over 600ft above sea level.

The review calls for more stringent signage warning the risk of walking along the island as well as tours making sure travelers are aware of their surroundings and the clear possibility of a fall. Safety railing was disregarded for the site as the two fatalities were blamed on a faulty section of steps (the report suggested realigning these steps) but mostly on travelers not paying attention.

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The Dublin Castle is a historically and politically important landmark. The castle built by King John of England in 1204, became the center of British authority in Ireland until 1922. The Castle is a mix of the original and newer renovations that occurred between 1730 and 1800. The original version was to correspond to the present Upper Castle Yard and contains the remains of the Powder Tower, an earlier Viking fortification.

The additional renovations added the floor State Apartments where Irish presidents are inaugurated. The Dublin Castle is currently used as a forum for the European Union and also for state tribunals.

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The maritime county of Clare is a small county of 103,333 people surrounded by many water bodies. Known for its scenic beauty, Clare is nearby many well known water bodies such as the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay and also is dotted with dramatic coastlines.

The area also is home to the Burren, a marvel of both geologic and botanical importance. Alongside this are many photogenic villages such as Killaloe, Mountshannon, and Scarrif. But if you’re not into mere sight seeing, Clare offers many points of interest for folklore and music enthusiasts. Clare is known for its own specific style of music; it is showcased annually during the Willie Clancy Summer School festival.

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County Fermanagh, one of the least populated areas of Ireland, is a day tour away from Belfast. This area is known for their famous pottery company, Belleek and their hand painted porcelain. Many tourist stops are scattered in Fermanagh such as the Marble Arch. The Marble Arch is a natural limestone bridge that is located around this area’s historical capital, the town of Enniskillen.

Devenish Island contains a monastic site that was founded by St. Molaise in the sixth century. Along side these points, there is ample opportunities for fishing, as well as discovering Fermanagh through its forestry, culture, and tourism.

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Dublin, the capital city of Ireland and the de facto ‘Irish City’ to outsiders. Everyone knows that little tidbit – but other then their large population of 1.5 million and the many great bars found there, do you really know your Dublin facts? Here’s a few to get your travel engines running:

The name for Dublin in the Irish language is both Dubh Linn and Baile Átha Cliath.

The city of Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 square miles.

Dublin's O'Connell Bridge is the only bridge in the European continent that has the same width as its length.

The "Oldest Pub in Ireland" the Brazen Head is supposedly located in Dublin.

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For you techno travelers out there – there are apps for travel to Ireland! For you power iPhone users – do you hunt for the latest apps to trick it out? Well there are many, many useful apps that center on Irish themes. There’s a good many ranging from Irish radio, Irish Rugby, navigating Ireland, Irish news, Irish dating, learn to speak Irish, Irish history, Irish G.P. (doctor) list, Irish bird watching and more.
Here’s a sampling of apps to help the tech savvy traveler discover the Emerald Isle:

The Ireland Guide by Georgina Cambell (free)
Irish Fireside by Wizzard Media ($1.99)
iTrainLive Ireland by Asprire Media ($0.99)
Pro-guides Ireland by Brighthouse Labs ($0.99)
Ireland World Travel by Feng ($0.99)

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The saying, ‘kiss the Blarney Stone’ has circulated for centuries. But what of the legend surrounding this stone? Well it all started due to the centuries old English drive to impose upon Ireland. Queen Elizabeth 1 had sent a deputy to visit Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy. MacCarthy was the Lord of Blarney; the Queen demanded that the Lord renounce his lands to the Crown.

The Lord of course wished to keep his lands as it was by tradition his. But he was not the best at speech giving. He headed to see the Queen to plead his case, forlorn that he was not at all eloquent. Along the way he encountered an old woman, and at her prompting told her his tale.

The old woman told the Lord of the stone built around when Blarney castle was built, and that the builder predicted that no one would ever touch it. If the Lord was to kiss it – he would be gifted by regal eloquence. Well after kissing that magical stone Cormac not only kept his lands but never had to fight for them again.

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The Burren, in County Clare = Middle Earth? That’s the thought over a pint of Guinness that inspired an Irishman’s literary odyssey starting in the 1970s. Peter Curtin after a polite conversation with a refined lady had spurned in him a 30 year project involving him delving into research to prove that the scenic area was the inspiration behind JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth in “The Lord of the Rings”.

The short conversation between him and Mrs. Crowe had her claiming the link between Burren and Tolkien’s works. 30 years after being inspired by that, Curtin just founded the Burren Tolkien Society – a website where he has posted new evidence that he claims proves Mrs. Crowe’s original statement.

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Ireland is not just for the adults! The Emerald Isle embraces all including the wee ones on its lands. Ireland in its mixture of both ancient and modern is a place that caters to all ages. In fact one would say today’s Ireland is tailor made for the younger set.

Many places have kid friendly attractions such as amusement parks, heritage sites, and wonderful outdoor activities. In fact five places come time in involving children in the land of leprechauns and Shamrocks: the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, the Armagh Planetarium, the Castlecomer Discovery Park, the Charles Fort, and the Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center.

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County Tipperary, otherwise known administratively as North and South Ridings, is a small inland county in the Munster province. The county professes beautiful areas such as the Golden Vale, to the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountains. Known originally for a popular WWI song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” the area hosts many landmarks and historical contributions. The Rock of Cashel, Cormac’s Chapel, and a Gothic cathedral or two are but a few. Full of small to medium sized towns, Tipperary had raised many famous persons of note, including Gaelic poet Geoffrey Keating; Laurence Sterne, author of Tristam Shandy and the novelist Charles Kickham.

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Want to discover Ireland, but instead of doing a cruise or bus tour wish to immerse into the heart of the place? Well Ireland, namely in Dublin – there are walking tours that take place – the tour season spans from May till October. Many walking tour groups, such as the one headed by Pat Liddy and his team of local tour guides host these tours, escorting visitors around Dublin. By foot the tours hit the popular and not so popular nooks and crannies that abound, depending on the groups theme – Trinity College & Georgian Dublin; Mummies, Spirits & Hidden City; Viking & Medieval Quarter, Celts & Cathedrals; and Dublin Highlights.

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Skellig Michael is a small little known island, known for being a favorite amongst Irish monks of between the 6th and 12th centuries. Many monks in various places of the world sought voluntary isolation – mountains, deserts, anything that only left them with only themselves and God. The monks of Ireland had this island. Left behind, the relics of their trek still live on – small stone huts dot the area, along with six hundred stone steps leading journeying monks from the landing point on the island.

This religious trek where they shed and leave behind every thing has them sequester themselves away, living off the land that isolates them due to turbulent weather conditions and constant wind. There they grow vegetables, with their brothers, though in silence. This is not a life of sociability, it is a life dedicated to prayer. As a site to behold and witness the remnants of many monks that chose this way of life, it is a quiet site to behold.

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Blogland – or bogacb (Irish for “soft”) is something that at some point during a journey around the Isle you will encounter. Considering that seventeen percent of the land surface of Ireland is covered in it, so the odds of encountering is relatively high, especially in the counties on the western seaboard and the midlands. The turf is the accumulation of 8,000 years of the mixture of 95% water and 5% rotting plants, dead animal, pollen, and dust. The various items in the broth do not decay – the micro-organisms that cause decay cannot survive Ireland’s constant rain. The upside of having the turf is that it’s a great source of alternative fuel.

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Those planning on May 5th flights found that not only humans celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull decided to show its festive mood by once again filling the skies with more volcanic ash. This in turn caused many Irish airlines to limit flying if at all as they were hit with more airspace restrictions.

Donegal, Sligo, Dublin and Ireland West (Knock) airports were already on various lock down schedules. Cork, Waterford and Kerry airports managed to avoid an early morning fiasco but the restrictions may affect them after 2pm. Shannon and Galway had no restrictions placed on them for the time being.

All passengers had been advised to again check with their airlines for specific instructions.

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Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the adventure of travel, that the smaller things like preparation get lost along the way. Having a dream vacation is great and all, but having said vacation ruined due to avoidable mishaps can put a damper on the whole experience. Beyond the money spent and the sights, your health should be your number one priority. Many common tips and tricks can prevent getting sick (they may slip your mind during a spectacular Isle hopping trip) and can mean the difference between enjoying all that Ireland has to offer and missing out due to illness.

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Ireland is an island nation – so not surprisingly it hosts a bevy of great beach spots. Many spots are in the Cork/Kerry region. So if you’re planning on a vacation near there, check out some of the well known beach spots.

Inch Strand, is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Its name is misnomer to the nth degree, as it is actually the longest beach in Ireland.

Ballybunion beach was historically divided into men's and women's sections. Nowadays the beach is a busy hub of families and kids having fun during the summer.

Fenit Beach is located not too far from the pretty fishing village that bears the same name in a designated natural heritage area that is renowned for its flora and fauna .

Banna Strand, is touted as one of the most beautiful and historic beaches in Ireland, made famous for its lengthy beach popping with stunning vistas and many sand dunes.

Inchydoney is located in West Cork, and lends itself as a perfect beach for strolling, swimming and even surfing.

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Otherwise known as the ‘garden of Ireland’, County Wicklow has been a tourist center since the nineteenth century. Surrounded by the flowing rivers of the Liffey and Slaney and the mountain range that shares its name, Wicklow is a place full of scenic beauty and history.

Wicklow has many sites to visit, such as the monastic site at Glendalough, the celebrated art collection of Sir Alfred Beit, and the lush Powerscourt full of gardens and astounding waterfall. The area’s history is nothing to scoff at – the area has lent its hand in politics having past history of hiding rebels as well as being the birth place of Irish nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell.

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County Kerry, a coastal country in Ireland is scenic, full of history, literary works and Gaelic football teams. Known around as “the Kingdom”, County Kerry is one of the most scenic areas of Ireland. The County has varied regions in including lowland, mountain land, and coastal regions.

Add to that the famous Lakes of Killarney, and Kerry has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Considering that their main industry is farming, the area gives off a small town feel amongst the many historical land marks and area fares.

As this area has been privy to many facets of Irish history both good and bad, it would be a great loss to not stop by on your next trip.

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Looking for a place in Dublin to find some brilliantly made Celtic jewelry, at a great price point? Do you happen to live near Grafton Street? Well then you’ve lucked out – this street is well known for having many jewelry merchants – many who specialize in various traditional Celtic styles and who have been in business for many years.

Mind you, there’s more to Celtic jewelry then Celtic knots and spirals. Many of the merchants found here also cater to more funky free spirited designs, as well as the more glamorous. Also the shops here have various price points, so that most any type budget can walk in and afford what’s offered here. So for both locals and those planning a future trip to Dublin, don’t pass up a trip by Grafton Street – you may find a trinket or three.

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If you are planning on a future trip to Northern Ireland; don’t pass up a trip to the Botanic Gardens. Near Queens University, the Botanic Gardens are one of many parks that can found in bustling Belfast. Surrounded by the beauty of the lush greenery, many events are held there over the summer.

Also take note of the statue of Lord Kelvin, one of the many scientific luminaries that once lived in Belfast. The small city is known for the many brilliant minds that resided here. The inventors here contributed many things such as the tractor, pneumatic tyre, and the refrigerator.

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