10 things for kids to see and do in Dublin

August 6, 2008 – 9:12 pm

Want to know how to keep your little ones happy while in Dublin? Then read this guide and get some ideas of what to see and where to go with the family while in Dublin.

Dublin is a fantastic city and when it comes to children’s attractions, Dublin really has it all. So if you find yourself in Dublin with kids on a rainy afternoon, don’t panic - there’s more than enough in this city to keep them entertained!

1.Dublin Zoo

The kids are sure to love a visit to Dublin Zoo. It’s located in Phoenix Park and is home to over 235 species of animal and birds. Kids will be enthralled by all the animals on display, they’ll find the ‘World of Cats’, ‘World of Primates’, ‘Fringes of the Arctic’, ‘African Plains’, ‘Birds’, ‘Reptiles’ and ‘Plants’. They can also visit the ‘City Farm’ where they’ll see pigs, cows, donkeys, goats and sheep.

The zoo is located at the edge of the city and can be easily accessed by getting the bus no 10 from O’Connell Street in the city centre.

2.Viking Splash Tours

This is an exciting and fun adventure for all the family and the best thing is it’s educational and interesting too, as you’re learning about Dublin’s history and sights as you go! Jump aboard the “Ducks” World War II vehicle and the tour guides (who are dressed as Vikings) will keep you entertained for about 75 minutes. Part of this tour takes place in the water around the newly developed Grand Canal.

The tours depart from St. Stephen’s Green North and Bull Alley (beside St. Patrick’s Cathedral).

3.Sea Safari

For the ultimate sea adventure, take the family on an exciting sea safari and discover some of Ireland’s unique marine sealife, birds and wildlife. The inflatable boat will take you around Dublin Bay and along the coastline on a high speed, action packed adventure. (Suitable for kids aged 8+)

4.Airfield House & Farm

Take the family to see a working farm in the city! Airfield boasts a collection of sheep, horses, cows, goats, hens, geese and pigs. There’s also lots of activities for the kids which are both educational and enjoyable. You could also take the kids to see the beautiful Airfield House or the car museum and there’s plenty of gardens for them to play in!

Airfield House is easily accessible from the city centre by taking the Green LUAS tram line to Balally Station.

5.Imaginosity

Imaginosity is new to Dublin and is a creative children’s museum which features a dramatic two storey climbing structure, an art studio, 9 exhibit galleries, a theatre and a performance space. It’s a very enjoyable day out for children with a range of activities to keep them learning and above all, entertained. They can paint in the art studio, maybe try some acting in the theatre or do some ‘work’ in the ‘Construction Company’ with their yellow hats and plastic tools. There’s even a specially designed space for the little ones under 3 years.

Located in Sandyford, Imaginosity is easily reached from the city centre by the LUAS tram and bus no 114, 75, 46b, 11a,

6.The Ark

This is another cultural centre for children. It has a packed programme of events for kids, with lots of activities ranging from visual art, music, theatre and architecture. There’s so much cultural stimulation here for the children between making, doing, viewing and listening. The Ark is for children between 3 and 14 years. It’s located in Temple Bar in the city centre. For a program of events and more see The Ark website.

7.Malahide Castle

This is one of the top attractions in Dublin and makes a fantastic day out for all the family. The girls will absolutely love Tara’s Palace …#34; one of the world’s most famous Dolls Houses which also boasts a collection of dolls and antique toys. The boys will love the Fry Model Railway, which is one of the largest miniature railways in the world! If there’s time you could take the family on a tour of the castle itself and maybe enjoy some lunch in the restaurant.

8.The National Aquatic Centre

This is the perfect place to take the kids when it’s raining (which unfortunately happens quite a bit in Ireland!). Located in Blanchardstowns, the National Aquatic Centre is one of Europe’s biggest indoor water parks. Head to the Aquazone for lots of family fun on some of the biggest and best water slides like the Dark Hole Ride, the Green Giant Ride, the Wave Pool and the Lazy River. Children under 8 will enjoy hours of fun on the Pirate Ship.

The National Aquatic Centre can be reached by getting the 38A from Hawkins Street in the city centre.

9.The Lambert Puppet Theatre

Based in Monkstown, Dublin, the Lambert Puppet Theatre is the only puppet theatre in Ireland. It is sure to have the children glued to their seats with enchanting fairy tales and magical stories performed by the Lamberts famous puppets! Puppet shows have included children’s favourites like The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Jack & the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood.

The easiest way to get here is to get the DART (train) to Monkstown.

10.Croke Park GAA Museum

This is another attraction for all the family. Take a tour of the museum and see where the teams get ready, sit in the auditorium, visit the premium level, the corporate boxes, the media section, the VIP section, and of course the pitch side. Tours take 1 hour and take place everyday except on match days.

If that is’nt enough to keep the kids occupied during their stay in Dublin, you could always take them ice-skating, bowling, horse riding, go-karting or to a number of play and activity centres throughout the city like Fitzone in Clontarf and Leopardstown.

If the weather is nice, go to Phoenix Park where the kids can play in the playgrounds, feed the ducks or enjoy a picnic on the grass. As Dublin is located on the coast, you’re never too far from a beach, so if it’s a sunny day, hop on the DART (train) which will take you to the coastal towns and villages of Dublin like Malahide, Howth and Portmarnock to name a few.

About the Author

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit www.GoIreland.com for all you need to know before visiting Dublin, like what to see and where to go. You can also view B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering, as well as Dublin hotels.

Further Reading:

1. A Blog All About Barbados, Is It Really Paradise!

A visitors guide to Galway, Ireland

August 6, 2008 – 9:06 pm
County Galway is truly one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. It makes a fantastic holiday destination, as it has so much to offer. It’s got a spectacular rugged coastline dotted with islands and villages, a vast wilderness of bog, mountains and rivers, blankets of green fields with hidden historical treasures and a lively city which oozes with atmosphere, culture, heritage and friendly people.

County Galway can be found in the west of Ireland in the province of Connaught. It’s located directly across the country from Dublin, so if you’re driving from here it should only take you about 3 hours.

Galway is quite a large county (2nd biggest in Ireland) so it’s brimming with lots of things to see and do. Galway boasts its own city, which is renowned the world over as a little paradise of shopping, culture and nightlife.

Galway city is usually the first port-of-call for visitors, as it’s got excellent road and rail connections with the rest of the country. A visit here and you’ll be spellbound by its charm, laid-back atmosphere and its friendly attitude. Stroll around the city’s narrow cobbled streets and enjoy its cafes, shops and gourmet restaurants. At night the city really comes alive with pulsating nightclubs and bars and the sound of Irish traditional music, which lingers in the air so just follow the sounds!

Galway city centre can be easily walked in a day, but you’ll need much more time to explore its attractions like Eyre Square, The Spanish Arch, the City Museum, the National University of Galway, the Cathedral and the Salmon Weir Bridge. Don’t forget to cross over the River Corrib to get to the ‘Claddagh’, which was once a little fishing village outside the city walls. It’s an area synonymous with the famous Claddagh Ring as this was where the ring first originated. (See our Irish Jewelry Blog for more).

Galway city has been called the ‘Cultural Capital of Ireland’ and the ‘San Francisco of Ireland’ due to its dedication to the Arts, festivals and cultural events. Three of the biggest festivals on the Galway calender of events each year are the Galway Races, the Galway Oyster Festival and the Galway Arts Festival.

If the weather is nice, take a short drive (about 3km) to Salthill - a beautiful seaside resort at the edge of Galway Bay. It’s got a superb waterfront promenade, in fact it’s the longest in Ireland so enjoy a leisurely walk on the ‘Prom’ and don’t be shocked if you see local people (Galwegians) kicking the wall at the end of it - this is a tradition!

From Galway city, head west along the R336 a coastal route which follows the northern shores of Galway Bay. You’ll find yourself pulling over quite a lot on this stretch of road, as scenery and views of the bay can only be described as spectacular!

About 13km west of Galway city, you’ll come to the little village of Spiddal. This charming village is the start of the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area), so it’s very popular with students who come here to learn the language during the Summer months. It has a beautiful beach and some lively traditional pubs where good Guinness and music can be enjoyed.

Continue west on the R336 and you’ll come to the picturesque harbour village of Rossaveal. This is the point of departure for ferries to the Aran Islands …#34; 3 islands off the coast of Galway which are not only recognised for their unique beauty, but their language, culture, history and heritage.

As you weave your way north along Galway’s beautiful west coast you’ll come to the town of Clifden, which can also be reached from Galway city via the N59. Clifden is one of Ireland’s best loved holiday destinations as it’s the perfect place to ‘get away from it all’ and unwind. There’s lots of outdoor activities in the area and attractions to visit like Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, Inishbofin Island and the site of the Alcock and Brown aircraft crash (1919) in Derrygimlach Bog.

Clifden is also known as the ‘Capital of Connemara’ so it’s a great base for exploring this area and its National Park. Connemara is a region northwest of Galway city, which is famous for its wild and remote landscape. It mainly consists of bogs, mountains, woodlands and rivers, but it’s this raw natural beauty, which makes Connemara a magnet for visitors to Galway. In north Connemara you’ll find the National Park, which is made up of about 4,000 acres of scenic landscape offering visitors many opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, walking, sailing, snorkelling, diving, bird watching and pony trekking. You can also take the chance to see some wonderful historical and archaeological attractions.

Other pretty villages worth a visit include Cleggan, Renvyle, Roundstone and Leenane. Here the pace of life is slow and you’ll get a real insight into Irish life and customs. Pop into the local pubs and shops and you’ll get to meet the friendly locals.

Not to be outdone by the spectacular west of Galway, the east also has a lot to offer. East and west are both divided by Lough Corrib …#34; the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland.

The east has some of our favourite Irish towns like the medieval town of Athenry, which is synonymous with the legendary Irish song “The Fields of Athenry”. You can also visit the market town of Ballinasloe, which is also called ‘The Gateway to the West’ as it’s located on the main Dublin/Galway Road. Ballinasloe is the biggest town in Galway.

Maybe you’d like to visit the Georgian town of Portumna at the banks of the River Shannon, or the Heritage Town of Gort where William Butler Yeats once lived.

Kinvara, Claregalway, Tuam, Oranmore and Clarinbridge are other Galway towns worth a visit.

Hope this gives you an idea of what to see and do in Galway. You could easily spend a week here and you’d only be skimming the surface! Why not check it out for yourself. If you’re thinking of visiting Ireland in the near future, or you need to get away on a city break, or maybe you just want to de-stress and unwind in the peace and quiet of the countryside - well then County Galway is the destination for you!

About the Author

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit www.GoIreland.com for all you need to know before visiting Ireland, like what to see and where to go. You can also view B&Bs, guesthouses, self catering and hotels all over Ireland as well as Galway hotels.

10 Must Visit Places In Scotland That Everyone Should Visit

August 6, 2008 – 8:58 pm

I have lived in Scotland all of my life and as I get ready to immigrate, I have been reflecting on places which I have found to be truly inspiring. For those of you that have never visited them or travellers coming to Scotland I would highly recommend paying them a visit. They are all places of great beauty and once you have visited them, you will never forget.

 

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Eilean Donan Castle - one of the most instantly recognisable  images of Scotland. The castle sits on a small island in Loch Duich in the Western Highlands. It was oringally built in 1220 by Alexander II as a defense agains the vikings. A truly  fantasic place to visit.

 

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 Edinburgh castle - this amazing landmark sits on top of a huge crag of volcanic rock in the heart of the city. The castle offers a spectacular setting with breathtaking views.

 

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 Arthurs Seat & Salisbury Crag - An amazing piece of wild landscape in the city centre, which sits on an extinct volcano. Arthurs seat, which is the summit, rises to 823 feet and offers panoramic views of virtually the whole city.

 

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Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Britain standing at 4406 feet above sea level. It is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in Lochaber. The views from the top of “The Ben” on a clear day can only be described as breathtaking and are well worth the 7-9 hours climb.

 

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Plocton - a beautiful wee picturesque highland village that has a population of around 380. It is situated on the shores of Loch Carron. Because of its location it avoids the prevailing winds, which together with the North Atlantic Drift,  it has a remarkable mild climate by Scottish standards, which allows palm trees to be grown there.

 

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Loch Ness - which is famous for the iconic “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. It is a large deep fresh water loch located in the Highlands of Scotland. It is around twenty two and a half miles long and between one and one and a half miles wide, a depth of 754 feet with the bottom of the loch being as flat as a bowling green. A trip on a one of the tourist boats is a must. You will find beautiful wild scenery, fantastic views and much more. 

 

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Lonach Highland Gathering and Games - this is a truly unique event where you will witness the march of the Clansmen as well as the normal events associated with the Scottish Highland Games. A great, friendly, warm event that you cant but fail to appreciate and enjoy.

 

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Glencoe - is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places in the world, it is a glen located in the Western Highlands of Scotland and offers some of the most stunning scenery you will ever come across.

 

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Isle of Iona - is a small island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, it is approximately 1 mile wide and 3.5 miles long and has a population of 125. Iona is where Saint Columba in 563, founded a monastery with 12 companions. It is an island that is renowned for its tranquillity and natural beauty.

 

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Sandwood Bay - is quite possible the best beach in the Uk, it is a one mile long stretch of pinkish sand which is backed by huge sand dunes and a freshwater loch , and flanked by great cliffs and a sea stack called Am Buachaille. A beautiful and relaxing place, which is never over run with tourists.

The Isle of Bute in Scotland

August 6, 2008 – 8:53 pm

At the mouth of the River Clyde in western Scotland, fingers of wild terrain stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean. Here a fistful of islands provide wonderful sailing for the yachts that harbour in the marinas along the mainland. With seemingly endless open beaches and coves, there is enough to explore and sail back to in following years.

There is equally so much to discover on the islands themselves that the discerning few return year after year, and experience the calm and beauty of this part of Britain that Time has forgotten. Commanding the skyline is the Isle of Arran with mountains towering into the clouds, a vacation destination for geology students and hill walkers, who pack into two substantial Youth Hostels during the summer months. North of Arran lies the Isle of Bute, less dramatic, but with a wealth of changing countryside ranging from rocky outcrops, through moor and loch, forest and pasture, to highland hills in the north, complete with heather, wild deer and goats. It is on Bute we’ll wander a while to escape big city living and the frustrations of modern life.

From the little port of Wemyss Bay, (pronounced “weems”) proud new ferries sail across to Bute in just thirty-five minutes, a half hour of dramatic scenery peering across the sea to islands and mountains. The ship ties up in Rothesay, a huddle of old-time bakers, butchers and grocers around the grey stone walls of the 9th century castle. Right by the ferry terminal is a long low building housing a shrine to Victorian ablutions, all marble urinals, porcelain Water-Closets and cast-iron flushing cisterns. Here you can relieve yourself in glorious imperial splendour! Outside, along the seafront, well kept gardens divide town from beach for the veterans to stretch their legs and sniff the blooms. Fountains sparkle among palm trees, quite a surprise at this latitude, but evidence that the warm waters of the Gulf Stream still lick the west coast of Scotland.

Behind the promenade park, a line of freshly painted villas, the same vintage as the public toilets, display their home-painted signs declaring “B&B” and “Guesthouse.” Hanging baskets of flowers and tubs of shrubs dress the columns of each doorway where Mrs. McClusky or James Cameron fuss over the new arrivals that have come over from the mainland for the weekend. Tea needs to be drunk, and a game of golf before dinner, just up the hill from Rothesay.

Saturday night in Rothesay is not over until the visitor has slipped into a narrow bar on the main square that lies just in front of the ferry harbour. It’s difficult to move along those already sitting at the bar, but the entertainment is about to begin, and the action takes place at the far end. Finally a beer is procured, a niche is leant into, and the performance starts. A heavily painted lady sits on a stool pressing a microphone onto her lower lip. From the loudspeaker a full orchestra that would do credit to Frank Sinatra, fills the room. The lady sings, and is joined by a heavenly choir from the depths of the electronic machine. There is not a dry eye in the place. Some leave to use the Victorian toilet. It needs only the Marx Brothers to crash in! They probably did, after I left.

The seagulls wheel as the scarlet painted open-top double-decker bus departs from the town square at 11 a.m., slowly passing the line of boarding houses into the green country beyond. The excited families are on a circular tour of the island, and the driver is demanding their attention to right, then to left, so that not a church spire or a basking seal can escape the massed ranks of digital photography.

At twenty miles per hour they cruise into Port Bannatyne, a yacht and fishing harbour where, ever so slowly, a new marina is being built. It took eleven years in the planning stage, and now the construction of a new pier has brought the project to it’s fourteen birthday, at which not a single pontoon or yacht is yet feeling the benefit. Things go slowly here, stranger. Right by the fishermen’s pier there’s a stone-built village inn, run by a Russian family as a Russian Tavern, with beer poured from casks up on the bar, a piano, games of chess and cards, and a family atmosphere where good grog and vittals are taken for granted. Upstairs they have four guestrooms for tired sailors, homeless hikers or those who accidently pass this way.

The bus pulls up the hill from the unfinished marina, past Kames Castle, a fortified Keep a thousand years old, previous home to the landed Bannatyne family that built the village back in 1810 A.D out of local stone and slate. The village remains much as it was then. Now on, through ancient farmyards and tiny fields where the cattle graze around prehistoric Standing Stones, even now aligned to points on the horizon where the sun will rise on midsummer’s day. Ettrick Bay comes into view: a bight of sand a mile long with not a sunbed or parasol in sight. A family could play all day here and not see another soul.

Ettrick Bay is on the west of this island, and from here across the water the mountains of Arran rise straight from the sea into the heavens. The journey takes the bus riders south along the west coast, past forest, St. Ninian’s Bay full of cockles and razor clams, and onto Scalpsie Bay. The Bay itself can only be reached by crossing two fields full of baby lambs, and breaking through a hedge of blackberry brambles onto the sand. The young and fit jump into the sea here, not to ride the waves, but to swim with the seals, as Scalpsie is home to over two hundred of the creatures, almost as tame as dogs.

Towards the south of the island the bus will drop off the discerning visitor to walk around and marvel at one of the finest historic houses in Scotland, Mount Stuart House. It was here that the daughter of Paul McCartney of Beatles fame was married in the marble chapel, part of the building. The Victorian Marquis of Bute was one of the wealthiest men in the British Empire and spared no cost to bring about this magnificent Gothic masterpiece. As a Catholic and a Mystic, his house echoes to his beliefs and faiths, from marble chapel to stained-glass windows depicting the position of the stars at the time of his birth. Around the house, two hundred acres of parkland display mature trees brought here from all parts of the world.

A couple of miles from Mount Stuart, where the island tapers off to its southern point, is the village of Kilchattan Bay. Just a string of white-washed cottages along the sandy beach where girls on ponies bounce about cantering, or jogging, or both. Standing back from the lane is another glorious Victorian folly, St. Blanes Hotel. Inside the fancy facade, a faded tartan carpet leads into a bar area dominated by a billards table. Despite the fabulous views through the twelve feet high sash windows, locals crawl around the table hitting ball against ball oblivious of their unique location. Outside, at the end of the village lane, a track takes the adventurer towards the rocky outcrops of the south, and on its western flank the ruins of the 6th Century St. Blanes Chapel, where gravestones cut with runes mark the resting places of Viking Christians.

From southern tip to the highlands in the north, and a return hairpin bend to the village of Port Bannatyne, runs a hikers’ trail, The West Island Way. Some fifteen miles or so, The Way takes the pilgrim through pasture and forest, past Loch Fad where anglers hire a boat to fish the pike, perch and trout, and up onto moor and bog. The ospreys dive the loch to take their share of the fish, buzzards soar in the clear air, and tiny wrens twitter in the hedgerow. Onto the highlands, where the going gets tough, heather grabs at the feet, and the midges and mosquitoes make their presence felt. Up here is where Richard Attenborough the film director, that’s Lord Attenborough to you and me, has his domain, with a fine farm and barns converted into guestrooms for the acting elite. Here too, the deer have their home raiding the sweet grass of the low lands early each morning. Wild goats, large hares and mythological creatures too, prefer this neck of the woods.

The dolphins and porpoises jump as the ferry takes the revitalized stranger back to the Scottish mainland. Bute has the ability to recharge the frazzled urban dweller with its unadorned pure nature and old-fashioned ways of the few permanant residents. It provides no amusement parks or watersports centres, no football stadiums or theatres. It has no package-holiday hotels or retirement estates, few modern facilities of any kind, yet it’s attraction and beauty remain today as they were for the Viking, and long before, the prehistoric men who raised the spooky Standing Stones. Come on over, we’ll have a beer! Or two!

Article by Susan Kensington

http://del.icio.us/RogerMortimer http://www.butehotel.com

About the Author

Susan Kensington worked for the BBC as a radio producer for many years. Now retired she travels and writes travel articles for guides, magazines and the internet.

Further Reading:

1. Barbados My Place in the Sun, The Best that the Caribbean Has to Offer

2. Foul Bay, Such a Perfect Beach For Boogie Boarding

The Guide to Inverness

August 6, 2008 – 8:47 pm

Inverness is best known as being the capitol of the Highlands and it is one of the fastest growing cities in Scotland. There are some fantastic attractions in the city and surrounding area and it provides an excellent base for touring the highlands. There is no shortage of accommodation with a wide selection of bed and breakfasts and hotels in Inverness.

Travel

Inverness as the main hub in the Highlands has excellent transport links to the surrounding towns and to the other main cities in Scotland. There is a domestic airport which is only a few miles outside the city. From here there are flights to several Scottish islands and to Edinburgh, Dublin and London.

The main train station is in the city centre only a five minute walk from the main shopping area. You can get a direct service from Inverness to Edinburgh, Perth and Aberdeen. There are also connections to the other main cities and towns in Scotland.

The bus station is a couple of minutes from the train station again right in the city centre of Inverness. There are buses that connect Inverness to the main cities in Scotland, including a budget service operated by Megabus which has routes from only £1 one way. There are also services to the surrounding towns, including Fort Augustus and Fort William.

Accommodation:

Inverness is well served by accommodation with an especially large amount of bed and breakfasts which are visible as you drive into the city. The city centre also offers a great selection of luxury and budget options with hostels and hotels in Inverness available.

One of the best Inverness hotels is the four star rated Inverness Marriott Hotel which is only a mile from the city centre and dates from the 18th century. If you go a couple of miles outside the city then the Culloden House Hotel offers excellent five star luxury accommodation.

Attractions:

Urquhart castle

Urquhart castle is about 15 miles from Inverness on the road to Fort William and is well worth a visit. Although the castle was mostly destroyed during the Jacobite wars there is still much to see.

After a short presentation on entering the complex you can get out and explore the multi levels of the castle ruins. There is also a fantastic view of Loch Ness as the castle sits over looking the loch on its elevated site.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most famous loch in Scotland and at 22.5 miles long it actually holds more water than all the lakes in England combined. There are several boat trips available both from Inverness and Fort Augustus which offer the best way to see Loch Ness.

There is also information available on the history and mystery of the famous loch at Drumnadrochit visitor centre. Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars if you wish to try and see the lochs most famous resident, Nessie.

Jacobite Cruises

There are a few options when it comes to a cruise on Loch Ness but Jacobite offer the most comprehensive and diverse packages. Leaving from Inverness, you can choose one of the many packages available which range from a standard dinner cruise to a all inclusive exploration package with trips to Urquhart and Culloden.

The shortest cruise lasts only an hour and the longest is 6 hours, there is also the option to book the boat for a special occasion or if you want to indulge try one of the champagne cruises.

Inverness is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Highlands with a variety of attractions in the city and the surrounding area. Inverness accommodation is widely available with lots of B&Bs and budget hostels and some excellent hotels in Inverness.

This article was written by Niall Buchanan

About the Author

The author is a keen traveller and resident of Scotland whom runs a small group of travel related website in the UK.

Further Reading:

1. Barbados My Place in the Sun, The Best that the Caribbean Has to Offer

A Christmas wedding in Barbados

August 5, 2008 – 9:50 pm

 

No need to “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” on your wedding day because, in the Caribbean, “the weather is so delightful” around the holiday season. Christmas means the peak season for the islands, a time that’s perfect for a wedding.

A wedding around the holidays can be a festive event. In many areas, you will find that decorations for the holidays are already up. Here are some ideas on how to have a great Christmas wedding in Barbados - just in time for the holidays.

Since many places will be decorated already with red and green, you may want to fit these colors into your theme. If you would rather work with a different color, there are many to choose from. Some other possible color schemes include silver and white, silver and light blue, or gold and off-white or cream. White and gold will also create an elegant atmosphere.

Poinsettias will be in bloom during the holidays…not the potted variety but full, blooming bushes of poinsettias in some locations! Bougainvillea and other tropical blooms will also provide a colourful backdrop for your wedding pictures.

Plan on warm evenings in Barbados during your Christmas wedding-no need to bundle up here! The winter season is slightly cooler than summer, though, so a light wrap for evening is often nice, especially if you’ll be dining outdoors (and, with this great weather, you will!).

So why not plan some thing different for you wedding and come to Barbados.

If you would like to find out more about having a wedding in Barbados, then you should contact Celebrations Caribee who are one of the most innovative and professional wedding and event planners on the Island.

Further Reading:

1. Barbados Legal Requirments For Getting Married

2. Chose the Beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados For Your Wedding

 

 

 

Contact A Guide For A Guided Ireland Bike Tour

August 5, 2008 – 7:22 pm

Rebate trip mountain bicycling specials are issues that several riders feel first to. This is since a big group of traveling bikers can make the best of the discount that’s given to riders who are passing over. In almost events of a rebate trip mountain bicycling promo, there’s generally an off-roader event close to to happen or is presently on in the neighborhood of the establishment that’s promoting discounted values for upland riders and different bicyclers who would like to join.Finding out Of rebate trip Mountain cycling

The hottest way to recognize some rebate trip mountain cycling promotions is to watch the mountain bicycling tour close to your locale. Almost great events take coordinators that specifically require the bordering hotels, lodges and additional accommodations to make a rebate trip mountain cycling motivation to folks who are concerned in connecting the event or merely serving the event. Extra types of rebate trip mountain bicycling promotional twists may let in a big group of riders or on a rush basis.

The trip rebates given to players of a specific race may as well admit rebates on food. Eating places inside the area of the future event could be inquired to afford rebates for bikers who give an I.D. for taking part in the race or whatever issue. Some organization extend discounted rates once they assure that you’ve brought a off-roader with you.

Extra rebate Travel Mountain bicycling packaging’s

Another lodges or hostels as well give rebates for travelers on their bicycles. These sorts of rebate trip mountain bicycling packaging’s are quite probable and are best-selling in European Union wherever traveling by bicycle is quite usual. Bigger rebates perhaps applied to a big group of riders of to scholars who are tripping the countryside when on their break.

A few inns and hostels as well extend rebate trip mountain cycling packaging’s looking upon their locations. Whenever the venue of the inn or hostel is often called by mountain cycling circuits, the chance of it delivering a promotional activity spotlighting mountain cycling is really eminent. The local authorities may even advance a rebate trip mountain cycling promotion to help advertise their region.

Regions or areas with wide tracks fit since mountain biking, particular off-road mountain cycling or true downhill are ground regions for cycle circuits. To strengthen promotion, rebate trip mountain cycling promos can be allowed in the national newspapers. This won’t just advertise the organization giving the rebate but as well the region.

About the Author

Alison Addy is a journalist who writes newsletters on discount travel mountain biking for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .Read additional info on bike tour ireland or Ireland bike tour

Ireland: 10 fun things to know about

August 5, 2008 – 7:19 pm

Like most large countries, there are countless facts and figures about the beautiful Emerald Isle. At pretty much any factual website you visit, you can find figures about the size and population of the island, a little about its history and what the weather will be like in various times throughout the year. While knowing these facts is a great idea for feeding the logical side of your brain, it is always fun to learn more about the sillier, less known facts about an area and its culture.

Read on to enjoy the lighter side of Ireland. Want to look like you have seen a ghost? Ballgally Castle in County Antrim is purported to be one of the most haunted places in Ireland. The wife of the man who originally built the castle, Lady Isobel Shaw, supposedly travels throughout the castle (now a hotel) knocking on doors and disappearing before anyone can catch a glimpse. Lady Shaw’s story is a sad one: She was locked in her room and starved by her husband, eventually driving her to jump to her death out the nearest window.

If you are a lover of the dark, smooth stout Guinness, it may interest you to know that the original brewery in Dublin signed a 9,000 year lease on its property. No one will be stealing their right to the land in this lifetime, ensuring that the beer beloved by the world will continue to quench thirsts for years to come. If you are searching for the city with the longest name in Ireland, look no further than Muckanaghederdauhaulia. Located in County Galway, try saying that name five times fast.

Catherine Kelly, called the “Irish Fairy,” was the smallest Irish woman in history. At a slight height of 34 inches and a weight of 8 pounds, she died in 1785. She was just slightly larger than a newborn infant.