Europe Explored » Ireland https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Get To Know How To Experience the natural attractions of UK https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/15/get-to-know-how-to-experience-the-natural-attractions-of-uk/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/15/get-to-know-how-to-experience-the-natural-attractions-of-uk/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 10:14:21 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14838 The United Kingdom is one of the finest and powerful countries in the world. This is a land of opportunity for anyone who cares invest in robust economy. The country has the record of one of the most visited in the world. People across the world visit the United Kingdom annually, for various reason, including, […]

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The United Kingdom is one of the finest and powerful countries in the world. This is a land of opportunity for anyone who cares invest in robust economy. The country has the record of one of the most visited in the world. People across the world visit the United Kingdom annually, for various reason, including, leisure, investment opportunity and quest for greener pastures. The better way to experience UK is by hiring a car .If want to hire a car UK then know about congestion charge phone number.

Fingal's Cave, UK
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland, UK by Croila

The UK is a lovely country which has a constitutional monarchy, which consist 4 constituent countries. These are Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. All these groups collectively make up the United Kingdom. This is one the most industrialized parts of the world, with extensive big industries in various parts of the country. All the sectors of the economy are significantly experiencing a great boom and this has lead to an improved of living of both the citizen and the foreigners living in the country.

However, besides industrialization, real estate and tourism, seems to be another important part of the economy. Several thousands of tourists do use to visit the country annually, thereby bringing in millions of foreign currency into the economy. The city of London is the most popular and so far, the commercial center of the country. Apart from being the capital of England, the city, is also the most visited area in the UK.

Cheddar Gorge, UK
Cheddar Gorge, UK by Arpingstone

There are lots of prominent tourist places in the city of London and other parts of the UK. Some of these places are historical, ancient edifice, while others are impressive, new modern structures. Some are natural; while others are man-made, but a visit to the country will give you the opportunity to experience the natural attractions of UK.

Natural attractions of UK:

1.) Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Fingal’s Cave is located in Staffa Island, in Scotland. A tourist visit to United Kingdom is never completed without the Fingal’s Cave. This is a Cave that brings the sound of water flowing into the sea cave pipe.

2.) Cheddar Gorge, England

Cheddar is one of natures most remarkable in England. History has it, that this place has been a center of tourist attractions for several decades and the country has been able to manage and preserve its natural environment. Encroachment to its natural beauty has been prevented over the years and this is despite the high numbers of tourist visiting this rocky place every year. Rock climbing is better there than anywhere else and you may also need to climb up to the tower and get to know of the presence of nine thousand year old , England’s oldest skeleton.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, UK
Pistyll Rhaeadr, UK by Velela

3.) Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales

This is believed to be the tallest fall in Wales, the literal translation of its name is “spring of the waterfall”. This natural wonder is situated just 4 miles from the Llanrhaedr-ym-Monchant and just below the fall, is an elegant cafe with the name, Tan-y-Pistyll. This is where, tourist and visitors to the site, can relax and have a wonder experience of the natural falls.

4.) Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England

Whenever you want to schedule a vacation trip to any country, it is usually a good option to include a visits to special Museum, in the country. This Exhibition centre is actually a whole row of several museums worth seeing. A visit to the place will give you the chance to have a glimpse of several artifacts of great historical values. This is actually, a science and arts museum, which was built and dedicated to the history of London.

Giant's Causeway, Ireland
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland by Jim

5.) The Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

This is Ireland most popular United Kingdom natural attraction. This is a Giant’s Causeway on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. And it is actually a place with serene environment and unique natural beauty.

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3 Must-Visit European Attractions For Families https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/08/3-must-visit-european-attractions-for-families/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/08/3-must-visit-european-attractions-for-families/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:32:09 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14369 Europe is the world’s most sought after locations to visit in the itineraries of avid travelers. People from around the globe; visit this remarkable splendor of nature to get acquainted with its rich heritage and culture. It is the heaven of architectural marvels and is blessed with abundance of natural beauty and resources that keeps […]

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Europe is the world’s most sought after locations to visit in the itineraries of avid travelers. People from around the globe; visit this remarkable splendor of nature to get acquainted with its rich heritage and culture. It is the heaven of architectural marvels and is blessed with abundance of natural beauty and resources that keeps everyone in awe. It offers an exquisite range of variety in entertainment and is apt to be visited by all age-groups and suits the budget of all classes. Here we list some of the places that you cannot miss to visit besides the already very famous and popular hotspots of The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Italy and France, etc.

Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Pisa, Tuscany, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Italy

Home to Amalfi Coast, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum and famous lakes, Italy is a part of Southern Europe. Topping in every wish list of travelers, Italy brings in abundant scenic beauty just waiting to be explored. It has a lot to offer for everyone. Historical sites like Pantheon, San Giovanni, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura and Colosseum are the top sites of Italy which can’t be missed. Italian food is popular with tourists and Outdoor cafes are as much liked. Other places that one can visit while in Rome are as follows:

  • Vatican Museum
  • Palazzo Pamphilj
  • Fontana Di Trevi
  • Fountain of the Four Rivers
  • Protestant Cemetery
  • Roman Forum

Spain

A member of the Economic Union, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula on Southwest of Europe. It is now also listed as the second most visited country in the world owing to its favorable climatic conditions, historical and cultural monuments and geographical position. Its tourism industry has rapidly grown over the last four decades to become the second largest in the world. The cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are hugely popular and the most visited places of Spain.

Church on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain
Church on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain by Ivan Mlinaric

Two of the major events that attract millions of visitors from across the world to Spain just to witness these festivals, and they are often seen as highlights of this country are ‘the San Fermin running of the bulls’ event held in Pamplona and ‘La Tomatina (Tomato) festival held in Buñol – Valencia. Besides these two major attractions tourists also enjoy the Seville (Also known as April Fair) and Malaga Fair, Barcelona Summer Festival and carnivals at Canary Islands and Cadiz. Spain has flamboyance, charm and energetic appeal, which makes you feel more lively and rejuvenated once you step on this land of splendour. When you visit Spain do chalk out time to definitely visit the following:

  • Alhambra Palace in Granada
  • City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
  • Toledo in Madrid
  • Tibidabo in Barcelona
  • The Spanish Costas
  • Park Guell in Barcelona
  • Aqueduct of Segovia
  • Ibiza island
  • La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona
  • Museo del Prado in Madrid
  • Picos de Europa, Parque Nacional in Cantabria, Costa Verde
  • Alcazar Seville

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by jan zeschky

Ireland:

It is an island located on the North-west of continental Europe. It offers picturesque views and exotic locales that can keep you in awe when you see them. The capital city of Belfast and Dublin are a favorite among tourists, when they visit Ireland. Some of the highlights of this marvelous country that you cannot afford to miss when you travel here are as follows:

  • Aran Islands
  • Blarney Castle
  • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • The Céide Fields visitor centre
  • Carrickfergus Castle
  • Lough Neagh
  • Dun Aengus
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • The Burren (A Karst landscape)
  • Beara Peninsula
  • Greencastle
  • Phoenix Park
  • Dublin Castle
  • National Gallery of Ireland etc.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK by Jim

The above listed are only some of the attractions of Europe for your ready reference and guidance only. Europe has much more to its glory than can be described here. This is a comprehensive and not an all inclusive list of the wonders of the royal retreat that you can experience, when you visit here.

About Author

Crystal is a travel blogger passionate about travelling and backpacking. She occasionally writes for Bank Holidays 2013, a Web site that shares information and dates of Bank Holidays in UK and Europe and US.

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Day Trip Ideas For Exploring Beyond Dublin https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/07/day-trip-ideas-for-exploring-beyond-dublin/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/07/day-trip-ideas-for-exploring-beyond-dublin/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:00:51 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14396 Dublin in Ireland is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of fascinating history, cultural attractions, excellent pubs and restaurants and of course, friendly people. When you visit this city you could spend your entire trip simply enjoying what Dublin has to offer. However, if you have enough time it is also worth getting outside […]

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Dublin in Ireland is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of fascinating history, cultural attractions, excellent pubs and restaurants and of course, friendly people. When you visit this city you could spend your entire trip simply enjoying what Dublin has to offer.

However, if you have enough time it is also worth getting outside of the city and exploring some of the great destinations out in the local countryside. Due to its prime location on the eastern coast, Dublin is perfectly located for exploring more of the country and there are several easily accessible day trips to choose from. You can spend a day exploring gorgeous mountains, atmospheric old castles, peaceful coastal villages and much more which are just a quick train or car ride away.

Here are a few of the best day trip ideas just outside of the city of Dublin:

Malahide Castle

This castle is one of the oldest in Ireland and was home to the Talbot family, who were the lords of the castle from 1185 to 1976. It is located only a half hour north of Dublin and it is easily accessible either by car or by taking the number 42 Dublin Bus. The inside of the castle can be toured for a fee, so that you can see the impressive Great Hall and the Oak Room and learn about the Talbot family history.

The beautiful old castle sits within 250 acres of parkland which also includes a Children’s Museum, a botanical garden and a model railway. It’s a great place to bring the kids because they will be entertained for hours on the playground, golf course and walking trails.

Malahide Castle, Ireland
Malahide Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Howth

Only 16km away from Dublin you will find a peaceful fishing village that was once a Norse stronghold up until the 11th century. These days it is a working harbour which has a laid back atmosphere where delicious fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen can be enjoyed at the harbour side restaurants. You can walk the trail along the cliff top around Howth Head and take in jaw-dropping views of the Irish Sea. Astonishingly, on a clear day you can sometimes see all the way to Wales.

If you plan your visit to Howth on a Sunday in the summertime you will be able to enjoy one of the best and busiest Irish Farmers Markets.

Howth, Ireland
Howth, Ireland by William Murphy

County Wicklow

This region is often referred to as the Garden of Ireland and with its abundance of lush green forests it is easy to see why. This beautiful mountainous area is a popular destination for walking and hiking and there are several great trails throughout the area. Some of the best hiking is up on the mountain peaks, such as Lugnaquilla, Tonelagee and Mullaghcleevaun.

County Wicklow is also home to Glendalough which is a historic monastery and village. This 6th century monastery was founded by St. Kevin and has one of the largest and most unusual high crosses in all of Ireland.

Lugnaquilla, Ireland
Lugnaquilla, Ireland by Andrew Parnell

Bru Na Boinne

This complex of Neolithic standing stones, chamber tombs, hedges and other prehistoric enclosures is one of the most significant Neolithic archaeological sites in Europe. It is located along a bend in the River Boyne. The Neolithic ruins here date back as far as 35th century BC to 32nd century BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids. This makes the fact that they were built with a sophisticated knowledge of science and astronomy even more astounding.

The Visitor Centre is open all year round and offers a large interactive exhibition about the fascinating history of this site. The entry fee includes the exhibition, audio-visual presentation, full guided tour and shuttle bus to the two sites of stone ruins.

Bru Na Boinne, Ireland
Bru Na Boinne, Ireland by Cary Bass

These are just a few ideas for day trip adventures outside of Dublin, so why not get out there and start exploring!

Frankie Hughes is a writer who believes that Ireland is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. She suggests that if you are looking for hotel accommodation, Dublin City has a great variety of hotels to suit you.

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Rugged Skellig Michael – a historic island in Ireland https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/30/rugged-skellig-michael-a-historic-island-in-ireland/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/30/rugged-skellig-michael-a-historic-island-in-ireland/#comments Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:17:53 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14319 The Emerald Isle of Ireland is known for its rolling green fields, lively music, and friendly people. The country has a long and colorful history, including the ancient Celts and the high kings of Ireland. In early Christian times, there were numerous abbeys and monasteries. One very special group of monks left their mark on […]

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The Emerald Isle of Ireland is known for its rolling green fields, lively music, and friendly people. The country has a long and colorful history, including the ancient Celts and the high kings of Ireland. In early Christian times, there were numerous abbeys and monasteries. One very special group of monks left their mark on the craggy island of Skellig Michael – a World Heritage Site today, and an evocative place to visit.

Skellig Michael, Ireland
Skellig Michael, Ireland by Arian Zwegers

The dramatic Skellig Islands

About 12 miles off the coast of southwest Ireland, the jagged Skellig Islands rise steeply from the sea. These two rocky, uninhabited islands are both famous, for different reasons.

Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands, is a bird sanctuary. This lonely windswept rock is home to the second largest colony of gannets in the world, with 27,000 pairs of these seabirds nesting on the island. Gannets abound here any time of year, along with many other types of birds. If you’re here between April and August, you’ll also find puffins with their cute, colorful bills.

Skellig Michael is the larger of the islands, and it’s a World Heritage Site due to the remarkable archaeological remains here. This rocky crag, isolated from the rest of Ireland by miles of often stormy sea, was home to a group of monks many centuries ago. It’s hard to imagine a more desolate and unforgiving place than this rock where they chose to build their monastery.

Hiking Skellig Michael island, Ireland
Hiking Skellig Michael island, Ireland by IrishFireside

The monastery at Skellig Michael

About 1,400 years ago, a small group of monks decided to leave the mainland for a difficult life of solitude on the island of Skellig Michael. The exact date of founding is not known, but legend has it that the monastery here was founded by St. Fionan in the 6th century. Around the year 950, the site was dedicated to St. Michael, leading to the island’s name today.

It was a harsh, spartan existence here for the small group of monks. They built high on the island, about 600 feet from sea level, and constructed flights of steep, stone steps leading from the water’s edge up to the area where they lived. It must have been a back-breaking task. The monks lived and worked in small stone huts that would have been dark and cold on long Irish winter nights, when stormy seas lashed the rock where their settlement perched. They eked out a living by farming a tiny plot of land and gathering the eggs of sea birds.

The tenacious monks maintained their settlement on the island for over 500 years, but eventually abandoned it in the 12th or 13th century, and returned to the mainland.

Little Skellig from Skellig Michael, Ireland
Little Skellig from Skellig Michael, Ireland by IrishFireside

Visiting Skellig Michael today

Skellig Michael is an amazing place, and can easily be a highlight of your trip to Ireland. It’s well worth a visit, though seeing the monastic ruins involves a boat ride to the island, followed by a rigorous climb up 618 steps to reach the remains of the settlement. If you’re up for a climb, it’s a memorable adventure.

Your boat will go by Little Skellig, where you can see and hear the immense flocks of birds, and land you at the base of Skellig Michael. Then it’s time for the climb. As you climb, think about how hard it must have been for the first people here, when they had to begin by building the steps and the stone huts at the top, with little shelter or comfort for themselves.

When you reach the top, you’ll see the well-preserved site, protected from vandals over the centuries by its isolation. This early Christian site has a church, oratories, beehive huts, a graveyard, and many crosses. The buildings are made of stacked stones, and have survived remarkably well given their age. You can walk around the site, take in the views, and enter some of the buildings.

It’s quite a feeling to be here high atop the rugged island, imagining what it would have been like to live here. Hopefully the day of your visit will be sunny and warm, and you can relax at your hotel afterwards. Things were different for the monks, who had a difficult existence here with many hardships.

Skellig Michael island, Ireland
Another view of Skellig Michael island, Ireland by Jerzy Strzelecki

Practical details for your trip

Skellig Michael is about 12 miles off the southwest tip of Ireland. You can reach the island by boat from the town of Portmagee. The boats run between April and September, but there are many days when the weather or sea state prevent the tour boats from landing at the island. Your best chance is to plan a few days in the area, so that if one day doesn’t work, you can try again the next day. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and something to eat.

You can also visit the Skellig Experience Centre in Valentia, very near to Portmagee. Whether you make it out to the island or not, this visitor center will give you a better understanding of what life was like for the dedicated monks that made their life on the inhospitable island of Skellig Michael.

Deanna Keahey is a lifelong lover of adventure. After running an international travel company for years, she now writes about travel tips and ideas. Most recently she’s published a timeshare book called Winning the Timeshare Game: Buying the Bargains. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

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St. Patrick’s Day Destinations https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/25/st-patricks-day-destinations/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/25/st-patricks-day-destinations/#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:41:38 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14258 Like many other holidays, the meanings and traditions that came with its originations become lost with time.  St. Patrick’s Day started out as a commemoration of Saint Patrick, and then progressed to celebrating the Irish culture itself, where Saint Patrick was a patron saint. Saint Patrick’s day / License: Royalty Free or iStock source: shutterstock.com Here […]

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Like many other holidays, the meanings and traditions that came with its originations become lost with time.  St. Patrick’s Day started out as a commemoration of Saint Patrick, and then progressed to celebrating the Irish culture itself, where Saint Patrick was a patron saint.

Saint Patrick's day
Saint Patrick’s day / License: Royalty Free or iStock source: shutterstock.com

Here are the top destinations for you to join the festivities:

Dublin, Ireland

An obvious choice here, if you want to get the most out of your holiday, the city put on a party that goes on for 4 days surround the 17th of March. Between the main parade and street parties, there will be plenty of beer and side shows.

London, England

Yes, England throws a big party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as well!  With a parade and festival in Trafalgar Square where all 32 Irish counties are represented in their colors – this event usually draws around 100,000 people.  The English puts out their best Irish feast with beer and food that are from Ireland.

Boston, Massachusetts

The city that claimed to held the first official St. Patrick’s Day in America may be the best location in the U.S. to celebrate all things Irish.  With a large percentage of Irish descendants in the state, it is no wonder this place throws the best party that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Chicago, Illinois

A close second to Boston, Chicago still throw one heck of a party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  Most known for dying the Chicago River green with over 40 pounds of vegetable dye.  Besides dying the river, the rest of the celebration is similar to Boston, full of floats and eating and drinking.

Newfoundland, Canada

A direct path via ships across the Atlantic from Ireland, Newfoundland has a history of Irish settlers.  St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday there, so you know there are serious about this celebration.  And the best part is the authenticity of the food – if you really want to eat like the Irish people do – this is where to get it in North America.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This city may be a far reach from Ireland, but it is home to the fifth largest Irish community in the world.  So when you mix a celebration that involves food and drinks with the culture that goes big for parties – you will get a wild and authentic experience.

There you have it – the top locations to get a taste of Ireland and the holiday that to celebrate Saint Patrick.

Noc enjoys celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and often use Travel Advantage Network for wholesale vacations.

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5 Best Tips for Travelling for the First Time in Europe https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/27/5-best-tips-for-travelling-for-the-first-time-in-europe/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/27/5-best-tips-for-travelling-for-the-first-time-in-europe/#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:31:34 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11613 Are you interested in traveling into Europe? You need to be aware of what you are doing when you are traveling in Europe. It’s to help you be a little more accustomed to the area and to make it easier for you to enjoy things here. Here are five of the best things that you […]

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Are you interested in traveling into Europe? You need to be aware of what you are doing when you are traveling in Europe. It’s to help you be a little more accustomed to the area and to make it easier for you to enjoy things here. Here are five of the best things that you should be doing when you are going into Europe for the very first time.

Europe, passport
Photo by LearningLark

Prepare Your Passport

The first part of getting into Europe for the first time is to make sure you have your passport ready. It’s best to make sure that you have your passport renewed as early as possible. This includes having your passport valid for at least six months after the date that you get into Europe.

Check on Foreign Exchange Fees

There are a number of different foreign exchange fees that you might have to deal with when using credit cards or other financial instruments in Europe. This is often used to pay for the process of converting funds in your native currency into funds that are in the currency of the country that you are trying to pay for something in.

The foreign exchange fee that you might have to pay off could be worth about two or three percent of the value of whatever you are buying. You need to check your credit card company to see what you would have to pay when getting your fee.

Consider Driving Points

It’s a good idea to think about the way how you might drive on the left side of the road in some countries. You might even have to drive your car by sitting on the right side of the vehicle instead of the left.

Fortunately, most parts of Europe involve driving on the right side of the road. You’d have to go on the left side of the road if you were in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus or the Isle of Man.

Watch for Tipping

Tipping people who serve you is always a good idea. However, the value of the tip that you can give to someone in Europe might be smaller than what you’d be used to pay off.

You might be able to get away with paying a tip that’s only five or ten percent in value. You might want to talk with locals in the area to see what you should be paying if only to at least see what you could be getting.

Adapt to the Culture

The final tip is to make sure that you adapt to the culture of whatever spot it is you are getting into. Every country has its own interesting things relating to what people do. For example, people in England drink more tea than what you might expect to find where you live. Meanwhile, wine is much more popular in France and Italy than where you might live in.

You have to make sure you are using the right ideas when traveling into Europe for the first time. It’s to give you an idea of what you could be getting out of a trip in the area.

This article is written by Pritam Nagrale who writes about traveling on his blog PNR Status Check. He is a travel freak from India.

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Europe’s Top 5 Golfing Holiday Destinations https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/11/europes-top-5-golfing-holiday-destinations/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/11/europes-top-5-golfing-holiday-destinations/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 19:20:17 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7569 Golf is of course an old game which started life in Scotland. Although Britain and Ireland are still very much the home of golf, with many of the world’s best courses and resorts, there are also some excellent facilities in top European destinations, giving you plenty of golfing opportunities and much more besides. Photo licensed […]

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Golf is of course an old game which started life in Scotland. Although Britain and Ireland are still very much the home of golf, with many of the world’s best courses and resorts, there are also some excellent facilities in top European destinations, giving you plenty of golfing opportunities and much more besides.

St Andrews golf club, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hermann Kaser

Scotland

It’s hardly surprising that Scotland is still the number one Mecca for real lovers of golf. With an incredible number of courses, there are many different types of golfing holiday to be had in Scotland, from the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity to something more accessible and friendly. Of course St Andrews is the first place many people think of, and for good reason, for the facilities are second to none, the scenery breathtaking, and the town itself is a charming one to spend time in while you’re here.

England

England has for a long time been a major player within the golfing world, with literally thousands of golfing clubs operating up and down the country. Lower Stondon in Bedfordshire is a popular choice, and an accessible one you can relax and enjoy yourself in. Sheringham in Norfolk is another excellent option, an 18 hole course set on a stunning coastal location. Cromer is another top pick for golfing in England, a pretty seaside town a stone’s throw from Norwich.

Ireland

Ireland has had a huge role to play within the history of golf, having made an enormous contribution to organising it on a competitive level. The golfing resorts here are truly exclusive, so if you’re in the market for top-notch facilities and a spot of luxury here and there look no further. The K Club acted as setting for the Ryder Cup in 2006, while the magnificent spot at Killeen Castle was host to the Solheim Cup in 2011.

Spain

Spain is the way to go if you’re looking for golfing on mainland Europe, as the only place on the continent to host the Ryder Cup. The Valderrama Club is a much loved choice, set in the exclusive resort of Sotogrande. One of the natural advantages to booking a golfing holiday in Spain is that you get the Spanish climate and culture thrown into the mix. From the gorgeous beaches to the picturesque towns, not to mention the amazing hospitality you’ll enjoy on site, this is certainly a premier option.

Portugal

Portugal is another excellent place to enjoy a golfing holiday in Europe. The Praia d’el Rey resort is home to a fantastic, well maintained golf course, set in an unbeatable location with the Atlantic spreading forth off the coast. Portuguese culture is another irresistible ingredient on a holiday here, with the warm climate making for some of the best local food and drink produce you’ll find anywhere in Europe.

Wherever you choose for a golfing holiday in Europe, you can expect excellent services as well as fun places to visit in the surrounding areas. Just remember it doesn’t all have to be about golf!

My name is Nisha I work as the editor for Holiday365. I have been representing the business for the last 2 years now. Feel free to visit our site for more information on holiday parks.

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10 Irish Islands Worth Exploring https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/07/10-irish-islands-worth-exploring/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/07/10-irish-islands-worth-exploring/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 10:37:31 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7455 If you’ve ever thought of taking a vacation in Ireland, you shouldn’t limit your travel to the main island. The country includes numerous smaller islands, each one more scenic and historically significant than the last. You could spend your entire vacation going from one Irish island to another and still not see everything there is […]

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If you’ve ever thought of taking a vacation in Ireland, you shouldn’t limit your travel to the main island. The country includes numerous smaller islands, each one more scenic and historically significant than the last. You could spend your entire vacation going from one Irish island to another and still not see everything there is to see. Their beauty will inspire you for years to come, which is why the islands of Ireland should be among everyone’s favorite places to see. Following are a few Irish islands worth exploring.

Cape Clear Islands, Ireland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jessica Curtin

On a Clear Day You can Visit Cape Clear
Even if it’s not a clear day, a visit to this southernmost island of Ireland is a great getaway. The island of Cape Clear, also known as Clear Island, is a small island southwest of County Cork with a population of about 100 people. The inhabitants speak Irish and English so it will give you the opportunity to experience the native culture and language. The island is accessible by ferry or by private boat.

Stop at Nearby Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island also lies southwest of County Cork, near the southern tip of Ireland. It is a small island in Roaringwater Bay that is only about 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It is a quaint place with a population of approximately 100 people. A visit to Sherkin Island will provide you with the chance to interact with the local people and take in Ireland at its finest.

Go North to Tory Island
Known in the Irish language as Oilean Thoraigh, Tory Island is a small island off the northwest coast of County Donegal, near the northern tip of Ireland. Most of the 130 or so people that call Tory Island home speak Irish as their first language, but can understand and communicate in English. You can reach Tory Island via a ferry which runs daily from April to October and five times a week the rest of the year.

The island of Ireland's Eye
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by William Murphy

Keep Your Eye on Ireland’s Eye
Formerly part of the City of Dublin, this small uninhabited island lies just offshore in County Dublin. It is located directly north of Howth Harbor, a small peninsula on the north side of Dublin Bay. A stroll around the island will reveal its history in a Martello Tower and an 8th century church. There are also natural attractions to explore, such as ‘the stack,’ a huge free-standing rock on the northeastern corner of the island.

You Must See Beautiful Garnish Island
Garnish Island is a local name for a 37-acre island in Bantry Bay, in the southwestern part of Ireland. It is also called Ilnacullin, which means ‘isle of holly.’ The island is famous for its beautiful gardens and is a popular attraction for horticulturists from around the world. It has also been featured on numerous television shows highlighting the beautiful trees and shrubs.

Visit the West Coast and See Achill Island
The largest island in Ireland, Achill Island is located on the west coast, in the northwestern part of Ireland, County Mayo. Due to its size and location, Achill Island has the distinction of being accessible by means of a bridge from the mainland. It has a population in excess of 2,700 people. Achill Island is a quaint place with a number of small villages to explore. The island, which is comprised of 87% peat bog, has a history dating back to 3000 B.C.

Achill Island, Ireland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Felix O

Go Southwest to Bere Island
Bere Island, also known as Bear Island, has a history going back more than 2,000 years. It is a small island in Bantry Bay, west of County Cork, in southwest Ireland. The population of Bere Island exceeds 200 people. It can be reached by ferries that carry foot passengers and light vehicles.

See Dursey Island While You’re Nearby
Not far away is a small island that has only about a dozen wintertime residents. Dursey Island is the westernmost island off the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula, in County Cork. It is connected to the mainland of Ireland by the country’s only cable car. Riding the cable care is one of the prime attractions for visiting Dursey Island.

Visit the Popular Inis Mor Island
Inis Mor Island is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations and is a must see for any visit to Ireland. It has a tremendously rich history and resembles an outdoor museum. It is the largest of the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland and boasts more than 50 monuments of Christian, pre-Christian, and Celtic heritage.

See Nearby Inis Oirr Island
Since you’re in the area anyway, you may as well travel a bit south in the Aran Islands and see the nearby Inis Oirr Island. Inis Oirr is the smallest of the Aran Islands and closest to the mainland. It has a rich history and also boasts a beautiful beach, rare plants and flowers, and incredible scenery.

Guest post from Tracy Sheldon. Tracy writes about boat insurance for BoatInsurance.org.


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Five Things to do in Dublin | Ireland https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/14/five-things-to-do-in-dublin-ireland/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/14/five-things-to-do-in-dublin-ireland/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:20:54 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6818 Whether you’re into religion, brews or historic sites, the fair city of Dublin, Ireland, will ensure that you never experience a dull moment during your visit. Dublin is famous for its pubs, but why not go direct to the source for that pint? The Guinness Storehouse makes the nation’s most popular product: ale. The Storehouse […]

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Whether you’re into religion, brews or historic sites, the fair city of Dublin, Ireland, will ensure that you never experience a dull moment during your visit.

Dublin is famous for its pubs, but why not go direct to the source for that pint? The Guinness Storehouse makes the nation’s most popular product: ale. The Storehouse is part of the original brewery which dates back 250 years. It has seven floors of exhibits devoted to the black brew; the tour ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

At the pubs you can sing Dublin’s most famous song, “Cockles and Mussels,” about fishmonger Molly Malone. Better yet, visit the bronze statue of Dublin’s most famous maiden as she sells her wares on Grafton Street. Molly Malone wasn’t just a legend; she was a real person who died in a cholera outbreak.

Molly’s statue is across the street from Trinity College, so now is a good time to visit the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The Book of Kells features ornately decorated pages of the Four Gospels in Latin. Trinity College is an important historic site, having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Famous students include Samuel Beckett and Oliver Goldsmith.

Next stop is a visit to Ireland’s largest church and national cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, named in honor of the country’s patron saint. The parish church dates back to 1191 and was named a cathedral in 1224. It stands next to the well where it is said St. Patrick baptized converts on a visit. One of Ireland’s most famous satirists, Jonathan Swift who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels,” was dean of the cathedral beginning in 1713.

End your list of the top five things to do in Dublin with a visit to Dublin Castle, built in the early 13th century and is some of the city’s oldest surviving architecture. See remains of an earlier Viking fortress on the grounds. Today, the castle is used for state functions and is the swearing-in place for Irish presidents.


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Culture in Ireland – Top festivals https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/29/culture-in-ireland-top-festivals/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/29/culture-in-ireland-top-festivals/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:36:10 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6549 Irish people adhere to the motto “There’s always reason to celebrate” and they really celebrate everything from literary attempts, up to the passion for oysters! Here are some of the many cultural events which are held throughout the year: Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Dooris St. Patrick’s Festival Festival of St. […]

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Irish people adhere to the motto “There’s always reason to celebrate” and they really celebrate everything from literary attempts, up to the passion for oysters!

Here are some of the many cultural events which are held throughout the year:

St Patrick's Festival, Dublin, Ireland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Dooris

St. Patrick’s Festival

Festival of St. Patrick is annually held in Dublin (it was between 16th – 19th March this year). It is Ireland’s official national holiday and the celebration is full of parties, festive malls and night performances. But you will certainly not be bored elsewhere in the country! Almost every town and village organize celebrations of this day. During the festival you can stay in one of holiday homes in Dublin however the prices can be slightly increased.

Days of the Titanic

Easter Titanic Belfast Festival in Northern Ireland is dedicated to the famous ship that was constructed in Belfast and lasts for the whole week. The festival has a busy schedule, including special exhibitions and tours through many places where the Titanic came into the world. (31st March – 19th May 2012)

Waterways Ireland Fishing Festival

The main point of the most important fishing event called Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival is the race in classic fishing, which is annually attended by over 300 participants. It is held in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (30th April – 4th May 2012).

Writers’ Week

It is one of the world’s most respected literary festivals dedicated to writers, lectures and seminars held in Listowel, Ireland. (30th May – 3rd June 2012)

Summer horse racing

The Galway Horse Races are held in Ballybrit, Galway (30th July – 5th August 2012) and are known worldwide for its quality and exciting atmosphere.

The World Fleadh

The World Fleadh (August 2012) is considered the largest festival of Irish music. You can see concerts of artists from around the world, international competitions, or great Irish dance with the largest group throughout Ireland. There are also a number of alternative street performances.

International Festival of oysters

In Hillsborough town, in Northern Ireland you can participate in unique event called Hillsborough Oyster Festival (6th – 9th September 2012), which is known for great entertainment and excellent food.

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