Scottish Games, Sychrov, The Czech Republic by Jaromír Zajíček

Traditional Scottish Games at Sychrov Castle are among the largest Scottish Games in Europe and are held under the auspices of Her Excellency Sian Macleod, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Czech Republic.

Really a rich program can be seen in two stages – primary and secondary, Games are hosted in a neo-Gothic castle Sychrov and its beautiful park. It is located about an hour driving from Prague.

Busy Scottish Games Programme includes

• Traditional and non-traditional Scottish and Irish music performed by famous Czech and foreign artists
• Demonstration and teaching of Scottish dances
• 2nd Whisky Festival – tasting scotch whiskey (single malt and blended)
• Classic Scottish Weightlifting competitions
• Children’s competitions throughout the day
• Theatre performance for children
• The show of the British veteran cars (Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Aston Martin, etc.)
• Historical camps with regular demonstrations and lectures
• Fencing
• Trained birds of prey demonstrations
• Market stalls with traditional and modern Scottish jewelery, kilts (skirts), music and small souvenirs

The basic admission fee is 400,- Czech Crowns (around €16), children up to 15 years for free. For further information about Scottish Games at Sychrov Castle can be found on the official website.

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Cliffs of Moher / IrishFireside

Music is all over the Island. In any town or city in Ireland, there will likely be a pub that boasts of live traditional music in the evenings. The trick is to find something that is not specifically set up to cater to tourists. Some would say that the smaller the pub, the better the music.

Most of the best musicians are known for sticking around their local pub where they live. For example, Matt Malloy from Westport is often found playing in his small pub in Westport County May when he’s not on tour. Some of the best music on the Island can be found in a tiny village in West Clare called Doolin which is right on the edge of the sea.

For those who simply want to taste the Guinness and the Jameson’s, they will find both factories where their tipple is created in Dublin. Both factories offer tours, and of course, free samples, and Dublin offers endless options of pubs to continue the tasting experience!

Cahir Castle / Marcus Meissner

For the scenery, there will be few places in Ireland that disappoint. The Irish themselves will argue of where the real points of beauty are, but favourite spots for Tourists are the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula. The Cliffs of Moher in West Clare are another breath taking spot and for those who want to venture into the north of Ireland, the Giant’s causeway is another beautiful spot.

As the Irish were famous for emigrating around the world during the famous potato famine, descendants come from all over the world in search of their roots and to establish some sort of connection with the past. The Gaelic language also holds much fascination for Irish culture enthusiasts. The Aran Islands off the coast of County Claire are known for their preservation of the language, as well as the Dingle Peninsula.

Ireland vacations can narrow in on one aspect of the country, or be a combination of all of the above. Accommodation varies from hostels, cosy bed and breakfasts, to upmarket hotels. There is something for everyone.

Zak Clark is an experienced business writer, writing articles on behalf of Eirebus

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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. 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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