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Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
How to pour a Guinness
Do you ever go in to a bar and the barman (or lady) throws up some crap that they claim to be a pint of Guinness? Well when I order a Guinness I expect a decent attempt at the following pouring process. Pouring a Guinness is not as simple as sticking a glass under the spout and see what happens. No! You have to at least understand that it is a different kind of drink and deserves a different kind of pour.
Here's the steps that Guinness master brewer, Fergal Murray, recommends.
Here's the steps that Guinness master brewer, Fergal Murray, recommends.
Step One: The Glass
"The bartender takes a dry, clean glass, which should be a 20-ounce tulip pint glass," Murray says. "The internal aerodynamics of a tulip glass allows the nitrogen bubbles to flow down the sides of the glass, and the contour 'bump' in the middle pushes the bubbles back to the center on their way up."
"The bartender takes a dry, clean glass, which should be a 20-ounce tulip pint glass," Murray says. "The internal aerodynamics of a tulip glass allows the nitrogen bubbles to flow down the sides of the glass, and the contour 'bump' in the middle pushes the bubbles back to the center on their way up."
Step Two: The Angle
"The glass should be held at a 45-degree angle under the tap. The tap faucet should not touch the tulip glass or beer. If you just hold it straight under the faucet, you'll get a big block of bubbles and a fish eye."
"The glass should be held at a 45-degree angle under the tap. The tap faucet should not touch the tulip glass or beer. If you just hold it straight under the faucet, you'll get a big block of bubbles and a fish eye."
Step Three: The Pour
"Let the beer flow nice and smoothly into the angled glass and fill it up three-quarters of the way."
"Let the beer flow nice and smoothly into the angled glass and fill it up three-quarters of the way."
Step Four: The Head
"Let it settle. On the way through the faucet, the beer passes through a five-hole disk restrictor plate at a high speed, creating friction and bringing out nitrogen bubbles. The bubbles are agitated now -- they can't go back into the solution, so they flow down the interior sides and back up the middle -- but they can't escape. So they build this wonderful, creamy head on top. It's like an architect building a strong foundation."
"Let it settle. On the way through the faucet, the beer passes through a five-hole disk restrictor plate at a high speed, creating friction and bringing out nitrogen bubbles. The bubbles are agitated now -- they can't go back into the solution, so they flow down the interior sides and back up the middle -- but they can't escape. So they build this wonderful, creamy head on top. It's like an architect building a strong foundation."
Step Five: The Top-Off
"Once it settles, you want to fill up the glass and top it off. You allowed it to settle, you created a domed effect across the top of the pint, and now your head is looking proud over the glass. That's the perfect vision of the perfect pint."
"Once it settles, you want to fill up the glass and top it off. You allowed it to settle, you created a domed effect across the top of the pint, and now your head is looking proud over the glass. That's the perfect vision of the perfect pint."
Step Six: The First Sip
"You drink with your eyes first. The cosmetic look of the pint is critical to the Guinness experience. We don't want anybody just putting liquid in a glass. And finally, drink responsibly."
"You drink with your eyes first. The cosmetic look of the pint is critical to the Guinness experience. We don't want anybody just putting liquid in a glass. And finally, drink responsibly."
Steps extracted from here
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Ireland crossword puzzle
Irish Trivia Crossword
Questions by Liam
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
How to make a hot whiskey (hot toddy)
Winter is almost upon us, and one of my favorite remedies for the pesky illnesses, such as colds and flus, that are in abundance this time of year, is a Hot Toddy. Not really sure why we call it a Hot Toddy, but you can call it a hot whiskey if you like.
So here's what you're gonna need....
1 measure of your favorite Irish whiskey - I'm generous with my measure :)
2 teaspoons of sugar - brown is best, white will do.
6 - 8 cloves
2 slices of lemon - slice it at about 5mm thick
8 ounce of boiling water - the less water you add, the stronger the drink will be
Now here's what you gotta do with all that good stuff you've gathered...
Prepare your lemons - pierce each slice with 3 or 4 cloves.
Drop your sugar into a heat proof glass and pour your whiskey on top. You can add a metal spoon to the glass to ensure it doesn't crack from the boiling water.
Put your lemons into the glass with the whiskey.
Add the boiling water, stir it all up so the sugar dissolves, and serve!
I always find drinking it while it's still hot ensures it has the best affect. And if it's not working after the first one, I have another :)
So here's what you're gonna need....
1 measure of your favorite Irish whiskey - I'm generous with my measure :)
2 teaspoons of sugar - brown is best, white will do.
6 - 8 cloves
2 slices of lemon - slice it at about 5mm thick
8 ounce of boiling water - the less water you add, the stronger the drink will be
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| A sample selections of Irish Whiskeys (Pic from Wikipedia) |
Prepare your lemons - pierce each slice with 3 or 4 cloves.
Drop your sugar into a heat proof glass and pour your whiskey on top. You can add a metal spoon to the glass to ensure it doesn't crack from the boiling water.
Put your lemons into the glass with the whiskey.
Add the boiling water, stir it all up so the sugar dissolves, and serve!
I always find drinking it while it's still hot ensures it has the best affect. And if it's not working after the first one, I have another :)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
How do I trace my Irish Ancestors?
Having lived and worked in the United States for a number of years, I can't tell you the number of people that respond to my accent with the line "oh I'm Irish too". What they generally mean is that they have ancestors who came from Ireland, and more often than not it was many generations ago.
Being Irish, or of Irish descent, is typically something most people feel very proud of, something they want to cling to, and usually something they want to find out more about. It's estimated there are approximately 40 million Americans who trace Irish ancestry. The number worldwide is obviously far greater than that.
It's sad to think that the huge number of Irish descendants around the world is due in part to the suffering of their ancestors many years ago. People left Ireland in shiploads due to famine, oppression, poverty and lack of prospects. They primarily left Ireland to go to places such as the USA, Britain, Australia and other more prosperous countries.
Unfortunately for many US citizens, tracing their Irish heritage can be a very difficult task, generally because information was lost with the passage of time. I've heard of many people jumping on planes and heading to Ireland, to search parish records of births, marriages and deaths with the hope of finding information that can help them build out their family tree. This can be quite an effective technique because churches are pretty good at having all this information stored away, and the church staff are very willing to help.. And because the people of Ireland lived their lives with such close ties to the church, most people can trace ancestors in this fashion. Thankfully, technology has made life a little easier for the current crop of ancestor hunters. Now you can search Irish church records online (see below).
Like all the other ways of tracing your roots, you need to have some information to get you started. First and last names, places and dates of births, town names, children's names, profession etc, are all good starting points to getting you the information you are looking for.
Like all the other ways of tracing your roots, you need to have some information to get you started. First and last names, places and dates of births, town names, children's names, profession etc, are all good starting points to getting you the information you are looking for.
Luckily for you, these days there are so many options to building your family tree. Before you waste too much time, or spend any money, the first place to start is by asking questions of older relatives who may have emigrated from Ireland, or had a parent or grandparent that did. You'd be surprised at how much information they may be able to give you to get you started. I've often quizzed my own grandfather on my own family history. It's good to write it down now so you can pass it on to your children in years to come. Print out a family tree off one of the many sites that offer them for free, and put yourself or your kids on the bottom branch and work your way up writing down as much information as you can. When you exhaust the knowledge that your family members have on offer then your next move will probably to do some online research.
Here's a list of websites and services I've come across that can help you get started. Some charge a fee for their service, while others have some very detailed information for free.
Irish Census Archives
To use this website you're going to need names and places of birth of your relatives. This website allows you to search census records from 1901 and 1911 that took place in Ireland. You will be able to print out a PDF scan of your ancestors actual census filing (pretty cool!). It gives some pretty interesting information regarding the family's occupations, health status, ages, etc. And it's free :)
To use this website you're going to need names and places of birth of your relatives. This website allows you to search census records from 1901 and 1911 that took place in Ireland. You will be able to print out a PDF scan of your ancestors actual census filing (pretty cool!). It gives some pretty interesting information regarding the family's occupations, health status, ages, etc. And it's free :)
This site allows you to search church records for marriages, baptisms and burials going back hundreds of years. They even have a wonderful document you can download that gives you tips on tracing your Irish ancestors. There is also a genealogy related Information Directory within that file that provides many useful phone numbers and other contact details for ancestry resources.
Ellis Island
Millions of Irish emigrants passed through the doors of Ellis Island en route to America. If your Irish ancestors arrived in the US between 1892 and 1954 then there's a good chance this is where they first set foot on US soil. Their website will allow you search for you relatives, and has original arrival records and ships manifests that you can print out. Interestingly the first ever person to be processed at Ellis Island was a young Irish girl, Annie Moore, arriving on a ship from Cobh (formerly Queenstown) in County Cork.
Irish Heritage Certificate
Apply for your certificate of Irish Heritage at the link above. The certificate is an official recognition by the Irish government of your Irish Heritage.
Millions of Irish emigrants passed through the doors of Ellis Island en route to America. If your Irish ancestors arrived in the US between 1892 and 1954 then there's a good chance this is where they first set foot on US soil. Their website will allow you search for you relatives, and has original arrival records and ships manifests that you can print out. Interestingly the first ever person to be processed at Ellis Island was a young Irish girl, Annie Moore, arriving on a ship from Cobh (formerly Queenstown) in County Cork.
Irish Heritage Certificate
Apply for your certificate of Irish Heritage at the link above. The certificate is an official recognition by the Irish government of your Irish Heritage.
Some other notable websites that may aid you in your research:
There's plenty more resources available online to help you find where you came from. I think with the information above, you should have a pretty good chance at finding this information. I wish you the very best in tracing your roots.
I'll leave you with an excerpt from John Locke's famous poem, "Dawn on the Irish Coast", aka the "Emigrant's Anthem"
But there it is—
The dawn on the hills of Ireland !
God's angels lifting the night's black veil
From the fair, sweet face of my sireland !
O, Ireland! isn't grand you look—
Like a bride in her rich adornin !
With all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you the top of the morning !
Slainte!
I'll leave you with an excerpt from John Locke's famous poem, "Dawn on the Irish Coast", aka the "Emigrant's Anthem"
But there it is—
The dawn on the hills of Ireland !
God's angels lifting the night's black veil
From the fair, sweet face of my sireland !
O, Ireland! isn't grand you look—
Like a bride in her rich adornin !
With all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you the top of the morning !
Slainte!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Guinness, and the Guinness Storehouse
A trip to Ireland wouldn't be complete without a visit to the home of one of the most famous drink brands in the world - Guinness.
I'm not going to write a ton about the Guinness Storehouse because it's pretty clear to me that the best place to find out everything you'll need to know about visiting the brewery and storehouse is on the official website.
But I would like to share with you some of the information I learned, and give you a few tips on what you'll be able to enjoy there based on my own experience.
The Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's number one tourist attraction, at St. James' gate is just a short walk from Dublin's city centre and is a must-see for any tourist coming to Ireland. It's very easy to get there as it's so central to the city. Walking, driving or taking the tram system (Luas) are probably the best way you'll find yourself on Arthur's doorstep.
On your visit there you'll be able to learn about the history of Guinness, the story of its founder Arthur Guinness and you'll be able to enjoy a pint or 2 of the delicious drink that has famously been brewed at this location since 1759!
Here's a sample of some of the many things you'll be able to enjoy on your visit to the Guinness site:
One of my favorite pages on that site is the Memoirs of Guinness page where they provide video links to clips made for the 250th anniversary. Local people describe their memories of life at Guinness, from working there to having it be such a large part of their community. It is well worth checking out the clips.
You could easily spend many hours enjoying all that the Storehouse has to offer, but if you're staying in the area or have time before or after your visit, then here is a list of some of the other nearby attractions:
I'm not going to write a ton about the Guinness Storehouse because it's pretty clear to me that the best place to find out everything you'll need to know about visiting the brewery and storehouse is on the official website.
But I would like to share with you some of the information I learned, and give you a few tips on what you'll be able to enjoy there based on my own experience.
The Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's number one tourist attraction, at St. James' gate is just a short walk from Dublin's city centre and is a must-see for any tourist coming to Ireland. It's very easy to get there as it's so central to the city. Walking, driving or taking the tram system (Luas) are probably the best way you'll find yourself on Arthur's doorstep.
On your visit there you'll be able to learn about the history of Guinness, the story of its founder Arthur Guinness and you'll be able to enjoy a pint or 2 of the delicious drink that has famously been brewed at this location since 1759!
Here's a sample of some of the many things you'll be able to enjoy on your visit to the Guinness site:
- Learn the story of Arthur Guinness, the man who started it all. Born in 1725 in Celbridge, County Kildare Arthur, at the age of 34, signed a 9000 (yes! thousand) year lease in 1759 to brew his recipe at St. James' Gate.
- You'll have the opportunity to pull your own pint which you can then enjoy.
- Enjoy a drink and a Guinness Stew in Arthur's bar on the 5th floor.
- Browse the merchandise and souvenirs in the retail store. If you're looking for a gift for someone, then you've come to the right place :)
- Take in the amazing 360 degree view of Dublin city from the Gravity bar.
- Learn from the master brewer about the ingredients and brewing process.
- Discover how highly skilled Coopers made the wooden barrels which transported Guinness all over the world.
- ...and much more.
One of my favorite pages on that site is the Memoirs of Guinness page where they provide video links to clips made for the 250th anniversary. Local people describe their memories of life at Guinness, from working there to having it be such a large part of their community. It is well worth checking out the clips.
You could easily spend many hours enjoying all that the Storehouse has to offer, but if you're staying in the area or have time before or after your visit, then here is a list of some of the other nearby attractions:
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
- The Phoenix Park (home to quite a few points of interest e.g. Dublin Zoo, Aras an Uachtarain (The resident of the Irish President)
- St. Stephen's Green
- National War Memorial Park
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Cliffs of Moher
Have you been to the Cliffs of Moher? If not, then when you're planning your trip to Ireland then put this on your "must-do" list. This is one of those places in the world that takes your breath away. I've been to some amazing places, Machu Picchu, Grand Canyon and a couple of other similar attractions, and I'd put this up there with those for the WOW! factor.
When you get to the cliffs, you'll park nearby and have a short walk to the cliffs, first passing by the Visitor Center which is a pretty cool little place set inside a grassy hill. You can stop here to get something to eat or drink, and maybe even a little souvenir of your trip to the west coast of Ireland.
Coming out of the Visitor Center, you'll turn to the right and walk up a small hill towards the cliffs. Head right from there and you will find yourself at O'Brien's Tower which is one of the best points to take in the scenery both to the north and south. If you had turned left before going towards O'Brien's Tower, then you will find yourself walking out along a very scenic pathway along the edge of the cliffs. Private land owners have signs regarding trespassing rules etc, but any time I've been there it seems few people take little notice of them, but decide for yourself. If you do decide to walk anywhere near the cliffs edge, then be sure to take extra care. One slip is one too many, because there are no protective barriers to stop you going on a very rapid free-fall.
On a clear day, you can really enjoy the expanse of the cliffs and the magnificent views up there. The cliffs reach a height of 702 feet (214m) and stretch along the west coast of Ireland for approx 5 miles (8km). Looking westward you will have a view of the Aran Islands and you'll also be able to enjoy views of some of the beautiful Co. Clare and Co. Galway mountains. Looking out from the top of the cliffs is one of those memorable breathtaking experiences that is hard to describe in words. It feels like your at the edge of the world.
If you are brave enough to get close to the edge, the view down to the waves, crashing off the cliff face, is spectacular. And if you are a bird enthusiast there is a very active seabird colony who nest on the cliff face. If you have binoculars then I suggest you bring them, because this is one of those sights where their use will definitely enhance your experience.
Everything you'll need to know about how to get to the cliffs, prices, the facilities there etc, can be found here, at the official Cliffs of Moher website. They also have virtual tours on their site, but to really appreciate the cliffs fully, you should try to make a trip there.
So how do you get there? Well of course you can drive yourself and get directions as you normally might. But to make it easy for you so you can sit back and enjoy the ride, there are plenty of tour operators that have buses that go to the cliffs. You can find that info on the official website. You can also take public transportation to get to the cliffs. This may include a train and/or bus ride. Again, you can find that info on the website.
One other way you can get to the cliffs is by taking a cruise on Aran Ferries. This is something I have not yet done, but I am seriously considering it for my next trip. I can only imagine how spectacular the view looking up at the cliffs from below must be. Take a look at their website for info on how to book their tour, and there you will also see some pictures and a YouTube clip of the tour.
For those of you with a few extra dollars/Euros in your pocket then another option for enjoying the breathtaking views and splendor of the Cliffs of Moher is to take a helicopter tour with Galway Helicopters. They'll take you from the shores of Galway bay south towards the cliffs, while taking in the Burren and Aran Islands along the way.
My personal tip before you go: If your schedule allows, then try to be flexible in going there on a day when the weather is expected to be good. You will thank yourself for it :)
I would like to add a word about conservation. The following section is taken from cliffsofmoher.ie. It is something they encourage, and I do too.
We encourage visitors to the Cliffs of Moher to abide by the 7 principles of Leave No Trace which are
Plan ahead & Prepare
Be Considerate of Others
Respect Farm Animals & Wildlife
Travel & Camp on Durable Ground
Leave What You Find
Dispose of Waste Properly
Minimise the Effects of Fire
Thanks for reading. I hope you've enjoyed the information I've provided, and I hope you feel encouraged to visit our beautiful Cliffs of Moher.
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When you get to the cliffs, you'll park nearby and have a short walk to the cliffs, first passing by the Visitor Center which is a pretty cool little place set inside a grassy hill. You can stop here to get something to eat or drink, and maybe even a little souvenir of your trip to the west coast of Ireland.
Coming out of the Visitor Center, you'll turn to the right and walk up a small hill towards the cliffs. Head right from there and you will find yourself at O'Brien's Tower which is one of the best points to take in the scenery both to the north and south. If you had turned left before going towards O'Brien's Tower, then you will find yourself walking out along a very scenic pathway along the edge of the cliffs. Private land owners have signs regarding trespassing rules etc, but any time I've been there it seems few people take little notice of them, but decide for yourself. If you do decide to walk anywhere near the cliffs edge, then be sure to take extra care. One slip is one too many, because there are no protective barriers to stop you going on a very rapid free-fall.
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| A sign at the cliffs - Don't be this person! |
If you are brave enough to get close to the edge, the view down to the waves, crashing off the cliff face, is spectacular. And if you are a bird enthusiast there is a very active seabird colony who nest on the cliff face. If you have binoculars then I suggest you bring them, because this is one of those sights where their use will definitely enhance your experience.
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| The View to the south |
So how do you get there? Well of course you can drive yourself and get directions as you normally might. But to make it easy for you so you can sit back and enjoy the ride, there are plenty of tour operators that have buses that go to the cliffs. You can find that info on the official website. You can also take public transportation to get to the cliffs. This may include a train and/or bus ride. Again, you can find that info on the website.
 |
| O'Brien's Tower and the sea stack below |
For those of you with a few extra dollars/Euros in your pocket then another option for enjoying the breathtaking views and splendor of the Cliffs of Moher is to take a helicopter tour with Galway Helicopters. They'll take you from the shores of Galway bay south towards the cliffs, while taking in the Burren and Aran Islands along the way.
My personal tip before you go: If your schedule allows, then try to be flexible in going there on a day when the weather is expected to be good. You will thank yourself for it :)
I would like to add a word about conservation. The following section is taken from cliffsofmoher.ie. It is something they encourage, and I do too.
We encourage visitors to the Cliffs of Moher to abide by the 7 principles of Leave No Trace which are
---
Follow Us on Twitter
My Photoblog: Scenic Ireland
Irish T-Shirts and Gifts
92RVZ9AUD7HS
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Annual Cork Jazz Festival
Just in time for one of the biggest and longest running music festivals in Ireland, I’d like to give you some information on the Cork Jazz Festival.
The Cork Jazz festival, hosted by Guinness, is an annual October bank holiday weekend event held in Cork, celebrating Jazz Music. The festival has been drawing hundreds of musicians and thousands of music enthusiasts to the city since 1978. I daresay that the Guinness has played its part in attracting a fair share of the crowd too :)
The Jazz festival started off as a relatively small event, but is now a world famous one which can attract some of the most famous names in Jazz. Some of the past performers include Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and Oscar Peterson.
The city centre of Cork is the best place to be during the festival. This is where you’ll need to be to catch some of the top names. This year venues such as the Savoy Theatre and The Everyman Palace will have artists such as Pee Wee Ellis and Bill Evans for you to enjoy.
The city centre may be the hub of the activity but if you’re looking for something a little bit more low key, then you’ll be quite pleased to know that most pubs on the outskirts of the city, the suburbs and in the more rural areas of Cork will be providing live music too. I’d suggest making a quick call to a few pubs that you know of, to find out what they have lined up. You’re not going to get the top names in Jazz that you would in the city, but you’ll still have a good night out (or 4) and you’ll be able to save a bit of money on lower entry fees.
The Jazz festival has expanded outside of the music in more recent years. This year you can find a Jazz Photography Exhibition at the Triskel Arts Centre, Jazz Improv sessions around town, Jazz camp, street music and much much more.
Please see the official Cork Jazz website for all the information you may need to have a very enjoyable long weekend in Cork.
Dates: Oct 28 – 31 2011
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Saturday, October 8, 2011
Blarney Castle
Irish points of interest - where do I begin :) I say that happily because Ireland
You'll look at Ireland on a map and say “no problem, I’ll get around that in a few days, and have enough time for mainland Europe ”. Well my advice is spend as much time as you can in Ireland
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| The magnificent Blarney Castle |
I will 'label' these types of posts with "points of interest". That’ll make it easy for you to find them in my blog. Please come back often, or follow us on Twitter (@visitingIreland) to get updates of when I have a new post for you to read.
I’m going to start with Blarney Castle Blarney .
Blarney is a small town on the outskirts of Cork City in the southern end or Ireland
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| Kissing the Stone |
The Blarney Stone sits at the very top of Blarney castle and to kiss it you have to lie back, lean over the edge of the castle (there’s a barrier these days so you don’t fall) and pucker up! A wonderful experience for anybody trying to connect with their Irish roots.
There are many stories and myths surrounding the origins of the Blarney Stone. One is that the stone was a gift from Robert the Bruce (seen Braveheart?) to the Munster King and builder of Blarney Castle
Within the grounds of Blarney castle, or just outside in the nearby park you can sit and relax and have a picnic. There’s plenty of local pubs on the main street just outside the Woolen mills. There you can enjoy a pint of Guinness, or sample the famous Cork Blarney .
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| View through the trees |
Give yourself at least 5 or 6 hours to enjoy Blarney .
Have fun, and I'd love to hear from you regarding your time there.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Feckin Irish Whiskey
Came across this bottle today, and thought it was worth posting :) You'll know what it means if you're Irish or you've been to Ireland.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Driving in Ireland
Driving in Ireland can be fun and exciting and it’s a great way to see the country, but as almost anyone that has driven there will agree, sometimes it can be a bit of an adventure. From winding narrow roads, to roads with no lane markings, animals on the road, the weather conditions and quite a few other hazards it’s a wonder anyone gets around. Well they do, and if you’re prepared for what’s in store, then you will too.
I always advise friends in the US who are visiting Ireland to rent a car that is no bigger than what they need. When driving in most parts of the US (maybe with the exception of inner-city driving) there’s so much room for each car. When driving in Ireland you’ll find you’re not afforded so much room. I’ve heard people say “it’s like driving in a bike lane!” A little bit of exaggeration, but you get the point.
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Typical Irish countryside road
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Renting a car in Ireland is similar to renting a car anywhere else in the world. You need a valid license and usually a credit card or cash deposit. Check the insurance and license requirements before you go. All the major car rental companies, Hertz, National, Avis etc, have offices there, so you won’t have a hard time finding a rental. What may come as a surprise to a lot of tourists though is that almost all cars in Ireland are manual (stick shift) and not automatic. Of course the rental companies do offer automatic cars, but the cost factor is significantly more. If someone in your group can drive a manually operated car then you’re gonna save a few Euro/$. And you’ve found your designated driver J, which brings me to “don’t drink and drive”.
Obviously drink and driving is dangerous, and illegal. It’s just better that you don’t do it. Taxi services in Ireland are readily available, and public transport is always a good option. I’m sure wherever you’re staying the staff can provide the info you need to get to where you want to go. Police (called Garda in Ireland) checkpoints are quite frequent on Irish roads. Chances are high they will breathalyze you if they stop you, so be prepared. The culture to drinking and driving has changed a lot in the last 10-15 years. There was a time when basically there was no limit on what you could drink before driving. But now the laws are very strict, for the better, and the limit is effectively zero tolerance.
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| It's not uncommon to see tractors on the road |
A few things to note: 1. Turning on a red light is not allowed. 2. Roundabouts (traffic circles) are very common, so do a little research on them if you’re not used to them. Basically the traffic in a roundabout has the right-of-way and entering traffic must yield. 3. Road markings are a bit different e.g. double yellow line = a US red zone (no parking). 4. Parallel parking is more common, so you will find a space faster if you can do this. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask people you pass for directions (they love to chat). Directions are usually given by land markings and not road names. 6. Talking while on a mobile/cell phone is not allowed.
I know this post may seem like a little bit of a downer, pointing out dangers, a few rules of the road etc. But it’s better to be aware than not. That way you can plan. I would like to say that driving in Ireland is the best way you are going to see the country, probably the most affordable, and it also gives you the freedom to go where you please and when you want. You will be able to take in some spectacular scenery and take detours to some amazing little places that you may not be able to do if you are on a tour bus.
Enjoy, and be safe!
Next blog: Points of Interest
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Where to Stay
So you've completely lost touch with that long lost Irish cousin. And the guy from the pub who drunkenly offered you a place to stay isn't answering his phone. Well, after a hectic day of sipping the black stuff and snapping pictures of sheep with paint on them (more on than some other time) it seems like you may be looking for a place to lay your head.
Ireland is full of great accommodation offerings, probably the most notable being the local B&B (Bed and Breakfast) that you’ll find in every town and village around the country. These B&Bs are a great place to stay for their cleanliness, the food, the hospitality and the craic! Generally speaking you will be staying in somebody’s home. Due to this, the place will be clean, they will serve you food that they would eat (traditional and yummy), and in the evenings there may even be some singing to accompany the pint you’ll have in your hand. Of course not every B&B is the same, but if you read the reviews, and find one that suits you, then these are a great option, and a favorite of mine. One website that offers great information on location, pricing, reviews and other details for B&Bs all around Ireland can be found here. They have an interactive map so you can find B&Bs by county, and they even have mobile apps for the tourist on the go.
Ireland like most other well developed countries has a decent hotel network, with many major hotel chains having locations there. Most travel sites will provide you with options for finding these, but it is also quite easy to do a web search for the county you are staying in to find what hotels are available. Many hotels offer specials, such as leisure center access, free breakfast, evening entertainment etc. This is one of those areas where you need to do the research to find what best suits your needs. Like anywhere else in the world, you will find hotels that span a very wide cost scale, so it’s best to do your research well ahead of time.
If you’re on a tight budget, then a hostel may be the way for you to go. Hostels are generally more widely available in the larger cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway than they may be in more rural areas. They can be quite affordable but have their drawbacks such as having to share a room with a complete stranger (protect your valuables!). You can find a hostel finding service at the following link.
Wherever you choose to stay, stay safe and have fun!
Next blog: Driving in Ireland
Getting there
Like almost anything these days, the internet has made things a lot easier in researching ways to get to Ireland. Obviously there’s no way for me to know where you’re coming from, but I can highlight a few of the entry points into Ireland to assist with your trip.
By Air: Ireland has multiple international airports, the largest being Dublin on the east coast and Shannon on the west, which service flights to/from the USA as well as many other parts of the world. Many of the other Irish airports can be reached via European hubs such as London Heathrow, Spanish, Italian, French airports etc. You really need to search the current flight listings for this information. The more common airlines flying to Ireland at present are Aer Lingus, Ryanair (low cost, no frills), BMI, Air France, American, US, Delta, Lufthansa and quite a few more. The best option for finding the route and fare that suits your needs is by going to one of the main travel sites such as Expedia or Orbitz. A web search using a phrase such as “air fares” will give you more options.
By Sea: Ireland can be reached by ferry from France and the UK. This is a great option if you want to bring your car or if you are on a tighter budget. A lot of times travelling by ferry can be a lot less stress and hassle, but of course you do have to sacrifice some more time to get there. However, there are some “fast ferries” available if you are travelling from the UK. Stenaline and Irish Ferries currently provide these options. Their websites are the best point of contact for further information.
By Car: Of course Ireland is an island consisting of the Republic and Northern Ireland, so technically you can reach Ireland from another country by simply getting in your car and driving across the international border (easy!).
Not that you’ve gotten there, what if you want to leave? A vacation from your vacation! I thought it would be a good tip to mention that you can fly to so many other parts of Europe on low cost airlines for next to nothing. The one thing to be aware of is the baggage and other extra charges that low cost airlines are always trying to find or increase to fatten their wallets. Many Americans in particular will travel to Europe and want to visit many countries. Ireland is a perfect staging point for this approach to travelling, so have fun with your fare-finding.
I suppose a “Getting there” topic wouldn’t be complete without touching on what you may need to get into the country. I’m not going to go into too much detail here because I am by no means an expert on what visas are required, but more importantly because this information changes frequently, and the best points of contact are your own countries embassy and the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service website
Next blog: Where to stay
Why Ireland?
Ireland is such a wonderful place, and when you go there you will see exactly why. It’s nicely situated on the far west side of Europe, just off the main continent, with its closest neighbor being Great Britain. It’s easily accessible through many regional and international airports, and can also be reached from mainland Europe and Britain by ferry.
Ireland retains many of the attractions and qualities that have drawn visitors to its shores for generations. The people are friendly, the scenery is unrivalled, the music is lively, the cities are bustling, the food is flavorsome and the drink is free-flowing.
When you combine all of these qualities, the result is a perfect place in the world for people to gather and enjoy themselves.
Ireland’s unique past and its long and privileged association with countries such as the United States, Britain, Australia and many more, have always been a source of interest for people in retracing their roots, and coming back to what millions of people call “home”. There are not many places in the world that are as celebrated as Ireland. Our patron saint’s day, March 17, is celebrated in almost every country in the world, and the love for Ireland can be sincerely felt by ex-pats living all over the world.
Now that I hope you are fully convinced that Ireland is a place for you to personally lay eyes on, I will begin providing some valuable tips for your stay.
Next blog: Getting there
Fáilte go hÉireann (Welcome to Ireland)
So here you are. You’ve decided to visit the land of saints and scholars. The place where leprechauns and rainbows are in abundance. The place where you can enjoy the “craic agus ceoil”, and sip the finest pints of Guinness. Ireland!
I am happy you have chosen to visit Ireland, and I really do hope you have a wonderful time. To make your trip more enjoyable, I have decided to create an interactive blog, where I provide information to you on a wide ranging list of topics of all things you’ll need to have a great time. I am hoping some of you take the time to post your experiences on here and hopefully together we can build up a great source of information on what it takes to enjoy your trip to Ireland.
I’m sure there’s a hundred and one, maybe even a million and one, places on the internet where you can get travel advice for your trip to Ireland. I’m sure they all provide very valuable information and you should consult more than one reference source to ensure you have a happy stay in our very beautiful country. I am hoping I can add to your experience by posting a new update as often as I find time. Please use this blog as a place to comment on your experiences, and what you found to be helpful or not. Also, if you have requests on topics you would like to see discussed, please send me a note.
Fáilte go hÉireann.
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