Top 10 Tips when Visiting Ireland

Posted by itbsuperrich on May 31st, 2008

Ireland is a magical place. It has a culture and heritage that is truly it’s own. The country is divided into The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic has 26 counties while Northern Ireland has 6 counties giving the entire country 32 in total.

1. No visit to Ireland is complete without having spent at least a couple of days in the capital city Dublin. Dublin is now accessible from most major airports worldwide. Car rental can be hired from all major recognised companies directly at the airport but we suggest booking in advance to get the best rates. Car rental also offers more flexibility if visitors wish to travel further a field.

2. Galway is widely regarded as the fastest growing city in Europe. Located on the West Coat of Ireland, Galway is a lively city with an extremely young vibrant population. Known for its numerous pubs and cafes Galway is a must on any travellers agenda.

3. Cork is the third largest city in Ireland following Dublin and Belfast. Watch out for the famous Cork accent as its fast and can at times be hard to grasp. Home to Murphy’s and Beamish stout or beer Cork was the European Capital of Culture in 2005.

4. The famous Ring of Kerry has been travelled by millions of visitors at this stage. Enjoy the spectacular scenery that the Ring of Kerry boasts. Located close to Killarney this is a must see for any serious traveller. Be prepared for a slow ride though as the route is often very busy.

5. Possibly one of Ireland’s best kept secrets is County Sligo. Located in the North West of Ireland Sligo was home to W.B.Yeats the famous poet. Much of his inspiration was derived from the local surrounds. Marvel at Lough Gill, Ben Bulben and Knocknerea.

6. While Belfast may have gained an International reputation as a violent city due to it’s past it has now become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. The city is full of life and oozes an energy rarely found elsewhere. Another must!

7. The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are a real treat. Standing hundreds of feet tall and reaching up from the Atlantic Ocean the Cliffs of Moher are a true spectacular. Surfers are now coming from around the globe to ride the mighty waves at the base of the cliff.

8. Fancy taking a trip back in time to how Ireland used to be? If so take a trip to The Aran Islands off the coast of Galway where Gaelic or Irish is the main language. The Islands will give you a glimpse of how Ireland used to be with a laid back attitude prevalent.

9. Visit County Wexford, known as The Model County and climb Europe’s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head. Dating back over 500 years this is a climb that will leave you breathless-not from the exertion of the climb but from the views.

10. Lastly be sure to book your accommodation and car rental well in advance to avoid any disappointment. Remember that the Euro is now the currency of Ireland so do your calculations prior to booking.

Dara Ward is the Managing Director of Accommodation in Ireland and operates over 20 Irish Travel and Tourism websites. He is widely recognised as an expert in the promotion of tourism to and within Ireland and has an in-depth knowledge of the travel industry in Ireland. He also operates Hotels in Dublin amongst other sites.

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Ireland- A Quick Guide

Posted by itbsuperrich on May 30th, 2008

Ireland is known as The Emerald Isle or The Land of Saints and Scholars. In truth it is one of the world’s fastest growing economies where time no longer stands still. It is a country with a young vibrant and energetic population eager to be part of the Celtic Tiger as the rapidly growing economy has become known as.

Ireland is divided into 32 counties and 4 provinces-Munster, Ulster, Connaught and Leinster. The country has a population in excess of 5 million inhabitants. Ireland is famed the world over for its music, literature and friendly folk. U2, Yeats, Beckett and Joyce being just some of the more recognisable names.

Ireland boasts a unique culture one that is truly it’s own. While English is the most widely spoken language Gaelic or Irish was the only language spoken until the early 20th century. Gaelic is a fascinating and deeply meaningful language and is still taught widely in all schools today. It is reputed to be one of the hardest three languages in the world to master. Gaelic games such as football and hurling are widely played in Ireland and are a true spectacle to watch. Hurling, played with 15 men on each team and with sticks is the fastest field game in the world. Both games retain amateur status to this day.

Dublin is the capital city and is located in the East of the country on The River Liffey. With a population in excess of 1.25 million Dublin is a lively city with lots to do and see. Home to the famous Guinness beer, Dublin has acquired an International reputation as a great party city. The main landmarks are Grafton Street which is the principle shopping street, O Connell Street-the cities main street and Temple Bar. Temple Bar is the bohemian part of the city full of lively bars, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries.

Ireland is a real gem and a must see destination for any avid traveller. For those interested in exploring the mystical Isle of Ireland reserving accommodation in advance is always advisable. Car rental should also be booked well in advance and provides a great way to travel at your leisure. Remember that driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road!

Dara Ward is Managing Director of Irish Accommodation Guide and operates over 20 Irish Travel websites. He is recognised as an expert on the travel industry in Ireland. Dara operates and lives in Ireland’s oldest 2 storey thatched cottage in Wexford, Ireland. His sites allow guests to book over 9000 properties in Ireland instantly online including all Hotels in Dublin.

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A Land of the Rising Sun

Posted by itbsuperrich on May 29th, 2008

A magic of the East has been always attracting the minds of the Western minds. For many centuries Japan was closed for the foreigners, but even its open now there still remains a mystery. Japan is a unique combination of the traditions and the latest technology achievements. You can never say for sure that you have understood this country and its inhabitants.

Japan has a lot to show. The main and the biggest city, the capital of Japan - Tokyo - can be the starting point to this orient country. It’s not only the Japanese biggest city, but if count with its suburbs, the biggest metropolis on earth. Despite high towers of the office buildings, the most up-to-date underground and railway trains, there still exist the remains of the Tokyo long history. Ancients temples and palaces are the main tourist attractions in the Japanese capital. However the Tokyo citizens like to visit places too. Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Sengakuji Temple, Yasukuni Shrine, Zojoji Temple - just to name a few. Among all the existing palaces the Imperial palace occupies a very special position. The current Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle in a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.
The best season to visit Tokyo is spring when the cherry blossom creates a mystique atmosphere.

One of the things (except the beauty of the nature and the magnificence of the cultural heritage), which attract a millions of tourists to Tokyo - is shopping. Yes, this Orient city has become one of the world’s fashion Meccas comparable to the best European and American destinations.
The former Japan capital, Kyoto is also worth visiting. It was the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868 and survived a lot of troubles and disasters. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures still exist and are being saved. One the most impressive structures is Imperial Palace. It has lost its Royal status but not his beauty and glory. Kyoto is still considered to be the cultural capital of Japan.

Osaka, with its population of 2.5 million, is Japan’s third largest and second most important city. What to see there? Osaka Castle, famous entertainment and shopping district of Minami, Umeda Sky Building, National Bunraku Theater, Osaka Aquarium.

Those who are interested in not so distant history could be interested in visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki - two cities having become the targets for the atomic bombs in 1945. Both these cities have museums devoting to these events.

Those who are fond of nature should visit Daisetsuzan - the biggest National Park in Japan. It’s situated on Hokkaido - the most Northern and the second largest island in Japan. As Japan lays on the isolated islands its nature is interesting and unique.

When you come to Japan you surely shouldn’t miss - Mount Fuji, one the most popular and wide known symbols of the country. Fuji is a Japan’s highest mountain with a dormant volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. The best view of the Mount Fuji opens from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. Fuji is open for climbing during July and August via several routes.

Whatever is your purpose of visit to Japan you will meet a lot of outstanding and fabulous things you can never see in other places.

For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to http://www.bb72.com

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