Ireland Archives - Page 3 of 47 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

And as our own Scottish story is said to have been formed in a cavern with a future king and a spiky spider you’d think we have the claim, but Bucking Fastard… this is the most incredible cave in the world.

No, not our way of getting around the censors but citing acclaimed Hollywood director Werner Herzog.

Who we’d hope has been to Rathlin Island, off the coast of the North of Ireland, or King’s Cave in Arran in the west of Scotland.

Where a defeated Robert the Bruce is said to have been inspired by a spider weaving their web.

To try, try and try again and eventually defeat England and gain Scotland’s independence.

The bold Werner though passed over the Bruce locations though when choosing his location for his fantasy film.

Which stars Rooney and Kate Mara and Orlando Bloom and Domnhall Gleeson, and plumped instead for Slovenia.

Slovenia’s slithering dragons

And the Postojna Cave whose magic we have flagged up here before.

And which has had a house of dragons long before Game of Thrones was ever being hatched.

As well as extraordinary formations and fauna, which you might expect, but also an underground train.

And the only still-operating underground post office anywhere.

And a dash of Irish

Rooney, Rooney: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

If the stunning setting of a Slovenian set isn’t enough for you, then Bucking Fastard also accessed the magical properties Ireland also has to offer.

Including Dublin’s Pigeon House film studios and on location in Capel Street and in Naas, County Kildare.

Werner shared with us that Bucking Fastard explores the search for the meaning of life.

And that: ‘We cannot see the world as Jean and Joan Holbrooke (Kate and Rooney) see it, but we do see how the world reacts to them.

‘Through the courts and the press, through those that want to help and those who want to use them.

‘Through the eyes of beasts both tame and wild, and even through their own echoes in the core of the earth.’

We are still awaiting release dates for the movie but keep your eyes peeled.

Going underground

But, of course, we can see Postojna for ourselves.

And perhaps, just like Werner and no doubt the Mara sisters, exclaim: Bucking Fastard… this is the most incredible cave in the world.

We’re told that there are eight airlines that fly from Ireland to Slovenia.

And the flight takes 5 hours 29 minutes one-way and costs £436 round-trip.

Countries, Deals, Ireland, Music

25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal

23rd August 202523rd August 2025 funtime65

Do you want your old lobby washed down Con Shine… it’s 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

Not that the swish Harvey’s Point in the north-west of Ireland would ever need their lobby washed down.

Of course, Irish Country legend Brendan Shine’s standard has less to do with lobbies, or pantries.

And more to do with offering amorous invitations and often in return for financial debts.

Irish Country and the Diaspora

Shine on: Brendan Shine. Picture: Newbridge Silverware.

The strains of Irish Country stars is a familiar and nostalgic theme for an Irish Diaspora returning to the Old Sod.

Although the young lad being kept awake in his rented Harkin’s holiday home next door to the bar was blissfully unaware of its meaning.

Now with Country ruling the airwaves just now, down in no small part to Cowboy Carter it is worth acknowledging its Irish offshoot.

Because long before Thin Lizzy, U2 and the Boomtown Rats put Irish pop on the map Irish Country was the music of the masses.

And with international acts bypassing Ireland for Britain, Johnny Cash apart, then Irish singers and bands covered their tunes.

And became superstars on their own island.

Bands of gold

The 78-year-old crooner and other stellar names from the world of Irish Country have become a fixture.

At the institution that is lakeside luxury Harvey’s Point just €15 taxi ride from Donegal Town.

Eamonn Gillespie is the man with the mic every Wednesday introducing the acts, running from September 3 to November 5.

And as well as the Bould Brendan guests can enjoy the likes of Sandy Kelly, Michael English, Dominic Kirwin, Sean Costello and Keith & Lorraine McDonald.

As well as Darly Simpson, Patrick Feeney, Declan Nearney, Simon Casey, Sean Cuddy, Realta Dance of Ireland, Eugene Ginty, Grainne Gavigan.

The Ennis Brothers, The Murphy’s, Jessica Mc Kean and house band, Four Masters Quintet.

Deal us in

You will, of course, sit down for a sumptuous 5-course dinner in the Ballroom.

Before immersing yourself in the captivating two-and-a-half-hours entertainment, and all for just €75.

While as you’ll likely want to turn in there for the night then check out the Cabaret Accommodation Package from €349pps.

For a two-night stay in their executive suites with breakfast by Lough Eske.

A five-course dinner and shoe,

Homemade cookies in your room, a wine tasting and cooking demo on Tuesday and Thursday

And a guided walk every Wednesday morning.

Lie back and think of Ireland: Your Donegal rest

We can’t guarantee that you’ll get your lobby washed down but Brendan Shine will put a smile on your face.

And a host of Irish Country stars making it a very special 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field

22nd August 202522nd August 2025 funtime65

Scotland has its Old Firm derby, England’s East Anglia their Old Farm version and for College Football it’s Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when tailgaters come over in their tens of thousands to Ireland.

For the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic which this year features one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.

College footie fans need no explanation but maybe the rest of us do.

It is, of course, Kansas State University’s ‘Wildcats’ face-off with Iowa State University’s ‘Cyclones’.

Mascots touchdown

The latest iteration of which will take place at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, August 23.

And with a uniquely Irish flavour with a commercial on the EPSN feed of mascots Willie the Wildcat and Cy the Cardinal.

Swapping the gridiron for a lively Irish pub session.

Now putting on any American Football game is akin to a military exercise and the Aer Lingus game just gets bigger every year.

Aer force Lingus

Flying high: Wildcats in town with Aer Lingus.Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Aer Lingus operated special charter flights to Ireland, transporting players, coaches, cheerleaders and band members to Ireland.

While hundreds more supporters and friends have travelled on scheduled transatlantic services from cities across the US.

Aer Lingus also transported 947 pieces of baggage to Dublin.

Including 268 pieces of sports gear and 136 band instruments – 84 from Kansas State and 52 from Iowa State.

On top of that 16 tonnes of cargo made the journey from the colleges to Ireland via Aer Lingus’s scheduled cargo services.

Have a craicing time

Only here for the cheerleaders: Aer Lingus packing the fun Pic: Naoise Culhane.

All worth it though with the game alone projected to generate over €130 million for the Irish economy.

Dublin will be transformed into a festival of American football, with pep rallies, tailgates, live broadcasts, and immersive cultural experiences.

Blending the best of Irish and American traditions.

A full schedule of events as well as updates and key timings can be found on the Official Game Week App.

Following last year’s record-breaking audience of 5 million viewers, ESPN will once again broadcast the game live across the U.S.

Which this year will have a new twist.

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

And it’s just half-time

And will be mega in its own right and a teaser.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings’ historic first NFL game on September 28.

Countries, Ireland

Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland

6th August 20256th August 2025 funtime65

It’s enough to put a smile on the face of any goth teenager… Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland.

Whoever persuaded the world’s sassiest adolescent to exchange Creepy Towers for verdant Wicklow deserves a pay rise.

The second series of Wednesday, the Addams Family spin-off, drops on Netflix today.

And Wicklow film and TV fans, long used to seeing movie stars in their midst, have been spotting Jenna Ortega out and about.

At my old go-to afternoon out for tourist visitors, Powerscourt Demesne in Enniskerry.

Wednesday’s words

Wicked Wednesday: Jenna in Ireland. Cr. Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025

Jenna let her Wednesday mask slip when stopped and asked about her Wicklow getaway.

‘My favourite thing is just how kind the people were.’

While Daddy Gomez was equally effusive, saying: ‘The landscape here is sensational, so beautiful, so nostalgic.’

And to view them in character click here and here.

Now because we are always pleased to drive the whole of the country we should say that the Addams went on an all-Ireland adventure.

And took in Charleville Castle in County Offaly and Dublin’s atmospheric Deansgrange Cemetery.

Powerscourt’s power pals

They’re kooky: The Addams family. Cr. Helen Sloan/Netflix © 2025

Tourism Ireland’s behind the scenes films add to a panoply of great shoots in Ireland’s Hollywood.

For our old friends the Slazengers at Powerscourt they count these stellar visitors as friends.

Tom Cruise, Ryan O’Neal, Rock Hudson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sally Field and Anne Hathaway.

Ireland’s film industry centres around its movie studios in Ardmore near the county’s biggest town Bray.

And another Thing: Addams family fave. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

And like Jenna, Hollywood’s finest love the informality of the locals and just shooting the breeze in the seaside town.

With Britney Spears, no less, checking in to a tattoo parlour in the town on a flying visit.

While the great Sinead O’Connor made Bray hers and her children’s friends, including Daughterie, her home.

Another Hollywood in Wicklow

With all this pixie dust just an hour south of Dublin the good folk of Wickla have been quick to promote their Hollywood links.

Of course, it helps when you’ve got a ready-made village called Hollywood in the Wicklow foothills.

The story goes that in 1850 Wicklow native Matthew Guirke fled the Famine for America and named his homestead after his village.

While we’d never suggest you miss the opportunity to visit the American Hollywood the Irish version has one big advantage.

Across the water: Bandanaman at the Hollwyood sign

You will be allowed up to the letters without fear of a fine and being shouted down on a loudspeaker by LA cops.

A new pathway enables people to visit the upgraded aluminum sign in Wicklow for the first time.

And permits them to visit a site which they could only photographed previously.

Now we can’t vouch if our favourite Goth teen got her selfie there.

But we’d say Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland was an adventure she’ll never forget.

Countries, Ireland, UK

Coronation Street where you never retire

23rd July 202523rd July 2025 funtime65

For everyone else born in 1960 they’d be preparing for their bus pass now, but not on Coronation Street where you never retire.

In old money the world’s oldest continuous TV soap opera would be putting on the slippers and filling the smoking pipe in December.

That was until the powers that be decided to get us all to work longer, and they’re at it again with a new review.

Corrie will have to wait until December next year to pick up its pension at 66.

But there is, and always will be, life in the old cobbles yet.

Friends across the water

The everyday joys and travails of the residents of Coronation Street are, of course, followed by the peoples of the world.

And few more so than those just across the water in Ireland.

Possibly since the neighbours did an uber house swap of sorts with the amount of Irish who relocated to Lancashire.

All of whom are catered for on Celtic Horizon Tours’ two-nighter visiting the Corrie and Emmerdale village sets.

Which again we’ve been steered to by our friends at the Irish Travel Agents Association.

Super soaps

You’ll travel by coach and ferry nights and stay B&B at Bolton Stadium Hotel.

No visit to Emmerdale would be complete without taking in The Woolpack, Café Mainstreet, Davids’s shop.

With a half day visit to Cheshire Oaks.

And a guided tour of the external sets Coronation Street and Emmerdale village.

With a (and get this) meet and greet with a current cast member from Coronation Street.

And you’ll be able to immerse yourself in all those iconic destinations.

Tour de force

Your guides will share secrets from the shows.

And you’ll get to channel your favourite characters in the crafted replica sets.

So have your camera at the ready to strike a pose behind the Rovers Return bar.

And have a Lancashire bacon butty at Roy’s Rolls.

All this from €445pp with dates until September 19.

And what’s best of all is that you’ll be travelling with your soap fan family and friends’ nuts.

Because it is based on ten adults travelling.

Extra special

There are extras too with a single room supplement at €112.

Travel Insurance at €26 per adult/€13 per child.

And an €18 supplement per person if picking the coach up outside Dublin.

And so because we’ll never give up on our favourite soaps.

Pencil in a date for your trip to Coronation Street where you never retire.

Countries, Ireland, Pilgrimage, UK

Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland

18th July 2025 funtime65

And for the weekend that’s in it an opportunity to mark Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland.

Because what we don’t get taught in school is that Scotland and Ireland were indeed united for what must have been three glorious years.

Under the banner of Edward Bruce from 1315-1318.

And you might be familiar with his brother Robert, the King of the Scots, aka Chris Pine,

An alternative future

Edward Bruce’s reign may have been short lived but it offered a tantalising look into an alternative future.

For these Celtic peoples and indeed the Norman Anglo-Irish and their descendants.

Of course, for these weeks in this the year of the Lord 2015.

On sporting fields a thousand miles away in a different colony, Australis, we are all one team.

A British and Irish Lions rugby union select.

And woe betide anyone who abbreviates that to British Lions.

Or worse as in the case of passport pilferer Tony Cascarino who miscalled the elite combo England despite representing Ireland.

My noble bloodline

Now thanks to the excellent Sky History Channel and your favourite blogger’s obsessive interest in the past.

We can relive the days After Braveheart when Scotland and Ireland mastered perfidious Albion.

While the might of the English (and entrapped Welsh) armies and the British Empire colonised Ireland for 700 years.

The Irish and the Scots have managed to stay close through bloodlines.

With this descendant of Irish and Scots stock.

As a Murty, a direct descendant of the High King Muirchertach of Brian Boru’s blood.

And I’m not making this up!

And say an Ave there for me

And so if Edward Bruce’s name was not writ large in English-told history it does not mean we cannot honour him here.

Or point historians, patriots or those who just like a good story to his plot.

At Faughart Cemetery, near Dundalk in County Louth.

Near the modern lines of a border between the North and South of the island of Ireland.

We’re sure his spirit will welcome any of a Scots and Irish set who pays a pilgrimage and says a prayer.

And celebrates Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland.

Countries, Ireland

Ireland a Dinky stay for you and your pet

8th July 20258th July 2025 funtime65

There’s an animal-lover in us all as my Dear Old Dad discovered in Ireland a Dinky stay for you and your pet.

Not that we were allowed one, unless you count the few months when I pestered my parents into bringing Benjie the Budgie into the house.

Or sneaked Jeemy the Mouse into the house despite my Mum’s pathological fright of mice.

So when we visited her homeland of Donegal and Portnoo in north-west Ireland.

We never expected the Man and Best Friend friendship that developed.

With Dinky the Welsh Corgi dog of the owners of the guest where we stayed.

Celtic the Cat’s Whiskers

Of course, as is the way with us all when we set up home for ourselves we get to choose who lives there.

And that meant Celtic, our ‘first-born’, our tabby.

Now pets quickly become part of the family but with that comes problems around holidays.

And Celtic being ushered out to catteries while we flew and flopped or explored new cities.

So, imagine what a Godsend MindMyHome.ie pet sitting service would have been.

Which, of course, gives you savings in pet care, and no kennel stress for furry friends.

Swap shop

Homeowners registered with MindMyHome.ie can also connect with other trusted homeowners for house swaps across Ireland.

And, with dog boarding costing anything up to €65 a night, home owners can avoid paying more for their pet’s holiday than their own.

Registering on the site costs €59 for homeowners, for 12 months access.

The site, which launched in January, already has trusted ‘frequent fliers’ that have cared for half a dozen properties this year.

And housesitters pay the same annual fee for the opportunity to stay in homes, without the typical expenses.

Out of the host’s mouth

Site owner Tom Gilligan said: ‘Sitters build trust with homeowners, show genuine care for pets, and personalise their posts, quickly building a good reputation.

‘It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement where homeowners have peace of mind and cost-savings.

‘While sitters have unique new living experiences in different local communities, in the comfort of a home environment, they have completely to themselves.’

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Oceania

Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries

29th June 2025 funtime65

The tired gag was ‘One letter and six months’ for Europe’s outliers, but who’s had the last laugh now with Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

So who says so… well us, but also Condé Nast’s Global Peace Index.

Who mark countries on lack of corruption, a functioning government, a robust economy, fair distribution of resources.

A free flow of information and good neighbourly relations.

And that’s something to bang your saucepan about which is how the Icelanders expressed their dissatisfaction outside parliament.

Now full disclosure here there is more than a letter apart in my experience of Ireland and Iceland.

As we’ve yet to take the plunge into the Blue Lagoon or the bougie boutique hotels in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Or taken the Icelandair option of stop-off to America.

Irish solution

Aussie philanthropist Steve Killelea (and he must be Irish with a name like that) describes Iceland thus:

‘One of the most stunning countries in the world, like a moonscape covered in snow.

‘It also hasn’t had an internal conflict since 1008 AD when no more than 100 people died.’

As a lesson in conflict resolution Ireland is an example with nearly 30 years of sustained peace in the North.

And you can learn the secrets of that success in the reconciliation hub that is the haven that is Glencree in Co. Wicklow.

Condé Nast describes the Land of Saints and Scholars as boasting ‘striking vistas and storybook towns’.

Lands of bliss

We’ll leave Antipodean Steve to wax lyrical on New Zealand, third on the list.

‘Because of the way it’s honoured indigenous rights, the peace treaty with the Māoris when the British arrived is held to this day.’

And we can share Steve’s admiration for another country who have integration licked, the Swiss.

Fifth on the index Switzerland scores ‘with four official languages coexisting, it takes a remarkable political system to hold that together.

‘By its very nature, it shows us how different cultures can live harmoniously and respectfully within one system.’

Taking a breather: In the Austrian Tirol

In these Alpine parts, of course, No. 4 Austria is never far apart either geographically or in life experience.

Which we’d agree with too and the remarks ‘Austria’s majestic peaks, vast plains and postcard-perfect lakes are as peaceful as they look.’

Pointing too to Vienna’s top spot in the rankings in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit.

The ideal getaways

Now as our lives grow ever busier those who compile these listicles for us and do the heavy lifting for us are a Godsend.

Which leaves us to make our own links and ignore the simplistic jibes of those who don’t make these lists.

The ones that tell the real truth… Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Music

Dustin down my Eurovision past

16th May 202516th May 2025 funtime65

And with the glitterball up and the party in full flow I’ve been Dustin down my Eurovision past.

And showing everyone who is piling around the house my photo of The Turkey in my Big Book of Celebs.

The Eurovision circus has rolled into Basel in Switzerland this week and hoteliers and hospitality providers have been gleefully counting their francs.

There is a premium, of course, whenever a major event turfs up at any city as any conurbation that Taylor Swift graced with her presence last year will know.

And a cost too to the state broadcaster and the country to putting on the Greatest Music Show on Earth.

Which is why the common consensus in Ireland is that the contest’s most successful country (alongwith Sweden now) wouldn’t want to host it again.

Host with the most

And cynics say that is the reason why Ireland’s contenders haven’t maybe been up to the standards.

Of Dana, Johnny Logan, Linda Martin, Niamh Kavanagh, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, and Eimear Quinn.

Dustin’s big moment before he met Yours Truly in a newspaper office in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 was in Belgrade.

When he trilled out Irelande Douze Pointe and alas didn’t manage to persuade the judges to agree.

Not that Eurovision gave him the bird altogether inviting him back for a special appearance at the Liverpool-hosted Ukraine event two years ago.

Feathers fly

Dustin, of course, has never let his feathers be clipped throughout his 36-year musical, and political, career.

And he has duetted with greats of the Irish scene in Chris de Burgh as Christy Burger for Patricia the Stripper.

And paired up with Ronnie Drew and the Saw Doctors for Spanish Lady and Bob Geldof for Rat Trap.

While his political ambitions have seen him compete as Dustin Hoffman in the 1997 Irish Presidential Elections.

And championing the Fianna Fowl and Poultry Party with policies such as ensuring every young person gets a date with a Spice Girl or Pussycat Doll.

All stories I’ll impress our guests when I’m Dustin down my Eurovision past between songs in the final.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Ireland

Easter Reprising in Dublin

20th April 202520th April 2025 funtime65

And because of the weekend that’s in it we pause for an Easter Reprising in Dublin.

Dubliners will walk like they do daily today by the Daniel O’Connell statue.

On the city’s most famous street, named for the Liberator and still with the bullets embedded from 1916.

And pass with a nod of the head or polite meaningless words.

Many, like the Irish-born picture editor I worked with who didn’t know the names of the Easter 1916 rebels.

But who could rattle off the Manchester United team.

The ideal guides

On shoulders of giants: Jim Larkin in O’Connell Streer

Like many of our cities around the world.

The knowledge and enthusiasm for those who did great deeds on our streets is kept alive by tour guides.

As ever we rely on ourselves and the recommendations of Visit Dublin for the best Easter 1916 tour to take.

And that would be The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour.

Led since 1996, on the 80th anniversary by Lorcan Collins, author of The Easter Rising and of James Connolly.

Of course no historical event is ever in a vacuum and Lorcan and his colleagues will walk you through the years from 1798.

Dwelling on the Dublin of 1916 and right up to today.

You’ll meet at the International Bar on Wicklow Street, off Grafton Street, 11.30am Mondays to Saturdays and 1pm on Sundays.

The tour costs €23pp and €14 for children 8-16 and free for under-8s and is a gentle two hours.

Stamp of approval

You’ll visit arguably the most significant working post office in the world.

The GPO (General Post Office) in the centre of O’Connell Street where Padraig Pearce made the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

Dublin Castle, the headquarters of British rule where the first casualty of the rising fell.

Gaolhouse rock

Kilmainham Gaol where the leaders were executed.

And fellow Scot James Connolly was gunned down strapped to his chair with a gangrenous leg.

Film buffs will recognise the prison too from the opening scene of The Italian Job and In The Name Of The Father.

And the Custom House, central to the Civil War, among other landmarks.

Footsteps of legends

In truth, evidence of the Easter Rising is all around you on the streets of Dublin.

And in my 13 years an Irishman, living, working and influencing the direction of the country I love.

The nation of my Dear Old Mum and my Dad’s people.

And for my erstwhile colleague who doesn’t appreciate the sacrifices whose deaths allowed him to be a free Irishman.

Words of history

I write it out in verse.

MacDonagh and MacBride

And Connolly and Pearse

Now and in time to be,

Wherever green is worn,

Are changed, changed utterly:

A terrible beauty is born.

And more of this and much besides in your Easter Reprising in Dublin.