Ireland Archives - Page 9 of 47 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh

29th November 202329th November 2023 funtime65

Do we really need another Dawn French saccharine M&S Christmas advert… no, give us a simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh.

Enniskillen, in the north of Ireland, is seared into the international consciousness for an atrocity which befell the town.

On Remembrance Day 36 years go.

Which is marked now with a lasting memorial.

So it is reviving to see the market town now celebrated for its message of peace and brotherhood rather than decried for its darkest hour.

The unlikely heroes of this story are an old man who seeks companionship and shelter from the cold.

Charlie Bravo

Having placed flowers on a grave and having been ignored on the street he pops into Charlie’s Bar.

Where a dog sits himself opposite the old man and a couple at the bar follow their mutt to sit and sup with him.

And not a mince pie, turkey, stuffing, cracker or anything else that M&S are selling this Christmas, in sight.

Of course, the message that manageress Una Burns is sharing in the £700 video.

Which has garnered millions of views on X and 60,000 likes on TikTok is hospitality and companionship.

Which is, of course, the essence of Irishness.

Now, being a son of Irish hotel and bar people, with a sprinkling of weaver and shop people from this part of the world, I can vouch for that.

The bar is the ideal starting and finishing point on your tour of the Fermanagh Lakelands.

Where you can explore the waterways, caves and historic sites and go walking, kayaking and hydrobiking.

Of course, all of that will put a thirst on you and that is best slaked with a pint of plain as they say in these parts… the magical Guinness.

But Fermanagh also boasts a thriving gin industry too in a setting unmatched anywhere we’d wager.

Joe McGirr’s pride and joy Boatyard Distillery is on the banks of Lough Erne in Northern Ireland and can accessed by both boat and road.

And we know which one would be more fun.

Enniskillen native Joe learned his trade well in Edinburgh and in ten years at the Glenmorangie distillery in Tain in the Highlands.

Before adapting his new-found knowledge back home in Ireland.

Which we, of course, road tested instead pf working one autumn day in Dublin’s Temple Bar.

Of course our Christmas old man and his pals prefer a Guinness around the table.

And the doggie a bowl of water at Charlie’s.

But whatever your tipple the simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh is the Gaelic watchword Fáilte.

Countries, Food & Wine, Ireland

Guinness Dublin’s green and white Christmas

22nd November 202322nd November 2023 funtime65

Even in the home of the black stuff they’re dreaming of Guinness Dublin’s green and white Christmas.

You’ll see I’ve Christmas cribbed from Guinness’s enduring festive advertising and am happy to do so.

And, of course, we put caressing a pint (or gargle, my collective noun) of plain at the centre of our Christmas carousing.

We learned to in, of all places at the Ri Ra Irish bar in Las Vegas.

Now the best place to sup your Guinness is Ireland and while we all have our fave bars there’s only one Guinness Storehouse.

Where you get the panoramic view from their Gravity bar, the top floor of their seven storeys.

But don’t take my word for it (well do) but American Presidents (and their governor pals) and British royalty have all sipped the stout.

Kodaline high hopes

Some, of course, going the full hog to don a white foam moustache.

This year Guinness Storehouse in the capital’s Liberties district is pushing its already excellent green credentials.

By dressing up the Christmas tree with 1759 lights, soundscaped decorations and a festive menu of Irish produce.

The recently awarded Leading Tourist Attraction in Europe has collaborated with multi-media talents, Farouk Alao, Sorcha O’Higgins and Ger Clancy, as well as Jason Boland (Kodaline), who has created an original piece of music.

Sorcha’s artwork represents the Guinness Storehouse through the ages – an industrial past, an iconic present, and a technicolour future.

While Ger Clancy’s take on the iconic St James’s Gates makes for the perfect backdrop to festive photos this season.

Tunnel of love

Friends in high places: With former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe

This year, visitors can interact with a cinematic experience that uses cutting edge technology to breathe new life into stories and photography from the Guinness Archives.

Curated by Nigerian Irish multi-disciplinary artist Farouk, each scene uses motion technology to invite visitors to explore, capture and share moments of festive celebration with friends and family during their tour.

One of the first visual installations that consumers will see is the dramatic tunnel, which sits beneath the Guinness Storehouse Christmas tree featuring those 1759 lights as a nod to the year Guinness began.

And reframes the 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness.

Guinness with it all

There are seasonal experiences to marvel at and excite the senses behind St. James’s Gate this Christmas.

A giant bauble display fills the building, perfect for capturing a story for Instagram, while pop-up live entertainment during the holidays will help visitors create special memories.

Of course the stout is at the centre of everything in the Storehouse.

So enjoy the best artisan producers like Kish Fish and Medialuna, Irish cheese producers, the spiced beef sandwich, and Mulled Guinness and Guinness smoked salmon.

Meaning you can take a taste of the Guinness Storehouse from our home to yours this Christmas.

Guests can also upgrade to the STOUTie or Academy experiences, both available as optional extras when booking on the Guinness Storehouse website for the ultimate day out in Dublin over the festive break.

Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse is included in each experience ticket.

Make a date

The law of Gravity: At the top of the Storehouse

EXPERIENCE DATES: Wednesday November 22^nd – Friday 5^th January

OPENS: 10am

PRICES: Start from €24 per adult

Countries, Ireland

The driver of a train

28th October 202328th October 2023 funtime65

Time flies by when you’re the driver of a train, the Chigley version rather than the Half Man Half Biscuit version.

Because whatever else changes in the world kids (and big kids alike, like my father-in-law Casey Jones) always love pulling the levers or pushing the buttons.

In the booths and cabins of planes. (back in the day), trains and cruise ships.

Don’t let kids (or often big kids) at your car, particularly if it’s your classic Fiat Cinquecento on the French Riviera.

But we should always be encouraged into the driver’s seat as part of any excursion which has transport at its heart.

Behind the wheel

Cherry on top: Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados

And thankfully my efforts at the wheel were just for fun.

On Princess Cruises in Dublin, or the highest train in Europe, the Jungfraujoch In Switzerland, or a steam engine in Barbados.

Or the flight stimulator in Turkish Airlines Headquarters in Istanbul where I crashed the plane into the Hudson while trying to land at JFK in New York.

Of course, we don’t have to go to foreign climes to enjoy being in the driver’s seat, it’s just that we deserve it.

Because we have those treats right at hand.

Model Malahide

While if you’re lucky enough to live in Dublin, are visiting, or have rellies living there.

Then you can get your ticket to ride the Casino Model Railway Museum this midterm.

And it and the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg have turned me into the kind of gricer old Casey Jones, my father-in-law would be proud.

You’ll drive a life-sized Iarnród Éireann train at the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide.

At its Children’s Interpretative Centre. Adult €7.50 Child €5.00 Family €22.00 (2+2) Student & Seniors €6.00.

It’s housed in the restored Casino ‘Cottage Orné’ in the heart of Malahide, north of the city.

DART hits the mark

The attraction maximises technology, with layered sights and sounds and digital screens.

On the windows of the carriage to help add to the experience.

These interactive elements deliver an educational experience filled with energy and momentum as the DART journey unfolds.

The DART you say, it’s the renowned Dublin Area Regional Transport train service we came to rely on in our 13 years in Ireland.

And there were plenty of times on my way home from Dublin to Greystones that I wished I’d been the driver of a train.

Countries, Food & Wine, Ireland

Mixing with loveholidays

26th October 2023 funtime65

If you want to check out the leading online providers of vacations out there you’d better be mixing with loveholidays which is, of course, what we’ve been doing this week.

Which is the way with cocktail-making, my Saturday night go-to treat for the Scary One, but which is equally applicable to travel.

And for all the experience of 35 years of globetrotting and scribbling about it (all for you you understand) I always know that there is someone who knows more.

And that that someone is the travel provider who makes our dreams come true.

Back when I started out on this road computers were only what you saw on James Bond films where now we all have them.

The danger, of course, unless we’re careful it can all become a bit dehumanising but with the best online operators and here’s where loveholidays come in they bring the personal touch.

For consumers and for those us who are the bridge between the trade and the public… me and my pals.

Do you like Pina Colada?

Double jig time: With Mr Loveholidays Clem and old pals Eugene and Catherine

And in the interests of research and with. thirst and a hunger on us we gathered at the French-inspired Green Hen in Exchequer Street, off Grafton Street in Dublin to mix.

And when we say mix, of course, there’s the craic but also a mixologist on hand to walk us through making our own Pina Colada.

With a mini-bottle of rum, and coconut milk, pineapple and lime juice all set out for us.

As well as a jigger and two shakers.

Now this is what you want to do..

Take 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz white rum, 3 oz pineapple juice

Mix with crushed ice until smooth and pour into chilled glass, garnish and serve.

Lovin’ it

Now, as we always associate Pina Coladas with the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico who recreated the vibe for us at the American Travel Fair in San Antonio.

Then we’re giving you a sample couple of loving.com deals that they’re promoting as part of their long-haul offerings.

With Cancun being noted as an adults-only magnet loveholidays are urging us.

In the words of Rupert Holmes to come with them and escape.

Love, as they’re affectionately known in the circles, offer us seven-days all-inclusive at the Golden Parnassus Resort and Spa.

Down from £1,534 to £1,058, travelling on March 12.

Dom from home: Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness

Or you can go to one of the favourite isles of the rich and famous, the Dominican Republic.

Or Dom Rep as it’s called among the cogniscenti.

You’ll get seven days AI at the Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness.

Down from £1,727pp to £1,170pp, travelling on April 19.

Love Vegas

While we’re taken too by an old favourite in Las Vegas where the cocktails are always flowing particularly at Harrah’s on the Strip.

Love are offering us seven nights from New Year’s Day (room only) at the nearby Venetian, complete with gondolas!

Down from £1,210 to £874pp, travelling on January 1.

Of course, seeing we all love holidays, we’ll be bringing you more loveholidays.

Short-haul, city breaks and long-haul deals to cheer us up.

Because we all love, love, love, mixing with loveholidays.

Countries, Ireland

Winter in Dublin

23rd October 202323rd October 2023 funtime65

Cult Irish band Bagatelle famously ‘remembered that summer in Dublin’, more recently Fáilte Ireland have been promoting Winter in Dublin.

For me in my 13 years an Irishman there were a couple of white Christmases.

And I remember one Snowmageddon and a slippy Leeson Street when I slipped and fell.

Dublin, and Ireland, in truth has never been as prepared as Northern countries for icy grips.

And the sight of Beamers (BMW( abandoned on the dualler (dual carriageway).

En route from plush rugby central Ballsbridge through to Chez Murty in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, was commonplace.

Ariel House of Fun

Wilde stuff: Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square

Of course, winter lockdowns were fortunately rare.

Welcome when it means you get put up in the work’s local hotel, the award-winning Ariel House, for the night.

Light frosting on Herbert Park, Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square and Phoenix Park make Dublin a picturesque winter city.

And I will be wallowing in The Fair City’s winter welcome on a whistlestop trip to my old stomping ground this week.

Night fever

Pat’s the way: At St Patrick’s Cathedral

Kicking off this month and new this year, Dublin by Night Fest is a two-day festival from November 2.

Celebrating the magic of music, arts and culture in Dublin with brass bands, buskers and circus performers to a live outdoor movie screening.

For lit lovers (guilty) The Dublin Book Festival runs from November 8-12.

While later next month The Jonathan Swift Festival will be held in the ornate St Patrick’s Cathedral.

With debates, performances and immersive tours.

Here indoors

Little belter: The Little Museum of Ireland

And because it can get chilly in the winter…

You’ll no doubt visit the must-sees, The Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, the Hugh Lane Gallery, Kilmainham Gaol and ‘the Dead Zoo’ (The National Museum of Ireland’.

But a fave with locals is The Little Museum of Ireland.

This winter it is offering late night tours with a festive tipple on Thursdays, Friday’s and Saturdays through November.

While the National Gallery of Ireland, our go-to when waiting for the Scary One doing her shopping in Grafron Street is warming up for winter.

The National Gallery has after dark events including ‘Meet the Maker’, evening concerts and Spanish themed experiences.

Light up, light up

The city and many venues around it will host light events including Wonder Lights at Malahide Castle from November 10.

Wild Lights” will also return to Dublin Zoo from November 16.

And many of the events, activities and markets take place from November.

And carry all the way through December into January.

Ice, ice maybe

Which all budding ice skaters (fave family memories) in Dun Laoghaire and Blanchardstown will run well into the New Year.

So I’ll be packing my scarf in my hand luggage and taking a deep breath to inhale again the Irish air and my winter in Dublin.

America, Countries, Europe, Ireland, UK

Auld Spooky Edinburgh and scary cities

16th October 202316th October 2023 funtime65

It’s monster fun for many, Halloween, and behind our genteel capital city lies a tale which is why we’re peeking into Auld Spooky Edinburgh and scary cities.

On the back of Planet Cruise’s revelation that Mary King Close in Edinburgh is the most haunted place on Earth.

Putting aside that the Scariest Place on Earth is surely the mother-in-law’s when she’s getting ready for work at Halloween.

These are the most ghoulish gaffes as judged from Trip Advisor data.

Mary King’s Close, for those who don’t know it, lies underneath Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile and dates back to days of plague and pestilence.

It was closed off as was the public health course of the day to keep the disease enclosed.

The poster girl for Mary King’s Close was a girl called Annie who lost her dolly.

And a paranormal scientist is said to have had their hem tugged by said Annie.

The Scares and the Stripes

Now the spiritual world is never idle it would seem and is never busier than around Halloween.

It should come as little surprise that the Lonely Cruise list is dominated by entrants from Britain, Ireland and the US.

With the Halloween tradition believed to have come from these islands.

Before being transported to the American colonies where naturally they took it to Hallmark and Hollywood levels of commercialisation.

It would almost be easier to find somewhere in America without carved-out pumpkins, dusty spider webs and witches.

And not even a prison is sanctuary from the spooks.

Now we’ve run the rule on the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

Where even tough criminals’ legs turned to jelly.

The Shining Shivers

Now we’re all familiar with Stephen King’s The Shining.

But did we know that The Stanley Hotel in Colorado was his inspiration.

Belfast chilled

Jails make another play at No.4 on the spooky list with Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast listed at No.4.

The basement drop cell when criminals dangled from ropes is said to be the spookiest spot.

How abite ye… are you up for the creak and the craic?

Now we’ve given you a sample here’s the full list.

And we know that Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights should be here.

But if the paranormal sends shivers up your spine here’s where you want to go.

The chill chart

So take it awaaaaahhhaaa!

Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh, Scotland
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, Northern Ireland
St Augustine Lighthouse, Florida, USA
Bhangarh Fort. Pajastan, India
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, USA
Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana, USA
Catacombs of Paris, Paris
Tower of London, London

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Sport

Aer Lingus go Le Cork Sportif

30th September 202330th September 2023 funtime65

France is steering itself for a Munster invasion as Aer Lingus go Le Cork Sportif for the Rugby World Cup.

It’s a well-worn route for rugby’s southern heartland.

But with Ireland making strides en route to a final in Paris on October 28 Aer Lingus is making it its mission to get everyone out to France.

And that means bulking up the flights to France from Munster airports, Cork and Shannon.

And so Aer Lingus has re-established the connection between Shannon and Paris after an absence of 12 years, operating twice weekly.

Ya Corker

Take it as Red: But Munster fans turn green.

Now, of course, there is no shortage of Irish pubs in Paris.

But if you like a reminder of your own region when you’re away how about this one?

The Cork & Cavan on 70 Quai de Jemappes on the edge of Canal St Martin is described as the quaintest Irish cafe/bar/pub.

And we’re advised that you are a 50-minute Metro ride from Republique to Stade de France.

And what’s more it’ll cost you just €2.10 which gives you more to spend on your Guinness or a cheeky French red.

Two-way rue

The Aer Lingus Cork to Paris route will operate to October 30.

Of course there are some who don’t like egg (or in France that’s be oeuf) chasing.

And they’re probably looking for somewhere peaceful to escape to.

And Aer Lingus is hoping the Shannon-Paris route will increase inbound traffic to the west of Ireland.

Now that that will provide travellers with a gateway to the region’s landscapes, waterways and culture.

Of course we’re hoping the Gauls will all be heading for their own airports with their tails between their jambes.

After, of course, Ireland have eliminated them from the competition.

And see the Munster invasion coming the other way as Aer Lingus go Le Cork Sportif.

Countries, Culture, Ireland

The story of Ireland

28th September 202328th September 2023 funtime65

It’s the story of Ireland, their story, written by those who were there and left it here for us in books, plays, films and the land.

With Paul Lynch and Paul Murray upholding the tradition of Irish storytelling with Booker prize nods, Fáilte Ireland have mapped out the nation’s literary landmarks.

And it is by visiting those places beloved and referenced in the literary giants’ works that we get inside their minds and see their souls.

Some that no matter how much inspection still take some untangling, but it’s still fun to try.

The Joyce of Dublin

James Joyce remains the most universally-acclaimed Irish writer and proudest promoter of Dublin of any of them.

Joyce sets the first chapter of Ulysses around the old Martello tower of Sandycove, half an hour from the city, where Joyce once lived.

Joyceans can climb the winding stairs of the James Joyce Tower and Museum and read letters, photographs, rare editions and personal possessions.

Before, of course, you head into Dublin and relive Leopold Bloom’s day.

And then check out the original manuscript of Ulysses and much more such as Samuel Beckett artefacts at the Museum of Literature Ireland.

Super Yeats

Poet WB Yeats, shares with Joyce and Beckett the accolade of a Nobel Prize for Literature and he has left his mark.

From Sandymount in leafy South Dublin to his beloved west coast.

The building named for him in Sligo where you can take in a permanent gallery.’

And the ‘Stand where he stood’ tours which combine poetry, drama, history and the landscape of Sligo.

The Tree of Life

Now our antecedent authors were so aware of their own genius that they literally carved their names into the country’s furniture.

At the Autograph Tree and Coole Park Visitor Centre & Gardens, Gort Co. Galway.

And so the greats of the Irish Literary Revival at the start of the last century, Shaw, Synge, John, Hyde, Russell, Yeats, O’Casey and Lady Gregory.

Ulster says yes

Seamus Heaney too reached the pinnacle of the literary world as a Nobel Prize winner and the best place to feel his spirit is in his beloved Ulster.

Donegal is the same landscape that inspired Seamus Heaney.

And a stay in The Song House, previously The Poet’s House Teach na nAmhrán, will likely release the poetry in you.

Heaney’s fellow Ulsterman Patrick Kavanagh is hailed the island over and his statue on a bench by the Grand Canal in Dublin is a personal favourite spot.

But for Kavanagh fans there is more, much more than Raglan Road which you can discover.

Up those country roads at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Co. Monaghan.

The Kavanagh Trail follows Paddy’s footsteps down winding lanes and through his beloved back fields.

While a guided tour is available, booked in advance.

Peig it

Of course, for all the charms of Nobel Prize winners and the masters of the Irish Revival the one author every Irish schoolboy and schoolgirl knows is Peig Sayers.

Peig’s story of her life is a staple of the Irish school curricular and shorthand for everyone who has been through the system (take a bow my two) when they meet anywhere in the world.

Writers Wall in Dingle Town, Co. Kerry, pays tribute to authors from the Chorcha Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and Blasket Islands.

It features quotes from the famous Irish language writers of that region

While you can also take a detour to Listowel, ‘the Literary Capital of Ireland’ to visit Kerry Writers’ Museum.

So wherever you go in the island you can see the story of Ireland in its landmarks… and that’s what they wanted.

Countries, Ireland

Irish road trips really are the best craic

26th September 202326th September 2023 funtime65

Ask an Irishman for directions and they might tell you ‘Oh, I wouldn’t start from here’… Irish road trips really are the best craic.

Irish humour is renowned the world over and in my 13 years in Ireland I took away that their greatest export was their craic.

And it makes sense that Tourism Ireland have put the fabled craic at the centre of their latest campaign.

On the road… their country roads.

The Irish country roads I have travelled all my life.

Tourism Ireland has partnered with Channel 4 to create a new mini-series, called Stand Up Road Trip.

A funny thing happened

Comedians Seán Burke and Suzi Ruffell drive across Ireland squirrelling away the funny things they hear.

All so they can gather enough material for a stand-up show in Limerick.

Beginning in Ireland’s Ancient East our deadly duo head into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and on to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Seán and Suzi have prepared no jokes for the show so are relying on the punters to write their gags.

The digital-first mini-series includes three episodes, which will be available to view on Channel 4’s YouTube channel.

The episodes will also be promoted on the Channel 4 streaming platform, as well as on Channel 4’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

And they are hoping to pull in 6.4 million views.

A drive through the ages

In the first episode, viewers follow Seán and Suzi as they visit Newgrange with its neolithic chamber.

Before taking in the Carlingford Oyster Company (insert your own gag).

The first part of the comedians odyssey is here.

Episode two will go live on 5 October and episode three on 19 October.

Countries, Deals, Ireland

Dreamy Dromoland Castle Hotel

21st September 202321st September 2023 funtime65

It’s how we all travel in our sleep, and dreamy Dromoland Castle Hotel in romantic Co. Clare, Ireland is the world’s best hotel for Zzzzs.

Now what we look for most in a hotel particularly if we’ve got jet lag but also if we’re just jaded is a good night’s sleep.

And for us the first thing we do when we get into our rooms is check the roll.

Whether it’s a one, two or three roll with, of course, a triple roll the best.

Meaning you can swivel three times before falling out of the bed or land on your partner.

All of which is underpinned by leading mattress maker King Koil.

Rolled King Koil

Let’s hit the hay: The King Koil mattresses

And Rolled King Koil as we call it will make you a merry rolled soul, all right.

So what is about King Koil that Tripadvisor reviewers fell for at dreamy Dromoland Castle Hotel?

Well, it would seem to be their deep sumptuous mattress pillow top.

Supportive, with breathable fabric and pressure-relieving memory foam for healthy comfort.

And here’s the science… no less than 2,000 independent pocket springs support the body and minimise partner disturbance.

While the back support and mattress edge protection, with re-inforced border encasement, ensure edge-to-edge sleeping comfort without roll-off.

King-sized offer

And best of all the King Koil Dromoland Castle bed comes with an added incentive.

Of a free room upgrade at Clare’s pride and joy with every purchase.

This exclusive promotion is in-store from 1 October to 31 December.

Now Drumoland have a range of offers at hand but here’s one we fell on to give Thanksgiving for for you and your partner

With the Thanksgiving experience for €1379 offering:

•Two nights luxurious accommodation including full Irish breakfast each morning.

•Special Thanksgiving welcome amenity from Executive Head Chef, David McCann.

•Thanksgiving dinner on the Thursday night, showcasing the best of Irish produce and with an Irish twist.

•Estate activity of choice which includes genealogy or country pursuits (falconry or archery or clay target shooting).

•Or golf on the championship course.

Sleep well

And because we’re more, much more than a travel blog, more a template for life.

We bring you tips for a better night’s sleep.

And that means gentle exercise… steady, that’s before you get into bed!

Decaffeinating, we’re always told, helps. So go easy on the booze, coffee, fizzy drinks and chocolate.

Keep regular sleep patterns and wind down before going to bed.

Queen of the Castle: Or king, at Drumoland

Create an atmosphere by keeping the room dark, with black-out curtains or blinds.

Avoid blue light, like computer and phone screens, and keep the room cool.

While the old adage rings true that to get through life get a strong bed and good pair of shoes.

As you spend half your life in one and the other half on the others.

With mattresses to be changed every eight years.