Fall In Love With Ireland

Nightlife & Entertainmrnt in Ireland

2009-03-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

Ever since the Celtic Tiger took hold in Ireland nightlife has been a whole new ball game. Gone are the days when a smoky pub, a rainy ceile or drinking in a field were the only options!

For up-to-date information on gigs, nightclubs, events and festivals in your area I think entertainment.ie is pretty comprehensive but if you really want to search for what's on you'll have to scour the event venues.

Whelans and The Village on Camden Street have always been the hubs for indie rock and alternative music. These days the mainstream crowds have caught on to their "coolness" and they are usually jam packed on Friday and Saturday nights but if you happen to discover someone you love is playing here then these intimate venues will give you a night you won't soon forget!

You'll find bigger acts might opt for The Olympia Theatre on Dame Street or The Ambassador at the end of O'Connell Street...the biggest concerts or events are held in The Point Theatre, now the O2 arena, on the docks of the River Liffey but if you're not a fan of big commercial venues where they sell glow sticks and offer brochures then you may want to steer clear of this one!

One thing I would definitely recommend if you're hanging around Dublin one rainy evening looking for something to do is the reliable comedy nights! Ireland has nurtured some great comedians in its time...from the infamous Dylan Moran to Tommy Tiernan and Dara Ó Briain..but be warned, you must understand sarcasm! The International on Wicklow Street has always been my go-to...it offers comedy every night, its always cheap, and there's usually multiple shows so you're bound to catch one! Call them for more info on 01-6779250 or check out the current comedy listings in Dublin here

Don't be fooled in to thinking that a rain night in Ireland is a quiet night! Go out and find some fun, its always there to be had in Ireland!

In Dublin's Fair City

2009-02-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering my love for Dublin these last few months and decided to list a few of my favourite places so that if anyone happens to stumble upon this blog they may then go on to stumble upon the beautiful sites of my home town!

In the city centre:

There's a famous song about Dublin saying "Dublin can be heaven, with coffee at 11, and a stroll...in Stephen's Green. There's no need to hurry, there's no need to worry, you're a kind and the lady is a queen". My suggestion is to live out that song!

Tourists often visit Dublin at the weekend when its swarmed with shoppers or during the summer when its swarmed with ramblers. I suggest starting out early!

There are many lovely places to have your morning coffee (or brunch if you really can't get up!) I've always loved Lemon Crepe bars, you'll find one on Dawson Street (near the corner with Nassau Street) and also a much smaller one (the original!) on South William Street. Actually right beside Lemon on South William Street you'll find Ireland's world famous "Butler's Chocolates"- a MUST for anyone with a sweet tooth! And on the opposite side of the street you'll find Munchies where they make tasty sandwiches and delicious soups. There's also the more obvious choice of Bewley's on Grafton Street....a history filled tearoom dating from the 1920s!

All the tour guides will no doubt focus on the city centre so you won't be short of things to do! The Art Gallery on Merrion Square offers a few real gems and often has special exhibitions that are definitely worth the trip. Make sure to stroll the boardwalk along the River Liffey, if you're feeling energetic enough take the Viking Splash tour and roar at passers by :) Make sure to cross the Ha'penny Bridge for a perfect picture opportunity (but be careful with your camera! I've seen so many things fall in to the river from that bridge!)

Visit the Guinness Brewery...hear the history, taste the tipple and then go up the gravity tower for a birds eye view of the city. Take a peek at Christchurch Cathedral, be sure to stroll through Stephen's Green and spot the ducks (don't be disappointed if they don't eat your bread, they're probably the most overfed ducks in Ireland!)

Outside of the city

I think this is where Dublin's beauty really shines!

Visit the beautiful castle in Malahide (and the adorable Malahide village nearby). Watch kite boarders master the waves from Bull Island. Visit the zoo in Phoenix Park (and sneak a peek at the President's house while you're there).

Or go south and walk the winding coastal roads in Killiney (ask a local to tell you where Bono lives!). Visit the bustling port in Dunlaoghaire, be sure to taste some Teddy's Ice-cream and spot some seals from along the coast road.

If you have enough time you can venture even further afield and visit the ancient celtic monastery in Glendalough where you can take in the incredible beauty that the Irish countryside has to offer.

Mystical, Magical & Magnificent Irish Music

2008-12-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

You're never short of a selection of musical for every taste on this island over flowing with talent and "craic"...from the incredible tunes of U2 to the angelic voice of Enya and the soothing harmonies of The Corrs, from the raucous laughter at a pub gig or street cheile to famous lyrics of Snow Patrol and Westlife...there is plenty to tickle your musical fancy!

Come for Belfast’s famous Feile an Phobail (The West Belfast Festival), the fantastic Cork Jazz Festival in October, the traditional Fleadh Cheoil in August, the always exhilarating outdoor summer music festivals of Oxegen and Electric Picnic...or if you're feeling indecisive come at any time of year and find magical and lively traditional music spilling out the doors and windows of every pub in every town and city of this rythmical and wonderful land...

Discover a millennium of rich & fascinating history

2008-12-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ireland's rich history stretches all the way back to 8000BC and the turbulent development of our island's rich history is visible in many distinct landmarks throughout the country.

Visit amazing stone-age tombs, relax in beautiful Georgian townhouses, meander the winding streets of ancient Norsemen towns, or experience a life of luxury in breathtaking Norman castles. You can even explore the ancient Viking way of life or relive Celtic civilization..in Ireland you have a whole millennium of rich and exhilarating history at your fingertips!

The must-see stops along the Irish History Trail:

St Kevin’s Monastery and The Round Tower at Glendalough located in the magnificent county of Wicklow (also known as "the garden of Ireland")

The megalithic tomb at Newgrange in county Meath is older than the Egyptian Pyramids! On the day of the winter solstice every year sunlight strikes the centre of the tomb and fills its main chamber with light, illuminating the beauty of this ancient monument

View the unique and intricate calligraphy in the ancient Book of Kells in Trinity College

Visit Dublinia and Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin City to relive the vivid history of the capital's famous streets

Retreats & Spa Vacations in Ireland

2008-12-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

The tranquility of Ireland is the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing spa break and with many secluded country lodges and beautiful boutique hotels dotted throughout the Irish countryside what better way to relax than with a trip to the Emerald Isle?

Due to the unique and magical Irish landscape many spas and retreats are nestled amoung the most beautiful seaside coves and lush green forests. Here you can truly escape today's hectic lifestyle, enjoy a wide variety of relaxing treatments all whilst enjoying the most beautiful views Ireland has to offer.

The Official Irish Tourism Website www.discoverireland.com has a comprehensive listing of spas, resorts and wellness retreats to start you on your quest for the perfect relaxing holiday...

Surfing the emerald isle

2008-12-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

For so long people have always associated surfing with the famous beaches of Hawaii and Australia but more and more people are realising there are some amazing waves and secret spots to be found all along the coast of our Emerald Isle! Not only will you find a huge variety of quality surf spots but at the end of a long day in the water you can go home to Irish welcome and the best Guinness you'll ever set your lips upon!

There's no need to worry about your level as there are numerous spots and schools to choose from. If surfing the BIG Atlantic waves seem too daunting there are plenty beach breaks that are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. If you're a pro-surfer thinking we don't have anything to offer you then THINK AGAIN! (As the infamous surfer flick "Waveriders" explains it was infact the son of an Ulsterman who re-introduced the ancient Polynesian art of wave riding in Hawaii after in had been stamped out by the missionaries!) For the more experienced surfers there are plenty of quality reef breaks to raise the bar and keep you challenged.

Although you can find good surf all year round the best time to surf Ireland is during the period from September to May each year when the swells are plentiful. The only real drawback to the Irish surfing experience is the cold water, but if you are prepared to don a good hood and some booties you are in for a real treat.

Some great spots to check out are Bundoran in Donegal, Lahinch in County Clare, The Cliffs of Moher (tow-ins for the REALLY brave) and Easkey in County Sligo.