Shannon Airport: Getting there and away

If you are visiting the West of Ireland, there is no better place to land than Shannon Airport. Situated in County Clare, between Ennis and Limerick City, it is an ideal starting point for a tour of the west coast of Ireland, or indeed, the whole country.

If you are traveling by car, the airport is easily accessible from both the north and the south. The N19 dual-carriageway which by-passes Shannon town has made it even more accessible.

Wherever you wish to go in Ireland, it will be a convenient drive from Shannon Airport. You can travel to Dublin on the N7 (approx 4 hours), Galway on the N18 (approx 2 hours), Limerick on the N18 (approx 15 minutes) or Cork on the N20 (approx 2 hours).

By far the best transport option for exploring Ireland is by car. On arrival in Shannon Airport, you will find a number of car hire options available to you. You can find an excellent range of vehicles available from Thrifty Car Rental Ireland which has an office at Shannon Airport. It has a range of vehicles at competitive prices. However, if you arriving at peak season you are advised to book ahead.

If you are driving, Shannon Airport offers both short-term and long-term car parking. Short-term parking, for anything less than a day, can cost between €1 and €15. Long-term car parking costs €8.50 per day or €42 per week.

If you choose not to rent a car for your stay, you can easily catch a bus to your destination of choice. Ireland’s national carrier Bus Eireann provides connections to and from all of Ireland’s major cities.

Meanwhile, there are also some private services on offer. Citylink runs between Galway City and Shannon Airport, while JJ Kavanagh & Sons provides services to Limerick and Dublin Airport.

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Places to Stay in Galway

With an enviable selection of accommodation of every style, size and price, Galway caters to the tastes of each individual tourist. Visitors to Galway will be delighted to find a hotel that meets their particular requirements for privacy, style and budget, to name just a few of the criteria that the savvy traveler applies when selecting a hotel.

If your standards are high and your tastes discriminating, then you may want to book a room at the Eyre Square Hotel. This centrally located hotel is situated convenient to bus and rail stations, and caters with equal care to tourists and business clients. The on-site bistro offers sumptuous food and their staff will welcome you with courtesy and warmth,

For equal warmth at a more moderate price, try the Skeffington Arms Hotel. Located in the very heart of Galway City, situated within easy reach of restaurants, shops and transportation, the Skeffington Arms Hotel is delighted to offer intimate and dedicated service to each and every guest.

If conventional hotels are not your cup of tea, then you might want to consider self-catering apartment accommodation. Cuirt Na Coiribe offers eighty six apartment style accommodation, perfect for the larger group, or a traveller who wants to experience the luxury of spaciousness. Along similar lines is the Gort Na Coiribe Holiday Village, a development featuring apartments and townhouses quite convenient to Galway City Centre. The Village is handy to pubs, cinemas and shops, to name just a few amenities, and is a popular choice for new and repeat visitors.

If you are more conventional in your tastes, there is always the traditional travelers’ favourite, the Best Western. Flannery’s Best Western Hotel offers both style and luxury. There really is an option for everyone in Galway City, and a little careful planning is usually all it takes to secure the accommodation you will remember fondly for a long time to come.

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Transportation: Getting Around in Cork

Once you arrive in Cork, chances are you will be eager to get started on some of the many opportunities that await you. Having put the Cork Airport behind you and arrived at your chosen accommodation for a brief rest, you are no doubt eager to get out and explore. Perhaps you want to go golfing, or head out into the countryside for a hike or horseback ride. Maybe the theatre is calling your name, or perhaps you feel drawn toward the shops and boutiques the area itself has to offer. No matter what it is, you will want to know how to get there!

There are a few different ways to get around in Cork. One of the easiest when your destination is not too far away is of course to simply hit the streets and start walking! There are several walking tours available that will give you an idea of the layout of the city and allow you to feel a bit more confident at setting out on your own. Or, if your destination is slightly outside of walking distance but still reasonably close, you could avail yourself of the public transport system. Minimum bus fare in Cork City is currently 70c, which will allow you to access all parts of the inner city.

Taxis are also a good choice for direct trips within the city, and are especially popular if you are not comfortable trusting your ability to read a bus schedule or if you’re in a hurry to get right to your destination. They are also a popular choice with shoppers who realise they have acquired a bit too much to take on a bus! However, if you want to have greater freedom and be able to go farther outside the city, then why not hire a rental car? A car rental in Cork will give you a great degree of freedom when you want to pursue activities both within the city and farther afield.

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Irish Food and Drink

Irish food and drink alone is well worth a trip to Ireland. Irish food is unique and some of it is well worth learning to make for yourself, and as to Irish drink . . . well, the Irish are a drinking culture, and few can hold their drink as well as an Irishman– or woman, for that matter! One popular Irish drinking toast goes as follows:

Here’s to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint– and another one!

Surely that is lifetime satisfaction, right there! With such a merrymaking, easygoing culture, it’s easy to see that the food is sure to be simple and straightforward as well. Tasty, filling and good to eat, Irish food will have many tourists walking into the local pub or restaurant, only to discover that they no longer want to leave!

The first thing one thinks of as a staple of Irish food is, of course, the potato, and it is true that you will find it in many of the recipes available to you. It is also true, however, that poverty no longer limits the majority of the population to dining almost exclusively on potatoes. There are a wide variety of other dishes too, so if potatoes just aren’t your thing, you needn’t worry that you will be left without options!

One savory dish that does use potatoes is the Dublin Coddle, a tasty mix of sausage, pork, potato and carrots and other ingredients simmered in cider. If you really are determined to craft a menu devoid of potatoes, however, you may wish to try an Irish rarebit, Irish spiced beef, or even a savory lamb stew– all of it to be washed down afterwards with a pint of Guinness, of course!

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Galway: Getting There

Galway’s location on the west coast of Ireland means it an accessible location for visitors. We look at your transport options for getting to and from Galway.

By plane

Ireland’s second largest airport, Shannon Airport, is located just 90km south of Galway city. It has flights from Britain, Europe and North America. Galway Airport is just a few kilometres outside the city and has domestic flights and flights to Britain.

Ireland is a small country so Galway is a little over three hours drive if you land at Cork or Dublin Airports.

By car

Ireland’s road network has developed a lot in recent years so journey times between the major cities have been reduced dramatically. Three national primary roads link Galway with the rest of the country. The N6 leads east through Athlone and on to Dublin; N17 will take you north through Tuam, Sligo and Donegal; while the N18 goes to Shannon, Limerick and Cork.

Many visitors to Galway use the opportunity to explore beautiful Connemara. To do this head west towards Spiddal on the R337.

The quickest and easiest way to travel in Ireland is by car, and unless you arrived by ferry you will probably need to rent one. Thrifty Car Rental Ireland has offices at Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, and in Dublin and Cork city centres.

Thrifty offers a good choice of vehicles at economical prices. You can arrange a car on arrival, but it is probably best to book ahead at www.thrifty.ie. Thrifty also allows you the convenience of being able to return your vehicle to any of its other outlets.

Bus

Bus Eireann provides bus links to all the major towns and cities in Ireland, while Galway City Direct also provides services in Galway.

Train

Galway’s Ceannt Station is conveniently located in the city centre. There are six daily services two and from Dublin and the journey takes just under three hours. The trains in Ireland are operated by Irish Rail.

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History and Heritage in Dublin

In a country such as Ireland, with such a rich and impressive history, it is easy to understand why such efforts are underway to both preserve and promote the heritage of the country. Ireland’s story dates back to the prehistoric, with rich archaeological deposits found all over the country. Visitors to Dublin are in a prime position to enjoy many opportunities to explore the history and heritage of Dublin as well as Ireland as a whole, so start thinking about what you most want to focus on, because if there’s one thing of which Ireland need fear no shortage, that’s history.

The National Museum of Archaeology and History is a wonderful place to start when visitors to Dublin want to get a true appreciation for the scope of Ireland’s archaeological past. Opened in 1890, the Museum itself is something of a national treasure, and the exhibits it boasts are nothing short of awe inspiring. In addition to a fine collection of Medieval art, the museum boasts the richest collection of prehistoric gold artifacts in all of Europe— enough to capture the heart of romantics and historians alike!

The Dublin Writers’ Museum is a universally popular attraction, featuring exhibits dedicated to the life and literature of such famous Irish writers as Shaw, Wilde, Joyce, Sheridan, Beckett and Yeats, to name just a few. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is also a popular attraction, examining Ireland’s more recent contribution to art history, or, if you would rather take a more active exploration of Ireland’s history, why not try one of the city tours? A hired car will get you where you want to go much faster, of course, but there is a certain appeal to the “hop on, hop off” bus tours that allow a pleasant blend of the taught and self-guided.

Heritage sites and centres abound in Dublin; what better place for those interested in exploring Ireland’s wealth of history to get started?

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Things to See in Cork

Coming to Cork City is an entertainment opportunity in and of itself. History lovers will never tire of examining the many heritage sites within and without the city walls, and all shopping mavens will waste no time in exploring the myriad retail and second-hand shops and outlets that Cork City has to offer. With so many things to see and do that cater to individual tastes, families, couples and other visitors may also want to find something that they can all do and enjoy together. Fortunately Cork City offers a variety of entertainment venues, at least one of which is certain to delight.

For live entertainment, what better way to honour Ireland’s rich literary heritage of playwrights than by attending a performance at one of the theatres? The Granary Theatre, owned by the University College Cork, regularly features dramatic performances in a variety of tradition, ranging from theatre to dance to live art. Or you may want to try the Cork Arts Centre, which features all the new plays and the work of Ireland’s new playwrights.

Also popular with locals and visitors alike is the City Limits Comedy Club, which features a weekly live comedy program of high quality, running from Wednesday to Sunday. For those with more eclectic tastes there is the Triskel Arts Centre, a forum for music, literary, theatrical and visual art, meaning all visitors are certain to find something they enjoy. Or, if it’s dance performances you prefer, inquire about the Firkin Crane Dance Centre, which is home to the Institute for Choreography and Dance.

For a really unique experience, though, the Cosmopolitan can’t be beaten. The venue has worked hard to earn its reputation as a premier venue for live entertainment as well as an establishment where theatre goers can get the very best in food and drink, as well as entertainment. Visitors to Cork City will never be bored.

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Places to Stay in Cork

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first time tourist or a seasoned traveler, when you arrive in Cork City after your flight, you will probably want to head straight for your accommodations and put your feet up to recover. Traveling is tiring, after all, so there’s no shame in wanting to rest up and catch your second wind before you get ready to explore the delights that the city has to offer.

When choosing hotel accommodation in Cork City, you will want to take into account your own personal preference for comfort and atmosphere as well as the constraints of your budget. Cork City offers a wide selection of places to stay, so knowing exactly what you are looking for in your accommodation will help make the selection that much easier.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel that is modern, comfortable and centrally located, then you may want to check out venues such as the Clarion Hotel. The Clarion is located right in the City Quarter and boasts beautiful views of the River Lee. Not only is the hotel central to shopping, entertainment venues and the many other delights of Cork City, but it also features such amenities as a classy restaurant and bar, a breathtaking lounge, health spa and many other perks that guests are certain to enjoy.

If it’s history and atmosphere you prefer, however, then why not try the Victoria House Hotel? This elegant, historic venue is also centrally located and hosted famous Irish writer James Joyce. Or, if you prefer a taste of home away from home, check out Killarney House, a delightful guest house combining comfort, style and hospitality in one cosy package. Budget minded travellers may want to stop over at the Cork Airport Travelodge or even at Sheila’s Budget Accommodation Centre; no matter who you are and what you are looking for in a hotel, Cork City will have a place for you.

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Exploring Limerick City

Limerick is often the first stopping point for the many visitors to Ireland that land at Shannon Airport, which is just a few kilometers away. In fact, it acts as something as a gateway for people who visit the south-west, the south-east or Dublin.

However, Limerick has a long and rich history and many interesting sights that are worth exploring in themselves. Limerick was settled by the Vikings in the 9th century, but it is likely people lived there before then.

With a current population of more than 50,000 it is Ireland’s fourth largest city after Dublin, Cork and Galway. While it has grown into a modern city, evidence of its long history can be seen all around.

St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1168, and St John’s Castle, built in 1212, both date back to Norman times. The Hunt Museum is also a major attraction.

Limerick is also the setting for Frank McCourt’s world famous account of his childhood, Angela’s ashes. You can take an Angela’s ashes walking tour if you wish to see some of the locations described in the book.

Limerick has changed a lot since those times and the city center has received a major face lift in recent years. It is now a bustling place with plenty options for shoppers and a vibrant social scene.

Getting there is easy. If you land at Shannon Airport it is just 15 minutes drive by car. If you need to rent a car, check out Dollar car rentals at the arrivals hall at Shannon Airport. Dollar offers a good choice of vehicles at economical prices. You can arrange a car on arrival, but it is probably best to book ahead at Dollar Car hire Ireland.

Limerick also has bus links with all major cities and towns as well as a good rail service and a city bus network.

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Castles and Fine Homes of Dublin

The Dublin region is rich in history and heritage, and its culture reflects a history that stretches back for centuries. While many North Americans consider anything over one or two hundred years of age positively ancient, in Ireland this is little more than a drop in the bucket. Homes still occupied today are as many as four or five hundred years of age; archaeological sites date back for centuries on centuries, right to Ireland’s very first people, and of course the castles, manor houses and other similar historic sites speak to the richness and vastness of the history that the Dublin region has to offer.

Visitors to Dublin will be spoiled for choice when it comes to castles, since these are widely available and in various states of repair. If it’s the romance of a ruin that draws you, then try something like Baldongan Castle, which is the ruin of a 13th century castle, or perhaps the ruins of Ballymount Castle. Clondalkin Castle is another popular ruin, and Kildreenan Castle is the site of a pre-13th century castle that no longer stands.

If you are interested in viewing a more intact site, try something like Ardgillan Castle, a 17th century manor house located in Balbriggan. Also intact are Balrothery Castle, the 16th century towerhouse Archibald’s Tower, and Howth castle, which is an 18th century building with a 15ht century gate tower.

Many of these castles have undergone significant restoration work to bring them to the quality that they enjoy today. Bullock Castle is a restored 12th century castle, and some of the most famous castles have undergone extensive renovations. Dublin Castle started out as a 13th century enclosure castle and has been significantly changed over the years, Goat Tower is a 15th century structure that now serves as the Town Hall, and Malahide Castle is not only much changed from its 13th century original state, but serves as a museum as well.

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