The Irish Marathons For Those Who Dare

Runners and walkers alike who enjoy scenic views and a still challenge are sure to get fired up over the annual marathons in Ireland.

Connemara International Marathon
The Connemara International Marathon, also called Connemarathon for short, is an annual international event held in Connemara, West Ireland’s pride and the country’s “Outdoor Capital”. The marathon is made up of a half marathon (13.1 miles), a full marathon (26.2 miles) and the only ultramarathon (39.3) in Ireland. The marathons are held during April each year. In 2008, more than 3,500 entries from over 25 countries joined the marathon.

There is an entrance fee of €70 which includes bus transfers to and from the race and each finisher receives a t-shirt, a medal and post race refreshments. Water stations are also provided, and are available every 3 miles. Tea or coffee, sandwiches and soup are also available in certain locations after the race.

If you’re taking part in the marathon, it is important to bring your race number, timing chip and wrist band. You may bring extra clothes and place them inside your marked bag, which will be transported to the finish line by a truck. Ipods and MP3 players are not allowed in the marathon for “safety reasons”.

The results of the Connemara International Marathon are published on the Connemarathon website afterwards.

Dublin International Marathon
The Lifestyle Sports – Adidas Dublin Marathon, heralded as the “Friendly Marathon”, is an annual event held in Dublin each October over the bank holiday weekend. Aside from the marathon proper, also included is the Lifestyle Sports – Adidas Family Fun Run, which is the largest non-competitive Family Fun Run in Ireland. Approximately 10,000 entries are expected to join this year’s Dublin Marathon. One can register online to join the event.

Picture by bk86a

For runners, a baggage area is made available, where they can leave their official bags. Water stations serving up pure still water are available on the course, as well as public toilets. There are also first aid stations near the water stations with ambulance volunteers standing by.

A picture of you will be taken as you cross the finish line. After this, you can proceed to get your baggage and then enjoy a massage from the Chartered Physiotherapy of Ireland volunteers. The results of the race will be posted on the Internet several days after the race. The certificates for the race will also be made available online, wherein you can input your race number. You will then be able to retrieve an online certificate, which you can print.

There is a post-race party after the marathon. There is an entrance fee of €15 which includes music by local bands and finger food.

For more information, visit the Lifestyle Sports – Adidas Dublin Marathon.

Cork City Marathon
The Cork City Marathon was revived in 2007 with the last marathon held in 1986. Held in June, the marathon includes both an individual and a team relay event.

All the participants who finish the Cork City Marathon will receive a Champion Sports medal. For the year 2008, there are more than 10 medical stations spread out over the course with added bicycle units. Gatorade became the sponsor for the Cork City Marathon for 2008 and runners will receive Gatorade energy drinks as part of their race pack upon registration.

Some people who enter the Cork City Marathon first try out the Bay Run Half Marathon. This prepares the runners by allowing them to try the West Cork course a month prior to the Cork City Marathon.

For more information, visit the Cork City Marathon website.

Tourism and the Irish Marathons
Marathons in Ireland are growing in popularity, in particular the Dublin International Marathon. With this in mind, we have teamed up with Atlas Car Hire Ireland to offer discounts to any runner who needs to rent a car while visiting Ireland to compete in a Marathon.

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10 Things to Do in Cork Before You Die

County Cork, specifically Cork City, is one of the most vibrant areas in Ireland, with so much to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Cork, to make your stay all the more memorable. There are many attractions within Cork City itself, but if you are interested in exploring some of the stunning south coast of Cork, a car rental with Atlas Car Hire Ireland is the way forward.

10 – Walk Around St Patrick’s
Cork City’s main road, St. Patrick Street, is lined with a variety of stores, and has become one of the main shopping areas in the downtown neighborhood. Scattered along the road are street furniture and pedestrian walkways, for those who just want to relax and pass the time away. A prominent figure on the street is the statue of Father Theobald Matthew, which is situated near St. Patrick’s Bridge.

9 – Firtzgerald’s Park
Near the River Lee is Fitzgerald’s Park, an ideal place to stroll around. On the park itself, one will find a café known as the Tea house, and the Georgian house, where the Cork Public Museum lies. The University College York is located at the end of the park by the river. Inside the University is a display of Ogham Stones and the Homan Chapel.

8 – Kiss The Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle, which is located near the River Martin, is home of the famous Blarney Stone. This stone is also known as the Stone of Eloquence, as it allegedly bestows eloquence to those who kiss it.

Aside from the Blarney Stone, the Blarney Castle also has another hidden gem. The Rocklose Gardens surround the castle, and are filled with rock formations. There is also a mansion, known as Blarney House, which is open to all.

7 – St Finbarr’s Cathedral and Shandon Church
On Dean Street lies one of the most popular places of worship in Cork, St. Finnbarr’s Cathedral. Allegedly built where the original Cork settlement was first established, St. Finnbarr’s Cathedral is a testimony to the magnificence of 19th century gothic architecture. The interior is made of marble mosaics, and windows of stained glass show specific scenes from the Bible.

Another must-see for tourists is Shandon Church, which lies on a hill near the river. The Shandon Steeple, along with the Shandon Bells, can be seen from various areas in the city.

6 – Explore Cork City’s Past with a Museum Tour
Near the Shandon Church lies the Cork Butter Museum. In the past, Cork was a center of butter trade. The museum focuses on the history of this trade, and even includes an exhibit showing how butter is made traditionally.

Another place to visit is the Cork City Gaol, which looks like a castle from outside. It has been converted into a museum depicting the gaol’s history.

5 – Gaelic Sports
Gaelic sports, such as Gaelic football and hurling, are played during the summer at the Pairc Ui Chaoimh Stadium, located at Cork’s Marina Walk. Also try out several spectator sports, such as Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing in Curraheen Park.

4 – Markets in Cork
The English Market is the usual source of ingredients of most restaurants in the area. Also check out the Coal Quay Market, especially during Fridays and Saturdays. You’re bound to find a treasure amidst all the home-baked pastries, organic goods, furniture, clothes and even instruments.

3 – Enjoy the Tastes of Cork
Cork has an abundance of restaurants in the area. You can choose from a number of restaurants serving traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine, such as Crawford Gallery Café. Other places, such as Greenes and Jacques, serve international meals. Beamish and Crawford Brewery in South Main St. is another tourist attraction, where visitors are allowed to take a taste test after the tour.

2 – Party On In Cork
There are many things to do in Cork at night. For those who enjoy culture, the Cork Arts Theater and Everyman Palace might have what you want. Some of the more popular bars in Cork include O’ Flaherty’s, Brú Bar and Old Oak. There are also music clubs and dance clubs, such as Half Moon and Club FX.

1 – Enjoy the Festivals
If you’re looking for festivals, then you came to the right place. Local and international artists come to perform in Cork’s Guinness Jazz Festival and the Cork International Choral Festival. For those looking for a taste of culture, plan your trip around the Cork Midsummer Festival or the Cork Arts Festival. Cork’s St. Patrick festivities should also not be missed!

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Accommodation in the South of Ireland

The south of Ireland offers countless accommodation options, whatever your budget and whatever your tastes.

There is a wide range of accommodation options in the region, including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, caravan & camping and self catering accommodation.

Hotels

Hotel choices in the region vary from the very luxurious to the very basic. If you are looking for high quality five-star accommodation then you are spoiled for choice in the south of Ireland. The Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney; Dunloe Castle, near the gap of Dunloe; Park Hotel Kenmare; and The Kingsley Hotel in Cork City are just a few examples. There are also countless mid-range and budget options in the region.

Guesthouses

If you want a more intimate experience then check out one of the region’s many guesthouses. These range from cosy family homes to historical stately homes and make an interesting change from normal hotels.

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & Breakfasts offer great value for money and an opportunity to stay in a welcoming Irish family home. Bed & Breakfast rooms start at about €30 per night and will include a home cooked Irish breakfast. There are countless Bed & Breakfasts in the region offering excellent choice and value.

Hostels

With a bed for the night available for as little as €15, hostels are the perfect option for the budget traveler. Many offers a basic breakfast and most have private rooms available too. Staying at a hostel is a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Caravan & Camping

There is a wide choice of caravan & camping parks throughout the region both by the coast and inland at reasonable prices.

Self Catering

Do it your own way by staying in self catering accommodation and enjoy the freedom of eating and sleeping when you choose. There is a good choice of self catering accommodation available whether you are after a rural cottage or sea-side apartment

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Fun Activities in Cork

When you visit Cork, you will be delighted to find there is no shortage of things to do in the area. From the moment you land in the Cork Airport and make the short trip north to Cork city, you will be flooded with options of delightful activities to pursue.

Cork is a particularly fun place for those interested in having some fun in the water, since maritime activities are so essential to the lives of many locals. You will find that County Cork offers a wealth of maritime activities. These include deep sea fishing, with the chance to catch yourself a shark, scuba diving and snorkeling, and of course, cruises and yacht charters for those who simply want to relax out on the water. In addition you will find many local venues for canoeing, sailing excursions and even windsurfing.

If you prefer to confine your enjoyment of water to the shore, there are several beaches along the shore as well as lovely coves and pleasant inlets that provide additional privacy for sunbathers, swimmers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Or you can choose a patrolled beach and enjoy surfing and body-boarding on for size!

If you would prefer to avoid the water altogether, why not try bird watching? Cork offers a wealth of avian life. You can hope to spot terns, gannet, cormorant and many other sea birds; there are sanctuary cliffs to be observed, or you might combine the water and your bird watching and take a boat up the Brandon river to observe sandpipers, curlew, herons and more.

Ireland is, of course, a popular golfing venue as well, and you will find a wealth of golfing opportunities in Cork, or you might want to try your hand at pony trekking, hiking, cycling, and much more. When it comes to activities in Cork, you won’t be disappointed!

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Cork: Getting There

If you are planning a trip to the Cork region you will have no problem getting there and away, whether you want to travel by plane, train, car, boat or bus. If you are arriving to another part of Ireland, the country has a well developed transport system that will get you to Cork in comfort. All of the major cities have direct bus links with Cork City.

From Dublin you can choose from a number of private companies or the state bus service, Bus Eireann. Meanwhile, Bus Eireann also runs services to Cork from Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Ireland’s rail service has improved notably in the past few years and you can now travel from Dublin to Cork in less than two and a half hours.

However, the quickest and easiest way to travel in Ireland is by car. You can hire cars at all the major airports, ferry ports and cities. Take Dollar Car Hire Ireland for example. It has offices at Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, and in Dublin and Cork city centres. Dollar Car Rental offers a good choice of vehicles at economical prices. Dollar also allows you the convenience of being able to return your vehicle to any of its other outlets. Alternatively you could rent a car from either Thrifty Car Rental Ireland or Malone Car Hire who also offer locations at Cork Airport.

If you are arriving directly to Cork from abroad, you have two choices, Cork Airport or the ferry port at Ringaskiddy. Cork Airport is a new and modern facility located just five kilometers south of Cork city with direct flights to a number of locations in Britain and Europe.

Alternatively, you could arrive by boat. You can take a ferry to Cork from Roscoff, Le Havre and St Malo in France or Swansea in Wales. Ferries arrive in Ringaskiddy which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Cork city.

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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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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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Cork City’s Festivals and Events

The citizens of Cork City have an innate love of culture and fun. Because of this, Ireland’s southern capital boasts some of the best festivals in the country each year, some of them drawing artists from all around the world. There are countless festivals held in and around the city of Cork each year that are too numerous to mention. Here we look at some of the bigger events.

Every October, musicians from all over the world come to Cork for the Guinness Jazz Festival. The Jazz Festival has been running every year since 1978 and has hosted such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson and Cleo Laine. However, this celebration is not just limited to Jazz. For one long weekend every year the city comes alive with music of all kinds.

Another internationally renowned celebration of music held annually in Cork City is the Cork International Choral Festival, which is held over the May Bank Holiday weekend every year. This four-day festival has been running since 1954 and is renowned as one of Europe’s best international choral festivals.

Cork City is also home to an annual international film festival. Held for a week in mid-October every year the festival showcases national and international film-making talent at a number of venues around the city.

These are just three of the festivals that Cork City has to offer. All year around you will find something exciting happening whether it’s a food and wine festival or a celebration of the high arts.

There is also plenty going on outside the city. For example, the scenic coastal town of Kinsale has its own Fringe Jazz Festival for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Cork City. This also runs during the October Bank Holiday weekend.

Meanwhile, the historic Bantry House hosts the West Cork Chamber Music Festival which draws the crowds to the scenic west Cork town in mid summer

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