Archive for September, 2008
Myweblog.com Readers
Similar to an earlier post I did (The Ultimate Travel Resource for Ireland), I am going to gather a selection of resources useful for people renting a car in Ireland and touring around Ireland.
Car Rental Companies in Ireland
– Thrifty Car Rental Ireland
– Atlas Car Hire Ireland
– Hertz Rent a Car
– Avis Rent a Car
– Enterprise Rent a Car Ireland
Industry Organisations
– Car Rental Council of Ireland
Driving in Ireland
– AA Roadwatch
– Toll Roads in Ireland
– Easy Pass – M50 Toll Payment System
– Pumps.ie – Petrol Station Information
– Rules of the Road
– Penalty Points
International Airports in Ireland
– Dublin Airport
– Cork Airport
– Shannon Airport
– Knock Airport
Accommodation in Ireland
General Information
– General Irish Forum
– Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum
– Trip Adviser
– Wikitravel
– Wikipedia
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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.
Related Stories
– 2007 Dublin City Marathon (Ireland)
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An increase in taxi fares is due to come into force on November 1st. The increase will raise fares by just over 8% and was announced by the Commission for Taxi Regulation on September 22nd 2008. The standard and premium initial charges and subsequent tariffs (the fare charged for hiring the taxi and the charge per minute or distance) will increase by 8.3%.
The increase in charges will see the initial €4.10 charge for hiring a taxi rise to €4.45 during premium times which is applied from 2000 until 0800 daily. Sundays, bank holidays and certain time frames over the Christmas period are also charged at the premium rate. According to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, this is due to the high demand for taxis during these times. The charges for booking a taxi and having extra passengers remain unchanged.
The last increase in taxi fares happened in September 2006. The new price hikes are as a result of a public consultation process which took place in April.
“[Taxis were the]… only mode of transport that had not increased its fares in the last two years. Other modes of transport – buses, trains and the Luas – have all increased their fares in that time. Bus fares alone have increased by 8.9 per cent.” – Kathleen Doyle
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Cork Airport – Vital Information
Cork Airport is Ireland’s second largest airport. It is located near the center of Cork City, just off Kinsale Road. Cork Airport began its operations in 1961. More recently, the airport opened its new terminal with state-of-the-art features. Cork Airport services more than 3 million passengers every year to various destinations all over the globe with Ryanair, Aer Arann and Aer Lingus being the principal carriers.
From Cork Airport you can travel to Cork City by several means, buses (Skylink and Bus Eireann), train and taxis which are available outside the main terminal and cost around €15 for the journey. Counters for different car hire companies are also available in the Arrivals area with operators such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty and Atlas Car Hire Ireland.com. If you are planning to rent a car, you may find it cheaper and more convenient to book ahead of time rather than arranging it at the airport.
Both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available near the airport, with more than 4,600 parking spaces that can be used. For those with disabilities, an easy access parking area located on the first floor is available. If you should require any help, contact the assistance providers of the airport.
Right across the terminal of the airport, connected by a covered walkway, is the Cork International Airport Hotel. The hotel has more than 150 rooms, with a spa, a hair salon and a lounge facility that is perfect for the weary traveler. Another hotel that lies within the complex is the Radisson SAS Hotel. The hotel’s Riverstix Restaurant and Bar serves simply delightful dishes.
The information counter of the Cork Airport is located in the Arrivals Hall, beside Londis . Meanwhile, the check-in area can be found in the Departures area of the new building.
Before reaching the terminal, several security checks will have to be passed through. Remove sharp objects, such as scissors, knives, razors, and even knitting needles, from your hand luggage; otherwise, these items will be confiscated. The European Union also limited the amount of liquid that can be brought into the airport; anything beyond 100 ml will be confiscated. Laptops should also be opened and the keyboard revealed before it can be brought inside the building. Only one piece of hand luggage is permitted per person.
Because of the opening of the new terminal in Cork Airport, there was also an increase in the number of shops and restaurants available in the airport. Popular dining places in the airport include Subway, Sports Bar and Starbucks. There is also a food court, Cork’s Food Market. Meanwhile, shops include Hughes and Hughes Bookshop and Londis. The Travel Value Store carries both local and high-end international brands.
Near the Departures area is the Jack Lynch Departure Lounge. For a cost of €25, you can relax at the lounge for 3 hours while waiting for your flight. The lounge also has a meeting room for four people.
Inside the Cork Airport and beside the bookstore is a Bank of Ireland, which is open during the weekdays. Bureau de Change is located beside it. There are also two ATMs there, one of which dispenses currency in both Sterling and Euro. A Tax Refunds Office, which is open during weekdays, can also be found on the first level, beside Subway.
There are three custom channels at the Cork Airport. The Blue Channel is for those coming from an EU country. The Green Channel is for those on flights coming from non-EU countries without any prohibited goods. Meanwhile, the Red Channel is for those on flights coming from non-EU countries carrying more than what they are allowed or carrying restricted goods.
For more information regarding Cork Airport, visit http://www.corkairport.com/.
Related Stories
– Cork airport – Ireland’s best?
– Travelling to and within Ireland
– Cork Airport Debt Issue
– New Terminal at Cork Airport
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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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Info Ireland 