Monday, October 4, 2010

Waterford City

Waterford

Waterford Citywas founded by the Vikings in 853, and later extended by the Anglo Normans, it overlooks the River Suir's estuary, and became the southeast's main seaport. From the 18th century onwards, it was famous for its glass industry. The port is still one of Ireland's busiest. Waterford has one of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland, particularly the spectacular scenery of West Waterford's mountain passes, and you will also find a splendid coastline with miles of safe sandy beaches.

Things to see and do

City square Shopping centre

Has two major Irish department stores, a supermarket and forty shops. Where the shopper will find a full range of top quality gents, ladies and children's fashions, as well as restaurants,with plenty of parking space, City Square is a must for all visitors to the region. For some entertainment you can stop off at the Storm Cinema which has 8 screens, all with Dolby Digital EX full surround sound and all of their screens are wheelchair accessible.

Forrest Walks

You can go for a refreshing walk in Faithlegg Forrest, Minawn Hill overlooks the meeting of the Suir, the Nore and Barrow rivers to the north. While taking a walk in the magnificent forrest you might be lucky enough to see Rabbit, Fox and the shy Badger. There are many species of song bird that can be heard amongst the trees in the forrest. The trails are extensive with a spectacular viewing point, or you can pack a basket and enjoy a picnic there.

Coppercoast touring

You can take the copper coast tour in the Copper Coast geological park, it is a blue flag beach, with cliff walks, and breath taking views. Stradbally village, has sandy coves, woodlands and crystal clear water.


Golf

Waterrford castle golf
Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Club is unique as it is Irelands only island golf club it is completely detached from the mainland and is ideal for an Irish golfing vacation. It is on a privately owned 320 acre island, the Waterford Castle Hotel is located there. The golf course covers an area of over 200 acres. While being completely surrounded by water, Waterford Castle has an additional four internal water features on the second, third, fourth and sixteenth holes.

Williamstown Golf Club measures about 6700 yards in length and is one of the longest 18-hole courses in Ireland. This golf club is great for beginners and amateurs as the club charges are extremely reasonable with green fees that won’t break the bank. With this in mind makes this club a great place to learn golf.


Greyhounds

A night at the dogs at Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium, is situated in Waterford City, and is a load of fun with top class dog racing. You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant while you enjoy the racing action, you can view the track from your table.

Waterford bowl and kid zone

Is great family entertainment and fun, an emporium of indoor adventure for all ages. With some activities demanding physical and mental strengths, besides bowling you can take part in table tennis and American Pool as well as all the latest video games are available. you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the Amazonia Restaurant.

Art

Garter Lane Arts Centre was built in 1792, it presents regular visiting exhibitions of art and the Garter Lane Theatre has regular theatrical presentations. The exhibitions can be enjoyed in a spacious gallery, they also offer art classes.

Handmade chocolates

Gallweys is the home of Luxury Irish Handmade Chocolates. They have a fabulous range of Irish Handmade Chocolates the perfect gift for every occasion. Gallweys is a family business that specialise in the manufacture of award winning luxury handmade chocolates.

Palma restaurant itallian

Is centrally located in a fully restored Town House, La Palma offers formal dining in a relaxed atmosphere. They have a wide ranging menu with reasonable prices.

Stone haven equestrian

Has ponies and horses of a wide variety of sizes and temperaments from beginners to experienced riders. They offer adult and childrens lessons and flexible riding times, Tack, helmets and boots are available on request at the time of booking a lesson.

Kilotteran Equitation Centre has a reputation as one of the leading centres for equestrian activities only 3 miles from Waterford city. It is close to Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford.

Waterford marina

This marina has 2 floating pontoons connected to the quayside by gangways. The marina provides berthing facilities for approx. 100 boats for both visitors and local boat owners. The marina is a 15 mile sail from the sea at Hook Head, the visitor travels upriver along the Waterford Estuary. You will pass the Hook Head light house as well as many estuary villages.

Waterford marina hotel

I recommend the Waterford Marina Hotel located in the heart of Waterford city. The bedrooms have breath taking views over the River Suir, at the Waterfront Bar and Restaurant you can enjoy a relaxing drink and have a delicious meal. The hotel is a few minutes walk from city shopping and nightlife.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral has been at the heart of Waterford City since the 10th Century the Vikings built the first Church on the site. The the cathedral is restored and refurbished and is a magnificent 18th Century building. The building is full of heritage and history of Waterford it has medieval tombs,with memorial wall plaques, and a beautiful stucco plasterwork ceiling. They have regular concerts and recitals that takes place at the cathedral through out the year.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sligo for fun and relaxation

Things to see and do

There is a lot of things to do in Sligo such as surfing where surfers can take advantage of the pristine rollers at Strandhill, Easky, Enniscrone and Streedagh. Wind surfers and Kite surfers have endless hours of fun on windy days. Sligo offers great diving from Mullagmore Harbour where the wonders of marine life can be explored. There are lessons for all of these sports for anyone that would like to give it a go. You can also go on fantastic boat trips where you can go seal, dolphin and bird watching. Then of course there is big game angling where you can fish for giant bluefin tuna and shark. Fresh water fishing is also a great day out at Sligo’s lakes such as Loughs Gill, Arrow or Gara. Silgo also offers great walks in the woodlands, golfing, cycling and horse riding.

Music and art

Ceolaras Coleman for traditional Irish music, song and dance from the region. It has a theatre, a large audio-visual display depicting the traditional culture of the five counties. It has interactive touch-screen facilities to provide information on traditional music, instruments and a selection of music preformed by musicians from the region.

At Rulabula you can paint your own pottery you just choose your item and you can start to paint it, once it has been glazed & fired you can take your masterpiece home. For inspiration there are lots of stamps, stencils and idea books to choose your design and you can work away at your project.
Yachting
Sligo Yacht Club is located in Rosses Point on the edge of Sligo Bay and is ideal for inshore racing in the country. The club has about 25 G.P.14's, Mirrors and Cruiser Class. The club also has a junior section as well as Sail Training Courses. run under the auspices of the Irish Sailing Association.

Surfing

Based at Strandhill beach, Strandhill Surf School is an exciting place to learn to surf or improve your surfing skills. There are lessons everyday and the waves are consistant, great fun and experience for all ages. Group lessons are available for beginners instructed by a qualified instructor as well as lessons for kids, intermediate and private lessons.

Kite boarding

The Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal region have an incredible variety of large, sandy beaches. You have a choice of riding waves or flat water, and can ride in all wind directions. The region can be very windy, and make the region ideal for starting, improving or perfecting your kitesurfing skills.


Angling and boat trips

You can hire rods and tackles on board Ewings Sea Angling and Boat Charters, which are, fully licensed and Department of Marine compliant vessels. You can go out deep sea angling, reef fishing and shark fishing from August to October. If you prefer sight seeing and eco trips you can take a Coney Island taxis or Innismurray Island trips. Full day, half day and evening trips are available.
The MV Spirit is available for charter from Rosses Point, Co Sligo. There are One hour morning and evening trips around Sligo Bay and longer trips to Inishmurray and other islands. Seals, dolphins, basking sharks and porpoise can be sighted on these trips.

Hotels

Castle Dargan Golf Hotel and Wellness is a luxurious, four star, resort hotel, its only a few minutes drive from Sligo town.

Radisson SAS Hotel and Spa
Is just a five minutes drive from Sligo city centre, the hotel offers the Benwiskin Bar, Classiebawn Restaurant and Healthstyles Leisure Club offering superb facilities and a fantastic solas spa and wellness centre. The Hotel has one hundred and thirty two luxurious bedrooms, offering free WI - FI, twenty four hour room service, minibar and more. There is also a leisure club with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and outdoor hot tub.

Clarion Hotel Sligo
The Sligo Hotel over looks the majestic Benbulben Mountain a 4 star hotel which is about 15-20 minutes’ walk from the town centre. You can relax in the Sanovitae Health & Leisure Centre which incorporates a 20m swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The Spa offers a wide range of facial and body treatments.

Restaurants

Tobergal Lane Café is in the centre of Sligo where you can enjoy fresh bread, real butter croissants, French patisserie and scones including gluten free delights. Or you can enjoy a cappuccino made using carefully sourced coffee beans, or for a glass of beer brewed in Carlow and Roscommon. They offer three-course menus you can choose from French, Italian, Polish, Czech and Traditional Irish.

Over looking the Strandhill Golf Club and the Atlantic Ocean is The Venue restaurant, you can enjoy their extensive A la Carte menu which includes Lissadell mussels, crab claws, chowder and prawns. Non seafood dishes are also available such as steak, pasta and chicken dishes..