Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Best Tours in Ireland

Dublin tours offer an array of exploration in a country that has a rich and intriguing culture, and a history that dates back thousands of years. Ireland is where vibrant people and culture combine to form an attraction of imaginative wonder. Dublin is the epicenter of this cultural splendor and visitors will never end up short of things to do in Dublin.

First stop for tourists the minute they step off the plane is typically the western area of Dublin where they’ll find some dramatic scenery; but the entire city from end to end has an array of hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, museums, clubs and plenty of activities and attractions to hold their attention.



Southeastern Areas


South of Dublin, in Kildare and Wicklow counties, is where rolling green landscapes, an assortment of outdoor activities and some of the most spectacular garden areas in Ireland reside. Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny is where visitors will find such famous spots as the Waterford Crystal Factory, the historic streets of Kilkenny Town and its storybook castle, the splendid harbor town of Wexford and the Rock of Cashel.


Southwestern Areas


If the visitor needs a bit of a change from things to do in Dublin, a rendezvous in Cork City should do the trick; a bustling location with a selection of fine restaurants, an eclectic arts scene and an assortment of other local attractions, such as the historic Blarney Stone and Fota Wildlife Park. Just west of this location is the gourmet capital of Ireland known as Kinsale, home to a diversity of quaint towns, a local beach with a breathtaking cliff and a scenic island view.


Western Areas


Galway is where visitors will find a variety of excellent restaurants, an array of pubs with traditional Irish music and a selection of diverse art galleries. One of Ireland’s little known gems is its famous beaches and natural wonders; and many of these locations offer boat and jet ski tours. The beaches of Moher in Clare will leave visitors captivated with its cliff faces, or the rolling mountain landscape of Connemara, and the beaches, forests and lakes in Sligo and Donegal.


Guinness Storehouse


An adventure of things to do in Dublin would have to include a visit to the old grain brewery; the country’s black gold export and most enduring symbol. The Guinness brewery, rising seven stories high, is the only one open to the public. The location is at the central point of St. James’s Gate Brewery and its seven levels are constructed around a glass atrium that sits in the center and emulates the shape of a pint of the black brew.


With a complimentary pint right in the heart of the Gravity bar, you’ll learn everything there is know about its 250 year history up to its current status as the world’s most famous beer. The Guinness Storehouse has allured over four million tourists from all over the world since it opened in the winter of 2000. Its rich history, grand architectural design and unique features never fails to leave its visiting audience awestruck and intrigued, which ensures their return time and time again.


The Gravity bar is located just above the roof and is the highest bar in the city of Dublin. Dublin tours just wouldn’t be complete without capping it off with a pint of the creamy dark brew, while relaxing and listening to old-timers reminisce and taking in the 360 degree panoramic view of the Dublin city landscape.
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Monday, November 1, 2010

A short guide to Dublin

The Irish, and Dubliners in particular, have a reputation for liking a drink. Some say this is just a stereotype but the party atmosphere in the Irish capital is second to none and is something which needs to be experienced, especially with the increase in cheap flights to the city from the UK and further afield.

The Temple Bar district is where the majority of the nightlife is centred. By day, this is a picturesque cobbled street containing quirky and exotic shops, reflecting its reputation as a Bohemian “arthouse” area. By night, the restaurants, bars and pubs come to life. Traditional music can be heard up and down the street, whilst it is not uncommon to find a ceilidh in full swing. Recommending anywhere specific is a moot point as establishments are set up and close down at an alarming rate, meaning that there is always something new to experience in this quarter of the city. Suffice to say that Temple Bar goes with the latest trends, so if you want to be seen, this is the place to go. However, avoid this area when you're researching the best hotels Dublin has to offer, as they'll be pricey and touristy.

There may be more to Dublin than drinking but if you do crave a 24/7 party, the city has other alcohol-related attractions which can pass the time before the next night out.

The Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate Brewery is a must-see as it charts the story of the drink that is at the heart of the city. Guinness is one of the world’s most famous brands and the exhibition not only charts its 250 year history but also details the complex brewing methods employed to make the black stuff. What strikes you about the exhibition is the passion and dedication which goes into the making of each and every pint, which is something you can sample for yourself with a complementary Guinness at the Gravity Bar at the end.

Another place to visit is the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street in the Smithfield district. First made by John Jameson in 1780, Jameson Irish Whisky is triple distilled for a smoother taste. The exhibition takes you through each stage of the distilling process, whilst the interaction between the group and the tour guide also demonstrates the love which goes into making every bottle of whisky. At the end of the tour, you get a free sample, whilst a handful of people get to partake in a taste-test of different whiskies before being asked which is the greatest. Of course, Jameson always comes out on top!
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