The Irish Times Newspaper has recently concluded its competition to decide which was the best place to go wild during a vacation in Ireland.
The competition was a hunt for the best places in the 32 counties to experience nature, from empty beauty spots, to dramatic locations that let visitors actively engage with nature through sports such as climbing, surfing, walking, biking or kayaking.
Over the next few days leading up to this years June Bank Holiday weekend one will notice a host of festivals and events taking place nationwide that all provide a variety of entertainment and fun days out for families and people of all interests. From Bloom to the Cat Laughs and everything in between there is something for everyone to savour in the many festivals currently starting this bank holiday weekend. Whilst Dublin’s garden festival Bloom and Kilkenny comedy festival The Cat Laughs are festivals high on many peoples list, one festival also happening this weekend that mightn’t score so high but one which is just as worthy to note would be Ireland’s BikeFest taking place in in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney.
Ireland’s western seaboard has always been synonymous with fantastic panoramas, unforgeable landmarks and great golf. For those of you who have always wished to plan the ultimate golf vacation in Ireland then the Wild Atlantic Way could provide the perfect canvas on which to work! The route will be the longest defined coastal driving route in not only Europe but the world. It is also sure to guarantee plenty of awe inspiring scenes and sounds along the way so if you are a fan of links golf, then you’ll be in paradise during this trip to Ireland!
Part of the joy of summer is the chance to take advantage of the long days, fine weather by taking in the wide range of festivals and events happening during a vacation in Ireland. One festival that takes advantage of the summer, highlighting Ireland’s fine tradition in gardening and food production bringing the fruits of the great outdoors to the capital is Bloom in the Park, Ireland’s largest gardening festival.
Of the many reasons to visit West Cork this May, one could be the chance to check out the many cultural events highlighted in the many local festivals of the region held over the summer. With this month throwing up some marvelous weather, May has introduced to us the beginning of the up and coming summer festival season. One such festival due to take place this coming weekend (21st– 25th May) is the Schull Film Festival.
During a major tourism summit hosted in Limerick City this week it was announced that Ireland could double its revenue from sport tourism up to as much as €600 million over the next five years. Over recent years the sports tourism industry has been identified as the fastest growing tourism sector is worth an estimated €450 billion.
The organisers behind the European Sport Tourism Summit, the first event of its kind to be held in this country, have proposed the establishment of a ‘national bid unit’ that in conjunction with the Department of Sport and Tourism and would bid for international events.
They say laughter is the best medicine and there is nothing like a good stand up comedy show to put a smile on ones face and to help one to relax and relieve stress at times. Plus the best in stand up comedy often reveals some apt social and cultural truths wrapped up in clever entertaining punchlines and jokes.
During a trip to Ireland, you will notice that comedy plays a big part in Irish culture with Ireland having produced some of the most internationally renowned comedians and comedy shows. This rich tradition in comic storytelling and stand up comedy can be seen in many comedy gigs and festivals taking place up and down the country which are well worth a visit during a vacation in Ireland.
The fishing village of Baltimore, situated in West Cork, Ireland is the place to be this May. From the 23rd until the 25th May, the Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival takes place in this picturesque village. Ideal for those whilst on a vacation in Ireland, this festival celebrates the best in traditional timber sailing boats of Ireland and aims to encourage a local interest in the traditional wooden working boats of the area. The festival also promises to promote the revival in traditional boat building and develop a regular event that would forget links with lovers of wooden boats from other area and countries.
Every summer Ireland hosts numerous festivals up and down the country but 2014 undoubtedly belongs to the City of Waterford. The city will celebrate 1100 years since its foundation by the Vikings in 914 AD and will be celebrating all year round holding many festivals. So there will be plenty of reasons to trip to Ireland this year and enjoy some time in Waterford City.
The upcoming summer season is finally drawing close. With summer vacations on everyone’s mind, there is no better time to enjoy a trip to Ireland than in summer time. Whilst on a vacation in Ireland, a trip to the wonderful West Cork region is a must. The rugged coastline and rolling hill promises an unforgettable trip. For those planning to take a vacation in the South West of Ireland this May, there are a host of planned festivals to enjoy.
