Top Research Boat Docks in Ireland

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

A plankton boat said to be at the center of the first ever global study of marine plankton attempt, has docked at Dún Laoghaire harbour. Travelling across fifty countries in the past two and a half years, the boat has also clocked up as much as 115,000km on it’s mission to figure out the effect on climate change and other geographical features and it’s effect on planktonic ecosystems. Studying plankton is akin to recording the pulse of the planet according to scientists working on the project. Continue reading →

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Ballina Salmon Festival

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

In legend, the Salmon of Knowledge was a main feature of Irish folklore and heritage, an immortal creature of lore it was said to bestow wisdom on any who was fortunate enough to catch and eat it. This week legend and tradition not forgetting family fun and entertainment is to be found in the salmon capital of Ireland itself, Ballina on the banks of the river Moy in scenic Co. Mayo, currently running its renowned Ballina Salmon Festival. Named in honour of Ballinas reputation for salmon fishing, this action packed and family friendly festival is one of the biggest summer events in the west of Ireland and rightly so.

Action packed, this well established festival has a rich varied programme of fun and family activities (not confined to fishing) that mixes current trends with a nod to our heritage and traditions. Catering for every age group and taste, such varied events in the week long show include a heritage day, flower show, tug of war, motorbike show, family treasure hunts, an agricultural and horse show, Irish dancing and a range of live music gigs and a whole lot more. New events added annually ensure the festivals programme is up-to-date with social trends run alongside old favourites such as Lady of the Moy, Krazy Kart, It’s a Knockout, Heritage Day, Mardi Rag & Firework Display. Continue reading →

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West Cork Literary Festival: a festival to note in Bantry this week

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

While Galway seems to be on a high for the month of July with a wide range of festivals and events, throughout the country there is much to see and do with festivals both big and small held nationwide. West Cork is another region rich with festival delights with two main ones currently taking place. In Kinsale the well documented Arts Week is in full swing, while over in Bantry a lesser known but thoroughly interesting festival is currently taking place: the West Cork Literary Festival.

A festival for literary aficionados and aspiring writers, throughout 6 days from 8-14 July, the West Cork Literary Festival will see a diverse wealth of Irish and international literary talent lending their expertise to a number of special readings, events and workshops that tackle every conceivable topic from songwriting to comic books, for writers young and old. Continue reading →

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Galway Festivals set to continue throughout month of July

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Volvo Ocean Race and its accompanying 9 day festival has been an unmitigated success for Galway and Ireland with record numbers in excess of 900,000 having flocked to the maritime city over the 9 days bringing in excess of up to €100 million in tourism and business income to the city and the region.

Fresh from the universal success of this landmark sailing event, all eyes will continue to be on Galway as it continues its festivities with a number of festivals and events set to run consecutively throughout the month of July. First up to take up the void, is the Galway Film Fleadh, Irelands biggest film festival, running from 10-15th July. Straight after the Film Fleadh, Galway will launch into its renowned Galway Arts Festival (16-29th July) which will bring a wide gamut of arts related events and shows. And after all the excitement and drama of this exciting two week long arts festival will come action of another kind as the famous Galway Races, one of the highlights of the calendar year kick off from July 30-5th August. Continue reading →

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National Heritage Week in Ireland

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

One thing not to be missed this year is the National Heritage Week which runs from the 18th to the 26th of August this summer.

Background:

Thanks to encouragement from the EU, people from across Europe visit hundreds of historic monuments and sites every year. The aim of this is to create awareness of our culture and surroundings. A full week is dedicated to this initiative in Ireland as we celebrate European Heritage Days with plenty of events. Continue reading →

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Dublin Horse Show at the RDS

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Ireland yet again is the place to be as there are only 41 days to go (not that we’re counting!) until the the Dublin Horse Show. The long running horse show will take place yet again at the RDS showgrounds in Dublin. It is one of Ireland’s largest events and boasts thousands and thousands of visitors each year from all over the globe. Just some of the things revelers can enjoy at the number one horse show in the world include: live music, entertainment, fun, food and drink and of course the ever popular Ladies’ Day! Continue reading →

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Ireland’s Giant Causeway Visitor Centre Now Open

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Giant Causeway is the North of Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction and yesterday it just got even bigger or better as the new 18.5 million visitor centre was opened by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. Continue reading →

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The Galway Film Fleadh

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

It’s almost that time again. As Ireland’s largest film festival The Galway Film Fleadh, is coming soon. The six day event which is now in it’s 24th year is held every July. Films from every genre will take centre stage at the event which boasts the best directors and actors from around the world. The festival has had it’s fair share of special guests over the years including Anjelica Huston, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Reed, Aidan Quinn, Martin Sheen, Matt Dillion and Kathy Bates. Continue reading →

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The Irish Open a success for golf in Portrush

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Irish Open, which has taken place over the past four days, despite the rain, attracted over 100,000 spectators to the magnificent Royal Portrush.

The crowds were hoping for an Irish winner on the last day and were willing on Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Darren Clare, Graeme McDowell and Pádriag Harrington to take the title.
Continue reading →

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The Top 3 Reasons to Visit Ireland

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

3. The Castles

From restored masterpieces to untouched gems, Ireland has plenty to offer when it comes to castles. They are plenty of castles scattered around the country but the most famous would be Blarney Castle in Blarney, County Cork (where you can kiss the Blarney Stone), Ross Castle in Killarney, County Kerry and St. John’s Castle in County Limerick.

2. The Festivals

We won’t go into too much detail on this one because we cover this area so heavily in other posts. Ireland has countless well-known festivals covering music, sport, art, film and literature.

Continue reading →

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