Connemara Mussel Festival

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

This is the sixth year of the Connemara Mussel Festival on the Renvyle Peninsula and it will take places from the 4th-6th May 2012. Astonginsly, over a ton of mussels were eaten and organisers are set to harvest just over three tonnes of Killary Mussels to ensure they are enough supplies to go around this weekend. Professional chefs will be on hand to demonstrate the cooking of mussels and other local produce.

There will also be lots of music and fun to be enjoyed by all the family at the event.

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Big numbers expected for Great Limerick Run

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

As mentioned previously, there is much happening this May bank holiday weekend, including the Limerick Riverfest, which takes place in Limerick City and includes the Great Limerick International BBQ. The Riverfest has something for everyone with fashion shows, live music, street performances, headline bands in the Big Top and art workshops, and coincides with The Great Limerick Run, which is expected to attract over 8,000 competitors from around the world!
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History of Killarney, Co. Kerry

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

killarney historyKillarney is based in Co. Kerry and is steeped with local folklore and history. Religious settlements in particular have been influential and one of the first recorded pieces of history in the area. The monastery on Innisfallen Island in 640 by St. Finian the Leper. It was said to have been occupied for approximately 850 years.

It is said that the townland of Aghadoe began as a pagan religious site.  ‘Ogham stones’ mark the first seventh century which is clear evidence of Aghadoe being used as a important religious pagan site. If forklore is to believed, St. Finian founded the monastery at Aghadoe in the sixth or perhaps seventh century. In 939 AD the first written record of a monastery dates from the Annals of Innisfallen where the Aghadoe monastery is referred to as the “Old Abbey.” Continue reading →

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Olympic battle between Northern Ireland’s top chefs

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

This week on the popular BBC Show Great British Menu it’s the turn of 3 top chefs from the North of Ireland to do battle for the chance to cook at a glittering Olympic banquet.

This summer, the Olympic Games will be hosted in London and it is expected that visitors and tourist from around the globe will choose to combine their vacations in Ireland and other close by European countries with the Olympics.
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Ireland’s richest keep getting richer

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Ireland's richestThis news may surprise a lot of you given the current state of Ireland’s economy but the richest people in Ireland are getting even richer! The combined wealth of the nation now stands at €46.7bn (previously €43.6bn in 2011). Interestingly, this would be enough money to cancel out most of the debt the nation of Ireland has accrued over the years.

The rich list includes retailer Hilary Weston (owner of department stores including Brown Thomas) and her family are still Ireland’s richest residents for the fourth year running, despite racking up a personal loss. Continue reading →

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Irish President Michael D Higgins heads to US for first official visit.

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Irish President Michael D Higgins will arrive in America today for his first official visit. Upon his arrival in New York, President Higgins will be met by Noel Kilkenny, the Consul General of Ireland to New York and Michael Collins, Ireland’s Ambassador to the US. Continue reading →

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Top Irish Musicians in Worlds Richest Musician List

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

This week it was announced that Irish Rock Band U2 are riding high at number 5 of the World’s richest musician list with Irish dancing superstar Michael Flatley not too far behind at number 9!

The world wide success of both entertainers from Ireland is no surprise when you consider that throughout the country and indeed throughout the year you can see live music and dancing at events up and down the country. With May fast approaching and the summer months upon us, there is an array of festivals in the calendar and sure to be one to be enjoyed wherever you are taking your vacation in Ireland.
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Rugby by the Sea!

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

As the May Bank holiday weekend approaches, the beautiful historic town of Kinsale situated on the southern coast of Ireland in County Cork prepares itself for the world renowned Kinsale Sevens!

A fun weekend for all – year on year the Kinsale sevens attracts players and visitors from around the world, some of whom decide to incorporate it into their friends and family vacation in Ireland.
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The Meitheal Irish Travel Trade Fair

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Last week in Dublin proved to be a busy and all important week in the Irish and international travel calendar as the annual Meitheal Irish Travel Trade Fair kicked off. Hundreds of travel industry representatives from industry areas such as Ireland vacations and abroad arrived in the capital for this annual two day travel trade workshop which took place in Hall 1 in the RDS Dublin on Tuesday 17th – Wednesday 18th April. Organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Failte Ireland Meitheal is one of the biggest events of the Irish tourism calendar.

This years running of the event saw over 310 tour operators from over 18 countries meet with over 600 Irish accommodation and activity providers as well as promoters of Irish attractions for the two days. It proved to be the perfect opportunity for people working in the travel industry throughout Ireland and abroad to meet up and exchange ideas, give and receive feedback and make those all-important contacts. Continue reading →

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Many things to entertain this May

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

As we approach the start of spring and summer there are lots of events happening around the country for both locals and visitors on vacation in Ireland.

Focusing on the forthcoming May Bank Holiday weekend, which this year is the weekend of the 4th-7th May; Ireland has festivals happening up and down the country and include, to name but a few;
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