Following a nationwide poll, Cork came out tops and is set to be the first Irish county to get its very own version of the legendary game Monopoly.
The popular family board game made by Winning Moves under the game license from Hasbro will custom-make a Cork version of the game to include some of the much loved landmark and tourist attractions from around the county and often frequented by locals and the many visitors attracted to Cork on their vacation in Ireland.
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100 Years ago, on her ill fated maiden voyage, Titanic left Cobh, her last port of call, on this very day – the 11th April. 100 years on and the MS Balmoral cruise liner, which is retracing the voyage of Titanic, and left the Port of Cobh on Monday evening, has also been surrounded with drama.
Upon leaving Cobh and some 135 miles off the Coast of Valentia, Co Kerry, the cruise liner declared a medical emergency, when one of the on board passengers became unwell with a non threatening heart condition. The cruise liner made contact with the Irish Coast Guard, immediately about-turned and sailed to within 113 miles of the Irish coast to meet the rescue helicopter, which was sent from Shannon. The passenger was then air lifted to hospital in Tralee and the cruise liner resumed its journey.
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New figures announced today by Social Justice Ireland shows that one sixth of the Irish population are living in poverty. The shocking statistics claim that one third of the figure applies to women and children. In addition to this, an employed person doesn’t necessarily live poverty free in Ireland.
The study explained that the poorest 10% of households have an average disposable income of just €210 a week. Compared this to the average of €2,276 a week for the richest 10% of households and it is easy to see why the figures are so one sided. Continue reading
As most sectors of the economy are dwindling, the TV industry here in Ireland is continuing to thrive. The increase in the size of the industry is coming not from domestic productions but from overseas ones and the big driver is the ‘drama’ genre of television. It is not simply because we have ideal locations or a peaceful country with little to no media/paparazzi attention, but due to our tax breaks which are attractive to producers and film crews from the UK and America in particular.
In 2010, the spending on the drama genre of television alone (in Ireland) was €241 million. This is more than twice that of film. ‘Camelot’ and ‘The Tudors’ have been two globally notable successes. In 2007, total expenditure on the Irish film and television industry was €182 million. By 2010 it was €358 million. The 2011 figures are still not published but are said to be in excess of the 2010 figure. Interestingly, television dramas can recover up to 22 per cent of the costs of their spend in Ireland. It is not hard to see why Ireland has become so popular. Continue reading
It is a fantastic time to be on your vacation in Ireland this Easter Weekend, as we embark upon our Titanic centurial celebrations!
In the South, in Cobh, County Cork – made famous as Titanic’s last port of call to the North, in Belfast, County Antrim – where Titanic was built, the country is commemorating her devastating maiden voyage.
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An important date on the Calendar – Easter is far more important the Christmas from a religious standpoint and has been celebrated in Ireland for centuries. Not unlike Christmas, Easter has also collected a great many traditions, some religious, some originating from folk customs.
This weekend and all next week, families all over the world will be celebrating Easter’s old and new traditions, as well as attending Easter celebrations and events, and in Ireland this will be no different.
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As April 15th 2012 hits shortly, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will be marked in various different ways. Dubbed ‘unsinkable’ the liner set off on it’s maiden voyage on April 10th. However, only four days into the crossing, it collided with an iceberg at 11.40pm on April 14th.
The sinking of the Titanic has arguably been the most tragic and well known maritime diaster in recent times. For this reason, it has always been well documented with various TV shows and documentatries showcasing the disaster. Across the world the award winning 1997 blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will be re-shown in theaters in 3D format. Ireland in particular has a special place in Titanic’s history and to commemorate, there will be plenty of events to mark the occasion up and down the country.
It is not too hard to understand why Ireland plays a large part in the history of the Titanic. The ship was built between 1909–11 by the Harland and Wolff shipyard company who were based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The ship was built in order to hold a capacity of 2,224 people. The passengers on the ship included many Irish emigrants hoping to start a new life in America. Most of the Irish passengers came aboard when the Titanic made her last stop before the sinking in Queenstown (now known as Cobh), Co. Cork. Today you will find a memorial in the centre of the town of Cobh to remember the devastating loss. Continue reading
The popular reality show, The Voice of Ireland, is the ultimate talent show. Taking the world by storm and gripping the nation, is thanks in part to the top Irish musician coaches; Bressie (Nial Breslin), Sharon Corr, Kian Egan and Brian Kennedy.
The esteemed coaches are known throughout the world for their global successes, but it is in Ireland that it all began. Which is not suprising seeing as music is a huge part of Irish culture and that live music, both popular and traditional, can be heard in many bars, clubs, cafes, halls, streets, and many other places around the country.
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Let it snow, let it snow… wait! what!?
Yes, Easter Sunday is fast approaching and we’ve just had snow in some parts of Ireland this week. It is bizzare!
To add to the chaos, we’re just over a week of heat and sunshine. Ireland has a bit of a reputation for having miserable weather but even now we’re convinced the weather is schizophrenic! Continue reading
Visit anywhere in Ireland at your own pace, use prepaid vouchers for each night’s accommodation, add on activities such as golfing, fishing, cycling and hiking on an Scenic Ireland Self Drive vacation.
We have a range of sample self drive vacation packages to choose from, which are ideal for family holidays, breaks away with friends and as a Ireland honeymoon.
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