Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Romance in Ireland

Patrick J. Corr, Wesley Chapel, Florida, describes Ireland hospitality like this:

“We had many encounters in which total strangers greeted us and offered assistance if we were lost. On one occasion in Waterford, when we pulled over to consult our map, a man actually stopped his car behind us and graciously gave us precise directions to our hotel. I’d be remiss if I did not single out the Gardaí too, who also came to our rescue several times. On one occasion, they even gave us a Garda escort to our destination.”

He describe about his wife: “It was her first visit and she fell in love with Ireland and in particular, its people.”

Four hundred years ago in 1607 the great exodus of Irish nobility occurred with the departure for Europe of The O’Neill and The O’Donnell and many others. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls which took place in 1607. This was a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking the end of an ancient Gaelic order. On September 14th 1607, ninety-nine of Ireland’s noble elite left their land and people to find refuge in mainland Europe. Amongst those who fled were the Great O’Neill of Tyrone, O’Donnells of Donegal, Maguires of Fermanagh and many soldiers and scholars. This ‘Flight’ made way for the Plantation of Ulster and signalled the start of Irish Diaspora around the world.

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. After the Norman invasion of Ireland, Dublin became the key centre of military and judicial power, with much of the power centering on Dublin Castle until independence. Many castles have been restored to highest standards, and beckon visitors to partake of luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals. In sync with such dreamy accommodations, honeymoon trips tend to be more relaxed than a usual “touring” itinerary. Couples prefer to stay a few nights in each place, relaxing and savouring an area, rather than hopping to a new lodging every night. Romance visitors which traveling Dublin can get accommodation option from http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Ireland/Dublin/.

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast castle sits on the slopes of Cavehill in its well kept public grounds. The grounds have many walks leading through the forest or more energetic walks up to the top of Cavehill and Napoleons Nose or McArds Fort as it is officialy known. The castle itself has a bar and restaurant and often plays host to wedding parties and other such celebrations. Another place is Queen’s University of Belfast, lies at the heart of the University area of the city (ahem). Charles Lanyon's main building remains one of Belfast's most notable landmarks. If you concern in music, you must visit Ulster Hall. The Ulster Hall is the venue of many popular events in Belfast, such as: Mannafest, Pop concerts and a variety of Classical Music Concerts. Youth Orchestras such as Ballynahinch Senior Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra and String Training Orchestra hold annual summer concerts here. If you visit Belfast, you can stay a few nights in Belfast Hotels.

Cork is situated in the South West of Ireland, it is the largest of all the Irish counties and in many ways the most varied. Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west, and above all there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands. When you visit Cork, you can choose the accommodation from http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Ireland/Cork/.

Ireland has an added bonus for romantics – an endless supply of fairytale castles.

Epic films such as Braveheart (filmed at Trim Castle) and Excalibur and Barry Lyndon (set at Cahir Castle) have put the spotlight on Ireland’s castles for a worldwide audience. If you visit Ireland, you can stay at Ireland Hotels and get cheapest hotel. Although Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Belfast, Derry and other large cities are sometimes part of a honeymoon itinerary, the major emphasis for most couples is on the West of Ireland, often referred to as “the real Ireland” – from Donegal south to Cork, with Kerry, Clare, Galway and Mayo being the prime destinations.

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