If you are looking for a nice get-a-way weekend, with all the charm of a country town and yet all the opportunities of a thriving city, then Belfast is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life! Belfast is the second largest city in Ireland, Dublin being the largest, and with a population of over 200,000 it is filled with the charm of an old town shipping port alongside a thriving metropolis. Belfast originated centuries ago as a shipping passage through the Irish Sea, protected on one side by Ireland and the other by England. Today it is quickly gaining the reputation as being the place to go for “a breakâ€Â, even more than Glasgow or London! Once you get here, either by boat or plane, you have a choice either to stay inside your bed and breakfast, or get out and see what Belfast has to offer. Continue reading ‘16 Things To Do In Belfast, Ireland’ »
Archive for the ‘Europe Tour’ Category
Other Attractions in Europe:
London will please most any kind of traveler, what with it’s blend of modern facets and it’s rich varied history. It’s no wonder that London is one of the most popular cities on the globe consdiering it’s hundreds of art galleries, museums and other attractions which include theatre, nightlife, zoos and music. If you are planning to visit London you should plan to take in these five attractions:
Westminster Abbey
This burial ground, church and coronation site is the final resting place of great poets, kings and other notables of British descent. Westminster Abbey is still used as a chuech on a regular basis for events and religious services. The visit is made very worthwhile by the works of art contained in the Abbey. A painting of Richard II hanges inside the west entryway. This is the oldest portrait of a British monarch on display today, having been painted back in 1390.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of British monarchy, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. If you visit in August or September you’ll find that the Palace’s 19 staterooms are open to the public. Some areas of the Palace are open all year and visitors can see the grandiose architecture of the building along with other exhibits. A must see for visitors is the Changing of the Guard as is a stroll through the 40 acre gardens and grounds.
Tower of London
Many have heard of the Tower of London, but not everyone knows it served as a prison for many years. The original structure was built to be used as a fort by William the Conqueror around 1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into a prison and then into a monument for the sizable collection of Crown Jewels which are still on display today. The highlight of the collection is the 530-carat Star of Africa. The pear shaped diamond is the 2nd largest in the world and was extracted from a South African mine. The Royal Armouries are also an interesting stop at the Tower of London. The spiral staircase running up the interior is the only way up and this British national museum of arms and armour has more than 40,000 pieces on display.
Trafalgar Square
This large, open plaza is often the site of political demonstrations and other public events in London. Aside from being the intersection for several major streets, the square is a great gateway to sightseeing in the area. On the north side of Trafalgar Square, you will find the National Gallery, one of the world’s prime art museums. To the west, you will come across Canada House, where visiting Canadians can get a taste of home; it’s worth a visit for everyone. South Africa House is on the east side and although it is closed to the public, the stone arches with African animals are worth a look. When you have seen all there is in Trafalgar Square, be sure to visit 10 Downing Street, the home of British Prime Ministers since 1732 and the Churchill Museum, both are located within walking distance of the square.
Harrods
What would a trip to London be without a little shopping? The world’s greatest department store, Harrods, is great even for the window shoppers. And, for those who are looking to spend a bit of dough, this million square feet of merchandise is every shoppers dream. In fact, Harrods motto is - Omnia Omnibus Ubique - which means “All Things For All People Everywhere”. Although it has been around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern as the latest iPod. Many of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas shop and the Food Hall, are world famous for their quality and abundance of selection. Where else can you choose from 300 different types of cheese?
These top five London attractions will get you started but you will discover London has so much to do and see a second visit will be in order.
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Thomas Smith
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Ireland is a fantastic holiday destination, with incredible changes in landscape in a relatively small area, and trendy cities within driving distance of remote rural communities. Here are five of the best things to do when you visit:
1. Go to Dublin
No visit to Ireland is complete without spending some time in Dublin – even if it’s only a day, although you need longer to do it justice. From the beautiful architecture of its university, to the General Post Office, which was the main post of the Irish Volunteers in the 1916 uprising, you can find something in the city to inspire awe. Alternatively, explore its parks, pubs, night life and fine dining to whet your appetite for the rest of this remarkable country.
2. Buy some Waterford Crystal
The crystal produced in Waterford is famous the world over, and visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a look around the factory and buy a souvenir in the gift shop. Walk through the factory, watching the glass being formed and engraved by specialist craftspeople, getting a bird’s eye view of the whole process. Find out how the apprentices learn the engraver’s craft and indulge yourself in a beautiful piece of crystal – the perfect reminder of your time in Ireland.
3. Play golf
Ireland is a well-known and loved haunt for golfing enthusiasts, with championship links courses and a range of inland courses for all tastes and abilities. Golf is one of the main reasons that many people choose to visit Ireland and a true golf fan should try and sample a couple of the best courses during their stay.
4. Find some ancient history
Ireland has plenty to offer those who are interested in all things historical. Its position as one of the most important Christian countries means that there is a wealth of material for the keen historian, including the unusual round towers that seem to have been a common part of Ireland’s monastic buildings between the 9th and 12th centuries. If you’re in County Kerry, don’t miss the Gallarus Oratory, which dates from as early as the 6th century and is a master class in building with stone.
5. Go to the beach
Ireland is blessed with a variety of beautiful beaches, from wide stretches of sand to tiny hidden bays. Take the kids and some buckets and spades, or a book and a bottle of wine and settle down for a beach day to remember.
[tags]travel Deals, vacation, travel, Ireland[/tags] [dels]travel deals, vacation, travel,Ireland[/dels]
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The Irish Riviera is dedicated to promoting the south coast of Ireland, helping you to find accommodation, travel and things to see and do. Visit our website now by clicking on http://www.theirishriviera.com.