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iWalk guides in Dublin
2007-06-28 21:45:00
Christchurch Cathedral Dublin Dublin's landmarks like Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick 's Cathedral and the walls of the ancient city will be laid bare by a modern gadget - iWalks MP3 Players.By the end of July, visitors will be able to pick up the credit-sized electronic guides in hotels and use them to listen to the history of the city. The guide has a built-in speaker and comes with a map, information card and wrist strap. At a cost of Euro 18 each the iWalks will include atmospheric sound effects and music such as the sound of horse shoes at Dublin Castle. It has a battery lifespan of 12 to 14 hours and when they are finished you can just replace them and use it as a souvenir.
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iWalk guides in Dublin
2007-06-28 21:45:00
Christchurch Cathedral Dublin Dublin's landmarks like Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the walls of the ancient city will be laid bare by a modern gadget - iWalk s MP3 Players.By the end of July, visitors will be able to pick up the credit-sized electronic guides in hotels and use them to listen to the history of the city. The guide has a built-in speaker and comes with a map, information card and wrist strap. At a cost of Euro 18 each the iWalks will include atmospheric sound effects and music such as the sound of horse shoes at Dublin Castle. It has a battery lifespan of 12 to 14 hours and when they are finished you can just replace them and use it as a souvenir.
More About: Guides , Guid

Leonardo da Vinci's Codex on display in Dublin!
2007-06-12 15:08:00
The Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle is among handful of world museums chosen to display Codex Leicester notebook, written by Leonardo da Vinci . The 36-page document, that contains more than 300 drawings, diagrams and sketches, is owned by the world?s richest man, Bill Gates. The notebook includes inventions such as designs for strengthening bridges and for flood control. The Codex was acquired by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester in 1717. It was owned by him and his descendants for more than two centuries. It was acquired by Gates in 1994, and is the only manuscript by Leonardo in private hands. Additional material in the exhibition comes from TCD, the Library of the University of Cambridge and the Museum of the History of Science in the University of Oxford. To conserve the delicate manuscript, the pages are displayed in climate-controlled cases that regulate the amount of light it is exposed to. Admission is free but booking on the cbl.ie website is advised...
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Leonardo da Vinci's Codex on display in Dublin!
2007-06-12 15:08:00
The Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle is among handful of world museums chosen to display Codex Leicester notebook, written by Leonardo da Vinci . The 36-page document, that contains more than 300 drawings, diagrams and sketches, is owned by the world?s richest man, Bill Gates. The notebook includes inventions such as designs for strengthening bridges and for flood control. The Codex was acquired by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester in 1717. It was owned by him and his descendants for more than two centuries. It was acquired by Gates in 1994, and is the only manuscript by Leonardo in private hands. Additional material in the exhibition comes from TCD, the Library of the University of Cambridge and the Museum of the History of Science in the University of Oxford. To conserve the delicate manuscript, the pages are displayed in climate-controlled cases that regulate the amount of light it is exposed to. Admission is free but booking on the cbl.ie website is advised...
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Four popular bathing spots fail water quality tests!
2007-05-12 13:35:00
Four of the Ireland?s leading bathing spots have failed to meet the minimum EU standards for water quality, with high levels of faecal coliforms detected by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests. Swimming areas at Balbrigan and Malahide in Fingal, north Dublin, Clifden, Co Galway and Dunmore East Main Strand, Co Water ford, all failed the minimum cleanliness standards, with Clifden failing for the second year in a row. The presence of the faecal coliforms at the four sites indicated that inadequately treated (or worst, not treated at all!) was spilling into the bathing areas.Overall water quality levels were high with 127 out 131 sites tested reaching the required EU standards.
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Four popular bathing spots fail water quality tests!
2007-05-12 13:35:00
Four of the Ireland?s leading bathing spots have failed to meet the minimum EU standards for water quality, with high levels of faecal coliforms detected by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests. Swimming areas at Balbrigan and Malahide in Fingal, north Dublin, Clifden, Co Galway and Dunmore East Main Strand, Co Water ford, all failed the minimum cleanliness standards, with Clifden failing for the second year in a row. The presence of the faecal coliforms at the four sites indicated that inadequately treated (or worst, not treated at all!) was spilling into the bathing areas.Overall water quality levels were high with 127 out 131 sites tested reaching the required EU standards.
More About: Popular , Spots , Tests , Quality

Old enemies sign up to new dawn for the North
2007-05-10 15:25:00
Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, once the deadliest enemies, stood shoulder to shoulder in Belfast on Tuesday to consign generations of bitterness to history and clear the way for a spectacular new era of cooperation in the North ern Ireland. Nearly 10 years after the Good Friday Agreement, we witnessed history as DUP leader Dr Paisley and Sinn Fein?s Mr McGuinness pledged themselves to a power-sharing government. On an occasion unlike any other inside Parliament Buildings, Stormont, full of emotion and high on drama they signed up to a deal of a lifetime. Taoiseach (prime minister in Ireland) Bertie Ahern expressed hope that no one in the island of Ireland would ever again feel the anger and pain of old quarrels.
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Old enemies sign up to new dawn for the North
2007-05-10 15:25:00
Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, once the deadliest enemies, stood shoulder to shoulder in Belfast on Tuesday to consign generations of bitterness to history and clear the way for a spectacular new era of cooperation in the North ern Ireland. Nearly 10 years after the Good Friday Agreement, we witnessed history as DUP leader Dr Paisley and Sinn Fein?s Mr McGuinness pledged themselves to a power-sharing government. On an occasion unlike any other inside Parliament Buildings, Stormont, full of emotion and high on drama they signed up to a deal of a lifetime. Taoiseach (prime minister in Ireland) Bertie Ahern expressed hope that no one in the island of Ireland would ever again feel the anger and pain of old quarrels.
More About: Enemies , Sign , Dawn

Ireland had its warmest and sunniest April in history!
2007-05-03 19:34:00
Ireland had its warmest and sunniest April on record this year. Irish weather stations at Birr, Malin Head and in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, where records began more than a century ago, reported the warmest April ever. Met Eireann says that the average temperatures varied between 10C and 11.50C ? nearly three degrees higher than normal for May, never mind April! It was also the sunniest April on record almost everywhere, with monthly totals around 50% higher than normal.Despite the very high monthly values, minimum temperatures fell sharply on several nights under clear skies and there were between 12 and 18 ground frosts recorded at inland stations, around a third more than normal for April. Monthly rainfall totals were well below normal except in the northwest, with the driest April on record at Shannon Airport. The soil was very dry: soil moisture deficits increased significantly during the month ? with the very dry conditions leading to outbreaks of gores fires in many parts of...
More About: History , Ireland

Ireland had its warmest and sunniest April in history!
2007-05-03 19:34:00
Ireland had its warmest and sunniest April on record this year. Irish weather stations at Birr, Malin Head and in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, where records began more than a century ago, reported the warmest April ever. Met Eireann says that the average temperatures varied between 10C and 11.50C ? nearly three degrees higher than normal for May, never mind April! It was also the sunniest April on record almost everywhere, with monthly totals around 50% higher than normal.Despite the very high monthly values, minimum temperatures fell sharply on several nights under clear skies and there were between 12 and 18 ground frosts recorded at inland stations, around a third more than normal for April. Monthly rainfall totals were well below normal except in the northwest, with the driest April on record at Shannon Airport. The soil was very dry: soil moisture deficits increased significantly during the month ? with the very dry conditions leading to outbreaks of gores fires in many parts of...
More About: History , Ireland , Stor , Land

Ireland is larger!
2007-04-24 17:15:00
Ireland has got bigger since the last time you saw it on the map. The country almost doubled in size after the United Nations agreed to give Ireland ownership of a significant slice of the Atlantic Ocean. The 56.000 sq km stretch of water is equivalent to 80 per cent of the land area of Ireland and is located off of the coast of Kerry and Cork. Under international maritime laws, Ireland can now legally explore and exploit the natural resources of the seabed and subsurface in the area. All the mackerels and salmons - better watch out!
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Ireland is larger!
2007-04-24 17:15:00
Ireland has got bigger since the last time you saw it on the map. The country almost doubled in size after the United Nations agreed to give Ireland ownership of a significant slice of the Atlantic Ocean. The 56.000 sq km stretch of water is equivalent to 80 per cent of the land area of Ireland and is located off of the coast of Kerry and Cork. Under international maritime laws, Ireland can now legally explore and exploit the natural resources of the seabed and subsurface in the area. All the mackerels and salmons - better watch out!
More About: Ireland , Land , Elan , Large

The Dublin City Soul Festival
2007-04-23 14:20:00
On May 24th - May 27th Dublin will host its first soul music festival. Soul ain't nothing but a feeling" and that's what the Dublin City Soul Festival is all about. During those four days we'll enjoy live music, top European djs, the best local talent, International soul gospel stars and the world?s first ever ?Soul Picnic? in the beautiful surroundings of Merrion Square Park. More details on: http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie

The Dublin City Soul Festival
2007-04-23 14:20:00
On May 24th - May 27th Dublin will host its first soul music festival. Soul ain't nothing but a feeling" and that's what the Dublin City Soul Fest ival is all about. During those four days we'll enjoy live music, top European djs, the best local talent, International soul gospel stars and the world?s first ever ?Soul Picnic? in the beautiful surroundings of Merrion Square Park. More details on: http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie

Viking Dublin now on roadtoireland.eu
2007-04-19 23:48:00
We have added a page on Viking Dublin , feedback is very welcomed!
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Viking Dublin now on roadtoireland.eu
2007-04-19 23:48:00
We have added a page on Viking Dublin , feedback is very welcomed!

Titanic
2007-04-17 22:16:00
On 15 April we marked 95th anniversary of sinking of the famous liner Titanic . Everyone knows the story of RMS Titanic, yet few realise the ship was built in Belfast. In fact, no other city in the world can lay claim to having lived beneath its magnificent shadow for so long. The emerging superstructure dominated Belfast?s Harland & Wolff shipyard for just over two years, from the moment its keel was laid in March 1909 to its launch on 31 May 1911. Only the cold, Atlantic seabed has been its home for longer. Full story of the Titanic and its Belfast connections available here.

Viking Dublin
2007-04-16 00:12:00
To prepare for the arrival of the Viking warship Havhingsten in August to Dublin roadtoireland.eu team visited Dublinia - a multi-media presentation of Dublin's Viking and medieval history. As always to bring you the first hand experience we had to test everything (see photo below). This Medieval heritage centre, located beside Christ Church Cathedral, tells the story of the development of Dublin from the arrival of Vikings to the 16th century.You can walk through reconstructed streets, visit the Merchant's House or observe the quayside activities. On the last floor you will find very informative display on Vikings. Dublinia & The Viking World recreate the lifestyle of Vikings and medieval Dubliners. The exhibition provides a unique insight into their everyday lives and reveals how their influence can still be felt today.The visit was highly enjoyable!
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Belfast - city on the rise
2007-04-13 13:04:00
The Lonely Planet endorsement of Belfast as "city on the rise" was confirmed yesterday with record numbers of visitors reported in 2006. Numbers rose by 6% to 6.8m, with tourists from outside Northern Ireland rising by 11%.Travel Lonely Planet have included Belfast as a City on the Rise in their Blue List, and say Northern Ireland is a Must See Destination for 2007.
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Vikings are coming back to Dublin
2007-04-12 15:20:00
Dublin is to be invaded by Viking s this summer as the warship Havhingsten storms the River Liffey under the power of 65 oarsmen. The Viking ship will arrive on 14 August at the end of an arduous seven-week 1,000 miles voyage from Roskilde in Denmark via Norway and the Orkneys. The ship, also known as the Sea Stallion of Glendalough, will be displayed at the National Museum until its return journey to Denmark next year. The arrival in Dublin will be a homecoming of sorts, as the Sea Stallion is a reconstruction of the Skuldelev 2 ship, built in Dublin in 1042, when the city?s links to the Viking world were at their strongest. The Skuldelev is believed to have sunk in Roskilde Fjord near Copenhagen 30 years later.
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Irish castle king of Europe
2007-04-10 16:13:00
An Irish castle has been named the best-stonewalled accommodation in Europe . Ashford Cast le in Cong, Co. Mayo, topped the list compiled by TripAdvisor. The castle is located just ½ hour from Galway on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake. Built in 1625 Ashford is described as having opulent rooms and endless hallways. Book a room in Ashford Castle today!
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Is the era of Guinness coming to an end?
2007-03-28 15:34:00
Lent, finishing next week, is a time when many people in Ireland make sacrifice until Easter Sunday. Quite few gave up drinking alcohol for several weeks, though some made exception for St. Patrick?s Day.But that?s not the main reason of falling Guin ness sale (the 2006 figures for Ireland and Britain show a drop of 7%, continuing a trend that began years ago). The scale of the shift from drinking Guinness, which takes its dark colour from the roasted barley, appears even more dramatic given that Ireland has the fastest growing population in the European Union.Some people blame the trend on the Irish Republic's smoking ban in pubs; others say it has to do with a crackdown on drink-driving. The main reason however is changing life-style as new wealth, new opportunities and immigration transform tastes and drinking habits in Ireland.Alongside the decline of Guinness is an increasing appetite for wine, spirits, cider and imported beer. People are drinking more alcohol at home and are m...
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Lies about the Battle of Thermopylae. Why we should call it ?1000? and not
2007-03-23 14:41:00
The recent movie ?300? is based on the comic book and shouldn?t be treated as historically accurate. Unfortunately newspapers and TV are using ?300? as a valid source of information about the battle! We can read that: ?300 Sparta ns held out against the armies of the Persian emperor Xerxes? or ?King Leonidas, who leads just ?300? Spartans against Xerxes and his massive army of decadent Persians ? all to protect Western democracy.? Hold on a second! Do not mix what is promising to be a great movie with history! Have we all forgotten about 700 Thespians and 6,000 other Greek allies fighting in the battle! OK out of the initial 7,000-strong Greek army, all but over 1,000 were dismissed on the third day. Why? Late on the second day of battle Leonidas received a windfall: a Malian Greek traitor offered to guide the Persian army through the pass around Thermopylae. King had stationed 1,000 Phocian volunteers on the heights to guard that path. Unfortunately they were surprised by the Persia...
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Skyfest Dublin
2007-03-18 23:49:00
Unfortunately, due to extreme winds and bad weather conditions see snow in the last post!!! the skyfest was cancelled this evening. I finished in pub for the night ;-)It was supposed to be one of Europe's biggest explosive displays of fireworks. A one-meter swell on the river and strong wind (up to 60 kmh) meant that barges used to rig the fireworks could not operate safely. This time even St. Patrick could not change the weather to accomodate the Skyfest being held in his honour. Maybe next year... Below photos from 2005 Skyfest.Custom House by night
More About: Dublin , St Patrick , Fest

St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin
2007-03-18 15:38:00
As one could expected? it rained yesterday, fortunately it never poured! People start to arrive to O'Connell Street as early as 10am to secure a good vantage point (parade began at 12 noon). Para de was breathtaking, three thousand performers, ten marching bands (one without instruments as they were lost in transit ;-) ? big cheer for courage to march without instruments!). Themed ?legendary? the spirits of Irish, European and worlds myths and legends came alive through magnificent and colourful costumes and platforms. The parade was very multicultural as today?s Ireland is. We could admire Brazilian maracatu dancers; Liberties samba band from Dublin ; brightly coloured Sikh; marching bands from USA; musicians from Spain and Germany; Lithuanians, Poles and many others.According to Irish Times over 650 thousand people attended the parade; you could really see an ocean of green all over city. More photos available here.Now I?m looking forward to the Skyfest in Docklands this evening ...
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St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin
2007-03-16 13:45:00
One of the highlights of the festival in Dublin is of course Skyfest on Sunday evening at 7.30pm. This huge display of fireworks and laser lights will light up Dublin?s sky. The best viewing points are Liffey?s north and south quays ? make sure to get there early or you?ll se little more than the heads of those in front of you.Merrion Square hosts a funfair throughout the festival ? check out the view from 45 meter high Jubilee Wheel. Also on Monday the square will host the best of Irish and International street theatres.
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St Patrick's Day
2007-03-13 22:52:00
Nearly here! Only few days left to the most important holiday in Ireland - St Patrick 's Day. It all began only in the mid-1990s that the Irish government began a campaign to use Saint Patrick 's Day to showcase Ireland. Now on 17th March everyone is Irish. The biggest parade in Ireland will be held in Dublin. I promise to put up some photos on both blog and the website as soon as I recover from celebrating Paddy's Day and watching Italy - Ireland rugby game (probably Sunday ;-)) I just hope the weather will be nice. St. Patrick's Day Parade 2005
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Carlingford
2007-02-11 13:54:00
It's cold, cloudy and rainy - typical Irish winter, no snow, just rain, so I thought I'll add a page about Carl ingford to my website; Carlingford is a small medieval town in between Dublin and Belfast. It's nicely located on the footsteps of Mourne mountains and the shores of Carlingford lough. Town is dominated by the castle which rises above the lough and offers magnificent views to the north, south and east. If you are looking for relaxing break it's a place for you. You can stroll the medieval streets, walk the mountains or fish for the sea-trout, bass and other.
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Blarney Castle
2006-11-08 16:22:00
Hi,We've just published a page on Blarney Cast le . We've paid a short visit to Blarney in mid 2005. To be honest the castle is a little bit pricey and the Stone of Eloquence is nothing more than a good marketing (we've kissed the stone just in case we're wrong!!! ;-)), but even though it is worth visit. Just a little warning - it gets really crowded in high season!!!

Important changes to EU hand baggage restrictions
2006-11-06 12:05:00
The European Union has adopted new security rules that restrict the quantity of liquids, gels and pastes air passengers may carry through airport security search points in cabin bags.The new rules apply to all air travellers travelling from any EU airport, as well those travelling from Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, regardless of their destination. The changes will be effective from November 6, 2006.
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