top tips for trip

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

2011-05-26T20:22:00.000-11:00

One of the highlights of my recent visit to Berlin was the fascinating East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall. Rather than enter into lengthy discussion on visual art and history I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Each mural tells a thousand words.....

Observations in Berlin

2011-05-24T22:05:00.001-11:00

I headed to Berlin for a first look at the German capital back in February and for some reason have still not managed to do a Berlin blog! There is heaps to write about the city, but as my visit was short and sweet and now fading into memory and filed away photos, I thought I would be as true to my initial thoughts as possible. Straight from my notebook here are some very quick observational jottings I made in -of- Berlin! Mental notes thrown down as a fleeting first impression.

City space is wide, spread out, lacking a social clustering or hub.

Very little to add colour to this city in winter.

Very clean city with minimal litter. There is a lot of graffiti along metro lines, some good, some bad.

Alexanderplatz square-the city centre- is massively expansive, a little grey, mixed architecture serves as a stark reminder of war, while techy type structure such as the world clock and other modern installations point to a forward-looking, progressive nation.

The famous Berlin television tower is better viewed from a distance as part of the city scape. A trip up will give you a great view of the city, but it is over-priced and under-rewarding as you struggle to peer out over the shoulders of throngs of tourists. Skip.

The Brandenburg gate is impressive and its history, which you can read at information points near to the gate, is very interesting.

The East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall makes a fascinating walk. We visited on a week day and it was refreshingly not thronged with visitors, just a couple of people checking out the murals. It only had one tiny little souvenier shop so the whole tourist experience was, surprisingly, not spoiled by, well, tourism.

Generally very helpful locals.

Metro system is excellent.

You will see locals opening can of beer on the metro home from work on Fridays.

Nightlife is brilliant, with lots of really good bars and some huge mega clubs, particularly for lovers of dance music. Good bars can be found throughout the city's many districts, but they are spread out nestled within otherwise quiet streets. The same can be said for restaurants. There doesn't seem to be any definitive nightlife destination zones, streets or areas. You can wander about to find somewhere, but window shopping as such can be a little frustrating when it feels that few are far between.

Recommendations and a little research go a long way in this spread out city.

Some nightclubs open for the entire weekend so this is a serious destination for clubbers and should not be missed!

Live-music in many bars for those not into nightclubs.

Asian and Italian cuisine is very popular.

Streets are very quiet in the evenings, however the city feels relatively safe, even late.

There is good shopping with lots of big high street shopping centres, as well as a more underground, but thriving vintage sector.

Royal Wedding Party-Checklist

2011-04-27T22:05:00.000-11:00

Whether you are in London or not, Friday 29 April is unavoidable. The first royal wedding since Diana and Charles has flung Britain into a tizzy of excitement. Spectators have flocked to the city in their thousands, tents have been pitched as close as possible to the proceedings, an array of tacky memorabilia flies from trucks to shelves to person t home and drips from the rafters in anticipation of the big event. Britain, the media, the world are all waiting for Will & Kate.

Now I'm no royalist. And I'm not British. But I am a festivalist and this event is a festival free for all. OK so it is just an excuse to stray from the desk for a glass of bubbles on a Friday morning, but give me an inch and I'll take a mile. I now on the eve of this event find myself the eager host of a Royal Wedding Party!

If , like me, you fancy a fun Royal Wedding themed themed day off, then here is a top ten check list of what you need

1. Guests.
No point putting on a party without some pals to enjoy it!

2. Dress code
It is not every day you go to a wedding. Ask your guests to dress to impress. A touch of Britain in a court shoe or a string of pearls perhaps....

3. Lots of seating around a decent, reliable Telly
Dedicated coverage on the BBC begins at 8 AM and ends at 1:40 PM

4.Endless supply of tea

5. Token cucumber sambos (make sure to cut off the crusts!)

6. Scones, Cream and Jam

7. A spread of cakes
Victoria sponge, fruit breads, cream buns......

8. Strawberries and champagne

9. Pimms
Pimms punch always goes down a treat

10. Bunting, mini flags, other random memorabilia

AdVANtage Living

2011-04-20T20:51:00.001-11:00

You may have noticed its absence from the roads. Its confinement to driveways in Dublin estates or the back of country homes. Like a vacated Granny flat, its motionless mobile space fading and dating and depreciating over anniversaries of abandonment. It rests and rusts for years. Eventually pragmatism wins out over nostalgia and it is sold on to an online bargain hunter or dumped at some final cruel reunion with its cousins, where, in a neat row for the last time, the unwanted caravan queues for death.

Banishing the caravan is much like putting the family dog to sleep. The need for action and call to action take over as you remove the spent family treasure from the home. Guilt and sorrow take hold when you return alone.

What separates the two is the nature of their design. The animate is destined to die. The need for action-freeing them from pain-is real and kind. The inanimate however is a different story. It is a call, rather than a need for action, that results in its disposal.

The call usually comes from the younger members of the family, who find the permanent mobile home attached to their permanent home a point of irritation and embarrassment. It is an eye sore, a hick, grotesque, useless waste of space. They nag until their complaints, along with a begrudging self-admission that the wanderly wagon wanders no more, become too difficult to deny and the decision is made to vanish the van.

The demise of the caravan as an Irish family holiday institution from the early 90s onwards is largely attributed to a general increase in disposable income and the introduction of low-fare airlines. Foreign travel became affordable and easy. It grew in popularity as people were swayed by exotic destinations that could guarantee good weather and new experiences. Spending two weeks with the family in a leaky, cramped caravan, in a wet, cramped caravan park in West Cork, did not trump two weeks at a holiday resort in Italy. Under Celtic Tiger conditions, other categories bar Cost could hold weight on a trump card.

And so, tugging your accommodation behind you and setting up camp alongside like-minded families fell out of favour. Caravans, like caged birds, were left to sit and ruin at the side of the house until the now teenage children convinced their parents to ditch the last remaining badge of their pre-Celtic Tiger existence, and get an extension.

Our national dismissal of the caravan was reinforced by popular culture programming coming from the Uk. Television shows Top Gear and Brainiac regularly explored inventive methods of destroying caravans.

Ironically it is the very same generation of children , who campaigned against the family caravan, that are now reclaiming the mobile home as their own. The caravan is replaced by the camper-van; a more compact, convenient and well, cooler, set of wheels, particularly if it is a vintage 70's, retro, pseudo retro or hand painted model. The passengers/inhabitants are groups of friends rather than families. The destinations of choice are predominantly music festivals, although vanning is also popular with surfers.

The new wave of vanning has been sparked by the growing number of successful music festivals popping up around Ireland over the past ten years. Veteran festival goers, who have tried and tested the circuit , decide to invest in a van that will take them around and around again in relative comfort and style. Testament to this trend is the introduction in 2010 of Vantastival in Co. Louth, a free spirited festival aimed specifically at van enthusiasts, although all are welcome.

The camper-van has become the ultimate accessory for the festival elite. Anyone can wear floral wellies or a mac or novelty shades and pretend to fit in. But the camper-van is the secret nod between true, devout festival goers; an emblem of their commitment and subscription to the weekend hippy club.

It's not a mainstream club, but it is growing. The lifestyle appeals to a range of people, generally over 25, who can afford to buy a van and escape the higher rate of insurance applied to those below this age. They are usually leftist but often apolitical, well educated, free in spirit but not of commitment people, who combine watered down hippy sentiment with the festive Irish session at weekends and on their 21 days of annual leave.

Depending on their owners the vans can occupy two places during the week. They are parked in front of their parents' relatively new extension: an eye sore , a waste of space, a flag marking the fact that the 27 year old unemployed son is a permanent fixture of the permanent home. The van may also be found outside a brand new duplex; with crumbling walls and faulty plumbing; an over-priced, undervalued anchor for the good time machine. If only it was a time machine.

The latter group are moving on camper-van style: They arrive to the alter in the back of a vintage Volkswagon classic, upgrade their own van with the money they make from the wedding; slap a Baby on Board sticker on the back; and park next to the like-minded young families at the festival-themed weddings of their like-minded friends. Blindly, blissfully they follow in the tracks of the previous generation.

And then from nowhere, a glimpse, a flicker; the slow creeping elevation of the caravan as vintage gold. The retro tin-home-tug-along making its comeback on the organic pages of blogs and as a celebrated motif in underground art circles. Those who resisted the movement to expunge the caravan may soon find themselves the much envied owners of a now 'priceless' vintage classic. Hands off kids. Better still, they can now milk their van for political kuddos; a badge that they, unlike their neighbours, family or friends, did not lose the complete run of themselves during the Celtic Tiger; A badge that says 'I did not vote Fianna Fail'.

Click for image source

The campervan is mainstream and slowly the caravan returns. Watch that space at the side of the house.

Top 10 European City Destinations

2011-04-11T05:27:00.000-11:00

The votes have been cast, favourite European cities have been chosen and now the results are in! Starting with the most popular here are your Top 10 European City Destinations in 211!

1. Paris

2. Barcelona

3. Rome

4. Amsterdam

5. Venice

6. London

7. Dublin

8. Berlin

9. Madrid

10. Prague

Ireland's Summer Festivals 2011 Calander

2011-04-08T03:15:00.002-11:00

The festival season is fast approaching and what a season it looks set to be! We Irish just love to party and will throw up any old excuse to warrant a celebration. There is an array of micro-festivals happening across Ireland over the coming months, with almost every small town in the country flying flags for some reason or another. Add to this a considerable number of top international festivals and you have an impressive fixture of events all condensed into one relatively small island. Colourful, yet compact, the Irish festival circuit has us spoiled for choice. Check out this chocolate-box calendar of summer festivals and then try tell us you're not tempted!

Vantastival

18th April 0 1st May
Price: €85 3 day camping
Music and camper-van enthusiasts gather fo a chilled and cosy celebration.
Click here for websitehttp://www.vantastival.com/music-at-vantastival.html

Dublin City Soul Festival

26^th - 29^th May

Price: Free

Feel-good celebration of music, art, food and laughter.

Click here for website

Life Festival (Belvedere House, Park and Gardens, Co. West Meath)

27^th - 29^th May

Price: EB* WC* €99

Hybrid of dance music and performing arts.

Click here for website

The Forbidden Fruit Festival (Grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin)

4^th - 5^th June

Price: Day ticket €49.5, 2 day €90

Sponsored by Bulmers, this inaugural festival, contained within the shape of an apple, fuses music, art and fashion across four distinctly fruity entertainment zones.

Click here for website

All Ireland & International Sheep Shearing Championships (Cillin Hill, Co. Kilkenny)

4^th & 5^th June

Price: on the day

Show, trade exhibition, market.

Click here for website

Westfest (Aghamore, Co. Mayo)

4^th & 5^th June

Price: WC €120

Mayo's answer toOxygen (capacity 5,000).

Click here for website

Sea Sessions (Bundoran, Co. Donegal)

24^th -26^th June

Price: will be announced in April

Music festival on the beach

Click here for website

Body and Soul-Solstice Gathering (Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Co. Meath.)

18^th & 19^th June

Price: EB WC €99

Focus on atmospheric engineering with quirky nooks and crannies.

Click here for website

Oxegen (Punchestown Race-course, Co. Kildare)

7^th -10^th July

Price: 4 day WC €244.50

Ireland's largest music festival with headline acts The Foo Fighters, Black Eyed Peas, The Strokes, The Arctic Monkeys, Cold Play.....

Click here for website

Galway Arts Festival

11^th -24^th July

Price: Free with charge to individual events

International celebration of performing and visual arts, attracting over 150,000 annually.

Click here for website

Castle Palooza (Charleville Castle, Tullamore Co. Galway)

30^th & 31^st July

Price: EB WC €59

Music and Arts Festival

Click here for website

Killorglin Puck Fair (Co. Kerry)

10^th - 12^th August

^{Price: Free}

^{One of Ireland's oldest and most unusual street festivals celebrates the King Pick (make goat) for reasons that have now become blurred...}

Click here for website

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Cavan town)

13^th - 22^ndAugust

Price: Free

National traditional Irish music festival combining competition, concerts, céilithe, parades, pageants and street sessions.

Click here for website

Rose of Tralee (Co. Kerry)

19^th - 23^rd August

Price: Tickets needed for the live final. But lots of free fun leading up to this.

Festival around an international pageant to select a 'rose' from women of Irish descent

Click here for website

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

All of September

Price: Tickets for individual events

Over 150 years old, this month of matchmaking is Europe's biggest singles festival!

Click here for website

Electric Picnic (Stradbally Hall, Stradbally village, Co. Laois)

2^nd -4^th September

Price: WC €240

Funky music and arts festival, has been described as Ireland's answer to Glastonbury.

Click here for website

Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships (Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan)

10^th September

Price: Entry fee TBC

Fun day of mud and mayhem.

Click here for website

Galway Oyster Festival

21^st – 25^th September

Price: Buy tickets for individual events

Celebration of Oysters Guinness and Craic!

Click here for website

St. Patrick's Festival 2011

2011-03-16T02:21:00.000-10:00

Ireland's national festival of St. Patrick starts today and will run through the weekend until Sunday 20th March. As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish. If you are, or happen to be in Ireland at the moment, then you're in luck! The festival has a packed calender of events encompassing, film, music, comedy, culture, games and family entertainment, as well as the annual impressive firework production Skyfest, this year taking place in Wexford.

The highlight as always is the St. Patrick's Day Parade which takes place on Thursday starting at . This year's Grand Marshall is Dublin boxer and national hero Katie Taylor. The theme of the parade is based around the short story 'Brilliant' written by Irish author Roddy Doyle for the festival. The story follows the children of Dublin as they try to chase the 'Black Dog of Depression' from Ireland. Doyle's story (available to download here) is apt in its portrayal of Ireland as a people under a dark cloud. The upcoming festival offers some relief from this; it is hoped that a proud and cheerful green will replace black, for the weekend at least. If you are Irish, in Ireland, or just up for the craic, make sure you get it this weekend! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

For more information on the St. Patrick's Day Festival please visit the Festival's official website.

Night out in Kilkenny City

2011-03-11T03:15:00.000-10:00

A few weeks back I had a fantastic Girly Day in Kilkenny. Departing just before dark on a Saturday afternoon, I was dismayed to be leaving the city just as the evening festivities were getting underway. I pledged to myself, and to the readers of The Top Tips for Trips Blog, that I would return soon to sample Kilkenny's famous nightlife. And that I did.

Last weekend myself and 16 female female descended on Kilkenny to celebrate a double birthday. Not ones to let our climbing ages prevent us from acting as young as we feel, we decided to stay in Kilkenny Tourist hostel.

This was a good move because

a- It was super cheap (€17 pp)

b-nothing like sharing a room with 12 others to keep you entertained!

c-the hostel had lots of info on what was happening around the town, all displayed on a blackboard

It was a bad move because

a-all bathrooms were shared

b-all bathrooms were gross

c-The guards were called during the night to apprehend a peeping tom (although to be fair this did add to our list of entertaining stories!)

On a recommendation from our hostel we went to Titlers (on Butterslip) for a pub lunch. The pub is in a lovely old building with lots of little enclaves and cosy corners. Because it was so bright outside it seemed incredibly dark inside, a little too much so for day time drinks, but it did have a very large roofed beer garden for smokers. Food wasn't great.

After a few drinks here I couldn't resist slipping out and doing a spot of shopping in Kilkenny. Thirsty after just a few purchases we rejoined the gang in Matt the Millers. They were seated around a giant barrel with its own taps in the centre. Friendly staff and very comfortable, with a good buzz coming from its many different floors.

Back to the hostel for a quick change and in next door to the Italian Connection, where we had a slap up cheap and cheerful italian meal. Wine was flowing. As we stepped back out onto the streets our night had officially begun.

We immediately encountered a couple of bouzies on the path and buzzed off them for a while as we waited for the snake of girls to exit the restaurant. After much arguing back and forth about where to go (I was pushing Bridie's, but to no avail :( ), we gave up scrapping and swung into the nearest spot-The Playwright, across from Titlers. Here we had a couple of drinks while absorbing dins. It definitely was a stop-off spot rather than an all night venue for us, lacking a bit of atmosphere and charm.

Well on the way-and on the way again-we trotted (now split from one another) to the Left Bsnk. This is a large and very busy late bar contained in a beautiful old building. It is the kind of place that could be restored into something fabulous and made really chic and stylish-but isn't. Maybe it was once. We pushed our way to the font of the bar to buy a million drinks and then lucked out with an empty landing space where we danced around two stairwells. It might not sound great, but it actually was a great spot-near to the smoking area (again covered), which had a much less busy bar, and lots of room to shake our moves. Things were swinging in the Left Bank, when suddenly it closed. The venue is big enough to be a nightclub so it is a shame its license doesn't allow it be one.

Like dirty dish water we're flung from the Left Bank into crowds coming from bars all over town. It was 1:30 AM and everywhere but three places were closed. Looking around the scene on the streets it was easy to see why Kilkenny chose to smack down on its licensing, an attempt to discourage hens and stags.

Hitting the fresh air people immediately donned their rowdy coats-screaming back and forth at one another about where to go next. Of course this wasn't true for everyone; worse for wear girls wander around in a drunken stupor, lost and coatless. The atmosphere was jovial, but just.

We're in flying form, ready for a marathon night of drinking and dancing. We regroup and decide on Morrissons for our next destination. Arriving here it is plain to see that there isn't a spare inch inside. It is heaving. The smell of mass human odour oozes out its doors, where a swaying mob are trying to enter. Skip.

Back to Matt the Millers, where the casual bar from earlier has transformed into a steaming cesspit of leftover punters from now closed pubs. We don't care though-this is the only place we can go-our night is definitely NOT over. Drunkly determined and thirsty we head up the stairs past lines of smooching strangers and red-faced randomers and carve out a corner for ourselves where we can drink, dance and scream the night away.

This ended too early for us too, but there were no more options. Out onto the streets for us and an entertaining meander home with lots of buzz, banter, barneys and well, barfing, from our pedestrian pals. Home to the hostel for an almost pre-teen slumber scenario, swapping tales from the night that was in it and repeating them in the morning for those who had lost their memory in their sleep.

Overall I would say Kilkenny Day trumps Kilkenny Night hands down. We all had a great night but it was more funny than fantastic. A touch too Temple Bar for us. Perfect for a hen. Of course we didn't manage to get nearly enough venues in, and I was with a group of 16 girls, so were on that kind of night........I am sure there are lots of lovely , more local-frequenting spots that would sweep me off my feet. Luckily I am back in Kilkenny over the Eater Bank Holiday and will be keeping my eye out for them. If you have any recommendations please send them my way!

Paris Revisited: Fresh eye on the French capital

2011-03-07T13:33:00.000-10:00

I have recently returned from a 5-day trip to Paris. The French capital is generally perceived as the ultimate European city destination, and it is easy to see why when you begin to check off the boxes-history, architecture, tourist attractions, shopping, cafe culture, romance......for centuries Paris has had it all, and more. But when a city has been so long celebrated, so utterly glamorised and elevated in the eyes of the world, can expectation haze real experience? Is Paris on a pedestal or does it deserve its prestigious reputation? I cast as fresh a pair of eyes as I could (for someone on their third visit in 8 years) over the French capital, looking to see past postcard Paris and evaluate the city as it lives and breathes in 2011.

My first visit to Paris consisted of a hostel stay-one of the worst I've been in, complete with sagging bunks, a curfew, a lock out time during the day and filthy conditions. My second was a 2* hotel with iron-barred windows, bare floors, bug-ridden beds and a fluorescent-lit basement breakfast room. Both were grossly over-priced and substandard. Of course I wouldn't have had much cash to flash on either of my previous visits, but the point here is that you don't even get what you pay for when it comes to accommodation in Paris. The reasons that I can see for this are simple. Paris is an old city, made up of old buildings, many of which have escaped proper modern restoration and continue to allude renovation decades after it is due. Paris is an old city, made up of old buildings. It is rich in history and architecture and therefore many people want to visit it. Demand exceeds supply. Paris grew out, not up, and people like to stay in the centre. Like any competitive market this leads to inflated prices for often sub-standard accommodation. Paris is a year-round destination. With no real off-season and continued demand for accommodation despite the need for a lick of paint or retiling, why would a hotel or hostel proprietor want to close its rusty door for the sake of a face lift? Simple economics and old city charm combine. For those who can afford it, pay big. After all you are in Paris. For those that can't, be content to enjoy the luxury and elegance of the city with the majority, as a shared, public , exterior experience. Who needs to be indoors when after all you are in Paris?

Another option, what turned out to be a third time lucky roll of the dice for me, is to rent an apartment. Half my reason for being in Paris was to source vintage clothing for my sister's online boutique Dandelion Daydreamer. To be close to the shops and weekend markets we decided to stay in La Marais, literally 'The Swamp'. The area, which now makes up the 3rd & 4th arrondissiments of Paris, was built on marsh land from the 16th century onwards. Since then it has been a centre of history, politics and the arts. Home of kings, of Napoleon, and home of the ideas of liberty. Home of music and literature, of Mozart and Victor Hugo. And now, the home of the creative, design and fashion elite. Home to the Parisian gay scene. Home to a young, stylish and modern Parisian people. And home to me, for five days anyway.

On walking into our little apartment after a scratch o'clock flight and a 2 hour multi-transfer journey from Charles de Gaulle, I was immediately refreshed and lifted by its stylish mix of fancy-french elegance with modern finishings. We settled in at once, locating our local bouloungarie and toasting our trip with fresh-baked baguettes and oozing cream patisseries. It became our little haven in a hectic city, home for a cup of tea, a wink of sleep, one indulgent bakery binge after the next, and, most importantly, a place to put our Parisian purchases, of which there were many, and then more. We took to apartment living like ducks to water, helped in I suppose by the value of it all. €40 per person per night for a little shelf of our own in that great city. Legitimate locals if just for a few days.

Shopping was a priority for us. Our first few days were spent at markets, some good, some bad, all on the outer, less desirable, limits of the city. The suburbs we visited stood in stark contrast to the exquisite architecture and elegance of the city's historical centre. Grim, grey buildings loomed over heavily littered and unkempt streets. Shop fronts were fluorescent, undressed, unappealing. No trees or greenery broke the grey. Groups of men stood together, leering and whistling at us as we passed. If I din't know I was in Paris, I would have guessed at an Eastern European city, some part of Pest perhaps. It was Paris without its make -up and it wasn't pretty. Deep in the markets of these suburbs however, past the riff-rff fare of pirate DVDs and electronics, amid heaped piles of clothing, shoes and bags, were some utterly splendid vintage finds.

My favourite of the markets was at Monte Marte. There are two distinct areas. The first consists of open-air weekend stalls and is everything I hate in a market-fake branded products sold by heckling vendors. The second, more permanent arrangement, is made up of a labyrinth of winding lanes packed higgeldy-piggeldy with antique boutiques and outlets. Here we encountered a world of wonderful and absurd items, piled high in stores and spilling out onto the lanes, making a mini museum-like obstacle course of our path. War-time trunks, ornate picture frames and mirrors, vintage perfume bottles, jewellery cases, hat pins and brooches, fur coats of every kind, dusty trinkets, yellowed first editions, dainty teas sets, mahogany drinks cabinets, door knobs, parquet floorboards, amoire desks, four poster beds.......all mixed up together with a large sprinkling of dust and a collective odour of must and history. The vendors-many on the kooky side-know that for some these items are gold dust, rather than just dust, and they charge accordingly. Even if you don't intend to spend, a walk around the market is a pleasant way to spend the day off the tourist trail. They don't allow photography, but I couldn't resist sneaking a snap of this fella, just the kind of random thing you can expect to see!

When we had our fill of markets we focused our attention on La Marais. This is a charming place to walk around taking in an array of tempting boutiques, artistic window displays, elegant public spaces, stylish dog walkers and coffee drinkers and lots and lots of vintage shops.

For antique lovers Rue St. Paul is a street of dreams.

Also in La Marais is Hotel de Ville, a lovely recreational open space that includes an ice rink and a beautiful carousel that brought a smiie to my face each time I passed it. I also loved the old-style snack cart selling 'barbe du papa' or 'Father's beard', a lovely name for the sweet treat candy floss.

Our shopping did not end in La Marais with our spending money. It wouldn't have been a visit to Paris without a stroll down Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The wide avenue continues to exude style and elegance, with flagship stores from most of the world's top fashion houses occupying an almost palatial presence on the famous street. There is also a good representation from high street stores, so if your budget is more H&M than Louis Vuitton you don't have to leave empty handed.

As you may have noticed from my previous posts on Biarritz, Hossegor and Bayonne, I am a lover of French patisseries. From early morning bakery runs to cheeky fly-by macaroons, one of my favourite things about France is their cakey, bakery culture. The minute I stepped into Ladurée on Champs-Élysées I knew I was in for a treat. Ladurée is a luxury cakes and pastries brand based in Paris. It has a long-standing reputation as being the inventor of the double macaroon, of which it sells over 15,000 daily! A glance inside made me weak at the knees. Trays of macaroons and elaborate displays of cakes tempted me from every direction. We were brought to a grand tea room upstairs, where we sat on plush antique chairs at a little table covered in a white cloth. We began to read. Page after page of dessert options almost made me dizzy. We finally settled on a couple to share and almost cried when they arrived and we had to break the artistic creation in order to eat -although of course the eating sweetend this for us! My favourite, pictured below, had so many ingredient combinations that I cannot regurgatate them here, but believe me it was delicious. For me a trip to Paris must include a trip to a Ladurée.

When not eating cakes there are many restaurant options in Paris. Ambient Cafes line the streets, although I prefer these for a coffee or a glass of wine to rest the feet. Often they have restricted hours on their kitchens. Fine dining is synonymous with France, so there are many high-end gourmet establishments. These come with a price though so more a special treat option than a daily feed. In between the bakery and fine dining I think Paris could do with some bolstering. There are so many tourist traps, serving over-priced, tasteless meals that eating out proves to be a real case of hit or miss and it is often a cheaper and more satisfying bet just to grab a pastry or stop at a roadside crêperie. This is not to say that there aren't lovely restaurants, of course there are, but they just need a little teasing out from the tourist traps. Local knowledge in Paris would have you eat out every night in one great place after another, but alone, uninformed and hungry can sometimes result in bad choices and disappointment. To try dodge this it is always good to stay away from major attractions when dining, explore side streets, check out where the locals are eating, spy on other diners' meals from a window.......using these savoury survival techniques we managed to uncover a tapas hideaway that was cozy, delicious and well-priced, as well as a very nice Italian. we also landed a few absolute honkers, but what can you do!

It is not acceptable to dodge the capital's famous attractions simply for the sake of your stomach however. Parisian landmarks are amongst the most recognised in the world and are a must-see/must-do for tourists. Luckily for us the Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of the Champs-Élysées. We were able to roll out of Ladurée and immediately encounter the impressive 50m high structure. The Arc, which was commissioned in 1806, honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its walls. Under the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Arc stands at the centre of a pentagon-shaped configuration of twelve radiating avenues, a sight that in itself is something to behold. Traffic winds its way around the Arc in a flurry of disorder and chaos. No insurance company will cover a vehicle involved in a crash while navigating this danger zone!

After taking in the Arc we headed via the Metro towards the Eiffel tower. We had spotted it poking its head above the city a couple of times over the past few days, each sighting bringing with it a little excitement and a rushing reminder of where we were. The Iron Lady, as it is commonly known, stretches 324 metres into the sky and is the tallest structure in Paris, as well as the most visited. We arrived on site and marvelled at the sheer size of the tower. The symbol of France, so commonly used and seen and printed, suddenly becomes a giant when you stand underneath it. Apart from appreciating the colossal size of the tower, I prefer viewing the tower from a distance. Walking around a corner and spotting the tower lurking in the distance, or appreciating the fullness of the structure framed and staged from the Trocodero are nicer experiences than moving amongst throngs of tourists snapping iron. Like many a lady, this one is better viewed from a distance.

After our token visit to the tower we again hopped on the Metro and headed towards Notre Damme. Located near La Marias this was a convenient last stop for us to walk home from. Like good tourists we took our photos of the Gothic cathedral and bought a crepe. As we left the crowds of tourists busy flashing their cameras and crossing the cathedral off their lists, I thought of how we had rushed three major attractions into one afternoon. Witnessing the exteriors of these famous architectural buildings, but going no deeper than that. I suppose we were surface tourists.

Feeling somewhat guilty about the lack of proper attention I had paid to France's most celebrated structures, I decided to take a red bus tour the following day to learn a little more about the city's history. OK so technically I was cramming Paris into an afternoon again, but this time I was using my ears as well as my eyes. €24 got me a 90 minute round trip complete with an audio guide. I sat on top, as you have to do or you miss everything, and endured the bitter cold as I learnt some interesting facts about the city. Having spent the previous four days underground on the Metro it was wonderful to piece together the landmarks and familiar street names, finally mapping Paris out visually in my head. It was also a great opportunity to appreciate the incredible town planning that Paris is laid upon, symmetry, clean lines, bridges lined with statues, urban gardens and the vast, magnificent Place de La Concorde. The formal layout of Paris is for me more impressive than any single monument, structure or space contained within it. Visually the bus tour provided a great vantage point from which to soak in the city. The audio fell short of stimulating however, with a rather dull recorded commentator offering historical fact and and instructions on where to look. No anecdotes, current affairs, local knowledge, no colour or flavour, it was formal and clipped and dull. A live guide that could entertain and educate simultaneously-somethign akin to a London bus tour-was grossly missed.

Disembarking the bus I couldn't help feeling like more boxes had just been ticked, rather than enjoyed. Historical dates and names of Kings swirled in my head, but soon were lost as I was yet again absorbed by the city swelling around me. Boutiques, boulangeries, intimate cafes, stylish ladies all caught my eye and then blurred as yet another came into sight. The everyday elegance of Paris is what I love. It struck me then, that Parisians do not live in Paris because of its architectural grandeur and aesthetic appeal, rather that this exists because of Parisians. Mentally I threw away the tourist check list-I had no intention of going to the Louvre anyway- and enjoyed my final walk to the apartment.

I actually had been to the Louvre a few years before and found the endless galleries quite draining. With no art history education much of the priceless art washed over me and blended to one. I do remember my surprise at seeing how small the Mona Lisa was. It is so easy to big things up. I remember how from a distance her face appeared smooth and as one, but how on closer inspection there were countless cracks and lines. In many ways Paris is like this. It has its cracks, its blemishes, its dirty secrets, but this fade away when you take a step back and evaluate it as a whole. I saw litter on the streets, was served some terrible meals and let crowds of tourists spoil my view of its prestigious landmarks. But distance makes the Eiffel tower more splendid, makes the heart grow fonder and makes Paris more perfect. Every day I stay away makes me want to go back more. The cracks fade in on themselves. That's the magic of Paris I guess.

'I Love Ireland' Competition: WIN a Mystery weekend for 4 in Ireland!

2011-03-01T05:43:00.002-10:00

In honour of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Festival, Mysterytrips are giving away a fun weekend for 4 friends in Ireland! The Facebook competition is free, quick and easy to enter! Click here to enter for your chance to win. Good Luck!

Mysterytrips Facebook Page

POLL: What are your Favourite European Destinations?

2011-02-24T01:50:00.000-10:00

As part of our European City Break Season I have put together a list of 20 destinations that I want YOU to vote on! Help me to put together a Top Ten list by voting on the poll to the right. You can vote for more than one city .... so no need to spend hours deciding! It takes just a few seconds to vote for your favourite cities so please cast your vote now!

If your favourite city does not feature then don't let it be left behind...comment here and I will add it in :)

Thank You!

City Break Season

2011-02-22T01:19:00.000-10:00

Image source

Spring is the awakening season for more than just nature. It is generally the time of year when that traveller's itch starts to itch that bit more! With Winter over and the Summer in sight the urge to get out of the house, the town, the country becomes unbearable. Given that it is still too cold/wet/elementally unreliable to plan an excursion based solely on outdoors living and pursuits, we flock in our thousands to various cities across Europe looking to scratch that itch with some urban sampling of the foreign variety.

Over the next few weeks the Top Tips for Trips Blog will focus on European city destinations and what they offer the itchy tourist :)

Having just returned from a 5 day trip to Paris (in case you're wondering I was not swept there for a romantic Valentine's weekend....a girly shopping spree took priority!), the French capital is first on my list for review. Still itchy after the spree I immediately booked a weekend in Berlin on my return-so I will end my city break season with a review of the German capital. In between expect lots of tips for city breaks in Europe, including my top ten picks!

For now I leave you with a word of advice: If you want to fit in a mini-break between now and summer NOW is the time to book :)

Valentines' Weekend Ideas

2011-02-05T15:00:00.003-10:00

If you missed our interview on Spin this afternoon then here is a little round up of some ideas and offers for this Valentine's weekend in Ireland.

Dublin Dates on the cheap

Dublin might not have the same romantic connotations as the amorous and atmospheric Paris or Rome. However on a technicality it is THE destination to go to if you want to celebrate Valentine's day properly. And by properly I mean acknowledging the 'saint' part of the holiday. This is because Dublin is home to the relics of the patron saint of lovers. St. Valentine's remains reside at the Whitefriar Street Church, Aungeir St. Couples are welcome to visit the church and pray to the saint year round, but the 14th February in particular is a busy day as there are two special 'blessing of the rings' ceremonies held at 11 AM and 3:15 PM. Many soon to be wed couples have their marital bands blessed here, hoping to start their marriage on a good foot!

There is nothing more romantic than climbing to the top of the world and enjoying the view with your lover. You share a sense of achievement in getting to the top and then pleasure in admiring the world below. This is probably why hilltops are traditionally popular locations for marriage proposals! But don't worry; you don't have to propose just because your on an incline...! For south-siders Killiney hill offers stunning views; for north-siders Howth Head with it's view of the Howth peninsula and beyond is breathtaking. If you are a lazy lover that likes the idea of a view without the climb then take a ride on the Dublin eye. Enjoy the cityscape with zero effort and a glass of champagne in your hand!

View from Killiney Hill

View from Howth Head

If you have worked up a hunger after your hike - or are simply just hungry-there are lots of Dublin restaurants offering romantic meals this year, too many to mention! Like the rest of Ireland, Dublin's restaurant industry is currently a competition of value. 'La carte' is in the hands of the diner, so shop around and you will be sure to get an intimate, tasty Valentine's meal with a price tag that won't break your heart!

Hotel Breaks

Irish hotels love Valentine's. Most put together enticing weekend packages to tempt courting couples. Like restaurants there are many great deals to be had. Invest a bit of time researching what is on offer before you decide and your patience will be rewarded! In saying that there is just ONE WEEK left to Valentine's weekend so get moving!

Here are some of my top picks for Valentine's with an activity twist:

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has put together a package that includes a stunning starlit kayak paddle for two through the water. Enjoy a gourmet picnic and marvel at the bio-luminessence in the water as you float along.

WARNING: Not all couples are suited to manning a two-man kayak together (personal experience!). Unless you work well as a team this love boat could turn into the divorce boat!

But even if you have a frustrated lovers tiff on the water you should make up over the rest of your weekend.

Package includes 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, 1 gourmet evening meal, access to the spa facilities (including a warm saltwater pool), the starlight kayak experience with picnic basket. €336 pp. Package available throughout February. To book click here.

Clonakilty's Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens has also put together an activity package, this time swapping a kayak for a horse. This package includes 1 night Bed and Brealfast in the newly refurbished bedrooms, gourmet dinner for two, winter picnic and a one hour Horse riding lesson at Kingston's Horse Riding School all for €125 pps.

This next package is gimmick led and extremely corny, but I thought I'd include it anyways for the sickly-sweet hell of it!

Rathmullan House in Donegal has a package especially for couples who are Nuts About Each Other. Guests get to plant a nut tree in the hotel grounds to symbolise that they are madly in love. Not only will they receive a Nuts About Each Other certificate giving details of their tree, couples also but get a complimentary upgrade at the hotel whenever they return to check on its progress (how enterprising!).

A one night package starts at €135 pp.If you are nuts enough to book click here!

Thrifty Tip: If you like this idea, but can't afford the hotel stay then DIY by heading to your local garden centre and buying a packet of seeds for a fiver. You'll have to make your own certificate in Word, but if you're lucky there will be a squirrel nearby who can validate it for you both.......

Bed and Breakfast Country Breaks

Hotel breaks can be expensive, but you can enjoy a romantic getaway for less by sticking with B & B accommodation. There are heaps of lovely Bed and Breakfasts around Ireland, lots with a very high standard -almost like boutique hotels-and almost all with extremely helpful and friendly staff! Expect to pay about €30-€40 pp. p/n for an en-suite room and endless local knowledge! This is a great option for people who love exploring the countryside and village life. Both www.bandbireland.com www.bandbireland.com and www.bedandbreakfastireland.net http://www.bedandbreakfastireland.net/ are good sites for sourcing accommodation.

Singles

For people who usually hide under their (single) duvet until the soppy holiday passes and the dessert-sharing lovers go back indoors. there are some single friendly Valentine's weekend options out there!

TullAmoré Matchmaking Festival

If you are looking for love this Valentine's then the TullAmoré Matchmaking Festival may be just the ticket! The inaugural festival takes place between the 11-13th February and is pitched as a celebration of life, friendship and love. Three days of events in the Offally ton centre around the headliner Black tie Valentine's Ball @ the Bridge House Hotel in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation. Ball tickets cost €100, a steal considering professional 4th generation matchmaker, Claire Daly, will be on hand to offer her services. You can't put a price on love! A 2 night B & B stay at the hotel cost €110 pps. Visit the Bridge House Hotel website or the festival site for more details.

Pour Moi @ the Mayrick hotel Galway

The Galway city hotel is running a Pour Moi package with a variety of fun activities laid on for singletons.These include a welcome treat on arrival (strictly not of the heart-shaped variety), a soothing hot stone back massage and a singles cocktail party in the Basement Bar that night. You can choose between 5 dates over the weekend. A single occupancy room is priced at €165, but if you bring a pulling partner or wing man it works out @ €110 pp. To book your place click here!

Hope this has inspired some nice trips for the upcoming weekend! For me it is fingers crossed that my other half reads this and cops on that I would love to be swept away..............likely :(

Happy Valentines!

Valentine's tips on Dublin's Spin 103.8 FM

2011-02-03T22:53:00.000-10:00

Tune in to Plan B on Dublin's Spin 103.8 FM tomorrow (Sat 5th Feb) between at 11:45 AM and 1:45 PM (most likely @ 1:20 PM) to hear me talking all things Valentines' with Spin presenter Michelle Beatty. We will be discussing ideas for trips in Ireland to suit all budgets, as well as some suggestions for singletons! If you miss the show no need to worry, you will find all the info discussed here on The Top Tips Blog after it has aired.

Girly Day in Kilkenny

2011-02-02T09:21:00.002-10:00

Last weekend I spent the day in Kilkenny. It is 15 years since I last visited the city, so remembering very little of my childhood visit, I literary came to it with a fresh pair of eyes. I loved what I saw.

Located in central Ireland on the river Nore, Kilkenny is a medieval city with a population of about 24,000 people. It is acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design, for its beautiful castle and its lively and atmospheric spirit. The old city is characterised by exquisitely restored buildings and narrow winding slip ways. It is small enough that you can explore on foot, yet so packed with fascinating historical architecture, treasure chest shops, design galleries and cosy pubs and restaurants that you could easily pass a carefree weekend here.

Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice.His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canices Cathedral, built overlooking the city in the 13th century. Kilkenny Castle , one of Ireland's finest, was built by the Normans who arrived in the city during the 12th century. A visit to the castle is an absolute must for newcomers to Kilkenny. At €6 entrance fee per adult and discounts for seniors, families and students it is a very affordable tourist attraction. The Office of Public Works, charged with the restoration and upkeep of the castle, should be commended for keeping entrance fees so low, as well as keeping the castle in such good knick of course! For visitor information visit the Kilkenny Castle website.

Kilkenny city may be old in structure, but it is young at heart It is one of Ireland's creative hubs, home to many independent artists and musicians, design centres and studios- including the renowned Kilkenny design centre- and even its very own Oscar-nominated animation studio, Cartoon saloon. There is a definite arty vibe here. Creative charm and retro chique combines with quaint and cosy comforts to deliver a warm and inspiring environment. It is a free-spirited town with a welcoming atmosphere, helped along by friendly relaxed locals in friendly, relaxed venues.

One of the most charismatic spots in Kilkenny is definitely Bridie's General Stores. We were just minutes on the street when we passed its magical window display and were forced to slink in for a pre-mature coffee. stop Few could resist the tantalising tarts and fancies that devilishly lure you through the door. Once inside there is more to delight. Floor to ceiling shelves of glass jars filled with old-style sweets greet you. A glance at those forgotten- familiar treats had my mouth watering for days gone by. Childhood nostalgia out of the way,you can slip through the swing doors that lead to a wonderfully charming old-world bar. Even empty and in the light of day this place oozed atmosphere. Through the bar again is a stylish-heated-beer garden. Whatever your vice-a tipple, a smoke, or just a sweet tooth- Bridie's will be sure to cater for all.

Want to see more of Bridie's? Check out this little slide show :)

Leaving Bridie's in a dreamy haze we hit the shops. Most of the high-street chains can be found here, and for the thrifty shopper I counted at least 5 charity stores. The highlights for me however were the little boutiques, treasure chest everything stores and hide-away vintage shops. My sister and I through the town gathering a bundle of unnecessary, must-have delights. Luckily we were travelling in a van :) Dandelion Daydreamer, my sister's blog, has covered the many lovely shops we visited. But if you just want a saeak peak then here are some photos that are sure to get you counting you saving for a spree in Kilkenny.

Butterslip-a haven for trinkets and jewellery

Yesterdays-O so lovely French style furnishings and interiors

Smoking Lily -vintage clothing

Shutterbug-Photography studio and second hand store

Exhausted after splurging in the shops we decided to splurge over lunch instead. With so many cafes and restaurants to choose from we found ourselves in a dining dilemma. When in doubt, ask a local. We were directed to Cafe Mocha on the main street and am I glad we were! A giant toy soldier at the door invited us up the stairs and into the restaurant. Inside the country kitchen style cafe we struggled to choose from a tempting menu and then struggled even harder not to look at the cake display while waiting for our lunch. Luckily our food arrived quickly, and it was gone nearly as quick. Delicious home-style cooking with bags of flavour- the only thing after a day on your feet!

We weren't lucky enough to experience Kilkenny after dark, but I am assured that the nightlife is kicking! However, not one to take someone else's word for it, I am already booked in for a night out in Kilkenny in early March.....All in the name of research of course! Once I have sufficiently sampled the pubs and clubs I will report back to the Top Tips Blog! For now I just have to save my pennies so I can hit all those lovely shops again in March....

To keep up with news and events in Kilkenny visit the Kilkenny Tourism website.

Spring is in the air! Famous quotes about springtime

2011-02-01T04:58:00.000-10:00

Click for image source

Today we can officially wave goodbye to the winter blues and welcome -warmly-the arrival of spring! It might still be cold, it might still be wet, but the evenings are lengthening by the rooster's step (as my Grandad would put it) and the eternal optimism of spring is in the air. It's in my step too :)

For me Spring is about getting back outdoors, taking weekend mini-breaks and planning for your summer trips....all of which will be covered here on The Top Tips for Trips Blog over the coming months. If you still have one foot stuck in winter then have a read of these famous seasonal quotes...they might help you get a spring back in your step like they did for me! Enjoy!

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.

Doug Larson

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
Charles Dickens

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.
Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
Margaret Atwood

A little Madness in the spring Is wholesome even for the King.
Emily Dickinson

Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems.
Rainer Maria Rilke

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
Mark Twain

The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world!
Robert Browning

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
Robert Frost

Spring is nature's way of saying Let's Party.
Robin williams

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.
Terri Guillemets

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.
William Shakespeare

Win an 'Around the World in 80 Days' trip from Cathay Pacific Airlines

2011-01-27T00:27:00.000-10:00

I just came across this amazing competition and thought I would share it with you all. Around the world in 80 days......for FREE! And by FREE I mean flights, 4/5* hotel accommodation AND a daily allowance! This prize was made in heaven! OK well actually Hong Kong, home to Cathay Pacific Airlines, who are putting up this glorious gift for one lucky globetrotter!

So what do you have to do to win?

Well to be fair it isn't too hard. Plus the 8 finalists all get flown to Hong Kong for the final judging , so there is a real incentive to entering even if you don't claim the main prize. Here is what you need to do BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE OF MARCH 5TH:

· First, you need to "Like" their Facebook page

· Next, figure out your ideal itinerary for all those 80 days of unlimited travel on the Cathay Pacific and Dragonair route network. Remember: Cathay will give you 3 nights hotel in each location. Tell Cathay about your around-the-world trip by relating your itinerary, hopes and dream via a video, photos or a simple story.

· Maje sure to read all the Terms and Conditions (available through the Facebook page).

Good Luck!

WARNING: Valentine'sDay Approaching!

2011-01-17T23:53:00.000-10:00

Just a quick heads up to all you lovers out there! If you want to surprise your other half with a romantic Valentine's weekend or night away this year.......it is time to book now!!!! Put your wallet where your heart is and get planning!

Get UP and Do Something: Things to do in Northern Ireland this January

2011-01-13T08:08:00.000-10:00

The long days of January are upon us. For many it is a month of few pleasures, a period of self denial and hibernation, an empty diary used to save and plan for funner times ahead. It is the new Lent. But it need not be so grim. Fair enough we are all broke and deflated after the festive season-but let's not waste a month of living on waiting for the next one to come. I have a simple, low-cost suggestion to help us hurdle the dreary days of January; Get up and Do Something!

Images from DiscoverNorthernIreland

Northern Ireland is often underestimated as a tourist destination by those in the south. This is a big mistake. Right on our doorstep is a region boasting incredible natural beauty, lively cities and towns, great cultural attractions and a diverse range of activities and pursuits. It is close enough to allow us visit as day tourists, or for longer if we have the time, and yet just different enough for us to feel like we are getting the real deal tourist experience. The change from Euro to Sterling or from something as simple as green post box to red, gives us that slight feeling of exoticism-even if it is literally the next step up from a domestic day trip.

If you want to break out of the January blues and break out of Ireland (technically( the here are some events happening in Northern Ireland this month.

Out to Lunch Festival 2011

the Black Box, Belfast

5-30 January
The annual festival presents a line-up of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, film and, of course, lots of yummy food.

Winter Race Series
Stormont Castle
20 January
Banish your winter blues and take part in the Winter Race Series. Competitors will don their head torches and light up the trails through the forests.

Belfast Electronic Festival
Warehouse, 91-93 Boucher Road, Belfast
22 January
The festival will feature 38 artists across two main rooms. It also provides a creative space for like-minded musicians of various music styles such as Electronica, House, Drum n Bass, House, Garage and more.

Introduction to Coasteering Day
Mobile Team Adventure, Millisle, Co Down,
29 January
Coasteering fast becoming a popular adventure sport in Ireland. It mixes swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping and traversing the coastline. Not for the fainthearted!

Sperrintrek 2011 Winter Hill Walking Festival
29-30 January
Sperrintrek is a series of walking weekends in the Sperrins Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Wow at the stunning scenery around you as you walk of those Christmas pounds!

For more details on these events or for future events in Northern Ireland call: 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board's Information Office at Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or logon to the Discover Ireland website.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T09:15:00.000-10:00

Happy New Year!

A little late maybe, but we at the Top Tips for Trips Blog would still like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year! 2010 saw the lunch of our blog and we are delighted with how well it has been received. Thank you all for stopping by :)

Our New Year's Resolution is to bring you MORE interesting topics, tricks and tips than we managed to get to last year! We would also like to make The Top Tips for Trips Blog a little more interactive...so if you have a question, suggestion, review request or just a comment please let us know and we will try our best to respond to you through the blog!

To another year of travel and event!

WIN a €600 Mystery trip for 2 to Europe

2010-12-17T02:04:00.000-10:00

There are just 3 days left to enter the competition to win a €600 Mystery trip for 2 to Europe!!!! Imagine how nice it would be to be jetting off to a secret destination in 2011! Entering is quick and easy, simply log on to the Mysterytrips Facebook Fan-page for details! Best of Luck!

Top Travel Gift Ideas

2010-12-14T01:04:00.000-10:00

With Christmas just around the corner it is time to think put your own wish list down for a moment and think gifts (to give). If you happen to have a travel-loving loved one to buy for then you have come to the right place! I have put together a list of my top ten travel gift ideas. They may not be the most practical of all travel accessories, but who wants to wake up on Christmas morning to find an international plug adaptor or an emergency mobile phone charger under the tree? Here are my top ten travel gift ideas-some purposeful, some fun, some stylish, some silly, but most important of all...welcome under the tree!

Passport Covers

Practical and stylish, passport covers make perfect accessories for the frequent flyer. There are heaps of styles and variations available at really reasonable prices. Check out our recent post on Passport covers for our top picks for passport covers. We have selected our top picks for boys and girls, and all come in under €15!

Mystery Trip

If you want to give a truly unique and memorable gift this year, why not give the gift of a Mystery trip! This is the gift card that retains the element of surprise even after it has been opened! Your loved one will not find out where they are headed until the day of departure when they arrive to the airport! All trips are tailored with the particular customer in mind, so you can be assured that they will have a thoroughly enjoyable experience! This is the perfect gift for a special occasion or to show someone how much you care. Gift cards are available online from www.mysterytrips.ie

Luggage

Send your loved one packing in style! Check out some of our recent top picks lovely luggage, including the fab bags below!

Luggage Tags
Make sure they don't lose their lovely new bags with a nice luggage tag that will last long after the airline paper ones do.

These two tags are available from Cath Kidston

Harlex on Etsy will personalise your tag for you on real hand stitched leather

A Good Book
You can't beat a good book, especially when you have hours of spare time lounging on the beach, swinging in a hammock or simply just in transit. If your travel-loving family member or friend has a trip planned then try to get them a book set in or about the destination they are going to. It will not only entertain them, but also heighten their experience while abroad and let them l arn more about the history and culture of the location they are in.

Image Source

Travel Pillows

One major downside to travelling is the long hours you need to spend in the same tight seat. Whether it is a bus/train/plane or boat a travel cushion will help your loved one to get comfy and relax as they make their way around the world.

This cheerful cushion is from Mini Travel Mattters

The Travel Buddy is a good option for the boys

This elephant cushion from Lilly's shop makes a sweet neck pillow for kids

Sleep Masks

Now you have made them comfy with a travel pillow why not help them to catch some undisturbed sleep as they travel. Sleep masks are a good way of shutting out the workd and letting everyone know you do not want to be disturbed!
They are great for simulating nigh-time so also come in handy when trying to shake off jet lag.

BigBen has over 100 eye masks for sale, something for everyone!

This cheeky mask from Urban outfitters may not be for everyone, but pretty effective if you don't want to be disturbed....

Glasses Case

Whether it is a selection of stylish shades or a practical spare pair of specs, many people carry more than one pair of glasses with them when they travel. Help them to stay stylish, or sighted, with a glasses case gift.

These two pretty cases are from Cath Kidston

I love the old-style fastener on these lovely cases, all available from Kailochic

Pedometer

Slightly unusual but a very well received gift by tourists! Have you ever been sightseeing for the day and can't quite understand why your legs ache so badly! With a pedometer you can track how far you have walked during the day! Your friend will be surprised at how many miles they clock up! This also make s a really good gift for people who are into trekking or trail tourism.....the Inka trail won't seem so tough when they can see how far they are actually going! Argos have a number of different options starting as low as €4.50!

Footwear

Send them trotting in the correct footwear! Whether it is flipflops, snowboots, hiking boots, sailing shoes.........

Image Source

Top Picks Passport Covers

2010-12-07T04:23:00.000-10:00

Hotpinklemon

Passport covers are a great accessories for all types of tourist. They are practical, make great conversation pieces and come in all sorts of styles and price ranges. Many people don't have them, but want them, so for that reason they make great gifts or stocking fillers! If you are looking for one for yourself or to give as a present here are some of my favourite picks that are currently available online.

For the girls:

Both these gorgeous printed covers are from Hanmadewithjoy and cost €10

For those who love to fly! Under €10 from Dolliebirdies

These three lovely covers are a steal at under €5 each from Owlsay on Etsy

This 'Passport to Paris' is under €10 by HotPinkLemon, I love it!

Red Riding Hood

The Little Mermaid

& Alice in Wonderland covers from Noel are perfect for little girls or big ones who like fairytales, all under €15

For the Boys!

Bear v Robot cover from Tinymeat under €15

Both of these are under €10 and are available from www.flight001.com

These four are all under €5 from Supercanetrain808

This vinyl cover is under €5 from Kotibeth, a perfect match for the man who wears flowery shirts!

Ireland's Christmas Markets

2010-12-01T04:52:00.000-10:00

December has arrived in a blizzard of snow! It is finally OK to talk about Christmas and for once we here in Ireland aren't! Distracted by the Winter Wonderland outside we seem to have forgotten that it is just 24 days until Santa arrives! Today on The Top Tip for Trips Blog I want to refocus our attention on the festive season and one of my favouite aspects of it.....shopping!

Heading to your nearest big town, city or shopping centre to buy the token gift, stock up on seasonal goodies and soak up the festive buzz is an integral part of Christmas. But high street and multi-storey are not the only shopping opportunities available to us. Although still a relatively young trend for Irish shoppers, Christmas markets are popping up around the country and growing in popularity!

Christmas markets have thrived in Europe for centuries, with Germany holding the crown when it comes to the sheer size, quantity, standard and atmosphere atmosphere. A visit to a German Christmas market is a true Yuletide treat that every enthusiastic shopper should experience at some time in their lives! But if time, finance and the snow is against you this December, you can enjoy the Christmas market experience a little closer to home! With a wide selection of gourmet and speciality foods, hand crafted decorations and accessories, one off art pieces, unique gifts, the personal touch and a whole of of Christmas cheer, it is certainly worth paying a visit to your local Christmas market this year!

Below is a list of the larger Christmas markets taking place around Ireland this year! If I have missed any and you want to add it to the list just let me know :)

12 Days of Christmas' Festival at Dublin Docklands

Open From 12 Dec 10 to 23 Dec 10

Christmas in Killarney

Open From 25 Nov 10 to 09 Jan 11

Cork, Christmas on the Grand Parade

Fridays to Sundays only, Open From 26 Nov 10 to 22 Dec 10

Dublin Fitzwilliam Square Christmas Market

Open From 03 Dec 10 to 23 Dec 10

Galway Christmas Market

Open From 19 Nov 10 to 19 Dec 10

Limerick Christmas Market

Thursdays to Sundays plus 7, 8, 15, 21 & 22 December, Open From 25 Nov 10 to 24 Dec 10

Win a Mystery trip to Europe worth €600!

2010-11-29T06:44:00.000-10:00

Christmas is approaching and here at Mysterytrips we feel like Giving!!!!

We have just launched our Facebook Christmas competition to win a fantastic Mysterytrip to Europe for 2 people worth €600!!!!!

It is FREE and EASY to enter. Simply follow the link below to our Facebook page, suggest it to your friends and post our competition status as your profile status! Full instructions can be found in the info box on the left hand side of the page!

Mysterytrips Facebook Competition!

Best of Luck to you all!

Curiosity Kills the Cat? Pros and Cons of Wildlife Tourism

2010-11-16T07:55:00.000-10:00

Image source

The wildlife tourism sector is expanding as more and more people seek to observe wild animals such as the Big Cats in their natural habitats. This post examines whether this trend reflects a positive shift in the eco-tourism movement or signals a developing case of curiosity killed the cat.

The desire to get as close as possible to wild animals is born from an innate human sense of curiosity. This curiosity generates considerable income each year for zoos, animal parks, sanctuaries and aquariums. For some people however being close to wild animals is not enough, they want to be close to wild animals in the wild. Seeking out and observing exotic creatures in their natural habitats is deemed both thrilling and fascinating by these people. As a consequence speciality tour operators that focus on wildlife adventures or safari have emerged. From locally based businesses to large international operations, these companies recognise the pulling power that wildlife holds when it comes to attracting tourist traffic. Using trump card animals as USPs, they market and sell excursions into the wild as a tourist activity.-experience.

Image source

The most popular wildlife experience is the African safari. Around one half of the estimated 12 million trips per annum that make up the global wildlife tourism market are to African safari locations, with South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana being the top destinations. The lion, the leopard, the African elephant, the rhino and the cape buffalo, otherwise known as 'the big five game', are a huge draw for tourists, although there are of course lots of other animals of interest such as the cheetah, the hippo, the hyena, the antelope and the giraffe.

Image source

Other popular destinations with wildlife-watchers include the Galapagos islands, Indonesia and Patagonia; each geographical and climatic zone boasting its own array of exotic species. Australia has a diverse offering that includes marsupials, marine life and poisonous snakes and spiders. Malaysia is home to the Man of the forest, the Orangutan. Canada is famous for bears; India for tigers; China for pandas. And the list goes on. Where you find wildlife, you find tourists.

Image Source

As well as providing enjoyment for millions of people, wildlife-watching tourism has an important educational function. It informs tourists about the biological make-up of animals and their place and relationship within their particular eco-system. Crucially, wildlife tourism helps to raises awareness of the many pressing social and environmental issues that threaten the world's wildlife population, for example climate change, pollution, poaching, land conversion and deforestation. Increased awareness helps to generate financial support for conservation and protection schemes, many of which also receive contributory funding from the tour operators themselves. Due to this positive focus on conservation wildlife tourism is often considered a form of eco-tourism.

The industry brings with it further positives. It provides a significant source of income and employment for a growing number of local communities, particularly those in developing countries such as the African nations that struggle to generate economic growth. Wildlife tours stimulate secondary commercial activity resulting in a knock on effect to local economies. Infrastructure is often put in place solely to accommodate tourist traffic, however in many cases its implementation is as equally beneficial to residents as it is to visitors. All of this helps to improve the standard of living and quality of life experienced by local people.

As interest in wildlife continues to grow, particularly due to its exposure in international media, so too does the demand for wildlife excursion packages. In order to meet this demand more and more suppliers are entering the market and as a result the wildlife tourism industry continues to expand. But how sustainable is this growth? And is wildlife tourism as eco and animal friendly as it appears at first glance?

As the industry grows, large-scale international companies threaten the presence of local tour suppliers in the market. The freezing out or suppression of these businesses is likely to result in a Western-owned industry for Westerners, a situation that, as is the case with other similarly structured industries, can be conducive to the exploitation of workers and local resources.

Image source

Already the environment is suffering as a consequence of wildlife tourism. The demand for wildlife packages has created a boom in hotel and resort construction, particularly on rainforest or mangrove forest lands. This development contributes to deforestation and serves to narrow the expanse of natural habitat available to animals.

Directly affecting animals and their habitat is the issue of disturbance. Wildlife viewing can disrupt feeding or nesting sites, disturb breeding patterns or scare away animals. In Kenya, for example, tourist presence drives cheetahs off their reserves, increasing the risk of inbreeding and thus further endangering the species. For other animals disturbance can have the opposite, but equally as damaging affect; they acclimate to the presence of humans, making them more vulnerable to poachers and more likely to enter human settlements. Animals that are distracted by the presence of tourists are made more vulnerable to their predators. For some animals, for example Canada's harp seals, disturbance has also been found to cause a decline in the attendance of adults to their young.

Image source

According to a 2006 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) / Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), such adverse effects can be avoided or minimised, providing that sufficient resources and funds are available for effective management, and that tourism development is subject to proper planning controls and limits. For example 'limiting visitor numbers and accompanying visitor groups with trained guides helps to minimise the direct disturbance of wildlife; and walkways can be installed to reduce habitat damage from trampling by visitors in heavily visited areas. Tourism facilities can be planned so that they are situated well away from sensitive areas for wildlife, and overall development kept within clear limits that are established to prevent unacceptable impacts.'

Limits such as these need to be sought after by tourists, not just expected. Consumer power dictates the tourist industry; if tourists want real conservation then that is what they will get. But it is up to the individual to insist on this. When planning your wildlife-watching trip it is important to thoroughly research the tour company you intend to use. If their operation is motivated by conservation and managed in a way that acts in the best interest of the animals, and indeed of the local community, then you -and the future of the animals-are in good hands.

Wildlife tourism certainly has its negatives. However if wildlife-watching is managed in a way that is compatible to the conservation of wild animals then sustainable growth of the industry is viable. While curiosity continues to drive demand, it does not altogether threaten to kill the cat.

This article was published in the Trinity News November 2010.

No Corking Cork City!

2010-10-19T03:34:00.003-10:00

Over the past decade Cork city has made considerable progress towards shaking its second city status as Dublin's little sister. As the city's confidence grows, so too does tourist confidence in it. Cork is fast building a reputation as an attractive mini-break location, earning itself a coveted pin on the tourist map of European city destinations.

The long term strategic planning of Cork City Council, notably based on recommendations made in the landmark Land Use and Transportation Study (1978), have made Cork a much more economically vibrant and tourist friendly location. Major pedestrianisation and redesign have transformed the city centre into an impressive shopping district and social hub, home to an increasing selection of gourmet restaurants and a diverse and lively nightlife scene. Cosy pubs and cafes nestle between trendy bars and music venues along the well kept side lanes that lead off Patrick street. The city also boasts larger venues, most notably the wonderful Cork Opera House, that regularly host high profile concerts and theatrical productions. A number of tourist attractions, such as the English market, Shandon Tower and the UCC campus-one of the oldest in Ireland-with its renowned Glucksman gallery, also provide an incentive to visitors.

Further contributing to Cork's elevation has been its designation in 2005 as the European Capital of Culture. This title, awarded on an annual basis by the European Union, brings with it a remunerative opportunity to generate significant social, cultural and economic benefits. This opportunity was embraced by Corkonians, who used their year of cultural events and celebration to buff the city's image and raise its international profile.

The buzz induced by the 2005 spotlight did not leave Cork with the European Capital of Culture title. Rather the city continued to develop its image, positioning itself as a lively and dynamic location, rich in spirit and cultural assets, including a wide range of arts and entertainment festivals. The largest of these are the upcoming Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and the Corona Cork Film Festival.

The city's heightened visibility and appeal has been recognised by the authors of the Lonely Planet, who, in their recent publication Best of Travel 2010, have named Cork as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit this year. Praising the city, the guide states: ‘Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit.’

The book’s editor remarks: ‘Cork has been in Dublin’s shadows for far too long, it has emerged as a fantastic destination in its own right with great restaurants, galleries, bars and shops as well as stunning scenery on its doorstep.’

Indeed Cork city is a threshold to some of the most beautiful landscapes and seaside towns in Ireland. Bantry, Blarney, Kinsale, Schull, Crosshaven, Cobh and Fota-to name but a few-are all popular with both Irish and foreign visitors. With recent improvements to road and rail, as well as the addition of a new terminal at Cork airport, the city is now even better positioned to facilitate tourist traffic to the greater Cork area.

With international lights shining on Cork the city is blossoming. 2010 is the year to visit, or revisit as the case may be. And there is no better time to do this than the upcoming October bank holiday weekend (22nd - 25th ), during which the annual Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place.

The festival is one of the social highlights of the Cork calender year, the city's atmosphere and charm peaking as the jazz beat leaks out onto the streets. A jewel in the crown of Cork city, the festival has grown from strength to strength over the years to become one of Ireland's largest cultural events, as well as an internationally celebrated fixture on the jazz calender. With music lovers flocking from all over the globe to mingle with the industry's leading jazz musicians and attend the festival's usual array of first-rate concerts and workshops, the city tend to fill up quickly . Early booking is advised.

If jazz is not your thing then perhaps film is. Another great time to visit Cork is during the Corona Cork Film Festival, taking place this year between the 7th and 15th November. Now in its 55th year, the festival has grown in size and reputation to become one of Ireland's leading film events. With an eclectic programme of big budget movies, independent productions, world cinema, documentary and short art house film there is something on screen for everyone.
With two of its most popular festivals still to come this year, Cork city refuses to forfeit itself to seasonal blues. One measure of a city's success as a tourist destination is its ability to attract visitors year round, rather than on a purely seasonal basis. Cork is proving itself on this ground. And on so many others too.

Ireland's second (but by no means least...) city has exploded onto the tourist scene with the vivaciousness and celebration of a champagne toast. For now at least there appears to be no corking it. To Cork!

This Article was published in the Trnity News Oct 2010.

Hvar, Queen of the Dalmatian coast

2010-10-07T09:03:00.000-10:00

Last, but certainly not least, in our series on the Dalmatian coast is the up-market island of Hvar. This island is one of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic and can get extremely busy between the months of May and September, particularly in August when thousands of Italians flock here. The medieval old town, rocky beaches and vibrant nightlife appeal to both a young backpacker crows as well as well-off yacht owners and cruise-liner passengers.

An original attraction to the island was its low cost, however as Hvar becomes more and more popular the prices continue to rise. Having returned to Hvar myself after 7 years I can confirm that prices are indeed rocketing. A number of five star hotels have popped up on the left side of the old town during my absence, forming a sort of resort quarter. The island is well aware of its increasing exclusivity and restaurants and bars are marketing themselves in this direction.

There are still cheap, affordable establishments to be found, bu a word of warning...... always check the menu and price list before entering. Marianero is a good local restaurant, situated on a small square above the port on the left side of the town. The food in Hvar is typical of that elsewhere in Coratia, with simple dishes of local seafood and grilled meats featuring on nearly all menus. If yo fancy a break from this diet then there is a fabulous Japanese restaurant on the main pier where the ferry docks. Small portions at high prices, but a nice change for the taste buds. Watch out when ordering wine here as it can be very expensive.

The highlight of Hvar for me is its nightlife. Our landlady, Marija told us on arrival that Hvar is the Ibiza of Croatia. While it certainly does not boast the mega clubs, flashing lights and intense music of the Spanish party island, it is undoubtedly the hot spot of nightlife in Dalmatia. Sitting on the square at night provides a perfect people watching opportunity and a good chance to mingle with fellow holiday-makers. There are many great bars along the port and if you go to the left of the main square there are plenty of bars the can accommodate large groups on the side streets. When I was last in Hvar the focus of the late night partying was the nightclub 'up the steps', which took the form of a decrepit concrete amphitheatre with a caged pool in the centre. The staunchness and grime of the venue was its charm. Revisiting the club on my return I found a stylish, up-market empty venue with expensive drinks and flash furnishings. It was mid September, so perhaps I had just missed the season....

An addition to the nightlife scene over the past few years is beach parties. Boats filled with young and lively passengers head to nearby beaches in the middle of the night for some waterside partying. Unfortunately I never managed to get myself on one... next time :)

Other features of Hvar include its castle, which perches at the top of the old town and offers a fantastic view down onto the port. There is a small admission fee into the castle, which houses a little museum, and unusually for many, allows you to explore its dungeons.

Along with Dubrovnik, Korcula and Mljet, Hvar is a must do on a tour of the Dalmatian coast. As with these other locations, if you are on a budget then just hop of the ferry and your accommodation will find you. If you can afford to then there are lots of luxury hotels to relax in-the main benefit of these being that you can sprawl out by a pool, rather than on a rough, rocky shore!

Lake island of Mlhet

2010-10-05T21:33:00.000-10:00

Continuing on our tour of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is the beautiful Adriatic island of Mljet. The island's two lakes form the centre of a national park that is almost completely ringed by a well kept cycle path, which most tourists pedal along in order to take in the beautiful views of the sea lakes.

Bicycles can be rented from the small port at the bottom of the ihill. We were impressed with the quality of the bikes we were given and paid about €17 to hire them for 3 hours, although I think this was for a daily rate. The cycle around the lakes is very quiet, with few vehicles using the ring. It is not terribly strenuous, although getting up the hill to the start of the national park is a challenge. As you cycle around the lakes you encounter small clusters of houses and cafes, where you can stop to rest and enjoy the view. The restaurants along the lake are family run and pleasantly rustic, often with pets and naked toddlers running through them. It is scenes like this that make me smile and yearn for island living.

More expensive bars and restaurants can be found at the marina, where there is a small hub of activity. The island is much quieter compared to Korcula or Dubrovnik, and so is often visited as a day trip from either. We took a tourist boat from Lumbarda in Korcula for €30 pp, not including entrance fee to the national park at approximately €8 pp. The journey was 2 hrs each way. If you don't want to make the trip in one day then there are plenty of accommodation options in Mljet, includ=ing the usual local rooms, as well as small hotels.

Whatever way you decide to visit Mljet it is definitely worth it. It is a stunning island that should not be overlooked on your visit to Croatia.

Dublin Zoo-Must Do

2010-10-05T01:48:00.001-10:00

Sun rises on Dublin zoo

Last week I had the pleasure of being one of a handful of bloggers invited to visit Dublin Zoo before the arrival of visitors for the day. The 'behind the scenes' morning was cool and crisp, perfectly quiet but for the occasional screech or bellow of wild animals. Being there early in the morning really brought the incredible amount of upkeep and work that the animals need into perspective. The zookeepers all presented as incredibly hard-working and devoted people, who knew their animals as well as if they were close family. Some keepers were even able to trace the hereditary line of their 'pets' back further than I could my own Granny's!

We got to watch the zoo keepers feeding breakfast to the animals, including this grumpy orangutan, who showed his ingratitude at the earlier than usual start by hurling a rock at us bloggers!

Arriving as we did with breakfast helped us to get closer than usual to the animals. This tiger in particular was happy to parade in front of the spotlight for the sake of his stomach.

If anything he got a little too close.... Ahhhhh!

This was my first visit to the Dublin zoo in about ten years so I found myself in a good position to really appreciate the many changes that have taken place there. And there has been many. Dublin zoo has developed from a previously rather mediocre park to a world-class standard sanctuary. The housing of the animals has improved ten-fold, as has the layout and design of the park itself. The zoo is run in the spirit of conservation and education, rather than of spectacle, with the animals coming first, and visitors second. Ironically the relegation of the visitor actually works to heighten their experience. I left the zoo in high spirits, knowing and appreciating the level of care that the animals enjoy at their Irish home.

All in all the zoo is a great day out, in particular for young families, like the one shown below :) It is a fantastic place to both educate and entertain kids. Unlike many attractions, that suffer from the Been There Done That badge, the zoo can be revisited time and time again throughout the year to check in on the animals' development, new arrivals and the many positive changes taking place at the park. An annual family pass is available and is well worth the money, particularly if you are living near to the Phoenix park.

For more information on Dublin zoo, its projects, events and inhabitants Click here.

Couple thrown out of hotel for writing negative TripAdvisor review

2010-09-23T22:41:00.000-11:00

Here is an interesting story about a couple who were thrown out of the Golden Beach Hotel in Blackpool after being accused of writing a negative TripAdvisor review! I guess the lesson to be learned here is to close the gate before you slate! Don't stop reviewing-it is an asset to tourist who follow in your footsteps-just do it after you leave! This story has made its way into the press, resulting in a lot more bad publicity for the hotel than any Trip Advisor review could generate....a serious whoopsie on behalf of the hotel manager! Read more here.

Happy Arthur's Day!

2010-09-22T22:04:00.003-11:00

Thursday September 23rd is upon us and, for the second year in a row, Ireland is preparing to celebrate Arthur's Day. The people at Guinness have always been great marketeers, highly regarded for their clever and inspiring advertising campaigns, as well as the extremely successful World Records initiative.

But their latest piece of PR pushing is close to ingenious. What better way to shed a ray of light on a nation steeped in recession than to encourage them to do what they do best..... take to the streets drinking! The creativity of this 'holiday' rivals even the Hallmark projects; it has a character (Arthur), a purpose (raise a pint) and is strategically positioned exactly 6 months apart from Ireland's official day of boozing, St. Patrick's Day. The addition of Arthur;s Day to the national calender is surely a permanent fixture and, in my opinion, certainly a welcome one! The sense of carnival induced by last years 250th anniversary celebrations did much to boost national morale, at least for the day. Coming as it has during these dark times of high unemployment and overwhelming mistrust of the Government, Arthur's Day reminds us that being Irish means more than just being broke. Being Irish means bring part of a community that is celebrated across the world for our music, dance, gift of the gab and of course, the craic!

I for one will be raising a glass this evening. If not to toast Arthur for giving us the black stuff, then to toast him for giving us an excuse to let our hair down!

Happy Arthur's Day!

For more information on Arthur's Day visit the Guinness website.

Korcula-Birthplace of Marco Polo Don't you Know?!

2010-09-21T04:29:00.001-11:00

Korcula is one of the largest and greenest islands of the Dalmatian Coast. It is an extremely fertile territory, well known for its olive oil as well as for winemaking, particularly dessert wines made from the grk grape. During my numerous walks within the interior countryside of the island I spotted figs, butternut squash, tomatoes, citrus fruits and various other produce growing in the fields.

The parameter of the island is made up of secluded coves, quiet strands and beaches, both rocky and of fine sand. Swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and wind surfing are all popular activities.

A little known fact, until you visit Korcula that is, is that the famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo, was actually born in Korcula. A huge amount of shops, restaurants and hotels carry his name, so if a visitor is unaware of this fact on arrival, they certainly won't be on departure. The island was controlled by Venice from the 14th to the 18th century, as is evident from the Venetian coats of arms adorning official buildings.

Korcula Old Town sits on a small hilly peninsula on the Northeastern side of the island. The inside is made up of old churches, red roof houses and narrow winding streets. It is often referred to as 'Little Dubrovnik'. When you look at its old walls, paved streets and historical structures it is easy to see why.

There are of course noticeable differences to Dubrovnik Old Town. Korcula is more compact and nowhere near as busy; you may even find yourself alone on a street or small square. It does not possess the same elegance and sense of space of Dubrovnik, rather it appears slightly grubbier, less grand. But this makes it feel older almost. Compared to Dubrovnik, where the hun of restaurants, bars and cafes are located within the city's walls, the Old Town of Korcula is relatively quiet, with very little happening inside at night time.

A strip of restaurants run the circumference of the exterior walls, offering views out onto the Adriatic. They offer the same tourist priced fare as Dubrovnik, with local seafood, grilled meats and pizza homogenous to all menus. There is also a good few bars and eateries in the new town, which is also nice to walk around. One bar we wanted to visit, but were to early for is this terrace bar with a fantastic view of the sea and the Old town. The cocktail bar allows visitors onto the terrace via a rather steep ladder. Once a top they will send up your drinks via pulley system. Probably best to visit here at the start of the night :) It opens at 6 PM.

As far as shopping is concerned I found that Korcula Old Town (and some stores outside) has the upper-hand on Dubrovnik. But then I am a jewellery girl. There are lots of good quality jewellery shops around, many specialising in turquoise and other stones. They can be expensive and the abundance of trinkets on offer can become overwhelming, but if you have the patience and purse to treat yourself you will find something nice. if you are looking for a cheap fix then the usual junk is available on market stalls at the entrance to the Old Town.

What I like most about Korcula is its relaxed island living. Dubrovnik is for sightseeing, but Korcula is for holidaying. For me a visit to the Old Town is merely a day trip to break up sleep days on the beach or more energetic walking/boating excursions. You don't need to stay near to the old town. Vela Luka and Lumbarda are both popular tourist destinations on the island, offering accommodation, activites, beaches and more.

I wiled away a full week in Lumbarda, where the below photograph was taken, filling my days with countless swims, ice-creams, beers and afternoon snoozes.

During our last few days in Korcula the weather began to get cloudy and slightly cold. Without the sun the island loses a little of its charm so make sue to visit in the height of summer. That goes for Croatia as a whole :)

Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the East

2010-09-21T00:29:00.002-11:00

Famously referred to as 'the pearl of the Adriatic' by George Bernard Shaw, Dubrovnik is the tourist capital of Croatia. The city's well preserved walls and old town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, are the main attraction for visitors of all kinds, from inter-railing backpackers right through to five star luxury cruise guests.

Accommodation
Matching the huge span of visitors to Dubrovnik is a range of accommodation options. The city has many standard guesthouses, as well as 13 of Croatia's 23 luxury hotels. For those on a lower budget there are plenty of hostels and a huge amount of rooms to let. The latter is the best option, often working out cheaper than a hostel for a higher standard. Most of the property surrounding the port and the old town has been converted to cater for tourists. Rooms can be in dedicated accommodation properties or simply in the homes of local families. There are lots of self-catering mini-apartments available as well as standard rooms with shared bathrooms. This being my 3rd visit to Croatia since 2003 I have noticed an increase in the quality of this type of accommodation.

Prices will vary depending on demand, but the best value will be got when you get off the ferries or a bus. Locals will swarm you offering their services. They will have photos and maps of their accommodations and will be open to striking a deal so be prepared to haggle. The ferries usually arrive early so don't worry about not being able to find anywhere to stay. The majority of these rooms are not available online so you do need to book in person.

History
Formerly known as the Republic of Ragusa, Dubrovnik was originally built during the 7th century. It thrived as a maritime trading port, coming second only to Venice at the peak of its success. In 1667 the city was almost completely devastated by an earthquake. It was rebuilt and restored by its residents, giving us the Dubrovnik that stands today.

In more recent history, Dubrovnik was absorbed into Yugoslavia following World War 1. it had previously been a monarchy, however after the assassination of King Alexander in France, his son, Prince Paul, developed a relationship with the Germans. This proved to be poor judgement on his part. In 1939 the German immediately ousted the Prince and , with the help of the Fascist Italians, invaded Croatia. Ultimately Communist control took hold under Tito and the Iron Curtain fell over Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia and Boznia-Herzegovina. After Tito's death in 1980 things began to disintegrate. By the end of the decade Croatia had entered into war with Serbia. Fighting lasted until 1993, with Dubrovnik receiving the bulk of the impact. Evidence of the conflict can still be found in the old town today, adding further dimension to the historical draw of the city.

The Old Town
The fully pedestrianised and impeccably kept old town is a joy to explore and get lost within. Its polished streets are noticeably absent of litter. Strict signage/frontage guidelines ensure that shops and restaurants fit snugly into the old town rather than distracting from or contradicting it.

What will distract you from the lovely architecture and intricate side streets is other tourists. Between the months of April and October Dubrovnik is inundated with sightseers, many of whom share the holiday photographer's philosophy that he who holds camera need not look. I cannot exaggerate the amount of times a sightseer blindly tripped across me while taking a photograph. When not falling over others these tourists were being bashed into by similar minded people, who, also taking photographs, failed to notice the abrupt halt, aim and snap of the person in front. At times the swarm of the crowd was almost concert like. If you want to avoid this then visit the old ton early in the morning before the cruise ships dock for the day. The below photograph was taken before 9 AM. Bliss :)

An absolute must do is walking the city's walls. It costs €10 and will take about 1 hour. As well as great views into the Old Town, you will be able to see the old port, the old monastery island of Lokrum and the stunning blue of the Adriatic.

Water Babies
Of course you can enjoy the Adriatic close up. There is an alcove just outside the Old Town walls that has been allocated to swimmers. It is essentially a pier structure with ladder access into the sea, a perfect place to cool down and unwind after a busy day sightseeing

For those of you looking to leave the crowds behind and bare all in the quest for line free tanning, take a ten minute boat ride to Lokrum, where there is a good naturalist beach. If you get bored of naked people watching you can also visit the old monastery and the botanical gardens.

Another way to enjoy the Adriatic is to go sea kayaking. This is a popular activity in Croatia. A 3 hour trip around Lokrum offers great views of the island as well as of the old walls of Dubrovnik. Snorkelling equipment and a packed lunch-which we gobbled down after paddling up a serious hunger-are included in the price of €30 per person. To book a tour just keep an eye out for reps on the old town bridge. They will be holding paddles and handing out flyers so you cant miss them.

Eating
Dubrovnik is packed full of cafes and restaurants. Their owners are aware of the town's popular tourist status and have learned to price accordingly. The food in Dubrovnik -and Croatia as a whole- is best described as fresh, good quality produce presented with little imagination or flair. Spicing and strong flavours are absent. Restaurants offer a similar menu of local seafood and grilled meats at various prices from the middle road tourist traps to the gastronomic fancy pants spots with expensive offerings. The rather homogenous menus and simple plates can become tedious after a while. For cheap eats look to the many street side pizzerias selling take away slices from hatches. The Italian influence has rubbed off well, with most of these houses using wood fired ovens. Delicious slices can be bought for just over a Euro and are perfect for ending a night on the booze or for filling a gap.

Drinking
There are plenty of cafe/bars that serve alcohol on the streets and sqyares. MAny of them also serve food and so can be a little more expensive. If you are looking for more of a pub venue then head into the side streets, particularly those right of the main entrance to the old ton. The Irish pubs are particularly busy spots. Both 'the Irish Jig' and the newer, and might I say cleverly named, 'the Gaf' offer play live music from about 9 PM and tend to attract young, lively crowds. They are right next to each other creating a mini hub within the side streets. There are a couple of late night club type venues outside the city's walls, but the most popular one is Latino Fuego which is just a gew metres from the main entrance. This is generally where all the tourists go to dance the nigh away.

Shopping
I love to shop, but to be honest found very little to catch my eye in Dubrovnik. There are lots and lots of souvenir shops but to be honest they are full of rubbish :).

Day trips/Excursions/next Stops
There are other day trips and overnight excursions you can take from Dubrovnik. The Elaphite islands, Miljet, Korcula, Kotar (Montenegro), Mostar and of course, the pilgrimage town of Medjugorje (both in Bosnia), are all within fairly easy reach of Dubrovnik. The city does not have a train station, however it is well serviced by bus and of course by ferry, with Jadrolinija being the largest operator. Transport is reasonably priced. Buses are regular, but ferries tend to operate daily (usually at the crack of dawn) or a few times a week so if you are planning on moving on from Dubrovnik check the schedules on arrival so that you don't end up spending longer in the city than you had estimated. During peak months it is a good idea to buy ferry tickets the day before travel as they can book up.

Other Tips/Notes/Observations

Note that there are few and far between ATMs outside of the Old Town.

The Croatians love to get the exact change or at least be handed cash that allows them to easily give back a single note or easy change, so carry lots of coins.

I found Dubrovnik to be a really safe place. I saw/heard no crime while there.

It is also absent of beggars, which is refreshing and also slightly unusual for Eastern Europe.

When you go swimming it is important to have sandals that attach to your feet (as opposed to slip on ones). Although everyone knows this (beaches are rocky and also the sea floor is covered in urchins) there are not many shops that sell strap on waterproof sandals. If you are stuck with this little problem like me then go to the internet cafe to the immediate right of the inside of the main gates. They have a good selection of waterproof sandals.

Aer Lingus flies a regular service into Dubrovnik from Dublin. Very nice travel times too :)

Do Dalmatians come from Croatia?

2010-09-15T05:36:00.000-11:00

Click here for image source

Do Dalmatians come from the Dalmatia Coast? This question niggled me during my recent vacation to Croatia. But now, after some shallow research, I can confirm that yes, the popular spotty pooch is indeed named after Croatia's Dalmatia coast. This is not a reason in itself to visit the area. Not one Dalmatian crossed my path during my 2 week holiday :(

Luckily the Dalmatian coast has lots of other reasons to lure visitors. Having recovered from the Croatian War of Independence by the late 1990s, Croatia has experienced a boom in tourism. The rocky Adriatic coastline is dotted with thousands of uninhabited islands surrounded by crystal clear water. Hotspots on the trail include 'the pearl of the east' Dubrovnik and the islands of Mljet, Hvar and Korcula. My next few posts will retrace my recent tour of the area, bringing you an honest and (hopefully) informative review of my Dalmatian experience.

Enjoy!

Home Sweet Home

2010-09-14T05:10:00.000-11:00

Click here for image source

As contradictory as this sounds, one of the many aspects I love about travelling is coming home. I have been in Croatia for the last 2 weeks (details of my adventures to follow). As the holiday drew to a close I found myself looking forward to certain comforts and nuances of home. It seems that home sweet home is sweeter still when you are away from it. The craving to wander free and embrace new cultures and experiences is slowly replaced by a yearning for the familiar beat and treats of home. Before I fully satisfy my domestic yearnings and become thirsty once more for travel (doubtless this won't be long), here are some of my foreign fantasies of homecoming rewards.

A 'proper' (in Irish eyes) cup of tea

Sleeping in my own bed zzzzzzzzzzzz

Click for picture source

Swapping the suitcase for a wardrobe

Watching TV

Click here for image source

Unlimited Internet access

Click here for image source

Cooking

Click here for image source

Catching up with friends/family

Replacing sandals with shoes, socks and all

Click here for image source

Emptying the toiletries bag back onto the shelf

Planning my next trip :)

Click here for image source