Southern Irish Castles and Fortresses

By William M. Martin

My name is William Martin and I'm of Irish lineage. My grandparents came over from Ireland during the early 20th century, but not with each other. My grandmother, Elizabeth Rafferty, was just 14 years old when she landed on Ellis Island with her older sister. My grandfather Joseph Martin had landed a couple of years earlier in 1890. I spent my childhood years in a home very proud of its Irish heritage, regaled with the stories and filled with the Celtic music of Ireland. Like many children of immigrants, I have longed to go back to my ancestral soil.

Hardly anything has interested me more about Ireland than its history of turmoil and clan rivalries, its faith based wars along with the mark they have left on the people along with its landscape. One of the principal marks left on the ground is castles. Ireland is full of castles, old castles, ruined castles, castles abandoned, and castles remodeled and converted into lavish hotels. It's no blarney, you can find hundreds of castles in Ireland therefore we will confine ourselves to only a few of the more attention-grabbing. Incidentally that is blarney with a small B, Blarney with a big B is, needless to say, a castle in County Cork.

So, why don't we start with the afore referred to Blarney Castle. Blarney could possibly be the most well known castle in all of Ireland. Countless travelers come year after year to see the gardens, castle, and of course, to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. The original castle dates back to the 13th century but it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th century. Blarney was the castle home of the McCarthy clan and it is from this point that Cormac McCarthy sent his evasive answers to Queen Elizabeth's calls for submission. Elizabeth is said to have coined the word blarney to describe all evasive answers and obfuscation.

The ruin of Leep Castle, in County Offally, is the ancestral home of the warlike O'Carroll sept. The castle safeguards a strategic mountain pass and from this point the O'Carroll's were the very last holdouts in opposition to English domination in the 17th century. Leep Castle is thought to be haunted. Teige O'Carroll killed his brother, a Catholic priest, at the altar of the castle church. Locals say, that after the castle was destroyed by fire in 1922, cartloads of bones were taken from the castle's dungeons. Leap castle is off the beaten path but you can arrange a visit with the owner. A visit to this haunted castle is alleged to be a once in a life time experience.

Kilkenny Castle, also known as Butler Castle, is the ancestral home of the Butler Earls of Ormond. The castle was originally built by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, in the late 12th century at a fording spot on the River Nore. It was bought by the Butler's 1n 1391. Kilkenny Castle is truly one of the most breathtaking in all of Ireland. Today the castle and grounds belong to the people of Ireland and it is open to the public. Every three years there is a Butler Gathering held at Kilkenny Castle where there is also a Butler genealogy archive. No trip to Ireland could be complete without a stop at Kilkenny Castle.

I have only touched on a few of the many castles scattered throughout southern Ireland. Other significant castles od County Cork are Ballea Castle, Ballynamona Castle and Desmond Castle to name a just few more. Plan your Irish trip to include some or all of these fantastic cultural landmarks and you won't go wrong. Erin go braugh.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Irish Coat of Arms, then visit www.namegameshop.com to find the best Irish Heritage and Irish family crest gifts.

Read More »

Straightforward suggestions for planning your family vacation to Cape Town

By Nina Roberson

Traveling is something we all do occasionally. It's necessary for both enjoyment and business. Making traveling more effective is a goal that many people have. In this piece we're going to talk about one or two tips for making your travel experience to Cape Town a simpler one.

When going to Cape Town you might want to book with a personal Tour Guide. They don't seem to be as expensive as you could think and they are extremely professional, and also friendly, in this bit of the world . You can arrange with them an approximate schedule before arriving and when you're there you can just relax and go with your sensations on the heat of the moment. You might find a place overrated and need to leave earlier than planned, or you may fall completely in love with a place and choose to spend all day. This is possible with a personal tour-guide which will drive you around and take all the stress and strain of the travel of your shoulders.

Here are some of the place you can expect be taken :

Stellebosch: This is a traditional College City which has examples of excellently kept Cape Dutch architectural design. There is a grouping of 4 houses that have been turned into a museum and which permit you to see how the architecture developed over 4 centuries. The curios shops in Stellenbosch are muchcheaper than in the town. One especially, Oom Samie se Winkel, is like a museum in itself!

On your way back you can pop into Spiers to stroke tame cheetahs and do some necessary wine-sampling!

Continuing on you will arrive to Cape Point. Lots of capetonians, and even some tour guides, could make it plain that this is the point at which the cold Benguela Current from the Indian ocean and the warm Agulhas Current of your Indian Ocean collide. This is a misconception as the oceans collide anywhere between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point. The fact remains however that the crash of your currents makes these waters particularly unsafe to navigate and quite a few Portuguese and Dutch ships sank attempting to reach India.

If you're an intrepid nature lover, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is a spot where you could just wish to spend the night. Some Holidays to Cape Town tour operators provide a 2 day hike round the circumference if the park. Here the most exciting thing is to encounter the plentiful troops of monkeys that come up very close. It's a good idea to not have food in your hand during those moments as they will just snatch it away! There are countless tiny mammals to see, as well as reptiles, endemic birds and antelope. The fauna is actually remarkable here with over 1500 plant species.

Sat. mornings Cape Town awakes to the sound of African drums as dance troupes fill the streets around Greenmarket Square. They are present in the week as well but sat. is traditionally the liveliest day. These dance troupes are usually made of children and some are really inspiring to look on as they are truly pleased with their heritage. Greenmarket Square itself is a good spot for buying mementos

About the Author:

In this piece we have provided one or two tips that may be convenient. We're hoping they will prove valuable when you arrive. For more advice and tips, and also great accommodation costs, visit us here www.capetours.co.uk

Read More »

The Facts About SeaTac Shuttle Services

By Celia Ayers

One of the necessities within major towns is good transport services. People are always engaged in different trips especially when they are moving to and from airports. Other needs include holiday travel, going for medical appointments and even going on a shopping spree. This shows that accessing the right transport service providers such as SeaTac shuttle is vital. Every traveling company located in this place is committed to safely take passengers to various destinations. All companies work towards providing the best attendance to their clients. There are several things that make these service providers outstanding from the rest.

The people employed to do the driving job are highly skilled and also very skilled. Safety is a major consideration and the only way that passengers can be assured of it is being assigned the right drivers. The workers are all certified commercial drivers. This reduces risks that may arise from reckless driving or other forms of incompetence. People will also enjoy talking to the staff members who are highly interactive and sociable.

People can choose from the extensive range of vehicles provided here. There are well maintained buses, limousines and vans for hire. These vehicles can accommodate any capacity since they come in different sizes. For the purpose of tastes and preferences, different models are provided for people to choose. Luxury is well catered by the presence of high standard limousines which are offered for hire. This makes all needs such as group travel attainable.

Considerate prices are also charged for various trips. Those who consult these services can save a lot during their activities since there are no cases of overpriced services. The companies offering services are keen to provide their clients with discounted travel. This eliminates other problems which arise from high pricing of services considering the many economic strains that face people. One can therefore ride comfortably.

To make any trip memorable, one has to ensure that the passengers feel comfortable. Availing well maintained vehicles is one way to achieve this. It is the reason why SeaTac service providers have come up with the best quality of transportation facilities. The inside of these buses, limousines and vans is exceptional. People feel comfortable and relaxed when riding in these vehicles.

The ability to take passengers to their desired destinations on time cannot be overlooked. People have many activities and commitments to attend to meaning that the faster they are served the better. With the presence of scheduled bus services, the shuttles enable travelers to get to their destinations on time. One can also access these services during any time of the day and night. This is because services are offered on a twenty four hour basis.

Booking can be made in advance just to make sure that various inconveniences are eliminated. There are instances which cause congestion especially if people are seeking instance travel. It is the reason why the service providers have come up with plans to avoid such disturbances. Emergency services are as well provided.

When consulting SeaTac shuttle services, one cannot face any form of disappointment. Effective strategies have been put to application making movement hassle free. People should go for these services since they are the most promising.

About the Author:

Find a reliable Seatac shuttle for your airport transportation by visiting www.ajaxparkingrus.com today. To learn more about our airport parking services, click the links at http://www.ajaxparkingrus.com today.

Read More »

Important Things To Know About Airline Employee Discounts

By Celia Ayers

Many people work in the airline industry. There are many airline employee discounts that can be had by these people. Below are some of the most common ones that people in this situation can take advantage of.

Having the ability to see the world both while working and due to discounted travel is a huge bonus people have with a career like this. Family members and friends can also be entitled to perks as well but this can depend on the airline that is being dealt with as they all have their own policies that must be followed. Other different benefits can be found as well when it comes to this.

Checking into the discounts available is a vital thing to do. These are something that can vary a lot from one airline to another. Being sure of exactly what you are entitled to is essential if you are to get the best possible deal. All in all a discount is a great way for people to experience those once in a lifetime trips.

Sometimes an airline will impose rules or limits as to when these kind of perks can be used. An example of how this may bee seen is that the airline may only allow for discounts on standby flights. They want to be sure that they have seating for passengers paying full fare rates. Another way this may be shown is by not allowing discounts to employees during the busy times of the year.

Immediate family members can also take advantage of these opportunities as well. This also will vary depending on the airline a person works for. Many times the family members receive reduced rates that are equal or close to the same as those that the actual employee would receive.

Other costs that are associated with travel can also be discounted through an employee of an airline. Often the costs that come with renting vehicles can often be far less than for people that are unable to get any discounts. Taking this into consideration when traveling can be another huge consideration to think about as it can save you a great deal of money.

A lot of people want to take advantage of theme or amusement parks while they are away. Airlines can also offer huge savings to employees that cover admittance fees and such to certain parks of this kind. Take the time to look and bed certain of what the deal is before jumping into anything as being sure of saving money is the goal.

Other kinds of travel can also found with airline employee discounts as well. Once again this can vary depending on the airline in question. Cruises and other vacation packages should all be looked into before making any final decisions. This can enable people the opportunity of getting exactly what they want at pricing that is far more affordable. Take a look into the policies that apply to the airlines in question to be sure of getting the best possible deals.

About the Author:

Read more about Important Things To Know About Airline Employee Discounts visiting our website.

Read More »

Factors You Should Think About Prior To Moving Into Glenwood Springs Rentals

By Doris Madden

Before settling on Glenwood Springs rentals, it is important that you get a clear picture of the kind of rental you are seeking. Your budget will mostly determine the kind of apartment you can have. As you look for property to rent, you should consider visiting many. The decision should be made quickly and it is recommended that you get assistance from someone you can trust who will assist you with making the decision.

Before you select the most desirable property, extensive research should be carried out. There are also a few aspects which have to be mulled over as the search is being done. In as much as you will be looking out for property which is within your means, it is important to make sure that you are being given value. You can get in touch with the available agents who deal with real estate to guide you with this procedure. Local newspapers should also be checked since depending solely on advice provided by the agents may prove insufficient.

Location of the property is also vital and is an aspect which should appear top of the list. It should ideally be near utility stores, hospitals, schools and restaurants. A place that is also nearer to your place of work will be best. Another thing you should check is age of a residential building. It really would not make sense if you have to pay rent for a residence which is too old. Find out with the owner if the necessary repairs will be carried out before you move in. While repairs are being conducted, all the worn sections and parts should be replaced.

Drainage systems should be checked as well. In most of the urban areas, apartments are prone to flooding when it rains and this makes it essential to maintain drainage systems. This will prevent unnecessary flooding. The kind of drainage system available should also be considered.

Individuals who have never involved themselves in this procedure need to consult the experts especially if they have no idea regarding what to do. Currently, there are very many professionals who can do all the transactions for you. There is also quite a lot of information that is readily available online.

Prior to deciding on the residential property which will suit all your requirements, amenities that are provided should help with decision making. An evident increase in fees will be noticed especially if swimming pools, parks, gardens and gyms are available. Most basic amenities should be provided as well. Examples include supply of electricity, water and security.

It is important to know more about the owner of the property. Some background research can be conducted to ascertain that you will not be dealing with someone who will be difficult to deal with. Tenants who stay in property belonging to the owner you are about to engage can also provide you with information regarding the owner of the property.

While picking out Glenwood Springs rentals, think about important things like access to taxis, buses, trains and other modes of transportation. When you are closer to them, you will move around easily particularly when you want to move to another residence. Traffic density must also be thought about in the region. Settling on a location which experiences dense traffic will mean delays and you will mostly spend a lot of time trying to get to work. These tips will help when you are in search of the most suitable rental.

About the Author:

Read more about Factors You Should Think About Prior To Moving Into Glenwood Springs Rentals visiting our website.

Read More »

It's Important for People to Fly Clear

By Rob Sutter

The human race in general is an impatient creature, isn't it? We constantly want things to happen at the quickest times and even if it's something as mundane as logging onto a website, the sooner the better. Such a perspective can apply to travel and perhaps the most time-consuming method of doing so is by air. Planes are especially troubling to board but if you absolutely must get on such aircrafts as soon as possible, being able to fly clear certainly allows you to.

How long does it take you to enter a plane when you consider the extended security lines? Depending on how busy certain times of the year can become, you may find yourself waiting an hour or even more than that. Undeniably the time it takes having to board a plane without any sort of perks is quite taxing and you probably believe that such time would be better spent elsewhere. This is where one particular method comes into play and it has done well in servicing many passengers.

The company that produced this very method is CLEAR and its usefulness seemingly knows no bounds. When these passengers are able to fly clear, they can breeze past airport security so that they can get on their own flights at a rapid pace. While this may seem like a loaded statement, think about just how much time it takes to actually board a flight, as spoken about before. Use this method only once and you will certainly see a difference in time saved.

The passport to everything that this system offers is known as the CLEARcard. Simply put, if you don't have this, then you won't be able to fly clear. Signing up for one is actually very simple and all it takes is a few minutes online and about the same amount of time in a participating airport. If you live near an airport that utilizes CLEAR's services or don't mind traveling to one, then being able to acquire a CLEARcard is a simple process.

Looking into all of this, you may actually be very interested in signing up for a CLEARcard of your very own. Just know that the contribution you make will be well worth it when you utilize it often enough. It will become most valuable when you fly about from place to place constantly. Yes, the upfront price point itself may be tall at $179 per year for air travel but you may see that it will pay for itself before you're even six months into it.

About the Author:

If order to fly clear, you need more details. Call CLEAR today for additional details!

Read More »

Hot Air Ballooning in the California Desert

By Mitchell Sussman

On your next vacation to Palm Springs and the California desert cities, you should consider taking a hot air balloon ride it is one of the most serene ways to spend an early morning or late afternoon.

The hot air balloon is the oldest known human-carrying flight technology. On Nov 21, 1783, in Paris, France, the first untethered manned flight was made by Jean-Franois Piltre de Rozier and Franois Laurent d'Arlandes in a hot air balloon created on Dec 14, 1782 by the Montgolfier brothers.

Modernly, hot air balloons are used primarily for recreation and there are some 7,000 hot air balloons operating in the United States for this purpose. Typically, hot air balloon launches are made during the cooler hours of the day, at dawn or two to three hours before sunset. This is because, the winds are typically light making for easier launch and landing of the balloon.

In the Palm Springs area there are a number of hot air balloon companies, Fantasy Balloons, Balloons Above and Sunrise Balloons. On our last trip to the desert my family and we chose Balloons Above. We got there in the late afternoon prepared for a sunset flight.

After filing the balloon with hot air, we climbed aboard ready to float effortlessly above the desert floor. As we ascended we took in breathtaking vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. Vineyards, polo fields, world famous golf courses, and exotic orchards are just a few of the unbelievable sights we experienced.

We got a guided tour of some of the landmarks below, as well as serving champagne and cookies which I was told is a common tradition among the early French aeronauts who carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site.

The pilot's only ability to steer the balloon was to climb or descend into wind currents going different directions. So it is important for the pilot to determine what direction the wind is blowing at altitudes other than the balloon's altitude. The altitude and our direction was controlled by changing the temperature of the air inside the balloon. This was accomplished by turning on what could only be described as a large blow torch. Blowing flame into the balloon so that the air would heat and the balloon would rise. As the air cooled, the balloon would descend.

Most pilots try to perform as smooth a landing as possible. This can be difficult if the air at ground level is moving at more than five miles per hour or so. Fortunately, the day of our flight there was not much in the way of ground level wind so our landing was smooth.

My whole family enjoyed the flight and it was the perfect way to watch the sun set over the California desert.

About the Author:

Thinking of traveling to Palm Springs and the California desert resort cities, then visit www.PalmSpringsVacationDiscounts.com for the latest information and best values on the web for your nextPalm Springs vacation.

Read More »

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

By Mitchell Sussman

The Palm Springs Art Museum should be part of you next Palm Springs vacation. Located in the downtown, the museum features historical artifacts along with fine art and sculpture.

When I first arrived I couldn't help but notice the diverse works of fine art adorning the walls.

There were also statues and exhibits featuring Palm Springs modern design, film and photography. The art exhibits are of a broad chronological, geographic and artistic range. Everything from modern to op art.

On the afternoon that I was at the museum, there was a Richard Avedon collection of pictures. Avedon was an American fashion photographer noted for his stark images of celebrities. Pictures of Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe and other adorned the walls.

The Annenberg Theatre for the performing arts is another feature of the museum. Named for museum donor and former desert resident Ambassador Walter Annenberg the theater presents live performance concert from opera to ballet and jazz

While I didn't have the time to take in one of the workshops and classes that the museum has for its local residents, I did manage to take one of the guided tours which are conducted daily. It ran for about 45 minutes and was part of the cost of admission.

If you get hungry while you are at the museum there is a great little restaurant adjacent to a beautiful outdoor sculptor garden. This sculptor garden is a true oasis in the desert.

While not a whole day excursion, the art museum and its collection of paintings, sculptures, and exhibits definitely merits a few hours of your time during your next desert vacation. Because it is located in the heart of the downtown, when I finished with lunch I strolled out on to Museum Way which is one short block from Palm Canyon Drive, where I spent the rest of my afternoon taking in the sun and strolling the sun drenched Palm Springs main drag with its assortment of shops.

With admission tickets as little as $5.00 for students and $10 - $12 for adults, for my money, the Palm Springs Art Museum is truly one of the outstanding mid - sized art museums I have ever been to and a mandatory stop on my next Palm Springs vacation.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on your next Palm Springs vacation, then visit www.palmspringsvacationdiscounts.com to find the best advice on your next Palm Springs vacation .

Read More »

Flavors You Can Have in Hookah

By John McCree

Trying to find the perfect shisha flavor for you? Read along to learn how you can find a fantastic shisha flavor that suits your taste.

The flavorful tobacco, which is usually used in a hookah is commonly referred to as shisha. Present day shisha includes all or some of the following things:

1. Tobacco

2. Treacle (uncrystallized syrup produced in refining sugar)

3. Honey

4. Sugar

5. Molasses

6. Glycerin

7. Nicotine

8. Dried Fruit

9. Distilled Water

The producers have been experimenting a lot lately and they have produced some truly creative flavors such as Fantasia's "Cuban Mojito". Even so, fruit flavors are still the most popular flavors among hookah smokers. Many of the new flavors use a fruit flavor as the base. For example, Blueberry Muffin or Pink Lemonade certainly have their roots in a fruity base.

Shisha flavors have become versatile due to relative simplicity of flavoring during production. Any substance can be mixed in dried tobacco in the production to make unique flavors.

Social Smoking

Hookah is commonly shared in a social environment where the smokers may gather for friendly conversation and to enjoy the fragrance produced by the flavored shisha smoke. Hookahs grew popular in the Middle Eastern countries quickly and these smoking devices quickly became an important part of all drinking and eating establishments. Today they are seen in places from smoking parlors, to nightclubs, to the home.

The smoke from hookah has a calming impact on the smoker, which is one of the main reasons why it became popular quickly. As a contrast to cigarettes, hookah smoking is done more as a social pursuit and for the flavor, instead of for any sort of biological impact. Cigarettes in contrast are addictive and give a quick fix with a high dose of nicotine. While a hookah session lasts longer than a cigarette, the former isn't addictive for the smoker.

Getting the Most Flavor from Your Hookah

No rocket science here, just some good common sense and discipline can go a long way when it comes to getting the most from your hookah. The first and most critical thing is to clean your device regularly. You need to wash your hookah meticulously using warm water after each use.

Regarding specific tactics, it's critical to prevent the charcoal from burning the tobacco mid-session. This can be done by maintaining some distance between the foil and tobacco. When you're packing the bowl, leave a few millimeters between the top of your tobacco and the plane made by the rim of the bowl. Then, when you wrap the foil taught around the head, you'll obviously have the desired amount of space needed to stop the dreaded burn. Another technique that you can use to keep distance between foil and the tobacco is to put two toothpicks in cross on the tobacco. Additionally, when "packing" the bowl, don't pack the tobacco down firmly. A loose mound of tobacco that will allow the air to pass through it is best. This will also stop the tobacco from burning as easily, and it will need less suction on the hose to get a nice, full flavorful hit. Some people also use two sheets of aluminum foil to avoid overheating. The name of the game here is: KEEP IT THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND DON'T BURN THE SHISHA!

About the Author:

There are so many shisha flavors available nowadays that it can become really hard to find one that you like the most. If you are looking for a great flavor, then you should learn more about different hookah flavors available.

Read More »

Select Holiday accommodation Sunshine Coast for a Fun Filled Vacation

By Reggie Merrill

Vacation accommodation Sunlight Coastline, can offer one a possibility to experience a lot while on their journey to Australia. Sunlight Coastline is a proper vacation area for household holidays, honeymoon or even just an easy weekend journey. The area has a many holiday accommodation establishments that include hotels, resorts, lodgings and apartments amongst numerous others. Electing to stay in this place throughout your visit has a number of perks. Some consist of;

* One of the explanations for picking accommodation Sunshine Coast is the weather. The climate in the location is really beneficial all year long. The ranches and the beaches make sure that the weather does not get too hot especially during spring. The breeze from the ocean keeps the weather condition cool hence making the environment really stress-free. For that reason this would be a suitable place to stay even for those with children.

* Those who desire a quiet and romantic location to remain while in Australia must think about accommodation Sunshine Coast. There a many private accommodation centers for couples or families. If you want time alone, you can search for the quiet holiday accommodation centers where you will not get suspended by anybody. If you just got married, you will get the possibility to enjoy the sunset as you take pleasure in a tasty meal with your partner at the beach.

* With accommodation Sunshine Coast, you do not have to go out to enjoy your day or evening. The majority of facilities are located in locations which give the site visitors a good view to the bordering environment. You can sit at the balcony and have a look at the natural charm in the location. You will find a place to stay mainly at the beach or even by the lakeside.

* Picking accommodation Sunshine Coast will bring you near numerous visitor destinations in Australia. The location has a number of theme parks where you can see when you have the moment. In these spots you will come across wild animals such as kangaroos, snakes, wombats and koalas.

* The majority of accommodation Sunshine Coast centers are located in locations which permit the site visitors to take part in outdoor activities. If you choose to remain in the area, you will delight in tasks such as swimming, boat riding, hiking, golfing and site seeing. Some of them such as swimming and golfing are readily available within some of the accommodation centers.

With all these perks, picking accommodation Sunshine Coast will offer you a truly amazing experience. It is very easy to obtain to where you will be staying since the area is accessible by boat, an auto or plane. The airports offer both neighborhood and worldwide air travels thus as soon as your stay at the Sunshine Coast is over, you could reserve a flight to tour other parts of Australia. Auto hire services and public transportation are readily available throughout the location and therefore moving from one location to an additional throughout your stay will be very simple. You could easily arrange for transport from the flight terminal to the holiday accommodation center where you are staying.

About the Author:

Visit this website to find out more about Beach On Sixth.

Read More »