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Gortin Glen Forest Park

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:49:11 +0000

Located on the western fringe of the scenic Sperrin Mountains, the trees at Gortin Glen Forest Park were planted with the purpose of producing coniferous trees for lumber. The on site tree farm distinguishes Gortin Glen from other facilities of its kind.
The park is one of a few in Ireland that maintains a drive through tour; a five mile long paved road through many breathtaking views. There are several stopping areas where tourists can relax, enjoy the scenery and take photographs. The walking trail is posted with explanations of various sites along the path. Picnic areas are scattered through the forest at various points, and there are footpaths that twist and turn, leading visitors to some surprisingly beautiful locations.
Plant species include Sitka Spruce trees, purple bell heather, pink blossomed cross-leaf heather, and ling heather. Sitka deer also populate the area. The named paths include Nature Trail, Lady’s View Trail, and Gortin Burn Walk, a portion of which is connected to Ulster Way.
At the entrance to the walking portion of the park, there is an indoor exhibition centre and a few enclosures where visitors can observe wildlife at close range.
Gortin Glen Forest Park also maintains a play area for the enjoyment of the children as well as a souvenir shop for children of all ages.

Strabane

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:45:59 +0000

Strabane is one of the larger towns in County Tyrone, rich in history and natural beauty. Its Irish name is an Straith Bhan, which translates into Fair River Valley, or White Strand.
The town includes two castles that were built and occupied around strange circumstances. Ogilby’s Castle was intended as the home of James Ogilby, but he decided to forego the family fortune for love of a girl who worked at a local factory. The regal home, built in 1860, was never occupied by the couple, which eloped and moved away to Derry.
Earl’s Gift Castle was begun in 1629 by Sir John Drummond in anticipation of his wedding to a French lady, but he died in a mishap at sea, and his wedding gift castle was never completed. It remains in its unfinished state to this day.
Also found in the Strabane area are the 14th century O’Neill castle known as Harry Avery’s Castle, and a ruin at Newtonstewart called Turlough’s Castle.
Strabane offers various cultural events throughout the year. The educational American Trail Tour traces the regional origins of prominent Irish-Americans, including James Knox Polk, who became the eleventh president of the United States. The tour passes through Polk’s ancestral home, which features a walled garden created in the 1700’s, a tearoom and a craft shop that displays the works of local artisans.
The American Trail Tour also includes the abode of Woodrow Wilson’s grandfather James. The president’s grandfather lived in this traditional thatched cottage, now open for public viewing.
An unforgettable feature in the town is the collection of five steel figures known by locals as the Tinneys. They stand 20 feet tall and were designed by Maurice Harron and erected at the border with Donegal on the site of what was once a British army base. There are two dancers, a flute player, a drummer and a fiddler.
During the period from the 1970s into the 1990s, Strabane was the location of many bombings, riots and attacks related to the Troubles. The permanent military presence of past decades is no longer necessary.

Donegal Town

Brian — Wed, 10 May 2006 12:45:30 +0000

Donegal Town is situated on the Eske River at the point where it flows into Donegal Bay. The entire Donegal Bay Area is beautifully wild, featuring rocky shorelines with magnificent views and lovely beach and dune areas that fade back into acres of unspoiled woodland.
The Irish name for Donegal Town is Dun na nGall, which means Fort of the Foreigners. The Vikings set up a base camp here in the ninth century, from which they ventured forth to pillage and loot the surrounding area.
The ruling clan of Donegal, the O’Donnells, drove the Vikings away and took the town, making it the capital of their large Ulster land holdings. They named the town Tyrconail.
Donegal Town was redesigned and reconstructed during the Plantation period, when large numbers of settlers arrived from England and Scotland. The town centre was created according to the Diamond design, which originated at this time in Irish history and became the common form for building new villages. The city centre was at the middle of the diamond-shaped green, with all important streets radiating outward.
Today, Donegal Town is the largest village in the northwest of Ireland, with a population of about 3,000. Always known as the center of a thriving wool trade, this trend continues and is made visible by the many local craftspeople and the articles they create and sell.
Tourism thrives here, with golf and shopping among the favorite activities. A trip to Donegal Craft Village gives visitors the opportunity to watch as crafts items are created and purchase the hand woven clothing, pottery and ceramics available for sale.

Donegal Town

Brian — Wed, 10 May 2006 12:44:42 +0000

Donegal Town is situated on the Eske River at the point where it flows into Donegal Bay. The entire Donegal Bay Area is beautifully wild, featuring rocky shorelines with magnificent views and lovely beach and dune areas that fade back into acres of unspoiled woodland.
The Irish name for Donegal Town is Dun na n Gall, which means Fort of the Foreigners. The Vikings set up a base camp here in the ninth century, from which they ventured forth to pillage and loot the surrounding area.
The ruling clan of Donegal, the O’Donnells, drove the Vikings away and took the town, making it the capital of their large Ulster land holdings. They named the town Tyrconail.
Donegal Town was redesigned and reconstructed during the Plantation period, when large numbers of settlers arrived from England and Scotland. The town centre was created according to the Diamond design, which originated at this time in Irish history and became the common form for building new villages. The city centre was at the middle of the diamond-shaped green, with all important streets radiating outward.
Today, Donegal Town is the largest village in the northwest of Ireland, with a population of about 3,000. Always known as the center of a thriving wool trade, this trend continues and is made visible by the many local craftspeople and the articles they create and sell.
Tourism thrives here, with golf and shopping among the favorite activities. A trip to Donegal Craft Village gives visitors the opportunity to watch as crafts items are created and purchase the hand woven clothing, pottery and ceramics available for sale.

Belfast City

Brian — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:22:55 +0000

The city of Belfast is often considered the capital of Northern Ireland. Its people have a rich history — of commerce and prosperity as well as violence and heartache. Belfast is one of the few, if not the only city in all of Ireland, to be fully engaged in the activities and benefits of the Industrial Revolution. Now that the industrial age is a part of history, Belfast has become the focus of several revitalization projects, for example, the Odyssey complex at Queen’s Quay. These development projects are aimed at rejuvenating this historical city and providing its inhabitants with opportunities for prosperity through the growing tourist industry. Projects include new hotels, performing arts centres, and development along the strands.
History:
During the 1600′s, both English and Scottish settlers arrived in Beal Fierste, or ‘sandbank ford’ as Belfast was called in those early days. The land was owned and controlled by the ancient O’Neill clan from Ulster.
At the onset of the Plantation period, the native Irish inhabitants were uprooted and replaced with Protestant settlers by decree of the English crown. Belfast was then given to Sir Arthur Chichester. The Official Charter for the city was granted in 1888.
Traditionally known for its shipbuilding, linen making, and rope making industries, as well as the trade and shipping of these and other products, including tobacco, Belfast’s population doubled every ten years in response to it thriving economy during the 18th century. Linen making skills came to the region along with large numbers of Huguenot refugees.
The influence of Queen Victoria upon the city is apparent. She founded Queen’s College, which opened in 1849, and she is memorialized all around the city by various monuments and in the names of many buildings and streets.
More recent history focuses on Belfast’s central role in the Troubles – from 1974 until the 1994 cease-fire. Evidence of these embattled years can be seen in various murals and the peace line that runs between East and West Belfast.
Today’s population stands at roughly 300,000. Relics of the industrial years can be seen across the city, including the two enormous Harland & Wolff cranes that stand like sentinels over the area of the deserted shipyards. One Belfast nickname is Titanic Town – in reference to the birthplace of this most famous of ships. The former industrial areas are now quickly becoming valuable hotel and office space properties.

Temple Bar

Brian — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 08:50:16 +0000

The name Temple Bar refers to a special group of Dublin properties, situated in a strip alongside the River Liffey (hence the name bar, which refers to a riverside path). Sir William Temple, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat from the early 1600s, was once the owner of the land that still bears his name.
In the 1800′s, Temple Bar was known as a thriving centre for a variety of small and family-owned businesses. The area declined steadily over the years, until the 1960′s arrived along with plans for a new bus station.
This prospect brought new hope for economic development to the area. Artists and small business owners opened galleries, shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants in anticipation of the coming flood of traveler traffic. Plans for the bus station fell through, however, but Temple Bar had by that time become a fashionable part of the city of Dublin, and its development continues today.
The most popular entrance to Temple Bar is located at Merchant’s Arch, across from Ha’penny Bridge. The passage leads through an interesting group of unique boutiques and other establishments, opening on Temple Bar Square, a popular gathering place, especially for the lunch crowds.
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios are situated within a group of nearby newly renovated and remodeled factory buildings. Here, a growing community of artists keep their studio space and exhibit a wide variety of works.
Crown Alley is a browser’s delight, filled with colorful shops and cafes.
Along the curve of the street you can find a group of buildings housing The Temple Bar Music Centre and DESIGN yard. This area provides a venue where the current Irish culture is creatively displayed via the arts of performance, jewelry making and furniture design, to name a few. The top creative artists and designers of Ireland often exhibit their work here.
Cow’s Lane is a newly designed pedestrian area featuring very stylish apartment houses and shops, and residents enjoy the convenience of the area’s own food market. It offers a wide array of entertainment choices along with many restaurants and pubs, including the Kitchen, owned by Bono and the Edge of U2, the Project Arts Center, specializing in avant garde performance art, and the Olympia Theatre, a regular venue for rock concerts.
For more information, see http://www.visit-templebar.com/.

Eniskillen Castle

Brian — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 13:32:07 +0000

The primary attraction in the town of Eniskilleen is Enniskillen Castle, a strategic and well-preserved stronghold along the River Erne. Built in 1670 by the Maguire clan, today it houses two museums, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Regimental Museum and the Fermanagh County Museum.
Hugh Maguire, deputy chieftain to his older brother King Thomas the Great, built the the original castle. The site was chosen to guard the passage into Ulster, and the original structure consisted of a square tower house known as the Keep.
In the late 1700’s, the threat of French invasion prompted the government to refurbish the existing castle and add barracks, which can still be seen today on a tour of the castle. The original building houses the two museums.
Fermanagh County Museum opened its doors in 1977. It features award-winning exhibits depicting County Fermanagh’s rich history and archeological treasures, and covers topics like the Viking invasions, the plantation period, and World War II.
The Inniskillings Museum displays uniforms, weapons, photos and artwork related to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, including the bugle used in 1916 at the Battle of the Sonne.
The Heritage Centre at the castle provides special, award-winning educational programs and displays, a gift shop, an activity center for the children and refreshments.
Near the castle, you can also see the Water Gate, a double turreted structure built in the early 17th century to protect the town from invasion.
Caldragh Idol:
Not far away, on the Boa Island on Lough Erne, in the mournful Caldragh graveyard, stand two unique carved stone idols, reminiscent of the era before Christianity reached the shores of Ireland.
This two-sided Janus figure is by some estimates nearly two thousand years old, but most believe that it is connected to a pagan cult that lived on the island during the Dark Ages.
It is a strange looking figure, with a large head, even larger eyes, and crossed arms. It wears a woven belt and has a hole at its top that can indicate a missing part or may be a receptacle for blood offerings in a pagan ritual.
Standing in the mist in this desolate place, along with a statue called the Lusty Man which was transported here from Lusty Beg Island, the two make a captivating and memorable site that is worth tracking down.

Dublin Zoo

Brian — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 14:25:12 +0000

Dublin Zoo holds the distinction of being the third oldest public zoo in the world – only those in London and Paris have been in existence longer. Located in Phoenix Park just past People’s Garden, the zoo was founded in 1830 with only one wild boar in residence, and has recently been engaged in an extensive renovation process due to be completed in 2006.
The zoo is noted for its lion breeding program, and since the 1850’s, more than 700 lions have been bred here- no small feat, since lions have been bred successfully in captivity in very few locations worldwide. The most famous resident is probably the MGM trademark lion. Legend has it that his famous roar was in fact a yawn, and the voice of an American lion was dubbed in to created the ferocious roar.
A variety of tropical animals roam their areas in unbarred enclosures designed to replicate the natural environment as closely as possible. Arctic species make their homes in the lakes located near the reptile house. In total, the 60-acre zoo contains more than 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds.
Over 700 animals live at Dublin Zoo, and breeding programs are not exclusive to lions, but are also dedicated to increasing the populations of rare and endangered species, such as the Snow Leopard.
The extremely popular African Plains section of the zoo operates the Nakuru Safari Tour, a 25 minute journey through a savannah where giraffes and lions roam along with other animals from the Serengeti.
Other popular Dublin Zoo attractions:
•The Discovery Centre, which displays the world’s largest egg.
•The Zoo Train, loved by children, it runs all summer and on weekends in winter.
•The Meet The Keeper Programme, which allows visitors to observe animals as they feed and to interact with their keepers.
•The recently renovated Big Cat Compound.
•Pet’s Corner City Farm, filled with guinea pigs, lambs, goats and other petting zoo varieties.
The South America House is a strikingly ornate structure housing some of the more exotic species, including golden lion tamaris, two-toed sloths, and squirrel monkeys.
For refreshment, visitors go to the Lakeside Café for drinks and ice cream in summer, and take advantage of numerous picnic areas, playgrounds, and gift shops scattered throughout the zoo.

The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks

Brian — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 14:18:05 +0000

Built in 1700 as the main barracks for the British garrison in Dublin, the Collins Barracks complex was taken over by the Irish Free State in 1922. In the 1990′s, it was renamed Collins Barracks after Michael Collins, the legendary fighter for Irish independence.
The complex, now a museum, consists of thirteen galleries situated around a central courtyard, which once served as a parade ground. The 100 pace markings are still visible on the courtyard walls. The barracks themselves are the oldest military barracks in all of Europe, and were restored in the early 18th century by Colonel Thomas Burgh, chief engineer and surveyor during the time of Queen Anne.
First open as a museum in 1997, the exhibits located here display the unique Irish style in decoration of items from silver to jewelry to clothing and furniture.
The silver exhibit showcases pieces from the 17th to 20th century. Its coinage section displays pieces of currency originating from Viking days, through the centuries, up to the popular ATMs we use today. Other unique silver items include the Fonthill Vase, William Smith O’Brien Gold Cup, and Lord Chancellori’s mace.
An exhibition called “The Way We Wore” encompasses the evolution of 250 years of clothing styles and chronicles the progress made in producing various popular fabrics and other materials.
Articles with particularly interesting backgrounds or histories are grouped into a section known as the Curator’s Choice. At various times, this section has displayed such diverse items as a wedding gift from Cromwell to his daughter, King William’s gauntlets from the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, and a hurling ball love token.
In recent years, an increasing number of popular exhibits have been moved to this location from other museums. There is a café and gift shop available onsite.

Dublin Castle

Brian — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:28:49 +0000

Since it was built in the early 13th century for King John by the Anglo Normans, this complex of regal buildings symbolized more than seven centuries of British rule. It served as a backdrop in the Neil Jordan film Michael Collins, and was at the center of historical events before the Irish government took over control in 1922. The courtyard of the castle is said to be the site of the black pool, or “Dubh Linn”, for which the city was named.
The oldest surviving building is the Record Tower, the only original structure, though it has been remodeled many times. It once served as a maximum-security prison, where Red Hugh O’Donnell was held after leading a rebellion in 1592. He later escaped to join up with Hugh O’Neill and lead the Nine Years War. Today, the Record Tower houses the Garda Museum, which details the history of the police force of Ireland.
After a fire occurred in 1864, Sir William Robinson, Surveyor General, redesigned the original castle. It became housing for the Viceroys of Ireland, appointed by the British rulers. They lived in the State Apartments, lavishly appointed and complete with Waterford crystal chandeliers and Killybegs carpets. Today, these apartments provide lodging for visiting heads of state and EU officials. Located on the first floor at the upper yard, the apartments face a statue called the Figure of Justice, traditionally regarded with cynicism by Dubliners because the figure stands with its back facing the city.
St. Patrick’s Hall features symbolic ceiling paintings depicting Vincenzo Valdres’ interpretation of relations between Ireland and the British, and the banners of the Knights of St. Patrick hang in this area of the castle.
The Chapel Royal is a neo-gothic structure completed in 1814, featuring 100 heads, carved upon the exterior by Edward Smyth, including St. Patrick, Brian Boru Jonathan Swift and Saint Peter.
The Throne Room (1740) contains a throne bequeathed to the castle by William of Orange to celebrate victory at the Battle of the Boyne. Some of the oldest architecture in the city is contained here, including the Treasury, the oldest surviving office building in Ireland.
Dublin Castle offers guided tours, one hour long, throughout the day, unless the rooms are in use. The premises also contain a craft shop, heritage center, and restaurant.