10 Things you Didn’t know about Dublin

Filed under: Uncategorized, General Travel — dara.ward at 7:32 am on Monday, December 4, 2006

Ireland’s capital city Dublin has fast become one of the most visited short break city destinations in Europe. It seems these days that anyone and everyone has been there, done it and seen it all in Dublin. Besides being home to Guinness, Trinity College, The Temple Bar and Grafton Street there is far more to Dublin that initially meets the eye.

1. Dublin is called Baile Atha Cliath in Gaelic and dates back to the 9th century. It was originally a Viking settlement.

2. At one stage O’ Connell Street, the city’s main street was regarded as the widest street in Europe.

3. Dublin is also a county as well as a city but is actually one of the smallest of the 32 Irish counties.

4. The head of the Irish government is called An Taoiseach, which translated literally from Gaelic means “leader”

5. The home of the Irish parliament is in Dublin and is called The Dail. The three major political parties based in The Dail are Fianna Fail, Fianna Gael and Labour.

6. Dublin has less pubs per head of the population than any other European capital. Amazing but true!

7. The home of The Dubs, as they are fondly known is Croke Park. The Dubs are the Dublin Gaelic Football team. Croke Park is recognised as being one of the best Stadiums in the entire world due to its size and shape which creates a natural amphitheatre effect.

8. Dublin is home to the second largest outdoor park in the world-The Phoenix Park. This is the largest park in Europe and second only in the world to Central Park in New York.

9. The biggest crowd ever assembled in Ireland gathered in the Phoenix Park in 1819 to a rally led by Daniel O Connell calling for the freedom of Ireland from English oppression and rule. Over 1.5 million impassioned people gathered to hear O Connell proclaim “that the freedom of Ireland is not worth the shedding of one drop of blood”.

10. The freedom of Dublin city has only been bestowed on a small number of people including Nelson Mandela, U2 and Bob Geldof. This honour carries the unusual privilege of allowing its’ recipients to graze sheep free of charge in St Stephens Green, one of Dublin’s best known landmarks.

 Dara Ward operates Hotels in Dublin He is an expert on all things Irish and has years of experience of the travel industry in Ireland. He also operates Hotels in Galway.

Hotels in Drogheda - Drogheda Hotels, Louth

Filed under: Hotels in Louth — cat at 1:27 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Drogheda in County Louth are a wonderful base for anyone hoping to enjoy the delights of a bustling town, steeped in traditional Irish hospitality. This lively town is famed for its vibrant restaurant culture, and it is home to an exciting live music scene. Hotels in Drogheda range from budget to luxury, and they all offer charming home comforts. The town is a wonderful location for anyone hoping to sample traditional hospitality, while also enjoying the sights of a lively town.

Hotels in Adare - Adare Hotels, Limerick

Filed under: Hotels in Limerick — cat at 1:26 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Adare in County Limerick are a wonderful destination for any visitors hoping to enjoy the delights of traditional Ireland, while also enjoying some luxurious hospitality. Located in western Ireland, the town is famed as the prettiest in Ireland, and it has been designated a Heritage Town. Hotels in Adare range from budget to luxury, but they all offer wonderful hospitality. The town boasts lovely historical sites such as Desmond Castle, as well as numerous welcoming restaurants and cafes.

Hotels in Limerick City - Limerick City Hotels

Filed under: Hotels in Limerick — cat at 1:26 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Limerick City are a delightful destination for anyone hoping to explore this lively city. The city rests on the beautiful River Shannon and it is famed for its exciting nightlife and wonderful restaurant culture. Hotels in Limerick City range from budget to luxury, with all establishments treating visitors to delightful home comforts and a welcoming atmosphere. The area boasts numerous attractions, and it is a charming destination for anyone hoping to explore the west of Ireland.

Hotels in Galway City - Galway City Hotels

Filed under: Hotels in Galway — cat at 1:25 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Galway City offer visitors a comfortable, cosy base while they explore this lively, exciting city. The city is famed for its large artistic community, and wherever you’re staying, you’re certain to be close to a museum, a gallery and a live-music pub. Hotels in Galway City range from luxury to budget, with all offering charming home comforts. This youthful city is famed for its exciting nightlife, and it is certain to keep all visitors entertained. For a full selection of all the best Hotels in Galway see the link provided.

Hotels in Clifden - Clifden Hotels, Galway

Filed under: Hotels in Galway — cat at 7:16 am on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Clifden in County Galway are a delightful base for anyone hoping to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the West of Ireland. Located on Galway’s stunning coastline, the town is home to a large number of hotels to suit all budgets and tastes. Hotels in Clifden offer accommodation ranging from 2 star to 4 star, with all establishments treating visitors to home comforts and wonderful hospitality. The area is located close to Inishbofin, Connemara National Park and the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, and it is a wonderful base for holidaymakers.

Hotels in Connemara - Connemara Hotels, Galway

Filed under: Hotels in Galway — cat at 7:16 am on Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Hotels in Connemara in County Galway are certain to delight any visitor hoping to enjoy some home comforts amongst stunning scenery. The area is home to some of the most beautiful landscape in Ireland, and it includes mountain ranges, lakes, thick woods, rivers and waterfalls. The area has retained many aspects of traditional Irish culture, and hotels in Connemara are certain to offer some traditional Irish hospitality. The area is home to a wide variety of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury.

Hotels in Westport – Westport Hotels, Mayo

Filed under: Hotels in Mayo — cat at 2:58 pm on Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Hotels in Westport in County Mayo are ideally located for anyone hoping to explore the stunning scenery of the west of Ireland, while they also enjoy some small town hospitality.  This friendly town is famed for its warm atmosphere, and tourists are certain to be well looked after, whether they’re staying in budget or luxury accommodation. Hotels in Westport are certain to suit visitors of all tastes, and are all located close to the beautiful beaches of Clew Bay and the pilgrimage mountain of Crough Patrick.

Hotels in Ballina – Ballina Hotels, Mayo

Filed under: Hotels in Mayo — cat at 2:57 pm on Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Hotels in Ballina in County Mayo are a wonderful base for any holidaymakers hoping to explore the west of Ireland. The town is the largest town in the county and it is a lively and friendly destination. Ballina is home to a wide variety of hotels, with travellers offered a mixture of budget and luxury accommodation. Hotels in Ballina are ideally located for holidaymakers hoping to enjoy a lively city, while also exploring some stunning scenery.

Hotels in Mullingar - Mullingar Hotels, Westmeath

Filed under: Hotels in Westmeath — cat at 1:04 pm on Monday, November 6, 2006

Hotels in Mullingar in County Westmeath offer visitors a delightful chance to enjoy the charms of a lively town located in picturesque surroundings. Hotels in Mullingar are a popular destination for anglers, as they are located close to the fish-rich lakes of Lough Owel and Lough Ennell. The town offers hotels ranging from 2 star to 4 star, with plenty of styles on offer. This bustling town is a wonderful location for any tourist hoping to enjoy some traditional Irish hospitality.

Hotels in Athlone - Athlone Hotels, Westmeath

Filed under: Hotels in Westmeath — cat at 1:03 pm on Monday, November 6, 2006

Hotels in Athlone in county Westmeath offer an abundance of comforts to weary travellers arriving in the area. Located in the centre of Ireland, the town lies on the banks of the River Shannon, and many of the local hotels take advantage of the stunning scenery. The area is home to a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. Hotels in Athlone are wonderfully located for anyone hoping to enjoy the delights of a lively town, yet also explore the ancient heart of Ireland.

Heights Hotel Killarney

Filed under: Hotels in Kerry — dara.ward at 7:48 pm on Saturday, November 4, 2006

The Heights Hotel Killarney

The Heights Hotel Killarney is a three star hotel located on the Cork Road 1KM from Killarney Town Centre. The Heights has 70 bedrooms and is an ideal hotel to spend your holiday in Killarney. Kerry Airport is located only 14KM from the Heights. Enjoy the spectacular Killarney scenery, try a round of golf or simply relax at an open fire at The Heights Hotel Killarney. Hotels in Killaney Kerry have an excellent reputation for their hospitality and The Heights Hotel is no exception.

Full contact details on this hotel to follow.

Hotels in Dungarvan - Dungarvan Hotels, Waterford

Filed under: Hotels in Waterford — cat at 6:41 am on Friday, November 3, 2006

Hotels in Dungarvan in County Waterford offer visitors a wonderful base from which to explore the stunning scenery and lively towns of southeastern Ireland. The town is home to a picturesque harbour and beautiful bay, and it is an ideal location for anyone hoping to enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating break. Hotels in Dungarvan in County Waterford offer wonderful home comforts and charming hospitality, whether you’re staying in a budget or luxurious hotel.

Hotels in Bray - Bray Hotels, Wicklow

Filed under: Hotels in Wicklow — cat at 6:40 am on Friday, November 3, 2006

Hotels in Bray in County Wicklow are charmingly located for anyone hoping to enjoy this lovely area. Conveniently situated on the DART rail system, visitors can reach the centre of Dublin in less than forty minutes, yet their base is a sleepy seaside town in picturesque Wicklow. Hotels in Bray in County Wicklow offer a range of establishments to suit all budgets, but they are all certain to offer visitors helpful staff and home comforts.

Hotels in Arklow - Arklow Hotels, Wicklow

Filed under: Hotels in Wicklow — cat at 3:52 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2006

Hotels in Arklow in County Wicklow are a wonderful base for anyone hoping to explore Ireland’s eastern coast. This attractive town lies on the banks of the River Avoca, and it is home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery. Hotels in Arklow in County Wicklow range from 2 star to 5 star, and they offer wonderful hospitality and home comforts to visitors of all tastes. Whatever your budget, hotels in Arklow are likely to suit the needs of every visitor.

Hotels in Letterkenny - Letterkenny Hotels, Donegal

Filed under: Hotels in Donegal — cat at 3:51 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2006

Hotels in Letterkenny in County Donegal are a wonderful base for anyone hoping to explore Ireland’s stunning northwestern coast. The area is famed for its large population of artists and musicians, and it is home to an exciting theatre and live music scene. Hotels in Letterkenny in County Donegal offer visitors a wonderful host of options, with prices ranging from budget to luxury. Whatever you’re looking for, Letterkenny’s hotels are sure to delight.

Hotels in Ballybofey - Ballybofey, Donegal

Filed under: Hotels in Donegal — cat at 9:47 am on Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Hotels in Ballybofey in County Donegal are a wonderful destination for any holidaymaker hoping to enjoy a relaxing break amongst stunning scenery. The town has earned the title, ‘Friendliest little Market Town in All of Europe’, and visitors to the area’s hotels will certainly agree with this. The area is home to lovely woods, and it is crossed by the picturesque River Finn. Hotels in Ballybofey in County Donegal range in price from budget to luxury, and they guarantee to cater to the needs of all weary travellers.

Hotels in Lahinch - Lahinch Hotels, Clare

Filed under: Hotels in Clare — cat at 9:47 am on Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Hotels in Lahinch in County Clare offer visitors a lovely range of options when they’re searching for accommodation in the area. This picturesque village is located on Liscannor Bay, and it is home to a stunning sandy beach. The area is a popular destination for surfers, and it is also home to a world-renowned golf club. Hotels in Lahinch in County Clare offer visitors wonderful comfort at a range of budgets.

Hotels in Ennis - Ennis Hotels, Clare

Filed under: Hotels in Clare — cat at 8:53 am on Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Hotels in Ennis in County Clare are ideally located for visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the west of Ireland, while also enjoying the hospitality that the town has to offer. The town itself is home to plenty of attractions, from the famous traditional live music, to the handsome spire of the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Hotels in Ennis in County Clare, offer visitors accommodation ranging from budget to luxury, and anyone staying in the area is certain to find an establishment that suits their tastes.

Hotels in Carlow Town - Carlow Town Hotels

Filed under: Hotels in Cavan — cat at 8:48 am on Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Hotels in Carlow Town offer visitors to the area a chance to enjoy wonderful Irish hospitality, while also enjoying stunning scenery. The town is home to numerous attractions, from lively restaurants and pubs, to fascinating museums. Hotels in Carlow Town range from budget to luxury, but they all offer delightful service and plenty of home comforts. Carlow Town is a wonderful destination for any visitor hoping a relaxing and rejuvenating break.

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