Posts tagged: British history

You Won’t Believe How Many Famous Bands And Singers Have Performed Recently In Ireland!

If recent performances by famous bands and singers in Ireland are anything to go by, this is the country to be in. Fantastic music festivals, a number of world class venues and welcoming audiences ensure that the world’s greatest artists perform regularly around Ireland.

The bigger cities all have venues suitable for concerts by famous bands and singers, and these performances add to the already thriving nightlife in cities like Belfast and Dublin. Even if you don’t catch the international stars, remember that Ireland is home to many big names in the music industry, so the local talent is usually well worth watching out for too. In Dublin, venues like the O2 and Vicar Street are host to a variety of well-known artists like Marianne Faithful, Leona Lewis and Elvis Costello among others.

Oxegen is an annual event that takes place over 3 days at the Punchestown Racecourse, about 40km outside of Dublin. Music lovers from Dublin and elsewhere gather to take in the likes of Jay Z, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Echo and the Bunnymen, Earth Wind and Fire as well as the best of Irish talent such as Cathy Davey. This event draws festival-goers from around the world because of the famous bands and singers it attracts, rivalling Glastonbury for the crowds it draws and the famous stars that play here each year.

With a 2010 line up that includes famous bands and singers like Carlos Santana, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, The Cranberries and The Three Tenors, the Dublin City Soul Festival obviously caters for more than just soul music-lovers. The popularity of this event may be attributed to the diverse music genres it showcases, and it certainly attracts ever-growing audiences. Local artists feature strongly at this festival too.

The Music Show, held on the first weekend of October In Dublin each year is becoming increasingly popular with up-and-coming musicians. This event not only features live performances by the likes of Imelda May and The Coronas, it includes music workshops and talks by professionals from the music industry. Anyone interested in breaking into the music business should attend this event. Irish and international artists are featured, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy the music while learning about the industry.

Ireland’s music festivals cater to a variety of tastes, featuring ‘old’ and new artists playing rock, rap, R&B and other genres. The cross-section of music genres featured attracts a wide audience of young and old, making Ireland a super destination for music lovers worldwide. Of course, Ireland’s famous homegrown talent is recognized worldwide, with bands like U2, The Cranberries and The Corrs featuring in their music calendar. If you are looking for famous bands and singers, then Ireland’s recent performances would indicate that this is the place to be.

If you interested in Ireland and Irish news and events - please find out more about New events in Ireland and see the video on our video website. http://www.video-ireland.com/

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categories Video | Vilkovo.biz Вилкове | datetime July 21, 2010 2:37 am | comments Comments (0)

Help Ireland Become Eco-Friendly As More People Use Bicycles

Ireland is fast becoming one of Europe’s eco-friendly cities as it introduces incentives for eco-friendly transportation. Already well know for the scenic cycling tours offered for tourists and residents, Ireland is becoming eco-friendly as more people use bicycles for every day transportation.

Cycling is popular in Ireland, but has, as in most of the world, either been used as a means of exercise or for relaxation, not as a means of transportation. The recently introduced ‘Bike to Work’ scheme offers employees tax exemption benefits for the purchase of a new bike or associated safety equipment, to the value of 1000 Euros. Intended to convince more people living in Ireland to use bicycles as their primary mode of transport to and from work, the tax incentive, added to fuel savings, time saved sitting in traffic and the health benefits are expected to be the primary motivators.

An increase of 8% from 2007 to 2009 has seen the number of people who cycled every day in Ireland grow to 35 000. While this only equates to 3% of the total number of trips made, the Bike to Work scheme is expected to increase these figures within the next few years. With 209km of cycling lanes in Dublin, it is no surprise that cycling is growing at the rate of 4% there. Obstacles that cyclists feel need to be addressed before cycling will really take off include the fact that many cycling lanes are shared with buses and the inadequate parking facilities at public places such as shops and restaurants. Government is addressing these problems, and is expecting cycling as a means of transport to and from work to become more popular with each passing year.

Compared to many European countries, Ireland compares well, and if the cycling lanes are improved further, Ireland may be more eco-friendly than bigger countries in the continent. As a tourist in Ireland, you can do your bit for the environment too. Finding a bicycle to rent should be easy, as most cities and towns have bike rental shops. Use the bike instead of a taxi or other fuel-consuming transport to see the local sights and pop into town for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat. You’ll see a lot more of your surroundings on a bicycle, and all the exercise will take care of the extra treats you’ve been dying to sample on your tour.

Out of the big city, cycling holidays are offered in many parts of Ireland, offering a relaxed, scenic trip through the country without leaving a carbon footprint behind you. Bicycles can often reach spots that cars cannot, particularly if you opt for a mountain bike, and you’ll be out in the fresh air - helping to keep it that way. There are many well-developed cycling routes in Ireland that afford visitors the opportunity to take in the sights and visit the attractions without the need for a car.

Another initiative that is gaining in popularity is a bike scrapping scheme, launched in Mayo County. Trade in your old bicycle for a discount on a new one, and ride away on a safer, newer bicycle. Launched by local entrepreneurs, this scheme helps Ireland become eco-friendly, adding another reason to stop making excuses and get on your bike!

If you interested in Ireland and Irish news and events - please find out more about New events in Ireland and see video about Ireland on our video website. http://www.daysinireland.com/

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categories Video | Vilkovo.biz Вилкове | datetime July 17, 2010 3:31 am | comments Comments (0)

Support The Many Charity Organizations In Ireland

With so many causes to support, you may find it difficult to decide which charity organization in Ireland to support. The many charities found in Ireland address the needs of different people, and your choice of a cause to support will probably be based on your personal experience and a cause that is close to your heart.

There are many national charities in Ireland that depend on donations from members of the public and businesses to continue their work. National charity organizations in Ireland include various associations and foundations for particular diseases such as cancer, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis as well as mental health problems. The Carers’ Association, Hospice Foundation and other charities care for the terminally ill, elderly and disabled.

You may choose to support charity organizations in Ireland that help to alleviate poverty and hardship in the rest of the world. Oxfam Ireland and the Irish Red Cross assist countries who have experienced civil war or natural disasters, providing aid and relief to those whose lives are destroyed. Besides international and national charity organizations, there are many regional or local charities in need of help to continue their vital work. Children’s homes, shelters for abused women and children, addiction centres, animal shelters and support centres for patients of various illnesses can be found in smaller towns and villages throughout Ireland.

Charity organizations supporting patients of specific illnesses or diseases are involved in a lot more than just patient care. Often they help to raise awareness of the disease, provide support for the family and loved ones of the patients, as well as funding research for cures or prevention. A disease like cancer or muscular dystrophy affects many more people than just the patient and these charities provide a vital service to the community they serve. In Ireland, there are national and local charities for cancer patients, the blind, the deaf, multiple sclerosis sufferers, AIDS patients, as well as those suffering from mental health problems.

Perhaps the best known charity for children in Ireland is Barnatos. President Mary McAleese is the patron of this charity - the largest children’s charity in Ireland. The Bubblegum Club was established in 1994 to look after children with life-threatening diseases, and CARI provides sexual abuse counselling for children and their families. The ISPCC cares for children as well. The elderly are well represented too, with Age Action Ireland providing care for the elderly throughout Ireland.

No matter which charity organization in Ireland tugs at your heart strings, they all need support in the form of donations or volunteers to help them care for those in need. Supporting a charity organization need not take up huge amounts of time or money. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference to someone’s life, and a few hours of volunteer work can help a charity continue to provide care to those who really need it. Many feel this is a small price to pay for the rewards you receive - in appreciation and the knowledge that you have given kindness and care to those less fortunate than you.

If you interested in Ireland and Irish news and events - please find out more about New events in Ireland and see video about Ireland on our video website. http://www.daysinireland.com/

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categories Video | Vilkovo.biz Вилкове | datetime 3:27 am | comments Comments (0)

Savour Famous Irish Whiskeys And Beers In Ireland

Since the 7th or 8th century, Ireland has been distilling whiskey. The first recorded drop of whiskey was produced by Irish monks in the Middle Ages. It is perhaps this history that makes world famous Irish whiskey and beer sought after drink around the world.

Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whiskey in that it no peat is used in the distillation process, and it is distilled three times rather than twice. This results in a smoother taste, preferred by many whiskey drinkers around the world. Derived from the ancient Gaelic ‘usice beatha’, meaning water of life, whiskey is far more than just a beverage in Ireland. Available as single malt, single grain, blended or pure pot still, whiskey in Ireland is taken seriously.

The oldest whiskey distillery is the Old Bushmills distillery. Their licence to distill spirits is dated April 1608, hence one of their brands being named 1608. They also produce Old Bushmills and Black Bush whiskey, both of which are well known internationally. One of the famous Irish whiskeys most people will recognise is Jamesons. Produced by New Midleton Distillery, Jamesons is one of several brands of whiskey such as Midleton, Redbreast and Powers that are produced at this distillery, which dates back to 1825. New Midleton also produce the oldest continuously-made pot still Irish whiskey, considered a valuable rarity, Green Spot. Kilbeggan distillery has recently been re-opened as well. Cooley Distillery is the only wholly Irish-owned distillery, producing brands like Connemara and Michael Collins whiskeys.

Without doubt the most famous Irish beer is Guinness. First brewed in Dublin in 1759, this dark ale, or stout, has been popular outside of Ireland since it was first exported in 1859. Outside of Ireland, other dark ales are not as well known, but brands such as Beamish and Murphy’s are making their way beyond Ireland’s shores. Smithwick’s Irish ale, Kilkenny Draft, Murphy’s and Harp are other Irish beers gaining a name for themselves internationally.

Visitors to Ireland will be delighted to hear that they can tour the whiskey distilleries and sample the wares. The Guinness Centre in Dublin takes you back in time to the early days of Guinness stout, providing an insight into the history of brewing, as well as a tour of modern brewing facilities. And yes, you will be able to finish off with a Guinness.

If you are looking for famous Irish whiskey and beer, Ireland would be the logical place to start. Steeped in history, surrounded by glorious countryside, you’ll find they taste even better on home soil.

If you interested in Ireland and Irish news and events - please find out more about New events in Ireland and see video about Ireland on our video website. http://www.daysinireland.com/

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categories Video | Vilkovo.eu Вилково | datetime 3:26 am | comments Comments (0)

A Visit To Ireland Must Include Irish Museums And Historical Places

Ireland’s rich history makes it the ideal tourist destination for those interested in the heritage of this beautiful country. No matter what part of Ireland you visit, you will find a wealth of historical places, buildings and sites to visit, some with fascinating legends behind them. In each county you will find Irish museums and historical places filled with fascinating artefacts and information about the history of the area.

Your first stop should be the National Museum of Ireland, offering insight into the archaeology, natural history and heritage of Ireland. The museum was opened in 1877, and houses 4 million historical artefacts. Divided into 4 separate locations, each part of the museum covers a different area. The decorative arts department is housed in the Art and Industry Building in Collins Barracks which includes exhibitions of artistic crafts through the ages, including glasswork, metalwork, lace and ceramic works. This and two other departments, natural history and archaeology and history, are housed nearby in Dublin city as well. The fourth exhibit of the museum covers the history of country life in Ireland, and is in County Mayo, some 240 kms away.

Dublin is also home to a Toy Museum, a Transport Museum and a Historic Science Centre which appeal to children as well as adults. Make sure you visit the Viking and medieval museum, Dublinia, for a fun and interesting look at medieval history in Dublin. As you travel through the rest of Ireland, you will find that most cities and towns have a museum exhibiting artefacts found in that county. The Cork Museum, the Galway Museum and the Ulster Museum are a few that you will encounter on your travels through Ireland. The Hunt Museum in Munster features artefacts dating from the Neolithic Age through to the 20th century.

As you travel around Ireland, perhaps the most prominent historical places will be the many castles found here - about 83 in total, most built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Dublin Castle, which is now the Irish Government’s home, was the site of King John of England’s fortress, built around 1230. Limerick Castle is the site of the famous Blarney Stone, said to endow those who kiss it with the ‘gift of the gab’. Kilkenny Castle, Rathfarnham and Drimnagh are all worth a visit, as is Grange Castle in County Kildare with its 15th century tower house.

Of particular interest to historians are the many cathedrals and other religious sites dating back centuries that are found throughout Ireland. Glendalough is the site of a sixth century monastery. Ennis Friary, St Colman’s Cathedral and many other large and small religious buildings are not only magnificent in appearance, but are fascinating in terms of their history as well. St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is possibly the best known cathedral in Ireland, dating back to 1220. If architectural history interests you, don’t miss Belfast City Hall, built in 1898 with its magnificent green domes.

There are some ancient sites to visit in Ireland too, most notably the megalithic passage tombs at Fourknocks and Newgrange, the former dating back about 5000 years. The tourist wanting to visit all the Irish museums and historical places may find they need a six month trip! If you are interested in history, Ireland has more attractions than most.

If you interested in Ireland and Irish news and events - please find out more about New events in Ireland and see video about Ireland on our video website. http://www.daysinireland.com/

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categories Video | Vilkovo.biz Вилкове | datetime 3:23 am | comments Comments (0)

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