Scenic islands off the west coast
Galway, Co. Galway
+353 99 6 1263 (Tourist Information)
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Scenic islands off the west coast |
Foster Street Galway, Co. Galway +353 99 6 1263 (Tourist Information) |
These three islands lie across the mouth of Galway Bay, about 30 miles out to sea. The Aran Islands consist of Inishmaan, Inisheer and the largest, Inishmore. These are Irish-speaking islands where old traditions still exist. Some modernizations have taken root, although many practices remain including Currach racing, fishing and the knitting of distinctive hand-made sweaters or "ganseys". You can take a ferry or light aircraft. Inquiries can be made at the tourist office in Galway's city center, and you can leave your vehicle at the Foster Street carpark when visiting the Islands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Craig Muckle |
 Photo: James Oleson |
 Photo: Heather Ryerson |
 Photo: Ronda Marten |
 Photo: JURGEN VERFAILLIE |
A natural habitat |
Causeway Road Dublin, Leinster |
No bulls here, but there's plenty of birds and unusual flora to discover if you want to get away from the city streets for a while. Bull Island is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city and is home to foxes, shrews, badgers and rabbits, as well as being an important over-wintering ground for wildfowl. Arctic migrating birds are the main tourists visiting the island, but it's well worth seeing this important and little visited treasure in the heart of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francois de Halleux |
 Photo: Sonia Escribano |
 Photo: Vlad & Diana |
 Photo: Joe Wicklow  |
 Photo: reverend_smarm |
 Photo: Cristina Suarez |
 Photo: Leo Spesshardt |
 Photo: Wojciech Skrzypczak |
 Photo: David Sciora |
 Photo: Ian Brunswick |
 Photo: Mick: version: 2.01b |
 Photo: drearden |
 Photo: Michael Iten |
A Northside retreat |
Bull Island Dublin, Leinster |
Held in fond esteem by real Dubliners, Dollymount Strand was the setting for thousands of days by the sea before the dawning of cheap international sun holidays. The area is now the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city. The strand is part of Bull Island (which was formed when harbour improvements caused a sand spit to evolve) and it is a classic example of sand marsh ecology. If you're feeling energetic, this is a great place to fly kites, and it's worth visiting if only to see the somewhat kitsch Virgin Mary at the end of the promenade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Curtin |
 Photo: mark crawford |
 Photo: Victoria Macarthur |
 Photo: Dave Kennedy |
 Photo: Seán Diver |
 Photo: John Lyon |
 Photo: Paul O Connell |
 Photo: Anne Gilleran |
Skinny-dipping in the city |
Sandycove Beside the Tower Dublin, Leinster +353 1 605 7700 |
Named not for its size but because the 40th Regiment of Foot used to be stationed in a battery above it, the Forty Foot was a men-only swimming hole for years, where nude bathing was the rule. Times being what they are, women and families are now allowed and the bathing place has now assumed a new atmosphere - and a new modesty ensues! A nearby sign reads: "togs required by order"! If you still want to bathe au naturel, note that a small section is reserved for nude swimming. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Carey |
 Photo: Inte Gloerich |
 Photo: Fionn Kidney |
Spectacular monastic settlement |
Glendalough, Co. Dublin +353 404 45325 |
Glendalough monastery (situated about thirty kilometres from Dublin) was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. It is difficult not to be profoundly affected by the dramatic beauty of the saint's chosen retreat. The monastic remains - including a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses - sit in a glaciated valley with two lakes. A modern visitors' centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French, German, Spanish and Swedish guided tours are available all year through advance booking. Walkers can choose from a selection of trails through the nearby woods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: marikuz1975 |
 Photo: Nathan Helgren |
 Photo: Thomas Salgado |
 Photo: Tressa Sanders |
 Photo: Heather Moffat |
 Photo: Kasey O'Toole |
All kinds of everything |
Leeson Street (Baggot Street Bridge) Dublin +353 1 605 7700 |
The Grand Canal is undoubtedly the better preserved of Dublin's two canals, and a stroll along its banks is like taking a wander through the essence of Dublin. The lush canal banks pass through working-class apartments, nouveau and not so nouveau-riche areas, business districts and red-light areas and culminates at the Grand Canal Basin. On one side of the basin you will find Misery Hill, so called because of the utter poverty it once witnessed, and on the other side you will find one of Dublin's newest and most exclusive penthouse apartment complexes. For those interested in angling, coarse fishing for roach, hybrids, perch, pike, tench and eels is free all year round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: middendorfsc |
 Photo: Darryl Godwin |
 Photo: Yuanlee |
 Photo: Daniel Sievert |
 Photo: tkronlid |
 Photo: Derek McLoughlin |
 Photo: William J |
 Photo: Alejandro Soto |
 Photo: arpadore |
 Photo: matt |
 Photo: frariv |
 Photo: jim52green |
 Photo: Daniel Orchel |
 Photo: gcclarknet |
 Photo: Cullion |
 Photo: Douglas Held |
 Photo: Naomi Kelly |
 Photo: denoneno |
 Photo: Louise D |
Scenic lake island with ancient monastic ruins |
Ross Castle Ross Road Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 4351 |
Serenely located in Lough Leane, Innisfallen Island contains the beautiful ruins of Innisfallen Abbey. Founded by St Finian Lobhar in 600 AD, the abbey was an educational centre for several centuries. Brian Boru, the great Irish king, was educated here in the 10th century. The island provided a cultural haven and the resident monks were extraordinary text illuminators and scribes. The Annals of Innisfallen, now in Oxford's Bodleian Library, offer a fascinating account of world and Irish history during the early 14th century. Today only ruins remain of a 12th century Augustinian priory and a small 11th century church, which has some elegant Romanesque stone decoration. In the 18th century, Lord Kenmare held parties on the island, altering the ecclesiastical buildings into an elaborate dining hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michal Dymet |
 Photo: Karen McCririck |
A walk out! |
Riverside Road (Between Ha'penny Bridge and O'Connell Bridge) Dublin, Leinster +353 1 222 2222 (Dublin City Council) |
The Vikings are believed to have sailed on the river Liffey, situated on Ireland's East Coast. The panoramic view of the area enhances the river's importance as it makes for a perfect destination to stroll or take an evening walk. So get those shoes out and scout the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathryn Stutts |
 Photo: Kerry Buckley |
 Photo: Kev Corcoran |
 Photo: Anita McGarr |
 Photo: Richard MacKinnon |
Lake tours via waterbus, row or motor boat |
Ross Road Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 2638 |
Lough Leane (Lake of Learning) is the third lake in Killarney's Long Range. Dotted with over 30 islands, it is best seen from the water. Two waterbus services leave from the jetty by Ross Castle for lake cruises. Glassed over with a running taped commentary, they are not always atmospheric, but do provide breathtaking scenery. These cruises offer taped commentaries in a variety of languages. Be sure to check you have bought tickets for a cruise in the language of your choice. The lake can also be toured using a row or motor boat. Both can be hired at the jetty from one of the many touting boatmen. Waterbus tickets: adults EUR8; senior citizens/students/children EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marion Penning |
 Photo: Mattia Manzoni |
 Photo: Randy Baumhover |
 Photo: MarcelloM |
 Photo: Mary Jane Huddleston |
 Photo: gkelegha |
 Photo: Dee Keaney |
Walk with a fine coastal view |
Portmarnock Dublin, Leinster +353 1 605 7700 |
The village of Portmarnock is on the DART line from the city centre, just north of Howth. The strand affords views of Howth Head and the little offshore island called Ireland's Eye. Summer will find Portmarnock beach packed with locals pretending they are in a much warmer climate and even swimming in what has to be consistently cold water. This is a great place for a good outdoor session, so take a frisbee or football with you. On breezy days, Portmarnock is a fine spot for a long bracing walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Catherine Bullat |
 Photo: John Markham |
 Photo: Paul Meagher |
 Photo: audrey hayde |
 Photo: lamara.hebib |
 Photo: Puggioni D. - sardad |
 Photo: John Barrett |
 Photo: Soraia Lourenco |
A lesser-known river |
Dublin, Leinster +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism Centre) |
While arguably still in the shadow of the famous Liffey, the Dodder happens to be the largest of Dublin's hidden rivers. The Dodder snakes through the southern part of the city, opening up at Dodder Valley Park and reaching the sea at Merrion Strand. There are pleasant walks along the river in Milltown and you can appreciate a waterfall from the comfort of the Dropping Well pub on Milltown Road. For those interested in fishing, the best spots can be found between Firhouse and Ballsbridge; access to the river is best from public parks. Sea trout and brown trout are plentiful here and membership cards can be obtained from most fishing tackle shops in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Walter |
 Photo: Brian Purcell |
Love-hate relationship |
Parkgate Street Dublin, Leinster +353 1 605 7700 (Tourism) |
All Dubliners have a love-hate relationship with the River Liffey. Watching the sun set into the river over the Ha'penny Bridge could bring a tear to the eye, yet a well-known Dublin song celebrates 'the Liffey as it stank like hell'. When a millennium clock was placed in the river it was immediately christened 'The Time in the Slime': the slime obscured the face and the countdown clock had to be removed. The river is in the process of being cleaned up and it thankfully no longer smells as bad as it once did. For those interested in fishing, the river is rich in perch, pike, and roach. Salmon and trout can also be taken between Lucan and the Memorial Park in Islandbridge. Coarse fish anglers should note that these stretches observe club regulations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rick Toomer |
 Photo: Peter Sipes |
 Photo: María A. Gallego |
 Photo: Michael Sean Gallagher |
 Photo: ciari |
 Photo: Alana Quinn |
 Photo: Royal E. Frazier Jr. |
 Photo: Morgan |
 Photo: Liam Cooke |
 Photo: Emerson Loureiro |
 Photo: Brandon Bensley |
 Photo: Jonathan Grimes |
 Photo: Josephine Kuever |
 Photo: Eric Maland |
 Photo: kllybennington |
 Photo: Mary |
 Photo: dan doody & the bour |
 Photo: mArcell szoboszlaY |
 Photo: Kim Briggs |
 Photo: Don Ball |
 Photo: Olive Gaughan |
Tranquil city retreat |
Phibsborough Dublin, Leinster http://homepage.eircom.net/~rc... |
Once an important part of Dublin and Ireland's transport network, the section of the Royal Canal that passes through the city is generally in a state of disrepair. One of the more charming stretches of the canal between Drumcondra and Phibsborough passes by the imposing towers of Mountjoy Prison. Like so many parts of Dublin, it is immortalised in a song, The Auld Triangle!. For those interested in angling, coarse fishing for roach, perch, pike, tench and eels is permitted between locks one to seven all year around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: johnantmoo |
 Photo: Gordon Flood |
 Photo: grvychrs |
 Photo: Britta Niermeyer |
 Photo: ajapely |
 Photo: Gregory Bailey |
 Photo: franko05dublin |
 Photo: smokingroom |
City centre beach walk |
Sandymount Dublin, Leinster |
Close to the city centre, and accessible on the DART (Dublin's light rail system), Sandymount Strand is a long expanse of fine sand. The tide goes out almost two miles at its lowest point and so this is a favourite spot for those seeking space and freedom from the city. Not great for swimming or bathing because of quickly changing tides, it remains an excellent location for walking or running. The strand even has a literary claim to fame: it was a favourite haunt of James Joyce, featuring in the opening chapter of Ulysses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Falling Coyote |
 Photo: Stefania Stanzani |
 Photo: afewscoops |
 Photo: Mike Levin |
 Photo: Nigel Fegan |
 Photo: Ben Keenan |
 Photo: April Hoffman |
 Photo: J. Moynagh |
 Photo: Kevin Donegan |
 Photo: mangelhm |
 Photo: Mark & Suzanne Coffe |
 Photo: Rosalind Pan |
 Photo: Charlotte Poloncsik |
 Photo: dave homan |
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