Ten Foot Square Western Europe

Traveling to any new location will bring surprises of many kinds. You will encounter both pleasant and uncomfortable surprises. This is certainly true of Italy as well.

In this article we highlight eighteen different things that surprise most first time visitors to Italy.

18 Italian Surprises

1. Italy can feel like one big tourist trap

While there are still plenty of remote areas, the entire country of Italy is a tourist economy. Because of this, you will be quite shocked by the high prices on things, and you will often be turned off in the more popular locations because of the concentration of vendors.

2. Italians like to throw in hidden costs

Not only should you check your receipts for extra charges, but you should also explicitly verify that there are no hidden expenses before agreeing to a service.

3. Public transportation is inexpensive and well developed

For most areas in Italy, you can use public transportation to get from one location from another. Trains connect major cities and because of the relative small size of Italy, you can usually hire a driver or take a taxi everywhere else.

4. Automatic vehicles are not widely available

It comes as a shock to most Americans, but Europe is still an area that predominantly uses stick shift manual gear changing. Expect to pay a massive premium and low supply if you want to rent an automatic car.

5. High expense of renting a car

Even if you can drive manual, the cost of renting a car in Italy, combined with the high cost of fuel, makes this solution less than ideal. You can expect to pay upwards of $120/day for a car rental.

6. Italian roads can be narrow and windy

Italians are known for driving fast. But in many areas, the roads are extremely narrow and windy, making many American tourists uncomfortable.

7. Cars get stolen in Italy at a high frequency

Unfortunately, it is true. You should consider getting an insurance policy to protect yourself against this real possibility.

8. Hotel costs are high

Look back at point number 1: Italy can feel like one big tourist trap. The ridiculously high price of hotels and bed and breakfasts reinforces this impression.

9. Museum tickets should be purchased ahead of time

In high and medium seasons, most tourists should consider pre-purchasing tickets to any popular museum (Uffizi, Academia, etc.). It is unlikely that tickets will still be available on the day of the visit.

10. Train tickets can be purchased ahead of time

Because of long ticket lines at the station machines, it is wise to pre-purchase train tickets using the Internet.

11. Breakfasts in Italy are meager compared to American standards

Italians don’t take their breakfasts very seriously. This is a cultural fact that can be disturbing to an American who takes his breakfast very seriously.

12. Italians take lunch and dinner very seriously

While breakfast is shunned, Italy literally shuts down from about Noon - 2pm and then again from 7-9pm. Almost all stores, besides restaurants, close down during these periods of time while Italians enjoy their world-renowned food. Make sure to plan accordingly.

13. Italian food is not just pasta and pizza

In fact, in Italy, pasta is often used as an appetizer in a multi-course meal. Depending on the region, the main course of a meal is almost always one type of meat or another. For coastal regions, expect seafood. Inland, you can expect ham (prosciutto), beef or chicken.

14. Waiters will not quickly and automatically bring your check at the end of a meal

Americans are used to promptly receiving their check at the end of a meal. However, in Italy, because meals are such long, several hour, festive events, most restaurants allow you to take your time. Some Americans get annoyed by having to wait on their check, so just remember that you will need to actively and agressively track down your waiter or waitress to receive your check.

15. Not all Italians are bilingual in English

There are many nations in the world where the majority of native people are bilingual in English. This is not the case in some locations in Italy. It really depends on the location. If it is a popular tourist destination, then you can expect for sufficient English communication. However, if you travel even just a little outside the major cities and into villages, chances are that you will need to speak Italian to communicate.

16. Hotels will often charge per person, instead of per room

Unlike the United States, many hotels in Italy will charge by the person, even if there are just two of you. Don’t be surprised if this causes your hotel bill to be much higher than you expected.

17. Too many twin beds, not enough doubles

It’s sad but true. If you’re a couple, you can expect that your “double bed” is actually two beds pushed together. This is actually quite unpleasant.

18. There so much more than Venice, Florence and Rome

We’re sure you know this, but the best parts of Italy are the countryside villages. Some of our favorite places include the outer villages of the Sienna region and the entire island of Sicily.

Spring is one of the best times to go on a holiday with your partner, friends or family. It’s a great time to enjoy a favorable climate after the cold winter season and to marvel at the beautiful flowers and plants in bloom. Where to go? The Mediterranean has lots of great places to offer vacationers during springtime so go check them out.

For people who are comfortable with the hot temperatures, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus or Turkey would be the ideal places to visit for a spring vacation. These places usually experience early warm spring weather compared to other countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom. The spring climate is best for those who wish to have a cooler yet sunny holiday perfect for some physical activities like hiking, mountain biking, golf and watersports. Vacation accommodations won’t be much of a problem as there’s plenty of supply and fun festivals can also be experienced offering lots of street parties, parades and food.

Spain is a popular spring destination especially for the Britons. Spain’s beaches on its costas – from the Costa Blanca, Costa Almeria and Costa Dorada to Costa del Sol — offer many choices. A sunny weather on these areas can be enjoyed at an average of five hours every day with temperatures ranging from 18-22C.

Apart from Spain’s mainland, the Spanish islands of Balearics and Canary are also frequently visited by tourists during spring. Located on the southeast coast, the Balearics’ islands of Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza offer extraordinary beaches and sandy coves perfect for the family who love watersports adventure. Majorca’s mountains are also great for hiking. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands consisting of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote provide friendly accommodation, beaches and a rich history for visitors to explore.

Portugal’s southern coastline like The Algarve has a favorable spring climate. The place is an ideal holiday destination for families and groups of friends who love the sand and the sea.

Cyprus has excellent beaches, too, plus consistent warm weather. Tourism is now in full swing in the Republic of Northern Cyprus and vacationers have more choice than before. English is also widely spoken on this island with Greek influence. Accommodations and other vacation facilities are situated in Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. The Troodoos Mountains are great for mountain biking and walking. The northern part of Cyprus also features the Kyrenia Mountain Range and other beach resorts. Long stretches of white sand beach are located along Karpas, a narrow peninsula.

For a cooler spring break vacation in the Mediterranean, you should definitely check out Southern France and Northern Italy. In Southern France, we recommend St. Raphael and Le Lavandou if you’re looking for the standard beach vacation. In Northern Italy, you’ve got many choices. We recommend Portovenere, Castiglion della Pescaia, Riomosso, Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza.

In Southern Italy, we recommend Otranto (Apulia), Noto (Sicily) and Tropea (Calabria).

Before traveling to Europe, make sure that have already made advanced reservations. Otherwise, you will end up walking around the whole day and night searching for a good accommodation. Check also the holiday months since rates could soar and tourists can be numerous by then.

The best time to visit Europe is during spring to experience sunnier days and cooler nights. Summer can be very busy and crowded although the weather then can be favorable. Summer and spring are the peak seasons as they usually coincide with school holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Year. These peak periods cover the months of December to January and late June to end of August. Airfare and accommodations, however, are quite expensive at this time.

If your travel time to Europe is very limited, it’s recommended that you go there during the shoulder period which is in spring and autumn or the off-peak or low season from September to December. Prices during these seasons are quite low and crowds are lesser, too. The low season is also best for budget travelers because airfares are at their cheapest at this time giving you extra money for your stay there. Always check the airlines at least three to four months before your scheduled trip.

For seasoned travelers, the months of April to June and September to October are the best time to go to Europe. The weather during these times is still warm, accommodation and transport rates are very reasonable and lesser visitors.

Paris, France is best visited during spring when the weather is comfortably warm. The beaches in the southern part are great during summer while January and February are the ideal times for those who love to ski in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Amsterdam in the Netherlands can be visited anytime although summer is the most popular time. If you love flowers and want to see the tulips in full bloom, go there in spring.

Visit Spain especially Madrid and Barcelona in May, June and September. If you’re heading for the beaches, summer is best. The winter season can also have mild weather.

Spring is the best time to visit Italy’s major cities like Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan. Temperatures are mild in April and May while for a warmer climate ideal for hitting the beaches, go there in May to September. Skiing can be experienced from December to March.

Athens in Greece can be visited in spring during the month of June or from late August to middle of October. Avoid the hot and crowded months from mid-June to end of August.

Travel to Istanbul and Gallipoli in Turkey in spring and autumn when you can experience favorable temperatures and cool breezes from the sea.

Go to Germany’s popular cities of Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich from May to September. The autumn and spring seasons can be nice there while summer months are hot and dry.

Skiing is very popular in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria during the winter making the cities less crowded. The best time to experience the ski season will be from December to March. If you want to ski in Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland, go there from late November to early April.

Stockholm in Sweden can be visited from June to September during summertime when temperatures are rather warm. Although August can be humid, it is considered the best time to visit.

Oslo, Norway is best visited from May to September which have longer days and favorable weather. The warm months are from middle May to late July.

If you’re targeting to go to Helsinki, Finland, the weather is nice during the months of May to September. October to November are great for skiing and cross country skiing.

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Ireland is aptly called “The Emerald Isles” because of the rich verdant color of its fields and pastures, thanks to a year-round temperate climate. Ireland once visited is forever etched in one’s mind. Pictures of magnificent panoramas, historical monuments and castles and its hospitable and ever-friendly people will surely elicit feelings of nostalgia and a longing to go back to Ireland.

Geography. The Republic of Ireland lies west of England and southwest of Scotland. It is bounded on the north, west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. On the east are the North Channel, the Irish Sea and Saint George’s Channel. The northeastern part of the island (Northern Ireland) is part of Great Britain. The country has a central plain enveloped by majestic mountains and hills offering some of the most beautiful and untouched scenery in Europe – pristine white sandy beaches, thickly forested mountain slopes, awesome cliffs and kilometers of vegetations of every kind.

Ireland is divided into four provinces further subdivided into thirty-two counties, six of which are part of Great Britain. The word “county” is usually attached before the name of a county as County Dublin, County Kilkenny. County Cork is the largest county and County Louth, the smallest.

People. The warmth and hospitality of the island’s approximately four and a half million people is known throughout the world. The population has significantly decreased during the past years brought about by the Irish migrating to America and Australia.

Religion. At least 95% of the Irish population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith where many practices and beliefs are rooted.

Languages. There are two official languages in Ireland: Irish which is the national language and English, the national language of the majority.

History. The Irish has a long history that includes invasions and hardships. Celtic tribes settled on the island from 600-150 BC. Invasion by Norsemen followed by the English set off centuries of struggle. In the 1840’s, famine broke out that caused the deaths of many Irish natives and left plenty more homeless. Ireland gained its independence from Great Britain in 1921. In 1948, Ireland severed its last formal links with Great Britain. Ireland became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and in 1973 joined the European Union. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998 is still being implemented albeit with difficulties.

Economy. Ireland is a modern trade-dependent economy. Agriculture, once the most important sector is now eclipsed by industry and services. Exports still remain the prime mover for Ireland’s growth.

Money. The unit of currency is the Euro. One Euro is equivalent to 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent.

Traveller’s checks are widely accepted. To avoid incurring exchange rate charges, they should be issued in Euros, pounds or US dollars. Major international credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are honored.

Weather. The temperature drops below freezing intermittently during winter but snow is scarce. Summers are not really hot rarely hitting 30 degrees Centigrade but darkness descends only past 23:00. Rain falls all year. Comfortable shoes, sweater and all-weather coats are must-haves.

Time. Ireland follows Greenwich Mean Time (1 hour earlier than Central European Time) from November to March and British Standard Time same as Central European Time from April to October. Ireland is 5 hours ahead of the Eastern United States.

Passports and Visas. A passport is necessary for travel to Ireland. Citizens from western countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Japan do not require visas. Entry visas are also not required for European Union residents. A national identity card or passport will suffice. Visa regulations can change so check with the Irish Embassy for current visa regulation.

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Ireland is a senior-friendly travel destination. It has long been a favorite vacation choice for travelers of all ages. What endears travelers to Ireland is the warm hospitality and friendliness of its people. Coupled with this, Ireland offers a rich history and culture vibrantly expressed in Irish music and dance, art and literature. It entices visitors with its sumptuous food and lively pubs. But the main allure of Ireland lies in its magnificent landscapes which will truly hold senior travelers in awe. Sports and recreation activities such as walking, fishing and golfing also await senior travelers.

Ireland is endowed with picture-perfect landscapes, the greenest scenery, sandy beaches, heritage sites, beautiful coastlines that will appeal to senior travelers. Ireland has an enormous range of thick forests all exuding the wild charm of nature. Some forests worth a trip are the Glencar in County Sligo, Curraghchase Forest Park in County Limerick, Lough Naval Forest in County Fermanagh, to name a few.

Ireland is not entirely just green. Blue has made its mark in Ireland as well. Ireland boasts of scenic coastlines bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Irish Sea on the east. Anybody will be engulfed by the mesmerizing visual sight.

The Shannon River, the longest in the British Isles, will definitely appeal to senior travelers, what with its charming villages and splendid scenery.

There are numerous natural and historical sites to visit, all of them senior-friendly guaranteed to be sightseeing experiences to be remembered. Aside from sightseeing, the relaxing walks along the coasts, a game of golf in one of Ireland’s famed golf courses will surely thrill golf aficionados.

Ireland is a prominent golf destination spot. It has a wide array of golf courses. In fact, international golf tournaments have been held here. What makes Ireland a perfect location for a round of golf is the natural landscapes that are a given.

Mount Juliet Conrad in County Kilkenny was the home of the 2002 American Express Championship. This excellent golf course was designed by famed golfer Jack Nichlaus.

The 36th Ryder Cup was held at the K Club situated just outside Dublin last September 2006. Every two years leading golf players from Europe and the United States compete for the much coveted Ryder Cup trophy.

Aside for golfing, Ireland is an ideal fishing and angling spot. Ireland abounds in natural water which is home to a number of marine species. Ireland’s unspoiled lakes, rivers and surrounding seas invite fishes of all kinds.
The grand Shannon and Erne River abound in fishes making them popular fishing haunts. The Skane River in County Meath and the Grange River in County Sligo are homes to trouts. Salmon inhabit the Inver River in County Antrim. Hillsborough Lake in County Down and Carrownisky River in County Mayo are famous for fly fishing.

Lakes such as Lough Ree in West Meath, Inniscarra Lake in County Cork and Lough Ramor in County Cavan are other great fishing destinations.

Moreover, Ireland’s vast seas lure serious anglers. A wide variety of fishes are just a catch away. Tropical fishes and cold water fishes cohabit in Irish waters. Castletownbere in County Cork, Culdaff and Downings In County Donegal and the Wexford Coast are good spots for an exciting angling odyssey.

Sightseeing, golfing, fishing and angling are reasons enough for senior travel to Ireland. What is more is that traveling to Ireland is made easy by the number of air and sea travel packages to choose from. Much more convenient are the exceptional accommodations offered all over the island. Many hotels and bed and breakfasts offer discounts for seniors. In most cities and counties, tourists over the age of sixty qualify for reduced admission to theaters, museums and other attractions.

The Irish Tourist Board offer advice on how to find the best accommodation, travel and so forth. The Board also publishes lists of reduced-rate hotel packages for seniors.

In a nutshell, one of the benefits of age is that travel more often than not is light on the pocket considering all the discounts and freebies.

So, are your parents or grandparents planning for a well-deserved vacation? Go to Ireland.

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Emerald Isle is certainly an apt description of the landscape around Ireland. It is profusely green with stretches of winding fields and hills, dense vegetations and colorful flower farms. With showers of rain drenching the wide expanse of greeneries, magical tales of fairies and leprechauns came into being. Who knows what magic Ireland’s many castles, forest parks, planetariums, aquariums, kid –friendly museums will bring to kids as they discover enchanting Ireland.

For starters, Dublin has many places for kids. Hop off to the Book of Kells in Trinity College. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. Letters and pages are decorated with fascinating creatures, angels and religious characters outlined in a kaleidoscope of colors. Each page glows like magic. Kids would surely be entranced.

Saint Stephens Green is a good picnic ground. The Victorian-style park is covered with green grass, shaded trees, an artificial lake and a gazebo for mini concerts.

Step into the Natural History Museum, a kid-friendly museum that houses animals of Ireland – extinct giant Irish deer, Irish foxes, seals, otters, birds and a lot more.

Dublina provides hands-on history of medieval Dublin. Kids get to step into a replica of a medieval town – pass by a clothing stall and try on clothes, stop by a spice stall and guess the spice and play a drum. Lastly, climb the Saint Michael’s Tower and get a bird’s eye view of Dublin.

Dublin Castle is an 800 year old decayed castle with birds roosting in the eaves.
Adjacent to the castle is the Dubh Linn Gardens, a wide expanse of grassy land with park benches.

Muckross Traditional Farms in Killarne, County Kerry provides kids with a taste of farm life in the 1930’s. Kids get to discover what it is like to live in cottages with no electricity, bake bread on open fire and farm with horses, cows, sheep and ducks. Kids also learn how to milk cows and make butter.

Kids will surely love a ride in a “jaunting car”, a horse-drawn cart. Ride through lakes and woods. Jaunting cars are stationed in the center of Killarney town and at Muckross House.

Kids can also drop by the Killarne Museum of Irish Transport. Everything on wheels – cars, bicycles, horse carriages, antique cars, fire engines are on display.

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in County Kerry is a great way for kids to experience marine life. Enter an ocean tunnel filled with eels and fish. At the Touch Pools, hold starfishes and silk rays and look for camouflaged flatfish in the sand. In another tank, sea bass, spider crabs, dog fish and rays, aquatic species at Dingle Harbor can be found.

Kids can go dolphin watching in County Kerry. The kids can ride the waves in search of Funghi, Dingle’s resident dolphin who hangs around near the Kerry coastline.

At Louis Mulcahy Pottery Workshop in Dingle, kids are taught how Irish pottery is made, glazed and painted. Best of all, kids can try their hand at pottery-making.

Tralee in County Kerry is home to Tralee and Dingle Steam Railway. Kids can hop on a ride from Tralee to Blennerville on a steam train. Right after; tour the 18th century Blennerville Windmill. Find out what it takes to grind grain powered by energy from the wind.

In County Kilkenny, canoe adventures for the whole family await. Ride the rapids and paddle along a serene river.

At County Cork, children can ride the Dursey Island Cable Car which traverses the whole of County Cork.

Shell Planetarium, the only planetarium in Ireland showcases star exhibits.

Children can also take a stroll around Foto Wildlife Park in Cork and “rub elbows” with cheetahs, penguins and much more.

Cocos Adventure Playground in County Down, Northern Ireland is a large indoor playground for children under fourteen replete with slides, activity playgrounds, ball pools and a play area for toddlers.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex also in County Down is one large busy leisure facility with an eight-lane swimming pool.

The history of Ireland goes as far back as the earliest civilizations. What better way to learn more about Ireland than to visit its many museums. National treasures have been painstakingly preserved in the museums found throughout the island. From pre-history to ancient Celtic times, to early Christianity, past conquests to recent modern history, Ireland’s many museums provide everything there is to discover about Ireland’s rich heritage.

The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin has two sites. The first site on Kildare Street exhibits artifacts of Celtic and medieval art interspersed with the history of Ireland’s independence. The second site in Collins Barracks displays decorative arts ranging from ceramics, silver, glassware, period furniture and weaponry.

The Natural History Museum in Dublin founded in 1857 houses collection of animals from all over the world, some now extinct. Examples are the rabbits, the grizzly bear, the basking shark and the giant Irish elk.

The James Joyce Museum stores a collection of Joyce’s mementos. The museum is located in Sandycove, Dublin. It is closed from November through March.

The County Museum in Dundalk, County Louth is housed in a restored 18th century warehouse where the history of County Louth is detailed.

The Donaghmore Workhouse Museum in County Laois was erected in 1853 to feed and provide shelter to 400 paupers. The house displays horse-drawn farm implements and native household goods from the past.

The Irish National Stud and Horse Museum in Tully, county Kildare shows the skeleton of the celebrated steeplechaser, Arkle.

The Cobh Museum in County Cork is housed in the old Scots Presbyterian Church. A collection of paintings, models and photographs of maritime history is displayed in this museum. The harbor in Cobh became the assembly point for fleets sailing the open seas during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Hunt Museum at the National Institute of Higher Education Complex in Limerick , County Limerick houses an international collection of major art and antiques dating from pre-Christian times up to the 20th century. It is a personal collection of John and Gertrude Hunt first presented to the public in 1976.

The Limerick Museum, a restored Georgian edifice at Castle Lane in County Limerick features an extensive display of the history of Limerick City and its surrounding neighbors starting from the Stone Age up to the 20th century.

County Galway takes pride in its Dartfield House Museum. This complex puts on view life-size replicas of the first horses in Ireland vis-à-vis its evolution. Different breeds of horses are also showcased.

The Famine Museum in Strokestown, County Roscommon displays the original documents and images of The Great Hunger.

Fort Dun Ri Military Museum in Buncrana, County Donegal was built during the Napoleonic Wars by the British. They occupied the fort until the 1930’s when it was taken over by the Irish Army. In the museum can be seen a large collection of artifacts detailing the history of coastal defense.

Belfast in Northern Ireland is home to Ulster Museum. The museum showcases an expansive collection of Irish archaeology, to decorative arts and treasures from the Spanish Armada and natural sciences.

Ballymoney Museum and Heritage Center in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland displays artifacts dating back to the earliest human settlements in Ireland.

A historical treasure haven where magnificent monuments dating back a millennium take your breath away; a gem of a landscape studded with medieval castles and sacred monasteries; such and more is the promise of Ireland that lures tourists to this fascinating island in Europe.

Ireland’s history stretches back to around 6000 BC form pre-history to early Christianity to the Viking and Norman days up to the present modern day history. Archaeological and historical sites stand today as windows into Ireland’s past. Extensive historical spots and castles, all of them with particular stories to tell abound in Ireland.

Older than the pyramids, the passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath is a World Heritage site. Built around 3200BC, this large mound encompasses an acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones. The cremated remains of the dead were buried on large stone basins inside the tomb. At dawn of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (December 21st), a ray of light enters the tomb of Newgrange through an opening over the doorway.

The Hill of Tara also in County Meath was one of the most important religious sites in Ireland and the traditional seat of the high kings. The hill stands 500 feet and offers panoramic views across the central plains of County Meath. The Hill of Tara contains many monuments, the oldest of which is the Mound of Hostages dating back to 2500 BC.

Trim Castle in County Meath is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland built in 1176. Anglo-Normans secured the castle from intruders by raining down boiling water, arrows and other weapons of destruction. Trim Castle has undergone extensive renovation in the year 2000.

Ceide Fields In County Mayo dates back to 5000 BC. Its Neolithic landscape is world famous. Ceide Fields is the oldest known field systems in the world.

One of the most famous attractions in County Galway is the ancient stone fort of Dun Aungus. It is perched atop 300 foot cliffs that drop straight down to the Atlantic. Half of the fort has fallen into the sea but the remaining structure is truly a sight to behold.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary sits atop a limestone. This medieval structure contains four edifices – the Connac’s Chapel, the round tower, the cathedral and the Hall of the Vicars Choral. The Rock of Cashel was used as a fortress in the 4th century.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare is a must-see site. It rises to a height of 230 meters. On a clear day, the view from the Cliffs of Moher is breath-taking with Aran Islands stamped on the waters of Galway Bay. The sounds of waves crashing and gnawing at the sandstone resonate, truly an amazing experience.

Perfectly situated overlooking the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise in County Offaly was once Ireland’s most important monastery. It is enclosed in a walled field and houses many early churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. The adjacent swampy area is known as the Shannon Callows, sanctuary to many wild plants and animals.

Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny is a well-known Cisterian abbey founded in the mid-12th century. Its main attraction is the sculptured cloister arcade etched with one-of-a-kind carvings.

The town of Blarney, six miles northwest of County Cork is home to the popular Blarney Stone and Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is said to bestow to those who kiss it the gift of gab, the ability to be articulate. To kiss the stone, one has to ascend to the top of the ruined Blarney Castle and be suspended over a hole.

On a lovely bend in County Killkenny is the Kilkenny Castle. It is one of Ireland’s most impressive fortresses. Three towers of the castle are from the original 1192 stone building while some of the antique collection is not original.

The Leap Castle in County Offaly is regarded as one of the most haunted castles in Europe. it originally belonged to the O’Carroll family. The castle was the scene of many appalling acts. According to tales, eerie apparitions haunt the palace, the most notorious of which was the “smelly ghost”, a spirit that leaves a smell behind after every appearance.

Irish people love parties and festivals. Festivals in Ireland are great fun; some of the merriest in the world. The Irish people hold festivals for the art, culture, music, history or sport. You name it, they have it. An Irish festivity is a truly unique event one has to experience. Below are some of the main Irish festivals held throughout the country.

Saint Patrick’s Festival is the biggest annual event in Ireland. It is held in conjunction with Ireland’s national holiday. Although celebrated in various parts of the world, nothing beats joining the revelry of Saint Patrick’s Week in Ireland itself. Usually held in mid-march for five days, the festival program boasts of music, carnivals, street arts, dance, treasure hunt, visual art displays and a list of performers. The festival culminates with a spectacular and eagerly anticipated Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Listowel’s Writers Week is a festival honoring writers. It is held for five days from end of May through beginning of June. The event aims to guide aspiring writers and provide a venue for their artistic prowess. Event activities include competitions, workshops, readings, publications of authors’ works. Listowel’s Writers Week makes the numerous writers’ works available to the reading public.

The Smithwick’s Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in County Kilkenny is one of the best comedy festivals in the world. It attracts a bevy of local and international stand-up comedians. For five days beginning on June 1st, the public is treated to fun and laughter courtesy of live performances from talented comedians.

For nine days starting June 1st, the town of Clonmel in County Tipperary comes alive. Hand-painted banners and flags festoon the town center in celebration of the Clonmel Junction Festival. Entertainment in the form of daily street theater and free live music jam sessions from famous Irish and international groups await the audience.

Galway has long been touted as Ireland’s center of cultural excellence with the Galway Arts Festival as its crowning glory. Galway Arts Festival is Ireland’s most prestigious arts festival. It is a two week celebration of the performing and visual arts that commences mid-July. The festival features artists, musicians and performers from all over the world together with homegrown talents.

Puck Fair is one of Ireland’s extraordinary street festivals. The town of Killorglin in County Kerry plays host to this fair, one of the oldest and longest celebrated in Ireland. It is held on August 10, 11 and 12 of each year spanning twelve hours of non-stop free entertainment galore for everyone.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the globe converge in Tralee, County Kerry to partake of the fun and excitement of the Rose of Tralee Festival, an event marked by parades, music, fireworks displays and the much-awaited Rose Competition wherein young women of Irish ancestry vie for the coveted “Rose of Tralee” title. This event is usually held mid-August of each year.

The Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin is Ireland’s premier intercultural arts festival. The event showcases cultural diversity through music, circus, dance, film, exhibitions, workshops and children’s fun activities. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades during this family-friendly festival held over the last weekend of August.

The Galway Oyster Festival is a unique event teeming with fun and camaraderie shared over sumptuous seafood accompanied by world-class entertainment in the charming quaint city of Galway. Pleasant surprises await visitors at the Galway Oyster Festival held from four days during the end of September.

The Dublin Theater Festival held for two weeks from September till October shows the best of Irish and international theater work. The event also promotes Irish theater through world tours, collaborative work with leading artist and companies and hosting renowned artists from around the world.

The Guiness Cork Jazz Festival is another anticipated event on Ireland’s arts and cultural calendar. Every last weekend of October, musicians from around the globe gather in Cork to entertain fans in different venues citywide.

The County of Wexford has been showcasing wonderful productions of rare opera as part of the Wexford Opera Festival for the past fifty years. The jovial festival springs to life amidst ancient Viking streets and the legendary Theater Royal. For two weeks from October to November, opera fanatics as well as non-opera fans are regaled by daytime and evening performances.

Each year the City of Belfast in Northern Ireland plays host to the best of international art through the Belfast Festival at Queens. The event also showcases the city’s talented artists. The festival includes theater, dance, all forms of music, literature, comedy, visual arts attracting thousands of visitors over the course of seventeen days from mid-October till early November.

So, come join any of these celebrations and experience the Irish community spirit.

A cursory look at Irish culture bears testimony to its long history. This culture is mirrored in the warm hospitality, sumptuous traditional dishes, vibrant music and dance and breath-taking scenic landscapes. Whether savoring a hearty Irish breakfast, gulping the widely popular Guiness beer in a pub, interacting with local artists or simply gazing at magnificent castles, one will definitely imbibe Ireland’s rich culture.

The people of Ireland lead a very modest and closely-knit family life. It is common for Irish families to take care of their elderly relatives.

Irish people are known for their hospitality. Kindness to strangers and the needy are typical Irish traits. Friendship is an integral part of Irish culture. Loyalty to family and friends are highly cherished.

The Irish revel in sports and recreation. Hurling or camogie, similar to hockey and lacrosse is a distinctly Irish sport. Another traditional sport is Gaelic football. Horesebreeding and equestrian are popular throughout the country. Show jumping and horse racing specifically the Irish Derby and the Irish Grand National attract worldwide audience. Fishing and golfing are also favorite pastimes what with Ireland’s lakes and rivers abounding with salmon and trout. There are also hundreds of beautifully landscaped golf courses.

Of course, when speaking of recreation, pubs are tops on the list. The pub lies at the heart of Irish cultural, social and musical life. The Irish love to meet friends and family in pubs where they drink, chat, sing, listen to poetry reading, tap their feet to traditional music, feast on good food or simply enjoy the buoyant atmosphere and while away time.

There are three levels of education in Ireland: primary, second level (high school) and third level. Most schools are run by the Catholic Church which plays a pivotal role in the education of Irish children. Children begin school at the age of six. School attendance is compulsory until the age of fifteen. Ireland has four universities namely the University of Dublin (Trinity College), Dublin City University, the University of Limerick and the National University of Ireland which has campuses in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Maynooth.

Ireland has two official languages – English and Irish Gaelic simply referred to as Irish. Irish is the national language and English the second official language.

Although Irish society has challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, 95% of the population is Roman Catholic. Catholicism still remains an important part of contemporary Irish identity. The Catholic Church maintains considerable influence in social, cultural and educational affairs. Famous religious sites in Ireland attract thousands of visitors every year such as the Croagh Patrick and the Saint Patrick Cathedral.

The Irish celebrate holidays replete with customs and traditions. Ireland’s national holiday is Saint Patrick’s Day which has become a special occasion not only for locals but also for the thousands of Irish descent throughout the world. Parades are held and bands from around the globe travel to Ireland to participate in the festivities.

Easter Sunday is celebrated with church services followed by festive meals. It is customary to light bonfires on Midsummer Eve. Halloween is associated with samhair where people go outdoors disguised in masks and costumes to evade evil spirits. Christmas celebrations include family dinners and gift-giving. Lighting of candle on a windowsill to welcome Mary, Joseph and Jesus is a traditional Irish custom. The day after Christmas is Saint Stephen’s Day. According to legend, Saint Stephen was in hiding from his persecutors when a wren betrayed him. Traditionally, boys dressed in costumes go to homes asking for money to “bury the wren”. As a fitting climax to the Christmas season, families celebrate Epiphany on January 6. On this day, locals bake special cookies and light twelve candles to honor the twelve apostles.

Ireland is one of Europe’s top culinary destinations. Eating the Irish way would basically include dishes with meat, potatoes and vegetables such as onions and cabbages. Potatoes are a staple in an Irish meal. They are used to make boxty (a type of potato pancake), colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or scallions), and poitin (an alcoholic drink made from distilled potatoes). And who has not heard of the Irish stew (mutton and lamb cooked with potatoes, onions and other vegetables)? Fresh seafood such as salmon, trout and other fishes are locally caught and prepared fresh. The Irish also produce exceptional dairy products including cottage cheese and Irish cheddar. Beer is a familiar beverage. The most popular of which is Guiness. The Irish also drink tea any time of the day.

The Irish love traditions and two of the most enduring and internationally acclaimed are the Irish traditional music and Irish dancing. Traditional music can be heard from pubs to rural festivals. The bodhran (similar to a hand-held drum) is one of the most popular instruments along with the fiddle, the tin whistle, the Celtic harp and the accordion. The musical Riverdance which combines Irish song, dance and music has made Irish step dancing and fiddle playing famous worldwide. U2, the Cranberries, the Corrs are some of the popular Irish musical groups.

Ireland has produced great literary works. Jonathan Swift, a priest at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, wrote the magnificent satire Gulliver’s Travels. Some of the world’s best playwrights, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw as well as Nobel prize winning poet William Butler Yeats and novelist extraordinaire James Joyce hail from Ireland.