Top ten Irish Christmas traditions - old fashioned and modern Ireland combined

The magic of Grafton Street in Dublin at Christmas

Christmas in Ireland embodies these top ten traditions and less we get too twee (I have included the then and now versions)....

1: Christmas Cakes and Puddings:

Then: People complain that Christmas starts too early these days. Halloween is barely over and the shops have their decorations up. But in actual fact Irish Mammys would have had the Christmas Cakes and Puddings, a rich fruit and nut combination laced with whiskey well made by October at the latest, in order for them to have time enough to mature properly before the big day.

Now: We are more likely to buy smaller (perhaps even gluten free versions) from artisan food shops, bakeries and farmers markets.

2. The 8th December

Then: The feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day was traditionally the day families came 'up from the country' to do their Christmas shopping in one of the larger towns like Dublin, Cork or Galway.

Now: Apart from the facility to shop online 24/7 it is pretty much open season in many of the large shopping centers, like Dundrum and the Kildare Village Outlet from November.

However, there is still something magical about strolling down Henry Street or Grafton St in Dublin, Shop Street in Galway or Patrick Street in Cork at Christmas time.

Read More: The top ten Irish Christmas traditions that make the season - PHOTOS

3. Visit to Santa:

Most likely you would have composed your list and letter to Santa before this but this was the day you showed your face and were on your best behavior.

Then: We always went to see Santa in Switzers (now Brown Thomas’) on Grafton St who cleverly had a sack of blue presents for boys and pink for the girls. Switzers had the best Christmas windows and we would have spent hours (if we were let) with our noses pressed up against them, I am happy to say that Brown Thomas has continued that tradition and all of their windows nationwide are a sight to behold at Christmas.

Now: We have ‘Santa Experiences’ at Bunratty, Belvedere House, Glendeer Pet Farm, Ailwee Caves that are booked up months in advance.

4. The Christmas tree:

Then: Normally didn’t go up till almost Christmas and it would have been an ordinary spruce, from the Dublin mountains, no fancy imported breeds back in County Clare, where I now live, a holly bush was the handier and preferred tree of choice. My Aunts in Whitehall only ever had a small artificial Christmas tree which we thought was very exotic altogether, though undoubtedly a fire hazard, it is a wonder it didn’t go up in smoke as the lights were connected to the light socket in the ceiling.

Now: had a wide variety of imported (non-shed trees) as well as any amount of pseudo cyber trees like the one in O’Connell St which has been ditched this year in favor of a REAL tree.

5. Candle in the window:

Then: This was lit on Christmas eve to signal to Mary & Joseph that they were welcome at our house. as well as any stranger in need of warmth and sustenance.

Now: We have a permanent candle in the window of Aras an Uachtarain thanks to President Mary Robinson who famously re-adopted this custom during her term of office, to remember all of the emigrants that had left Ireland and let them know the candle in the window would always be lighting to remember them show them their way home.

Read More: The top ten best places to celebrate Christmas in Ireland

6. Midnight Mass:

Then: We did not go as children because we were tucked up in bed in case Santa caught us out, but the adults did often after a good night in the pub and then there would be more merriment and sampling of the ham, mince pies and whiskey no doubt.

Now: Midnight Mass is as early as 7pm to facilitate families with young children (and no doubt curb the pub exodus) and a lot of older people especially watch it on television.

7. Christmas dinner:

Then: Christmas dinner was very much a family affair and woe betide you if you did not make it home for dinner on Christmas Day, which was served about lunchtime and consisted of roast turkey, stuffing ham, grave, and vegetables namely the dreaded brussel sprouts that were only ever available at Christmas back in days (no loss many would still say). Christmas pudding or trifle, a layer of spongy jelly with custard and cream and a generous sprinkling of 100’s and 1000’s was served for desert. After which there would not be a peep out of anybody for the afternoon, while Chitty Bang Bang or the Sound of Music droned away to itself on the television.

Now: While stereo-typically it is still a family affair, many extended families have opened their doors and arms to embrace new traditions and cultural differences. Gone are the days of gnawing at a huge turkey carcass for a week. Many buy oven-ready or go out to eat in style on the day.

8. The Panto:

Then: The pantomime in the Gaeity or Olympia Theatre was the next big outing for us on St Stephens Day (boxing day) or sometime after. Our Aunts very kindly took us each year and we loved sitting in the grand circle and roaring ‘behind you’ at Maureen Potter et al. Afterwards, we always visited the Moving Crib on Parnell Square, which is still there 50 odd years later.

The top ten best Irish Christmas food and drink treats

Now: Kids are more likely to go to Funderland in the RDS or Ice-skating, while the adults go horse-racing or do something charitable like a 25 km run or fun swim (sometimes both) or head off up the mountains for a hike.

9. New Years Eve:

Then: was never a big deal in Ireland, it used to be the night of the ;dress dance' with plenty of Ri Ra and Ruaille Buaille (good fun) but mostly people watched Gaybo on the RTE (Irish television) which kicked off 50 years ago this year from Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin.

Now: This year's New Year’s Eve in Dublin is set to be huge with fireworks and a free open air concert to signal the start of The Gathering in 2013. While down the country we are more likely to be at home or at impromptu parties in our neighbors' houses, due to the price of drink out and (quite rightly) very strict drink-driving laws.

10. 6th January:

Then: The feast of the Epiphany, was the day when Christmas officially ended and the decorations were taken down and put away for yet another year. In the West of Ireland it was called Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan (women’s Christmas) where the men got to do all the work and prepare a meal for the ladies of the house.

Now: In the West at least, the sisterhood has embraced this old tradition, wholeheartedly, over the last few years with many specially organized (ladies only) events.

By Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems.com and Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Malahide Castle, Dublin re-opens to the public and the top ten thing to do in the area

Malahide Castle, North County Dublin

Malahide Castle and Gardens has recently re-opened following a €10 million refurbishment by Fingal County Council and Failte Ireland, which will restore its ranking as a first class visitor attraction and preserve it for future generations.

A popular and most valuable amenity in North County Dublin, Malahide Castle is surrounded by 450 acres of manicured park lands, managed walkways and mature trees and state of the art children’s playground which is free to the public all year round.

Up until 1975 Malahide Castle was the oldest and longest inhabited castle in Ireland, with the same family having lived there almost continuously since 1185 when Richard Talbot was granted ‘the lands and harbour of Malahide’ by King Henry II in return for rendering "one archer with a horse and coat-of-mail forever". When the last male heir Milo Talbot died in 1973, the estate passed to his sister Rose, who unfortunately was forced to sell the castle and its contents to pay the death duties. Thankfully the Irish Government had the foresight to buy the property and open it to the public and now that it has been completed restored and updated it should last another few years.

Malahide Castle has had a long and colourful history which will be further explained to you on a guided tour of the castle, which takes in the magnificent 600 year old Great Hall. Poignantly, a huge painting of The Battle of the Boyne fills the back wall for it was here in this very room that the Talbot family sat down to breakfast that fateful morning in 1690 not knowing that fourteen of them would be dead by nightfall. But, somehow the family survived that tragedy and evidently prospered, judging by the various additions that were made to the castle, including the twin round towers and the banqueting hall panelled in same Irish oak that graces Westminster Abbey in London. With the original gothic style tracery windows still letting in a strained light, Malahide castle is very atmospheric and not short of a few ghosts which is hardly surprising considering?

Open all year round except 24th,25th & 26th of December. Admission Adult €12 Child €6 Family €26 Concessions €8 Phone 01-8169538

For more information on Malahide Castle and Gardens or to book tickets online please click here

Ten other things to do and see in the area are -

1. Take a tour of Malahide Castle, re-opened October 2012 after major refurbishment, new interactive exhibition and project centre.

2. Visit the Castle Gardens, renowned garden and plantsman's paradise, over 5000 rare species, beautiful carpets of cyclamen under the Lebanese Cedar on the West Lawn in early autumn.

3. Avoca in the Courtyard, enjoy tea, coffee and homemade cakes or a light lunch either indoor or outside in the pretty pergola leading on to the garden or browse their famous home-wares, clothing and gift shop.

4. Blow the cobwebs away with a bracing walk and admire the mature trees throughout the 450 acres of parklands, which remain much the same as they have always been for the last 800 years.

5. Let the kids loose in the Castle Playground which was a real favourite of my kids, when they were young.

6. Take a stroll around the pretty village of Malahide, with its smart shops (the Village Bookshop on Townyard Lane is particularly delightful) bars, restaurants and marina.

7. Have a 'grand' carvery lunch or afternoon tea in the Grand Hotel, good old fashioned luxury with a modern twist.I would highly recommend the silver service luncheon in the restaurant for sunday lunch or a special occasion.

8. Drive the coastal route out around by Portmarnock strand and Golf Club to Sutton Village.

9. Take a left to drive out to Howth Harbour, have a walk along the pier, or enjoy any of the many great seafood restaurants out there.

10. Or veer right, back into Dublin to visit St Anne's Park and its famous rose garden, the Casino at Marino or a stroll on Dollymount Strand.

For more information visit http://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/ and eBook Travel Guide Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Top ten Irish gifts to buy online this Christmas 2012

Wilde and Wooley 

This is my personal pick of the Top Irish Christmas Gifts available online this year.

Some of them are eternally popular mega brands and some are extra special hidden gems that are starting to make a name for themselves internationally.

Buying Irish supports our economy but more importantly keeps those rural communities, that our visitors love, alive, thriving and vibrant.

1. Alan Ardiff Jewellery do you know someone with a ‘heart of gold’ that you would like to reward this year? Than this beautiful piece is the gift for them, all of Alan's pieces are handcrafted in Dublin.

2. Brown Thomas although if you cannot make up your mind a gift card from Ireland’s most prestigious department store with branches in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick is also bound to please.

3. Burren Smokehouse, for the foodies in your life, how about a hamper of delicious Irish artisan food goodies, choose from a huge variety of pre-packed options or create your own and remember to order early for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

4. Dubarry, I am still craving a pair of Galway Boots (hint, hint) these very stylish boots, while perfect for wintry walks (cosy and waterproof) would not look out of place on 5th avenue either. Web

5. Jameson for the ‘hottie’ in your life, how about a bottle of 12 year old special reserve Jameson Irish whiskey or better again get it personalised for him, only available in Ireland and the UK.

6. Cloon Keen Atalier, also on my wish list these candles are hand crafted in Galway, with specially blended perfumes, that genuinely go the distance, available singly or in presentation packs of three.

7. Lisa Ryder Designs winner of young Irish designer of the year Lisa’s luxurious, printed Italian silk scarves are a magical blend of natural and urban landscapes. I adore mine (they don’t crease) and have given several as gifts.

8. Lorge Chocolates my first encounter with Benoits' chocolates was at the Milk Market in Limerick, earlier this year. Which led me to his shop on the Caha Pass in Kerry, where I had the best hot-chocolate I have ever tasted and bought several beautifully presented boxes as gifts.

9. Seavite, another product(s) I cannot be without is Seavite’s exfoliating shower gel which is made from a blend of seaweed extracts. This miracle product was designed by the Mulrooney family of marine biologists in Kinvara, and is guaranteed to leave your skin feeling soft and silky.

10. Wilde and Wooley made from the finest naturally dyed yarns these lovely warm woollen hoods and gloves are designed to echo the natural land and seascapes of the West Coast of Ireland. Talented local lady Anto knits the garments while her beautiful daughter Mebh does the modelling.

Ta suil agam go mbanfidh sibh taitneamh as na rudai anseo agus Nollaig Shona Dhaoibh go leir... (I hope you enjoy the above and a very Happy Christmas to you all)

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com and Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Escape to Delphi Mountain Resort in Connemara - spectacular scenery, excellent food and pampering in one

Delphi Mountain Resort while little over an hour from Galway City is every bit as remote and beautiful as Machu Picchu and a whole lot easier to get to! 

The drive out through Connemara has to be one of the most stunning road trips in the world. Big mountains, dotted with curly horned sheep under even bigger skies that change constantly in an endless play of sunlight and cloud cover. Wild flowers and turf ricks line the route with the odd abandoned cottage sparking the imagination of the wannabee permanent deserter. Acid green fields give way to bogs that edge deep, inky blue loughs, where lone fishermen bob up and down on wind whipped waves.

It’s soul food of a kind that is unique to Ireland, thank God..

Winding around Ireland’s only fjord from Leenane Village (where the movie "The Field" was filmed) Delphi Mountain Resort appears like a scene from "The Hobbit", nestled perfectly into the landscape its rustic eyebrows winking a warm welcome to you as dusk falls.

By contrast the interiors are large and spacious with bright modern rooms with crisp white linen and warm fleecy throws. 

The main focus for many visitors is the wide variety of outdoor activities including, hiking, kayaking, surfing, crag climbing and hill walking. Although we were warned not to venture above the cloud line just in case. Connemara Mountain Rescue had no need to fear on our account the only scaling we were doing was up to the panoramic first floor dining room and the nearest thing to exposure/chill factor we were going to get was several bottles of ice cold Sauvignon Blanc.

Having bemusedly watched the kaleidoscope of changing light and weather that danced across Mweelrea mountain (the highest in Connaught) and feasted on hearty food including cinnamon spiced brown bread, homemade soup, Connemara lamb shanks, and fresh fish from that same fjord we slept like babies.  

Conveniently enough we slept right through the 9.30 am roster for the zip wire and wall climbing activities. Favoring instead a rendezvous with a lounger in the award winning spa at Delphi Mountain Resort. Treatments by a team of expert French therapists include everything you might imagine from facials to massages with the Delphi seaweed bath being the most popular. And while the rest of the them were 'out and about' we were 'busy relaxing' sipping on Delphi’s own blended herbal teas, happy out....(indoors)


December Trails at Delphi Delphi Mountain Resort have some great winter walking offers on this December. Experience these magical landscapes (some would say at their best) with an overnight stay which includes bed, hearty breakfast and dinner, with a guided walk and / or hot seaweed bath in the award winning spa. Sounds like the perfect way to escape the Christmas madness....

One night €119, Two nights €219 per per sharing.

By Susan Byron author of "Ireland's Hidden Gems"

For more information visit the Delphi Mountain Resort website here

Fall truly, madly, deeply in love with Northern Ireland

Susan pictured on Rathlin Island

Not only have I jumped into Northern Ireland but  I have fallen truly, madly deeply in love with it following a recent trip up there on a sublime day out to Rathlin Island.

Up there differentiates the North from the South ie the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) which is Irish and the wee North (six counties) which is technically British, with the population still divided over which country it should really belong to. I know it’s confusing, but thankfully the ‘troubles’ are over and Northern Ireland is doing its best to rebuild its reputation as a safe and wonderful destination to visit.

Belfast is the capital /main city (it’s impossible to be politically correct) and is enjoying a great revival with the opening of the Titanic Quarter this centenary year, which has focused the worlds media on a formally forgotten corner of Ireland, that is well worth exploring.

Less than 2 hours from Dublin, Belfast is the gateway to the glens of Antrim and the famous Giants Causeway Dunluce Castle which is on most tourists itineraries. But there is so much more to see where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, Carlingford and its Lough. 

Belfast itself and that fantastic coastal drive through Cushendall, Cushendun, Carnlough, Torr Head and all the way around to Portrush (a famous golf resort) via Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede ropebridge, no doubt you have all seen that photo? I hope to explore all the above and more this summer so you can look forward to lots of Northern Hidden Gems been added to my website over the next couple of months and as always if you have any suggestions of your own you would like to include please let me know via email, in the meantime...

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/index.html

All you need to know about Ireland - reasons why Ireland is a top spot for vacations

About Ireland? Well it is a small island off the West coast of Europe, about 32,000 square miles with a population of about 4.5 million people. So there’s a clue, being so sparsely populated it never gets particularly crowded, so if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday you have come to the right place! Weather wise we don’t get extremes, with an average temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius in the winter and 15 in the summer. Neither do we have any nasty bugs, mosquitoes or snakes, we have St Patrick to thank for that.

Our prevailing winds blow in from the West over the Atlantic ocean which means we get a fair amount of rain (what we call soft days in Ireland) but zero atmospheric pollution either.

Which has given rise to Ireland's landscapes often being referred to as 40 shades of green....

We are very proud of our little green island, which is struggling a little bit with the Euro (our currency) along with our European partners and indeed the rest of the world. But we have a long history (predating the Egyptians) of resilience and optimism. We prefer to see our glass of Guinness as half full rather than half empty.

We are easy going, amenable and relatively laid back and while standards of food and accommodation are very much improved we are still not really any good on timekeeping (we are on GMT by the way) and our public transport system outside of the main cities is fairly minimal to say the least. But hiring a car is simple and cheap with good motorways linking the main cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast which is Northern Ireland, which always confuses people.

Ireland is made up of 32 counties, 26 of which are in the Republic of Ireland (Irish) and 6 in Northern Ireland (British) it’s a long story (800 years and more) don’t ask just feel free to travel the length and breadth of Ireland as a whole and enjoy it all.

For more information visit www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Enjoy an Irish Shindig at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin this summer

This sounds like fun! The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin are hosting an Irish Shindig Night every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 7-11pm throughout the summer. Tickets are priced at €60 (€47.50 if you book online) which includes a guided tour of the distillery and whiskey tasting session, followed by a three course meal and live entertainment by the Jameson Players and the Claddagh Irish Dancers.

The distillery tour (is the same as the daytime tour) which could you save you some time if you are on a lightening visit to Dublin, is excellent as it not only takes visitors through the seven stages of whiskey making but also grounds the whole process in the tradition and social history of this interesting and special, cobbled corner of Dublin city.

The menu is obviously inspired and liberally laced with Jameson whiskey throughout with Jameson infused smoked salmon for starters and marinated Wexford strawberries on fluffy pavlova with Jameson chantilly cream for dessert. Mains include Irish chicken stuffed with sage and white pudding or seared fresh fillet of cod and lemon caper butter from Kilmore Quay, served up with fresh seasonal vegetables. After that, it is time to ‘raise the rafters’ with a mixture of traditional and contemporary Irish songs and rousing dance, which you are welcome to sit back and enjoy or join in by all means...

Book online at www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Read a review of the Old Jameson Distillery Tour http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/jamesons.html

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

The Volvo Ocean Race is coming to Galway - six of the fastest sailing boats battle as the city parties

There is great excitement about the Volvo Ocean Race coming to Galway on the 30th June 2012 so much so that Galway has built a huge quay side festival around it which will cater for pretty much everyone even if you haven’t the remotest interest in the boats or the racing itself.

It was a rip roaring success the first time Galway hosted the event in 2008. This was mainly due to the fantastic weather and fingers crossed we’ll get the same again.

The the city is gearing up to welcome some 100,000 visitors over the next week when the Volvo Ocean Race, which began in Alicante, Spain in October 2011 comes to a close after 39,000 grueling miles. Six teams - Abu Dhabi Racing, Camper with Emirates, Puma Ocean Racing, Team Sanya, Team Telefonica and Groupama (the French team leading the race at the moment) - will set off from L’orient in Volvo 70 footers (the fastest in the world) for the final leg and finish of the race in Galway.

And while the star attraction will undoubtedly be those six Volvo yachts and their crews battling it out to the finish in Galway some time next Tuesday the 3rd July. There is going to be so much sailing and waterside action with a full programme of in port racing, daytime events and evening entertainment, we wont even notice if it rains. In fact it is going to be one huge party from start to finish!

For full details of the festival and events visit Volvo Ocean Race Festival or as they say there is an App for that.

But be warned access will be limited so to avoid the inevitable traffic jams either Park & Ride from Ballybrit Racecourse €5 or hop a rib from Kinvara with Ribwest €18 or take a ferry across Galway Bay from Ballyvaughan with the O’Brien Line €20.

Failing all that and if you cant make it to Galway one of the days you can always watch the live action here.

For more information about Galway please visit http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/galway.html .

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Discover the best of the west of Ireland - going west without your car

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

If you're visiting Ireland and have decided not to hire a car, never fear. There are plenty of options for travelers going west without a car and considering the island of Ireland is only 200 kms across (at its widest point) getting the best out of the west is a breeze.

Here's just one option for the carless traveler in Ireland.

Discover the best of the west of Ireland with the Dublin Tour Company which operates a twice daily coach trip from the Discover Ireland tourist offices on Suffolk Street in Dublin.

Departure times are 7am and 8.30am with an optional day or open return for those wishing to extend their stay in the West of Ireland. Early birds (leaving at 7am) will arrive promptly in Galway after a short rest stop in Athlone at 10am.

They can then take advantage of a complimentary guided walking tour of Galway which lasts approximately one hour, taking in all of the interesting sights, sounds and images of this historic medieval city of the tribes, prior to boarding the 11.30 am Burren / Cliffs of Moher Tour from the Galway Bus Station (opposite the Tourist Office).

Sleepy heads can enjoy a couple of more z’s by taking the later 8.30 departure from Dublin (as above) skip the walking tour and hop on that same 11.30 tour departure to the Burren / Cliffs of Moher.

Another excellent and extremely popular package by the Dublin Tour Company is what they call the ABC option which includes two nights accommodation and three trips to (A) the Aran Islands, (B) the Burren / Cliffs of Moher and (C) Connemara, full details of the accommodation options and prices are included in their website But, an approximate guide is €25 per tour from Galway, €45 from Dublin, €75 including one night’s accommodation & two trips and €125 for the ABC Tour which includes two night’s accommodation and three trips.

Discounts of 10-20% are available online when booking two or more tours. What is especially good about the Dublin Tour Company is that all admission fees are included in the tour prices (apart from the gardens at Kylemore Abbey) There is also a free collection service from your hostel, bed & breakfast or hotel in Galway.

Tours operate daily apart from the 25th & 26th of December so your options are always open, and a really big plus? You will not have to pay extra for intercity transfers by public service providers. But more importantly it means you have plenty of freedom and flexibility, time and weather wise, which is just as it should be on holidays.

For more information or to book online visit their site here.

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Go regal this vacation - castles to visit in Ireland

Irish history, and the castles we see today, are a legacy of some 6,000 years of occupation from megalithic times when the Celts arrived here from mainland Europe.

Impressive burial mounds such as Newgrange or the ring-forts and dolmens like those at Craggaunowen are attributed to these hunter gatherer tribes.

Followed by successive waves of invaders such as the Vikings, Normans, English, and even the Spanish we finally achieved our Independence from England in 1916 for 26 of the counties while six in (Northern Ireland) still remain part of Britain.

The commercial foundations of Dublin were laid by the Vikings (Dublinia) followed by the Normans who built impressive strongholds such as Trim castle where the epic movie "Braveheart" was filmed. Our infamous claim to fame? Some 2,000 bare-bottomed extras recruited from the Curragh Army Camp in County Kildare.

Other castles in Irish history range from large fortified towers and keeps such as Bunratty Castle to smaller ones like Thoor Ballylee, former home of the poet and playwright Willaim Butler Yeats. Grand country houses like such as Tullynally and Birr were castle-ated with fairy tale parapets and towers as was the fashion assuring the reign of Queen Victoria. Many of these big houses and castles on vast estates were given to often absentee English landlords in return for military duty. As a result, many of these were ransacked and burned down during the 'troubles'. Others were saved and restored privately or are now under the management of Office of Public Works or the auspices of the Irish Georgian society and so have survived to tell the tale.

There are hundreds of castles all over the country, many in ruins that you can explore freely, just be careful.

For the complete list visit 

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Ireland's best beaches - for treasure hunting or nude sunbathing -- Ireland's secret spots

Bask in the beauty of Ireland's beaches

Ireland's best beaches are not a secret, pick a beach any beach at all and feel free to claim it as your own.

When my children were young, as well as 'treasure' hunting in castles, we used to go beach 'combing'. It was not unusual to find coconuts (from the Caribbean or fishing buoys from New England) on the West Coast or lumps of coal from Wales on the East Coast.

Fortunately, we have never lived far from the sea as is the case with most people living in Ireland. We can proudly boast of having possibly the most spectacular coastline in Western Europe...pity about the weather. There are no ‘costas’ in Ireland (Thank God) however on a ‘pet’ (unseasonably warm) day in May or September, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Greece should you find yourself on a deserted white sandy coral beach, lapped by turquoise waves with only a couple of cows or sheep to keep you company.

Ireland's best beaches on the east coast are much busier due to their proximity to the capital, Dublin city with the added bonus of being able to buy an ice-cream or a coffee close by/ Whereas on the west coast the beaches can be pretty isolated, fabulous if you fancy nudey sunbathing or skinny dipping but be warned, even with the north Atlantic drift warming the water the temperature never rises much above 6C. And of course, never, ever swim alone, it can be very, very dangerous no matter how inviting it looks. There are plenty of Blue Flagged (ie water quality tested beaches throughout Ireland), with lifeguard stations, but only during the summer months.

For a list of the ten best beaches in Ireland visit click here.

"Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2012" - get the inside story on traveling in Ireland this year

"Susan Bryon exploring the highways and byways of Ireland"

I have written an eBook, "Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2012", in response to the hundreds of emails I receive daily from potential visitors asking those same questions.

With over 100,000 bed options available daily in Ireland, how is the independent visitor supposed to choose much less get it right? Sure, you can trawl through the maze of discount hotel sites or you can take the easy route and trust my advice gathered over four years of independent travel and research throughout Ireland.

Would you like to know the top ten posh places to stay in Ireland for peanuts? Thought so. Yes, the upside to the recession is that there are some truly amazing deals to had in Ireland right. I have handpicked and listed the very best of them for you in this eBook.

The lists are tight and limited to the top ten for a reason, to ensure that these establishments are at the top of their game, that you get the most bang for your buck, and the best possible experience of Ireland.

Visitors assume that we have great food in Ireland and yes we do, but it is certainly not everywhere and it can be expensive, very expensive. As anyone who follows my blog or Facebook page will know, I love and appreciate good food and I am a great champion of those restaurants, listed in my eBook that are making a serious effort at producing top class food at affordable prices daily.

Although there is already a full, and free, listing of the top ten visitor attractions on the website, within the guide I have again simplified matters by selecting the cream of the crop in terms of the top ten festivals and events this year as well as my own personal favorites that I think offer exceptional value for money and top quality experiences.

For more information visit http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/ireland-travel.html

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

'Let Limerick Surprise You' - celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland's 3rd largest city

'Let Limerick Surprise You' is the city’s new slogan and it certainly will.

With a Royal Charter older than the city of London itself, it began life as a Viking settlement on a small island in the Shannon river during the 9th century. It later became the walled medieval stronghold of Brian Boru and the high kings of Munster and Thomond before being invaded by the Normans in 12th century.

As you can imagine, Limerick has seen its share of turbulent times since, both socially, as documented by the late Frank McCourt and architecturally, in the fine Georgian area of Pery Square with the result that there is a lot to see and do here in Ireland's third largest city which is enjoying its 21st century renaissance.

Limerick is the undisputed sporting capital of Ireland, with Munster Rugby legends forming the backbone of the Ireland's International Rugby Team, it also has its 'soft' side being the home of RTE Lyric FM, Ireland’s much loved and only classical music radio station.
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READ MORE:

St. Patrick’s Day photo competition - win a Certificate of Irish Heritage this March

What’s going on in Ireland in March - St Patrick’s Day events, music, festivals, and more

Irish American girl compares St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin to New York City
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There’s a vibrant arts culture and up and coming foodie destination spearheaded by the artisan producers at the Milk Market. And in between all that there is a serious amount of noteworthy architecture from King John's Castle to the ancient St Mary’s Cathedral and newly renovated, Gallery of Art in the Peoples Park, as well as my own personal favorite the Hunt Museum, in the Customs House. As well as plenty of smart new hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and walkways.

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Limerick is the second largest in Ireland after Dublin, now in its 40th year it starts at 2.30 from O'Connell St.

On Sunday the 18th Limerick will host the 42 International Band Competitions with visiting bands participating from all over the world, so expect plenty of music, color and excitement.

For more details on all of the St Patricks Festival events happening in Limerick next weekend click here.

For more things to do and see in Limerick and the surrounding areas click here. 

How to claim your Certificate of Irish Heritage - VIDEO

Representative of the Certificate of Irish Heritage with President Michael D Higgins

The Irish Government has (finally) had a good idea! in deciding to award anybody who can claim Irish descent with a Certificate of Irish Heritage. And while it is a government endorsed document, signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs himself, Deputy Eamonn Gilmore, just to be absolutely clear, it does not have any legal standing ie it is definitely not a passport. But that certainly isn’t deterring the 1000’s of people who have applied for their own personal Certificate of Irish Hertitage on behalf of themselves or a relative, since the scheme was first rolled out last September.

Who can apply? Literally, anybody who was not born in Ireland themselves but who has a relative that was and obviously some sort of proof of identity will be needed. ie a birth certificate or baptismal record, marriage certificate or even immigration entry records of the host country will suffice. And if you haven’t the foggiest notion where to obtain that kind of information there is free genealogy team available online at the link below to help you. And so far, they have been generally been able to come up with the necessary documentation within 24 hours.

Which is pretty impressive, considering Ireland has a diaspora of some 70 million souls worldwide, whose relatives emigrated in the wake of famine and hardship, in search of a better life in 'the lands of opportunity' like America and Australia. Many of them were mere children themselves like Lizzy Emmerson who was just 18 when she left Ireland in 1882 for New Zealand sadly never to see her family again, but whose great, great grand-daughter has managed to re-connect with her long lost relatives in Enniskillen via this new service.
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Or the millions of Irish that fled the western seaboard for the USA in the 1940’s the first sending out the fare to the second to join them. And mostly by all accounts, being hard workers they did very well for themselves, marrying (other Irish emigrant’s) raising and educating despite the horrid loneliness and endless anguish of having had to leave their families and native country. Perhaps that is why the ties are so great with Ireland and the yearning to revisit old homesteads, connect with surviving relatives relentless. At last the Irish Government has seen fit to recognize and reward their sacrifices and the right of their descendants to an official Irish identity.

The certificate itself is beautifully presented on vellum style paper, with an embossed a golden harp, the symbol of Ireland, with a choice of templates styled by the National Gallery of Ireland, available for personalization, which can then be dispatched worldwide, framed or unframed for €40 plus postage and packing, so why not claim yours and become Irish today.

Visit their website for more information. 

By Susan Byron author of irelands-hidden-gems.com

Here's an instructional video from the Certificate of Irish Heritage:

Love is in the air...travel ideas in Ireland to celebrate St Valentine's Day

Hayfield Manor

Love is in the air with some great Valentines packages in Ireland this weekend.

Why not cuddle and curl up with a movie, chocolate feast and bottle of bubbly in your own luxury suite overlooking the river Shannon in Limerick City this weekend.

There will be rugby action for the guys on the big screen Saturday night with Ireland playing France in the RBS Six Nations and spa treatments for the girls, not to mention a bit of retail therapy in Brown Thomas up town.

An overnight stay in standard room in the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City including breakfast and a luxury 4 course dinner in the River Restaurant starts from €99 pps sharing for 1 night, €139 for 2 nights! Upgrade to a suite for €40 per night.
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Or if it’s something a little more serious you fancy, it being a leap year? it might be a good idea to give Hayfield Manor in country Cork a bell, they have their very own Proposal Team in place to help you set scene and get that all important YES result!

They have some great ideas including candlelit venues with chauffeur driven champagne transfers to perhaps an islolated beach with your proposal written on the sand…the sky is the limit quite literally with the option of a trailing banner from a light aircraft either? After all it’s a once in a lifetime occasion, hopefully. A personal (top-secret) consultation with the team, who will do all the leg work for you till you get down on one knee, is complimentary with any of their romantic dinner, bed and breakfast packages which start from about €225 pps sharing.

The Ritz Carlton, Powerscourt

Or you could leave it in the capable and knowing staff of the The Ritz Carlton, Powerscourt, County Wicklow, who have been known to soothe manys an anxious suitors nerves.

The hotel itself is set down a long avenue lined with mature beech trees in the grounds of Powerscourt House and Gardens. You are unlikely to encounter a more romantic, breathtaking, setting anywhere in Ireland, with terraced gardens and a huge fountain overlooking the Sugar Loaf (I kid you not) Mountain, until it snows that is?

Cue the clever ladies at the The Ritz Carlton who donned their wellies, trudged out into the snow to spell out ‘marry me’ lit by tealights for an extremely nervous gentleman last year? No prizes for guessing he got a resounding "yes" answer and they seem to be living happily ever after with their wedding reception taking place there this summer.

Romantic packages starting from €310 per couple in a deluxe room, with dinner, bed and breakfast in the Sugar Loaf restaurant or €360 per couple with six course gourmet dinner in Gordon Ramseys and while snow cannot be guaranteed, a fairytale setting certainly is.

Ashford Castle

From fairy-tales to legends who wouldn’t like to be woo-ed Maid Marion-style in Ashford Castle, on the shores of Lough Corrib. This turreted and stately pile has been the setting for many proposals, with its cute little stone bridges leading into romantic tree lined walks. Enlist the help of Ashford Castle’s falconer to deliver your proposal (or the actual ring) to the arm of your intended on the talons of a trained Harris Hawk

Afterwards revel Tudors style in the lavish surroundings and sumptuous interiors of the castle itself, which once belonged to the famous Guinness family.

Valentines special on the 14th includes dinner, bed & breakfast, a dozen red roses and bottle of champagne for €495 per couple. And for daring-do’s an Everlasting Love Leap year special on the 29th is €395 per couple.

Feel free to cut, copy, paste, share any of the above and leave obviously lying about for the love of your life to read.

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Susan Byron's predictions for the top ten visitor attractions in Ireland for 2012

Bunratty Castle

1. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Shannon, County Clare
If you have only time to ‘do’ one visitor attraction in Ireland, this is it! Absolutely excellent, fantastic castle, medieval banquets, Irish cottages, farmyards, streetscape with traditional pubs, shops, school etc, great good value day out for all the family.


2 Butlers Chocolate Experience, Clonshaugh, Dublin
What’s not to like about a Willa Wonka-style experience with suspended walkway tour over the factory floor and all the chocolate you can eat?

3 Crawford Art Gallery, Cork City
A smashing selection of superbly curated Irish Art, just the right amount in a wonderful city centre location and admission is free!


4 Croke Park Museum, Dublin
Probably the best guided tour in Ireland, especially if you know nothing at all about Gaelic Games? The only carbon neutral stadium in the world? And top of their game right now, with a momentous Dublin win in 2011.

5 Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Dublin
The only recipients of a Thea award in Ireland, excellent modern museum with superb multi-media, as well as the personal touch which is so important when dealing with a subject like this...
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6 Irish National Stud, County Kildare
Her majesty Queen Elizabeth enjoyed her visit here in May 2011, very interesting and informative background to one of our favourite national past times and the adjoining Japanese gardens are an absolute delight in early Spring.

7 Lismore Castle Gardens, County Waterford
What a dreamy garden, immaculate vegatable and flower gardens bursting at their neatly boxed seams while big blousely rambleing roses ran away with themselves over the castle walls. Great coffee and homemade cakes too...

8 Old Jamesons Distillery, Dublin
Another excellent guided tour where you are led through the whole process of whiskey distilling from the grain to the glass and its effect on the social history of this cobbled streeted area of Dublin, very generous whiskey tastings…

9 Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, County Mayo
Another free museum I cannot recommend highly enough and it’s free! You could happily spend the day here finding out how people lived in rural Ireland not so very long ago.


10 Swiss Cottage, Cahir, County Tipperary
Picture postcard lovely this restored Cottage Orné, is one of only two in Europe. Designed as a pastoral idyll, similar to the Trianon of Versailles it was built by Richard Butler of nearby Cahir Castle which you can walk to along the riverbank.

By Susan Byron, author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Coming home to Christmas in Ireland...

There is a very old advert for electricity being re-run on RTE television at the moment called ‘Coming Home’ which depicts the emigrant (prodigal) son being picked up by his Dad at the airport and driven home to his doting (Irish) Mammy who is busy preparing the house for his arrival.

The beautiful old house is lit up like a Christmas tree, the immersion is on, so himself can have a hot bath while the electric blanket warms up his bed and something nice has just been popped in the oven.

No wonder its striking a chord nationally and globally thanks to YouTube etc as it evokes perfectly what Christmas means not just to the Irish, but universally, that elusive warm fuzzy feeling of coming home to the perfect family set up which so seldom happens in reality?

It’s been a tough year in Ireland and to be honest we’re barely holding it together and while we have no choice but to work our way out of this recession there will be a lot of broken hearts this Christmas with so many families fragmented by emigration. There isn’t a family or town in Ireland that hasn’t been affected by the loss of its young people, thanks be to God for Skype and Facebook otherwise we’d lose the plot altogether…But it’s never going to be the same as having them tucked up in their own beds, under the one roof, or around the dinner table?

At this time of year you used to hear women in particular (sorry sisters) moaning about all the work that was involved with having ALL OF THE FAMILY home for Christmas and you would just want to smack them as most of us would give our right arms for just that opportunity, but not any more? It is as in-politically correct as moaning about having a job!

“Go m’beimid go leir beo an am seo aris” – "May we all be alive this time next year" used to be my father’s toast at Christmas. Sadly he’s no longer with us and like many families my heart goes out to those who have been bereaved this year, at no other time is their loss more keenly felt than at Christmas, when it often seems that the rest of the world is happy out.

In Ireland, we know different, which is why we light a candle in the window each Christmas Eve, to shine a light, not just of welcome but of hope and solidarity with family, friends and strangers throughout the world….So whatever ‘Coming Home’ means to you this Christmas whether its fondly remembering Christmases past or bravely facing up to new realities, I wish you and yours all the very best agus Nollaig Shona Dhaoibh go leir.

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/