Ireland Places to Go
From major cities to the off-the-beaten-track destinations, we’ve got this place covered. We’ll share the hidden gems that only a local can discover.
New Playground in Athlone
As many a town centre parent will tell you, there’s not much for young children in the middle of Athlone.
Admittedly, there is a playground at Burgess Park on the southeast bank of the Shannon, but it consists of two slides and some monkey bars - pretty weak. To allow one’s child to swing, one would have to head out to the regional sports centre, which hardly anyone walks to as it’s nowhere near the main thoroughfare.
No longer! A new playground WITH SWINGS has just been finished on the Connaught side of town.
Date: July 25th, 2007 |
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Ballyhoura Mountain Biking Park to open next week
In February I posted a guide to mountain biking in Ireland wherein I mentioned Ireland’s first purpose-built mountain biking park was slated to open in summer of 2007.
Well, next week the long-awaited Ballyhoura site opens the first of three trails. This first trail is 16km of single-track, gentle climb stuff “not too technical” I was told over the phone. At the moment the trail is all but ready, it’s being signposted (with temporary signage) and will open as soon as that’s done.
By December the other …
Date: July 5th, 2007 |
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Athlone Agri Show
This Sunday I got up early and after we’d attended mass and fed the munchkin, jumped in the aul wagon and headed out to the annual Athlone Agri Show held on the grounds near Moydrum Castle of U2’s Unforgettable Fire fame.
It was my first time at the festival, which is not well-advertised to the tourist market. Certainly I believe I may have been the only yankee voyeur in attendance.
The festival is targeted primarily at the farmer and equestrian enthusiast and the Moydrum grounds were teeming with prize sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, dogs, cattle and horses all hoping for a blue ribbon. Families were about in profusion and sturdy boots and wellies (galoshes) were the footwear of choice.
Date: June 26th, 2007 |
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Athlone Viking Boat Tours
Ever ride on an animal-headed viking ship?
It’s one of those things most tourists miss. I don’t mean the vikings - their blonde hair and nordic features blended into the indiginous Irish population centuries ago - I mean spending some time on the river Shannon.
If you’re spending any time at all in Athlone during the warmer months and do not otherwise have access to a boat (or maybe even if you do), you really should spend part of your afternoon on the viking boat.
On a nice day, there’s hardly a better thing than floating on the Shannon watching the green banks of the Irish midlands float by. Pack a lunch or a few drinks and enjoy seeing Ireland in a way that most folks miss.
Date: June 10th, 2007 |
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Birr Castle
This is a real, honest-to-God inhabited Irish castle.
Transplanted in 1620 from the UK, the Parson’s family has inhabited the area of Birr, County Offaly, ever since. The family has distinguished themselves with impressive scientific and artistic achievements and today their Castle Demesne stands on some impressive grounds where what was once the world’s largest telescope keeps company with Ireland’s only Sequoia Redwood tree among many other botanical wonders.
Date: May 22nd, 2007 |
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Drumshanbo
I have a good friend with a boat which sometimes functions as his primary residence. The other week he rang me up needing a lift back down to Athlone from a little place called Drumshanbo.
Drumshanbo is mostly known to river and boat folk as it is located where the river Shannon meets Lough Allen, the third largest of the Shannon lakes. Other than that Drumshanbo is a quaint little town with a population under 1,000 people. It’s also freaking gorgeous. Rolling hills, pine and deciduous forest, rivers, lakes and spectacular natural scenery around old iron works and numerous walking trails.
Date: July 20th, 2007 |
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Athenry Priory
This is one of those grand old ruins you find almost everywhere in Ireland.
Just next to the river in Athenry town, County Galway are these noble old priory ruins. While one can read the plaques or take a tour to discover the priory was founded in 1241 AD for the Dominicans, making it the first of its kind in Connacht, the abbey has a lesser known significance: Ireland’s first university.
I was snapping photos of the attractive ruins when a gentleman in a tie approached me and asked, “Are you all right?”
Date: July 2nd, 2007 |
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The Nanny Quinn’s
One of the major perks of being a musician is the opportunity to travel the country and become acquainted with wonderful places otherwise off the beaten track. One such place is a pub somewhere between Mullingar and Kinnegad called The Nanny Quinn’s.
I was out with Amber Moon on the evening, lending some vocal and bodhran to their tasty fare of trad and song at this most excellent pub in Raharney. Perched on the banks of the Royal Canal, the Nanny Quinn’s clientelle comes from the local area as well as from boats moored below on the canal.
Date: June 18th, 2007 |
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The thirsty traveller in Dublin and Waterford
Here is a travelistic piece featuring the Thirsty traveller visiting the Dublin Brewing Company and the Waterford Crystal factory.
Date: May 29th, 2007 |
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Milltown Tavern
Ever since the motorway started taking its toll from commuters, the town of Milltownpass has taken a heavy toll in terms of the frequency of trade within its borders.
Standing cheerfully bright yellow despite the drying up of tourists, the Milltown Tavern continues to do business on the main street. When my car gave up the ghost I had more than a few cups of tea here waiting for a towtruck.
The old Lounge/Bar entrance is just a facade nowadays, as both doors open to the same high-ceilinged room. Round …
Date: May 19th, 2007 |
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