Killybegs and Donegal Carpets

Killybegs is a great harbor town in County Donegal, Ireland. A mecca for tourists with beautiful scenery, golden beaches and rich cultural interests. Killybegs is well known as a famous fishing town throughout Ireland and it is brilliant for water sports like surfing, canoeing, windsurfing, diving and much more. You can also find activities such as rock climbing and horseback riding.

Killybegs is most famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which are produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the Donegal Carpet Factory. These hand-knotted wool carpets are treasured throughout the world adorning important buildings such as Dublin Castle, the Vatican, the White House, the International Space Station, Buckingham Palace and the University of Notre Dame. In the past few years, some of the original Donegals have sold at auction for $75,000 - $125,000!

The Donegal Carpet Factory closed three of the four factories, and production was centered in the original factory in the village of Killybegs. But by 1987, orders had dwindled and the factory closed its doors. In 1999, with a new commission for the Irish government, Donegal Carpets reopened and the original looms came back to life.

Visit the historic Donegal Carpet Factory to learn more about this traditional craft on Celtic Tours Ancient Ireland escorted motorcoach tour.

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

Aviva Stadium, a €410 million four level state-of-the art facility opened in May and has a seating capacity of 50,000. Aviva stadium was designed by Populous in conjunction with local Dublin-based Scott Tallon Walker. Populous, one of the world’s leading sports architecture firms, had previously been involved in projects such as Reliant Stadium, Heinz Field, Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards and the Sydney Olympic Stadium.

What an exciting venue to host the Notre Dame v Navy rematch in 2012! The two colleges previously played in Ireland in 1996 when Notre Dame triumphed over Navy in Croke Park. Notre Dame and Navy have played continuously since 1927, making the Notre Dame/Navy rivalry the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in college football.

“To see this stadium is to believe it has to be one of the finest venues in the world,” said Chet Gladchuk, the Naval Academy Director of Athletics. “Although modest in capacity, few stadiums anywhere has attended to the detail, aesthetics and fan comfort found at Aviva. I guarantee those who travel to Ireland and attend this event will enjoy an experience that will be awesome and a memory not to be forgotten. Navy is very much looking forward to our visit and the wonderful experience we expect our coaches, players, fans and friends will enjoy.”

Welcoming the event Aviva Stadium Director, Martin Murphy, said: “We are all delighted that Navy has chosen Aviva Stadium for their game against Notre Dame in 2012”. “We fully realise just how important this game is in the U.S. sporting calendar and we are looking forward to hosting what will undoubtedly be a fantastic event. The selection of Aviva Stadium for this game is a huge endorsement of the stadium and it is a terrific boost for Irish tourism as I have no doubt the teams’ fans will travel in great numbers. We are confident they will have a memorable time in Ireland.”

Be part of the excitement!

Over 12,000 Notre Dame fans traveled from the US to be a part of the 1996 Notre Dame and Navy game.  The draw for the 2012 Notre Dame v Navy rematch is expected to be far larger than the 1996 game and seats are filling quickly.

Now is the time to reserve your guaranteed space!

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Celtic Classic College Football

Be a part of the excitement! In 1996 Notre Dame and Navy faced off in Dublin, Ireland. Over 12,000 Notre Dame fans traveled from the US to be a part of the game. James Clarity, of the NY Times wrote, “If St. Patrick had made a miraculous appearance in Croke Park today, he could hardly have received more clamorous support than the Notre Dame football team did. Notre Dame thrashed Navy, 54-27, before 38,651 constantly roaring fans who, if they did not understand the rules of the American game, knew that their adopted Fighting Irish were winning what had been billed as the Shamrock Classic.” Read more of this article.

The Notre Dame-Navy series has been played annually since 1927, making it one of the longest uninterrupted intersectional series in college football. Famed rivalries do not come any better than this! In 2012, they are scheduled to rematch in Croke Park. Why not turn this exciting game into the vacation of a lifetime? Now is the time to reserve your guaranteed space!

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