County Tyrone

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern Ireland’s largest county

Tyrone is the largest county in  Northern Ireland and one of the most beautiful thanks to the heatherclad Sperrin Mountains. These lush, sparsely populated mountains are another world with endless charm and ever-changing natural tones of yellow gorse and emerald green.  

Omagh, is Tyrone’s largest town and makes a great base for touring the county and visiting the nearby Ulster-American Folk Park, one of the island’s top attractions. 

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

County Antrim - Sublime Scenery to Big City Buzz

From sublime scenery to big city buzz, Antrim hits the mark

 Belfast  may grab all the attention, but while the  Northern Ireland capital is now one of the top city break destinations in Europe, with cool boutiques, hip bars and stunning Victorian architecture, there’s a lot more to County Antrim than just the urban buzz of its biggest city.


With one of the most awesome sights in the world – the Giant’s Causeway – an exceptionally beautiful coastline, historic castles and nine sublimely scenic glens, Antrim will win you over with its many charms. 

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Besides Golf - other activities in Ireland

When you come to the Emerald Isle, you could be excused for doing nothing but playing golf. Spending all your time on the fairways, however, would mean that you would miss out on Ireland's diverse range of other activities. Here are just a few of the the activities to take part in while traveling to Ireland:

CYCLE: see the world on two wheels
With its winding streets, friendly locals and temperate climate, Ireland is the perfect country to enjoy by bike. From the fair city of Dublin, where the innovative free bike scheme is the envy of the world and a great way to see the capital, to the scenic routes of Killarney's National PArk and the iconic trails like Sheep's Head - on the wild Atlantic coast - and the Beara Way - from gorgeous Donegal to Bantry - there really is no better way to experience the best that Ireland has to offer.

FISH: world class fishing on river, lake and sea
Ireland is one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in Europe and for good reason, too. The massive variety and quality of fishing, has given the country an enviable reputation. Game and course fishing on Ireland's pristine waterways brings tourists from all over the world, and would make a great addition to any golfing holiday. Likewise, an afternoon spent out at sea might be the icing on the cake of your Irish adventure. The waters are open and free, but sometimes a special permit - easily obtained from the fishing store or local official is required. Conservation lars mean that its always worth checking with someone who has local knowledge.

RIDE: there is nowhere better for it
Known as 'the Land of the Horse' Ireland boasts some of the best riding breaks you could wish for. Whether you are an accomplished rider or are more blessed with enthusiasm than technique, there are mounts and options to suit you. Choose from beach rides where you could gallop down an empty strand, point-to-point treks which will explore the finest local scenery or cross-country routes that will challenge your skills. Whichever you pick, one thing is for sure - you'll end the day on a fresh air high and with a smile on your face.

CRUISE: enjoy the waterways
A relaxing cruise on Ireland's rivers and lakes offers a fresh, often-missed perspecitive on the beautiful Irish landscape. Here, you can enjoy every class of sailing, yachting, cruising, narrow boating and rowing. Especially popular with Irish tourists is river cruising, where on the Shannon, for example, you can enjoy a holkiday like no other. Occasionally, it's even possible to cruise right up to the golf course for your round!

HIKE: experience Ireland on foot
Whether you're on for a quick amble or a long day's hiking, Ireland has the route for you. Choose from short looped walks, multi-day, national way-marked trails or strolls through national parks and forests. There are options to suit all levels of walker. From those who seek everything from a short outing with a guide to those who want to take off for a week-long walking safari. Imagine taking carefree to the hills every day!

TOUR: explorations of Irish culture
From the historic streets of cities like Galway, Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny and Belfast to the lesser-known haunts of Ireland's literary superstars, a walking tour can be a rewarding and revealing experience. With some local knowledge and a gift for talking, an Irish tour guide can explain and expand on Ireland's rich history and cultural heritage like no book can and their stories and fun facts will live long in the memory.

Ireland is a perfect destination for your active vacation! Let Celtic Tours World Vacations plan your next trip to Ireland.

County Fermanagh

Take to the water in Northern Ireland’s very own lakelands county

The silent waters of the Fermanagh Lakelands have a romantic beauty that has captivated generation after generation of visitors. Tranquil, glassy and utterly beautiful, Lough Erne and the surrounding lakes are Fermanagh’s star attraction, but the flat green patchwork of fields that makes up much of the county’s countryside equally deserves a look.

With forests, beautiful vistas, old country houses, excellent restaurants, intriguing caves, castles and canoeing, Fermanagh is one of  Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

County Armagh

Explore Ireland’s oldest city in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Orchard County

In the historic county of Armagh in Northern Ireland lie some of Ireland’s most fascinating sights. The ancient capital of Ulster, Armagh is also know as the City of St Patrick, and was the birthplace of Brian Boru as well as being the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Modern Armagh now offers the visitor a whole host of attractions from historical sites to lively pubs. Step beyond the city and you’ll enter into Orchard County – a fantastic area filled with acres and acres of apple trees, which blossom a spectacular shade of pink.

County Armagh is also packed with National Trust properties, kids’ attractions, museums, country parks and cultural events.

Visit Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

County Down - Escape to St. Patrick Country

Escape into St Patrick Country for a holiday to remember

Take a glimpse into the fascinating life of Saint Patrick with a trip to scenic County Down.
With a history that covers over 7,000 years, Down is blessed with a wealth of heritage sites, but the most famous of all is Downpatrick, where Ireland’s patron saint is reputed to be buried.

County Down is a picturesque spot filled mostly with low, rolling hills that contrast spectacularly with the rugged Mountains of Mourne and Slieve Donnard, which rise dramatically to a height of 848 metres.

Strangford Lough, meanwhile, is an abundant nature reserve with seals, geese, terns and wildfowl nestling amidst its peaceful shores.



Visit County Down in Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

2013 Sporting Events in Ireland

From wold class horse racing to the biggest and best cultural festivals and concerts, there is never a shortage of excitement in Ireland. Here are a couple of the upcoming sporting events taking place throughout Ireland this Fall. Why not plan your travel to Ireland to include one of these amazing events?

All Ireland Hurling Final
September 8, Croke Park, Dublin
The GAA Hurling Championships commences in May with matches taking place around the four provinces of Ireland. Hurling is one of the world's oldest and fastest games, and the different countries will take part, showcasing amazing skill and courage. The tournament culminate with the exciting All-Ireland final being staged in Dublin at the GAA's national stadium, Croke Park, on Sunday, September 8.

All Ireland Football Final
September 22, Dublin, Croke Park
The GAA Football Championship starts in May, with matches being played around Ireland. Counties progress from the four Provincial Championships through to the All-Ireland Championship. The tournament culminates in the thrilling All-Ireland Final, which is held in Croke Park on Sunday, September 22.

Dublin City Marathon
October 28, Dublin
This will be the 34th year of the Dublin Marathon, which is run through the historic Georgian Streets of Dublin, Ireland's largest and capital city. Dublin is home to a quarted of the country's almost four million people. Dublin is only an hour by air from most UK and European cities, and more than half of the expected entry of 10,000 will be made up of overseas runners, many of whole will be returning to sample Irish Hospitality once more.

Autumn International Series
November, Dublin, Aviva Stadium
The end of year rugby union tests, known as Autumn Internationals, are a series of rugby union union test matches that are contested each year - usually November. Teams from the Six Nations Championship play against the competitors in The Rugby Championship; second-tier teams, such as those from North American and Pacific countries, also participate. Each side typically plays three of four Test matches and may choose to play games against provincial or "A" teams. In 2013, Ireland will play host to rugby 'giants' New Zealand and Australia.

Rugby League World Cup

November 9, Thomond Park, Limerick
Ireland v Australia in the Rugby League World Cup 2013. Its your chance to be in attendance at a world cup rugby event. Be there to experience the magic of this game in Thomond Park Stadium.

Leopardstown Christmas FestivalDecember 26, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
When its time to escape the turkey sandwiches, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival offers an exhilarating day out for sporting fans, socialities and is the big Christmas catch up for friends and family. The racing is top rate, with 6 Grade one races over the four-days.

Travel to Ireland this Fall. Take part in one of these amazing sporting events for a once in a lifetime vacation experience. Travel with Celtic Tours World Vacaitons

The British Open - An Interview with Noel Murphy

While many golfers will tune in to watch the British Open at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland, where the first round begins July 18, some may still hesitate at trying their hand at Scottish links golf. Wind, rain and blind holes are, literally, par for the course in the game’s homeland.

Noel Murphy, President of Celtic Tours World Vacations, www.celtictours.com offers a convincing defense of playing under the country’s sometimes inhospitable skies. “What people lose sight of is that the conditions are part of the game, the history, the culture.

Below are  excerpts from a conversation with Mr. Murphy, on how to plan golf in Scotland or Ireland and play some of the world’s top Link’s courses. 

Q. On a tour of Scotland’s best golf courses, what’s your first stop? 

A  #1 would be The Old Course at St. Andrews is where it all began. Kingsbarns would be another great links golf experience within the city of St. Andrews, right by the North Sea. That’s very much part of the links playing experience, the sea. If the wind is blowing from the east, you’re getting the wind from Russia and Scandinavia.  It can be cold, but not all the time, and if raining the driving rain can really make the golf more challenging. Some days you get no wind or rain , and it’s a totally different game.

Q. Where to next? 

A. Head inland and stop at the Ladybank Golf Club and then continue on to Gleneagles. One can play any of our courses: the P.G.A. course designed by Jack Nicklaus or the King’s and the Queen’s courses.  There’s lots to do besides golf: the spa, the Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant, tennis, whisky tours.

Then go southwest to Turnberry on the Atlantic. It has an excellent hotel, and the Ailsa course is fantastic. The ruins of the Scottish king Robert the Bruce’s castle you can see from the ninth hole. Around there are a whole host of hidden gems like the Prestwick and the Royal Troon, and that’s what you really want to get to in Scotland.

Q. And if you were to go north? 

A. The Royal Aberdeen is a good golf course by the sea. Nairn, that’s farther north. Farther still is Royal Dornoch. Tom Watson said that it’s one of his favorite golf courses.

Q. How difficult is it to get on these courses? 

A. A lot of these smaller members courses like Muirfield, where the British Open is being held, Prestwick and Royal Troon, they have been around for hundreds of years. They’re run by the members for the members; consequently it’s not as straightforward as getting your credit card. But you can get on these courses on certain days and times. Check with Tour Operators such as www.celtictours.com .

They know the local scene, local people, and will do a good job.

Q. What about Golf in Ireland:

A.  Golf packages to Scotland or Ireland can be taken separately or on its own. Ireland is a short Ferry ride from Scotland to Larne, just outside Belfast or one can avail of the several flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Dublin, Belfast or Derry.  Once in Ireland one can take advantage of the outstanding world top ranked links courses such as Royal Co. Down, Royal Porthrush, Port Stewart,  Balllyliffin, Donegal,  Sligo & Enniscrone.  You can then venture south to Baltray, Portmarnock, Royal Co. Dublin. On the extreme  Southwest coast you have world famous courses such as Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville.   On the Southeast side you have the famed Old Head, which juts out from the mainland. Many other links courses are available at reasonable rate such as Carne &  Ballyconneely on the west coast. Scotland and Ireland have over 1400 golf courses between them to choose from. Many of the courses are “Hidden Gems” and green fees cost about half of the bigger named courses. They offer as good if not better golfing on scenic links courses.

Q. During the British Open, Hotels and other services can be more expensive than normal, what is your preferred time of season.

A.  For Scotland or Ireland the best time to travel is at the end of April up to June and after that I prefer September or October. Weather can be different depending on which coast          you select. Ireland’s Northeast coast is similar to Scotland’s West coast and both can be up to 10 degrees warmer than Scotland’s Northeast coast. High temperatures can range from 58 degrees to 78 with lows of 54 to 60 degrees.

Ireland’s South east and South west tend to have better weather most of the year, but usually only by a few degrees, wind may not be as strong as Ireland North or Scotland. The West coast of Ireland is on the Atlantic and one can experience a good deal of sunshine with wind and some small showers. At the same time one can go for weeks without rain or strong winds.

For additional information call the golf experts at; Celtic Tours World vacations, 800-833-4373 or visit our web site at; www.celtictours.com.  

Noel F. Murphy
President
Celtic Tours World Vacations
1860 Western Ave,
Albany, NY. 12203
Tel: 518-862-0042
1-800-8334373
email:noelm@celtictours.com

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Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland packs in the attractions with a rich cultural heritage, striking scenery, world-class golf and a sweep of stunning coastline

Northern Ireland's beauty is intertwined with tragic history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people.

The wild craggy mountains, splendid lakes and sweeping coastline make it an ideal playground for watersports enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and sailors.

But there are lots of things to keep those after a dose of culture enthralled, too. From boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs, and from ancient castles to elegant country houses, this spectacular part of Ireland is packed with things to do.


The six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone and two major cities, the capital Belfast and Londonderry City are just waiting to be explored.

Visit Northern Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

WOW! World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum

Be blown away by this amazing museum that celebrates two distinctly different passions! The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum is an iconic visitor attraction in Nelson, New Zealand. TripAdvisor ranked #1 of 16 attractions in Nelson, New Zealand this museum is not to be missed. Amazing works of wearable art from the WOW Awards show are displayed alongside a world class collection of rare and classic cars. The Museum also includes a Cafe, a Museum Shop and Reflections Art Gallery. It offers something for everyone!


The WearableArt Gallery is a magical experience intermingling the use of superb music, specially sequenced lighting and a cleverly introduced element of movement. Here you can truly experience the intricate detailing of these incredible creations up close. All garments on display have preformed on stage.

The Classic Cars Gallery is an eclectic mix of some of the most sought after models in Classic Motoring. The exhibition is reflective of the changing times, trends, technology and events as seen through the evolution of the car. The cars tell an important story as the represent the spectrum of automotive history, design and craftmanship. The car collection represents years of passionate sourcing from around the world and New Zealand and is one of Australasia's largest private collections.

Located in the heart of the museum is the Reflections Art Gallery, exhibiting contemporary work by New Zealand artists. Exhibits change regularly and all art work is for sale.

Enjoy a cup of superb locally roasted coffee in the cafe or by the museum's tranquil pool. Don't forget to visit the museum's shop for a creative selection of jewelery, books and more.

The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars museum offers a mind blowing experience year round between 10am and 5 pm.

Visit this amazing museum on your next vacation to New Zealand with Celtic Tours World Vacations

County Meath - Ancient Sites and Pristine Countryside

Expand your mind with ancient sites and pristine countryside in the very delightful County Meath

Ancient, majestic and rich in unspoiled scenic pastureland, Meath is the perfect place to escape the stresses and strains of modern life.  Situated in Ireland’s  Midlands and known as the Royal County, Meath was once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and is one of Ireland’s most historic counties with an overwhelming array of mind-blowing sites. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, which was the traditional seat of the High Kings. If you can bear to drag yourself away from the abundance of spectacular sites, you’ll find Meath to be a chilled-out, laid-back county with charming gardens, pastoral countryside, and a whole host of leisure activities from angling to golf.

Visit County Meath in Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

County Carlow Basks in History

With a great location in the sunny South East, Carlow basks in rich history

Carlow, Ireland’s second smallest county, is a glistening jewel in the heart of the sunny  South East.
The rich pasturelands, green countryside, colourful mountains and tranquil River Barrow lend a scenic air to a county that is stepped in pre-Celtic heritage. Whether you long to let your imagination run wild over ancient dolmens, or you dream of gliding peacefully along deserted riverways on your very own barge, Carlow is an inspirational destination.

Travel to County Carlow with Celtic Tours World Vacations. Start planning your Ireland Vacation today!

4 Amazing Tasmania Experiences in Hobart

Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, Hobart is steeped in a rich and colorful history and is a fantastic destination for a variety of tours, attractions and activities.

A rich colonial heritage and natural charms make the capital city of Tasmania a very interesting place to visit not to mention the world heritage wilderness areas, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife found along the wild Tasmania coast. Hobart boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene, along with a thriving culinary scene.

Here are just a few of the amazing experiences to be had in Hobart, Tasmania:

 
Meet the Maker TourTour Lark Distillery, Wicked Cheese and Barilla Bay Oysters. Learn the production process and sample the delicious products.




 

Tahune AirWalkTravel to the picturesque Huon Valley and get closer to nature during a guided walk amoung the tree tops.

Museum of Old and New ArtCruise the Derwent River and visit the provacative Museum of Old and New Art.

Historic Walking TourThe classic must-do tour, provides a great introduction to Hobart's history & orientation of the city today.


These are just a few of the choices when you travel to Tasmania on one of our Premier Escorted Vacations. Choose Celtic Tours World Vacations for your next vacation to Tasmania

The Gathering, Ireland

The "Gathering" in Ireland is a Giant celebration of being everything Irish  and will run throughout 2013 and beyond.

The Irish people are inviting you and over 40 million people of Irish decent to come to Ireland and experience the festival's, theatre, sports, good food and meet people who could be long lost relatives.

You can organize your own family group and invite your friends to join you in a special tailored itinerary that will a lasting memory for you, your family and friends.

"Everyone is invited", so come along in 2013 or 2014 and enjoy this gathering of so many friends and family.

Consider this your official invitation and start planning now.

Celtic Tours World Vacations is more than pleased to work with you and your travel agent to bring you this dream vacation at an unbeatable price, whether you choose 3, 4 or 5 star Hotels or Castles, or opt to stay in BB guest homes.

Celtic Tours can tailor the itinerary to suit all needs, and you can bring the children to, we have special children's rates when sharing a room with parents on all private tailored tours.

So do not wait any longer, talk to your family and friends now and then contact your travel agent or Celtic Tours and we will advise you of experienced travel agents in your area who work with Celtic to assist you in planning your vacation.  Celtic Tours will provide you with all the tools and color flyers necessary to plan this vacation of a lifetime.

If you do not have enough people for a group departure, have no fear, Celtic Tours have a variety of scheduled weekly tours that you and your family and friends can join. Tours vary in length from 4 nights to 13 nights in Ireland.

Want to visit other countries while in Europe, Celtic Tours operate tours in Scotland, Wales, England, Italy, European River Cruises and many other European countries. Let us know the basic's of what you want to do and we will tailor your tour for you. Just want to do it on your own with a self drive, chauffeur drive, or golf tour. Let us know and we will assist you in planning your vacation. 

Kilkenny - Vibrant & Flourishing

Take a trip to Ireland’s top crafts county and have a few laughs while you’re at it!

A vibrant, flourishing city with a fascinating medieval history and a thriving crafts industry, Kilkenny is one of the  south east of Ireland’s most appealing places to visit.

With an 800-year-old Norman castle looking over the ancient streets, Kilkenny has transformed itself into a hip cosmopolitan destination with a diverse range of restaurants, lively pubs and bars.

The city also hosts one of the world’s top comedy festivals, The Cat Laughs Comedy Festivals, with acts from all over the globe offering excellent entertainment.

For a quieter pace of life, head out into the unspoiled surrounding countryside where you’ll be lulled into submission by the tranquil River Nore and beautiful forest parks.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Visit the Picturesque South of Ireland

Discover food as fresh as the air in the picturesque South of Ireland. Famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty, the South offers endless opportunities for exceptional landscapes and mouthwatering gourmet delights.

The picturesque South of Ireland is famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty. Encompassing the counties of Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, the South promises a wealth of variety whether you want to chow down on delectable local dishes, tee off on a lush coastal links or take some precious pampering time in a world-renowned spa.

The south is fast gaining a reputation as Ireland’s top gourmet spot. And with Farmers’ Markets  popping up all over the area, you should keep your eyes peeled for foods that have a well-deserved reputation for excellence, such as soda breads, smokehouse specialities, mouthwatering cheeses and an abundance of fresh fish and seafood!

Each county offers up its own special magic. For pure indulgence, Kerry boasts a wealth of incredible spas; Cork replenishes the body with a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants; while Waterford and Wexford are celebrated for their sun-warmed beaches and adorable coastal villages.

Inland lie the vibrant counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow with their ancient heritage, endless festivals, cracking pubs and peaceful riverways. Tipperary, in particular, rings out the land of the horse, as this is the soil where many of our racing thoroughbreds first found their feet!

Ridiculously easy to get to by air or sea, throughout the South, you’ll be thrilled with endless opportunities for sightseeing, exceptional landscapes, great shopping, and some real gourmet delights, of course!

Visit the picturesque south of Ireland with Celtic Tour World Vacations. Start planning your Irish vacation today!

Top 6 Most Surprising Movies Filmed in Ireland

Here are the top six most surprising movies filmed in Ireland.

1. Braveheart
Following this Mel Gibson Hollywood blockbuster the tourism industry of Scotland recorded a boost of over 100 percent. Little did the tourists know that most of the battle scenes were filmed in Ireland.

All scenes depicting London were shot at Bective Abbey, County Meath. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was filmed on the Curragh Plains, County Kildare and the scenes set in York were actually filmed at Trim Castle, County Meath.

2. Saving Private Ryan
The famous opening twenty minutes of “Saving Private Ryan”, which is set on D-Day on Omaha beach, were actually filmed in County Wexford.

Filming lasted for two months and took place on Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand. The Irish Defense Forces supplied 2,500 men to act as extras.

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
In this number six of the eight films there’s a dramatic scene when Harry Potter and Professor Dumbeldore are battling with evil. The camera swoops in towards some cliffs (the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare) and then we spot our two heroes standing on a rock (Lemon Rock, County Kerry).

4.The Princess Bride
This 1987 fairy tale tells the story of heroes whose goal is to rescue a beautiful princess, Buttercup. They are followed by a masked man in black across the sea and up the Cliffs of Insanity (again the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare).

This film is a childhood favorite of million with a star studded cast including Mandy Patinkin, Cary Elwes, Andre the Giant, Peter Cook, Billy Crystal and many others.

5.The Italian Job
In this 1969 classic, staring a very young Michael Caine, all of the jail scenes were actually filmed in Kilmainham Jail, in Dublin.

This is a hugely historically important location for Ireland. This is where many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the prison by the British and latterly in 1923 by the Irish Free State.

6. King Arthur
This 2004 incarnation of the legendary tale of King Arthur and round table was mostly filmed in Ireland. The movie starred Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Ray Winstone and Keira Knightley.

Britain’s beautiful old buildings and structures were in fact mostly filmed in Ardmore Studios, County Wicklow. What might have seemed to be Hadrian’s Wall was in fact Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare and the Luggala and Powerscourt Estates in County Wicklow were also used.

Visit these famous filming locations on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations