Ireland's Spookiest Places to Visit

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. From old castles to deserted prisons, discover the tall tales and eerie spaces of Ireland on your next Irish vacation. Be warned - these spooky places are not for the faint of heart (insert evil laugh):

Kilmainham Goal, Kilmainham, County Dublin: One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration.

St. Michan's Church, Dublin: Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl’s of Leitrim. A visit to the crypt to visit these mummies can be quite a chilling experience.

Charles Fort, Kinsale, County Cork: Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922. The fort is often visited by the "White Lady of Kinsale".

Grand Opera House, Belfast: This hauntingly beautiful opera house opened in Belfast in 1895. Mysterious figures can be seen through the theater. The most famous is a figure in a long, black hooded cloak that is always seen on the stage. The theater is open for performances. Why not take in a show at the spookiest opera house in Ireland?

Ross Castle, County Meath: Ross Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in all of Ireland and even Britain. Several legends and ghost stories are connected with this idyllic castle.

Leap Castle, County Offaly: Legend has Leap Castle haunted by a supernatural entity known as an Elemental. The alleged entity is known as "It".

Malahide Castle, County Dublin: Many castles in Ireland are said to have ghostly inhabitants, but Malahide Castle in Dublin has an impressive five specters that roam its grounds.

Charleville Castle, Tullamore: Located in County Offaly, in the Midlands of Ireland, and bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River, Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland's druids.

History & Mystery: Frankenstein's Castle, Germany

Steeped in literary and historical mystery, Frankenstein's Castle ruins slumber a mere 30 miles from Frankfurt city, Germany. On a clear day, one can spot Frankfurt looming in the distance. Travelers to Germany, will find the hilltop castle a nice place to watch the sunset, bring a bottle of wine and a small picnic. 

Frankenstein's Castle was erected sometime before 1250, though a castle has stood in its place since the 11th century. The castle was named by Lord Konrad II. Reiz von Breuberg who had erected the castle. He named himself "von und zu Frankenstein" and was founder of the free imperial lordship Frankenstein, which stretched within Nieder-Beerbach, Darmstadt, Ockstadt, Wetterau and Hesse.

Modern claims of the castle having an influence on the work of Mary Shelley remain controversial. They are linked to the famous German theologian, alchemist and physician, Johann Conrad Dippel, who was born in the castle in 1673. Dippel was known for his theories on soul transference between cadavers. There are claims that during his stay at Castle Frankenstein, he practiced alchemy and anatomy.

Dippel died in 1734. Mary Shelley was born in 1797 in England and her gothic novel, Frankenstein was published in 1818. Though she would have never met Dippel and the are no direct links between Mary Shelley and Frankenstein Castle; it is difficult to believe that Dippel and Frankenstein Castle were not the influence for the novel of the same name.



Drawing from the mystery connection between Frankenstein Castle and Mary Shelley's novel, travelers to Germany must visit the castle during the Halloween season for one of the scariest and spookiest haunted houses in the world.

Whether you are interested in history or mystery, do visit Frankenstein's Castle on your next vacation to Germany. Travel to Germany with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Hotel Spotlight: Galway Bay Hotel Salthill

Galway Bay Hotel Salthill

The Promenade : Salthill, Co. Galway : IRELAND

Enjoy stunning sea views over Galway Bay and the Clare Hills at the Galway Bay Hotel; an award winning 4 star hotel considered to be one of the top hotels in Galway. Our family-owned Galway Hotel caters for everyone with unrivalled attention to detail and a reputation for excellence. Whether you are visiting Galway for a family break or a romantic break for two, or even planning a wedding, conference or event, the management and staff at Galway Bay Hotel will ensure your stay is one to remember.

Conveniently nestled along Salthill’s famous promenade, our luxury hotel in Galway is only a 5 minute drive from Galway City, while at the same time allowing for great ease of access for exploring Connemara and the Aran Islands. It’s also the perfect location for your holiday in Ireland with a vast range of local activities to suit everyone.

From the moment you step into the warm and welcoming foyer of one of the very best hotels in Salthill, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the unrivalled views from our sun-filled conservatory. Our luxurious hotel accommodation in Galway, gourmet award winning cuisine and friendly welcoming staff, combine to ensure your stay with us at our Galway hotel will be a memorable one. Experience the comfort and pleasure of one of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland has to offer! Learn more about this Ireland Hotel.

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Dip Your Way Through Switzerland

Fondue, a meal to be eaten by friends, is a Swiss, French, and Italian dish of melted cheese served in a communal pot (caquelon) over a portable stove (réchaud), and eaten by dipping long-stemmed forks with bread into the cheese. Gastronomic tourism is HOT in Switzerland and fondue is just the tip of the fork. Dip your way through Zurich with these gastronomic fondue experiences:

Fonduetram Zurich: Enjoy a Swiss Cheese Fondue on a round trip with a Zurich Tram.

Channe Valaisanne: The Restaurant Walliser Kanne opened its doors in 1939 and has been the "Grande Dame" of traditional Swiss cuisine in Zurich for almost 75 years.

Chasstube Rehalp: At the “Chässtube Rehalp” chalet restaurant, fondue is celebrated in all its wonderful variations

Eden im Eden au Lac: Chef Sebastian Diegmann welcomes his guests to Gourmet Restaurant Eden in an elegant, spaciously designed ambiance and treats you to dishes prepared with great attention to detail and a Mediterranean flair. The menu is accompanied by a diverse palette of European wines.

Fondue Chalet: A warm and welcoming retreat for those cold, grey days! The Fondue Chalet at Kalanderplatz will spoil you with a delicious "Glacier Fondue" in different variations and served with carefully selected wines. You will always feel at home at the Fondue Chalet – whether for a romantic candlelight dinner, birthday celebration, business meal or simply a cozy evening with friends.

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Top Sites to See in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich offers so many sights to see. A relaxed stroll through the city reveals something amazing at every corner: architectural highlights, historic squares, streets and districts, churches, works of art and much more. Here are just a few of the amazing things to see and do in Zurich:

Grossmunster: The Grossmunster ("great minster") is a Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zurich, Switzerland.

Blindekuh:  Enjoy the pleasures of the palate in complete darkness. Allow yourself to be led by senses other than sight. Trust your nose, your mouth, your ears and your hands. You'll be amazed. Who said we eat with our eyes? This is the world of our blind and partially-sighted service team, who are on hand to guide you through this sensuous adventure.

Zurich Botanical Garden: Tropical rainforest? Scents of the Mediterranean? Primeval forest with tree ferns? Blooming Alpine roses? The travel agency that will transport you to these holiday destinations goes by the name of the University of Zurich Botanical Gardens. Risk and travels costs are low, and the guides speak your language! As in all new worlds, you will appreciate and enjoy this experience to the full by focusing all your senses on the stimuli around you.

Zurich Reitberg Museum: The Rietberg Museum in Zurich is the only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland. It possesses an internationally renowned collection of works from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania.

Zurich Toy Museum: This collection of European playthings from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century is found in one of the oldest corners of Zurich. Toys that mirror in miniature the life of the respective eras: Trains and steam engines bear witness to the technical revolution, dolls and their costumes illustrate fashion trends, doll houses show the domestic life of earlier generations. Pewter figures, antique games, wooden toys, children's books, stoves - everything that belongs to the theme of toys is found in this museum

Swiss National Museum: High quality objects from renowned museums reflect the symbolism of real and mythical creatures in European cultural history from antiquity up to the modern ages. The serpent and the Fall of Man, Saint George and the dragon, Samson and the lion, the sirens with their seductive singing – animals and mythical creatures assume human strengths and weaknesses in myths and legends. They embody courage, power and fertility, seduce with conviction and represent cunning and guile. Eagles, lions, horses, deer, fish, snakes and their transformation into mythical creatures such as dragons, griffins, sphinxes, centaurs, unicorns and sirens form the focal point and invite the observer on a voyage of discovery of myths often originating in antiquity.

Zurich Opera House: The Zurich Opera House is considered one of the best venues in the world for opera. In more than 270 performances per season, such international singing stars as Anna Netrebko, Cecilia Bartoli or Jonas Kaufmann and many others can be experienced live at the Zurich Opera House.

Beyer Museum of Time: The museum contains chronological instruments dating from 1400 BC right up to the present day - shadow sticks, sundials, oil clocks, hourglasses, water clocks, grandfather clocks, table clocks, pocket watches, wristwatches, and scientific and navigation chronometers. The collection is arranged chronologically and currently ends with two cutting-edge quartz instruments, both from Patek Philippe - a central quartz clock that is accurate to within a thousandth of a second a day, and a quartz watch that checks the time once every second via a wireless connection to the atomic clock in Neuchâtel and is accurate to within a millionth of a second!Travel to Switzerland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Highland Explorer - Escorted Tour

Enjoy...

Two independent days in Edinburgh (pre/post) with 5 days to explore some of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the Highlands and the romantic Isle of Skye. Five days of Scotland's breathtaking best, including the dramatic mountain scenery of Assynt. Experience the remote white sandy beaches of the Northern Highlands, walk through the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorm National Park and soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Stay 2 nights in the fishing village of Ullapool* and 2 nights in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye. (*some tours may stay in Inverness instead of Ullapool)

Your Tour Highlights:

• Cairngorm National Park
• Loch Ness
• Ullapool and Assynt
• Applecross & Torridon
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glencoe
• Five Sisters of Kintail

Your Tour Includes:

• 6-nights accommodations (2 nts in Edinburgh, 2 nts Ullapool/Inverness and 2nts  in Portree)
• Breakfast daily (except for morning of arrival)
• Arrival and departure transfers in Edinburgh
• 5-days of custom touring
• All service charges and hotel taxes
• Note: tip to your driver/guide when touring is not included.

 

A Fantastic Tour - from $1289 per person sharing twin

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Top 10 Royal Attractions in England

Royal history exists basically everywhere in England. From regal robes and crown jewels to sumptuous state apartments and ceremonial carriages, here's where to go in England for an insight into British royalty throughout the ages.

1. Buckingham Palace
One of Britain's most recognizable landmarks, Buckingham Palace is the office and official residence of the Queen. Every August and September, the Queen opens her home to visitors, giving you the chance to tour the lavish State Rooms and Garden, and see some of the great treasures from the Royal collection along the way!

2. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is one of the most intriguing of the Historic Royal Palaces. Discover stories from Queen Victoria's life in the Victoria Revealed exhibition; master courtly games in the King's State Apartments; glimpse a modern Princess in an exhibition of Diana's dresses; and uncover the secrets of a fragile dynasty in the Queen's State Apartments.

3. Windsor Castle
Not only is Windsor Castle the Queen's favorite residence, it's also the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Don't miss the magnificent State Apartments; St. George's Chapel (the burial group of 10 monarchs), the Drawings Gallery with its changing exhibitions, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House - the most famous dolls' house in the world.

4. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is steeped in over 1000 years of history, and has been the setting for the Coronation of every English monarch from 1066. It has also seen `6 royal weddings.

5. Sandringham House & Estate
Sandringham House in Norfolk is one of the Queen's favorite houses and where she chooses to spend Christmas with her family. Since 1862, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of monarchs and was once described as "The most comfortable house in England".

6. Hampton Court Palace
The magnificent Hampton Court Palace in Richmond, London was Henry VII's favorite royal residence. Step back in time for a taste of Tudor life in Henry VII's kitchens; lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court Maze; attend a service at the beautiful Chapel Royal and explore the Hampton Court gardens - internationally renowned for being amongst the most beautiful gardens in the world.

7. The Tower of London
One of the world's most famous fortresses, the Tower of London has seen service as a royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo. Today its a World Heritage Site, where you'll be dazzled by the Crown Jewels; hear tales from the Tower on a Yeoman Warder tour; stand in the spot where Henry VII's wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed and discover 500 years of spectacular royal armour in the Fit for a King exhibition.

8. Royal Mews
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is a working stable, and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, as well as the cars used for state occasions. The most dazzling of all the coaches on display is the Gold State Coach, used as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

9. Household Calvary Museum
You've seen Changing of the Guard, now look behind the scenes at the work that goes into the ceremonial duties and operational roles of the Household Cavalry. Watch troopers working with their horses in the original 18th-century stables and browse a collection representing more than 300 years of military history.

10. Kew Palace
Located in the lush botanical gardens, Kew Palace was the residence of George II's daughters, then family home of George III. Inside the most intimate of the royal palaces, everything is just as it was during George's reign; the riot of colour in the authentically re-created rooms give you a real feel for the life of this royal family.

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Croke Park Classic

 

Croke Park Classic 

Penn State vs Central Florida
Football Match at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland

Game Day: August 30, 2014

Travel to Ireland to watch the Croke Park Classic for a trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Spotlight: McWilliam Park Hotel

McWilliam Park Hotel

Knock Rd : Claremorris, Co. Mayo : IRELAND

The McWilliam Park Hotel is only 10 minutes from Knock Shrine and 20 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock.

This Hotel has a quiet country charm and its close proximity to rivers and lakes makes it an ideal Fishing Destination.

The McWilliam Park Hotel is a leading Venue both in the domestic & International Market for Leisure Breaks, Golfing Holidays, Equestrian Activities, Hill Walking and Weddings. Co Mayo is a Surfers paradise and we are just 25 minutes from Enniscrone. Learn more about this Ireland Hotel

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Experience Zurich

As a lifestyle capital on the water, Zurich offers the unique mix of discovery, pleasure, nature and culture. The finest culinary highlights, unlimited shopping pleasure, over 50 museums and more than 100 galleries, Switzerland’s liveliest nightlife, numerous events and countless green oases in the center of the city tempt guests to linger and enjoy. Travel to Switzerland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Ireland & Scotland - Escorted Tour

Ireland & Scotland Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

We've combined two of our best tours to Ireland and Scotland to bring you the best of both countries. In Ireland, a great tour at a great price. A new and updated itinerary gives you a more relaxing itinerary (2 consecutive overnights in Sligo, Galway, Killarney and Dublin) with more historic and scenic tours. In Scotland, enjoy two independent nights in Edinbrugh, three days of touring and 2 nights on the Isle of Skye.

Your Tour Highlights:

• 18 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
• Top Sights - with visits to Sligo, Achill Island, Galway, Connemara, Killarney and Dublin
• In Scotland see Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness and Isle of Skye
• New and Updated Itinerary
• Guaranteed Departures - visit www.celtictours.com for guaranteed dates
• Top Hotels & Entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Your tours include:

IRELAND PORTION:

• Excellent Hotels - with First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Six hotel dinners
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones
• Visits include Whitefriar Church, Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Marble and Galway Crystal
• Scenic touring of Ben Bulben Mountain and it's legends, Lough Gill and the Isle of Innishfree, O'Dowd's Castle, Curraun Peninsula, Achill Island, Dingle Peninsula and Dublin City Tour
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
• Portfolio of travel documents

SCOTLAND PORTION

• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Two nights (day 10 and day 13) pre- booked in Edinburgh. (Based on Holiday Inn Express or Ten Hill Place, based on availability and subject to change. Other hotels may incur supplements)
• Two nights accommodations at your choice of B&B or Hotel on Isle of Skye
• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival
• Services of professional driver/guide
• Touring per your itinerary
• All ferry crossings
• Local taxes
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal
• Excludes lunches, dinners and visitor attractions

HOTELS or similar

IN IRELAND

Sligo: Clarion Hotel / Glass House Hotel 2 Nts
Galway: Galway Bay Hotel 2 Nts
Killarney: Killarney Towers / Castlerosse 2 Nts Dublin: Maldron Hotel 2 Nt

IN SCOTLAND Edinburgh: Based on Holiday Inn Express or Ten Hill Place (other hotels may incur a supplement. In Portree: Balloch Guest House or Pink Guest House (will be determined by tour choice of B&B or Hotel)


Travel to Ireland & Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Forster Court Hotel

Forster Court Hotel 

Forster St. : Galway, Co. Galway : IRELAND

The Forster Court Hotel is a boutique-style in the heart of Galway city right next to the train and bus stations and a minute’s walk from Eyre Square and Galway’s vibrant shopping district. Learn more about this Galway Hotel.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Top 12 Activities Along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles alond Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

With so much to see and do along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, its hard to decide! Here are the top 12 activities to experience along the way!


Angling: cast your line in the Atlantic swell, feel the salty surge beneath your feet, hook your catch, sail for deserted shores, cook your feast.

Water Activities: Experience the mighty swell of the Atlantic with a plethora of spine-tingling water activities ranging from surfing to windsurfing and kiteboarding or scuba dive in crystal clean waters to check out the abundant sea life.

Cafes: Meander into warm cosy cafes dotted like pots of jam along the western seaboard; recharge with organic cheeses, artisan breads and charcuterie, wolfed down with tea or Fairtrade coffee from across the ocean.

Christian and Spiritual Ireland: discover the uplifting beauty of this wild, rugged and sometimes penitential landscape peppered with monastic settlements; pilgrim walks and churches; learn why St. Patrick came, converted and stayed.

Cycling: freewheel along the edge of Europe where few cars go. Meander along country lanes, skirt jagged cliffs, croppy outposts of rocks and sparkling beaches; cool off in forest glades. Stop only to rest awhile amidst the salt filled Atlantic air.

Equestrian: if John Wayne could do it so can you! Ireland... the Land of the Horse caters for leisurely hackers, cross country show jumpers as well as those who simply want to ride high in the hills above the Atlantic waves.

Nature and Wildlife: Experience a myriad of colors all in one day; smell the salty Atlantic landscape after sun and rain; discover flowers amidst the crevices of the limestone plateaux; spot a Golden Eagle along the North Western seaboard; hoops of dolphins off Loop Head or the black hump of a whale in West Cork.

Pubs and Bars: at the end of the day or even if you're halfway through its nice to stroll in and sample a craft beer or the local brew; have a chat with locals; perhaps listen to a tin whistle or two.

Walking Trails: so many paths to take; through landscapes of velvet green hills; dappled forests meeting shy fawns; crossing silver streams and pristine beaches pounded white by the swell of the Atlantic.

Tracing Your Ancestry: Reconnect with your past to discover new places of old.

Golf: Perfect that swing on magnificent parklands and links courses rated amongst the Top 10 courses in the world!

Restaurants: The day is done, hunger succumbs, step into a unique array of contemporary or traditional eateries; sample seafood caught that day or hand-reared beef, smokey back and organic vegetables from local farmers or artisan cheese boards.

Try one of these top activities on your next vacation to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Kees Hotel & Leisure Club

Kees Hotel & Leisure Club 

Stranorlar : Ballybofey, Co. Donegal : IRELAND 

This historic hotel has been in our family since 1892, plenty of time to develop the tradition of hospitality and good service evident in every aspect of your visit to Donegal. We have grown and developed Kee's Hotel to meet the changing needs of the local community in Donegal and visitors from further afield. Now, in its fourth generation, the Kee family continues the day-to-day running of the hotel and looks forward to welcoming new guests and old friends.

Learn more about this Ireland Hotel. Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Take a Boat Trip - Experiences to Savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles along Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

Here is just one of the experiences to savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way:

Take a boat trip round historic Kinsale's natural harbour: This will bring you past the famous headland Old Head, and out to where the transatlantic Lusitania was sunk by a German u-boat in 1915...a seismic event that brought the US into WW1. Onboard the Spirit of Kinsale, there's freshly brewed coffee, blankets to keep you warm and best of all -stories that will stay will you from skipper and historian Jerome Lordan.

Travel to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Dunadry Hotel and Country Club

Dunadry Hotel and Country Club 

2 Islandreagh Drive : Dunadry, Co. Antrim BT41 2HA : IRELAND

A grand and homey place is a true rarity, and Dunadry Hotel is unlike any other. A four-star hotel built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills, The Dunadry Hotel is rich with stories of times past.

Guest Rooms: The Dunadry Hotel has 83 bedrooms, each luxuriously appointed with en-suite facilities, offering guests the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

Location: The perfect location…only minutes from Belfast International Airport and convenient to Junction One Outlet Village. Belfast city centre and IKEA are only 20 minutes away and the Antrim Coast and Giants Causeway are only an hour away.

Restaurants: The Mill Race Bistro offers relaxed and informal dining in a modern upbeat restaurant incorporating many contemporary trends in cooking. Guests visiting the hotel over a weekend may sample the fine dining experience of The Linen Mill Restaurant. A traditional award winning restaurant overlooking the river, where guests can relax with the most delicious courses accompanied with the finest selection of wines. In addition to that, a sumptous and delicious Carvery lunch is available Monday to Friday at the Dunadry, offering a fantastic choice of salads, cooked dishes, roast meats as well as vegetarian dishes.

Learn more about this Dunadry Hotel. Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Maldron Cardiff Lane

Maldron Cardiff Lane

Cardiff Lane, Sir John Rogerson's Quay : Dublin 2, Co. Dublin
Located off the south banks of the River Liffey, close to the heart of Dublin city and in the centre of one of the most exciting re-development projects ever undertaken in Ireland, Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane is a seven story, contemporary landmark building off Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in the Dublin Docklands, a stone’s throw from the city center. Learn more about this hotel in Dublin


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Hotel Spotlight: Ballsbridge Hotel

Ballsbridge Hotel

Pembroke Rd, Ballsbridge : Dublin 4, Co. Dublin : IRELAND

Located just minutes from Dublin city centre, Ballsbridge Hotel is a stylish and inviting Dublin hotel renowned for traditional Irish hospitality and quality service.

The hotel is near Aviva Stadium and the RDS, and just a short stroll to the O2 Arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre. The Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery are also easily accessible from the hotel as is the beautiful Dublin coastline.

Guest Rooms: Ballsbridge Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Dublin. The hotel offers 392 classic guest rooms providing our guests with outstanding comfort and convenience for a Dublin City break. Ballsbridge Hotel offers an ideal place to enjoy a romantic stay for two or an active weekend in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. The excellent location of this Dublin City hotel also makes the perfect base while attending one of Dublin’s next big matches, shows or concerts.
Location: Ballsbridge Hotel is located in one of Dublin’s most prestigious post codes, Dublin 4, and yet is still only a few minute's walk from Dublin city centre. For hotels near Aviva Stadium, home to Ireland’s Soccer and Rugby International sides, look no further than Ballsbridge Hotel, as we are located right beside the stadium and The RDS, a venue that boasts some of Ireland’s top events and exhibitions is located minutes from the hotel.
Restaurants: Ballsbridge Hotel offers a host of dining experiences for you to enjoy during your stay. The Dubliner Pub, provides old world charm with leather couches and plush furnishings, and is the perfect location for an informal meal or a great spot to watch the match. Raglans Restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience combining fresh seasonal ingredients to create a selection of sumptuous Irish and Mediterranean dishes. Learn more about this Dublin Hotel. Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Historic Rudesheim am Rhine - a Germany must!

Lying at the foot of the Neiderwald, on the approach of the Lorelei, on the banks of the Rhine; a stop or overnight in Rudesheim is a must for any travelers to the Rhine area of Germany. Though a year-round tourist destination, Rudesheim maintains it's quaint and quintessential German feeling. Stroll along quaint cobble stoned Drosselgasse, discover the town's nook and cranny's and stop for a gelato overlooking the beautiful Rhine River. The feeling of Rudesheim is relaxing. Visit and relax.

Must Do's:

Georg Bruer: Sample local wine and champagne at Georg Bruer. The Bruer family cultivates over 33 hectacres of vineyards in Rudesheim and the surrounding areas. We recommend this to be your first stop in Rudesheim.

Middle Ages Torture Museum: Come and view the instruments used for torture in the middle ages. Learn about the methods of torture, witches, funeral piles, witch-hunts, witchcraft, the Inquisition, and the Medieval punishments.

Shopping: You will find a host of German craft shops in Rudesheim. You can be assured to find souvenirs of your time in Germany.

Cruise on the Rhine: If the weather is fine, there is nothing better than to take a cruise on the Rhine. You will see green mountainsides dotted with castle ruins along the entire Rhine.

Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett: Music-lovers and history buffs will delight in the collection at this wonderful museum. Visitors will find phonographs, music boxes, player pianos and more.

Niederwald Monument: This majestic statue, over 30 feet tall, sits atop Rüdesheim's National Monument. The ride up and the view is amazing!

Rheingau Wine Museum Broemserburg Castle: This medieval castle now serves as a museum of wine and local history.

Stroll the Drosselgasse: Less than 500 feet long, Drosselgasse is a narrow, pub-lined lane, which is abuzz with music and merrymaking from noon until well past midnight every day from Easter through October.

Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard: A very lovely abbey with nuns living here and running it. There is also a shop were you can buy things what are made here. The views you have from here are stunning.

Dinner at the Rudesheimer Schloss: Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss's restaurant serves food from the Hesse region. A variety of wines from the hotel's own winery can be tasted and purchased. In the summer, you are lucky to eat in the courtyard famous for it's glockenspiel. Live music plays daily. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere is amazing!

Rudesheim am Rhine is a must for any travelers to Germany, especially if you are visiting the Rhine region. It is an easy day trip from Frankfurt. But, Rudesheim is also a great base for exploring the Rhine region. We recommend staying at Bruer's Rudesheimer Schloss. The atmosphere is amazing!

Travel to Germany with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Feel the Force of the Wild Atlantic - Experiences to Savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles along Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

Here is just one of the experiences to savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way:

Feel the full force of the wild Atlantic at Ireland's most south-westerly point: the tip of West Cork's Mizen Head Peninsula offers a short, exhilarating walk from the Maritime Museum on the clifftop down 99 steps and across the suspension bridge to the Signal Station, perched on a rocky crag above foaming seas where south and west-coast currents collide with mid-Atlantic swells before they crash against the shore.

Travel to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Croke Park Classic - The Game

Croke Park Classic- The Game

Next August, thousands of college football fans will travel to Ireland to kick off the 2014 college football season. Penn State and UCF will face off in Croke Park, Dublin on Saturday, August 30, 2014.

The Croke Park Classic will be played in front of 69,000 football fans from throughout Ireland and the US. The Croke Park Classic will be the eighth American football game played in Ireland and Penn State is the first Big Ten school to play internationally since Michigan State and Wisconsin met in Tokyo in 1993. The last american college football game to be played at Croke Park was when Notre Dame faced off against Navy in 1996.

Check out our Croke Park Classic travel packages to watch this soon to be famous game in person.

Discover the History - Experiences to Savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles along Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

Here is just one of the experiences to savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way:

Discover the history of hard lives lived on the Atlantic's Edge: by visiting the Coppoer Mining Museum and following the waymarked walking trail around the tiny village of Allihies, right on the edge of the Beara Peninsula. It's hard to believe that 1500 people lived in this remote and tranquil spot in the mid 19th century, when copper mining was at its peak. The Museum - housed in a chapel built by Cornish miners in 1845 - has a cafe with delicious home bakes, and stunning views along the rugged coast.

Travel to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Croke Park, Dublin

Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. Dubliner’s commonly refer to it as “Croker”. Croke Park is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Since 1884, the site has been primarily used by the GAA to host Gaelic games (such as the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and Senior Hurling Championship) and music concerts by major international acts. The stadium also hosted the famed 1996 Notre Dame vs Navy college football game and is the proposed setting for the 2014 Croke Park Classic. With its capacity to seat 82,300 people, it is the third largest stadium in Europe.

The Croke Park Stadium Tour offers an indepth look at the history of this modern sporting arena. Stadium tours take place on a daily basis throughout the year. Please note that while they are working on introducing a match day tour, currently the Stadium Tour is not offered on match days.

Visitors may also want to visit the GAA Museum at Croke Park. The GAA Museum was established to recognise and celebrate the GAA’s enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life. The museum details the history of the GAA at home and abroad through its’ vast collection of artifacts such as hurleys, jerseys, trophies, programs, etc.

Located in the midst of everything Dublin, Croke Park is a short 15 minute walk from the main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.

Travel to Ireland to see the Croke Park Classic

Croke Park Classic - Penn State vs UCF

Croke Park Classic

UCF and Penn State, in conjunction with the Gaelic Athletic Association, will travel across the Atlantic Ocean to open the 2014 football season. The Croke Park Classic is scheduled for August 30, 2014 in Dublin Ireland.

Travel to Ireland to see the Croke Park Classic

Discover a Dreamworld - Experiences to Savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles along Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

Here is just one of the experiences to savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way:

Learn of a 'dreamworld' on an Atlantic crag: Boat trips to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Skellig Michael are only possible when the weather is fine. And numbers are limited to safeguard this remarkable place. But you can still get a sense of the stunning achievement of the early Christians who built their hermitage on this jagged ocean crag. 1500 years ago - described by George Bernard Shaw as "part of our dreamworld" - from the film they show at the Skellig Experience Visitor Center on Valentia Island. Then it's a short drive or a walk up to the top of nearby Geokaun Mountain, whose gentle owner Muiris O'Donoghue will show you panoramic views of the Skelligs themselves, and tell you stories from the edge of the world.

Travel to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

York Minster

Experience one of the top visitor attractions in York with a trip to York Minster. York Minster is one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals, with foundations rooted in England's earliest history. Regularly voted one of the most popular things to do in York, the Minster is not only an architecturally stunning building but is a place to discover the history of York over the centuries, its artifacts and treasures.

Dating back to medieval times, this splendid Church of England cathedral features magnificent 14th- and 15th-century stained glass, stonework and elaborate tombs. A church has stood in the footprints of York Minster since 627, and has been rebuilt several times. The Gothic style of York Minster dates back to 1220.

The historic collections range from libraries and historic records to their prodigious artifacts collection. Whether still in use or kept as a treasure, the Artifacts Collection is a rich time capsule of York Minster’s history.  The objects have hundreds of stories to tell through their use and history.  They also hint at the lives of the people who owned, used and often designed them. Visitors to York Minster will discover treasures, silver, textiles, furnishings, archaeological findings and monuments.

From the world's greatest treasures to the smallest curiosities, York Minster is one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals, with foundations rooted in the nation's earliest history. Explore a masterpiece in stained glass and stone, its vast spaces alive with the sanctity and tradition of worship and heavenly music. Visit York Minster on your vacation to England with Celtic Tours World Vacations