• Home
  • Contact
  • About
  • Travel Bucket Lists

Seek Your Trip

Travel bucket lists and other ideas for adventures of a lifetime

  • Seek Your Trip
  • Travel
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • North America
    • Central America
    • South America
  • Business
    • Auto
    • Tech
    • Industrial
  • Fashion
  • Education
  • Health & Fitness
    • Love
  • DIY/Home
  • Sports

October 3, 2018 by Arlene

Why Every Person with Irish Ancestry Must Visit Ireland at Least Once in Their Lifetime

Although the entire world celebrates St Patrick’s Day, few really appreciate the culture and tradition that sets Ireland apart from the rest of the world, and that would include the rest of the UK as well! Any person with Irish ancestry will tell you they grew up amidst stories of Irish ancestors and many of the traditions, and a good body of folklore has been passed down generation after generation. No matter how small a portion of your ancestry is Irish, the first time you set foot on the Emerald Isle, you’ll understand why it was so important for your family to pass down generations of family history.

Royalty Free Photo

A Far Richer History Than You’ve Been Led to Believe

One of the things you learn on tours like those offered by Go Irish Tours is that this country has a far richer history than many people are aware of. You don’t need to be of Irish ancestry to appreciate the many awesome prehistoric sites such as Mount Sandel in the north or the largest neolithic site anywhere on earth. What about the oldest Christian monasteries in all of the UK? These are often highly ornate and tell the story of people who gave their all to church and state – which at the time were one. Check out the Askeaton Franciscan Friary, known to be the most beautiful of the complete monasteries standing today.

A Chance to Hear Native Speakers of One of the World’s Oldest Languages

Then there is the Gaelic language which is known to be one of the ten oldest languages on earth. Although you would need to search for communities still speaking the native Gaeltacht (native Irish language), they are there, even if hidden away in tiny villages. Even so, you will hear bits and pieces of the ancient languages still spoken today, just don’t expect to hear it spoken fluently unless you find one of these remote communities.

A Better Understanding of These Amazingly Proud and Friendly People

While most of the world believes that the division between the north and the south is a war between Catholicism and Protestantism, it isn’t exactly the case. Yes, religion does tend to have some important part of the divisiveness but more importantly was the rebellion against British rule. The rebellions led to an enormous loss of human life and this is perhaps the reason why so many clans are still warring to this day. When you’ve grown hearing stories of grandparents and great-grandparents lost in the rebellions, it’s hard not to be affected. However, that being said, it is important to get the real background of the people before living solely off the stories handed down which may have been amplified and edited over the years.

No matter how much Irish blood still runs through those veins of yours, a trip to the Emerald Isle is one you will never regret. With some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and a place where everything is still vibrant green, how can you go wrong? Enjoy a pint or two, spin a tale with the locals and get acquainted with your past, no matter how distant it may

Filed Under: Europe, Ireland Tagged With: destinations, Europe, Ireland, travel

December 23, 2015 by Arlene

Top 5 Dublin Destinations

guinness-storehouse

As the capital of Ireland there’s always a whole lot going on in Dublin, enough that it gets pretty hard to decide exactly what you’re going to do during your stay in the city. I’ve visited Dublin enough to put together a real picture of its must see attractions from iconic areas to more modern places, so I hope you’ll be able to experience the best Dublin has to offer when you visit.

From the start, I’d recommend not staying right in the centre of Dublin – the city’s very easy to get around whether you’re walking, taking a bus or using a tram. While you’ll get a bit of convenience, it’s rarely worth the extra cost and noise. I usually stay at the Dublin Hotel Travelodge Rathmines when I’m being budget-conscious: it’s just over a mile from the city centre and has some pretty good prices. There are plenty of hotels all around the city though, so you’ll be able to find something which perfectly suits you.

While I’ve put together a personal top 5 here, there’s a whole lot more to see around the city. I’ve always been able to find something new to do when I visit, even after a fair few years. With no further ado, my top 5 Dublin sights:

Top 5 Dublin Destinations

1: Guinness Storehouse

Maybe a bit stereotypical, but definitely a great time, the Guinness Storehouse brings visitors to Dublin through the history and creation of what’s commonly known as ‘Ireland’s favourite export’. The storehouse combines historic interest with a really modern tourist experience, and the complementary drink you get at the end of a tour just makes it even better.

2: The Science Gallery

The name might make it sound a bit childish, but Dublin’s Science Gallery is anything but. It’s a real combination of science and art, with regularly running exhibitions taking you through some of the latest creations from scientist-artists. If that’s a bit hard to get, just check out their website and you’ll understand exactly what the Gallery’s about.

3: Irish Museum of Modern Art

Before heading to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, I really recommend that you take some time to check what’s on. The museum varies hugely depending on when you visit, with pretty much everything based around a series of exhibitions. It always hosts some great shows from famous artists, but given how varied modern art can be, you’ll have a completely different experience every time you visit.

4: The National Museums

A perfect choice for anyone looking to save money while exploring the historical and cultural side of Dublin, the 3 National Museums placed round the city each offer a totally different look at Ireland. A Natural History Museum shows off animals from home and abroad, the Archaeology Museum takes a look at human creations while the Decorative Arts Museum zooms in to look at different parts of everyday life for Dubliners over the centuries.

5: Chester Beatty Library

I might be cheating a bit with a second museum, but the Chester Beatty Library is really worth a visit for anyone interested in international culture. With a host of exhibits ranging from East Asian art to Middle Eastern calligraphy and African design, the Library collects some truly unique artefacts from across the world. It’s a real spectacular for anyone fancying a getaway from Irish history itself.

Filed Under: Ireland

October 28, 2013 by author

Must See Places in Londonderry, Ireland

Londonderry, or Derry as is it referred to by most Irish and other people familiar with the locale, is one of the most famous cities not only in northern Ireland but in the whole country as well. Recently, it has received various awards that hail it as one of the best cities to visit this 2013, making it one of the most sought after spots for an Ireland vacation.

Derry is known for its many beautiful tourist attractions which are basically reflections of the place’s rich culture and heritage. Some of the must see sights in Londonderry include the following:

St. Columb’s Cathedral

St. Columb’s Cathedral was built around the 1600s and is one of the many architectural beauties of Londonderry. Much of the cathedral’s original structures are still in place such as the main building and the tower, but there have been renovations and additions that enhanced the appeal of the cathedral. Its stained glass windows and the old pillars are clear signs of the craftsmanship that weit nt into building the cathedral. Aside from the cathedral itself, other things like the regimental flags and the collection of historical items as well as the oldest set of peal of eight bells make up the other reasons why may people flock to this place.

The Guildhall

This building is one fine example of neo-gothic style and the use of red sandstone and tudor overtones in design and construction. Located at the city centre, it is pretty close to another famous structure in Derry – the City Walls. Recent improvements have made the building more appealing to tourist, like the addition of the and interactive tourist point, cultural space and exhibits.

The Craft Village

The Craft Village is one of the many places in Derry, Ireland that shouldn’t be missed. Here you’ll find different shops and stalls that demonstrate the various crafts and items that make Derry and Ireland popular. And no, if you’re thinking that this is just like any other bazaar that you’ve been to, then you’d be wrong. The whole place is not just a street lined with shops, but rather a whole village modelled after the 18th and 19th century looks of Derry, complete with cobbled paths and brick houses.

Riverwatch

This aquarium is one of the newest additions to the various tourist attractions of Derry, Ireland. Here you can find tanks and aquariums that hold some of the local marine life in the area – both fresh water and salt water wildlife like coalfish and blenney’s. You’ll be amazed at the wide collection o f fish and shellfish that thrive in the area.

Derry, Ireland is one of those places which are slowly starting to mark itself as one the best choices for Ireland tours. Its architectural wonders and lovely culture will surely be one of their strongest assets in attracting more tourists not only this year but in the future as well.

…

Photo by nicokaiser on Flickr

Filed Under: Europe, Ireland, Travel Tagged With: Craft Village, Derry, Europe, Ireland, Irish, Londonberry, St. Columb's Cathedral

October 12, 2013 by Arlene

4 Cultural Events to Attend in Dublin This Autumn

The splendid city of Dublin is celebrated worldwide for its exciting cultural events that run throughout the year. This autumn/winter is no exception as visitors will be able to attend and enjoy a whole host of traditional Irish festivities. With this in mind, here is my top pick of cultural events to be held in Dublin this up-coming season, so book your flight and reserve a hotel in Dublin on Venere.com, and visit one or more of these fun cultural events listed below.

1. Temple Bar TradFest 2014

This wonderful festival celebrates the best of Irish music and culture over a period of five days and five nights. The Temple Bar TradFest is now in its ninth year and this year’s line-up featuring over two-hundred free events is set to be the best yet. This festival has something for all ages and even includes a family programme to enable everybody to get involved in traditional Irish culture. Throughout the festivities, held from the 22nd to the 26th of January, music and art will be brought in full force to the streets of Temple Bar making this an unmissable event for all!

2. Dublin Docklands’ Christmas Festival

This magical Christmas market is returning to George’s Dock for the ninth consecutive year. Visitors will be able to revel in a little festive cheer as they explore the unforgettable Victorian Carnival, the artisan food and craft market and Santa’s splendid grotto. Dublin’s Christmas Festival will be in full swing from the 12th of December until the 23rd of the month making this a fantastic event for everybody looking to get into the festive spirit.

3. Dublin Beatles Festival 2013

This music festival is set to be Dublin’s newest and most exciting of the year. Celebrations will begin on the 7th of November and draw to a close on the 12th of the month. The festival will mark the 50th anniversary of the only Beatles performance ever held in the Irish capital. Over twenty Irish and international groups will be taking to the stage to play homage to the iconic rock group. The festival will also feature memorabilia fairs, art exhibitions, fashion shows and street art displays.

4. Dublin Book Festival 2013

This vibrant and informative festival is now coming into its eighth year and has always proved to be a great success for the city. The Dublin Book Festival aims to showcase, develop and support Irish publishing through the marketing and sale of works produced in the region. This is a fabulous and family-friendly cultural event that will be held at the city’s Smock Alley Theatre from the 14th to the 17th of November.

…

Photo by sebastiandooris on Flickr

Filed Under: Europe, Ireland Tagged With: Beatles, Beatles Festival, Book Festival, books, Christmas, Christmas Festivals, Christmas holidays, Dublin, Europe, Fall, Fall Festivals, holiday destinations, Ireland, Temple Bar TradFest

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • Which Part Of Corfu Is Best To Live In
  • Packing Essentials For Your European Travel This Summer
  • 3 Skills You Can Travel The World With (And Bring Back)
  • 5 Great Jobs You Can Do While Travelling the World and How to Get Them
  • 4 Reasons You Should Try A Skiing Holiday
RSS
Facebook
Twitter

Categories

About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.