Archive for the ‘Ireland’ Category

Cork

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland as well Ireland’s 2nd most populous city after Dublin. It’s also the principal city and administrative center of County Cork, and the largest city in the Munster province. As of latest measurement the city of Cork has a population of 120 thousand people.

Cork is the anglicized version of the Irish word Corcaigh, meaning marsh. The city center was originally built on marshland and boats were able to navigate through the channels which separated to the many islands. The wider streets like St Patrick’s Street, the South Mall and the Grand Parade, were built on former river channels. St Patrick’s Street also known as “Panna” or simply “Patrick Street” is Cork’s commercial center. There’s a few sightseeing’s that can be considered as “not to miss” while in Cork including: Cork Vision Centre, Elizabeth Fort, Cork City Gaol and Cork Historic Walking Tours.

There’s several ways of traveling to Cork, by boat, train, bus or airplane through Cork Airport (ORK). The airport can by destinations from Great Britain and Western Europe, with connections to Dublin and Belfast also available. Travelers from other international destinations need to book a connecting flight. Once in the city it’s easy to explore the city center on foot, if you require a cab, or making a trip outside of Cork there’s numerous taxi’s. Fares are calculated on a meter, all cabs share the same price. The Irish taxi drivers are fair and square about the prices. Taxis appear as normal cars except for the yellow bar above their license plate stating “Taxi”.

Travelers to Cork need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. To transport yourself through the city you can use DART trains or LUAS trams, both are part of the public transport network. Of course metered taxis are available throughout the city. The best months to visit are June till August, these are Cork’s summer months.

Dublin

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Dublin (or Baile Átha Cliath which means Town of the Hurdled Ford) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. The city is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the river Liffey and in the center of the Dublin Region. Dublin’s population counts nearly 2 million people.

Dublin was once founded as a viking settlement. Nowadays its the cultural, administrative and economic center of Ireland with the fastest growing population in the European Union. Dublin offers activities for all type of travelers from history lovers to nightlife freaks. Whether you prefer to shop in the day away in one of the many shopping districts or visit one of its many historic museums and monuments. Dublin delivers it all!

The city of Dublin has a vibrant nightlife, the main reason is that 50% of its inhabitants are younger than 25 years of age. The best known international nightlife scene is the Temple Bar area just south of the river Liffey, with many bars, superpubs and discotheques in one area. A more local area yet safe for tourists is located around the St. Stephen’s Green especially Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Wexford Street and Leeson Street is a center for some of the most popular nightclubs in Dublin.

Travelers to Dublin need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. To transport yourself through the city you can use DART trains or LUAS trams, both are part of the public transport network. Of course metered taxis are available throughout the city. The best months to visit are June till August, these are Dublin’s summer months.