There is nowhere else on earth with a warmer welcome than Ireland - and now it’s never been easier to get there, thanks to year round service to Dublin with Aer Lingus. Don’t just think of Ireland as a summer destination – Ireland is always in season, and Fall is a particularly lovely time. Did you know that the average temperature in Ireland in September ranges between 10 and 18 degrees? In September there is an average of over 4 hours sunshine per day and less rainfall than in the peak month of August. Compare the mild winter temperatures in Ireland to Canada and it’s a no brainer!
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Not only is the weather in the Fall often very pleasant – Ireland is less crowded and better value in the off peak months. It is a good time to enjoy a city break in Dublin or Belfast and Ireland’s excellent restaurants, accommodations and tours are open all year round. It is the closest point in Europe, safe, English-speaking and with great tourism infrastructure that makes it easy to see the sights. And the fabulous history, culture, festivals, stunning scenery - and golf - are waiting for you 12 months of the year.
In Ireland you can discover history that goes back earlier than the pyramids, and marvel at some of the most stunning coastal scenery you will find anywhere.
The awe-inspiring Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching all the way from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal to Kinsale in Co. Cork is amongst the world’s best driving tours. It stretches along 2,500 km of the wildest, most captivating scenery found anywhere - with lots to do and see along the way. Go whale watching and then enjoy an amazing seafood dinner in County Cork; take a walk along the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and stop for homemade ice cream. Or see the Northern Lights along the Donegal coastline.
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route
As well as the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland has more than its fair share of stunning coastal scenery. In Northern Ireland the majestic Causeway Coastal Route, famed for its dramatic landscapes, is counted as one of the world’s great road journeys. Not to be missed is the famous Giant’s Causeway, but there is also a new addition to the coastal experience that allows you to walk along the very edge of the Irish Sea.
The Gobbins coastal path was originally created as a tourist attraction for the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company in 1902, with visitors paying 6d to enjoy a ‘perfect marvel of engineering'. Now the path has been reopened to provide an unexpected white-knuckle walk which will thrill those with a sense of adventure and delight those who are looking to experience the coast up close.
Ireland’s Ancient East
Ireland’s Ancient East represents a wonderful opportunity to experience 5,000 years of European history in a compact area. The Ancient East area allows visitors to get off the beaten track to see, hear, touch and feel the imprints made over millennia by the settlers in this beautiful landscape.
Ancient Man, Early Christians, Medieval Lords, Colonial Settlers and their descendants have all been seduced by Ireland’s lush, green and fertile lands. And it’s easy to explore as visitors can go at their own pace to discover tombs older than the pyramids, a Viking settlement or castles and fortresses. And, as everywhere else you go in Ireland, there are stories from the friendly locals who are some of the best story tellers in the world.
Not to be missed is the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Newgrange - a Stone Age monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath. Newgrange was constructed about 3,200 B.C., which makes it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art.
Setting for Films and TV Series
The Irish countryside is so beautiful that it is becoming a movie star in its own right!
Much of the Fantasy blockbuster TV series “Game of Thrones” is filmed on location in Northern Ireland. If you are a fan – Northern Ireland is the epicentre of all things Game of Thrones. Aside from the landscapes that evoke true fantasy - there’s a good reason why Northern Ireland was picked by Game of Thrones location scouts. There are castles everywhere; incredible structures that catapult you right to the heart of the mythical land of Westeros.
Northern Ireland offers fans a self-drive tour through scene-stealing locations along the Causeway Coast and Glens. And the Titanic Studios in Belfast are also frequently used for filming.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens sent the global box-office into hyper drive. Since 1977, the record-breaking movie franchise has travelled through more than a few galaxies. This time around the cast and crew jetted into a little town called Portmagee, County Kerry, on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, to discover a dream filming location. The heart stopping scenery of Skellig Michael was depicted as the hideout of Luke Skywalker in the movie. Skellig Michael, a remote island in Co Kerry, housed a monastery from around the 6th to the 12th century, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition the popular TV series “Vikings” on the History Channel is filmed in Co Wicklow. This is a very appropriate setting as Viking heritage runs deep in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Food in Ireland is fresh, tasty and served with a contemporary twist. The cuisine and craft beer scene in Ireland is going from strength to strength, and are a great reason to visit. It is blossoming right now with new microbreweries, gastro-pubs, craft distilleries and artisan eateries serving the freshest local ingredients. Awaiting you are artisan cheese, exceptional beef and lamb and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, sublime smoked salmon and the creamiest butter imaginable!
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When it comes to food on the island of Ireland, you need to start at the very beginning with the purity of the natural produce. The green pastures, deep valleys and abundant waters surrounding the island have helped create outstanding natural flavours that you won’t get everywhere else. Ireland’s food boasts an impeccable provenance and can be best enjoyed here – in the very place it comes from.
There’s nothing quite like following a food journey from producer to plate – and Ireland is peppered with opportunities to get more involved with your food. What better experience than to sit by a turf fire in a traditional pub, where you’ll eat the freshest seafood and hear the Irish language, songs and stories. Plus look at some of the excellent markets such as The English Market in Cork, the Temple Bar Food Market in Dublin and the St George’s Market in Belfast.
And for the chance to get your hands on raw ingredients and craft some magic of your own, you can take your pick of working farms, cosy cookery schools, and food festivals.
There are approx. 70 million people around the world who claim Irish ancestry and close to 5 million of them are right here in Canada - so it’s no surprise many Canadians look to explore their Irish ancestry. There are many resources in place to help explore.
Tracing your Roots
To begin your research here are three useful websites:
A useful first step is the Irish Government website Irish Genealogy: www.irishgenealogy.ie
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Early 20th-century census returns can be perused at the National Archives website: www.nationalarchives.ie
The Irish Family History Foundation has a website run on behalf of county-based genealogy centres: www.familysearch.org
Once you get to Ireland there is lots of help is available to trace your roots. Throughout Ireland there are numerous centres for genealogical research. Every county in Ireland has a genealogy centre manned by professional genealogists and many churches have records too. So if you find out which town your ancestors come from, be sure to visit the local parish.
In Dublin, the National Library, National Archives and General Register Office are all key sources, with the National Library and National Archives both providing free advice from trained staff. In Belfast, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland holds a treasure trove of records, returns and registers from the province of Ulster. The General Register Office and Ulster Historical Foundation are also great resources.
An additional option is to commission a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland to help speed things up. They can help find ancestors and living relatives.
Heritage Attractions
It’s no surprise that there are people all around the world with Irish heritage because there has been such a history of emigration from Ireland. And now there is a new attraction in Dublin that charts some of this powerful history. EPIC Ireland is Dublin’s dramatic new visitor attraction, telling the stories of 10 million journeys and the Irish roots of 70 million people. It explains how this small Island has profoundly influenced and changed the world. This world-class exhibition tells the story of the Irish people around the world using state-of-the-art technology with incredible visual stories and lots of interactivity.
As well as the high tech interactive exhibition, Epic Ireland will also offer a state-of-the-art Irish Family History Centre genealogy centre. Here you can sit with a genealogy expert for a 15-minute consultation or purchase a Family Tree DNA Kit. Workstations allow you to sign up to the Irish Family History Centre website and join the online community at www.FindMyPast.ie where you will be able to search through the largest number of Irish family history records such as: Birth, Marriage and Death records, Census records, Parish records, travel and migration records
History of the Irish Easter Rising
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising - an important part of Irish history and a major historical landmark on the road towards Irish independence. There is a new visitor attraction in Dublin to celebrate this. The Post Office in Dublin was the centre of the Easter Rising and now GPO Witness History is a brand new permanent visitor attraction in the iconic GPO building on O’Connell Street, Dublin.
This highly immersive and engaging exhibition puts you right inside the GPO during Easter Week in 1916. History will come to life as you experience events from both sides of the conflict and through the eyes of bystanders caught in the crossfire through electronic touch screens, video, audio visual booths, sound and authentic artefacts – many previously unseen. You’ll be immersed in the action as you compose newspaper reports, examine the original copy of the Proclamation and send Morse code to declare the Irish Republic by radio.
The St Patrick’s Day festivals in Ireland are world renown – but there are numerous festivals that go on year round throughout the country. No matter when you visit you will discover the folk in Ireland having a good time at fantastic, fun, foody, or downright frivolous festivals! Here are just a few of the intriguing and innovative events - check out www.ireland.com for more. |
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Dracula and Halloween Festivals
Believe it or not – Ireland is the home of Dracula! Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula” was an Irishman who was born on in 1847 in Clontarf, on the north side of Dublin. Some historians have suggested that Stoker did not receive the inspiration for his dark and twisted tale of Dracula from the brutal life of Vlad the Impaler, but rather developed his ideas from Irish folklore. Irish fables tell the story of Abhartach, a 5th century chieftain known for his bloodsucking habits. After they killed him he rose from the grave and demanded a bowl of blood from the wrists of his subjects to sustain his energy.
The Irish have embraced the author and his ghoulish creation and also Halloween – which is said to have originated in Ireland from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
Bram Stoker Festival (27-30 October, 2017)
The festival celebrates the Dublin-man behind Dracula with films, talks, readings, and a scare or three. It takes place every year during Dublin Festival Season (1 September - 31 October), when the city hosts more festivals than any other time of the year.
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival (28-31 October, 2017)
Towns and cities across Ireland celebrate Halloween, but it's Derry-Londonderry that really does it in style. The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is the largest Halloween celebration in Europe, attracting up to 25,000 enthusiasts from across the globe who flock to the city to take part in the festival each October.
Food Festivals
The food and craft beer scene alone is a great reason to visit Ireland. It is blossoming right now with new microbreweries, gastro-pubs, craft distilleries and artisan eateries serving the freshest local ingredients. And what better experience than to sit by a turf fire in a traditional pub, where you’ll eat the freshest seafood and hear the Irish language, songs and stories. Plus there are many festivals celebrating Irish cuisine.
The Irish Craft Beer & Cider Festival (7-9 September, 2017)
Ireland's largest and best craft beer festival takes place in Dublin with over 50 Brewers featuring 300+ beers. Cidermakers and Distillers also form part of this festival.
Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival (22-24 September, 2017)
The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is held on the very last weekend in September to celebrate Galway’s rich annual oyster harvest (in season from September – April). Deemed one of Europe’s longest-running food extravaganzas, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival was launched in September 1954!
Balmoral Show (16-19 May, 2018)
The Balmoral Show in association with Ulster Bank is Ireland's largest agri food event that entertains and educates the entire family. NI's largest agricultural event.
Taste of Dublin (14-17 June, 2018)
Over four indulgent days the city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants will each fashion together exquisite signature dishes, allowing you to create your dream tasting menu at the ultimate foodie festival.
Christmas Markets
Belfast Christmas Market (18 November – 19 December, 2017)
This award-winning market in the grounds of Belfast Hall. Local producers make up over 40% of the market, selling a variety of tasty treats and products.
Galway Christmas Market (24 November -22 December 2017)
Ireland’s longest running Christmas Market with over fifty traders from all over Ireland and Europe selling a host of crafts, festive food, treats and Christmas gift ideas
Waterford Winterval Christmas Festival (17 November - 23 December, 2017)
Ireland’s premier Christmas Festival and now in its 6th year Winterval attracts around 500,000 people to Ireland’s oldest city over the 6 weeks of the festival.
Other Festivals
Over the next few months alone there are an incredible variety of exciting festivals.
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (1 September - 8 October, 2017)
Matchmaking is one of Ireland's oldest traditions and, for the last couple of hundred years; a good deal of it has taken place in Lisdoonvarna during September and early October. The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is one of the world's biggest singles festivals and attracts up to 60,000 people every year. At 160 years old and 5 weeks long, it is one of Ireland's longest and most traditional festivals
Electric Picnic (1-3 September, 2017)
An annual music and arts circus that is big on imagination!
Wexford Festival Opera (19 October - 5 November, 2017)
Since the first ‘Festival of Music and the Arts’ took place in October 1951, Wexford Festival Opera has grown into one of the world’s leading opera festivals. Right from the beginning, the Festival made a name for itself by introducing audiences to unjustly neglected works. For 64 years the Festival has breathed new life into forgotten masterpieces, establishing a reputation for high-quality productions that, every year, bring thousands of opera-lovers flocking to Wexford from all over the world.
New Year’s Eve Festival Dublin (30 December 2017 - 1 January 2018)
A 3 day city wide festival celebrates the best of contemporary Irish talent in Arts, Music, Culture and Live Entertainment. NYF celebrates a multi-platform experience inspired by the diversity and complexity of Ireland’s contemporary culture. NYF showcases the evolution of Ireland's shining talent in music, dance, design, art, and spoken word.
Temple Bar TradFest (25-29 January, 2017)
A festival of mostly free events showcasing the entire spectrum of traditional and folk music in iconic locations around Dublin.
For choice, convenience, a seamless experience and great value – fly Aer Lingus to Ireland! Aer Lingus offers more connections from Canada to Ireland than any other airline with year round service from Toronto to Ireland. Service to Dublin is daily in the summer and there are 4 flights per week in winter. There is a convenient schedule of overnight flights to Ireland and Aer Lingus are now flying their new Airbus A330 aircraft on this route. In recognition of the consistent quality and excellent guest experience, Skytrax World Airline Awards has rated Aer Lingus "4-stars", making it the first and only Irish airline to receive such a prestigious rating. |
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Aer Lingus can take you beyond Dublin itself with connections from Toronto via Dublin to the following cities around Ireland - Kerry, Donegal and Shannon. Aer Lingus has more flights between Ireland and Great Britain than any other airline with over 150 flights a day. Plus there are seamless onward connections from Canada and the U.S.A. – taking you to over 80 destinations across Ireland, Great Britain, Continental Europe and the U.S.A
In economy class you have the choice of standard, choice or exit seats. There is FREE seat selection for standard seats on transatlantic flights. The superior Aer Lingus experience includes personal seatback screens for entertainment and complimentary headsets. There is a delicious complimentary meal or you can choose from a selection of tempting pre-order meal options. Treat yourself when you ‘dine up’ to a superior meal service by pre-ordering a gourmet meal to be served during your flight. Your taste buds will thank you as you savour the flavour of one of a premium three-course meal created by Irish chef Clodagh McKenna. These meals use only the best Irish ingredients, and represent fresh dining at its finest.
Business Class
We really mean business when it comes to delivering a stress-free flight, with luxury dining as standard, superb lounge facilities to keep you fresh and relaxed, and the connectivity you need to stay in touch.
- New Airbus A330 planes and the Revival Lounge in Dublin allows transatlantic Business Class guests to refresh on arrival
- Dedicated check-in area & priority baggage delivery plus three complimentary check-in bags.
- Aer Lingus work with top chefs to bring you a fusion of the finest modern and traditional Irish food.
- Guests will now be able to work, relax, dine or sleep in the new Business Class lie flat sleeper seats - which are a fully flat 2 metre bed that is 22 inches wide.
- The configuration is 4 single seats with double sided stowage.
- Custom-designed storage means you can keep your laptop, phone, tablet and bags within reach without feeling crowded. You'll also find built-in power and charge points.
- Wi-Fi is free in the business class cabin on board all of the A330 aircraft and will work with any of your Wi-Fi enabled devices
- With so much comfort, storage and space to stretch out in, really it's more of a hi-tech lounge/bed/office/dining room than a simple 'seat.'
Aer Lingus Vacation Store offer vacation packages make it easy for guests to come over and experience the warm Irish welcome for themselves! Aer Lingus Vacation Store will help you with all your vacation needs. They can customize your vacation, they have some great packages and deals and they can help you with all different types of vacation. Whether you are looking for B&Bs, Escorted Tours, Self drive tours, Golf vacations, City breaks or more. |
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For information and pricing contact Aer Lingus Vacation Store at 800-495-1632 and you can also check out www.aerlingusvacationstore.com. Here are just a few of the wonderful vacation options available:
Discover Ireland’s Ancient East: Self-drive through Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork & Wicklow
Ireland’s Ancient East has an engaging authenticity as you visit the local towns and villages. With this 6 or 8 night vacation you can indulge in the local produce in Kilkenny, discover the wealth of history in Waterford and relax in luxury at the 5-star Powerscourt Hotel.
What's Included: Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin, 6 nights hotel, car rental for duration plus Tours & sightseeing
Highlights:
Discover the heart of Ireland's Ancient East- Kilkenny.
Tour the Waterford Treasures Viking Triangle and discover the city's rich history.
The 5-star Powerscourt Hotel is set in Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.
Kilkenny Castle is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch.
Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way from Clare to Limerick for 6, 7 or 8 nights.
What's Included: Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin, 6 nights hotel, car rental for duration
Highlights:
Visit Clare, Killarney, Cork and Limerick.
Take a day-trip to the Cliffs of Moher, a top natural attraction in Ireland.
Enjoy accommodations in some of the most beautiful areas in Ireland.
Shannon is a great hub for accessing the west coast. You'll be 20 minutes from Limerick.
Visit Bunratty Castle and the Burren.
Ireland East and West Golf Vacation
This 6 or 7 night vacation will take you to the east and west coasts of Ireland with incredible rounds of golf along the way. Enjoy tee times at Lahinch, Druids Glen and Portmarnock.
What's Included: Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin, manual full size car for duration, 6 nights hotel, 3 rounds of golf.
Highlights:
Discover the beautiful Irish greens from the west coast to the east coast.
The 4-star Old Ground Hotel in Ennis is an 18th century manor house. After 18-holes, you can relax at your lovely accommodations or venture out into the scenic west coast. Take a trip over to the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren National Park!
The 5-star Druids Glen Resort is perfect for golfers. You have two rounds of golf in the east of the country plus you are staying close enough to be able explore Dublin.
Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!
Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information!
Click on the Travel Notes icon to download a pdf file that you can read, print out and even take with you on your travels! |
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