A Breath of Fresh Eire

Shamrocks, leprechauns and whiskey… Ireland is awash with culture, myth and, well, spirits. But, not just that, it’s also packed full of fun and frolics.

Swathes of stunning countryside, mountains and castles, cities, coastlines, just a short hop across the Irish Sea. What more could you ask for? Guinness? Well you’re in luck because there is plenty of that on offer, 10 million pints are produced daily in Dublin alone!
But, if you’re planning to jump on over to Ireland, let us tell you about our top 5 hotspots of the beautiful Emerald Isle.

Dublin

The Dublin Spire

If Ireland is the land of craic, then this is certainly the capital of craic! Obviously, you can’t have a blog about Ireland without mentioning the mighty Dublin. Home of the Leprechaun museum, Jameson’s distillery and the world famous Guinness Storehouse, it’s a diverse city with plenty to see and do… for everyone!
From cathedrals, to the impressively sized Phoenix Park (it’s so big it even has a Zoo inside!), Ha’penny bridge, O’Connell bridge – the only traffic bridge in Europe that is wider than it is long – and Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head.
You can even sail down the River Liffey on an amphibious bus wearing Viking helmets. Like we said, it’s the capital of craic.
Even our CEO has been caught enjoying the craic on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

It’s the resting place of the patron saint of love, St. Valentine, and has been given a UNESCO City of Literature title, one of only 6 in the world.
If you’re wondering why, here’s a scratch in the surface of who called this wonderful city home… playwright Oscar Wilde, Dracula creator Bram Stoker, Nobel Prize and Oscar winner George Bernard Shaw and, of course, Ulysees writer, James Joyce. A talent pool you couldn’t turn your nose up at.

Wild Atlantic Way

Slieve League

From the most northern point to the southern peninsulas, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km stretch of western coast line. We  may have been a bit sneaky having this as a ‘hot spot’, with 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions and more than 2,500 activities along the way, but a visit to any part of the Wild Atlantic Way is a must for anyone wanting to explore more of Ireland, outside of the Dublin hub.
From the northern headlands, with highlights such as Slieve League, some of the highest cliffs in Europe with an impressive 609m drop into the churning Atlantic below, to the rocky natural beauty of the south.
One must-see, reaching far into the Atlantic, is the Dingle Peninsula, one of southwest Ireland’s final fanfares and a great place to visit. The rugged landscape, the dramatic, swirling waters at the cliff foot and the sandy coves, if you’re looking for spectacular scenery, this is the place for you.
Dingle Peninsula

Stopping off in the town of Dingle, you may notice the houses, like a pastel patchwork of pretty buildings. Why? You ask. Well, it’s all down to Ireland’s ‘Tidy Town’ competition, held over 30 years ago, that inspired the makeover, and it’s still just as impressive today.
And, we can’t forget the Ring of Kerry. And no, despite it being the land of the leprechaun, that isn’t a piece of jewellery stashed away in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s actually the most frequently travelled tourist route, around the Iveragh Peninsula.
It’s one of the most mythical and unspoilt areas of the Emerald Isle and is well worth a visit. Even if you’re just seeing what all the fuss is about, you won’t be disappointed.

Donegal

Fanad Head Lighthouse, Donegal.

Dubbed the ‘coolest place on the planet’ by National Geographic Traveller magazine. In fact, it was actually used as the setting for the upcoming Star Wars film, The Last Jedi, due to be released in December 2017.
Ireland has become a hit with the Lucas film cast and crew having shot scenes from The Force Awakens in the country, but, the trailer already shows us the breath-taking scenery shot on location in the Irish town itself.
But, beyond the scenes of the silver screen, Donegal has a lot more on offer. Rugged coastline, serene beaches, castles and mountains, just to name a few. The bustling town is the crown jewel of the area, a true Gaelic great. There’s plenty of fantastic souvenirs to grab whilst you’re there, too, with hand-woven tweed a popular product of the area.
Even if you’re looking to have a crack at enjoying the ‘craic’, being outside of Dublin will not do you any disservice. The pubs of the Diamond Area of Donegal are a great stop off to rest your feet and enjoy some of the local culture and a tipple or two.
So, whilst in Donegal, “Go mbeidh an fórsa leat!” Or, may the force be with you, if you’re not fluent in Gaelic.

County Wicklow

Glendalough

The capital’s favourite playground, stretching south of Dublin, County Wicklow is an area of natural beauty, and is one not to be missed.
The picturesque Wicklow Mountains National Park offers an impressive backdrop to one of the country’s most popular walking trails. Laraghs (lakes), mountains (obviously) and traditional Irish pubs (of course), there’s plenty on offer in the serene wilderness that is Wicklow.
And, as the old saying goes, in the beautiful Irish village of Ballykissangel, everybody knows each other’s business… and you can get to know it too. If you’re a fan, visiting Avoca village the set of the popular BBC One series, is one of the exciting attractions on offer in the county.
Ballykissangel… sorry, Avoca.

A small village with pretty buildings and, yes, stepping in the footsteps of a young Colin Farrell can be part of the attraction, but the village itself is simply a treat to visit. You can visit the Fitzgerald’s pub, the church, the shops and the Garda train station and see exactly what drew film crews to this stunning pocket of Ireland.
But, if that’s not enough scenery for you then why not hop over to Glendalough? Hands down one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations.
Home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, the spot is full of impressive ruins from early churches, a graceful round tower and plenty of sites relating to the life of Saint Kevin – the founder of Glendalough.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher

You’ve probably heard of the Cliffs of Moher, or at least seen photos of them, maybe you didn’t even know their name at the time? But, the image sticks in your mind because, well, they’re pretty impressive to say the least.
For anyone who’s interested in geology, the cliffs date back to over 300 million years. They’re mostly sandstone and shale and their individual layers that have rested over the millions of years lead to variations in the erosion rate from the powerful waters below, giving them that famous ragged edge.
Attracting over 1 million visitors a year, they’re fairly famous too. Remember the Holy Stone of Clonrichert in Father Ted? Yep, this was on the Cliffs of Moher. You can see the natural beauties in all their glory in the “Tentacles of Doom” episode.
But, they’ve also made cameos in The Princess Bride, Into the West and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, to name a few.
They’re also a nature spotting haven! It’s even protected by EU legislation as an area of importance for bird species. So, what can you expect to see? Atlantic puffins, Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake, to name a few.
The sea is rich with plankton that attract whales and whale sharks, seals are common and occasionally, you may be lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins.
Atlantic Puffin

If Ireland sounds like your sort of thing, then why not visit for yourself? We’ve got a great selection of Emerald Isle tours, from St Patrick’s Day in Dublin to the Ring of Kerry. So, why not take a look and see if we’ve got the experience that suits you: Escorted Tours to Ireland.

Halloween traditions from around the World

As the nights draw in, there’s a certain something lingering in the air. Something, eerie… Something, spooktacular! Of course, we’ve hit Halloween.

Love it or hate it, Halloween has crept upon us once again and shops and homes are packed full of spooky costumes, sweets and carved pumpkins that really are cutting edge.
But, as we get ready to celebrate the seasonal scare-fest, have you ever wondered how others around the world celebrate?
Well, this isn’t a trick, so treat yourself to something interesting. As the sky turns dark this Halloween night, here’s how our continental friends, and beyond, will be having a ghoul old time this weekend …

The birthplace of Halloween!

Starting at the beginning, Ireland is said to be the birthplace of Halloween, dating all the way back to its Celtic roots. Marking the end of the Pagan pastoral cycle, the 31st October was considered the last day of the year.
Celts associated winter with death, so, on the last day of the ‘bright’ half of the year, it was thought the boundary separating the living from the dead became blurred.
This not only allowed the souls of the departed to return to their former homes, but also potentially wicked spirits were released from the ‘Otherworld’ and became visible to humans. Spooky!

A Magical Haunting

The Austrians take a much lighter meaning from All Hallows Eve, leaving bread, water and a lightened lamp on a table before heading off to bed.
It was once believed that this act of kindness would welcome the dead souls back to earth and rather than it being a haunting event, it was actually considered quite magical.
By the same token, in China, during the Halloween festival known as Teng Chieh, families place food and water in front photographs of family members that have passed away, whilst bonfires are lit to light the paths of spirits as they join us back on earth for the night.
However, in Germany, residents take a slightly more cautious approach when it comes to the return of the lost, putting away their knives to avoid risk of harm to or from their ‘Otherworld’ visitors. After all, those ghosts have real spirit.

Day of the Dead

You may have heard of the Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, associated with Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries, in fact, it’s even the opening sequence to the new James Bond film, Spectre. However, Spain celebrates a little differently.
There is the Dia de Difuntos (Day of the Dead) and Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saint’s Day) and, whilst they are separate events, the two are usually celebrated together and are actually a religious holiday, with mass held three times throughout the festivities.
Much like Christmas, the holiday is considered a family day, however, visits to the graves of loved ones is high on their priorities, honouring their lost loved ones and leaving them covered in fresh flowers.
And, to top it off, there’s also performances of the most famous and romantic mythical story seducing women and fighting men, Don Juan Tenorio, to keep everyone entertained – not quite the scary story you would expect to hear around Halloween.

We’re Just Here for the Party

Our French neighbours don’t really believe in any spooky superstitions at this time of year, in fact, Halloween is typically regarded as an American holiday.
However, never being a nation to turn down a party, the French have somewhat adopted la fête d’Halloween as an excuse to dress up and celebrate, and who can blame them?
And, of course, one of the most spectacular Halloween Spooktacular’s is at the magical Disneyland Paris Resort, lurking amongst the pumpkins on Main Street U.S.A you’ll find spooky adventures for all the family.
Whilst trick-or-treating is not as popular over the Channel, the few you do find going door-to-door, will be knocking on the fronts of shops rather than gracing their neighbours’ doorsteps.
With a little push from big, multi-national companies, the knowledge of Halloween is now wide spread, with some people even objecting to the idea of an overly-commercialised American holiday, whilst others simply relish in some freaky fancy dress.
 
So, it’s over to you, how will you be celebrating this year? Do you have your own traditions of creating some freakish fun or are you having a fright night within the safety of your own sofa?
 
Ready for some more ghost stories? Find out where the spookiest places in Europe are hidden in our previous blog, here.
 
 

Top 10 Places to Visit in Dublin

It’s only a short hop across the Irish Sea, but there’s no lack of adventure in Ireland. It may be small but it can compete with that sense of adventure you would feel heading further afield, and possibly beat it hands down!

Of course, we love Dublin and we’ve all heard about the ‘craic’ to be had. If you’re lucky enough to be heading out on one of our many tours that head into the city, we’ve pulled together our top 10 things to see and do in Dublin for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the Guinness Store House

Guinness Storehouse
Funnily enough, the name Dublin, or Dubh Linn, comes from an Old Irish Gaelic phrase that translates to ‘Black Pool’. And just like the UK’s Blackpool, Dublin comes with a great reputation of being one of the most notorious party places in these isles. So, where better to start off than the Guinness Store House?
There’s no doubt the building is impressive. From the core of it being shaped like a pint glass to the insight into its history, brewing and even a masterclass in pulling the perfect pint, there’s plenty to see and do over its seven spectacular floors.
Head up to the top floor and you’ll find the Gravity Bar. Here, you’ll get a spectacular view over the city and, maybe more impressively, a complimentary pint of the black stuff. After all, after exploring the world of Guinness, you have to do a taste test.

Take a Wander Across Ha’penny Bridge

Take a Wander Across Ha’penny Bridge
The Ha’penny Bride is the most iconic of Dublin’s bridges so it’s definitely worth a visit. Built in 1816 it was the first iron bridge in Ireland and has become the charming symbol of Dublin.
It was originally the Liffey Bridge, after being the only pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey, however, it gained its new name due to the half-penny toll charge to cross the river.
The reason? Before the bridge was built, a ferry was used to take passengers from bank to bank for half a penny. The bridge toll was introduced as soon as it was built, payable to the city alderman, who also happened to be the owner of the ferry. Unsurprisingly, he decided to get rid of the ferries and was compensated with a lease on the bridge for 100 years. Don’t worry if you can’t find a ha’penny though, the charge no longer applies, so you’re free to wander across and get some fantastic photos.

See St. Patrick’s Cathedral

iStock_000061547064_Large
Built in honour of their Patron Saint, the one and only St. Patrick, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the city and is situated close to the city centre, which is a relief as Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 miles.
Founded in the 12th century, it’s Ireland’s biggest church and it sure packs a punch when it comes to historical significance. In 1649, Oliver Cromwell converted the cathedral into a stable for his army horses during a visit to Ireland, Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, was dean of the church between 1713 and 1745 and due to storm and fire damage, the cathedral has been renovated several times.

Take a Look around Trinity College

Dublin, Ireland - Oct 25, 2014: People at Trinity College yard in Dublin, Ireland on October 25, 2014
Trinity College is Dublin’s ancient University set up by request of Queen Elizabeth I. The famous college boasts some much celebrated graduates including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker.
The college is also home to the sacred manuscript, ‘The Book of Kells’. The illuminated gold manuscript was made by Celtic Monks around 800 AD and contains the four gospels of the New Testament. It’s said to be the greatest cultural treasures in Ireland and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript so is certainly well worth the visit.

Shop ‘til you drop on Grafton Street

Grafton Street, Dublin
Get your fill of shopping and culture on Dublin’s world famous, Grafton Street. It’s one of the two principal streets in Dublin, with something to suit all tastes amongst its high street to high-end shops and plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars.
If shopping is not your thing, you’ll be glad to know there’s plenty of entertainment on offer to keep a smile on your face too. The street has become renowned for being a launch pad for up and coming artists and has even played host to U2’s Bono and Damien Rice in the past.

Head Down to Temple Bar

Temple Bar, Dublin
The city of Dublin has 666 licenced pubs – now that’s a lot to choose from! The most famous area to visit whilst in Dublin is the Temple Bar area.
With popularity comes the reputation, but Temple Bar is actually one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. With its cobbled streets and architectural splendour, there are plenty of bars, cafes and galleries to pick from. It may sound cliché, but, there really is something for everyone.

Visit the Brazen Head

Brazen Head, Dublin
Dublin’s oldest pub, established in 1198, is said to have a number of famous patrons including author James Joyce, who actually mentioned the pub in his novel, Ulysses; author of Gulliver’s Travels; rebel Robert Emmet is said to have planned an uprising in the Brazen Head and it’s also said that Robin Hood might have drunk there.
Today it offers warm fires and traditional music and a fantastic ‘good time’ atmosphere – a great place to enjoy history and culture, and after a long day of sight-seeing, a well-deserved drink.

Take in the delights of St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin
If you’re looking for a bit of heritage, head into St. Stephens Green. The Victorian park has over 3.5km of pathways with waterfalls, an ornamental lake and some beautiful Victorian shelters to see out any passing bad weather.
If you’re around the green in the summer months, there’s some fantastic lunchtime concerts to enjoy whilst you’re there. You can also find some fantastic traditional pubs not far away.

See the Famous Old Jameson Distillery

Famous Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin
A great attraction for anyone who is devoted to the devoted to uisce beatha, ‘the water of life’.
Set in a recreated distillery scene, the Old Jameson Distillery gives all visitors the chance to learn how three ingredients make the world’s favourite Irish whiskey! Enjoy a whisky tasting experience, have a spot of lunch in the restaurant and treat yourself or your loved ones to some authentic souvenirs from the gift shop.

Enjoy Wicklow Mountains

Wicklow Mountains, Ireland
If you fancy something different, a quick escape away from the city might be just up your street. On our St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin tour we head off for a drive into the Wicklow Mountains.
The National Park is the largest continuous upland area in the whole of Ireland and it stretches into Counties Carlow, Wexford and Dublin. It’s a great way to blow off the cobwebs if you’ve had one too many Guinness over the weekend, but if you do fancy hair of the dog, we even stop off at a country pub before heading back to Dublin for your last night.
Fancy the craic? Find out more about our tours to Ireland on our tours page, here.

Are you the UK’s biggest Christmas Scrooge?

Free holiday on offer for the UK’s biggest Scrooge

Are you the UK’s biggest Christmas Scrooge or does the thought of festive feelings bring you out in a rash? If so, you could be in for a treat with a twist this yuletide season!
We’re offering the nation’s biggest scrooge, and a friend of their choice, a free seat on one of our most popular Christmas Market tours in the hope of overcoming any Grinch-like ways they may have.
To enter yourself, or nominate a loved one, all you need to do is send us a 300 word explanation of what makes you (or the entrant) the UK’s biggest Scrooge along with a photo of the person nominated. Entries should be sent to losethescrooge@lucre.co.uk by the 25th of November 2013 at which point your entry will be put forward to the panel.
The lucky winner, who will be notified by the Leger team by the 27th November, must be available to travel on the 12th December 2013. Collected from one of a selection of pick up points, the winner and a companion of their choice will travel on a luxurious Silver Service coach to visit Brussels Christmas Markets and Valkenburg for a spectacular four day tour. Their Christmas spirit levels will of course be measured both before and after their return.
Huw Williams, Marketing Director for Leger Holidays said:
“The European markets offer unbeatable festive atmospheres which are sure to melt even in the frostiest of characters. Over the years, we’ve had so many customers come back from the tours claiming to have found a new sense of Christmas spirit that we just had to put this to the test and see how powerful the sights, sounds and smells of these markets can be!
“Of course, everyone is entitled to embrace their inner scrooge should they want to. However, through this competition, we wanted to provide an opportunity for those who are more curious about exploring their hidden Christmassy side. We look forward to reading through the entries and we wish everyone the best of luck!”
Looking to enter or nominate someone you know? Make sure you’ve read our terms and conditions…
Terms and Conditions:

  1. The promoter is Leger Holidays Ltd. Sunway House, Canklow Meadows, Rotherham S60 2XR.
  2. The ‘Lose The Scrooge’ competition is open to all UK residents over 21 years old (including Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands) except for employees of the promoter, their immediate family and anyone else connected to the creation or administration of the promotion.
  3. The prize offered is non-transferable and is for one adult (over 21) and a travelling companion of their choice.
  4. The entry materials must belong to, or have had approval from, the entrant.
  5. The entry period is from 12th November 2013 until midnight on 25th November 2013.
  6. The overall winner will be announced by the 27th November 2013.
  7. The overall winner will receive two free seats on Leger Holidays’ Silver Service, four day tour ‘Brussels Christmas Markets and Valkenburg’. The tour includes three nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast (with the two travelers sharing a room one of whom must be over 21).
  8. No cash alternative is available and the tour must be taken on the 12th December 2013 as started, unless Leger Holidays announce otherwise.
  9. Please check at time of booking exact dates and times of travel, as missed departure will void the prize.
  10. Travel insurance is excluded. Winner should take out their own insurance.
    1. Entrants will be given a choice of collection points for the tour from a limited selection of areas presented by Leger Holidays. Travel costs to these points will not be covered by Leger Holidays.
    2. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
    3. The judging panel’s decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into.
    4. By entering this competition, entrants and any persons featured in the entry photograph agree that their nominations may be used by Leger Holidays as they wish, without prior notice to the entrant. Entrants will also have permission of all individuals in the photograph, as well as the permission of the copyright owner of the photograph, before entering the contest.
    5. Winners’ names and counties are available 28 days after the closing date. Send a SAE to Leger Holidays c/o Lucre, 30 Park Square West, Leeds, LS1 2PF.
    6. By entering the competition, entrants agree that their nominations and photographs/text/content will be posted on Leger’s social and media channels including the Leger Holidays website and blog.
    7. By entering the competition, the winner agrees to participate in any publicity involving print and broadcast media that is required.
    8. All text copy provided in this competition remains the copyright of Leger Holidays Ltd.
    9. By entering the competition, entrants agree to be bound by these rules and by any other requirements set out in the promotional material.
    10. Any inappropriate or offensive material will be reported to the police and removed from the competition.
    11. Leger Holidays may in its absolute discretion change these terms and conditions without notice or cancel the promotion without prior notice in the event of circumstances arising beyond its control that makes it necessary to do so. By entering this competition entrants are deemed to accept these rules.

10 interesting and fun facts about Ireland

Ireland - River Liffey

Here’s a list of fun facts about Ireland…

  • The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia.
  • The Guinness Brewery in St. James Street Dublin has a 9,000 year lease
  • The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • In 1447, moustaches were illegal in Ireland.
  • An odd Irish birthday tradition is to lift the birthday child upside down and give his head a few gentle bumps on the floor for good luck. The number of bumps should allegedly correspond to the child’s age plus one.
  • The national symbol of Ireland is the Celtic harp, not the shamrock
  • Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, thanks to its lush greenery
  • The St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland on March 17th which is a national holiday
  • Although set in Scotland, most of the battle scenes in the 1995 film Braveheart were filmed in Ireland.
  • The river Liffey runs through the centre of Dublin and is 75 miles in length

Do you have any facts about Ireland? Please share them in the comments below. Alternatively for more information on any of our Ireland Coach tours follow the link provided.

A Traditional Irish Stew Recipe with Guiness

With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder by the day we thought it was the perfect time to share with you our recipe for Irish stew, it’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winters evening!
The recipe below takes around 2 hours to cook and should serve 4 hungry adults.

What you’ll need

600 grams of chuck beef stewing meat
6 cloves of pressed garlic
1.5 litres of rich beef stock
250ml of Guiness
250ml red wine
1.2kg potatoes
1 large onion, chopped
6 peeled and chopped carrots
1 tablespoon of dried thyme
Worcestershire sauce
Butter
Sugar
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

How to cook it

  • To begin, heat some olive oil in a large, heavy stewing pot. Add some salt to your beef and fry the pieces until brown.
  • Once your beef is nicely browned add in the garlic, beef stock, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the ingredients are mixed together, cover and allow to simmer on a medium heat for one hour.
  • While the meet is cooking, add some butter to a frying pan and sauté the onion, potatoes and carrots until golden (around 20 minutes). Leave to one side until the meat has been cooking for an hour.
  • Once the meat has been cooking for an hour, add the vegetables to your meat and simmer, uncovered, for around 45 minutes.
  • Add some salt and pepper to taste and serve with a fresh crusty roll.

Make life a little easier

If you love this stew as much as we do you can make the stew in large batches and freeze it. It should keep for a few months in the freezer and is perfect for a quick, hearty meal after a long day at work.
Image courtesy of flickr user Charles Haynes.