Ancient Ruins in Ireland: The First Day Trip Out Of Kinsale, County Cork

This is the first in a series of articles about day trips you can take by car when staying in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. This days adventures offers: 1) a bit of history, 2) several ancient sites, 3) oddities from the past, and of course, 4) good Irish food and charming Irish towns. With fantastic countryside in between, what more could we ask?

The Route

Although getting better all the time, road signs in Ireland are hit and miss at best. Don't assume that because you saw it on a road sign that your destination will be consistently on signs thereafter. You have not made a wrong turn, just because the next sign doesn't mention the place you are going. In general, R numbered roads will have some markings. When a side road merges with the main road as it curves, follow the white line down the middle around the curve rather than continuing straight. Visitors have to remember that roads in Ireland were determined by things like cow paths, and if they are from countries with modern straight roads, this will take some getting used to.

Our route takes us out from Kinsale on R600, around the Old Head (R604) to visit the spot where the Lusitania went down, and on to Timoleague where we will see a ruined abbey. Continuing on R600, we'll have lunch at Clonakilty. Then we will pick up the major road N71 and make good time through Ross Carberry until we turn off on R597 to see the stone circle at Drombeg. Coming back, just before Clonakilty, we turn off to the left on R599 heading for Ballynacarriga. Our road diverges to the right from R599 at a large green grain silo, and we continue another mile or so until we can see the old stone castle off to our left. Continuing a little way further on that same road, we run into R586 and, taking a right, this will take us all the way to Bandon and the signs are fairly easy-to-follow through Innishannon and down R605 back to Kinsale. If we leave between nine and 10 in the morning we should be home by 5 PM.

The Sites

Mary in the Grotto and the Ballinspittle Miracle - is a short ways south of Kinsale is the small town of Ballinspittle. About half a mile before you get to the town you will come to what is a major crossroads for this rural area. On one side of the crossroads is a large grotto with a statue of the Virgin Mary. In July 1985, many people saw the statue move and were overcome by a feeling of peace. The result was over a quarter of 1 million people visited the site over the next few months, most of them coming the way with some experience of hope. You can see the videos on You Tube.

Lusitania Memorial and Old Head - is home of one of a world-class private championship golf course. Old Head Peninsula offers much of the same beauty, if less of a scale, of the famous Cliffs of Moher. Because it is a private golf course, tourists cannot walk on the peninsula, but no worries, park your car at the last right hand juncture just before going down to the course. There will be a ruined building on your right, and the memorial to the sinking of the Lusitania which went down off of this coastline in 1950, killing 1180 people. You can walk out over the fields there to get great shots of the Old Head.

Timoleague Abbey - is worth a half an hour or more of exploration, you can park by the water and walk up the stairs to the back of the ruined abbey. Worth a half an hour of exploration, the Abbey was founded by a Franciscan order in 1240 A.D., although built on a site that was used for monastic purposes as far back as the sixth century. Don't forget your camera for this one, and if you are there on a fine sunny day there are a feast of shots to be taken.

Clonakilty - is a picturesque town close to the sea that has won many awards in Ireland due to the consistent upkeep of its shops, and its award-winning hand painted Celtic signage for its businesses. A short investigation through town with lunch is a great idea, but don't stay too long as there are still two more fantastic sites, on our tour.

Drombeg Circle - is the best example of stone circles found in County Cork, although there are over 300 sites in the county. Most have only one perhaps two or three stone still standing, as they either interfered with plowing for farming, or made good foundational structures for one use or another and were moved. No one knows of course exactly what the purpose were of the standing stone circles. This one was excavated in the 1950s and has 17 stones. The site is also home to the ruins of a stone hut, which suggests that this area was inhabited at least at some parts of the year from the birth of Christ to the start of the seventh century.

Ballynacarriga Tower House - is not strictly speaking a castle, although it is frequently called that. Built in the 16th century, it has the best, and easiest to find example of a Sheela Na Gig in this part of Cork. My partner and I hunt the Irish countryside finding and taking pictures of Sheelas because they seem so interesting and mysterious. Believed to ward off evil, the naked, erotically carved stone women come in all sizes and shapes and are often on churches. If you arrive at the Tower House in the late afternoon, you can knock on the door of the pub at the corner. While not kept up to modern standards, it is still a working establishment, and the caretaker holds the key to the Tower House which he will give you if you promise to lock up behind you and bring back the key. It is worth the extra effort to be able to go in the castle, climb carefully up the stairs to the top area, and view the ancient Celtic carving over the Windows in what would have been their living space.

Enjoy the Irish countryside as you travel. Don't hesitate to stop and ask for directions if you are feeling unsure as to where you should go next. Irish people are open and friendly to travelers, and often joke amongst themselves about how difficult it is to find anything the first time. Nevertheless, every stop along this path is well worth the time and energy it takes to get there. I know you will find, like all the visitors I have taken on this route before you, this will be a fantastic day.

E. Alana James moved from the US to Kinsale five years ago "and for the rest of her life." If you are intrigued by life in Ireland, Alana tells more stories about living there on her website at: http://www.reinventinglife.org/about-us/alanasblog.html. Five years ago she moved from the United States to this small fishing village on the southern coast of County Cork. Bringing humor and practical tips together she tells her own story as she discusses practical tools for women who want to reinvent either their personal or business life.

If you are interested in travel to Kinsale and are looking for the best value for accommodations, Alana recommends you consider the fantastic three bedroom, three bath, apartment at the edge of town centre. Rentals are a two day minimum and available throughout the year. For more information go to: http://www.kinsaleapartment.com

Discovering Travel Options To The 2012 Summer Games In London, England

While there are many options when it comes to travel in relation to the 2012 Summer Games, those who book early are no doubt going to receive the best rates on lodging and other amenities. As such, whether one is going to book a solo trip to the games, or select a preplanned group trip through a travel agency, one may want to make such reservations as early as possible.

However, as there are many great packages available, one may want to research a variety of such travel options online before making a final decision. For, when one can set the arrival and departure date on such packages, one often has a great deal more freedom over other more structured groups. So, as one can find a variety of such offerings online between now and time for the games, one may want to get an early start and start planning now.

Otherwise, although one may be able to find some great rates, most likely those with the best rates and availability are going to sell out quickly. For, this is always the case when it comes to both Summer and Winter Olympics, whether one plans such a trip, or attends through one of the many travel packages available. As such, in order to obtain the best room at the best price for the length of stay, one may also want to make any such reservations well in advance of the arrival date.

Of course, with packages offered by Roadtrips, who have received great reviews from past travelers and others offering such great deals, it is hard not to want to go through a travel service for such a package deal. However, even with the most liberal of package deals, there are still some schedules one must make as part of such a tour group. So, if one feels freer exploring such events oneself, one may want to opt for setting up such travel and reservations.

However, as deals such as the one from Roadtrips often include, but are not limited to, choice of accommodations to London, England at a four star property, daily breakfast, a hundred pounds per day in beverage credits, choice of a sight seeing experience, complimentary train travel from airport to London, greeting by representatives of Roadtrips, a Summer Games welcome gift package, twenty four seven concierge service throughout the games and more, one may want to give doing so some thought.

Of course, ever since London won the narrow margin over Paris for the opportunity to hold such games has England come alive with excitement. For, as the city prepares to be the center of the World's attention in 2012, such excitement continues to build. As such, with each new installation and preparation, more and more people begin making plans to attend such events.

In addition, as these games now known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, are expected are expected to be the biggest and best ever, London will no doubt be preparing for the event up until the opening ceremony. For, with over ten thousand athletes from two hundred five participating countries, themed venues, new technology and transportation provided throughout the event, these may just be the Summer Games one does not want to miss given the opportunity. As such, the good hosts of London expect there to be a great many people with a great many needs on hand during such games.

To this end, whether one travels or alone, or through Roadtrips or another travel provider, one can no doubt have an excellent time at the 2012 Summer Games. However, regardless as to how one plans on traveling to London, or where one plans on staying, one may want to make such plans and reservations as early as possible. For, whether traveling alone, or through a tour company, often such reservations book up and sell out early when it comes to attending either the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.

A leader in the sports travel and tours industry offers superior 2012 summer games tickets and rugby world cup packages.

Simple Tips for Finding Better Travel Deals

The airline industry is a flourishing business with more people opting for air travel. The airline company tries to maximize its profits by pricing the tickets as high as possible and still maintaining competitive fares. Discounts for advance bookings attract more customers and ensure that the flight does not have too many vacant seats. To this end, fares vary from day to day or sometimes within few hours of a day also. While the customer is satisfied with cheaper fares, the airline does not run the risk of having spare and vacant seats.

Online enquiries are common for quicker information and faster bookings. The airline office will try to fill as many seats with the maximum fare. During non peak hours, they will be ready to accommodate the customer by making good travel proposals. The best time for such queries is 8 am to 6 pm.

After an advance booking, one should recheck with the airline for the fares few days before the date of travel. If it is discounted any further than the purchase price, one can claim for refund of excess charges.

One should visit travel related web-sites like Priceline, Kayak or Expedia. While most sites offer similar pricing of the tickets, some also allow quick comparisons amongst various sites for getting the best deal. After confirmation, the airline office can be contacted to enquire about any further discounts and then the purchase made. One should also try to work out a combination of flights for the cheapest fare.

Services of travel agencies can be used especially if it is as international trip or if the travel has many breaks.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
Activities in Michigan, Lakes in Wisconsin

Enjoying Affordable Family Vacations in Florida

An affordable vacation for the family to Florida is possible provided research is done in advance to time the vacation correctly and decide on the places intended for visit.

During the off-season, from March to April or from September to October, one can get cheaper travel fares, accommodation and entry fees to places and also avoid the rush in restaurants, shops or parks thus saving on waiting time.

One should look for accommodation in holiday homes instead of hotel for affordable stay. This costs cheaper especially if the crowd is bigger. One can enjoy the facilities of spacious rooms, hot-tubs, pool and an operative kitchen. This will automatically reduce the cost of eating out in restaurants.

Some points to be kept in mind for effective budgeting of the holiday include:

• Avail discount coupons for the places to be visited in Florida from local shops or online.
• Discounts are offered for advance bookings with a time limit before commencement of the holiday in entry charges to many places, month of vacation and accommodation. This can be availed by making calls well in advance.
• One should not limit places of visit based on the name tag alone. Alternative destinations or choosing off-beat places will give the satisfaction of a good and well budgeted holiday.
• While a travel agent may not check for the best bargain, one can personally research about the best travel costs, accommodation or car-rental and still use the services of the agent to finish the bookings.
• Check web sites of many airlines for the best offer in the travel cost.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
Activities in Michigan , Lakes in Wisconsin

Rolling Bags - A Travelers' Delight

What in the world did we do before someone put wheels on luggage? Our backs were nearly broken and our hands were way too full! Seriously, rolling bags have made all of our lives easier and more pleasant.

You do not need to be going coast to coast to qualify for 'travel', just going from home to the office will do. We all too often carry our work to and from the office: that means files, paperwork and often our laptop. A rolling laptop case with pockets for nearly everything makes it more pleasant to transport our 'things'. With the advent of the wheeled bags, it has become possible that our essential work space has become portable.

When most of your trips are short overnight ones, you know the importance of rolling luggage. You can carry-on your bag that contains not only your clothes for the following day, your personal items, but your briefcase as well. You may or may not want to use a laptop bag, which could be a detachable wheeled bag as well, or just an over-the-shoulder laptop case. If you are going to use the computer while traveling, it will be more convenient to use a separate carrying case.

If your travels are planned for a longer trip, you will welcome the use of the larger wheeled luggage that is available. Even if you are only moving it from your home to the car or across a parking lot, you will appreciate the convenience of pulling a bag rather than carrying it. Make sure that the wheels are sturdy and large enough to be able to roll in a straight path where you want to go, instead of twisting around and falling over.

The variety of materials and colors in which the rolling bags are available is astounding; giving you the shopper virtually your choice or best wish. The materials range from light weight reinforced nylon to the luxury of leather. My personal favorite has always been leather: very strong, very soft and relatively expensive. However, a leather rolling bag will last a very long time. Remember, leather rolling cases can come in beautiful colors as well as the nylon types.

Whatever style of wheeled or rolling bag you might choose, know that your case will be of service to you for a long time. Compare prices and brands as you normally would when purchasing anything of value. Do not be fooled with last-minute bargains available on TV - '...It's only $xx.xx for X pieces of this top-of-the-line luggage', which is quite often no bargain at all. Buy your rolling luggage from a place that is reputable and offers guarantees that you can live with. Also remember that commercial travel will not be gentle on your luggage. We personally have leather rolling bags for carry on and wheeled nylon bags for the check through luggage for long trips. That way, I don't go crazy when I see my luggage being thrown around by the baggage handlers. Choose your rolling bags with your individual purposes in mind and you will enjoy them for a long time.

Jamie Doyle is an online information publisher, researcher and webmaster. Take advantage of additional research on this subject by checking out: Rolling Computer Bags and Wheeled Luggage.

Enjoy Heaven on Earth with France Holidays

France, one of the most popular countries on the face of the earth is a paradise for all. Historic landmarks, mouth watering cuisine, world famous artwork, famous cities, vibrant nightlife, cathedrals; you can experience the best of all in France. Do you desire to plan a France holiday and want to know more about the most romantic place on earth? Well, below is a brief but informative teaser which will help up to organize well informed and enjoyable France Holidays.

Finest Cuisine

French cuisine has evolved over centuries and has been highly regarded for its extreme diversity, taste and style. You can discover French cuisines and specialty restaurants in all the corners of the world. But, the feeling and aura of savoring the French delicacies at the best French restaurants is an experience in itself. Your France holiday is incomplete if you have not tasted the varied food served. Whether it’s a luxury restaurant, a fine gourmet dining or relishing the street food, you would not be able to stop yourself from admiring its freshness of taste. You can also buy some of the most exclusive wine as a gift for your family and friends to mark your France holiday as a complete success.

World Renowned Shopping Centers

If you are a shopaholic or love to own exclusive range of accessories and clothes, France is your ultimate destination. While enjoying your France holidays, you can also discover a large number of fashionable and designer shops. They can be located in shopping centers or even in the remotest corner of the street. You can fulfill your dreams and own the latest accessories, bags, attires and shoes. You will be just amazed by the varied taste of the pastry and cheese shops, though you will not be able to pack them with you as souvenirs after your France holiday ends. In order to enhance your shopping experience and also enjoy bargaining, you can explore the Saint Ouen Flea Market and other shopping streets of Paris.

Charming Beaches

Many tourists organize France Holidays to enjoy the warmth, peaceful environment, sparkling sands, and crystal clear water of the beaches. There can be nothing more special and endearing than holding the hands of your beloved and strolling down the warm beaches of France. Whether it’s the Cote d'Azur or the French Riviera, alluring beaches on the coasts of Brittany and Normandy or St. Tropez Beach, they caste a magical spell among people who are enjoy their France Holiday. You can also relish a once in a lifetime experience of watching the sunset sitting near a beautiful beach and drinking in the wonders of the Mother Nature.

So, come to world of glory and passion and revel in your France holidays which you will remember for years to come!

Things You Should Know About Airline and Air Miles Credit Cards

There are some basic aspects to know before going in for an Airline Credit Card. You need to know:

a) Whether the benefits of the card are applicable to the prime airline services of your nation and

b) Which Airline Credit Card you must use in order to obtain the maximum and quickest benefits.

Most airline sponsored credit cards (CC) allow you to reap the benefits on one particular airline service. Obviously then, if you buy a credit card of the primary airline service of your city or nation, then you would get more convenience and efficiency from the service, as well as it would be more economical to you. Bank sponsored airline credit cards (ACC) also give you more freedom. This is because the air miles that you accumulate (in the course of your travel) can be used on a wide range of airlines. If you do not have a major carrier service in your nation that operates several destinations, then you must go in for a bank sponsored ACC. One more benefit is that the minimum amount of air miles required before you can begin using the card is less on a bank sponsored card than on an airline sponsored credit card. Thus bank sponsored ACC have their advantages, but one must be cautious. These cards are subjected to lots of fine print that could be detrimental to the undiscerning user.

The membership and annual fees are different for different types of cards. Most major credit card companies provide standard, gold and platinum air miles credit cards (AMCC). If the fees are higher, then it means that you get better benefits. You will get better benefits from gold and platinum CC; so, of course, their membership and annual fees are higher. At the same time, most major CC companies also offer introductory air miles cards with 0% interest. There is no scam in this. This is done by the companies in order to attract more business. However, if you are concerned about interest rates, then you must not opt for an AMCC as their interest rates tend to be high. In addition, several air miles CC require the accumulation of a minimum number of miles before the user can receiver a discounted or a free trip. Only a wary user can avail of these benefits, and the first step to do so is to read the fine print repeatedly.

Regular travelers for business can find air miles card very beneficial. These cards can be used to carry out the usual shopping. This accumulates points which can be redeemed for air miles. Such points can be used to fly to any destination and even get discounted or free trips. Airline CC also offer bonus air miles at some select stores, or on specific destinations. This is a common practice followed by both airline and bank sponsored credit cards.

However, there are some demerits to air miles CC. As already mentioned above, these CC have high interest rates. These can pile up drastically in your bills if you do not pay off the balance amount each month. Also, as in all credit cards, the AMCC give a lot of shopping freedom to the user. An unknowledgeable user might binge on shopping in order to accumulate air miles points, but land with a lot of shopping bills in the bargain. The AMCC needs to be used wisely in order to get the best benefits.

Dr. Maulik is content writer and also Medical Informatics Functional Consultant. For content writing service, you can contact him online.