Saturday, June 15, 2013

Fingall Ireland



Fingall is a council of communities sitting within the greater Dublin Region. Its meaning refers to a foreign tribe.


Historically there is a wealth of monuments dating as far back as 5000 years. Some of the historical treasures include majestic castles and gardens as the medieval Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Demesne and Swords Castle. There are also 9th century round towers as seen in Lusk and Swords, which were originally built to protect against the blood thirsty Norse invaders.


Nestled along Fingalls 88 km of coastline is a variety of beachside communities as Rush, Skerries, Balbriggan as well as the blue flag beach at Portmarnock; all of which provide for leisurely and tranquil days at the beach. Some may choose to stroll the beaches on foot but many may also choose the horseback option.



Towns as Skerries also provide for an interesting pubcrawl, with its active nightlife catering to all ages.

A wide array of activity options as golf, angling, equestrian, Shooting/Archery and various watersports as parasailing also exist.

Fingall is but an easy commute to and from Dublin as its serviced by Dublin public transport.



see more photos at www.thetimetraveler.net

Friday, May 17, 2013

The beautiful town of Kinsale


Kinsale Ireland is a small fishing village with a semi tropical climate near the far southern tip of Ireland. The town is steeped in folklore and history, from its cobble stoned streets, Desmond Castles and stoned forts overlooking the bay this town has a real ghostly old maritime feel about it. The salty ocean spray in the air mixed with the sweet scent of fresh bloomed flowers and the sound of the soft piddle paddle of the rain gives it a hauntingly familiar but distant sensation.



The medieval streets are narrow and wind up the hillside past The French jail and around the bay. Many’s a battle has been waged for the rights to Kinsale's protected harbor. There are also many’s a great traditional pub with live nightly music each complemented by unusual names as Durty Nelly’s, The Spaniard and The Old Head. They all have the smell of a centuries worth of mustiness which adds to the pubs unique flavor.



Kinsale is also known as the culinary capital of Ireland and specializes in fresh seafood fare. Recreational activities here include golfing, angling, hiking and sailing. I find Kinsale to be one of those places that will haunt you as it tends to captivate all your senses with its warm gentle breezes, swaying palms and lingering historic haunts. One visit will never be enough, you will find yourself thinking about Kinsale and longing to go back year after year.

For more pictures see my website: www.thetimetraveler.net


Getting There: Kinsale lies just 25 minutes south of the city of Cork. Cork is serviced by many European airlines, along with Irish Rail out of Dublin. Regular stops by Bus Éireann connect Kinsale with Cork.