Ireland is larger!

Ireland has got bigger since the last time you saw it on the map. The country almost doubled in size after the United Nations agreed to give Ireland ownership of a significant slice of the Atlantic Ocean. The 56.000 sq km stretch of water is equivalent to 80 per cent of the land area of Ireland and is located off of the coast of Kerry and Cork. Under international maritime laws, Ireland can now legally explore and exploit the natural resources of the seabed and subsurface in the area. All the mackerels and salmons - better watch out!

The Dublin City Soul Festival

On May 24th - May 27th Dublin will host its first soul music festival. Soul ain't nothing but a feeling" and that's what the Dublin City Soul Festival is all about. During those four days we'll enjoy live music, top European djs, the best local talent, International soul gospel stars and the world’s first ever ‘Soul Picnic’ in the beautiful surroundings of Merrion Square Park. More details on: http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie

Viking Dublin now on roadtoireland.eu

We have added a page on Viking Dublin, feedback is very welcomed!

Titanic

On 15 April we marked 95th anniversary of sinking of the famous liner Titanic. Everyone knows the story of RMS Titanic, yet few realise the ship was built in Belfast. In fact, no other city in the world can lay claim to having lived beneath its magnificent shadow for so long. The emerging superstructure dominated Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard for just over two years, from the moment its keel was laid in March 1909 to its launch on 31 May 1911. Only the cold, Atlantic seabed has been its home for longer. Full story of the Titanic and its Belfast connections available here.

Viking Dublin

To prepare for the arrival of the Viking warship Havhingsten in August to Dublin roadtoireland.eu team visited Dublinia - a multi-media presentation of Dublin's Viking and medieval history. As always to bring you the first hand experience we had to test everything (see photo below). This Medieval heritage centre, located beside Christ Church Cathedral, tells the story of the development of Dublin from the arrival of Vikings to the 16th century.
You can walk through reconstructed streets, visit the Merchant's House or observe the quayside activities. On the last floor you will find very informative display on Vikings. Dublinia & The Viking World recreate the lifestyle of Vikings and medieval Dubliners. The exhibition provides a unique insight into their everyday lives and reveals how their influence can still be felt today.The visit was highly enjoyable!

Belfast - city on the rise

The Lonely Planet endorsement of Belfast as "city on the rise" was confirmed yesterday with record numbers of visitors reported in 2006. Numbers rose by 6% to 6.8m, with tourists from outside Northern Ireland rising by 11%.
Travel Lonely Planet have included Belfast as a City on the Rise in their Blue List, and say Northern Ireland is a Must See Destination for 2007.

Vikings are coming back to Dublin

Dublin is to be invaded by Vikings this summer as the warship Havhingsten storms the River Liffey under the power of 65 oarsmen. The Viking ship will arrive on 14 August at the end of an arduous seven-week 1,000 miles voyage from Roskilde in Denmark via Norway and the Orkneys. The ship, also known as the Sea Stallion of Glendalough, will be displayed at the National Museum until its return journey to Denmark next year.

The arrival in Dublin will be a homecoming of sorts, as the Sea Stallion is a reconstruction of the Skuldelev 2 ship, built in Dublin in 1042, when the city’s links to the Viking world were at their strongest. The Skuldelev is believed to have sunk in Roskilde Fjord near Copenhagen 30 years later.

Irish castle king of Europe

An Irish castle has been named the best-stonewalled accommodation in Europe. Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo, topped the list compiled by TripAdvisor. The castle is located just ½ hour from Galway on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake. Built in 1625 Ashford is described as having opulent rooms and endless hallways. Book a room in Ashford Castle today!