Topic: Places
Something from the old - Outeniqua Choo Tjoe,
October 13, 2009 by Riette
The famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, the steam train that trundles along the Garden Route, will be returning to service on October 19.
The train journey was stopped for a while to allow maintenance work to be carried out.
The plans for the new service is that it will be run 3 times a week in the low season, and once a day in the high season.
The new timetable will be published on www.visitmosselbay.co.za as soon as it is published.
Sligo Abbey - Ireland
July 27, 2009 by Simon
From the Sligo County Library in Stephen Street a bridge leads over to the south bank of the River Garavogue. To the left are the oldest buildings in Sligo - the church, cloister and conventual buildings of Sligo Abbey (National Monument), a Dominican friary founded by Maurice Fitzgerald in 1253 and rebuilt in 1416 after a fire.
The church has a double aisled nave and transepts; the choir dates from the original foundation, the transepts from the 16th C. Notable features are the canopied tomb of Cormack O'Crean, on the north side of the nave, with a Crucifixion and other figures in low relief, and the O'Conor Sligo monument (1624) on the south side. Three sides of the beautiful 15th C. cloister have survived, with the sacristy andchapter house (13th C).
550yd/500m to the west are the town's two principal churches, St John's Church (Church of Ireland) in John Street, a neo-Gothic building of 1812, and the Roman Catholic St John's Cathedral (neo-Romanesque, 1869-74) in Temple Street.
It is definitely worth a visit to all tourists and even if you are not a tourist, make your way down and check it out. If any visitors need transport to Sligo Abbey, Car Hire Ireland is worth checking out to get yourself a hired vehicle.
Arranmore Island is a Marvel!
July 25, 2009 by Simon
Blessed by dramatic cliff faces, sea caves and clear sandy beaches, the small island of Arranmore (Árainn Mhór) lies a short ferry trip from the mainland. Tourists can park their vehicle and then proceed with the ferry trip, however if you need it is easy enough to order car from Car Rental Ireland. Measuring just 9km by 5km, the island has been inhabited since the early Iron Age (800 BC), and a prehistoric triangular fort can be seen on the southern side. The western and northern parts are wild and rugged, with few houses to disturb the sense of isolation. A walking path, the Arranmore Way, circles the island (allow three to four hours) and off the southwestern tip is Green Island, a bird sanctuary for corncrakes, snipes and a variety of seabirds that you can see from Arranmore (but not visit). You’ll hear mostly Irish spoken on Arranmore Island, although most of the people are bilingual.
Lough Bishop House
July 21, 2009 by Simon
Built in the early 19th Century, Lough Bishop House nestles peacefully into a south-facing slope overlooking Bishop's Lough. It's unique location with breathtaking scenery in an unspoilt and tranquil setting, amid the rolling farmlands and lakes of Westmeath make it an ideal refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Following extensive renovation this attractive Georgian country house offers its guests luxurious accommodation, peaceful surroundings and fine food much of which comes from our own farm, garden and orchard. Open 05/01 - 30/11. German Spoken. Non Smoking House. Children welcome,. 2 double rooms and 1 single all en-suite.
So book your flight, get yourself a vehicle from Car Rental Ireland and you are away. Enjoy the splendours that Ireland has to offer!
Smarmore Castle in Ireland
July 14, 2009 by Simon
The Smarmore Castle is a medieval castle located a few kilometres outside of Ardee in County Louth, so if you staying in the Ardee area you might want to get yourself a vehicle for the day from Car Rental Ireland. This historic house still manages to present the charm and elegance of a bygone age with all the modern comforts that we in the 21st century enjoy, including a full leisure centre on the premises.
There are 5 ensuite rooms in the house including some with four poster beds! The rooms are spacious, feature a large sitting area and have a writing desk; they also come with all the amenities to help ensure your comfort, including a TV, telephone, hairdryer and a tea/coffee making facility.
Personally I have never visited the Smarmore Castle but have only heard good things, and I will definitely make a trip to visit it when I am next in Ireland.
Johannesburg Zoo
October 1, 2008 by evl
Johannesburg is right in the center of the City.
If you ever in the City you must go check it out. I was there with two small children which is really cool but remember it is really a big and I made the mistake of leaving the pram at home and had to carry a very heavy 10 month old around. We didn't get to see the whole zoo it was unexpectedly very hot and we were unprepared. The gorilla is one of the first major animals to be seen. He likes to throw poop at people but to me that would be expected. He seemed to look right into a persons eyes and make you feel as if he knows exactly what we are there for and he doesn't approve. One thing that took me by surprise is his size.
The monkeys are always a favorite because they interact with the crowd and plays with the children. The hippo's are fun and you can walk through the reptile exhibit to get to them. When we were there, there where a mother and cup so adorable.
We went directly to the elephants after that. To my disappointment we skipped the lions and the giraffes. The elephants are adorable (at least the one) he kept trying to pick the grass from the bank while a huge pile of food was right behind him :) There are plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds for the children it's definitely a experience I would want again.
