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Important news for tourists visiting Ireland.
Listen to RTE Irish radio and Watch TV.
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Ireland: Friendliest Country in World
Ireland has been voted the friendliest country in the world by Lonely Planet guides. Their 2008 Bluelist mentions the Irish sense of humor and their welcoming attitude as strong points. Add the end of the Troubles and Irish craic (fun) and it seems to be a recipe for success.
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New Aran Island Catamaran
Starting in summer 2008 a new high-speed catamaran service will whisk passengers from Galway city center to Inis Mór in less than an hour. The 300-seat Aran Princess will complete the voyage at record speeds giving tourists scenic views of Galway Bay and the Burren.
The luxury catamaran has state of the art technology that enables it to provide smooth rides even during rough seas. Previously people had to drive or be bused to Rossaveal in Connemara or Doolin in the Burren to catch the Aran ferries.
Comfortable indoor seating protects passengers from the elements. Snacks and drinks are served onboard in the bar and café. Lunchtime and evening cruises of Galway Bay will also be provided on the catamaran.
For schedules & more info: Aran Direct.
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Your passport should be valid for six months past your departure date. Apply early to avoid problems.
Some tips below may help:
Apply early
Check status online
Call 2 weeks from departure
Call your congressman's office
Go in person to expedite the process
More info: US Passport Office
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Irish Falconry
Flying High
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Falconry and raptor centers are taking off all over Ireland. Although the center at Belvedere House has closed, others have filled the gap. Current plans are for a new center soon at Aillwee Cave in Co. Clare. Most of the centers have daily flying displays and some provide private falconry lessons.
The ancient art of falconry has always fascinated adults and children alike. For some learning to handle and fly birds of prey is a longtime fantasy. Those visiting Ireland can make their dreams soar at various falconry centers all over the country.
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Work has begun on a new toll tunnel that will cross under the Shannon River for approximately 900 meters. When completed the route will be part of the new southern ring road. It will connect Coonagh on the north with Bunlicky in the south. Expected to be completed in 2010, it will provide a shortcut for commuters. Since it avoids going through Limerick it will cut down on traffic in the city.
For more info check AA Roadwatch.
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The Republic of Ireland became a no-smoking country on March 29, 2004. Smoking is only allowed outside. Some pubs and other establishments have set up covered areas for doing so. Those who sit inside by open doors or windows may get some second-hand smoke blowing back in at them.
Lodgings in Ireland can choose to have some smoking bedrooms. However, more and more B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels are going totally no-smoking. Dining rooms, pubs and other areas of hotels and lodgings are smoke-free.
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Northern Ireland Smoking Ban: 2007
Smoking was banned in all enclosed public spaces as well as work places starting April 30, 2007. This includes pubs, restaurants, public transportation, etc.
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Road Signs in Irish Gaelic
Road signs in certain Irish speaking areas of Ireland called the Gaeltacht are being changed over from bilingual English and Irish to Irish only. These areas are mainly in the west of Ireland and include the Dingle peninsula. Over two thousand villages and towns will be affected.
Official maps of Ireland must now change to reflect the new law. Tourism Ireland will be offering a map for tourists with the names of towns and counties in both English and Irish. However, it is not yet available. Instead get Michele's up to date book: CLICK HERE
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Ireland Goes Metric
In 2005 Ireland's speed limit signs changed over to metric. Distance signs reflect the changes, although you can find some of the old mile markers way out in the countryside and on very rural roads. Once Ireland completes the changes, the UK will be the only country in the EU with road signs that are not metric. For more info: www.gometric.ie
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Save Lots of Money in Ireland!
Free Discount Brochure with Your Book Order or Deluxe Itinerary *
Discounts on Theater, Festivals, Castles, Gardens, Museums, Heritage Centers, Historic Houses, Caves,
Cathedrals, Folk Parks, Abbeys, Aquariums, Distilleries . . . & much more.
Receive a free Heritage Island Discount Brochure when you order Michele Erdvig's Ireland Dream Trip or a Deluxe Itinerary. The brochure has the potential to save you hundreds of euros in Ireland.
* Subject to availability. The brochure may not be available till Feb/March each year. Each brochure is good for the year it is issued in. While supplies last.
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Listen to Irish Radio Live!
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Click on radio to listen to broadcasts direct from Ireland's national radio RTE. Listen to Michele's favorite show Ceili House. A computer media player is necessary to access the sound. If it does not work the first time try again. The Internet is not perfect yet!
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Click to listen to broadcasts direct from Ireland. Midwest Irish Radio is one of the best.
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Listen to Irish TV news and other programs on your computer. Click on the TV to go to RTE and choose your show.
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Secure Ordering with Pay Pal!
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Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by Michele Erdvig. All Rights Reserved.
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