National Vote for the Cliffs Day

Time is winding down on the voting for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. You have until November 11, 2011, to place your votes for your favorite 7 among the 28 finalists. Among those esteemed finalists you will find the iconic Cliffs of Moher, which are perched at the edge of Ireland on the beautiful wild west coast of County Clare (http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie).

Friday, October 7, has been dubbed “National Vote Day.” It’s a push to encourage people to vote for the Cliffs and make Ireland more visible on the map of the world that is located on the New 7 Wonders of Nature website (http://www.new7wonders.com/).

We encourage you to get out the vote for  Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher. Make your voice heard!

Northern Ireland – Don’t Miss Out!

We recently returned from a 3-week trip to Ulster, most of which was spent in Northern Ireland. We spent time in every county in N.I. and visited several locations in each county. We met many people who are suffering doubly right now with the downturn in the economy and recent news accounts about renewed violence in the country. Several people (from Facebook, from our website, and from our friends, family, and others) have made comments or asked us questions about how safe it is to travel in the country and about whether or not we were concerned about our personal safety while traveling.

We had no hesitation about traveling in and around N.I. and will tell anyone willing to listen that there is no reason to avoid the country. The potential of encountering crime or violence in Northern Ireland is actually less than when you travel in the United States (or other areas of the world, for that matter). Levels of crime in bigger cities are lower in Northern Ireland than they are in most larger cities of the world.

The violence that has occurred in Northern Ireland is not now (nor has it ever been) random acts of violence/terror against any persons who happen to be in the area. Most of the acts of violence/terror have been focused by one group of people against a specific other group of people (e.g. loyalist against republican or vice versa or republican
against the British forces that occupy Northern Ireland to “keep the peace”). There is not a general danger to tourists, nor has the violence occurred in mainly tourist areas like the Antrim Coast. That being said, this is not to imply that innocent people have never been hurt. If you wander into a conflict area, you may end up getting caught in the crossfire, so it is prudent to avoid areas where conflict may occur. However, it is not like some of the randomized
violence that occurs, for instance, in the United States in the form of car jackings or muggings.

We did not fear for our safety at any time in any of the places we visited (and we visited Belfast during the initial days of the recent rioting). Prudence would suggest that travelers to Northern Ireland keep an eye on news casts while traveling in the country and avoid areas that might be experiencing conflict (or where there could potentially be conflict, as with the case during scheduled marches or demonstrations), perhaps most specifically at night. We used public transportation in several places in Northern Ireland (including Derry City and Belfast) and never had any issues at all with feeling uncomfortable or out-of-place. You just need to do your research, know where you’re going and what you’re doing, and pay attention (be vigilant!). We would give this advice to people if they were traveling anywhere in the world, however. It is not just applicable to Northern Ireland.

Here is what the U.S. Department of State says on its website about dissident groups in N.I.
(http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1145.html):

”These groups have used firearms and explosives to target police and
military personnel, attacking private vehicles and homes of security
personnel, police stations, and other justice sector buildings. While
these incidents have the potential for some spillover into Ireland,
American citizens and tourists have not been targeted.”

We believe that one of the most important things people need to remember with regard to what they’re seeing about violence in Northern Ireland is that the media are in the business of making money and generally do so by sensationalizing issues. (i.e. “What should we be afraid of this week?”) So don’t let the media coverage scare you into not visiting some of the most lovely places on the island!

Lough Navar Forest Drive

Lough Navar Forest Park

On our second day in Northern Ireland, while driving around Lower Lough Erne in county Fermanagh, we detoured to Lough Navar forest park. With picnic areas, walking trails, lakes perfect for fishing and the breathtaking cliffs of Magho viewpoint, which overlooks a wide expanse of county Fermanagh and Lower Lough Erne, the Navar Forest park is a great place to spend a day (especially a sunny day).

In the interest of full disclosure, this forest park, as with many others in Northern Ireland, is a managed forest, and is regularly logged, so sections of it aren’t particularly pretty.  However, the parts of it that are left untouched are quite beautiful.

The Cliffs of Magho Viewpoint

More information on the forest park can be found at:

http://www.dardni.gov.uk/forestservice/navar-drive.pdf

Information about the Lough Navar forest walk can be found at:

http://walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=261

A visit to Florence Court, County Fermanagh

Florence Court

On our most recent trip to Ireland (June 2011), we decided to spend the majority of our time in Northern Ireland, starting our trip in the Lough Erne area of County Fermanagh. One of the first sites we visited in the area was Florence Court, which is managed by the National Trust.

Depending upon what you choose to do there, you could spend a few hours, an afternoon, or a full day at the Florence Court demesne. In addition to a guided tour of the house, visitors may also stroll through the Pleasure Garden and the Walled Garden, or take one of the many forest park walks (the demesne is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark complex).

The main house at Florence Court was built in the early to mid-18th century and was the owned by the Coles, Earls of Enniskillen, until the home was turned over to the National Trust in 1954. The agreement between the National Trust and the family ensured the Cole lineage the right to continue to live in the house and also allowed them to retain ownership of the furniture in the house. (The family ceased residence in the home and the furniture was dispersed a few decades ago; however, the National Trust was able to reacquire some of the original pieces – when they came up at auction – due to the generosity of some donors.) A tour of the house takes about an hour, with the last tour beginning about one hour before closing (which is 5 p.m.).

The property also includes a tearoom, which offers a variety of flavors of local ice cream, sandwiches and soup, and a variety of baked goods. For a few pounds, you can also purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Other amenities include a gift shop, bathrooms, and Tracker Packs (cute little ladybug or frog backpacks) for kids to use temporarily while they’re at Florence Court (a £5 refundable deposit is required). Dogs on leash are allowed in the gardens and grounds but not in the house itself.

The Pleasure Garden

Admission fees for 2011 are as follows:

Garden/Grounds entry (paid when you enter the gate of the grounds) -

Adult £3.25, Child £1.75, Family £7.75

House Tour (purchase tickets at Reception in the Tearoom) -

Adult £5, Child £2, Family £12

If you would be interested in wandering the grounds on your own after everyone has left for the evening, you might consider renting one of the self-catering accommodations located on the Florence Court demesne: Men’s Way is an apartment located above the old rooms used in the laundry yard (formerly the area of the servants’ quarters), and Rose Cottage is the former home of the Florence Court Groundskeeper/Gardener. You may obtain more information or check availability of these properties by visiting the National Trust Holiday Cottages website for Northern Ireland at http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk.

Rose Cottage

Ireland’s Craft Trail

2011 is the Year of Craft in Ireland. In order to help you find the events, studios, galleries, and craft shops in the area(s) you will be in 2011, the  Discover Ireland (www.discoverireland.ie) has lists and links to guide you.

You might also want to check out the Crafts Council in Ireland webpage to get the whole scoop on Year of Craft 2011 (www.ccoi.ie or www.craftinireland.com).

<The following information is from the Discover Ireland website.>

Irish Crafts

Ireland has a huge wealth of artistic talent spread right around the country, from mountainside to sea, you will finda wealth of craft makers in studios tucked away in the towns and villages that dot the Irish countryside. Irish Craft is recognised worldwide for its innovative use of traditional techniques, utilising local materials to create objects of outstanding beauty.

It just happens that 2011 is the official Year of Craft! Throughout the coming year visitors can participate in craft events nationwide by attending demonstrations,  signing up for workshops, meeting the makers  and picking up beautiful pieces of Irish made craft.  www.craftinireland.com

To experience the best of Irish craftsmanship, we encourage you to visit the studios of makers listed on the crafts trails below. You can choose to visit a trail in its entirety or make your own selection for a unique experience. On a craft trail, you get to see the craftwork being made and also meet the makers and hear their creative stories.
There are also a wide variety of retailers who present a huge selection of hand-crafted Irish crafts located throughout Ireland. A selection of retailers are shown below but there are so many more that await your discovery!
To help you experience the oft forgotten magic of seeing a skilled hand create an object from simple materials, we are delighted to present a selection of short films which introduce some of Ireland’s talented craft makers.

Studio Craft Trails to Visit:

MADE in Kilkenny:
A craft trail of 26 makers which winds through the medieval city’s streets and into the rolling countryside of Kilkenny.
www.madeinkilkenny.ie

West Cork Crafts Trail:
West Cork Craft & Design Guild – 21 Craftmakers working in the serenely beautiful surroundings of West Cork.
www.westcorkcraft.org

Louth Craftmark:
19 Makers creating a rich variety of craft in Louth, including Louth Craftmark Gallery in the town of Drogheda.
www.louthcraftmark.com

Leitrim Design House:
Established craft trail of 26 artisan makers in this beautiful and unspoilt area – a small county with a huge talent base. Featuring Leitrim Design House Gallery in Carrick-on-Shannon.

2011 St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Dublin

Have you firmed up your plans for St. Patrick’s Day 2011 yet?  The following article is from the Irish Independent newspaper’s online site from Wednesday, January 19, 2011.

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This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival is jam-packed with world class entertainment and events.

Parade

Dublin’s streets will come alive as the annual parade kick starts the festival.

Onlookers will be dazzled by dancers, artists, street theatre troupes and marching bands coming from all corners of the globe.

DublinSwell –Words and Voices for the City of Literature

In a new and exciting move for the festival, DublinSwell –Words and Voices from the City of Literature, offers the public an once in a lifetime cultural evening celebrating Dublin as UNESCO’s new ‘City of Literature’.

This unique ticketed event will bring together a star studded line up of Irish faces from literature, music, film and theatre. Sebastian Barry, Roddy Doyle, Paul Durcan, Glen Hansard, Paul Howard ( Ross O’Carroll Kelly), Declan Hughes, Paula Meehan, Joseph O’Connor and many more will make the city come alive in an evening of imagination and inspiration.

In the stunning surrounds of the capital’s new Convention Centre, this promises to be a fitting and inspiring tribute to literary Dublin.

Tickets on sale now for Friday 18th March. See www.tickets.ie

Sharon Shannon

Sharon Shannon, one of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians will present a lively evening of traditional music at the National Concert Hall. Her unique style of accordion playing is celebrated worldwide, and her home-coming is sure to be a heartening musical experience.

Tickets on sale now for Saturday 19th March. See www.nch.ie

Events back by popular demand from last year include Céilí, Big Day Out and Treasure Hunt.

Céilí is an outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dancing on Friday 18th March. It offers you the chance to join in and fill the streets with dance as you immerse yourself in Irish culture and craic. Open to all, it promises to be an unforgettable afternoon filled with fun, as expert callers lead you through dances such as the Siege of Ennis, the Walls of Limerick and lots more.

The St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt is a fun filled free event for all ages. It takes place on Saturday 19th March. Crack the clues and conundrums that lie concealed in the many cultural venues around the city. The Treasure Hunt is great opportunity for all to explore or rediscover Dublin.

Big Day Out will feature the best of street theatre, performance and music in the heart of Georgian Dublin. With acts from Ireland and around the world, Merrion Square is transformed into a family wonderland on Sunday 20th March, a giant oversized playground

A Christmas Message from the Irish President

Mary McAleese - Image courtesy RTE.ie

A few days ago, Irish President Mary McAleese recorded her yearly Christmas message.  In this year’s message, she talks about the issues with Ireland’s economy and her continued hope for recovery.  You can also find a link to the video of her address on the RTE website.

“I send warmest Christmas and New Year greetings to each member of Ireland’s family and to all our friends around the world.

At this time of year, exiles return and families gather, glad to see one another. Conversation will doubtless turn to Ireland’s economic problems that are dominating the headlines everywhere and which have brought hardship and heartache into many a home. Our people face a painful economic recovery and, understandably, ask questions about what led to our current difficulties. They wonder how long it will take to get through this crisis and what must be done to prevent it from recurring.

Mustering the self belief and determination that will reinvigorate our country psychologically and economically is now an imperative. Ireland and her people are worth much, much more than to be defined by this economic crisis. Our history has given us resilience in the face of adversity and maybe it’s time to remind ourselves that we do indeed have many strengths to help us on the journey ahead.

Ireland enjoys a dynamic community life sustained by a modern “meitheal” of good neighbourliness, solidarity and volunteer generosity.

We are a people rich in imagination, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.

We have a strong business sector, including world class companies that choose to locate in Ireland and indigenous enterprises that are doing very well in export markets.

We have the gift of peace that has already transformed life on our shared island and which has huge untapped potential.

We have an extraordinarily loyal global Irish family whose goodwill and experience is an extensive and enduring resource.

We have men and women of great ability across the arts, humanities, sciences, technologies, sports and development aid sectors, whose genius enhances Irish life and Ireland’s international reputation.

Above all, we have a talented and ambitious cohort of young people who deserve the gifts of confidence in their future and pride in their country.

That confidence and pride will be generated by what we choose to do today and tomorrow to make Ireland the successful, forward looking and egalitarian country it has the desire and the capacity to be.

I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy Christmas and a New Year of renewed hope and faith in Ireland’s future.”

We also hope you have had a wonderful holiday. Our prayer is that 2011 is a more joyful and prosperous year for one and all!

Solstice Plus Eclipse Equals Spectacular

If you were able to view the lunar eclipse overnight on December 21st, you were treated to a wondrous event in itself. The fact that it was a total lunar eclipse on the Winter Solstice makes it that much more interesting. The last time those two events occurred together was about 450 years ago, so if you missed it, there’s not much chance you’ll be around when it happens again! The following is an article written by Dick Ahlstrom that appeared in the Irish Times on December 20th.

You could be present for one of the days of the Winter Solstice sunrise events at Newgrange. Participants are chosen annually by a lottery. If you’d like to be entered into the lottery, visit the Knowth.com website for further information (http://www.knowth.com/newgrange-solstice-lottery.htm).

Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange (Photo by Alan Betson)

Moon steals Newgrange show in event not seen since Tudors

THE FACT that dawn sunlight will beam into the passage grave at Newgrange tomorrow at the very moment that a full moon begins to pass out of a total lunar eclipse is a remarkable and rare coincidence, according to Prof Tom Ray, an astronomer at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

“It is the first time it has happened in about 450 years so that is a coincidence enough. The Tudors were in power in England at the time,” he said.

It is even more remarkable that light from the sun and the moon will appear together, with the first sunbeams at dawn coming just as the moon emerges from eclipse.

“That will happen at exactly eight minutes to nine. The two happen to coincide to within a minute.”

This kind of connection is unbelievably rare, Prof Ray said. “It would not have occurred since Newgrange was built.”

He would not be drawn on whether the juxtaposition carried some portent, some special omen about the future.

“I don’t do astrology,” he said.

The passage grave at Newgrange was built 5,200 years ago even before the pyramids.

It was aligned so that a chamber deep underground lights up with sunlight just as the dawn sun brakes the horizon on the morning of December 21st.

It was a remarkable achievement for those who built it using horse cart and hand given it required thousands of tonnes of rock and earth.

Each year hundreds of people flock to Newgrange to be there on the solstice morning, with a lucky few chosen by a lottery winning the right to be in the chamber at sunrise.

The chamber only lights up because of the very fine alignment of the access passage to the rising winter solstice sun. The light actually enters via a shoebox-sized gap above the passage entrance.

Total eclipses are not rare but they are not everyday occurrences either.

The next visible from Ireland will not be until 2015, according to the Irish Astronomical Association.

They occur when the earth passes between the sun and the moon, cutting off the light and casting a shadow over the full moon.

The eclipse starts at about 7.40am when the moon will be very near setting, according to Terry Moseley of the association. It will be low on the northwest horizon, making it difficult to see.

Mid-eclipse occurs at 8.17am, and the moon will be disappearing fast as dawn breaks over Ireland.

Posh Hotel Christmas

If you’ll be in Ireland for Christmas, you might want to check out these special offerings from some of Ireland’s hotels.  The following article appeared in The Irish Times newspaper on Saturday, December 11. But, in order to take advantage of many of these offers, you’ll need to move quickly to ensure that you get reservations!

Dromoland Castle decked out for Christmas.

With a hotel Christmas package, all you’ve got to do is raise your glass.Sandra O’Connell digs deep in search of some of the best available in Ireland

Park Hotel

Kenmare

There’s a movie theme here in Kenmare, with showings of Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life setting the scene for a traditional Christmas offering.

Guests are greeted with mulled wine and mince pies on Christmas Eve, followed by a candlelight dinner and music from the hotel’s resident pianist as a digestif.

Christmas Day is one long seasonal food-fest, with lunch followed swiftly by afternoon tea (Christmas cake and mince pies) followed by a champagne reception and gala dinner.

Younger guests will be much more interested in Santa’s visit, at 5pm, followed by a special children’s tea, while on St Stephen’s Day there’s a treasure hunt round the town for the whole family.

There is also the option of a guided walk on the Old Kenmare Road, with the local walking club. There’s aqua aerobics and after dinner dancing too, so plenty of opportunity to burn off your pud. The three-day Christmas package starts at €1,295pps. parkkenmare.com

Ritz Carlton

Powerscourt

Enniskerry looks gorgeous at Christmas time, with the village decked out in golden lights. The way the weather is turning, you may even get snow. The Ritz Carlton in nearby Powerscourt is getting in the spirit of things too, with a life-size Gingerbread House in the lobby.

For younger guests, the Christmas programme includes treasure hunts, cookie decorating and pizza-making classes, movies and popcorn in the kids’ cinema room. There’s a Wii tournament too, while the adults stroll the river walk or take a spa treatment.

The two-night package, from December 24th to 26th, costs €399 per night per couple sharing, including breakfast, a three-course dinner menu on Christmas Eve in its Gordon Ramsay restaurant and a grand buffet lunch on Christmas Day. ritzcarlton.com

Merrion Hotel

Dublin

Have Christmas in the capital with check-in on Christmas Eve in time for a 6.30pm visit from Santa, complete with a present for each child staying, and a glass of champagne for Mum and Dad.

On Christmas Day, there’s the option of a traditional festive lunch or dinner, plus mulled wine afterwards in the hotel bar, while for those looking to extend their stay the hotel will organise tickets and transfers to and from the Christmas race meet at Leopardstown.

If only one wants to go horse racing, the other can stay warm indoors with a one-hour treatment in the hotel’s Tethra Spa.

The three-day option, including race tickets, runs from December 24th to 27th and costs €595pps. merrionhotel.com

Westin Hotel

Dublin

Just €200 will get you an overnight Christmas package at Dublin’s Westin Hotel, including breakfast, mulled wine reception on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a gourmet buffet lunch, festive entertainment and complimentary parking – the last no small matter in the city centre. thewestindublin.com

Farnham Estate

Cavan

Or how about a country Christmas at this Radisson Blu property in Cavan? Arrive for 2pm on Christmas Eve and you’ll find a bottle of wine in your room. Once you’ve become acquainted with it, it’s time for a drinks reception and dinner at the hotel’s Botanica restaurant. On Christmas Day, there’s a buffet breakfast, Christmas lunch, and an afternoon spent golfing, walking or fireside cosying. After dinner, there’s a quiz in the lobby bar, with breakfast to finish on St Stephen’s Day.

This Christmas package costs €390pps, and if you want to stay an extra night, you’ll get dinner and BB for €85 extra. farnham estate.ie

Slieve Donard

Co Down

For a very Victorian Christmas, the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, Co Down, is the perfect spot, with traditional carols, chestnuts roasting and open turf fires.

Younger guests are invited to join the hotel’s Little Reindeer Club for party games and face painting. Grown-ups can head back to school on St Stephen’s Day for a wine appreciation class.

Get there early enough and you can make a detour to Santa’s Cottage in the Mourne Mountains, near Hilltown, the official residence of Santa in Ireland, as awarded by the Greenland Denmark World Congress of Santas. And if that’s booked out, don’t worry, Santa is arriving at the hotel, by horse and cart, on Christmas Day.

A one-night stay over the festive season is from £200 (€237) per adult sharing and £85 (€101) per child. hastingshotels.com

Bewley’s Hotel

Ballsbridge

The Ballsbridge hotel has a great value three-night Christmas package starting on December 24th with complimentary mince pies and mulled wine, followed by dinner in its Brasserie restaurant.

There’s a traditional Christmas lunch, with wine, and an informal buffet supper on Christmas Day. The deal, which includes breakfast and evening meal every night, starts from €299pps, and €130 for under 12s.

If it’s just one night’s celebrating you want, stay on Christmas Day from €149pp, and €65 per child, including Christmas lunch, buffet dinner and breakfast. bewleyshotels.com

Cashel House

Connemara

Wend your weary way through Connemara in time for a cocktail reception on Christmas Eve with dinner, harp music and carols by local singers.

Christmas Day here is one of quiet celebration until, that is, the man in red arrives at 1pm with gifts for all, followed by buffet lunch and an afternoon spent soaking up the scenery on foot, bike or by car.

Or simply park yourself in front of a turf fire and wait for dinner – your snooze interrupted only by afternoon tea. That evening will see more harp recitals plus a traditional sean-nós dancing display. Rest up on St Stephen’s Day for departure on the 27th, and the whole package costs from €695pp. cashel-house-hotel.com

Brehon Hotel

Killarney

What could be more magical at Christmas than having Killarney National Park across the road.

A stay at the Brehon promises just that and, if you decide to hike around it, there’s complimentary access to the hotel’s Angsana Spa in which to rest up afterwards. Guests on its three-day package arrive Christmas Eve to mulled wine and an evening’s entertainment, a visit from Santa the next day, plus a six-course Christmas Day lunch and a buffet-style dinner that night, followed by live music.

On St Stephen’s Day, the hotel has organising a guided walk of the National Park with a packed lunch to keep your spirits up, followed by Irish coffee and a trad session in the hotel bar.

The three-day package costs €649pps, with children costing €249. thebrehon.com

Parknasilla

Co Kerry

Over in Sneem, Parknasilla is opening up for Christmas from the December 23rd to January 2nd, with cocktails and carols by the fire.

A stay from Christmas Eve until the 27th has all the festive trimmings, plus outdoor pursuits from archery to clay pigeon shooting and petanque. After that, retire to the spa pool, the outdoor hot tubs and the thermal suite. The price here is €699 per adult and €255 per child. parknasillahotel.ie

Ashford Castle

Co Mayo

If you fancy giving yourself a pressie this Christmas, check into Ashford Castle in Co Mayo. Make the most of your stay by checking in on the dot of midday, when mulled wine and mince pieces are served, followed by afternoon tea in the drawing room.

There’s a cocktail reception with chamber music and a Christmas Eve dinner at which Santa arrives bearing gifts. Carol singing is provided by St Mary’s Church choir followed by jazz.

On Christmas Day, you can opt for nine holes of golf or a cruise on Lough Corrib, fuelled by traditional music and hot whiskeys.

There’s a festive buffet lunch followed by a treasure hunt around the grounds.

Cocktails and a gala dinner with dancing and a showband are rounded off at midnight by mulled wine and mince pies.

The St Stephen’s Day programme includes a cookery demonstration, guided walking tour, dinner and more musical entertainment to follow. The package is €3,500 per room, based on two sharing. ashford.ie

Lough Eske

Co Donegal

Arrive a night early for the Solis Lough Eske Christmas package, in Donegal, and you get a night for free. The award-winning hotel has a three-night Christmas package from €635pps.

Children’s deals start at €150 and, as well as a visit from Santa on Christmas Day, there’s all sorts of games and activities for them, plus a movie showing after dinner on St Stephen’s Day.

If you arrive early, on December 23rd, for the three-night package, you get the first night’s B&B for free. solislougheskecastle.ie

‘Homecoming Festival’ 2012

Fáilte Ireland wants all you who are Irish (not living in Ireland) or of Irish descent to attend a special festival in 2012. The following story by Ronan McGreevy appeared in  the Irish Times (Saturday, November 27, 2010).

Festival to tap ancestral tourism

IRELAND: FÁILTE IRELAND is planning a homecoming festival for Irish people and those of Irish ancestry for 2012.

“The Gathering” has the potential to be “Ireland’s biggest tourism programme ever”, Fáilte Ireland chairman Redmond O’Donoghue revealed this week.

Details of the festival will be announced next year, but it is likely to be similar to the “Homecoming Scotland” festival held in 2009 which attracted an extra 100,000 visitors to that country.

The Irish version is likely to capitalise on the interest in ancestral tourism brought about by the publication online of the 1901 and 1911 censuses.

Mr McDonagh said “The Gathering” will be one of several major tourism events over the next two years.

The others will includes the tall ships visit to Waterford; the Solheim Cup, the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup; and the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway in 2012.

He also revealed that the Convention Centre Dublin will host a major IT conference next year which will have 4,000 delegates and will generate 20,000 bed nights in Dublin.

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Will you make plans to attend “The Gathering”? One of the other events mentioned in the article?