Tag Archives: ireland

Holiday Travel Potpourri

  We are entering the last days of the travel industry’s “dead zone.”  The period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is notoriously slow for airlines and hotels.  Consequently, you can snag unbelievable savings on airfare and accommodations if you are willing to travel during the December window. Some of the best deals are being offered on flash-sale sites.  Right now, SniqueAway.com is offering an amazing deal for travelers who have always dreamed of exploring Sonoma, California.  Popular lodgings in California’s wine country have drastically reduced rates to entice visitors.  For example, Hotel Les Mars has slashed room prices from … Continue reading →

New Genealogy Blogger

Hello, my name is Jacky Gamble, and I am a genealogy addict. I am also the newest genealogy blogger at Families.com. I have already posted a couple of blogs here, but before I go any further I should tell you a bit about me, and why I chose to blog about genealogy. Genealogy is one of my passions. I began researching my own family tree back in 2003 because I was curious to find out how many relatives were in my mother’s family (her grandparents had 11 children, and their children had children, and so on). I wasn’t expecting to … Continue reading →

Irish Spring

Spring has sprung in Ireland, but unless you are jetting off to the Emerald Isle tonight or tomorrow then you likely won’t get the chance to spend St. Patrick’s’ Day there. Buck up, there’s no need to cry in your corned beef and cabbage. After all, several tour companies are still offering travel deals to the popular European destination with late spring and early summer departures. Which means you still have time to make plans to indulge in the perfect pint of Guinness across the pond for a great price. For less than $800 you can take in the beauty … Continue reading →

What To Know Before You Visit–IRELAND, SWITZERLAND and POLAND

Continuing my series about learning the social conventions practiced in foreign lands BEFORE you leave on your trip abroad, this blog highlights social norms you should be aware of before you travel to Ireland, Switzerland or Poland. IRELAND The Irish have a reputation for being easy-going people who love to party and eagerly embrace visitors. In Ireland strangers are treated like friends (especially in pubs and restaurants) and it is not uncommon for locals to chat up tourists for hours at a time. Pubs are the center of social interaction in Ireland, especially in smaller communities throughout the country. It … Continue reading →

Adventures By Disney: Ireland

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Ireland is one of those places we all see beautiful photos of and wish we could visit someday. Adventures by Disney makes it possible for us to not only visit Ireland but make the very most of our visit by hitting all the exciting spots and then some. On your first day, you’ll arrive in Dublin and be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will assist with your luggage and transport you to your hotel. Upon arrival at the Westin Dublin, you’ll have some time to unwind before the welcome reception and dinner. At dinner you’ll meet the … Continue reading →

Speeding in Ireland

I would guess that it would be hard to catch a break from a judge who is hearing a case involving allegations that you were driving 112 mph in a 62 mph zone. Then again I have never been caught speeding in Ireland. Apparently, your chances of getting off the hook there are pretty good. As least if you believe David Clarke. According to police reports the 31-year-old motorist was caught flying down an Dublin road a few weeks ago at speeds in excessive of 180 kilometers per hour (roughly 110 mph) in a 100 kph zone (62 mph). When … Continue reading →

Touring Ireland

When I was a young girl I dreamed of honeymooning in Ireland. Since my dad is part Irish I thought it would be interesting to learn more about my heritage and from what I know about the Emerald Isle its beauty is unparalleled. So I figured why not explore the gorgeous countryside with the man that I was destined to spend the rest of my life with. Those were the musing of a young child and needless to say I didn’t honeymoon in Ireland, but I haven’t given up on the dream. Some day I plan to travel to the … Continue reading →

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are called “Gentle Giants” because of their agreeable dispositions, but this motto has also been ascribed to them: “Gentle when stroked. Fierce when provoked.” They are massive dogs that are considered the world’s tallest breed, and sometimes the largest. (The distinction of the “largest” breed is somewhat up in the air, depending whether the determination is based upon height or weight. If based on height, Irish Wolfhounds win the crown. If based on weight, Great Danes and Mastiffs, large breeds in their own rights, become contenders.) Origins An ancient breed, some believe Irish Wolfhounds date back to the … Continue reading →

The Nasty Hollywood Divorce And The Innocent Child Caught In The Middle

More than six years after the demise of their marriage and subsequent bitter battle over the custody of their daughter, actress Kim Basinger and ex-husband, Alec Baldwin are once again heading back to court. The reason: According to news reports, Baldwin filed charges against Basinger in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that she interfered with his rights as a father. And so it continues… the ongoing custody battle over 10-year-old daughter Ireland. Honestly, my heart bleeds for this child. For years I have (irregularly) followed the contentious relationship between Basinger and Baldwin. Whereas, I was never interested in either parent’s … Continue reading →

Matthew Broderick Breaks Collarbone

Actor Matthew Broderick got a bit of a bad break last Sunday when he fell off a horse and broke his collarbone. He and wife Sarah Jessica Parker of “Sex and the City” fame, were in Ireland on vacation after his seven month run of “The Odd Couple” with Nathan Lane ended in June. Broderick and Lane both starred in the hugely successful Broadway musical The Producers. Broderick’s publicist, Simon Halls, confirmed the accident, but said after being taken to County Sligo General Hospital, Matthew was treated, released, and is just in a bit of pain. Ireland has not been … Continue reading →