Dream Ireland Travel Blog

Scuba diving in Kenmare Bay!! Yes alot of people think of the Red Sea, The Barrier reef which are for sure among the best but not easily accessible when you live in Ireland! Recently my son Cormac and his two friends attended a Scuba Diving Course for four days in Kenmare Bay. Their instructor was the great Paul Tanner, he is without doubt a highly qualified instructor who exudes confidence built up by many years in the water. To say that they had a terrific time would be an understatement. They laughed and learned at the same time and managed to score 90%+ in their end examination. It is now a skill they can use many times in the future and all three are anxious to enjoy it. National Geographic published an article about the amazing diverse underwater life that exists in the South West corner of Ireland. The relatively calm and sheltered waters of Kenmare Bay are an ideal base for the beginner or advanced. Full details of diving available on www.kenmarebaydiving.com and plenty of houses to rent in the area like Ardgroom and Kenmare Inbhear Sceine Holiday homes.

Caherdaniel beach on the Ring of Kerry, former summer home of Daniel O Connell provides the chance to partake in beach horse-riding…has to be in the Top Ten things to do in Ireland…while you can! Eaglerock Equestrian Centre will organise a fabulous 1 hour or 2 hour trek on safe horses. Caroline has been involved with horses for a century!! and there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your face as your horse gallops flat out on a stunning beach surrounded by deciduous oaks and rugged rocks. One sight that will always remain with me was a funeral passing at the top of the beach to the graveyard that can only be accessed at low tide. On a recent horse ride we saw two magnificent sea eagles on the beach. Make sure to book in advance, great places to stay nearby like Derrynane Hotel‘s wonderful holiday homes, Waterville and Sneem.

There is not many better feelings than jumping on your bike and taking in the scenery of the Beara peninsula. Ardgroom has always provided a great stopping point in Harrington’s shop, cafe and post-office but best news of all for outdoor enthusiasts is the Ardgroom Holiday Village. It offers excellent accommodation and even boasts its own gym and fitness centre…just in case the Healy Pass and rolling hills of Allihies failed to tire those legs. A bit of down time in the evening? the Village Inn provides a great relaxing pint. Next day you will be flying on the bike!

Related articles:

• What to Know for a Long Distance Cycling Tour: Food and Safety (bicycle-training.suite101.com)

Is there anything more beautiful than walking around Muckross House and Gardens in the sun? The Killarney Triathlon started with a swim in the lakes at Dundag and finished with a run throughout the gardens and woodlands. The day was really stunning and it was great to see the number of people walking appreciating the incredible scenery. It’s a safe energising and great place to stretch the legs…and Muckross Lakeside Holiday Village is just across the road. The houses have been completely refurbished and now offer real quality accommodation in a great location.

Mayo, Ireland

So where are we holidaying next summer? Are we going to give Ireland another chance or are we going to head to sunnier climates? I think the question, in our current economic state, is what is going to be the best value?!

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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-riwQd4CIyU

Image by pensacolawinterfest via Flickr

Where will you find a Santa‘s Grotto that shows children the real meaning of Christmas?

…Killarney!

For the past 3 years over 5,000 children have queued for hours, their excitement filling the air around Deenagh Lodge in the Killarney National Park. What could have these children so excited? Well, firstly they are waiting in anticipation to enter Santa’s Grotto, to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, but something makes this visit extra special – these kids are not anxious to see what gifts Santa has for them, instead, these special little children are helping Santa by bringing along a gift to add to Santa’s sleigh, so that less fortunate children throughout Kerry will wake up to the magic of Christmas spirit this Christmas morning. This coupled with the impromptu Christmas carolling (which in previous years has been initiated to help pass away the time) makes this the ideal way to begin your Christmas Season.

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