Dublin Airport and delays again…

So here I am stuck in Dublin Airport as he flight is delayed for two hours. It doesn’t happen often thank god, but airports are fairly boring places.

However Aerlingus gave us vouchers for food – good… And I get to sit here in Starbucks and chill for a few hours – still it is hard to get passed the bordom. So here I am writing and hoping that no-one reaaly reads this.

Walking in Europe is a new site that I am developing, and much to my surprise it still hasn’t been indexed by the big G after a month – I should really have put a bit more effort into that, so hopefully this post will help the big G find it at last.

Dublin Airport is fairly horrible, in a few hours we will be in Prague – and what a difference there is in the airport. Prague is just so … clean, not so packed, much easier to be in – also I can still smoke there. Yeah one day I might get around to not doing that anymore.

So hope some of this made some sense – I have only had one xanex so far – yeah hate flying also…

Have a good weekend.

Ten Things About Dublin

Dublin has fast become one of the most visited short break city destinations in Europe. It seems these days that anyone and everyone has been there, done it and seen it all in Dublin. Besides being home to Guinness, Trinity College, Temple Bar and Grafton Street there is far more to Dublin that initially meets the eye.

1. Dublin is called Baile Atha Cliath in Gaelic and dates back to the 9th century. It was originally a Viking settlement.

2. At one stage O’ Connell Street, the city’s main street was regarded as the widest street in Europe.

3. Dublin is also a county as well as a city but is actually one of the smallest of the 32 Irish counties.

4. The head of the Irish government is called An Taoiseach, which translated literally from Gaelic means “leader”

5. The home of the Irish parliament is in Dublin and is called The Dail. The three major political parties based in The Dail are Fianna Fail, Fianna Gael and Labour.

6. Dublin has less pubs per head of the population than any other European capital. Amazing but true!

7. The home of The Dubs, as they are fondly known is Croke Park. The Dubs are the Dublin Gaelic Football team. Croke Park is recognised as being one of the best Stadiums in the entire world due to its size and shape which creates a natural amphitheatre effect. 8. Dublin is home to the second largest outdoor park in the world-The Phoenix Park. This is the largest park in Europe and second only in the world to Central Park in New York.

9. The biggest crowd ever assembled in Ireland gathered in the Phoenix Park in 1819 to a rally led by Daniel O Connell calling for the freedom of Ireland from English oppression and rule. Over 1.5 million impassioned people gathered to hear O Connell proclaim “that the freedom of Ireland is not worth the shedding of one drop of blood”.

10. The freedom of Dublin city has only been bestowed on a small number of people including Nelson Mandela, U2 and Bob Geldof. This honour carries the unusual privilege of allowing its’ recipients to graze sheep free of charge in St Stephens Green, one of Dublin’s best known landmarks.

Walking in Ireland

Ireland is not famous for high mountains, and in fact the tallest mountain in Ireland stands just over 1000m high. Compared to other countries, this might seem a paltry figure, but the country has a lot to offer for walking in Ireland for those who visit Ireland. Below I look at the highest mountains in each of the four provinces in Ireland.Munster

Carrauntoohil (Corran Tuathail in Irish), Co Kerry which forms part of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks stands at 1039 meters high and is not just the tallest mountain in Munster, but also the tallest mountain in Ireland. The views from top of this mountain are spectacular, looking out over Hags Glen and Co. Kerry. This is not the safest mountain in Ireland to climb. Most people climb the mountain via the Devil’s Ladder which can only be described as dangerous. The Devil’s Ladder is made up of loose rocks and rises at a steep angle. Once you reach the top of the Devil’s Ladder, there is a further stretch to climb to the peak of the mountain which is marked by a cross.

Connaught

Mweelrea (Cnoc Maol Réidh, bald grey hill in Irish) is the tallest mountain in Connaught, standing just over 800 meters. It is situated beside the coastline of Mayo which is famous for its beauty. From the top of the mountain you look over Clew Bay and the numerous Islands that litter the seascape. Often described as one of the great walks in Ireland, Mweelrea is a difficult mountain that asks many questions of those who climb it.

Ulster

Slieve Donard meaning Sliabh Domengard in Irish or Donard Mountain, is the tallest mountain in Ulster, peaking at 850 meters. Standing next to the picturesque seaside town of Newcastle, Slieve Donard is an interesting climb, not only because of the spectacular views it offers up to those who make the effort, but because of the climb itself. The trek up the mountain is marked out with a rocky path, including steps up the mountain itself. When you reach the saddle, turn left and follow the Mourne Wall to the top of the mountain. This wall can provide great shelter from wind and rain on a cold day.

Leinster

Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Leinster, and many say is the most difficult of all the mountains in Ireland. From the base and Murphy’s Glen of the Imall Pub, you will gain over 700 meters to the top. The Mountain is covered in grass and a vague path worn into the mountain side marks the path to the top. It is not unusual to see wild deer here, so keep an eye out. The mountain offers up spectacular views over County Kildare after you get passed the first and toughest incline. If you are lucky enough to climb Lugnaquilla on a cloudless days, be prepared for one of the most spectacular vistas in Ireland.