| Marvellous May will bring out the best of Ireland
WITH May bringing forth more unseasonably fine weather there has never
been a better time to explore Ireland.
Increasing numbers of tourists are choosing Ireland as their favourite
holiday destination and this is reflected in recent figures which revealed
tourism is now Ireland’s most important indigenous industry.
A multitude of events and activities are set to take place this month
to satisfy the discerning traveller and line the pockets of the Irish
economy.
Ireland has always been renowned for its walking tours but a new breed
of tourist using the roads of Ireland are motorcycling enthusiasts.
They are well catered for this month with a number of high-speed events
taking place. First is the North West 200 which takes place in Portrush
from May 6-12.
It’s a series of international motorcycle road races taking place
on a scenic circuit along the Antrim coast and attracts top riders and
a large number of enthusiasts.
In addition Ireland Bike Week in Killarney in Co. Kerry runs from May
23-28 and is a gathering of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from across
Europe.
But if you don’t feel the need for speed then a more leisurely activity
can be found via an Irish music and culture experience in Co. Tipperary.
Fiddlers Retreat offers a personalised and authentic Irish holiday which
includes traditional Irish music tuition, afternoon scenic and historic
sightseeing tours, night-time outings and Irish language, dancing and
cookery workshops.
More information can be found at www.fiddlersretreat.com.
The month of May also sees a number of high-profile festivals which include
The Blues On The Bay Festival that takes place in Warrenpoint over the
last Bank Holiday weekend in May.
It attracts quality Blues and jazz performances and includes 25 acts throughout
the weekend in selected bars.
Also taking place during May is Dingle’s Féile na Bealtaine
(www. feilenabealtaine.ie) which celebrates the arrival of summer with
the traditional arts of storytelling, music and dancing.
This month also sees the introduction of a number of new low-cost flights
to the North of Ireland from Cardiff Airport.
The Flybe flights will have fares starting at £19.99 and offer travelers
the perfect opportunity to visit Belfast without the expense.
And finally if a taste of Irish food is what you are after then pay a
visit to Kilmokea House in Campile Co. Wexford with its imaginative menu
that often uses fresh salad flowers from the kitchen garden.
More information can be found by visiting www.kilmokea.ie. |
