Posts Tagged ‘ireland’

Powerscourt Waterfall

Posted on: August 30th, 2011 by Sine Treanor 1 Comment

One of the things that get’s to me in the summer is the fact that I always have to be on my toes in terms of ideas and what to do. With a couple of kids (son & grandson) that are just dying to get out an explore this year, I have to be constantly thinking of places around that we can enjoy and perhaps also learn something about the history around us.

I have to admit, this year, with the boys a bit older, I too am enjoying visiting sites around me that have historic meaning. They get to learn something (as do I!) and we always have a lovely picnic lunch in the sunshine in locations that are genuinely breathtaking in one sense or another.

The fact that a lot of the time the weather dictates exactly what happens is an unfortunate coincidence and best laid plans end up binned especially this summer where we have mostly experienced one sort of weather – drenched!

However, last Sunday, the two boys and I headed off to Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow (aka The Garden of Ireland). Wicklow is about an hour an a half from here in Offaly but the motorway is first class and we were there in no time. For once this summer, the sun gods were smiling and we were all really looking forward to a great day out.

Powerscourt Watefall, County Wicklow

Thankfully, Powerscourt did not disappoint.

When entering, the drive up from the main gate is simply beautiful – either side of the narrow road is lined with beautiful pines, oaks and some amazing Giant Redwoods. Once we unloaded, we had to find our spot for the day. Hands down winner was a gorgeous area at the foot of what we had come to see – the waterfall. At almost 120 metres of crashing, cascading water, Powerscourt Waterfall truly is a sight to behold. On a sunny day it’s even better and the kids were amazed.

However, what are also fantastic are the many walks and pathways that you can explore all through out the park. The kids loved it and we spent hours meandering around the streams and the river with all sorts of wildlife and butterfly’s, idling the day away. Normally we try and take in some sort of historical sites on our days out but this day was just 100% relaxation and we all had a blast.

The Powerscourt House and Gardens lie just around the corner, but that’s for another day…and another blog!

There is a small shop selling teas and coffees and snacks on site but we were prepared and brought all our own food and really enjoyed our picnic in the sunshine. There is a superb playground for the kids down there too and the whole area is a safe haven for families.

So this week, we did not learn about Vikings or ancient priests but the kids were not too disappointed about that. They had a great day out in the ‘Garden of Ireland’ and Powerscourt Waterfall will definitely be on our list of Irish treasures to visit next summer.



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Author: Sine Treanor for Celtic Rings Ltd

Irish Weather – Is it really that bad?

Posted on: June 22nd, 2011 by Sine Treanor No Comments

It has been said many times that you don’t visit Ireland for the weather. The normal way to tell the difference between winter and summer in Ireland is to measure the temperature of the rain! However, Ireland does experience its fair share of sunshine too!

While it is true that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much between seasons and the likelihood of rain every few days is as sure as taxes, the Irish weather is still manageable.

The climate in Ireland is influenced heavily by the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream and the south-westerly winds that drive in from the Atlantic Ocean. To say that the Irish weather is very unpredictable is an understatement.

Best Time to Travel
So when is the best time to visit Ireland? Well, it really all depends on your interests. Outdoor fun is definitely only for the diehards from November to February. Aside from those dates, you could pick any time for a holiday, with substantial savings to be made outside of the tourist season.

The tourist season in Ireland generally runs from Easter to the October Bank Holiday, outside these times, some attractions as well as accommodations might be closed for the season. So always check carefully when planning your trip outside the tourist season – although the peace and quiet to be had, even at major attractions, can be hugely rewarding.

Some Stats
The general impression is that it rains quite a lot of the time in Ireland but in fact two out of three hourly observations will not report any measurable rainfall. The average number of wet days (days with more than 1mm of rain) ranges from about 150 days a year along the east and south-east coasts, to about 225 days a year in parts of the west.

The table shows mean climate figures for the Dublin Airport weather station over a thirty-year period. Climate statistics based on the counties of Northern Ireland vary slightly but are not a whole lot different.

No where in Ireland is that warm but the warmest and most dry places to be found would be in the south. Places like Wexford, Kerry, Cork and Waterford etc. The coldest, windiest and wettest weather found in Ireland is in the north. PLaces such as Donegal and Derry.

Sunshine hours in Ireland map:

Listed below is an estimation of the temperatures in Ireland throughout the year:

January: 8 ºC – 46 ºF
February: 8 ºC – 46 ºF
March: 10 ºC – 50 ºF
April: 13 ºC – 55 ºF
May: 15 ºC – 59 ºF
June: 18 ºC – 64 ºF
July: 20 ºC – 68 ºF
August: 19 ºC – 66 ºF
September: 17 ºC – 63 ºF
October: 14 ºC – 57 ºF
November: 10 ºC – 50 ºF
December: 8 ºC – 46 ºF

The weather in Ireland can be summed up as being mild, moist and very changeable with a lot of rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. It is advisable that whatever time of year you plan to visit the Emerald Isle, ensure you bring your umbrella and plenty of raingear. During the winter months warm clothing is essential and during the summer months light raingear and sun factor are an absolute must. So pack wisely and get out and about and enjoy what Ireland has to offer, whatever the weather!

Some Links
• Met Éireann – The Irish Weather Office
• Met Office – Northern Ireland

Visiting Galway

Posted on: April 15th, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

The third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Galway is the fastest growing city in the country. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it’s the province of Connacht’s only city. Galway has become a popular weekend destination for Irish natives as well as a favorite vacation destination for tourists. The city has a lot to offer travelers from both near and far including a rich Gaelic culture, numerous festivals, lively pubs and restaurants, an engaging art scene, historical sights, shopping, theater and magnificent vistas. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib, it enjoys a mild, breezy climate that is welcoming to visitors.

View of Lough Corrib

View of Lough Corrib


Though a small city, Galway is not short on things to do. The center of town is great for walkers to tour and explore. A number of tourism kiosks offer advice on what to see and do as well as maps on where to go. Shop Street, the city’s main street, has a quaint medieval feel and is lined with pubs, restaurants and shops. Pubs are open quite late on the weekends and the nightlife can get rowdy with students and weekend travelers enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Located between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch’s Castle is also a popular tourist destination. A limestone home built in the Irish gothic style circa 15th or 16th century, it is the only complete secular medieval structure left in Galway. Visitors can tour the ground floor (now operating as Allied Irish Bank) and view the history of the building. Other tourist spots include the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum, Lynch Memorial Window, Salmon Weir Bridge, Eyre Square and Nora Barnacle House.

Lynch's Castle, Galway

Lynch's Castle, Galway


Just outside the walls of town is an old Irish-speaking fishing village known as the Gladdagh district. This was the birthplace of the famously Irish Gladdagh motif (also known as Claddagh), which features two hands holding a heart wearing a crown. This motif is most commonly seen on Claddagh rings, which have remained popular for several hundred years. According to tradition, women wear a Claddagh ring with the heart facing in if the are married and out if they are unmarried.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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