Archery is also available at many of these organizations –
a fun and enjoyable way to pass an afternoon.
Of course we in Ireland have more festivals than days
of the year, so there’s lots of choice for a spot of diversion,
or ‘Craic’ (pronounced Crack) the Irish word for fun. Not
surprisingly, the biggest wave of festivals happens during
St. Patrick’s Week in March, which is also a good time to
hit a ball or two at any of our 400-plus golf clubs.
Some of the biggest festivals at other times of the year
include the Dublin Theatre Festival (September-October);
the Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore, County Offaly (August),
a massive coming together of Irish traditional song, dance
and storytelling; the Rose of Tralee in August, when beauty
rules the Kingdom; the National Ploughing Championship
in Athy County Kildare (September), the Wexford Festival
Opera (October); the Galway Oyster Festival (September);
and the Sligo Choral Festival (October). Full details on
Given our relatively mild climate, you could play a www.discoverireland.com.
round of golf on the morning of St. Stephen’s Day, and As noted earlier we like to fish. Particularly along our
then head for Leopardstown race course in Dublin, or west coast, there are many fine rivers, along with many
the Limerick race track, for an afternoon of high octane fine golf courses, where you can swing a rod as well as a
racing. But if you fancy being on horseback rather than a club, and cast around for a fine salmon. Our location on
spectator, Equestrian Holidays Ireland has a selection of the unspoilt edge of Europe means Ireland receives
Ireland’s top riding establishments each with its own prolific runs of the much prized Atlantic salmon, and our
individual character and style. Basic riding and hunting marvelous variety of lakes, rivers and streams also offer
holidays are all available. You can find out more details every test to the skill and ingenuity of the trout angler.
on www.discoverireland.com. We are not denying our visitors the pleasure of the
In fact you could have round of golf in the morning nineteenth hole either, but consider a visit to a local pub.
followed by a spot of shooting or fishing in the afternoon It can be like walking through a door into the real Ireland,
and an evening’s horse or greyhound’s racing to finish and it’s a wonderful way to meet Irish people. And of
the day. Many horse races are late starts (Sligo and course Ireland wouldn’t be Ireland without its famous
Leopardstown in particular) and as are all the dog races. whiskies. The Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the
Of course Ireland is renowned for its country sports. Bushmill’s Distillery in Antrim are great places to visit as
There are many expert ghillies (people who know where is the famous Guinness Brewery in Dublin. Each year
Above top: The Gravity Bar
to fish or how to find the pheasant or grouse) all over the hundreds of thousands of people tour the buildings that
in the Guiness Storehouse
affords great views of the
country and most hotels know who to call for their guests created a legend in the brewing world, ending up hundreds
capital city. who are keen to go out for a spot of fun. And if you’re not of feet in the air in the Gravity Bar looking down on
so keen on hunting live animals, you can always find a Dublin City.
Above left: The Lammas
Fair, in Ballycastle,
range for clay pigeon shooting. Here you can hire a gun
For more information visit www.discoverireland.com if you live
County Antrim. and get tuition in a safe and secure environment. outside Ireland, or www.discoverireland.ie if you live in Ireland.
PG96-97 Horseracing etc.indd 97 12/17/09 3:32:31 PM
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