In this hotelbook podcast, we explore the historical sights available to those interested in studying Irish history and family genealogy.
MP3 File
Today’s episode takes us to Ireland, where many people travel to study their ancestry and historical roots. Between 1650 and 1950, over 20 million people left Ireland and Britain and sought new lives overseas in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other distant lands. Today, many Americans are planning “genealogy vacations” based around researching their family trees back in the UK. Ireland is a country filled with historical societies, museums and castles, so it’s no wonder that it’s a top vacation destination for those interested in studying the past. So grab a pint of Guinness and join us on a tour of just a few of Ireland’s historic offerings.
Depending on what part of Ireland you visit, there are many sites and attractions where visitors explore their heritage and get immersed in Irish history. The largest city in Northern Ireland is Belfast, home to countless opportunities for sightseeing. One important Belfast attraction is St. Anne’s Cathedral, the principal Anglican church of Ireland. One of the more interesting church rituals is the “Black Santa” tradition. In 1976, Dean Sammy Crooks decided to dress in a black cloak at Christmas and sit on the Church steps begging for charitable contributions. Local journalists coined the term “Black Santa” and the tradition has continued ever since.
Those interested in lodging with the appeal of a Belfast country retreat will enjoy Dunadry Inn and Country Club. Originally a 19th century linen mill the hotel offers verdant gardens and tasteful old-world furnishings. Guestrooms feature French windows opening into the garden or courtyard as well as satellite televisions.
Located on Holywood Road in Belfast, the Belfast Family History Centre has an International Genealogy Index containing 80 million family records including births, baptisms and marriages. Also in County Antrim, the Ulster Historical Society has online databases of over two million records as well as genealogy books and history books, so visitors can get a variety of materials to peruse. Not far from the Ulster Museum is Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments. The hotel is a really smart choice for people who like apartment-style accommodations, as they offer one, two and three-bedroom self-catering guestrooms. Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments also features a great restaurant with a highly-praised and extensive menu.
Offering some of the best views of the city is Belfast Castle. The Castle was originally built in the 12th century and has been burned down, refurbished, and owned by at least three different families over the past several hundred years. If you take a tour of Belfast City Hall, you will see how many of the Chister, Donegall and Shaftesbury family members served as Lord Mayor of the town. Family heirlooms appear inside the castle walls, like a section of a family crest and a coat of arms. The castle also hosts an antiques shop, a restaurant and a visitor center.
Dublin is the next stop on our Irish voyage. The capital city of Ireland is both iconic and culturally rich. There are several great Hotelbook.com properties in Dublin that are near the city centre. For instance, the Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane is a terrific choice for wine enthusiasts, as their Vertigo Bar has a vast selection. The Maldron also offers complimentary broadband Internet access – a must while traveling.
One can’t-miss Dublin attraction is the James Joyce Centre, a museum dedicated to the famed Ulysses writer. The Centre has been run for ten years by members of the Monaghan family, descendents of Joyce’s sister May. Joyce actually never lived in the house; he has a connection with it through Professor Denis J. Maginni who ran a Dance Academy there. Joyce was apparently so interested in the colorful Professor that he mentioned him several times in Ulysses. The Center is within short walking distance of Gresham Hotel, a landmark building completely refurbished just two years ago. Guestrooms include comfortable duvets, complimentary wireless Internet access and interactive television services.
Also located in Dublin, the National Archives of Ireland is a major stop for those interested in researching family genealogy. Their archives relate to all parts of Ireland and documents are open to the general public. The center prides itself on being the primary resource for people trying to understand the history of the country and even offers a genealogy service for visitors with free on-site consultations.
Old time elegance is a must on an Irish historical journey, and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel offers royal treatment just eight miles from Dublin’s city centre. The 18th century luxury castle is complete with stately grounds, a Library Bar and an indoor pool. Guestrooms offer views of Dublin Bay.
Many visitors to Dublin stop at the Old Jameson Distillery. Founded in 1770, Jameson Whisky has survived Prohibition, English tariffs and a host of other challenges. Today, John Jameson’s company represents the fastest growing International whiskey company in the world. Although the Dublin location is no longer a working distillery, they still have fun tours and whisky tastings. After making a little whisky history of your own, head to the Chimney Viewing tower for some great city views.
Getting off the beaten path a bit is a must when visiting a country like Ireland. Wexford is about a two-hour drive from Dublin and offers main attractions like The Irish National Heritage Park and Johnstown Castle Gardens. Hotelbook offers a great deal on the Maldron Hotel Wexford, a three-star hotel with complimentary wireless Internet access, full Irish breakfast and guestrooms with balconies. If you are traveling with family members, the hotel offers interconnecting rooms.
The last city on our tour is Cork. Cork County has the nickname of "The Rebel County", and Corkonians often refer to the city as the "real capital of Ireland". The town center is uniquely situated on an island between two channels of the Lee River. One famous Cork attraction is the Church of St. Anne. Earliest mentions of the church date back to 1199. Visitors to the Church can ring the famed Bells of Shandon and admire city views from the church viewing deck. The church is convenient to the Maldron Hotel Cork, a recently renovated hotel with a bar, restaurant and spacious guestrooms. The hotel offers a huge bonus - a fitness club complete with Jacuzzi, steam room and indoor pool.
Five miles west of Cork sits the 90-foot high Blarney Stone and Blarney Castle. The legend states that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will gain more eloquent speech, so 300,000 visitors flock to the site every year to find out if the legend is true. Blarney Castle is convenient to Isaacs Hotel Cork, a great boutique property featured on Hotelbook.com. The hotel looks a lot like an Irish Castle, coincidentally, and boasts a heated courtyard garden and rocky waterfall. It’s in a great central location for exploring the city, as it’s just a five-minute walk to bus and train stations, as well as the city centre and MacCurtain Street.
So, that’s all for this episode of the Hotelbook.com podcast. We hope you have enjoyed this look at Irish historical sites. For a transcript of this podcast and links to more details about the hotels and festivals we covered, we invite you to our blog at blog.hotelbook.com.
Ireland is one of the most beautiful country of the world,you have provide useful information in this article thanks.
Posted by: Pakistan travel | January 19, 2009 at 01:28 PM
nice info mate, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Bed and breakfast Clifden | March 18, 2009 at 09:23 AM