Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a distinctive silver-clad edifice perched on Belfast’s docklands near where the Titanic was built. The White Star Line insignia, ship hulls and ice crystals inspired its unique architecture. An aerial view reveals its star-shaped design, while those approaching it on foot will be impressed with its four jutting faceted aluminum prows that look like abstract sculptures. Locals have nicknamed it “the Iceberg”.

Throughout its six stories the exhibit explores the iconic doomed ship, the Titanic, from its creation in Belfast, through its launch and maiden voyage to its tragic fate and aftermath. The main focus though is the building of the behemoth ship.

 You start in boomtown Belfast with an overview of how it changed from a small town to bustling industrial city. Shipbuilding, the linen trade, ropeworks, tobacco, tea and engineering each added their own layer of enterprise. Then a ride takes you through the shipyard, showing the innards of the Titanic, how it was built and depicting the stories of the men who built the colossal ship.

James Viscount Pirrie
Harland & Wolff Chairman

Storyboards, photos, films, models of the ship’s interiors, interactive exhibits and the graveyard of the Titanic displayed under a glass floor flow throughout the exhibit. Every aspect is explored: Belfast City, the shipbuilders, the construction, launching and sinking of the “unsinkable” Titanic to the aftermath that gave way to countless myths and legends. There is a replica of the Titanic’s staircase, which is only open periodically.

Titanic Shipyard

The philosophical Belfast residents sum up the catastrophic sinking with, “She was fine when she left here”. For all its razzle-dazzle the experience was a bit of a letdown. I felt it needed an infusion of heart and spirit to enliven one of history’s most fascinating tragedies.

Café, gift shop and convention rooms available. The exhibit can be extremely crowded and you may want advance tickets for prime times. Admission charge. Open daily Mon-Sat 9 am-7 pm; daily Oct-Mar 10 am-5 pm. Closed: December 24, 25, 26. Phone: 028 9076 6399 Web: titanicbelfast.com Email: groups@titanicbelfast.com

© 2013 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

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“Titanica” by sculptor Rowan Gillespie

Titanic Cabin

  

The M50 toll road that rings around Dublin now has barrier-free tolls. That means you will no longer stop at a toll booth to pay. In fact all the toll booths have been removed from that motorway to cut down on traffic congestion.

How it works: Car tags are photographed and you must pay the toll by 8 pm of the day after you use the road. If you do not pay you will face penalties. If payment is not made by 8 pm of the next day a €3 administrative fine is imposed. There is a fine of €41 if not paid within two weeks. After 56 days and additional fine of €102.50 is added. After that legal proceedings can start.

Car rentals: If you are a tourist renting a car you still must pay. Contact your car hire company and ask them how they handle the M50 toll. Some will add the toll to your bill along with extra administrative costs. Others require that you pay for it personally. Some will want proof of payment so keep your receipt with your car rental agreement and have it handy when you turn your car back in.

Toll Location: The section of the M50 that is tolled is between Junction 6 (Blanchardstown exit to N3) and Junction 7 Lucan exit to N4.

Toll Amount: The toll for cars is €3.10.

 How To Pay:

Phone 1-890-501-050 to pay with a credit or debit card. Outside Ireland call 1-800 5010-5011

Online with a credit or debit card at Eflow.

Pay with cash or debit and credit card at 2,000 Payzone outlets at newsagents, petrol stations, etc.

Paying Near Dublin Airport: There are kiosks at Dublin Airport – one in arrivals and one in departures. Nearby Payzone outlets are the Esso Service Station in the airport complex and the Texaco Service Station near Swords.  Extra time will be needed when departing if you need to pay a toll.

Note: You will need your vehicle registration number (license plate # or on key ring) to pay. Save your receipts

 © 2013 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Soon people worldwide will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and the wearing of the green. Green beer, dying rivers green, flooding the Pyramids and Las Vegas with green spotlights – those who are Irish or Irish at heart will be partying hearty and ignoring Kermit the frog’s advice “It’s not easy being green.” On March 17^th it is all too easy to be green.

Ireland is renowned as The Emerald Isle because of its spectacular green landscapes. Singer Johnny Cash was so enchanted with the small green island that he penned his famous song Forty Shades of Green on a visit to Ireland decades ago.

But are there really forty shades of green? Gaze upon a few photos I’ve taken around Ireland and make your own decision. Look at my list of 78 shades of green and see if you can come up with even more.

1. Emerald
2. Peridot
3. Jade
4. Grass
5. Lime
6. Apple
7. Chartreuse
8. Olive
9. Spring
10. Fern
11. Mint
12. Forest
13. Hunter                                 
14. Sea
15. Shamrock
16. Avocado
17. Moss
18. Kelly
19. Cyan
20. Honeydew
21. Seaweed
22. Verdigris
23. Viridian
24. Parrot
25. Leaf
26. Asparagus
27. Pine
28. Ivy
29. Pea
30. Bottle
31. Lincoln
32. Malachite
33. Tea
34. Grape
35. Wintergreen
36. Celery
37. Spinach
38. Beryl
39. Phthalo
40. Sap
41. Cadmium
42. Verde
43. Electric
44. Pistachio
45. Teal
46. Willow
47. Kiwi
48. Spruce
49. Sage
50. Bracken
51. Celadon
52. Bamboo
53. Chromium
54. Pickle
55. Spinach
56. Racing
57. Jungle
58. Neon
59. Camouflage
60. Evergreen
61. Cactus
62. Cucumber
63. Granny Smith
64. Lichen
65. Frog
66. Mallard
67. Slime
68. Kermit
69. Army
70. Citrine
71. Paris
72. Irish
73. Seafoam
74. Aquamarine
75. Agate
76. Dill
77. Lawn
78. Drab

© 2013 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

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I am happy to announce the 2012 edition of my book Michele Erdvig’s Ireland Dream Trip is now available. Called “the BEST GUIDEBOOK ON THE PLANET!” by my readers, the new edition is completely up to date with the freshest info available in a published book.

I have written this very personal guide to be your best friend as you travel around the Emerald Isle. Covering the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Ireland Dream Trip takes you to tourist hot spots, directing you to the best places to stay, where to get a great meal on a budget, fun pubs and excellent sightseeing. Looking for quirky, off-the-beaten-path places that are well worth seeing? I describe wonderful hidden gems that only the locals know and you will not find in any other book. In over 38 years of traveling continually to Ireland I have sought out the finest and most unique things in every category just for you.

Why waste your money buying dozens of books for your trip? I have created Ireland Dream Trip so you can easily plan your perfect trip to Ireland. As another of my readers said recently:

“I’ve already invested nearly $75 in guidebooks and I can already tell from the first couple of sections in your book that I should have saved my money and spent it on the trip itself.  No glitzy color photos, no expensive paper, no exhausting and confusing entries of the blue million things you have to see or don’t even bother – you’ve given me everything I’ve hoped to find in every other book I’ve opened.”

What makes Ireland Dream Trip unique?

• Expert, Personal Advice for the Best of Ireland
• Step-by-Step Trip Planning
• User Friendly
• Simple & Easy to Use
• Cuts Through Info Overload
• Quick Facts at Your Fingertips
• Exactly What You Need to Know
• All Your Questions Answered
• Updated Yearly
• Specially Bound to Lay Flat & Add Pages
• Maps
• Sketches
• Charts
• Packing List

What is inside Ireland Dream Trip?

• Ireland’s Best Lodgings
• Restaurants
• Pubs
• Sightseeing
• Day Trips
• Itineraries
• Scenic Drives
• Documentation
• Customs
• How to Get Tax Back
• Budgeting
• Photography Tips
• Shopping
• Maps
• Passports
• Money
• Airlines
• Car Rentals
• How to Drive on the Left
• Discounts
• Weather
• Packing List
• Toll-free Phone Numbers
• How to Phone Ireland
• Castles 
• Gardens
• Historic Houses
• Museums
• Folk Parks
• Medieval Banquets

I invite you to Read an excerpt of just one of the fabulous and unique places I recommend for you to stay in Ireland. My book is full of many others and is your introduction to the real Ireland of the welcomes.

Is Ireland Dream Trip the right book for everyone? No. There is no one guidebook that is right for every person and circumstance. Those who plan on backpacking around Ireland staying in hostels or campsites will want to choose another book.

For ordering info CLICK HERE. Your book will be sent immediately via priority mail. In the lower 48 states you should receive Ireland Dream Trip in 2 – 3 days. When I am in the States I personally oversee every order. And when I am traveling in Ireland I have a quick and reliable mailing service.

Although Ireland Dream Trip will give you all the resources you need to plan your trip, if you happen to find you have another question – no matter how difficult or simple – I am always available on my Free Ireland Travel Forum to help you. We have a wonderful online community of generous and helpful people willing to share their tips and trips with you. Please consider this my personal invitation to join in the fun we have helping with the trip planning process. Who knows, perhaps you too will become addicted to the beautiful Emerald Isle.

© 2012 Michele Erdvig

Priority Postage Ireland Dream Trip

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

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Kilmalkedar Church is a 12^th century Hiberno-Romanesque ruin not far from Gallarus Oratory on the R556. The now roofless church was founded by St. Maolcethair in the 7^th century but is also associated with St. Brendan the Navigator. There are some fine carvings around the arches and on the surrounding stones. The Alphabet Stone is inscribed with Ogham and Roman alphabets. An ancient sundial contains a hole and many carvings. Legend says the tall holed Ogham stone was used to seal a bargain. Today those renewing marriage vows touch fingers through the hole in the stone. Free admission. Always open.

This is the last Ireland Friday Freebie for 2011.

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Last Friday we strolled along the river and through Cong Woods. Since Cong Abbey is adjacent to the woods I thought another visit to Cong would compliment the area.

Cong Abbey is a serene ruin set beside the river in Cong village, Co. Mayo. Originally the site of a monastery founded by St. Feichin in the 7^th century, the present structure was built in the 1120s by Turlough Mor O’Connor, High King of Ireland.  Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland was buried there in 1198. Part of the cloister, several doorways and some nice carvings remain. But the most interesting building is the Monk’s Fishing House on an isle in the river. Though roofless now, it must have been warm and cozy centuries ago, for it has a tiny fireplace and a hole in the floor to fish through. Open daily. Free admission.

 

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

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Cong Woods Co. Mayo. There has to be a reason John Ford chose the tiny village of Cong for his epic Irish fairy tale of a movie “The Quiet Man”. The scenery, ah the scenery! The little village is picturesque, the abbey charming and Ashford Castle is grand. But wander out in back of the abbey to Cong Woods. Cross over the river by way of the old stone bridge. Enter into the enchanted glade through a pointed archway benignly watched over by the carved head of a monk. Fallen leaves carpet the pathway. A green, mossy smell permeates the still air. Is it a Monet painting? No just the trees reflected in the still waters. Is that glimpse from the corner of your eye one of the little people? If they are to be found…perhaps here?

 

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

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Everyone has heard of the fabled Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the picturesque Antrim coast. Yet hidden just a few miles inland are The Dark Hedges an ancient avenue of beech trees that looks like something from the mists of Celtic twilight. Thick gnarled limbs form an arched Druid’s tunnel where shadow and light plays through entwined branches. They twist into fantastical, wind-tortured abstract shapes. Legend tells that a gray lady haunts the thin ribbon of road snaking beneath the ancient beech trees.

The Dark Hedges – also known as Bregagh Road – can be found in Stranocum near Armoy in County Antrim. They line the avenue leading to Gracehill House, which is now a golf club. I walked the enchanting avenue on a sunny, late afternoon in October. Brilliant rays of the setting sun spotlighted the knotted trees. The leaves were not changing yet and the twined branches formed a green tunnel that is one of the most delightful and mystical I have seen in Ireland. I passed beneath the undulating, woven archway in the cool, crisp autumn air. Few tourists frequent the small country lane. But those who take the time to seek it out will find the Dark Hedges to be a place of haunting beauty that is simply breathtaking. Thick old limbs embrace like lovers, forming a natural tunnel through verdant farmlands. The timeless aura is evocative of a Tolkienesque landscape.

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

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The Dark Hedges photos are available in my Irish Shop without the watermarks.

Phoning the Republic of Ireland from the USA is very simple. Follow the five easy steps below to connect your phone call to Ireland.

1. It’s About Time: What time is it in Ireland? You don’t want to call to make a room reservation at 3 am Irish time! Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time. If you call from the east coast it is five hours later in Ireland. From the west coast it is eight hours later.

2. International Access Code: 011

3. Country Code: 353

4. Area Code: Delete the first zero but do use the rest of the area code.

5. Phone Number: Add the remainder of the phone number.

SAMPLE: 011-353-88-888-88

For lots more help with your trip go to Michele’s main website: http://www.irelandyes.com/

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

Custom Itineraries

Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

Follow Michele on Twitter

FREE Ireland Travel Forum

Grey Abbey in the village of Greyabbey, Co. Down is a serene and quaint ruin of a Cistercian foundation established in the 12^th century by Affreca, daughter of the Norse King of Man and wife of John de Courcy. Thought to be the very first totally Gothic building in Ireland, it was built as a symbol of thanksgiving for Affreca’s surviving a storm at sea. Trees and pretty parkland surround the impressive ruins and cemetery. Admission free.

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

Custom Itineraries

Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

Follow Michele on Twitter

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