DESTINATION: GALWAY, IRELAND
If youve never considered visiting Galway, nows the time. In 2007 MSN Travel rated Galway as one of the eight "sexiest cities" in the world. In 2008 Travellers Choice Destination Awards ranked Galway as the 42nd best tourist destination in the world ahead of Paris, London, Rome and Venice.
So lets find out why...
Well not only is Galway endowed by nature with incredible sights such as the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the rugged Aran Irelands or Connemaras rugged moorland, mountains and lakes but its also considered the most Irish part of the country.
Basically for all things Irish, Galway is where you come. There are cultural events and festivities held throughout the region, notably in the capital Galway. Musicians play in pubs everywhere and are largely regarded as the best in the Republic of Ireland. There are more Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities here than anywhere else and Galway also has some of the most character filledl country towns and villages of the emerald isle such as Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Clifden and Westport.
The city of Galway is the capital of the county and a great place to start your visit. Its also city that loves to celebrate - the Galway Races and Festival of Arts in July and August being two of just a number of festivities throughout the year. The city is awash with places of interest and plenty of historical places that have been well preserved since early Christian times. While youre here dont forget to visit Eyre Square where JFK once visited, Lynchs Castle that dates to 1490 or St Nicholas Collegiate Church where it is said Christopher Columbus attended Mass in 1477.
You can also daytrip to the Cliffs of Moher, the beautiful Aran Islands, the desolate hilly region of Coonemarra or the tourist town of Killarney. Throughout Galway youll see plenty of signs printed in Irish only; look out for "Gaillimh" which is Irish for Galway!
Wherever and whenever you go to Ireland, VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and theres plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services. | WORKING HOLIDAY IN IRELAND
Citizens of new and full EU countries are able to live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit. Ireland has working holiday agreements with Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Hong Kong. Full time students or recent graduates from South Africa can apply for a special work visa valid for up to 4 months. Canadian citizens should contact SWAP. Australian applicants can obtain the visa from the The Irish Department Of Foreign Affairs but New Zealanders applying must be resident in NZ when they apply. Working Holiday Guidelines:
* Applicants must be aged 18-30 and be single or married without children
* Hold a valid passport of an agreement country
* Have sufficient funds to support themselves
* Ensure they have adequate medical insurance cover
* Must not engage in work with any one employer for a period in excess of 3 months.
UPCOMING NEW ZEALAND EVENTS
JULY
> The Winter Festival (June 27 - July 5) at the Remarkables Ski Resort
> The North Face Peak to Peak (July 19th) multi-sport competition
> Rotorua Mud Festival (4-13)
> Wellington Film Festival (July 18 - Aug 3)
> Dunedin Film Festival (July 25 - Aug 10)
SEPTEMBER
> Bartenders converge on Queenstown to compete and create the most original drinks at the Cocktail World Cup (9-13)
OCTOBER
> Queenstown Jazz Festival (18-27) presents 10 days of top jazz with over 100 musicians and performers
> Gumboot Day, Taihape (25) |
