Posts Tagged ‘Rest Of The Day’
The Magic of Mayo, Ireland
Nestled on the shores of Ireland, Mayo is a county of tranquility and rugged beauty. Either for a quite relaxing break or an action packed holiday, this county can please every one. It is very accessible by road, rail or by flying into Knock International Airport. The public transport system is user friendly and affordable.
Unlike some other over commercialized tourist areas in Ireland, Mayo has maintained its authentic charm and warm hospitality whilst the soft Mayo accent is enough to put anyone at ease although it does take a little getting used to!
Selection of accommodation caters for all budgets. Hostels are an average 20 euros a night. Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses are found in both towns and rural areas. There are also plenty of very good quality hotels and many of these are offering very good deals since the down turn in the economy although the Euro has increased in value and thereby negating some of the special offers.
An added bonus is that many hotels also have a leisure centre and spa for anyone who wants some extra pampering! Breakfast is generally included in many guest houses and there is nothing like a traditional hearty fry up to set you up for the rest of the day!
And speaking of food, many of Mayo’s eateries are first class. Many restaurants serve local produce e.g. cheese, smoked salmon, organic vegetables. Fresh fish from the Atlantic is delightful and it has often been just caught that day. The options of places to eat are also impressive. Many pubs also serve freshly cooked food at lunchtimes and in the evenings. This is particular good value and very nutritious.
Leisurely walks and scenic drives are a great way to unwind, so Mayo is the place to be if that is what you may desire. There are several beaches and shorelines and just as many walking and cycle tracks to discover. For the more energetic, Croagh Patrick is a 764 metres (2510 feet) climb. On a clean day, there are breath taking views of Clew Bay and its 365 Drumlin Islands. Having completed your hike, a well deserved pint and a bite to eat can be had in one of the many traditional pubs in nearby Westport.
If its music and crack you are after, you will never be bored in the evenings. Many pubs have local Musicians, playing with no cover charge. The most renowned pub in Mayo is Matt Molloys in Westport and if you are lucky you may even get to meet Matt himself!
Mayo has a lot to offer the tourist traveler and the welcome they get here from the locals is hard to beat anywhere else in the world. The people are pleasant, humorous, gentle and kind. The climate is lovely in summer and bearable in winter if one dresses accordingly. Always remember to have an umbrella nearby as the weather is very unpredictable and in winter wear a few layers to protect yourself from the cold.
Making the Most Out of Your Scuba Diving Vacations
Admittedly, scuba vacations are more special because these are things you don’t get to enjoy every day. It’s the rarity that makes them more appealing. So, instead of wasting your time away in your hotel room, you need to do something right now. Make your experience more special by doing something extraordinary. Sure, you may have to step out of your comfort zone every now and then. But then again, aren’t the best experiences the ones that don’t happen regularly? The memory will forever be etched in your memory, and rather than remembering what you wore or how you looked, you look back to the experience itself. So, to make your trip more extraordinary, here are some things you can do, and the best part is, not all of them require much of your savings.
1. Bring out the mat and sit on the beach at first. Bask in the heat of the sun and play on the shore. This is actually a no-brainer. It becomes even better when you plug in your music player and listen to your favorite tunes.
2. Go scuba diving. The underwater world is an adventure in itself, and you will definitely be awed by the things that you don’t see on the shore.
3. Try other sporting activities such as skiing, parasailing, and renting jet skis. The adrenaline rush ought to get you up for the rest of the day.
4. Visit the local stores and purchase scuba gears you don’t find back home. This activity caters more to women who have been hard-wired by nature to enjoy shopping. Plus, see this as a chance to get something that is truly your own. You want a unique equipment and an even more unique scuba getup so you’ll be inspired to pursue the hobby further.
5. Day dives are always fun. Rent a boat for the entire day and venture out into the ocean and explore the wildlife available.
6. Get an instructor to take you to the best spots. Scuba diving is always better when you have someone who knows the area very well.
7. Bring a camera and document everything you’ll see. This comes in handy for the scrap book you may want to make. Let your friends see your scuba adventures and inspire them to join you the next time around.
8. Venture out and discover the area, but never forget to keep an eye on your dive buddy. This ensures that you always have fun but still stay on the safe side.
Scuba diving can be a very addictive hobby and you will get to enjoy your trip more if you muster enough courage to try out new things. Who knows, you may even want to work your way up to the status of a dive master. That way, you really will get familiarized with the entire process without having to depend on someone else.