castles hotels in ireland

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Bing Crosby was right. There’s no place like Killarney for Christmas! Ever since Bing crooned about “Christmas in Killarney” along with his classic “White Christmas,” this scenic Co. Kerry town has been the #1 place to celebrate the holidays in Ireland.While Bing sang smoothly about spending Christmas with “all of the folks at home,” today you don’t have to have any connections or relatives in Killarney to join in the celebrations.In fact, in true Irish fashion, the celebrations at Killarney have mushroomed in recent years into a full-fledged festival, open to all. This year is the 5th year for the Annual Christmas in Killarney Festival (running now through January 6), welcoming visitors from all over Ireland, Europe and the US. A focal point of the month is the Irish & International Craft & Food Open Air Markets (December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20) at Fair Hill Park, voted in the Top 10 European Christmas Markets by the Irish Times, and the only Irish market to make the list. If you are traveling with children, don’t miss Santa’s Lodge, a festively decorated workshop where Santa meets the kids at the Killarney Cultural Centre in the middle of town (on December 12, 13, 19 and 20). The line-up of other activities includes a Children’s Torchlight Parade and Turning on of Christmas Lights (December 4); the Three Irish Tenors in Concert at St. Mary’s Church (December 16); Santa’s 10KM Fun Run through the town and Killarney National Park (December 19 - photo above); an Xmas Factor Karaoke Competition at four different town pubs – Failte, Foley’s, Mustang’s, and McSorley’s (December 4, 6, 11 and 13); Killarney Musical Society Chorale performance at Market Cross (December 12); Friary Folk Group Karaoke Christmas Carols at Killarney Outlet Centre and Market Cross (December 12); and assorted concerts and Christmas Party Nights at the various hotels in town. Visitors can also enjoy ice-skating at the Killarney ice rink at Fair Hill Park (December 4 – January 1).Although many of Ireland’s hotels and guesthouses are closed for Christmas, a good selection of lodgings in Killarney are open, and offer 2- and 3-night “Christmas Programs” with holiday concerts, dancing, sing-alongs, and other special events for guests. A focal point is the Malton Hotel (One of the great things about traveling to Ireland is that the Irish people speak English. Or at least most of them do! In fact, over a half million Irish claim to speak Irish, the native language, often referred to as “Gaelic” by visitors.Normally you do not need to know any Irish language words in the course of staying at hotels or B&Bs, eating in restaurants, going shopping, or taking part in the conviviality of pubs. However, it is useful to know some Irish words when traveling around the countryside – because there are certain areas in Ireland where Irish is the everyday spoken language and signs on the roads are all in Irish. Here are the top 10 words you should be able to recognize, if not actually pronounce. (Most Irish words are not pronounced the way they look). 1. Gaeltacht – Region or district in Ireland where Irish (Gaelic) is the predominant language. There are Gaeltachts in Donegal, Meath, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Waterford, and several other pockets around Ireland. Place names and road signs in Gaeltacht areas are usually in Irish, so it is wise to carry a map that lists places in both Irish and English. Otherwise, you can get lost pretty fast!2. Fáilte – Word you’ll see and hear over and over again. It simply means: Welcome. You’ll also see Céad Míle Fáilte which means 100,000 Welcomes.3. Sláinte – The toast you will hear in the pubs. It means “To Your Health!”4. Céilí - A traditional social dance event or party. You will see signs in pubs and tourist offices announcing a local céilí – and everyone is invited to join in.5. Craic – This word, pronounced “crack,” causes lots of consternation when you hear it first. No, it has nothing to do with drugs. It is an Irish word that simply means music, good times, entertainment and conversation – all in good fun. You’ll hear people say “Where’s the craic tonight?”6. Garda síochána – The police. The words mean “guardian of the peace.” Usually people just use the first word, Garda.7. Géill Slí – A road sign meaning “Yield right of way”8. Stad – A road sign saying: “Stop”9. Téigh – A road sign telling you it is safe to “Go.”10. Go Mall – Anther important road sign if you are tempted to go speeding on twisty roads – it means “Slow.”© 2009 Patricia Preston

Just like the autumn leaves, prices are falling fast for travel to Ireland. Here is a round-up of good deals you an get if you can travel from November through March. Aer Lingus– one-way fares based on round-trip purchase; taxes/fees are extra.New York to Shannon - $199 each way (November 13-March 31)New York Dublin - $209 (November 11 – March 31)Boston to Shannon - $199 (November 9 – March 24)Boston to Dublin - $209 (November 7 – March 28)Chicago to Dublin or Shannon - $219 (November 8 – March 25)Orlando to Dublin or Shannon - $234 (November 1 – March 31)Continental is also showing round-trip fares out of Newark from $460 plus taxes (or from $230 each way) for dates starting in November.Hotels in Ireland have already started dipping their rates and offering special deals to entice October/November travelers. Here are a few examples:COUNTRYWIDE HOTEL SALE – GREAT BREAKS FROM €79 – The Irish Hotels Federation has announced “Value Breaks” for two-night stays at 3-star hotels, priced from €79 per person or from €99 per person including one dinner. The offer is for a two-night h