Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park

Christmas in Ireland, like in many countries, is a time to enjoy cozy nights by blazing fires, dining on traditional Christmas foods such as turkey & ham, Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies. However, there are some who enjoy more active pursuits over the Christmas holidays. The Killarney Walking Festival is just one of the activities that take place around this time of the year and is renowned for having ‘the craic’ whilst getting rid of the Christmas bulge.

The Killarney post-Christmas walk on 27^th December is the perfect antidote to Christmas excess and a great way to experience Kerry’s rugged landscape. This fully guided walk takes in some of Ireland’s oldest oak woods, overlooking beautiful Lough Leane, Inisfallen Island, Ross Castle and Killarney town, from the slopes of the Tomies Mountain in Co Kerry.

This relatively easy hill walk takes about three hours and covers approximately 11kilometres through one of the few remaining native oak woods in Ireland. A visit to O’Sullivan’s Cascade and a chance to see the White Tail Sea Eagle makes this an ideal walk for the Christmas holidays.

Why not explore Killarney for yourself and join us on our Biking & Hiking Ireland, Tour. A 5-day activity holiday that will take you from Killarney to Dublin via the Scenic South Ireland Coast.

You will meet friendly locals and see the ‘Real Ireland’ as you discover captivating landscapes of this ancient land by foot and bike.  An action packed experience awaits you. See www.exploreirelandtours.com for more details.

Winter Solstice at Newgrange, Ireland

For those of us who hate the long dark nights of winter, you might be curious to know that in Ireland we celebrate the longest of them all – the Winter Solstice!

In Ireland, there’s no better place to celebrate this ancient festival than at the 5,000 year old Newgrange Passage Tomb at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú Na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne).  At dawn, on the shortest day of the year, people will gather in celebration of the solar New Year at this most mysterious, majestic and awe-inspiring monument.

Civilisations have come and gone leaving iconic landmarks from the Mayan and Aztec Temples of South America to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but all of these were built long after the ancient necropolis of passage tombs in Ireland’s Boyne Valley.

On winter’s shortest day, the sun will rise over the nearby hills and beam its golden light in perfect alignment along the 5,000 year old ancient passage way to the ceremonial chamber deep within the tomb. This occurrence lasts only 17-minutes before the light retracts, plunging the tomb back into darkness until the dawning of the next winter solstice.

This festival marks the turning point of the astronomical year where in modern times, as it was in Irelands ancient past; it’s a time to celebrate the end of shortening days of winter and the beginning of the long summer nights to come!

But Brú Na Boinne is an extraordinary place to visit at any time of the year.  More than a thousand years older than Stonehenge, the vast necropolis boasts the three principle monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth amongst a collection of some 40 smaller tombs. One of the most extraordinary sites in Ireland with arguably the finest collection of stone-age art in Western Europe, it’s not to be missed on any holiday to Ireland.

If you would like to experience Brú na Boinne on one of our cultural adventure tours from Dublin then visit our Explore Ireland Tours website www.exploreirelandtours.com or call us on + 353 (0)91 553388

• National Geographic voted Irelands walks as ‘best in the world’.
• Frommers Guide 2011 votes Ireland their ‘favourite holiday destination in the world’
• Dublin awarded title of ‘UNESCO City of Literature’ – fourth ever in the world!
• Ireland Tops the Lonely Planet’s list of the ‘world’s friendliest countries’.
• Guide de Routard said ‘Irish dining experiences is as good if not better than anywhere in the world’.
• With an unrivalled pub culture and traditional music like no other, our bars have been voted best in the world by Lonely Planet.

Check it out for yourself…

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National Geographic voted Irelands walks as ‘best in the world’ in 2011. With ancient sites older than the pyramids, the highest sea cliffs in Europe and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world – it’s easy to see why.

Walking and cycling through stunning Irish landscapes is an option every day on an Explore Ireland Tour where we offer a choice of easy to moderate tracks and trails to accommodate all levels. With gentle rambles along golden beaches and through native woodlands to the more exhilarating hikes or bike rides through desolate valleys and out along rugged Atlantic Peninsula’s – there’s no pressure to participate, just gentle encouragement to enjoy

We bring our own bikes with us, so all walking and cycling costs are included in your tour price, and you can decide for yourself each day whether you’d like to stroll, peddle, or maybe even take a well-earned rest to enjoy the scenery from the back of the bus. See our main webiste www.exploreirelandtours.com for our full range of tours for 2012.

Here are ten of our favourite walks and cycles in Ireland:

1. Causeway Coastal Walk

The jewel in the crown of the fabulous coast of Antrim, The Giant’s Causeway is a World Unesco Heritage site and is ranked alongside Mount Everest for its importance to humankind.

As you walk along the most striking section of the Causeway Coast, you’ll hear tales of how ancient giants used the 40,000 hexagonal columns to build a causeway to neighbouring Scotland.

2. Cycle Doolough Valley

A magical landscape of bogs, mountains and lakes waits for those who opt for this magnificent cycle.

Quiet country roads take you through the desolate, but stunning, Doolough Valley in county Mayo where you will learn the poignant history of the famine era.

This was the site of a tragic Famine walk, which took place in 1849. In icy weather, 400 hundred people died along the road as they walked from Louisburgh to Delphi and back.

3. Gap of Dunloe Walk

This walk begins with a boat ride through the magical Lakes of Killarney before walking through the glorious black valley, through what is known as the Gap of Dunloe.

The walk takes you through an awe-inspiring mountain pass where the scenery is a fantasy of rocky bridges and clear mountain streams ending with a well-deserved pint at Kate Kearney’s traditional pub.

4. Aran Islands Cycle

A landscape epitomising Irish nature and culture entwined where life on this remote Atlantic Island is best experienced on bike as you explore the myriad of country lanes fenced by miles of traditional dry-stone walls.

At the end of the track a short walk takes you up to the ancient stone fort perched perilously on the 100ft towering cliff edge, and is well worth it for the spectacular views.

5. Slea Head

Discover Dingle’s ancient past on a cycle along Slea Head to the ‘edge of the world’ – Ireland’s most westerly point.

This Gaeltacht area (Irish speaking) revels a dramatic landscape, but its gentle gradients and sweeping vistas make this a truly heavenly cycle.

6. Mullaghmore Head

A short, but truly magnificent walk from the pretty fishing village out along the headland where the rocky coast of county Sligo slices into the Atlantic Surf below.

7. Sheeps Head Peninsula Walks

Enjoy the peaceful nature of one of Ireland’s most rural and tranquil peninsulas where sheep outnumber people.

One of the quietest and most remote parts of Ireland, this West Cork peninsula possesses a silent beauty where you can enjoy our trail in picturesque solitude.

8. Cycle Donegal Highlands

Isolated and rugged, you will be treated to a feast of serenity as you peddle through the dramatic glen of Glenveagh National Park, complete with its magical Glenveagh Castle where golden eagles soar the skies.

9. Killary Fijord Famine Track

This stunning walk takes in the magnificent Killary Fijord along an old trail known as the ‘famine track’ because of the ruins of the old famine houses that litter the path.

Below, the pristine water of the fijord is dotted with mussels’ beds, which are tended by local fishermen.

10. Adrenaline on Sally Gap in Wicklow Mountains National Park

This cycle showcases the Wicklow Mountains in all their glory as it passes above the dark and dramatic Lough Tay. It’s not one of our easiest rides but certainly one of the most spectacular.

Rock Your Senses on an Explore Ireland Tour

We’ll get you out into the stunning landscapes to experience Ireland the active way, where you’ll discover it’s amazing history and culture, whilst engaging with it’s friendly local people.

At Explore, we’re not just about sightseeing in Ireland, but experiencing the beauty of Ireland with all the senses! We will “Rock Your Senses” on our tours as we take you off the beaten tourism track to discover and experience more!

See

There are many wonders to see and experience on an Explore Ireland Tour, from many old favourites such as the wild beauty of the Causeway Coast at the Giant’s Causeway to some of Ireland’s most prehistoric gems like the Neolithic Tombs at Bru Na Boinne.

Hear

The sounds of Ireland are vast and varied from an unadulterated silence as you witness the tranquil beauty on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula to the resonance of the crashing surf against the soaring Cliffs of Moher.

Touch

Feel the carpet of Ireland’s lush green grass cushion your feet as you walk amongst many stunning landscapes such as from the Great Western Greenway to Archill Island. And when the sun sets in the sky, feel the rhythm of the beat to a traditional Irish jig in one of Dingle’s “hidden pubs”.

Taste

Blessed with a bounty of local fresh produce, a journey with Explore Ireland Tours gives you the opportunity to taste sensational home grown Irish cuisine every day. Try local fish dishes in Kinsale (known as the gourmet capital of Ireland) or hearty traditional soups and stews on the famed Aran Islands.

Smell

Follow your nose to Ireland, where you can absorb the clean fresh air on one of our stunning coastal walks such as the cliff walk along the Pilgrim’s Path in the pretty seaside village of Ardmore. Alternatively enjoy the bewildering urban aroma of hops and barley as native Irish beers are brewed in Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny.

Here are some of the best reasons to visit Ireland:

1. Stunning Scenery

Ireland has magical scenery to offer at every turn, and the most spectacular landscapes in the world - The rugged cliffs of the Donegal coastline, the world-famous desolate Doolough Valley, the stunning fjord at Killary, the majestic cliffs of Moher, the tranquil wildlife preserve of the Killarney lakes, the breathtaking undisturbed beauty of Glendalough.

Every day has something unique to offer and most importantly of all, with Explore, you’ll experience every treasure first hand by exploring it yourself, rather than desparately trying to snap photographs as you fly past on a large tour coach.

2. Friendly People

Everyone’s heard tales of the world’s most welcoming people, the Irish, and that’s no exaggeration. But not everyone gets to experience it first-hand.

Because of Explore’s commitment to supporting local Irish communities, there’s no doubt that the Irish welcome and embrace our tour groups at every turn.

In fact Ireland tops The Lonely Planet list of the world’s friendliest countries.

Witness for yourself the warmth of these people, from the laid-back, slow pace of life on the Aran Islands to the hustle and bustle of the West Cork Hotel, where all aspects of Irish village life pass daily through the lobby.

3. Authentic Cultural Encounters

If there’s one thing the Irish don’t have to do, it’s put on a show for tourists. That’s because the culture everyone comes here seeking is as real as the country’s history.

From the famed traditional music sessions of Matt Molloy’s pub in Wesport to the local food-mecca of Manning’s Emporium in West Cork, there’s no need to look further for a genuine cultural encounter.

Our pubs have been voted the best in the world by The Lonely Planet. It’s all here waiting to be discovered, and we at Explore know how to help you find it.

4. One-of-a-Kind Activities

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Ireland. Our walks were voted best in the world by National Geographic.

Tourists come from around the world to experience the unique landscape of the famous Giant’s causeway, but few ever manage to find their way out for a starlit kayaking session on the River Ilen, or know where to look for a horse ride on a golden beach at the tip of the country, and learn first-hand about the manufacture of local tweed, one of Ireland’s most ancient indigenous crafts.

All the best unique physical and cultural activities are laid at your fingertips with Explore, you just have to experience them for yourself.

5. Rich, Enduring History

Ireland’s history is one of the oldest in the world with structures older than the pyramids - the passage tombs at Bru na Boinne predate Stonehenge and even the Egyptian Pyramids. We also have one of the richest and most exciting modern histories in the world as well.

Explore can help you to experience it all with a local’s perspective thanks to expert local tour guides; whether it’s exploring Derry’s city walls and Bogside area, to learning the history of ‘the Venice of Ireland’, Cork, from a kayak on the rivers and canals of the city itself.

6. Unique Indigenous Crafts

The tradition of crafts and food in Ireland is as rich as that of its history, and must be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate them.

When you travel with Explore, we’ll provide you with a unique insight and with special guided tours and talks, allowing you to see right into the workshops of Ireland’s most famous hand-made pottery, or to taste the most delicious cheeses of the Irish food revolution while being educated about their origins by a family who have been selling local delicacies for three generations.

7. Gourmet Cuisine & Delightful Beverages

Irish food and drink are the stuff of legend around the world, and it’s no wonder, since this is the home of Irish whiskey-smoked salmon,  rich Irish stews, and traditional bacon and cabbage, as well as Guinness, Bailey’s Crème Liqueur, and more Irish whiskeys and beers than we can name.

The Guide du Routard, often referred to as the French Version of The Lonely Planet, said the Irish dining experience is as good if not better than anywhere in the world.

Fortunately, at Explore, we’re experts on where and what to recommend, so you can experience the delights of Irish cuisine at every level.

8. Heritage & Genuine Communities

If there’s one thing that sums up every reason to visit Ireland, it is the thriving heritage and communities you’ll find here. These are born not only out of the ancient cultural history of community in Ireland, but also from the thriving community-based industries and local businesses which keep rural communities going year-round.

It’s hard to imagine a more stimulating community environment than one in which the local pub, restaurant and hotel all exist under the same roof, with gourmet chefs cooking up delights for the local traditional music players who crowd around a roaring turf fire, while the publican pulls creamy pints of stout for the farmers and villagers and the fishermen pull up their nets and boats on the pier outside the window!

9. Fresh, Clean Air

Ireland is famed around the world for its unspoiled, unpolluted environment, and you can tell as soon as you step out into the countryside that the air here is something special.

In fact, there’s no country like it for active holidaymaking, with a lovely temperate climate to compliment the gorgeous scenery.

So if you’re in the mood to get out and get active, why not do it in the healthiest environment possible. It definitely beats the recycled, air-conditioned environment of your local gym by what we’d call ‘a country mile!’

10. Within Reach of the World!

Despite being at the edge of Europe, there’s just no challenge in getting to Ireland. We’ve got eight airports offering UK and international flights, as well as six ferry ports across the island.

Irish airlines offer very competitive prices, with one of the leading budget airlines in the world based here, as well as a large selection of airlines that travel to and from Ireland.

If you need advice, why not contact the Explore team, who will be happy to make recommendations as to which air or sea port might suit your needs, and which carriers to check out for great deals to and from the county.

We’ll even help you to arrange accommodation before and after your tour, so there’s really nothing left to worry about, and if you leave your office on a Friday afternoon, we can have you back there on Monday morning!

Today I’ve adapted Mammy’s recipe to add my very own little bit of Irish magic for that wow factor – a generous splash of creamy Irish Baileys.

Nothing beats the gorgeous texture of the creamy topping against the crunch of the biscuit base as your taste buds explode in sheer delight.

My Irish Cheesecake is something you can experiment with, according to your tastes. All the ingredients are approximate but the main rule is don’t go thinking about making a low fat variety – it’s just not the same  – if feeling guilty, just eat a bit less!

You can add any fruit or flavour to the cheesecake; just don’t forget to add my touch of Irish magic to it…

So…It goes a little something like this:

Preparation time 1 Hour

Chilling time 2 Hours

Ingredients:

• 100g butter
• 250g digestive biscuits, crushed
• 600g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 20mls Baileys (or more to taste!)
• 100ml Caster sugar
• 300ml Double/Whipping cream, whipped!
• If you want you can add grated chocolate – I usually use dark Organic Green & Black’s Chocolate – Yum Yum!

To garnish

• Grated dark chocolate

Preparation method

1. Melt the butter in a pan and add the crushed digestive biscuits. Mix together well until the biscuits have absorbed all of the butter.

2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined tin (preferably one with a removable bottom or it will be impossible to get the cheesecake out!)

3. Allow it to set in the fridge for about 45 minutes. – Sometimes when I’m in a rush, which is more often than not, I just add the creamy topping and let it all chill together.

4. Meanwhile, I prepare the filling. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together. Then in a separate bowl whip the cream until pretty stiff. Fold in the whipped cream and grated chocolate and Bailey’s into the cheese mixture.

5. Spoon evenly over the biscuit base and place back in the fridge for at least another hour. Really this should be made the day you intend to eat it to get it at its best!

6. When ready to serve, remove from the tin and place on a pretty plate and decorate with chocolate shavings.

We regularly come across yummy Irish treats on tour with Explore Ireland Tours, which I will be sharing with you in my blog.

Some of my favourites include the Wild Berry Crumble served in the café in Drumcliff or the Brown Bread Ice-cream served in Langton’s Pub in Kilkenny. (it sounds awful, I know, but just try, it’s amazing!)

And sometimes just a nice, plain and simple ‘99’ whipped Ice cream with chocolate flake can be just as nice. 99s can be found just about anywhere in Ireland and are made with the milk of happy Irish cows. This is what makes them so special. Yum, yum, yum…