Video segment from the Hidden Links Golf Guide to Ireland featuring Adare Golf Club (”Big Adare” as referred to by the locals), and Adare Manor Golf Club (”Little Adare”), in County Limerick, along with the Adare Manor resort.. Narrated by Renton Laidlaw. Copyright Hidden Links, Inc.
Duration : 0:3:10
Video segment from the Hidden Links Golf Guide to Ireland featuring ancient Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare and its historic “Dell” and “Klondyke” holes. Narrated by Renton Laidlaw. Copyright Hidden Links, Inc.
Duration : 0:3:32
There seems to be no question that televised poker tournaments now rival golf and tennis as a most watched spectator sport. The popularity of televised poker has grown to unforeseen proportions, primarily due to the popularity of such high profile poker tournaments as The World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour. The participation in these events by well known movie and sports stars, and the celebrity status and fan adulation accorded the poker champions has created a new world-wide poker craze.
Such publicized success by the WSOP and the WPT naturally has attracted competitors, and the proliferation of big money poker tournaments is sure to continue. Among these newcomers is The Intercontinental Poker Championship, a tournament that puts a new twist on old concepts by promoting exclusivity as a primary feature.
The Intercontinental Poker Championship made its debut on Saturday, June 17, 2006, and continued through Saturday, July 22nd. Comprised of eight weekend shows, and televised by CBS Sports, the tournament was populated by 21 of the world’s top poker players, from 21 different countries recruited on an invitation-only basis. The players in this exclusive competition were:
• Antanas Guoga – (Tony G) …………….. Australia
• Daniel Negreanu …………………………. Canada
• Johnny Chan …………………………….. China
• Humberto Brenes ……………………….. Costa Rica
• David Ulliott ……………………………… England
• David Benyamine ………………………… France
• Dan O’Dea ………………………………… Ireland
• Eli Elezra ………………………………….. Israel
• Marco Traniello ……………………………Italy
• Yosh Nakano ……………………………… Japan
• Sammy Farha …………………………… Lebanon
• Refugio Quintero …………………………. Mexico
• Thor Hansen ……………………………….Norway
• Hasan Habib ……………………………….Pakistan
• Ralph Perry ………………………………. Russia
• Carlos Mortensen …………………………Spain
• Stephen Wolff ……………………………..South Africa
• Jimmy Cha ………………………………. South Korea
• Chris Bjorin ………………………………Sweden
• Doyle Brunson ……………………………United States
• Chau Giang ………………………………Vietnam
Played at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, the telecasts were rife with pomp and circumstance as each countries flag was displayed in turn accompanied by their national anthem. Veteran sportscaster Jeff Medders described the play-by-play assisted by poker player, tv analyst and former tv star, Gabe Kaplan ( “Welcome Back, Kotter” ).
The game was Texas hold ‘em. The prizes; $350,000 for the winner – which eventually was Japan’s Yoshio Nakano, and $150,000 for second place winner Tony G of Australia. There were no other prizes awarded.
The intercontinental Poker Championship has introduced an entirely new concept to tournament poker, snob appeal. You cannot buy into this tournament, you are “selected” by the tournament officials based upon your prominence as a player. Still another entirely new dimension has been brought into tournament poker by this tournament, since the players are selected from different countries, bringing “national pride” into the picture as well, a concept hugely appealing to viewers.
And finally, spectators can participate in the games vicariously through the viewing of the players hole cards through the ingenious “hole card cam”, a lipstick-sized device designed to enable viewers to see the players bluffs and strategies first-hand.
The Intercontinental Poker Championship was originated by an amazing man, one Henry Orenstein, (born circa 1925). A survivor of Nazi concentration camps in his youth, Orenstein is a successful inventor, holding more than 100 patents, and is the inventor of the aforementioned “hole cam” to which he still holds exclusive rights.
Orenstein’s accomplishments don’t stop there. He is also a top professional poker player in his own right. One of the oldest tournament players, the octogenarian won $130,000 in the 1996 WSOP tourney, defeating some of the tournament’s best players at seven-card stud. He has finished in the money numerous times at the WSOP and other tournaments, such as the United States Poker Championship, and his continuing contributions to the popularity of televised tournament poker have proven invaluable.
Kenneth Bateman
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-gambling-articles/the-intercontinental-poker-championship-53401.html
PaddyPower is one of biggest sports betting companies of Ireland. PaddyPower has a place on both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. PaddyPower opeates through more than 200 retail outlets throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
PaddyPower offers a vast variety for a regular gambler –
Live betting, Football, Golf, Cricket, Rugby, major US sports, Tennis, Snooker, Hurling, Gaelic Football, Formula One Racing, all international Horse Racing events.PaddyPower also has a separate section apart from the regular spots betting, it offers a wide range of Novelty Betting that includes Music, Politics, T.V. specials like X-Factor, Blind Date & others. It also offers major international Lotteries in its bouquet.
Paddy Power offers a great feature that no one else does – Paddypower pays back to is members. At Paddypower, when someone’s horse falls, they get the stake back. Also if a player is sent back, he get the money back or a free bet. Also a good thing about Paddy Power is that it often adds extra payouts to Golf and Horse Racing events.
PaddyPower is knows for some great novelty bets like Big Brother, Eurovision, Rooney’s baby and Societe Generale Crisis.
Paddy Power offers its members to make the payment in only two currencies – Euro and GBP. Paddypower support in three languages – English, German & Spanish.
Apart from the above categories, Paddypower provides its members an opportunity to place bets on the financial markets (stock exchanges etc.).
At PaddyPower, the kinds of bets include fixed odds (1×2), totals, Asian handicap, first half, combos, half/full time, correct score, props, winning margin, and future bets.
The range of horse betting at Paddypower goes from UK tote betting and Japan Cup to the US greyhounds and virtual racing and greyhounds. It also offers a live audio and text commentary for the Irish and UK horse racing events. Paddypower provides its members a betting guide and useful tips to win.
At Paddypower, minimum stake for online is $0.50 and $5 via phone. It is quite low compared to the other industry player where it starts from $25. The online max stake is $10,000 and via phone it is $500,000.
Paddypower, apart from the sports gambling, also caters to the needs of other people through its online poker and casino. Apart from the sports betting, it offers casino games, bingo, auctions and skill games too. The members can place bids to purchase great prizes for very low prices.
The members of Paddypower have deposit options like Debit/Credit Cards – (Visa/Master, Switch, Laser, Solo and Delta). But the debit cards deposits must be in issued currency. Also Bank Transfer, Checks, Western Union, QuickPay, Netteler, Money Orders, Moneybookers are the options.
The withdrawal options for members include some of the same methods used for deposits. The minimum withdrawal level £10 or €10 and the maximum withdrawal is €2500 or £2000. Paddypower do not accept players from the U.S.
sueman frank
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-gambling-articles/paddypower-one-single-name-for-auctions-sports-betting-gambling-casino-742057.html
The United Kingdom And Property
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) is a made up of four countries of immense diversity, tradition and culture. Beautiful countryside, islands, moors, craggy mountains and cliffs, rolling hills, shorelines and beaches, it has scenery as varied as its people. The UK investment property may include any one of the four individual countries that make up the United Kingdom: England; Scotland; Wales and Northern Ireland. There are also a number of islands, in particular the Scottish island groups of the Shetlands and the Orkneys, the English Scilly Isles and Isle of Wight and the Welsh island of Anglesey. The British Isles are to be found off the western extremity of continental Europe, separated from it by the English Channel and the North Sea. The climate is temperate in nature, and in the words of William Blake, you see “England’s green and pleasant land”. All of these complicated factors make UK investment property very lucrative.
Of the four countries England has the largest population at 50 million of the total 60 million people and consequently is the busiest.
The UK is steeped in history and tradition, with a respected Monarchy and is the home of democracy. It’s is as much known for its culture as for its music and festivals, inventions, sport, art and literature, fashion and films and television. It is sometimes called “Cool Britannia” and many a trend has started in the UK.
Throughout the four countries there are many cultural sights with stately homes, castles, palaces and accompanying grounds in abundance. Many of these are run by different organizations such as the National Trust, Scottish Trust and the National Park Trust. Wherever you are in the UK you are never far from something of significance or of historical value.
Major cities, such as London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Manchester offer impressive galleries, museums and theatres giving the traveller a multitude of activities to pursue.
Outside of these metropolitan areas there are still many towns and cities with historical value such as Bath, Salisbury and Harrogate. Peaceful village life is also an option with rural communities abounding across the majority of all of the countries.
UK Property Investment Market
Prior to the election of the present Labour Government, the UK property market had tended to move in very cyclical patterns with significant (short term) boom and busts episodes. Over the last 10 years this particular trait has faded and the UK property investment market has been on a general upturn for some time. The release of significant numbers of social housing over the last decade has helped to flatten the natural boom and bust curve.
As the UK continues to attract significant overseas property investment the UK property investment market around the major cities have tended to lead the way with regards to price rises (particularly London property and the South East). Where the major cities lead, the smaller cities and towns have followed – although there is often a time lag as the factors affecting the general market slowly spread far and wide.
While the UK market has been prone to short term, often volatile, swings, there is no doubt that the return on UK Property over any significant period has been significantly higher than those of mainland Europe. The UK has always been a very much purchase driven market, however as the international profile of the country continues to grow, a prosperous rental market has been created – with particular emphasis on London which has led the way in Europe with regards to financial markets in particular (The Stock Exchange, Petroleum Exchange, Metals Exchange, etc).
There are a number on anomalies with regards to property transactions in each of the four individual countries, and these should be assessed at the time of any transaction. In the main the differences relate to how bids are entered and how they are chosen.
As the financial institutions continue to increase their lending to the mortgage industry, it is now possible to obtain mortgages based upon up to five times your income. This recent increase in the basis has further helped to fuel what was, and continues to be a buoyant area of investment.
Buying Investment Property in the UK
While the UK continues to retain a strong sense of tradition and history, there is no doubt that London in particular is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. It is the employment hub of the UK, and has particular strengths in the financial arena, e.g. The London Stock Exchange, etc. This has, and continues to attract significant overseas investment, which is in turn feeding a growing economy. As the economy grows, so does the demand for housing and buying investment property in the UK.
While the weather in the UK can be unpredictable there is a massive influx of tourists from all around the world, although a vast number of them arrive from Japan and the US. Impressed with the tradition and variety of the society, many have chosen to invest in holiday homes, second homes. It also helps that London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, and offers access to all major cities of the world.
The current climate of low interest rates, low inflation and increased infrastructure spend bodes well for the future of the UK. The UK has also been chosen to host the 2012 Olympic Games which will put the worldwide spot light on this beautiful, diverse group of countries.
The Future of UK Property Investment
While the release of further housing stock over the last decade has helped to control the ongoing property boom, demand still far out weighs supply – especially in the more affluent south of England, where the majority of overseas investment is applied.
However, over the last few years we have seen areas such as Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland; continue to increase their profile which has resulted in some fairly large property price rises in these areas. This pattern has been repeated in a number of the more business central areas of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
One of the main attractions to tourists to the UK seems to be the great and varied history of the land, which has links as far afield as Pakistan and India who are members of the ever expanding Commonwealth of the United Kingdom.
The UK also has a very thorough infrastructure, where it is possible to travel between the likes of London and Glasgow (in Scotland) within a couple of hours – carrying you from the hustle and bustle of the big city, to the verges of the beautiful Scottish countryside complete with Lochs, Golf Courses and miles of National park.
Travel within the UK is very easy as there are no passport restrictions when moving between the four countries United Kingdom.
Parag Sheth
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/uk-investment-property-123806.html
Tom Lohmus, a visiting golfer from Worcestershire, England was well aware of the “local rules” at Westport Golf Club,Ireland recently. The rule states that the residant swans, Padraig & Rory, always have the honour when they play the 15th at Westport Golf Club. This hole is currently ranked in the Irish Times Fantancy Parkland course as Irelands premier 15th hole.
Duration : 0:0:45
ABOUT PORTUGAL
Positioned on the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a great historic country of immense diversity. From the culture and prosperity of Lisbon, through the beautiful wine regions and the Sun, sea and sand of the Algarve, Portugal offers something for everyone. Modern marinas and spectacular golf courses mean that here are plenty of activities.
As with all South European countries, the Portuguese are very fond of food, with fish being high on the menu. A particular speciality is grilled sardines, which is a delicious dish. Wine is likewise important with excellent red and white table wines as well as the ubiquitous Port.
It is the most westerly country in Europe and has the same time zone as the United Kingdom and Ireland. The currency is the Euro but prior to 2002 it used the Escudo. The population was estimated to be 10.6 million people as of July 2006 and the predominant religion is Roman Catholic, with 97% of the population describing themselves of this faith.
The language is Portuguese, which is a romance language, similar in structure and spelling to Spanish, but pronunciation and accent are completely different, often bewildering non-speakers.
The current president is Aníbal Cavaco Silva and the Prime Minister is José Sócrates.
Portugal has been a country since the Twelfth Century, A.D. when Count Alfonso pronounced himself King Alfonso of Portugal. Since then Portugal has been through revolutions, civil war, a right-wing dictatorship in the Twentieth Century before settling on a democracy in 1976 and joining the European Union ten years later.
Portuguese explorers roamed the World and claimed many lands for the Portuguese. The most famous and prolific being Vasco de Gama, establishing trade links to India; Pedro Álvares Cabral, claiming Brazil; and Alfonso de Albuquerque who conquered Goa and Malaysia.
After years of economic decline, resulting in the embracing of democracy, Portugal’s economy has recovered and it has become a modern European nation. Tourism is a major industry but it is still mostly rural with farming communities and great wine-growing regions.
The Duoro is the region for Portugal’s most famous export: Port. Real Port only comes from the Duoro valley and all of the famous names can be found there: Taylor; Graham; Fonseca; Dow; Warre; Sandeman; Croft, as well as many others making this delicious fortified wine. The wine growing regions offer a different kind of holiday destination with beautiful countryside and spectacular scenery, relaxing atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable locals.
The most well-known and popular tourist location is the Algarve in the South of the country. Famous for sandy beaches, marinas, fishing and golf courses, the Algarve offers a great deal to the sun-seeker and is extremely family-friendly. The hotels in the region are modern and the facilities are of good quality. This region also provides good nightlife and a wide range of restaurants. The area is served by an Airport at the administrative centre, Faro, and the major centres include such resorts as Albufeira and Vilamoura .
The capital of the country is Lisbon, located in its own region in the West of the country. It has a population of 564,000 and the region has approximately 2.7 million inhabitants. The region is the most densely populated in the country and also the wealthiest. As an ancient and important capital city Lisbon is also a great place to visit with many impressive sights, including the imposing Vasco de Gama Bridge, the longest in Europe at over 17 Km.
Property Market
For many inhabitants of countries such as the UK, where the summers can be brief and the winters cold, Portugal holds many attractions. While the whole country is experiencing a buoyant property sector, the south of the country is proving particularly popular. Portugal is a land with has the natural unspoilt beauty of the hills, to the more developed holiday resorts in the south. As with most warm climate countries there is a vast array of properties available, from holiday homes, to town houses and many different sized apartments.
The Portuguese construction sector is one of the most liberal within Europe, with no direct barrier to foreign invest. There are obviously various building and health and safety regulations which need to be respected, but overseas investor are not are not forced to employ a Portuguese partner.
It is highly unlikely that foreign investors will be able to obtain a mortgage in Portugal itself, and finance will need to be arranged in their home states. The purchase process is slightly different in that all buyers must obtain a tax registration from the local authorities and nominate a Portuguese address for documentation purposes. Many of the older developments in the country (often in excess of 20 years) may well be community owned (the equivalent of a Housing Association in the UK) and buyers will be required to buy a share in the development, and abide by the “community” rules.
As many UK citizens have sampled the delights of the Algarve, this is proving to have a longer term lure for many people. Holiday homes are very popular in this area which has a hot climate for over 75% of the year. The Algarve has been popular for many years, and house prices have shown above average growth over the last few years. There are however signs that new “fashionable” areas in the north are receiving significant interest.
It is advisable to check out the administration costs of buying property in Portugal, as legal fees and stamp duty are not the cheapest in Europe. Overall, it looks as thought the property sector may continue a gradual climb in the short to medium term.
Why Invest in Portugal?
There is no doubt that the holiday resorts have been the best selling point for Portugal, with long white sandy beaches, a favourable climate, and miles of coastline. This is proving particularly attractive to many UK citizens, with strong UK ties visible throughout much of southern Portugal.
Unlike many countries who look for foreign investment at any cost, the Portuguese authorities take a strict line about preserving the beautiful rugged landscapes, and property development licences are carefully considered prior to clearance. For those looking to retire to take up more relaxing leisure activities there are vast arrays of golf course, tennis court, swimming pools, and more. Average apartment prices range from £130,000 for a two bedroom apartment, to £170,000 for a three bedroom home.
There is a very strong sale to let market, but this is concentrated on furnished accommodation, general for the short term holiday makers. As more people wake up to the beauty of Portugal, demand continues to grow and the property market is performing well, although like the Algarve there are a number of property “hotspots”.
Outlook
With many parts of Portugal still untouched by the booming property market, there is plenty of potential for capital growth from a modest investment. As the level of interest in the country continues to grow, there is even more good news from the government, who are currently reforming their tax laws to make investment in Portugal even more attractive.
A number of areas have been earmarked as potentially lucrative investment sites, including Almancil, Loue, Carvoeiro and Tavira to name but a few. At a time when the UK property market is riding the crest of a wave, many people are opening up to the idea of reinvesting part of their liquidity overseas.
While the Portuguese economy has had a volatile reputation in the past, the government are beginning to see the fruits of their inward investment with great improvements in the transport network. As with many European countries these days, they are going through the change from a manufacturing economy to a services led economy. Again this is proving successful, and improving the overseas reputation of Portugal.
Parag Sheth
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/property-in-portugal-123212.html
Over the past 20 years, thousands of UK residents have acquired a property in Spain, and a consistent and substantial growth in UK property prices has provided the opportunity for many people to achieve their dream of owning a second property. Reasons for considering a purchase of property in Spain can vary greatly. Some people might look for a holiday home for the family or perhaps a retirement home; others might look to make an investment on a property, perhaps to take advantage of market growth.
Many of the long-standing resort areas of Spain have seen a downturn in development of property construction, which is partly due to the availability of new areas of the country. While Costa Blanca remains popular with property buyers, lesser-known parts of the country, such as Costa Calida are now becoming more established.
Potential property buyers will undoubtedly have different needs in terms of location and property type, and these needs will be dependent on the purchasers’ motive for securing a home in Spain. For example, a speculator might seek to buy into the early stage of a new property development, whilst a holiday-home buyer might look for a property close to the beach. For many potential buyers, another consideration might be the proximity of the property development to an airport. This is an important factor in allowing quick and easy access to their property; Costa Calida and Costa Blanca are well served in this regard, with year round flights from many UK and Ireland airports.
Consideration of road travel times is less important than in the UK, with the achievement of a significant road improvement programme; and with less cars per kilometre on Spanish roads, journeys are relatively straightforward. Furthermore, most property developments are situated only a short drive away from towns and cities and can cater for all modern life requirements, while numerous traditional Spanish villages provide a glimpse of life as it once was.
For golfers, the Murcia region of Spain is famous for its many golf courses. In fact, the region is home to La Manga Golf Club – the scene of many international tournaments – and one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country. For an investor, golf courses are a major draw and properties situated on or near golf developments greatly enhance the possibility of frequent lets of accommodation to leisure golfers.
Before buying a property in Spain, it is important to conduct some detailed research. Although much of this research can be done at home through magazines, the internet or attending an exhibition, take some time to research the desired location along with what’s on offer, thus ensuring the perfect investment for you. It is also helpful to consult a knowledgeable and reliable Spanish property agent who can advise on choosing the right area, provide a list of suitable properties and can also provide information on schools, leisure facilities, local culture and communities to match your needs. Furthermore, property agents can also advise on the best way to finance the purchase of property in Spain, so you can set yourself a budget for your purchase.
Buying a property in Spain isn’t as daunting as it might appear. With careful planning and research, you’ll have a much better idea of the desired location for your property – making that move to a place in the sun a lot easier.
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.
Andrew Regan
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/buying-a-property-in-spain-making-the-first-move-toward-a-place-in-the-sun-102329.html
A natural harbour, it was, quite unbelievably now, once a vitally important shipping centre for the Irish Trade, and in 1804, over seven hundred ships were anchored there. With the advent of the industrial age, £12,000 was raised to build new piers to improve its chances against those of the, as yet undeveloped, Holy Isle (now the busy ferry port of Holyhead) to become the main port for Ireland. However, in 1837, with a single casting vote of the Chairman of a Commons Select Committee, its hopes were dashed and now, all that remains of the venture is the “Whitehall”, built as a hotel in anticipation of the upsurge in travellers which (thankfully) never came; and the “Ty Coch” – the last surviving inn of three which the village once supported. The Whitehall is no longer a hotel, but the Ty Coch continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.
The present Ty Coch was built in 1823, out of red brick which is thought had been used as ballast for a ship which had taken granite from the port to Holland. However, it is thought that there was an earlier building on the site, possibly dating back to the sixteenth century, and this is evidenced by the presence of windows and a fireplace in the cellar. Rather amusingly, for the first five years of its life it was the vicarage for he vicar of Edern, and it was only after a vicarage was built next to the church in the village itself, that eventually the vicar moved out, leaving his housekeeper, Catherine Ellis, to open the building as an Inn in 1842, to supply refreshment to the shipbuilding workforce who worked on the beach.
So unique is the pub’s setting, that Craig Rosenberg chose it as one of the locations for his 2004 film “Half Light” which starred Debi Moore.
Further along the headland lies the narrow little cove of Lifeboat Bay, home to the Porth Dinllaen Lifeboat, which has been saving lives on this stretch of coastline since 1864. In December of the previous year, eighteen ships had been sheltering in the bay in anticipation of a severe storm. The shelter offered by the port’s natural harbour, however, offered no protection from the gale force northerly wind, and all the ships were driven ashore and wrecked. Robert Rees, a local man, tied a rope around his waist and, with the help of four other men, succeeded in saving the lives of twenty eight sailors from the stricken vessels. Following the tragedy, the Rev. Owen Lloyd Williams of Boduan, wrote to the R.N.L.I. reporting on the results of recent gales, and asked for a lifeboat station to be established at Porth Dinllaen. The R.N.L.I.’s inspector of lifeboats, visited the area the following February, and recommended the forming of a lifeboat station, which was formally approved at a meeting of the management in March 1864. The first boathouse was built at a cost of £140 and this was quickly followed by the arrival of the very first lifeboat, the 36 foot long, 12-oar, Cotton Sheppard, in August. Costing just £250, she was carried free-of-charge from London to Caernarfon by rail, and then sailed to Porth Dinllaen.
Carrying on this tradition today, it is still local men (and one young woman) who, when the maroons boom out, rush down to the station to man the lifeboat. But it is now the 47 foot long Hetty Rampton, that rattles down the slipway, and races across the bay at 18 knots, engines roaring.
Just beyond the Lifeboat Station, on Carreg Ddu rock, there is a fine vantage point from which to view the local grey seal colony, which can often be seen basking on rocks just a few feet away; a sure sign of good fishing.
The whole of north Lleyn has been identified as an area diverse in both habitats and species and Porth Dinllaen has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A dive in 2005 identified the Omalosecosa Reef, the Miller Pinnacle, abundant seagrass beds, and the extremely rare cup coral. In addition, many species of sponge were observed, including the golf ball sponge (Tethya aurantium). The divers also found several real golf balls, no doubt gone astray from the Nefyn and District Golf Course, which is situated on the headland above the bay. In an unique cliff top setting, golf has been played here since 1907 and today, is a very challenging 27 hole links course, where every hole calls for accurate shot making if your ball is not to end up in the sea below!
Porth Dinllaen has been protected by the National Trust since 1994 and now, a total of sixteen houses, the Ty Coch Inn, and the RNLI station are all under the care of the Trust.
and the natural harbour is populated with fishing boats and pleasure boats.. One or two of the little whitewashed cottages which lie, quite literally, at the water’s edge, can be rented for holidays, but be prepared to pay an absolute premium to stay on the beach itself. A much cheaper option is to stay in nearby Morfa Nefyn, where there is a choice of reasonably-priced self catering accommodation, B&B establishments, and a small hotel. One of the more cost-effective accommodation options is to rent a holiday cottage through Nefyn Holidays, the local holiday letting agency. They’ve been going for over 30 years, and have become firm favourites with the large number of families who holiday in the area each year.
To visit Porth Dinllaen take the B4417 road to Morfa Nefyn and follow the signs to the National Trust car park (just off the Golf Road). From here there are steps down to Morfa Nefyn beach from where you can walk across the sands to Porth Dinllaen. It is also possible to park in the golf club car park and walk across the course itself. For those afforded the luxury of a four-wheel drive vehicle, it can be possible, at low tide, to drive across the wet sand, passing behind some old warehouse buildings on your way, though given the number of would-be off-roaders which get stuck, perhaps this is an option best avoided!
Whichever mode of transport you take, you’ll be rewarded with the magnificent views across the bay towards the Rivals mountains, which plunge dramatically into the sea at Trefor, and the simple pleasure of just being in this idyllic paradise.
Dying to see the place for yourself? Visit the Nefyn Holidays website and book yourself a cottage. One word of warning though……..its beauty and atmosphere addictive!
BA McArthur
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/porth-dinllaen-an-unspoilt-idyll-just-waiting-to-be-discovered-700909.html
With Easter weekend fast approaching, people across the UK will be hoping to make last minute holiday plans in order to enjoy a short break away from their day-to-day lives. And there’s nothing wrong with making last minute holiday arrangements – after all, not everyone is able to plan their vacation months in advance! However, if you are planning a short break with not much time to spare, try and keep your options a little closer to home than you might usually do. This will enable you to make the most of the time you have and save money as well. For many UK residents, the solution may be obvious: visit Ireland!
Ireland boasts a wealth of delights, and offers both family-friendly fun and hip getaways for groups of young friends. Visit the exciting city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, for example, and you’ll find a range of atmospheric pubs, designer boutiques and prominent clubs to enjoy. Belfast’s bustling vibe means that you’re sure to enjoy what the city has to offer.
If you’re thinking of travelling to the Republic of Ireland, you’ll find a range of surprises in store for you. With lush landscapes and diverse cityscapes found in all corners of the Emerald Isle, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on your holiday. Try Dublin for a taste of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan city, where you’ll find both traditional pubs and trendy bars a-plenty. However, Dublin is also very family friendly, with a variety of family attractions and a range of museums – including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Print Museum of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland.
Or, if you’re looking for an Irish city with a difference, visit Cork. Cork is still buzzing from its status as European Capital of Culture in 2005, and has become home to a broad range of charming cafes, friendly bars and top quality restaurants. Cork is also home to some of Ireland’s best fish and meat markets, so food fans will love it too.
And while you’re there, visit rural Ireland to find out why the country is really called the Emerald Isle. Ireland’s luscious greenery, sparkling rivers and mythical woodlands are sure to capture your imagination – and, who knows, it might spark off or re-kindle some new romance in your life! What’s more, Ireland is home to numerous championship golf courses, so golf enthusiasts will find themselves a serene and tranquil setting in which to play their favourite sport.
From Wexford to Galway, Ireland exudes charm and old world allure in abundance – so you won’t be disappointed when you take a short break to Ireland. What’s more, Belfast, Dublin and Wexford can all be easily reached via ferry from various points in the UK – so you can enjoy a day of sailing across the Irish Sea when travelling to and returning from your holiday. Why not take the car with you on the ferry to Ireland and enjoy the freedom of exploring the country at your own pace?
If you miss out on a trip to Ireland this Easter weekend, many ferry companies, such as Stena Line, will offer year round ferry travel to Ireland – so you’ll have an excuse to make the crossing at any time of year!
Andrew Regan
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/take-a-short-break-to-ireland-this-easter-weekend-124335.html