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Vi Travel Tips | Tag: https://www.shorttraveltips.com/tag/ireland/ Sharing travel tips and experience Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:09:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 https://www.shorttraveltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/stt-36x36.jpg Vi Travel Tips | Tag: https://www.shorttraveltips.com/tag/ireland/ 32 32 7549039 Epic Arrival on Mainland Antarctica https://www.shorttraveltips.com/mainland-antarctica/ https://www.shorttraveltips.com/mainland-antarctica/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:09:04 +0000 http://www.shorttraveltips.com/?p=4561 The location for this magic was that little known "harbour" called Neko Harbour. It sits eloquently against a vast array of shining icebergs, tilting glaciers and endless snow mountains. This is the real Antarctica on view here. This is what you expected to see as a child when you had dreams of visiting Antarctica.

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Guest post by Jonny Blair

The marvel of it all will never leave me. It really happened and I was there. Overdressed in black, overwhelmed by the snow, surrounded by penguins and gasping in awe, I stepped foot on mainland Antarctica. It was magical. Here’s the story of my epic arrival…

The location for this magic was that little known “harbour” called Neko Harbour. It sits eloquently against a vast array of shining icebergs, tilting glaciers and endless snow mountains. This is the real Antarctica on view here. This is what you expected to see as a child when you had dreams of visiting Antarctica.

So we had finished our lunch onboard the MS Expedition, our marvellous ship for this epic journey. We were called to the ship’s “mud room” to get changed and we are told “this is the Antarctic mainland” outside. We already know that, we have sailed gallantly by it for the last few hours. Endless snowfall and a world bereft of skyscrapers was our aural feast on the entrance into Neko Harbour. Even the name of this place helps to conjure up the magic, Neko. And it’s not really a harbour in the same way you know it. There is no port here, no piers, no fishermen, no anchored yachts and certainly no customs. None of that crosses your mind. Your eyes are feasted on a marvel.

MS Expedition in Neko Harbour, Antarctica
MS Expedition in Neko Harbour, Antarctica

The mud room is the place you exit the ship to join the small dingys – known as Zodiacs. I was one of the first to be called and got into my Zodiac. A snowstorm was brewing up outside and my sunglasses and multiple head wear protected my body from the gales and beating slete. It’s a windy world of white and the 10 of us in the Zodiac take turns to photograph our entrance, protect ourselves from the snowstorm and prepare for the first ever landing on the Antarctic mainland.

There is no passport control, there are no visas required and there is no entry sign. But on arrival there are two welcomes for us on mainland Antarctica:

1. The leader of our expedition is Julio and his words are “Welcome to Mainland Antarctica” as we step foot on the beach at Neko Harbour

2. Penguins glare nonchalantly at us as if to ask “what are these aliens here for?”

Penguins in Antarctica
Penguins in Antarctica

My first step is onto a beach. It really is a beach of sand. The sand is murky brown and is hidden below snow and ice. Chunks of ice sit in the water by the harbour and one by one we are on mainland soil. What next? Well the place is a feast for the eyes. There is nothing more extraordinary in my travel repertoire than this moment. As I glared at a forever white sky, a background of blue and white glaciers and listened to the noise of talking penguins I had ticked something off a list. It did feel really good.

I didn’t get over arrogant about it, but I did think of Neil Armstrong for some odd reason. The “small step for man, giant leap for mankind” quote stuck in my mind. This was a special place to step foot on and I was loving it. The first few minutes I was just admiring the place. I was in awe of my surroundings. There are no buildings anywhere and no people ordinarily live here. The snow is deep and as I trudge my way through it, I lose my boots twice.

I’m a Northern Irish traveller and I carry my Northern Ireland flag with me. A great flag moment occurred on the beach as fellow Irish traveller Rhona O’Connor flashed her Republic of Ireland flag and we got a good photo together. It was really colourful as the snow fell on us and we pondered on the troubles back on the island of Ireland. Here on Neko Harbour, things like war and inhumanity are a world away. This is as peaceful and tranquil as life will get.

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland flags in Antarctica
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland flags in Antarctica

Next up I dive into the snow to check it’s real. I’m rolling around in it! We walk up to the top of hills for even better views. I stare inland at endless hills of white – the sky is also white and misty. It’s not clear and you cannot see far into the distance. But I think to myself – “wow if I keep walking that way, I could reach the South Pole”. I won’t be visiting the South Pole of course, but it’s a nice thought to know I’m on the same land mass as it.

The views from the top of the hill are simply epic. We are all posing for photos and treating our eyes to a continual scan of this forever winter wonderland. I have never seen anything like it before. We roll down a hill to check out some glaciers and icebergs in behind the mist. The view is sensational. We build snowmen on the hill on the way down.

The only thing to see and do here is to enjoy it. There are no museums, cafes etc. This is travel with a difference! You just stand around admiring the view and taking photos of snowfall. But it was epic.

The Antarctica landings don’t last long and it was soon over in the blink of an eye. I have my videos, photos and memories for eternity from this trip. On board the ship again we all head to the bar and drink a “Mainland Landing Cocktail” which is the special of the day. We had already got a passport stamp earlier that day at the British Base in Port Lockroy (not on the mainland) and we are presented with a certificate to say we have landed on mainland Antarctica.

This has been my best travel moment to date and loved writing this and sharing it with you. If you ever get the chance to visit Antarctica, don’t turn it down! It will probably provide you with the most memorable travel experience of your lifetime. For me the moment will last forever in my memory and I cherish that.

About an Author: Jonny Blair is a passionate travel writer and global nomad. He is currently based in Hong Kong and writes daily for his own travel blog Don’t Stop Living – a lifestyle of travel. You can follow Jonny’s journeys on there. He has travelled to over 70 countries across all seven continents and has no intention of stopping his travels anytime soon. You can also stay connected with Jonny through his social networks for Don’t Stop Living:

Like Don’t Stop Living on Facebook
Follow Jonny on Twitter
Subscribe to Don’t Stop Living on You Tube
Head to Jonny’s other Travelling Northern Ireland flag website

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Top Five Things to Do in Galway https://www.shorttraveltips.com/top-five-things-to-do-galway/ https://www.shorttraveltips.com/top-five-things-to-do-galway/#respond Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:34:42 +0000 http://www.shorttraveltips.com/?p=4127 Top Five Things to Do in Galway: Dunguaire Castle, Galway City Museum, Galway Arts Festival, Spanish Arch and City Walls

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Galway is famous for its legendary entertainment, which isn’t just limited to nightfall. From dawn ’til the early hours, expect to experience street art at its liveliest, with an enchanting display of live music and dancing from an eclectic array of instruments – among them fiddles, banjos, guitars, handheld drums and even bagpipes. If it’s not live music, it will be a brightly-clad juggler, a painter, a puppeteer or perhaps a full-on theatrical production. There are plenty of sights in Galway, but the chance to wander around this exuberant city and soak up its charming array of street performances is an experience in itself.

It’s worth spending a couple of nights in the city to make the most of the experience. For a fuss-free stay that won’t break the bank, try the Travelodge hotel in Galway – it’s located in the city centre close to the main road networks. In case you’re not familiar with this hotel brand, they’re renowned for their budget-friendly and no-frills hotels, and they now have a growing network of locations across Ireland. You can find out more here.

Here are the top five things to do during your stay in Galway:

1. Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire castle, Galway, Ireland
Dunguaire castle, Galway, Ireland

Seemingly marooned on a tiny peninsula jutting out into Galway Bay, the spectacular Dunguaire Castle is quite a sight – and it’s no surprise that it has become Ireland’s most photographed castle. Built in 1520, it features a 75-foot tower and defensive wall which are open to the public during the summer. It also has regular banquets which is a great way to experience this piece of history and get into the medieval spirit.

2. Galway City Museum

What better way to go to know the city than by delving into its past? Perched on the banks of the River Corrib overlooking the famous Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum is home to a superb range of mementos and relics that tell the city’s story through archaeology, arts, crafts and models. The Galway Civic Sword, which dates back to 1610, is one of the museum’s treasures – as is the prized statue of Padraic Ó Conaire. The museum also offers fantastic views of the Claddagh, the Spanish Arch, River Corrib and Galway Bay.

3. Galway Arts Festival

A firm fixture in the Galway calendar, this annual summer festival has developed an international reputation and following, attracting over 400 artists and more than 150,000 people. It’s a celebration of arts both in Ireland and around the world, bringing writers, musicians, street artists, comedians, performers and producers together for a fortnight of cultural activity and celebration.

4. Eat, Drink, Dance

In Galway, you’re never far from a great restaurant, a lively music bar or perhaps a bit of both. Buzzing pubs and clubs heave with live music and dance, and as eclectic tastes go, the city is right up there with the best of them. On any given night you might come across jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, rock, metal or classical performances. Blue Note is a great pub with a penchant for live music, while Monroe’s Tavern is a cheerful, rustic little place with regular traditional Irish dancing.

5. Spanish Arch & City Walls

Thought to be an extension of Galway’s medieval walls, the Spanish Arch is a timeless icon of the city and is thought to have originally served as a passageway for ships carrying goods. Another surviving part of the walls can be seen at Eyre Square Centre, which have been woven into the fabric of this modern shopping centre.

 

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