Considering a visit to the Emerald Isle? Here are some of the ways you can get the absolute most out of a trip to beautiful Ireland.

Discover History and Culture

Ireland has a complicated, fascinating religious history and culture and history surrounding this is clear to see. The increase in church building in the nineteenth century was what contributed to the evolution of towns, where some Catholic churches became the focus of a religious precinct of related buildings, Today, there are abbeys, cathedrals, friaries and monasteries that you can take in and walk around and get a real glimpse into the past. More recent history is visible in the Titanic Experience in Cobh, detailing the ship and it’s first and final voyage. You can also see the Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, a former prison which is now a museum. Culturally, Ireland has many made fantastic musical contributions to the world, and you can experience this by attending one of the numerous festivals or even enjoying the nightlife in a club in a major city! Being the richest store of mythology in northern Europe, there’s lots to discover about Ireland’s literary contributions too. You can visit the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland, attend guided tours or visit places of mythological interest such as Giant’s Causeway.  Interlocking hexagonal columns jut up from the water, fitting together almost perfectly, in this stunning coastal rock formation. The legend goes that this is where Scottish giant Benandonner threatened Ireland and was defeated by hero Finn who dressed up as a giant baby!

Take in The Breathtaking Scenery

There are a number of reasons why Ireland is famous for its landscapes, and it’s enormous variety is just one of them. While there are many rolling hills of green (no wonder it’s called ‘the Emerald Isle) there’s significantly more going on too. There are incredible waterways such as rivers, canals and lakes. There are sandy beaches and awe- inspiring mountains, cliffs and underground caves to explore, all will all provide you with plenty of amazing views to take in. Visit Galway’s mystical tombs, or the Mourne Mountains that inspired the Narnia series by CS Lewis. There are some incredible national parks too, Glenveagh National Park in  County Donegal attracts outdoorsy folk from across the land. You can go hiking, fishing, bird watching or just enjoy an afternoon tea with a mountain view! Connemara National Park is another to visit, is famous for (and named after) its herd of native Connemara Ponies and its wild countryside. Giving awesome views of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a former monastery housed in one of Ireland’s most beautiful castles. If you want to get outside, get active and enjoy some views that will knock your socks off then Ireland certainly won't disappoint.

Visit The Vibrant Cities

As well as magnificent natural scenery, Ireland is also home to some incredible vibrant, bustling and exciting cities. Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Derry are just a few that you could visit if you’re after fantastic dining, shopping and tourist attractions. Cork is a particularly nice one, you have the famous English Market which is made-up of Princes Street Market and Grand Parade Market. It’s regarded for its mid-19th century architecture, and locally produced artisan food; it’s considered to be one of the best markets in Ireland. If you’re staying in the city, find good accommodation like the the Shandon Cork City Hotel to make your visit extra special. A cheap alternative is to consider camping, despite being a city there are still numerous campsites which can bring a fun element to your trip. With so much to see and do in cities, to get the most out of your trip your best bet would be to plan and write an itinerary, that way you can see, experience, dine and stay in all of the places that have the most appeal to you.

Chat With The Friendly Locals

It’s well known across the globe that the Irish people are one of the friendliest cultures in the world. When you visit the country, you’ll find the Irish to be genuinely warm and welcoming, and there are few more enjoyable ways of understanding of the inhabitants of this fascinating country than with a chat with a local. One of the reasons why Irish people are so friendly is because they have grown up in a culture that is laid back and relaxed. The social environment is very different from most places- it’s common to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger with the popular saying, “to make a friend; you must be a friend” ringing true.

Travel is fantastic, and there's so much to be gained from flying far and wide and visiting different parts of the word. You get to meet new people, experience new culture, foods and do things you wouldn't have got to do otherwise. However that's not to say that more humble getaways can be overlooked, and often we're so busy planning our next trip abroad that we forget to appreciate what's right under our own feet. A camping trip is cheap and cheerful and a way that you can enjoy the surroundings of the country you call home. There are plenty of other reasons too, here are just a few of them.

You Can Spend Time in Nature

Hiking, orienteering, fishing, bird watching and just being outdoors can be incredibly refreshing and give you a new lease on life. We spend so much of our time cooped up inside, stuck working on computers or hibernating away watching Netflix in our spare time. When you go camping, it gives you a chance to get outdoors and enjoy some natural surroundings.

It's Fun for Everyone

Camping is suitable for most people, meaning it's a great way to get all of the extended family together. Invite your brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. Let your children run around and play together. If you go at the right time of year it won't be too cold or warm, plus you could always ditch the tent and stay in a campervan, caravan or RV instead. Use a generator to power lights, heat, air conditioning or appliances as you need them, if you're looking to buy now there are plenty of places online that sell them.

It’s Inexpensive

When you go travelling, there's everything from flights to transfers to consider, airport parking, luggage fees, hotels and much more. When you go camping you avoid most of these costs. If you already have an RV, caravan or campervan then it's a good way to put it to use, otherwise they're far cheaper to hire than a hotel stay. You can drive to a nearby campsite saving on costs and you don't need money to eat in fancy restaurants. Stock up at the grocery store and you can cook big pots of food over the campfire for all of the family, barbeque meat and much more. It needn't cost much at all, and yet you won't feel like you're in any way going without as it's still a wonderful experience.

It Teaches You New Skills

Camping can teach you all kinds of skills. From pitching tents to building fires, cooking without the modern appliances and some general outdoor survival techniques. You could even learn how to set traps or fish depending on your location and the laws in place. It's generally a chance to live life, be active and get up and do things without a screen in front of your face!

How do you feel about camping? Will you be pitching a tent or staying in a caravan at any point this summer?

It’s finally happened and you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime. Congratulations are in order because lots of people are too scared to take the plunge. However, there is one pitfall and that is your property. While you are away, it’s essential to keep it in good knick. No one wants to come home to broken windows, kicked in doors and squatters doing unthinkable things in the living room. Securing a house is easier to say than do, mainly because you won’t be a phone call away. Still, there are ways to prepare a home so that the building is standing when you return home.

Here are the basics:

Call In A Favour

You don’t need to hire someone to help, but you do need to give a friend a key. While you are away, it’s vital that someone drops by in the morning and at night to draw the curtains, turn off the lights, and keep an eye on things. To be honest, it is an annoying job because it takes time out of their daily schedule. That is why you should ask a friend or a family member to do you a favour. Neighbours are handy, but they may not want the responsibility.

Cancel Direct Debits

Travelling costs money and you don’t want to waste any while you are enjoying the journey. With that in mind, call the relevant bodies and cancel any debits which are unnecessary. For instance, there is no reason to pay for a newspaper you won’t read. Plus, stacks of paper are signs that no one is home, which will make the property a target. You may want to redirect your mail, too. Depending on the season, cut the gas and electric to the house. In the summer, there is no need to use energy as the heat warms the property.

Secure The Area

Of course, the first job is to prevent break-ins should a thief take a liking to your home. An alarm system is a must, as are CCTV cameras. Outside lights are also imperative as they illuminate the darkness and make it harder to sneak around. But, please don’t forget that this is a world of lawsuits and you may be liable even if someone else is trespassing. With that in mind, try these general protection Bryson Products for the exterior. Also, move any equipment that could be considered a hazard, such as power tools.

Find A New Home

Not for you but for your pets. Cats and dogs are not independent animals and need constant care and attention. To leave them alone for months on end would be akin to animal cruelty, which is why they need a new owner for the duration of your trip. Hopefully, family and friends will take the strain and take them in, but there are kennels and catteries too. If you don’t want to move them, ask someone to drop by the house and give them food/take for a walk.

You shouldn’t turn down the trip of a lifetime, but are you prepared to leave the house in good shape?

My adventures in London continue.Some weeks ago I went to the Alexandra Palace,the highest place where you can see the whole city.There was a festival and lots of people.I liked the area and the building itself.Stay tuned for more of the series: When in London.

Kisses, V x

RO De câteva zile locuiesc în capitala Angliei,Londra,într-o suburbie numită East Barnet.E o altă viață complet diferită din toate punctele de vedere.E ok...dar dorul de familie și mamă,ucide! E un nou început și o ieșire majoră din zona de comfort.Am reușit să explorez Oak Hill Park,să vizionez The Secret Life of Pets într-un cinematograf cu decoruri faine (pic 3) precum și Alexandra Palace.Despre care voi vorbi și posta data viitoare.

EN If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I am in London.And will be there for long.A new life with a new beginning,away from my mum,which I miss so much.So far in 3 days,I explored Oak Hill Park,see The Secret Life of Pets in a gorgeous cinema and Alexandra Palace.But more about it in the upcoming post.

Lots of love,

Victoria x

Waking up every day with this view was just like a dream.

Today is all about packing and searching for good music for my playlist.I'm heading tomorrow to a gorgeous destination...I'm gonna take my vitamin sea! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and see you soon! xx