News from West Cork...

Ireland Travel Guide

If you think you have seen it all, you have sailed in gondolas in Venice, stayed in villas in Spain , travelled on the back of an elephant in India, but still haven’t been to Ireland, you still haven’t seen anything yet!

Ireland is known as the emerald isle, and whether it is the independent republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland which is part of the UK, you are bound to experience the natural splendours of Ireland.

Ireland has a rich historical heritage and it is possible for visitors to acquire a heritage card which allows visits to heritage sites, including historic castles. Other sites like the cliffs of Moher are visited by tourists from all over the world every year. The gigantic cliffs tower over the vast blue Atlantic Ocean at over 230 miles in height and are a sight to behold. (more...)

car insurance issues

Though Ireland's rainfall isn't much above average for the region, the country has a history of bad floods. The last one occurred in November of 2009 when more than a foot of rain fell in less than twenty-four hours. This led to the inevitable flooding of thousands of homes across the Emerald Isle.

The situation was so serious that the millitary had to be called in to evacuate and rescue thousands of stranded homeowners. The flood was the worst that Ireland had seen in over thirty years. And people are still dealing with the consequences of the damage and destruction to their property.

For one thing, all Irish homeowners were subject to higher insurance rates, since flooding makes home insurance expensive became the norm. It didn't even matter that the country has a historically equable climate or that rainfall numbers are just a bit above average. All that mattered was that the insurance companies had lost millions and they desperately needed to recoup the money with higher rates. (more...)

The Popularity of European Travel

With the summer approaching, various holiday plans will be being drawn up. An enjoyable summer vacation is for many people the highlight of the year. A break from the daily grind of work and life is essential to recharge batteries. A good holiday will hopefully leave the individual refreshed and ready to take on the daily challenges that await them on their return.

Alongside the ability to switch off for a few days or weeks is the benefit of exploring new surroundings. And the options available to the European traveller are vast. Whether you are after sunny beaches or the traditional charm of vacationing in Ireland there is plenty to enjoy.

One way of experiencing a vacation is by hiring local apartments. Your own personal apartment offers greater freedom where you control the timetable. Typically the big cities provide the largest number of properties. For example Rome rentals is an extremely popular way of discovering the delights of the Italian capital. (more...)

Sicily, Much More than Just an Italian Island

Once a Greek colony, Sicily was described by the great Roman philosopher and statesman, Cicero, as the greatest and most beautiful city of Ancient Greece. It is also known as the Italian heaven. It lies to the south of the Italian mainland and is the largest island in the Mediterranean with many smaller islands dotted around it.

Although intrinsically Italian, the multi-cultural influences in Sicily make it one of the most cosmopolitan islands there is. Its art and architecture are evidence of its rich cultural heritage. Its most famous archaeological sites include the Pantalica Necropolis and the Valley of the Temples and any Sicily Holiday Guide will map out the many places of natural beauty and historical significance which must be visited.

Its most famous natural attraction is Mount Etna, believed by the ancient Greeks to be the kingdom of Hephaestus (whom the Romans called Vulcan), son of Zeus and god of fire and volcanoes. It was also the home of the mighty one-eyed Cyclops, terrifying, man-eating monsters. Mount Etna stands at over three thousand metres – Europe's highest active volcano. Etna is now a popular nature reserve, offering skiing on its slopes in winter and nature trails through its woods, valleys and gorges during the rest of the year. (more...)