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Some great family travel ideas to the British Isles....
DUBLIN, IRELAND
Dublin is unique among the capital cities of Europe. It is on the
sea with a bay of harbors and swimming areas; it lies nestled among
hills and mountains; and it contains Phoenix Park, the largest park
on the European continent. Dublin’s streets have been described
as bustling and lively. They have also been called congested. As
all of these descriptions are accurate, the excitement of the city
can best be enjoyed by moving from point to point via the comfort
and convenience of local bus and rail service.
Within half an hour of Dublin’s city center there are mountain
walks, historic homes and gardens, sandy beaches and fishing villages.
Within Dublin are countless places of interest to explore. It is
a city steeped in history and tradition, but it is also youthful.
Of the one and a half million people in greater Dublin, about half
are under 25. It is a city that welcomes visitors of all ages. Activities
for the family include enjoyment of the nature preserve, the grazing
deer, the 700 animal zoo, and the well tended, formal gardens of
Phoenix Park. There is a hands-on center where children can design
and produce pottery pieces. Other family possibilities are horseback
riding, sailing and the thrill of the interactive Dublin Viking
adventure that recreates the sights, sounds and smells of Dublin
as it was 1000 years ago..... MORE
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Built on extinct volcanoes atop an inlet from the North Sea (the
Firth of Forth) and enveloped by rolling hills, lakes (lochs), and
forests, Edinburgh invites exploration. This is a city of elegant
streets, cobbled alleys, and incomparable sunsets.
Edinburgh (pronounced Edin-burra) is also a busy, noisy place with
a spectacular landscape of hills and crags. The buildings of this
vibrant capital city , from the historic houses of the Royal Mile
to the elegant Georgian terraces and crescents of the New Town,
offer the perfect complement to the natural setting. The city's
layout is linear, in a pattern set by Castle Rock and Castle Ridge,
down which the Royal Mile descends to the palace of Holyroodhouse.
North of this lies a shallow valley holding the lovely Princes Street
Gardens, with Waverley Station, the city's main railroad station
at the eastern end. Above the gardens, and to the north is Edinburgh's
main street, Princes Street. This is an ideal vantage point from
which to view the castle and Old Edinburgh.
Edinburgh's famous castle is especially beautiful. Upon entering
the city, it commands immediate attention. The eye of the visitor
is drawn to the impressive structure rising high above everything
else on its sheer granite cliffs. There are incredible panoramic
views from the upper stories of the castle, including a clear view
of the distant sea. The castle sits high on the huge rock formation
that juts out as if in defiance of any who would seek to invade
Edinburgh. Castle Rock, as it is known, is inaccessible on three
sides, and has a long, descending ridge on the fourth side.....
MORE
BELFAST, IRELAND
Nestled beside the River Lagan and Belfast Lough and ringed by gentle
hills, Belfast occupies an idyllic setting. With a determination
to move ever forward in a direction of peace and harmony, this modern,
bustling city greets visitors warmly.
For two decades, news of Belfast was news about "the Troubles"
until the 1994 cease-fire. Since then, this capital city with a
population of 300,000 has turned around completely. It has benefited
from major hotel and business investment, harborfront gentrification,
the opening of a world renowned performing arts center, and a rediscovery
of the many beautiful parks and quiet river walks that make Belfast
a perfect place to visit.
Belfast is easy to explore on foot. It takes about an hour to walk
from one end of town to the other.
The heart of downtown Belfast sits beside the west bank of the
River Lagan, centered upon Donegall Square, which holds the magnificent
city hall. All roads radiate out from there. Donegall Place, which
extends north from the square, leads to Royal Avenue, a prime shopping
district. Bedford Street, extends south from the square, and becomes
Dublin Road, which, in turn, leads to the quietly dignified Queen's
University. Near the University are the Botanic Gardens, fine 19th-century
buildings, and many excellent pubs and restaurants..... MORE
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