Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

London's Olympic History

London's Olympic History

London has a rich sporting and Olympic history. The 2012 Olympic Games will mark the third time this international event has been held in London.

History of the Olympic Games in London

The London 2012 Olympic Games (the games of the XXX Olympiad) will mark the third time London has hosted the Modern Olympics.

London hosted the Olympic Games previously in 1908 and 1948. The upcoming games will make London the only city in the world to have hosted the Games three times.

Olympic Games: London 1908

In 1908, the Olympic Games were originally due to be held in Rome. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906 meant Italy had to pull out, and London stepped into the breach.

Olympic Games: London 1948

London was chosen to host the 1944 Games, which were postponed because of the Second World War and became the 1948 Olympics. The 1948 Games are notable for the fact they were the first to be broadcast on home television.

Building a Legacy for London's Sporting Future

Since London won its bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics in 2005, a flurry of planning and building activity has occurred.

Most of this is centred on East London site at Stratford that will house Olympic Park – where the bulk of Olympic sporting events will be held – and the Olympic Village, where athletes and officials will live for the duration of the Games.

Olympic Park will boast a range of new, purpose-built sporting venues, many of which will remain for use by the community long after the Games have finished.

Famous Names: Wimbledon, Wembley and Lord's

London has a proud sporting history and is renowned for its world-class stadiums, many of which will be used for the 2012 Olympics.

Olympic Tennis will be played at Wimbledon, Football will happen at the newly renovated Wembley Stadium (and other stadia around the UK), and Olympic Archery will be held at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.

In addition, a range of historic locations and buildings will be modified for various sporting events. For example, Horse Guards Parade area near Trafalgar Square will import a load of sand and be turned into a central-London "beach" for the Olympic Beach Volleyball.

It's just the sort of irreverent yet delightful twist you'd expect from an Olympic Games in London, and is an exciting hint of what's in store come 2012!

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Buying Tickets for the London Olympics

London 2012: Buying Tickets for the London Olympics

Whether you live in London or are planning to visit the capital, don't miss your chance to see the world's top athletes go for gold at London 2012.

Although London Olympic Games tickets are not yet available, it's important to know how the ticketing process works in advance. Here are some tips on booking Olympics tickets, what freebies to expect and how to avoid unauthorised tickets.

Tickets for London 2012

There are about eight million tickets available for the Olympic Games; 75% of those tickets (six million) will be available directly to the public via a public ballot. And there are two million set aside for the Paralympic Games. 

Register your interest in London 2012 Olympics tickets now at www.tickets.london2012.com.

Registering is the first stage of the ticket process. By registering, you provide the organisers with your details, which will be used in the first stage of the ticketing ballot system in 2011. The ticket request process will be open for an as yet undecided period of time and then there'll be a ballot for all of the oversubscribed sessions.  

Tickets go on sale in 2011, and you can buy them right up to the start of every sporting event – subject to availability, of course.

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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The Oxford And Cambridge University Boat Race in March

The Oxford And Cambridge University Boat Race
This is definitely an event not to be missed on the London sports calendar. On 26th March 2011, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames is one of the world's longest running sports events and one of the most popular.  Can Oxford win back the title in 2011? Go and join the fun on the banks of the Thames between Mortlake and Putney and cheer on the rowers.  For more information visit www.theboatrace.org

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Facts about golf in Wales

Wales is host nation for the Ryder Cup this year. I bet you knew that one already? It’s hard to escape the excitement that’s building as the start of Ryder Cup Wales 2010 draws ever closer.

With more than 200 courses across the country, Wales is a golfer’s paradise, whatever your skill level. We thought it would be fun to highlight 18 fun facts about golf in Wales...

 
Llanymynech Golf Club has 15 holes in Wales and three in England. On the fourth hole, tee off in Wales, putt in England, and return to Wales three holes later!

Wales has the third oldest golf union in the world, established in 1895.

The clubhouse at The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club  is the former workshop and garage where the first Rolls-Royce engines were built.

Chirk Golf Centre has the second longest hole in Britain measuring a daunting 1992 feet.

If you want a challenge, play Royal St David’s Golf Club in Harlech. Only twice do successive holes proceed in the same direction.

In September 1898, Dr. Frank Stableford unveiled his Stableford scoring system at Glamorganshire Golf Club, Penarth.

Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club was designed by Gary Nicklaus son of the legendary Jack Nicklaus – the first in Wales.

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Lough Erne Resort - Gateway to Northwest Ireland

Lough Erne is fabulous, and a gateway to the scenic northwest. It is perfect for exploring Donegal, Omagh, Fermanagh, Sligo and Leitrim. The luxury Hotel Spa and Championship Golf Course is just perfect for arelaxing stay in Ireland.

Entry is from the Belleek Road (where you will find the pottery factory just a few minutes away). You enter through the Hiume Golf Course, past luxurious private homes and across a meandering bridge to the resort. At night the winding bridge is lit up.

The Nick Faldo designed course is the centerpiece of the resort, with its most famous hole, the Emerald Isle, jutting out into the lake. Buggies are available. Ruari(Rory McIlroy) is the professional golfer associated with the course, but resident pro Lynn McCool was happy to show us around. The half way house will shortly become a seafood restaurant. The pro shop has a great assortment of quality goods. The golf academy was in the building stages while we were there.

Round “self catering” units, complete with kitchen and 2 or 3 bedrooms are reminiscent of Bavaria, and are perfect for a family or a group of golfers. There is plenty of storage, large bedrooms, bathrooms, and a central living room and kitchen in each. But it is truly Irish style otherwise. The friendly and helpful staff are full of Irish wit and chat. The view from the bar, restaurant and lobby is magnificent, overlooking the golf course and Lough Erne. The Thai Spa, easily reached from the guest rooms, was relaxing a beautifull. I only sampled the pool and jacuizi. But they were uncrowded.

The hotel bedrooms are large and well designed and appointed. We had a view of the lake. On the clear sunny days we were there, life could be no finer. Dinner in the Noel McMeel dining room was top notch, the wine excellent, and the after dinner relaxation in the bar were the best. It took about 2 ½ hours to drive to Dublin from Lough Erne, traveling through Cavan, Navan and Meath.

　

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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GREAT GLEN BIKE TOUR SCOTLAND

GREAT GLEN CYCLE TOUR

A spectacular journey from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Cycling on special paths and quiet forest trails, you will enjoy magnificent views of lochs and mountains and will have a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. A rest day in Fort William to explore, try some mountain biking in the forest or climb mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Leave Fort William by train for a scenic journey up Glen Spean and across desolate Rannoch Moor. From Rannoch Station follow the lochside road via Lochs Rannoch and Tummel to reach Pitlochry. At this pretty Victorian resort town you can visit the Dam and Fish Ladder, a distillery or nearby Blair Castle with its fine collections of armory, paintings and china. There are fine views of the River Tummel as you leave Pitlochry. Cross the River Tay at Logierait and on to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. The tour ends at the busy town of Perth where you will find interesting shopping.

Day 1. Arrive INVERNESS:

Inverness now a thriving modern town has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion.

JavaScript:newWindow('urquhart_castle_from_loch_ness.htm')Day 2. INVERNESS - DRUMNADROCHIT 24ml(39km)
collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. Leave Inverness following the river: across moorland and  quiet country  roads  to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle.      

                                                                                

Day 3. DRUMNADROCHIT - FORT AUGUSTUS

23ml(37km)
Follow  the Cycle Way of the Great Glen. Some steep hills are rewarded with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may see deer or golden eagles before you reach the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus.

JavaScript:newWindow('loch_oich_and_swing_bridge.htm')Day 4. FORT AUGUSTUS - FORT WILLIAM 34ml(55km)
The Caledonian Canal tow path and forest tracks keep you safe from traffic until you reach the locks of Neptune?s Staircase at Banavie. A short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.                                                                                 

Day 5. Rest Day FORT WILLIAM

Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest.

JavaScript:newWindow('isolated_rannoch_station.htm')Day 6. FORT WILLIAM - PITLOCHRY 39ml(62km)
A scenic train journey across desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station, an isolated place at the end of the road from Pitlochry. From Rannoch it is a pleasant flat ride beside Loch Rannoch to reach Kinloch Rannoch. On to Tummel Bridge and then climb to join the undulating scenic road by the side of Loch Tummel. Pitlochry, a pleasant Victorian holiday town, nestles in a sheltered position among the hills. It has two distilleries, an excellent theatre, good shopping and a wide choice of restaurants.

Day 7. PITLOCHRY - PERTH

30ml(48km)
You are never far from the river Tay as you make your way south to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. Peacefully situated on the banks of the River Tay it has a charmingly restored square of 18th century houses and nearby is the partly restored cathedral, construction of which began in 1318. Cross the bridge to its partner village of Birnam and continue through the fertile Perthshire farmlands to the colourful riverside city of Perth.

Day 8. Depart PERTH

 

 

Ellen McNulty is President of

www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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ROB ROY COUNTRY 2009 BIKE TOUR SCOTLAND

ROB ROY COUNTRY 2009

This tour explores the contrasting character and beautiful scenery that separates the Highlands and Lowlands. You travel from the riverside city of Perth, past the rugged Grampian Mountains to reach a world of hills and glens heralded by Lochs Venacher, Achray and Katrine. From Lochearnhead you will enjoy the superb views of lochs and mountains in the Trossachs "The Highlands in Miniature. There are numerous special cycle trails available in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Visit Rob Roy MacGregor's grave at Balquhidder and sail on the steamer Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. Majestic Stirling Castle welcomes you to Stirling on the last day of your memorable cycle tour.

Day 1.

Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley.

Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing

Day 2. PERTH - CRIEFF

20/28ml(32/45km)

Before leaving Perth perhaps visit the Caithness Glass Factory and   Huntingtower Castle. Afterwards take an easy ride through quiet countryside to the small town of Crieff.  Do not miss the chance to visit the award winning visitor centre of Glenturret Distiller.

Day 3. CRIEFF - LOCHEARNHEAD

20ml(32km)

As you leave Crieff stop for a tour of the Stuart Crystal Factory. Then follow the valley of the River Earn, through Comrie and along lovely quiet road on the south shore of Loch Earn to arrive at the small lochside village of Lochearnhead.

Day 4. LOCHEARNHEAD - CALLANDER

18ml(29km)

Cycle south through Strathyre, visit  Rob Roy's Grave at Balquhidder and then follow the river to the small village of Strathyre. From there continue into Strathyre Forest for a scenic journey past Loch Lubnaig to Callander.

Day 5. CALLANDER - ABERFOYLE

23/31/36ml(37/50/58km)

An early start along the south shore of Loch Venachar to Loch Katrine for a sail on the steamer SS Sir Walter Scott. Alight at Stronachlacher Pier and perhaps take a detour to Loch Lomond before the journey through the forest to Aberfoyle.

Day 6

.  Rest day ABERFOYLE

Explore the many forest trails in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

Day 7. ABERFOYLE - STIRLING

23ml/34ml(39km/62km)

Five miles east of Aberfoyle is Scotland’s only lake, the Lake of Mentieth. On the largest of its three islands is the ruined Inchmahome Priory. Founded in 1238 it was a haven for many famous people including Mary Queen of Scots. Continue on to Doune Castle, stop at Dunblane to visit the Cathedral and then head for Stirling. Mighty Stirling Castle dominates the skyline as you approach this historic town.

Day 8.

Depart STIRLING.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

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Scottish Borders Common Ridings & Festivals

The centuries old Scottish Borders Common Ridings & Festivals are joining together to support Scotland’s first national Homecoming celebration by issuing a joint invitation to Border folk around the globe to Return to the Ridings in 2009.

 

Since the beginning of the 16th Century, Common Ridings & Festivals have formed an integral part of Scottish Borders tradition. Common Riding is an annual celebration that involves townsfolk in a grand ‘ride-out’ around the town boundaries.

 In total, 11 towns in the Scottish Borders   use horses for the ride out. The events are friendly, heart-stirring and steeped in local history, including rousing music and song specific to each town.  Visitors are always made welcome and will soon find themselves joining in – whether it’s linking arms as the procession moves through the town or cheering the stunning displays of horsemanship as the riders gallop back into the town.

Whilst every Common Riding Festival features the tradition of a spectacular riding out by hundreds of horses and riders to check the boundaries of the Common Land, each town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience.

Dates & Locations
1-6 June: Hawick Common Riding
5-13 June: West Linton Whipman
8-13 June: Selkirk Common Riding
14-20 June: Peebles Beltane
14 - 20 June: Melrose Festival
19-28 June: Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering
27 June - 10 July: Jed Callants Festival
5-11 July: Duns Summer Festival
13-18 July: Kelso Civic Week
26 July - 1 August: Lauder Common Riding
2-8 August: Coldstream Civic Week

 

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

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Fishing in Ireland

Ireland is recognised as being the outstanding fishing holiday destination in Europe. The vast variety and quality of fishing in Ireland has given the country a reputation of which they are justly proud.

Cfb.ie

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Falconry in Ireland

Falconry is the art or sport of hunting wild prey with trained hawks. It's beginnings stretch back to 2200B.C. in the Far East, though it's true origins are unclear. It was brought to Europe by Germanic tribes who introduced it to Roman culture. It thrived during the Middle Ages as both a method of hunting food (small game etc.) and as a sport in its own right among the nobles of the time. Falconry also flourished in the Middle East and Asia where the crusaders learned much from their Arab counterparts. However in Europe in the late 18th century, with the advent of guns and their use in hunting, the sport dwindled and was limited to a few who continued the practice.

Falconryireland.ie

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

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