Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

Irish Surfing Association

 

The Irish Surfing Association aspires to be a dynamic organisation with which Irish Surfers identify, that is consensus based, inclusive, open and transparent with structures that allow all to enjoy the sport safely reaching their full potential while promoting the protection and sustainability of our surfing environment.

Within this section you will be able to explore information on our history, and the history of surfing in Ireland,

Isasurf.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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London - Wimbledon

Days Out - Playing at Wimbledon

Morning Leafy Wimbledon is generally associated with the two-week tennis tournament in the summer, but these famous courts can be visited all year round. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum includes a state of the art exhibition. The 200° cinema will transport you into the heart of a championship match while the behind-the-scenes tour will take you into the player's gym, the main press interview room and Centre Court. If you want to sport the total Wimbledon look then pop into the shop and purchase some trendy sports wear. Even for non-tennis fans, it's a great place to visit. And of course with all the interactive elements, you can tell your friends (who weren't there) that you have played at Wimbledon! All this close proximity to exercise will probably have made you pretty hungry, so we suggest a carb fix. San Lorenzo Fuoriporta is a great place to refuel on authentic Italian cuisine and is a favourite of Boris Becker. Apparently his preferred meal is mozzarella, avocado and tomato, Spaghetti Napoli followed by lemon sorbet. Yum… Afternoon Head to Wimbledon Common, home to 460 acres of gorgeous open space. A real highlight is the Wimbledon Windmill - it was here that Baden-Powell was inspired to write part of Scouting for Boys in 1908. Now it’s time to go shopping. Wimbledon Village is frightfully smart and very pretty, and is an excellent place for a spot of retail therapy.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

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St. Andrews Golf

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We aim to provide answers to all your questions here on the website. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about playing at St Andrews.

How do I reserve a tee time on the Old Course?
The Old Course is immensely popular with around 42,000 rounds played every year, so the sooner you write in, the better. For a pre-booked tee-time please apply in writing to the Links Trust in September for the following year. Alternatively, a number of hotels and tour operators can arrange a time on the Old Course for you as part of a package. Please see the Booking section for more details.

Can I book a time on a Saturday?
The only way to reserve a time on a Saturday is to contact the Links Trust the day before you wish to play - this applies to the Jubilee, Eden and Strathtyrum Courses. Advance bookings for Saturdays cannot be made through the Trust on any of the courses.

Can a single golfer book a tee time on the Old Course in advance?
There are a small number of tee-times available for single golfers to book in advance - please apply in September for the following year.

I would like to play one of the courses, but I have no golf shoes or clubs. Can I hire them when I arrive at St Andrews?
Yes, you can hire clubs and shoes from the clubhouse shops - click here for details.

How does the ballot process for starting times on the Old Course work?
The ballot or lottery takes place every day for the following day's play and, as the Old Course is closed on Sunday, the Saturday draw is for Monday play. Golfers (minimum two) can phone or come in person to the reception at either the Links or Eden Clubhouses and enter the ballot by giving their names, golf clubs and handicap details. The draw takes place after 2pm and the results appear first on the website - click here - and are also posted at several locations on the Links and in town. Chances of success vary according to the time of year and the weather. If you are successful, pay at the starter before you play. Handicap certificate is needed on the day (maximum handicap 24 for men, 36 for women). Please see also the Booking section.

What is your busiest month?
Usually August, 29,000 - 32,000 rounds played in total.

How many rounds are played on the Old Course in one year?
Approximately 40,000 rounds and over 210,000 on all courses.

I am a beginner, which course/courses would you recommend?
The 9 hole Balgove, then progress to the Strathtyrum.

How much does a local pay to play golf here?
People who live in St Andrews pay £113 a year for access to all six courses. They have to book in the usual way and have preferential slots in the ballot on certain days. People who live outside the town but in North East Fife and are members of a local golf club pay £226 a year.

What is the dress code for the Old Course?
Golfers are expected to wear clothing appropriate for golf. Scruffy or torn clothing is not considered appropriate. If in doubt please consult the starter.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Sports Pubs and Bars in London

Sports Pubs and Bars

Everyone knows that Londoners love their sport. Soak up the atmosphere with fellow fans at one of these sport-mad drinking holes.

Gone are the days when pub-goers had to cluster around a tiny screen hoping to catch a glimpse of the action. Today you can expect plasma or projector screens - and you need not rely on the commentators as you’ll be surrounded by experts!

When you fancy a break from watching sport, many of these pubs also offer games so you can challenge your mates.

A Feast of Sport

These pubs screen a wide range of sports including all the major events.

The JD Young Sports Bar has a specially designed games area for pool and darts. Ring ahead to request a sporting event and they will try to show it.

The Sports Café takes the sporting theme to the max with walls adorned with memorabilia. It is also equipped with pool tables, table football, console games and even a miniature basketball court!

If you like décor there, you’ll love the First Class Sports Bar. Located near Wembley Stadium it has an impressive collection of memorabilia, from a pair of Mohammed Ali’s shorts to a shirt signed by the 1966 England football team.

The Famous Three Kings – or F3K as it is affectionately known – is one of London’s most famous pubs for sport. It shows a wide range of events including Italian and Spanish football league matches. It has eight large screens plus booths with individual TVs.

Recently refurbished, Sirocco on Shaftesbury Avenue screens all the major sporting events. With 12 plasma screens you’re bound to catch all the action. And, with cocktails, party platters, dance floor and DJs, you can really make a night of it here.

Join the Fans

All of London’s sporting venues have one of more nearby pubs which attract a loyal crowd of locals, or visiting fans, to share the highs and lows of their chosen team.

Football

From The Gunners pub – spiritual home to Arsenal fans – to the pubs located in each of the four corners of Griffin Park, Brentford FC’s ground, there is no shortage of locals for locals!

Visiting Chelsea fans should pay a visit to the Shed Bar, part of Chelsea Village, a traditional sports bar celebrating the history of sport and Chelsea FC.

Rugby

Twickenham Stadium is the home of English Rugby and hosts an exciting programme of international and league games.

The Rugby Tavern and The White Swan are just two of the pubs frequented by fans before and after the game. Just what you need to get the party started.

Cricket

London has two major cricket grounds but the original and most famous is Lord’s. For more than a century, Lord's Tavern has provided cricket-lovers with a haven for celebration or commiseration.

Tennis

Wimbledon is synonymous with tennis and each summer the world’s attention focuses on SW19. The Fire Stables is the closest bar to the All England Club and it’s always packed during the tournament. If you want to mingle with the stars, try The Eclipse. Its cocktails and sushi snacks have proved popular with the players.

Challenge Your Mates

Get up off your bar stool and prove your own sporting prowess!

Bar Kick is the ultimate venue for table footie. Phone ahead to reserve a table and once you’ve honed your skills, enter one of the regular competitions.

Pool fans should take a trip to The Elbow Room, which has branches across London. These funky venues combine bar and pool hall. Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

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Horse Racing Near London

A Day at the Races

If you have never experienced a day at the races, then you are in for a treat. There are very few things that make for a more exciting day out and the south east boasts some of the UK’s finest courses.

Newbury

Located between Oxford, Reading and Basingstoke in beautiful Berkshire, Newbury is home to the prestigious Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes. Considered one of the UK’s finest sporting venues, Newbury enjoys 33 race days a year.

Kempton Park 

For urban racing fanatics, Kempton Park is perfect as it’s the closest racecourse to London and even has its own train station. Kempton’s most famous meeting is the traditional Christmas Festival which takes place between Christmas and New Year.

Ascot 

Most people, even if they have no interest in racing will have heard of Royal Ascot. The four-day festival takes place in mid-June and attracts royals, celebrities and commoners alike. The pomp and ceremony, the outrageous dressy outfits and the excellent racing are all perfect excuses to visit.

Sandown Park 

The course at Sandown is famous for its hill finishes and stunning location. A mere 15 miles from central London, Sandown hosts 26 race days a year; the top day is the Gold Cup meeting which is held every April.

Goodwood

Synonymous with racing, the first race at Goodwood was in 1801. Today the course hosts 20 days of racing a year, the highlight of which is Glorious Goodwood a five day festival celebrating thrilling racing and very flamboyant dressing up.

Brighton 

Brighton’s racecourse overlooks the sea and the city. Having recently had a £5 million face lift, the course has superb facilities. The main meeting here is the three day August Festival – the highlight of which is the John Smith’s Brighton Mile and the Brighton Challenge Cup.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

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Visit a Football Club in England

English football is legendary.  Now you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the more famous clubs - Chelsea.

TOURS
Stadium Tours of Stamford Bridge are running throughout the Easter Holidays and all through the summer months! Tours will continue to run at 11am, 1pm and 3pm during the week and 12pm, 1pm and 2pm at weekends and you can book on-line or by calling 0870 603 0005. Extra tours will be running during peak times.

MUSEUM
All stadium tours conclude within the Centenary Museum and give you a full history of 101 years of football Chelsea FC. The museum is ever-changing and receives over 100,000 visitors a year. We are always looking for new, exciting exhibits so if you have any Chelsea FC Memorabilia that you would like to see displayed on a loan or donation basis, please e-mail tours@chelseafc.com.

More information: http://www.chelseafc.com/xxchelsea180706/index.html#/page/Homepage

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

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New course at Scotland’s St. Andrews

For only the seventh time in 600 years a new course has been named at the Home of Golf -- St. Andrews in Scotland. The Castle Course is the latest in the canon of courses led by the world famous Old Course.

The name was decided after a competition attracting more than 4,000 world-wide entries was won by Edwin Burtnett from the USA. The name reflects the history of the headland to the south-east of St. Andrews where Kinkell Castle stood in the Middle Ages. Mr. Burtnett will be invited to play one of the first rounds on the new course, which opens for play in spring 2008. Designed by David McLay Kidd, a Scot who has gained worldwide renown for his work, the 220 acre public cliff top course will feature five tees catering for all levels of ability.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Wimbledon

Wimbledon, famous for hosting the annual tennis championships, is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year.

The village of Wimbledon, at the top of Wimbledon Hill, is less than 10 miles from the centre of London but feels like it’s in the heart of the countryside.

The original medieval High Street includes the church, Old Rectory and several pubs. It links the wide open spaces of Wimbledon Common with Wimbledon Hill. Today little has changed and the unique buildings in this charming village offer a first class selection of shops, pubs, restaurants, wine bars, pavement cafes, boutiques and businesses. The New Wimbledon Theatre has a varied programme of exciting productions.

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is a must-see for fans of the sport. Explore the history of the tournament, see the celebrated trophies and tour the legendary Centre Court.  Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Fishing in Scotland

Fishing in Scotland
The quality and variety of Scotland's fishing is quite breathtaking. The very nature of the land allows you to fish some of the best waters in the world, surrounded by the most magnificent scenery in the world.

River Tweed
Fishing in Scotland is best on the River Tweed, in the Scottish border country. Not only does Tweed catch more Atlantic salmon than any other river in the European Union, but it also now ranks among the very top salmon rivers in the world. The best months (and most expensive) are in the Fall. Fishing is available from Monday through to Saturday (no Sunday fishing). There is no fishing in Dec-mid February. Prices and availability of rods vary by season as well. Different parts of the Tweed offer better fishing opportunities, and therefore, command higher prices. If you want to spin, this is legally restricted to mid-Feb to mid-Sept., and only fly fishing is allowed during other months.

Seasons
The statutory season for salmon runs from mid-January-mid-October. No rod license is required in Scotland, but permits are required for salmon. There is no fishing on Sundays.

Tackle
Detailed advice on fishing tackle will be determined by the time of year and the location of the beat. When confirming your booking, the details will include the gillie's name and phone number and he will be happy to advise you. General guidance: Fly rods: carbon fiber 14-16 ft. with an action suited to a double taper 10 or 11 line. Fly lines: Bring all your fly lines with you including a floating, an intermediate density and a full sinking density of the Wetcel 2 or Hardy Wetfly 2 type. Waders: Chest high. Flies: sizes 6 to 12 in spring and summer; 1.5" to 2.5" in autumn.

Cost: A DAY OF FISHING CAN RANGE FROM $200-$350.

SALMON FISHING IN SCOTLAND

Often called the queen of salmon rivers, the River Tweed runs right through the heart of the Borders. Famous salmon pools with strange sounding names like Weetles, Galoshan and Carry Wiel attract anglers from all over the world to test their skills with rod and line.
The long season runs from February 1 to November 30 and during it more salmon are caught on the fly than any other British river. The Tweed is most famous for its autumn run of large fish, with a few fish even approaching the 30lb mark. The spring run is of smaller fish, but they are in mint condition and favored by the purist angler. Summer fish are generally slightly larger and, although difficult to catch in low water, can provide extremely good value fishing if there is a small rise in water.

Ghillies are provided by most beats to look after anglers, and they give invaluable help to the many beginners who try their hand each year. There is a wide choice of fishing available, with even the most famous beats having vacancies at some time or other during the year.

The Roxburghe Hotel is one of the finest fishing hotels in Scotland. It enjoys 3 fishing beats on The Roxburghe Estates, 2 on the River Tweed and 1 on the River Teviot, each allowing 4 rods per beat. Upper and Lower Floors on the River Tweed offer some of the best Salmon fishing in Scotland. Both beats are situated near Floors Castle. Sunlaws Beat on the River Teviot offers good fishing for both salmon and sea trout, conveniently situated beside The Roxburghe Golf Course, just a short walk from the hotel.

Fishing in Ireland

Fishing in Ireland
7 Day Self-Drive Fishing Tour The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland

Fishing in Ireland is very inexpensive, relative to Scotland. At a glance you will see that Ireland is not only almost surrounded by water, but is crisscrossed by rivers. No wonder that arranging a day's fishing is easy. You can enjoy salmon and trout fishing on the Moy River and Lough Conn all year round, but the best times are April-September. Some stretches are state-owned while others are private. With your ghillie as your guide, you are assured of expert assistance. The salmon you catch in Ireland are wild from the Atlantic. Your license and permits where necessary are included. The shorter coastal streams and their acid lakes provide the sea trout angler with the best sport. The open season is mid February-September in Connemara, Mayo and Donegal. Only one license is needed for both salmon and sea trout fishing. A permit is required on certain privately owned and club salmon and sea trout fisheries. Brown tout fishing. Traditional wet fly casting from a boat drifting broadside with the breeze is the most common method. No license is required to fish for brown trout in Ireland.

• Self-drive car with unlimited mileage and tax for 6 days.
• Accommodations with private bath at Owenmore River/Moy River
  Ballynahinch Castle/ Newport House 2 nights
  Lough Conn Pontoon Bridge 2 nights
  Blackwater Longueville House/ Ballyvolane 2 nights
• Salmon license and/or permit
• Full hearty Irish breakfast is served each day
• All service charges and Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.)..

What is a Ghillie? He is a local expert, who knows particular stretches of water in his local, and will be able to guide you to the best spots. He is your own personal guide while fishing.

Cost: A DAY OF FISHING CAN RANGE FROM $200-$300.
Ask for prices

Fishing is also available at Enniscoe House, Co. Mayo.

We can arrange for beats on private water, and additional ghillie time, or boats.

Fly Fishing School at Pontoon Bridge

Courses can be arranged on a 1, 2 and 4 day basis, including learning to assemble the tackle, tie correct knots, casting, basic watercraft, angling etiquette, angling safety, fish and their environment. For the more experienced anglers, advanced courses are also available. The hotel has a tackle shop, a rod room, drying room, and freezer facilities. Prices on request.

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours, a tour operator in Ireland and Great Britain.  www.lynotttours.com