Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

Bringing Medicine into the UK

Bringing Medicine into the UK

If you want to bring medicine into the UK, first check that it is licensed for use. Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container as issued by the pharmacist. Otherwise, bring a letter from your doctor or a personal health record card giving details of the drug prescribed, in case it is queried by Customs or you require additional supplies. Remember that some medicines available over-the-counter in other countries may be controlled in Britain, and vice versa.

For further information please contact HM Customs and Excise Advice Centre, Tel: +44 (0) 20 8929 0152; website: HM Customs and Excise

Why Use B&B Travel Vouchers?

Why use vouchers?
If you would like the ease of traveling without having to carry cash to pay for accommodation, you may wish to purchase our Travel Agent Vouchers. You simply decide each evening where you will be heading the next day and phone ahead for a reservation. Should problems arise finding accommodation when in Ireland, contact any Tourist Information Office, or seek advice and assistance from your B&B host/hostess. She/he will assist in booking subsequent night/nights for the cost of a telephone call. We do not recommend purchasing B&B vouchers in Dublin. An inexpensive hotel would be more readily available. Choose from both Town and Country Homes and Irish Farm Homes books

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Expert

Favorite Wales Link

Wales is a captivating part of Britain not to be missed, and once there, you’ll find a warm welcome awaits you. Rich in history and culture, steeped in myth and legend, as much an experience as it is a place. Oh, and there are hundreds of castles and some really fantastic scenery, too. So when you next visit Britain, go a little further … and visit Wales. You’re practically there already!

Whether you’re traveling on vacation, to trace your ancestors, to visit relatives or on business, we hope you’ll find this site of interest and of value.

http://www.travelwales.org/

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Expert

PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF WALES

Many overlook Wales when visiting Britain. Make Wales the reason you go to Britain and prepare to be inspired. Experience a fascinating ancient language, a country with more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, the largest Impressionist art collection outside Paris and a landscape just calling to be explored. A land that has been inspiring artists, poets and painters for centuries.

Now its your turn to be inspired.

With escorted tours that just focus on Wales in short supply, Lynott Tours has designed a private tour of the area that has daily departures. The five day trip to Wales is made easy for passengers who meet their driver and who are picked up in London, and travel to Stratford for a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace. They cross the border for an afternoon's special treat - picturesque Llangollen and a visit to the the timbered black and white home of the eccentric Ladies of Llangollen. The scenic route continues over Horseshoe Pass for a two-night stay at historic Ruthin Castle. A North Wales Day Trip includes a trip to slate caverns where Lynott clients board the miners tramway for a ride into caverns of huge proportions with explanations by a local guide. Another special treat unfolds as they take the steam-hauled railway through spectacular scenery to Porthmadog. An afternoon visit to the Welsh-speaking town of Caernarvon, home of the first ever Prince of Wales follows. Finally, they return to Ruthin by way of charming Betws-y-Coed, a resort of Victorian honeymooners. From Ruthin, the Lynott tour takes an interesting southbound journey with a stop in Machynlleth, Welsh headquarters during the 1404 rebellion against Henry IV, and across the rolling Cambrian mountains via Aberystwyth and the shores of Cardigan Bay to Carmarthen, birthplace of Merlin. At the National Botanic Garden, guests marvel at the world's largest single span glasshouse, learn the mysteries of genetics and enjoy the legends of herbal healing surrounding the ancient Welsh Physicians of Myddfai. An orientation tour of Cardiff includes Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings,and the Millennium Stadium, followed by a guided tour of magnificent Cardiff Castle. Later, the tour visits St. Fagans Museum of Welsh Life, with its carefully restored buildings and exhibits on Welsh culture.

On the way back to London, Welsh Discovery clients take a step back into pre-history at mysterious Avebury, the famous village inside a megalithic stone circle and henge dating back to 2,500 BC. An easy walking tour with a local guide explains how our ancient ancestors were highly skilled and most intelligent. Stroll through charming Marlborough, home to the famous public school before returning to London around 3 PM on day 5. Longer stays and extra nights are available.

Lynott Tours is offering a 5 day private guided tour to Wales, the Welsh Discovery. The program runs through March 2008. Prices start at $1778 per person based on a twin room. The private guided program to Wales includes deluxe private car/minicoach transportation with driver/guide throughout, first-class accommodations for 4 nights; room with private bath at Ruthin Castle Hotel and Jurys Hotel in Cardiff, full breakfast daily, all taxes and service charges Sightseeing admission charges are extra.. Longer stays, and airfare are available. For reservations, contact Lynott Tours at (800) 221-2474, or britain@lynotttours.com. Website: www.lynotttours.com.

‘Journeys Through Wales’

Many overlook Wales when visiting Britain. Make Wales the reason you go to Britain and prepare to be inspired. Let the specialists at Lynott Tours take you to Wales with a tour from their new brochure.

(New York, October 23) - Lynott Tours have been specializing in tours to Britain and Ireland for over 35years. In our new brochure we feature a new tour ‘Journeys Through Wales’ which comes with a choice of rail itineraries and a schedule you can do at your own pace.

Experience a fascinating ancient language, a country with more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, the largest Impressionist art collection outside Paris and a landscape just calling to be explored. A land that has been inspiring artists, poets and painters for centuries.

Now its your turn to be inspired.

Visit the South of Wales where the National Museum & Gallery is located, holding one of the best Impressionist collections in Europe. Explore the second largest castle in Britain-Caerphilly Castle. Built in the 13^th Century, and now home of the famous leaning tower (out leans the tower at Pisa). See the birth place of Catherine Zeta-Jones and poet Dylan Thomas -Swansea and view the spectacular coastal scenery and sunsets. Follow the path of Romans, Normans as Cistercian Monks and visit Caerleon Roman fort. The South of Wales is also home to one of King Arthur’s legendary courts.

The North of Wales is just as history filled and beautiful. The Roman city of Chester has endless experiences-explore the mysteries and the eerie haunts of a ghosthunter trail, see the archeological excavations of a 2000 year old Amphitheatre or find out what it was like to be a front-line defender of the Roman Empire.

From Chester head to the coast and stop at Llandudno. With its wonderful beaches and its Victorian and Edwardian elegance. Travel by steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway, the oldest independent railway company, through the spectacular scenery of Snowdonia and what as once the slate quarrying capital Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Your short train tour costs $807 per person based on two sharing and includes a 4 day rail pass, first class accommodation for 3 nights, 3 full breakfasts and all taxes and service charges. Sight seeing admission can be arranged at added cost.

Visit Lynott Tours' website at www.lynotttours.com. For more information or reservations, please call Lynott Tours, Inc.

at 1(800)221-2474 or e-mail britain@lynotttours.com.

END

PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF WALES

LYNOTT TOURS OFFERS A PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF WALES

Garden City, New York - October 23 - Lynott Tours is offering a 5 day private guided tour to Wales, the Welsh Discovery. The program runs through March 2008. Prices start at $1778 per person based on a twin room.

With escorted tours that just focus on Wales in short supply, Lynott Tours has designed a private tour of the area that has daily departures. The five day trip to Wales is made easy for passengers who meet their driver and who are picked up in London, and travel to Stratford for a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace. They cross the border for an afternoon's special treat - picturesque Llangollen and a visit to the the timbered black and white home of the eccentric Ladies of Llangollen. The scenic route continues over Horseshoe Pass for a two-night stay at historic Ruthin Castle. A North Wales Day Trip includes a trip to slate caverns where Lynott clients board the miners tramway for a ride into caverns of huge proportions with explanations by a local guide. Another special treat unfolds as they take the steam-hauled railway through spectacular scenery to Porthmadog. An afternoon visit to the Welsh-speaking town of Caernarvon, home of the first ever Prince of Wales follows. Finally, they return to Ruthin by way of charming Betws-y-Coed, a resort of Victorian honeymooners.

From Ruthin, the Lynott tour takes an interesting southbound journey with a stop in

Machynlleth, Welsh headquarters during the 1404 rebellion against Henry IV, and across the rolling Cambrian mountains via Aberystwyth and the shores of Cardigan Bay to Carmarthen, birthplace of Merlin. At the National Botanic Garden, guests marvel at the world's largest single span glasshouse, learn the mysteries of genetics and enjoy the legends of herbal healing surrounding the ancient Welsh Physicians of Myddfai. An orientation tour of Cardiff includes Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings,and the Millennium Stadium, followed by a guided tour of magnificent Cardiff Castle. Later, the tour visits St. Fagans Museum of Welsh Life, with

its carefully restored buildings and exhibits on Welsh culture.

On the way back to London, Welsh Discovery clients take a step back into pre-history at mysterious Avebury, the famous village inside a megalithic stone circle and henge dating back to 2,500 BC. An

easy walking tour with a local guide explains how our ancient ancestors were

highly skilled and most intelligent. Stroll through charming Marlborough, home to the famous public school before returning to London around 3 PM on day 5. Longer stays and extra nights are available.

The private guided program to Wales includes deluxe private car/minicoach transportation with driver/guide throughout, first-class accommodations for 4 nights; room with private bath at Ruthin Castle Hotel and Jurys Hotel in Cardiff, full breakfast daily, all taxes and service charges Sightseeing admission charges are extra.. Longer stays, and airfare are available. For reservations, contact Lynott Tours at (800) 221-2474, or britain@lynotttours.com. Website: www.lynotttours.com.

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

More tidbits on Ireland

Some  translations...

21. When in Ireland...trainers=sneakers
NEVER call it a fanny pack (slang for female anatomy). It's a bum roll instead. 

22.  When in Ireland...Giving out is an expression for being taken to task. Give someone a ring--call them on the phone, not ask them to marry you!

23.  When in Ireland..."Your man" does not necessarily have to have anything to do with you. It's like "that guy."

24.  When in Ireland..Chips=French fries
When in Ireland..Crisps=Potato chips. Usually available in two flavors: cheese
and onion or salt and vinegar.

25.   In Ireland:  You can generally bring a child into a pub at any age. Here is
the actual law: If you are under 14 (18 in Northern Ireland) you cannot
normally go into a pub or other licensed premises where alcohol is sold and
consumed during opening hours unless you are the landlord’s child or live
on the premises. However, a publican can apply for a children’s
certificate that will allow children under 14 to be taken into a pub by an
adult. Children would normally have to leave by 9pm. Pub Tours

26.  When in Ireland...Lift--elevator
When in Ireland...Mind your Head--Duck, it's a low entrance way.

27.  In Dublin:  Did you know? Prospect Cemetery Glasnevin is the biggest cemetery in
Ireland. There are over 1,000,000 people buried here. Many historic figures are
buried here. These include Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael
Collins, Roger Casement, Kevin Barry, Brendan Behan, Gerard Manley Hopkins,
Eamon de Valera, Chester Beatty, Maud Gonne and many, many more. Tours of the
cemetery, organized by Glasnevin Cemetery take place every Wednesday and Friday
throughout the year. Tours start at 2.30

28.  World-wide, there are an estimated 60 million people who claim Irish
ancestry.  Search for your Irish roots

29.  Ireland is also renowned for its many golf courses as well as being
the home of the Mulligan - a Mulligan is the one free stroke allowed each
player per nine holes of play and to be played at his or her discretion. Makes
perfect sense - who better to determine when they need to repeat a shot that
the players themselves. The universally brilliant and pragmatic ruling was the
brainchild of Arthur Mulligan, a renowned Meath golfing personality who once
said, ' the coures here leave me little choice but to count creatively'.

30.  The 36th Ryder Cup took place in Ireland between in September 2006 at the K Club is located 20 miles west of Dublin city.
The 38th Ryder Cup Matches would be held at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in the autumn of 2010.  Ireland Golf

Ellen Mc Nulty is President of Lynott Tours

More Ireland & Britain facts

11.  Mac and Mc indicate Scottish or Irish origins. They are both EXACTLY
the same word, the Mc is actually the abbreviated form of Mac. If it is an O'
name it is always Irish but if it is a mac, mc or other variation it can be
either Scottish or Irish!

12.  Why use B&B vouchers?
If you would like the ease of traveling without having to carry cash to pay for accommodation, you may wish to purchase our Accommodation Vouchers. You simply decide each evening where you will be heading the next day and phone ahead for a reservation. Should problems arise finding accommodation when in the UK, contact our local office, or seek advice and assistance from your B&B host/hostess. She/he will assist in booking subsequent night/nights for the cost of a telephone call. We do not recommend purchasing B&B vouchers in London or Edinburgh. An inexpensive hotel provides a wider choice of accommodation, and would be more readily available.  B&B vouchers

13.  Declaration of Independence - The largest ethnic group of signatories (16
in all) on the original draft of the American Declaration of Independence were
Welsh. Thomas Jeffersons' family who came from Snowdonia spoke Welsh too.

14.  The National Museum & Gallery in Cardiff is one of the finest in Europe. Five hundred years of
magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and
across the world, and includes the largest collection of Impressionist works outside of Paris. 

15.During the summer in the north of England and Scotland daylight ends around 10 PM, allowing for many extra hours of golf.

16.  Famous Welshmen and women: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton,
Catherine Zeta Jones, Laura Ashley and Tom Jones.

17.  Wales is not represented on the British Flag. The standard of Wales consists of a red dragon on a green and white background. The Union flag is composed of the red upright cross of St. George on a white background; the white diagonal cross of St. Andrew on a blue background; and the red diagonal cross of St. Patrick on a white background. This represents England, Scotland
and Ireland respectively.

18.  Did you know? Welsh Place Names Place names tell a story in Wales. Some prefixes or stems appear time and time again:
Aber - This denotes the mouth or confluence of a river, or a small stream.
Betws - A house of prayer.
Llan - a church or parish
Ty - a house

19.  Did you know? Among other things, credit card car rental insurance usually does not cover the cost of replacing each day's rental income, if the rental car you damaged (or the car is stolen while you are responsible for the car) prevents that car from being hired while it is in repair, to cover the lost revenue the company has while a car in their fleet is not available for hire.  You can have CDW coverage offered "free" by your credit card company but it often may only cover property damage (and that after a deductible.  Tires and keys are never covered. 

20.  Don't assume that your US cellphone works in Ireland or Britain. You usually need a tri-band phone, or one with an international chip. More info: Cell phone rental

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours.

My Favorite Wales Itinerary

Day 1 - London- Cardiff Train from London Paddington to Cardiff (2 hours). We head for the Art collection at the National Museum & Gallery is one of the finest in Europe. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist works. Our accommodation is in the Vale of Glamorgan, at a working Welsh Farmhouse, with vineyard.Llanerch Vineyard, for many years the family home of Peter and Diana Andrews, offers a superb 4-star bed and breakfast accommodation. The 21 acre Llanerch Estate is set in the Vale of Glamorgan, one of the barbicanmost beautiful parts of the UK, with lovely villages and bustling market towns, yet it is only a 15 minute drive from the centre of Wales' vibrant capital city, Cardiff. The Vale of Glamorgan is the Valley of Kings where the wizard Merlin was schooled.

Day 2 - St. David's - Tenby Wales' smallest city, St. Davids was founded by the Welsh patron saint in 550 and is one of the most enchanting and evocative places in Britain. St Davids Cathedral is Wales' holiest place and has been drawing pilgrims for a millennium and a half. In medieval times, it was declared that two pilgrimages to St. Davids were the equivalent to one to Rome and three the equivalent of one to Jerusalem itself. The 12th century cathedral is hidden in a grassy hollow and was carefully designed so that it was hidden from invaders! The stone cottages along the high street, today house craft shops and galleries. Tenby is a town in Pembrokeshire, lying on Carmarthen Bay. Probably originating as a Viking settlement, and now is a popular seaside resort. Attractions in Tenby include the 13th-century town walls, the Five Arches , the 15th-century St Mary's Church, the Tudor Merchant's House, a museum and art gallery. Boats sail from Tenby's harbor to Caldey Island, while St Catherine's Island is linked to the town at low tide.

Day 3 - St. Fagans - Welsh Mining Valley - Brecon Beacons Visit the open-air Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans, with its carefully restored buildings and exhibits on Welsh culture. The Museum shows how the people of Wales lived, worked and spent their leisure time over the last five hundred years. The Museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th century manor house generously donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Experience the scenic beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the characteristic Welsh Valleys, while exploring the historical and industrial heritage of South Wales. View the sole surviving deep Welsh coal mine and the breathtaking scenery of the Brecon Beacons, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony. Stop on the way to witness remains of the industrial past - including the opportunity to descend 300 feet into a coal mine! (B) Day 4 - Caerlon Roman Camp - London Follow the path of Romans, Normans and Cistercian monks along the border of Wales - fought over by the Celts and Anglo-Saxons and romanticized by Turner and Wordsworth. Visit Caerleon Roman fort, with its baths and amphitheater - believed to have become one of legendary King Arthur's courts. This morning is spent at the village of Caerleon named after a Roman Legion camp. Visit the barracks, a complete amphitheater, Roman baths and the ruins of a Roman port. Take the train back to London. (B)

Ellen Mc Nulty is President of Lynott Tours.

Family Travel Ideas

Lynott Tours Enriching Family Vacations

Relaxing ... Stress-free ... Safe... Affordable family travel packages

We recognize that traveling with a family requires a different type of vacation. We have thought a lot about family travel and we have dedicated ourselves to creating departures that account for three generations of needs.

Are you among the many millions of Irish-Americans whose ancestors emigrated directly from Ireland or via Liverpool to North America during the Great Famine (1845-50)? Did they sail on the trusted Jeanie Johnston, on one of the infamous coffin ships or on one of the several hundred other cargo/passenger vessels that sailed from Ireland before, during or immediately after the potato famine? Find out here.

Nothing can be more rewarding than sharing your cultural heritage with your children or grandchildren. We have created a special multi-generation adventure to build on your relationship, secure in the knowledge that our activities will interest the young and the young at heart. You and your family will learn about the best of Ireland and Britain.

Anyone who has traveled in the USA with children knows how hard it can be to research the area, plan interesting activities for the kids, and at the same time, relax and enjoy your vacation, too. But when you allow Lynott Tours to plan your family vacation in Ireland and Britain, it can be worry-free.

We arrange everything for your family travel packages, so there is nothing for you to do but enjoy yourself.

Here are just some suggestions for your family travel packages:
Our family travel destinations:
Irish Melody Escorted Tour
It is difficult to find a coach tour that will take children, but we take children as young as 5 on this tour, because we have activities for them. Fun adventures include boat trips, bicycling, horseback riding and traditional music. Your children will meet other children on this tour.
Self Drive Ireland
Select from B&B's, working farms with animals to entertain the young folks, even a castle stay. Is a hotel with a pool a "must have"? We know them all. Go wherever you please with our open prepaid voucher program, or we will pre-plan your itinerary for you.
Rent a cottage or a castle in Ireland or Britain. When you'd like to be on your own, in a village of 8-10 identical cottages with other vacationers from around the world. Walk to the local store, cook your own meals for that finicky eater, and have your own home away from home for a week or more.

Self Drive Britain
Relive the history of your father's father's father. Visit all the sites they've only read about - King Arthur's England, the fabled land of knights and maidens, Harry Potter and more. Go wherever you please with our open prepaid voucher program, or we will pre-plan your itinerary for you. Hotels with swimming pools are highlighted for family fun.

Harry Potter Tours
Have your children enjoyed Harry's adventures? See where the movies were made. All of the attractions are featured in the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", and "Chamber of Secrets" films including the Hogwarts School. We have self drive tours and guided tours but if you have a group of friends or family (6 or more), we can do an individual escorted tour for you. These trips are created to give children, parents and grandparents an opportunity to enjoy each other's company in a far-off and exciting destination. On these tours, enrollment is limited to family groups. Sightseeing and other special activities are designed with the interests and attention spans of all generations in mind.

Scotland Family Vacation - The Clan Escorted Tour
Fun adventures include a castle climb, a visit to a sheep farm, monster-hunting and traditional music. This very special tour for your clan combines enriching experiences in the charming towns of Scotland with some extraordinary accommodations at guest houses, hotels, and inns, and even a romantic castle.

Christmas travel -Make this Christmas special for your family. Here are some things to help you plan your stay.
Small barge cruising on the River Thames
ACTIEF cruises the River Thames. Join Toad, Ratty and Mole from Kenneth Grahame "Wind In the Willows" on this truly magical journey, winding through woodland and open country, passing quintessentially English villages of great beauty en-route. Our special family itinerary has been designed to combine the magic of life on the river with exciting family tours and excursions. Available for charters on any departure date. Throughout the week children (and adults too) can also enjoy rowing and fishing from Actief’s dinghy. In addition we will be running a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt, plus various other fun competitions and games throughout the week.

Pen Pals Families love our pen pal program, an optional activity matching children of similar ages to share letters and a memorable meeting. It's a unique opportunity to learn more about diverse languages and cultures directly from children worldwide. In addition, we heighten your child's experience by providing reading lists, journals and activities designed to bring your destination to life.

You can generally bring a child into a pub at any age. Here is the actual law: If you are under 14 (18 in Northern Ireland) you cannot normally go into a pub or other licensed premises where alcohol is sold and consumed during opening hours unless you are the landlord’s child or live on the premises. However, a publican can apply for a children’s certificate that will allow children under 14 to be taken into a pub by an adult. Children would normally have to leave by 9pm.

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours.