Tourism By Region

County Meath is known as the Royal County as it was once the territory of the High Kings of Ireland. The abundance of historic monuments within the present day boundaries testifies to the ancient importance of the region. Some of the most important historic sites and monuments are located within County Meath and virtually every important aspect of Irish history from prehistoric times is associated with the county. The rich landscape of pasture land watered by the scenic rivers of the Boyne, Blackwater and their tributaries results in Meath being a prosperous agricultural county with some of the best land in Ireland. It is particularly noted for its fine horses and cattle. The two main rivers in the county, the Boyne and the Blackwater join at Navan, which stretches to the Irish Sea, is the most historic waterway in Ireland. The rich legend of the Boyne with Fionn MacCumhall and the Salmon of Knowledge is still told today. The waterways are rich in aquatic life and the salmon and trout are recognised as among the finest in Ireland. On the upper stretches of the Boyne, at Trim, is the greatest of the Anglo-Norman castles in the country, while near the Blackwater at Kells, are the ruins of the 9th century monastry founded by the monks from Iona in Scotland. About that time, the illuminated master manuscript, the Book of Kells was completed. The Boyne Valley is probably one of the most interesting areas in Ireland to visit. The massive megalithic tombs and passage graves at Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth and Loughcrew, the Royal site at the Hill of Tara, Tailteann, the site of the Great Aonach which continued tri-annually for over 3,000 years, monastic houses at Trim and Bective, 16th and 17th great houses, are all vivid reminders of a glorious past. For the Irish scholar or people wishing to learn the Irish language , facilities are available at the flourishing Gaeltacht at Rath Cairn where many natives and visitors holiday and study, often returning year after year. Traditional music and dance, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, is available throughout the County with one of the most popular locations being Oldcastle. As a sporting location, the county has a great deal to offer. National Hunt and Flat racing is regularly held at Fairyhouse ( home of the Irish Grand National) and Bellewstown ( for over 300yrs). Laytown is a unique event where the horses race on the beach. Proudstown Park in Navan is one of the finest possible tests for National Hunt horses, with an uphill finish similar to Cheltenham. There are many facilities for equeatrian sport throughout the county and stag and fox-hunting is possible with several of the hunt clubs. From the historical Tara Hill and Newgrange, to the fun packed coast to the tranquil gardens and Boyne walks Meath offers something to satisfy all interests.

North Wexford is the ideal location to tour the rest of County Wexford, why not consider the following attractions : The John F. Kennedy Arboretum,New Ross, Co.Wexford This is a plant collection of international standing with 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. It covers 252 hectares on the southern slopes of Slieve Coillte and includes 200 forest plots and a visitor centre. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford The Wexford Slobs are internationally famous for wild geese which spend the winter months here. The visitor centre has many interesting exhibitions and an excellent AV show.Tel : 053 - 23129 The Wexford County Museum, Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford The 13th century Norman Castle dominates the historic town of Enniscorthy under the famed Vinegar Hill. Built in 1205, the castle was adapted for use as a museum in 1961. The County Museum has four main sections covering the dramatic history of County Wexford through the centuries - military, agricultural, maritime, crafts, industrial and ecclesiastical.Tel : 054 - 35926 Email: wexmus@iol.ie The National 1798 Visitor Centre, Enniscorthy ,Co.Wexford The award winning National 1798 Visitor Centre is a unique state of the art visitor centre located on the banks of the scenic River Slaney. The centre uses multi-media technology in a family friendly atmosphere to tell the fascinating heroic tale of the United Irishman and the 1798 rebellion.Tel :054 - 37596 Email:98com@iol.ie Web: www.wexford.ie/comoradh/1798.htm The Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Wexford The award winning Heritage Park has fourteen reconstructions depicting Ireland's heritage from the Stone Age to the arrival of the powerful Normans, a period of almost 9000 years. Web: www.inhp.com The Dunbrody, Famine Ship Text goes here, Web: www.dunbrody.com Castles: Ballyhack Castle, Enniscorthy Castle, Ferns Castle, Johnstown Castle, Rathmacknee Castle, Slade Castle. High Crosses: at Arthurstown, Ballinatray, Carrick, Killesk. Wexford Town is a designated heritage town. For more Information on County Wexford check out:

Welcome to Waterford the Crystal County. Waterford City is the capital of the Sunny South East of Ireland. A natural playground for Golf, Equestrian, Walking, Angling, Water Sports and Cycling, enthusiasts, Waterford offers the complete holiday experience. The county offers a dazzling coastline, beautiful river valleys and two dramatic ranges of very accessible mountains. Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle. In 2005 the City was host to the Tall Ships Race. The City is the home of Waterford Crystal, a lifestyle product of exquisite craftsmanship. Dungarvan, the administrative capital for the county, is set in a broad, magnificent bay. In between are lively and quiet Seaside Resorts like Tramore, the spectacular Geopark on the Copper Coast, and lovely mountain & river valley towns and villages. Houses & Gardens, where grace and beauty can be admired at leisure, are part of a rich heritage which includes Pre-Historic & Historic Sites. The town of Lismore was originally a monastic settlement founded in the 7th Century by St. Carthage, a Heritage Town, it was the centre of ecclesiastical and temporal power for centuries. Sophisticated fashion stores and high quality craft centres complete a holiday picture that is sure to please.

Consistent growth over the past four decades has seen Newcastle grow from a rural town to what is now referred to as the capital of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. While this growth can be attributed to the industrial development, the town has retained its “country atmosphere” and is surrounded by a balance of green hills and level plains. POPULATION Since the incorporation of the previous KwaZulu towns into Newcastle, the town's population has swelled almost ten fold from around 40 000 to well over 413 000. Of particular pride is the large Chinese population which has settled in Newcastle as a direct result of the local council's rigorous marketing campaign in the Far East. Today the town is believed to have the largest population of immigrant Chinese in the country. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Newcastle remains a prime venue for major sports competitions and conferences because of the wealth of facilities the town has to offer. An excellent variety of rugby, cricket, soccer, squash, tennis, swimming and other sport facilities has contributed to the town's ability to host both national and international events. The Olympic-sized, Newcastle Swimming Pool, has in the recent past hosted the All-Africa Development Gala. In addition to the sports facilities at the Monte Vista Casino, the greater Newcastle area boasts a modern indoor gym complex, five public swimming pools, two golf courses, a mashie course, two active bowling clubs, a horse riding club, 4x4 trails to mention just some. The Town also boasts 5 public libraries and 7 public halls including the Town Hall built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee and the modern Show Hall in the Show grounds, which includes conference and catering facilities and is large enough to accommodate some indoor sports, large functions and even pop concerts. COMMERCE Over the past decade, the town has seen a major increase in commercial activity and today all the major chain stores, banking and financial institutions are represented in Newcastle. The development of two new major shopping complexes and the upgrading of existing ones at the cost of over R40 million indicates the increase in the local confidence, spending power and economy. Newcastle was the first town in the province to be awarded a casino license and now boasts the Monte Vista Hollywood Casino. INDUSTRY Its ideal geographical situation - midway between Johannesburg and Durban, giving easy access to the markets of Gauteng and overseas markets via Durban – has played a major role in the town's industrial development. Despite major cut-backs by some of Newcastle's larger industrial concerns the town's vigorous marketing campaign, which began in 1983, has secured its industrial future. The steel industry, chemical plants. Footwear, clothing and textile industries are major role players in the manufacturing sector in the greater Newcastle area. Also represented, however, are domestic appliances, electronic equipment, pottery and toy manufacturers. All of which are well supported by both heavy and light engineering works. MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN NEWCASTLE STEEL Iscor is the dominant steel producer on the African continent, producing six million tons of final products per annum. Newcastle Works is located in the Northern boundary of the Town and produces 1.5million tons of long steel products of which 52% is exported to countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the middle East, North and South America, and Australia. CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Karbochem a member of the AECI Group of companies has a large plant on the eastern boundary of the town and produces Calcium Carbide, Sodium di-chromate, Chromic Acid, and methylamines, dimethymines and mooisopropylamines. GENERAL INDUSTRIES Venco has a large steel fabrication works. Natal Portland Cement has a large cement factory utilising blast furnace slag from Mittalsteel to make an excellent, slagmented, cement with high durability characteristics. Then there are over a hundred textile factories making everything from materials to fine suits, jeans, casual wear and jerseys. There is also a block making factory and a number of general engineering support and contract businesses. MARKETING The Town is continuing its intensive marketing programme and through membership of the KwaZulu Marketing Initiative, several large industrial investments have been secured. Some 100 factories, from Taiwan and China, mainly in textile and garment manufacturing, have been established through the years. GROWTH Newcastle and its surroundings, is one of the fastest growing regions in KwaZulu-Natal and currently enjoys a stable growth rate. Is ideal locality, combined with modern facilities and amenities have contributed to its growth over the past two decades.

SPECIALS – Golfing in Italy For the true novice, for those who want to learn to play, for true golfing enthusiasts who just don't know where to go. There are also the spas, the relaxation, the clothing to look the part. We’ve been on a tour of the Italian world of golf and here is what there is to know. continue See all events Special - Voyage through the Italy of Wines An Italian tradition that is famous throughout the world. behind each bottle of wine lies a team of producers, oenologists, farmers, and even designers. This is where it originates, who produces it, and the events that are not to be missed. continue A stone’s throw from the city Italy’s 41 World Heritage sites include some less famous ones away from the traditional art city tourist routes, but equally worth visiting. continue A day in the countryside Whether in the countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains, early spring is the best time to leave frenetic city life behind you and head off to the countryside to relax in the open air. continue Mind the snakes! Saints and serpents: in Abruzzo, a Christian ritual whose roots are pagan continue

Your Greece and Greek Islands Travel and Accommodation in Greece starts here. Hotels, Travel Agencies, Rentals, Restaurants, are all here, only one click away. By Choosing an area you will find Hotels, Travel Agencies, Apartments, Studios, Villas, Rentals. Also you have possibilities for Virtual Tours in Greek Areas, learn history and see sightseeing's. Online Reservations are also avaliable. We propose the island of Naxos Naxos is the biggest island in Cyclades. It has massifs and when the horizon is clear, you can see the Za, the highest mountain of Cyclades. When you get out of the ship, you meet a town full of life and shops. read more Paros Island The Cycladic thematology, opens the pages of its immense blue to welcome you in the island, which was the center of the Cycladic civilization since the ancient years and one of the most modern tourist resorts of recent years. The luminous Paros, like a picture in the Aegean Sea, waits for you... The most famous islands in Greece: Corfu - Kefallonia - Zakynthos - Paros - Naxos - Syros - Rhodes - Santorini - Mykonos - Serifos - Milos - Patmos - Samos - Skiathos - Skopelos - Crete - Hydra ... click on every island to see more.