Europe Articles   

Steeped in antiquity yet bursting with all that's fashionably modern, Italy is the birthplace of La Dolce Vita - the sweet life that celebrates beauty and happiness.

Visit Roscommon in the western hinterlands of Ireland to experience the true Celtic soul of Ireland. The old Irish ways linger here as the area was little touched by the Anglo-Norman invasion. You can discover authentic Ireland in the ancient burial mounds, tombs, castles and forts of Roscommon. More importantly, you can experience the Gaelic spirit in the congenial local pubs where the locals make time to chat to strangers.
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Wedged between the Shannon River to the east, and its chief tributary, the Suck River, to the west, water dominates this county. These rivers together with a beautiful array of island-dotted lakes make Roscommon the perfect spot for water sports. You can enjoy angling along the River Suck and cruising and boating on the Shannon river.
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County Roscommon's flat terrain makes it perfect for rambler and cyclists too. There are miles of pathways to explore including the Heartlands Cycle Trail, a 135 mile cycle route that runs along quiet country lanes from Roscommon town to Athlone. A number of golf courses also await and you can saddle up at the many equestrian centers. If you're there between April and October you can enjoy the Roscommon Racecourse program.
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The culture and history buff can visit ancient castles and tombs, museums, stones, abbeys and heritage centers.
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<b>Transport: getting there and getting around</b>
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You can get to Ireland by ferry from the UK or France or by air from most anywhere. Roscommon is accessible by Bus &#3625;ireann from Sligo (53 miles), Galway (51 miles), and Dublin (91 miles).
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Roscommon is also served by the Dublin-Sligo rail line, with a station at Boyle.
Plus the Dublin-Westport-Ballina line serves Roscommon with a station at Roscommon Town.
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The nearest airports are Knock, Sligo and Galway. These are minor airports with limited services to other parts of Ireland and to Britain.
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<b>Climate: Irish weather and seasonal variations</b>
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In Ireland you should always be prepared for rain even at the height of summer. Fortunately, summer rains tend to be brief showers. And remember when you're packing that even in August it can get chill. Average summer temperatures range from 57 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius). In winter it gets down to 39 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees to 7 degrees Celsius). Spring and autumn can also be delightful as the weather can be mild and there are fewer visitors.
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<b><a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Ireland/Roscommon/" title="Roscommon accommodation">Roscommon Accommodation</a>: from cheap stays to castles and manors</b>
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Country Roscommon offers a broad range of accommodation options ranging from intimate inns, hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, farmhouses, cottages, villas, apartments, and self catering properties. And if you really want the best, a number of country manors and castles offer the true aristocratic experience. The <a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Ireland/Roscommon/" title="Hotels in Roscommon"> Roscommon hotels</a> are very inviting.
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<b>Events: there’s always something on in Roscommon</b>
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County Roscommon features a vibrant schedule of uniquely Irish events and activities including festivals, movies, theatres, live music, concerts, exhibitions and sports activities.
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*O'Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival and Summer School
*The sport of Kings; day and evening meetings in Roscommon Racecourse.
*Castlerea Trade and Agricultural Show
*Boyle Arts Festival famed for its Group exhibition of contemporary Irish art

Taking the road less travelled to the east London area of the Docklands provides many treats and surprises to visitors of the neighbourhood, plus a chance to get up close and personal with the tallest building in Britain.

More Britons and Irish visitors are flying to the island of Malta following the opening up of the island's airport to low-cost airlines

Due to the Moorish occupation of Iberia, the region was called "Al-Garb Al-Andalus". Its highest point is the mountain range of Monchique, with a maximum altitude of 906m (Peak of the Fóia). The Algarve is hilly, but traversed with rich valleys. The maximum temperatures in the Algarve fluctuate between 15 and 38 °C, with the temperature never falling below zero in the winter months. Faro, which the Christian residents had called Santa Maria, was renamed Faraon, which means "the settlement of the Knights".

Travel to the 'greenest city in Europe' to participate in 'green' activity holidays by greener transport.

For an August bank holiday weekend with a difference, head to the Medieval Festival at Castro Marim on the Algarve coast, Portugal.

Are you considering a visit to Germany? Why not visit the city of Cologne. It has a history which goes back to the Roman era. Located next to river Rhine and the fourth largest city in Germany it offers good a connection to the nearby cities of Düsseldorf and Bonn. Cologne is also linked with Amsterdam, Brussels, London and Paris by Thalys, ICE and Eurostar High Speed trains. The Frankfurt airport has a direct service to Cologne and is within one hour by ICE trains.

Frankfurt is the biggest city of the state of Hessen located in the center of Germany. Is is well known for it skyscrapers, international airport and as the financial capital of Europe. Getting around is easy because of its modern and efficient public transport system. In Frankfurt there are several interesting landmarks to visit like a large number of museums, art galleries, concert halls and historical buildings...

Munich is the capital city of the state of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. It is well known for its culture, architecture and the "Okoberfest" (the annual beer celebration). Getting around is easy because of its modern and efficient public transport system. In Munich there are several interesting landmarks to visit like a large number of museums, art galleries, concert halls and historical buildings...