Posts filed under 'Down'
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
Improve your golf with a unique seminar, developed by sports hypnotist Dr Karl Morris.
If you have trouble concentrating on the course, or if one bad shot invariably leads to another, you could benefit from the courses. They are:
- Royal Country Down, Northern Ireland - 21/02/08 - Host Kevan Whitson - Call 028 4372 2419 for details
- Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland - 11/04/08 - Host Gary McNeill - Call 028 7082 2311 for details
The Mind Factor Workshops will help you improve your game, your concentration levels, and ultimately, your future.
February 7th, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen, wake me up before you go-go!
George Michael hits Dublin on Wednesday 1st August, he’ll be playing a music gig at the Point Theatre and tickets are selling out fast so get them before the sun goes down.
If you can’t get them for the gig in Dublin on Wednesday, check the availability on Thursday 2nd August.
You might even be able to catch George in Belfast on Saturday night (4th August) at the Odyssey Arena. The Arena is Ireland’s largest indoor music venue with standing and seating facilities, so there’s more chance of getting a ticket.
Hopefully you’ll be able to get one with freedom to dance to your favourite tunes, with classics like Fastlove, Outside and some classic Wham thrown in for good measure - it’s sure to be a great night out.
The gigs in Dublin and Belfast are part of George’s extended 25 Live tour which saw him play an amazing live gig in Dublin last year. The music event in Belfast will be the first time he has ever played in the city and is sure to be a sell out. Order tickets online now from Dublin Events!
If you make it along, feel free to post reviews of the Dublin or Belfast gig below!
July 25th, 2007
Cnocnafeola Centre is one of the best hostels in County Down. This hostel lies in the peaceful surroundings of Atticall village in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. The hostel offers 28 beds with en-suite facilities. Laundry room and dining room are available. Secure bicycle and parking facilities are also provided. Conference facilities are available if needed. Guests are allowed to bring their own sleeping bags. Alternatively, bed linen and towels can be hired at the reception for a small fee. The guests of this hostel can look forward to horse riding, fishing, golf and mountain walking in the village of Atticall. A wide range of meals is offered by the restaurant at this hostel. In addition, the restaurant provides traditional entertainment by local musicians and dancers.
March 28th, 2007
Portaferry Hotel Restaurant in County Down is a great place to try out some delightfully tasty dishes. The best of the local produce is utilized in creating these dishes. The local produce consists of the beef of Ulster, Mourne lamb and game from the surrounding counties. Portaferry Hotel Restaurant is internationally renowned for its seafood dishes. The seafood arrives fresh every day from the fishing villages of Portavogie and Ardglass. Shanks Restaurant is also a great place to sink your teeth into uniquely delicious tasting food. This splendid food is cooked using meat, poultry and seafood that are produced locally. The availability of local produce is never the same so expect menu changes from time to time.
January 5th, 2007
Slieve Donard Hotel in County Down is a grand four star hotel that has been providing comfort and excellent customer service for its esteemed guests for over a hundred years. You can expect the very best of Irish hospitality here. This magnificent hotel also features the world class Royal County Down Golf Course on its premises. With 126 spacious bedrooms, dining in the gardens and an awesome leisure centre, this is the perfect place to stay in County Down.
November 22nd, 2006
