An Aide de Service - a specially designed service stop for motorhomes - has been launched at Askeaton in County Limerick.
Previously practically unheard of in Ireland, Aide de Services are common throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. According to current Aide de Service sites, they can bring in the benefits of tourist activity, such as increased business for local shops and restaurants.
The first official Aire de Service in Askeaton forms part of the Askeaton Pool and Leisure Centre Development and is close to the Tourist Information Point at Askeaton Civic Trust House.
Many tourists enjoy driving holidays in Ireland, touring the country in their motorhomes. Research has shown they tend to stay longer in the country, spend more money and travel to more rural locations.
An Aide de Service post will include some or all of the following: a fresh water fill point, waste water emptying point, chemical toilet emptying point, rubbish disposal facility and in some cases, even an electrical hook-up. Those using the service say it is an excellent way to meet fellow motorhome owners.
April 9th, 2008
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
Summerville Holiday Hostel in County Limerick promises some nice and comfortable accommodation at very competitive prices. Single, twin or family rooms are sure to meet the needs of everybody. Modern showering facilities are provided for the convenience of the guests. The customer service at this hostel is top notch and it’s hard for the guests to check out of the hostel without being satisfied. From June to August, guests are treated to a free light continental breakfast. A fully equipped kitchen allows the guests to cook the meals they want the way they want in a cost effective manner. Some interesting and informative mingling can be done in the common room with the other guests, leading to new friendships from all over the world. Free car parking is much appreciated by the guests.
February 16th, 2007
Trainor’s Hostel in Ballingarry Village is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the rural countryside of County Limerick. This hostel is not open all year. You can book your accommodation here from March to September. The hostel has two private rooms and 30 beds for the accommodation needs of its guests. Parking and family rooms are also available. The usual fully equipped kitchen and common room can be found here. Linen is included in the price. Meals are available at reasonable prices. A bar allows guests to enjoy some fine drinks. The lounge offers a nice alternative to boredom in the form of some interesting reading selection.
February 1st, 2007
The Ballyhoura area is famous for its walks. Parts of this area are located in both County Limerick and County Cork. The summer walking festival in this area is very popular with avid walkers. The Seefin climb here is a memorable walk. If you are more inclined to take on long distance tracks, Ballyhoura Way will fit the bill perfectly. This walking route extends to almost 90 kilometres in length. You will come across Seefin Mountain on this trail and marvel at the amazing views of six counties available from this vantage point. Explorers will be delighted to know that they will get a chance to check out castles, churches and abbeys that are abundantly located in this area. The walk starts from Greenwood Forest which you can reach from Glenosheen. The track available here is called the Goat’s Path. You can stop to check out Castle Philip along the way which is said to have been the hiding place for outlaws. It will take a bit of time and effort to reach the peak of Seefin Mountain which is almost 528 metres high. From here, you can take the downhill track to descend back into the quietness of the Greenwood Forest. Other sites that attract tourists here are the Mitchelstown Caves, the Lough Gur Heritage Centre, the Doneraile Court and Wildlife Park and the medieval town of Kilmallock.
December 26th, 2006
