Ireland by Sea
10/16/2006 4:55:19 PM by Clint Brownfield
The home of Titanic has a plethora of water activities available that you might not have known about — from jetskiing on Dublin Bay to eating oysters in Galway, Ireland is sure to satiate your hunger for all things aquatic.
Photos courtesy of Ireland Tourism
After years of globetrotting to some of the most desirable spots on the planet, a trip to Ireland was in order — and the country’s connection with the sea was the primary factor on the agenda. After checking into the new Hilton in Belfast, I took in the view of the city’s shipyards from my room, and I couldn’t help but think about Ireland’s most famous creation: Titanic .
People involved with the shipyards at that time felt terrible when she went down. But, in true Irish style, they bounced back and declared: “Well, she was OK when she left here.” I’m keeping my eye on a plan that’s afoot to turn the shipyards into a sort of historic theme park that may even include a full-size replica of Titanic. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to walk around in a well-done replica to see what luxury cruising was like during that gilded era.
A few years ago, I was doing a story on Mystic, Connecticut and attended a reception that included members of the various attractions in and around the area. One particularly gregarious gentleman caught my attention. We were both drinking glasses of red wine and began to discuss the health benefits of drinking the stuff — it’s for our hearts…I pretty quickly learned that I was enjoying the company of Dr. Bob Ballard, the man who “discovered”
Titanic
. Today his expeditions are being run out of the Mystic Aquarium. Who knows what he’ll find next!
Besides the
Titanic
connection, water activities abound in Ireland. After all, it is an island. One activity in particular that stands out is renting a cruiser and boating through the countryside via the vast number of rivers and canals that crisscross the land. Itineraries may include the Upper and Lower Shannon, Lough Erne, The Grand Canal and the River Barrow. This is a great way to experience cities and towns along the way through a sort of “backdoor.”
Charming pubs, restaurants and inns pop up at refreshing intervals and no license is required to captain your own cruiser, which can accommodate from two to eight adults. All the information you need to begin your boat holiday in Ireland is at boatholidaysireland.com.
With 3,000 miles of some of Europe’s most varied and spectacular coastline, Ireland is a mecca for world-class anglers. A huge variety of fish, both cold and warm water species, await your lures. If you’re into peace and quiet, isolated rocky bays and tranquil inlets await. If you’re in the mood for some company, there are a vast variety of boat trips to enjoy. And, of course, there’s plenty of game angling available. I’m tempted to move over there just to have a steady supply of salmon! It’s also good for the heart. Two websites to check out: discovernorthernireland.com/angling and angling.ireland.ie.
Ireland has a long tradition of sailing. The sport was first recorded here in 1720, with the founding of the Cork Water Club, later known as the Royal Cork Yacht Club — the oldest in the world. To sail the waters around the spectacular Cliffs of Moher is an experience you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. But why stop there, you can bring your own yacht or rent one and sail around the entire island, taking in the experience. Check out waterbased.ireland.ie for more.
The waters of Ireland await you: The possibilities are endless. Some even feel a drop of water enhances the already spectacular whiskey, which is also rumored to be good for your heart. For information on all things Ireland, call 800.223.6470 or go to tourismirelandinfo.com.