travel to find yor heritage

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Suitcase for Your Boat Trip

Embarking on a journey to discover one’s heritage is more than a vacation; it’s a voyage into the past, a quest to connect with the roots that define our identity. Ireland, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to uncover their ancestry. This comprehensive guide is optimized for search engines with the keyword “Travel to Ireland to find your heritage,” designed to assist you in planning a trip that’s both enlightening and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn by the call of your ancestors or simply fascinated by Irish history, this post will provide you with the knowledge to explore Ireland’s heritage deeply. At most we would recommend a week to do this so you only need to pack a medium sized 20kg suitcase for this trip.

Exploring Irish Ancestry Records:

  • Understanding the Basics: Before you set foot on Irish soil, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of how to access and interpret Irish ancestry records. Ireland’s rich archives, from the National Archives of Ireland to the online resources like IrishGenealogy.ie, offer a wealth of information. Start by gathering as much information as possible from family records and then move on to these repositories to trace your lineage.
  • Visiting Local Archives and Libraries: Once in Ireland, visiting local archives and libraries can uncover a treasure trove of information not available online. The National Library of Ireland, for example, offers access to a vast collection of Catholic parish registers, a vital resource for genealogical research. Staff members can provide invaluable assistance, guiding you through the search process.
  • Engaging with Genealogy Experts: For those who find the process daunting or hit a dead end, Ireland is home to skilled genealogists who can provide expert assistance. Hiring a local genealogy expert can offer new insights and streamline the search process, making your heritage journey both productive and enjoyable.

Connecting with Irish Culture and Traditions:

  • Experiencing Traditional Irish Music and Dance: Immersing yourself in traditional Irish music and dance is a profound way to connect with your heritage. Venues across Ireland, from bustling Dublin pubs to the rural corners of the West, offer live performances that are a testament to the country’s enduring cultural legacy.
  • Learning the Irish Language: While English is widely spoken, the Irish language (Gaelic) holds a special place in the nation’s heart, embodying the essence of its culture and history. Participating in an Irish language course or attending a Gaeltacht area can deepen your connection to your ancestors’ land.
  • Exploring Irish Festivals: Ireland’s calendar is dotted with festivals celebrating everything from ancient Celtic traditions to modern Irish culture. Plan your visit to coincide with events like St. Patrick’s Day, the Galway International Arts Festival, or the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival to experience Ireland’s vibrant community spirit.

Visiting Historic Sites and Landscapes:

  • Walking in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors: Ireland’s landscape is dotted with historic sites, from ancient stone circles to medieval castles, each telling a part of the country’s story. Visiting these places can offer a tangible connection to your ancestors and the lives they led.
  • Exploring Ireland’s Natural Beauty: Ireland’s natural landscapes, such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Ring of Kerry, are not only stunning but also integral to understanding the environment that shaped the lives and stories of your ancestors.
  • Participating in Heritage Tours: Many companies offer tours specifically designed for those looking to explore their Irish heritage. These tours can provide a structured way to visit significant sites related to your family history, with expert guides offering insights into Ireland’s past.
suitcase packing list

Mastering the Art of Packing Light for Your Next Holiday Adventure

Ah, the perennial traveler’s dilemma: how to pack for a week long holiday with just a 20kg suitcase and still look effortlessly chic and feel utterly comfortable. It’s a bit of an art form, really, and I’m here to share some secrets that might just change the way you pack forever. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality—without tipping the scales with excess baggage fees. Your 20kg suitcase should fit around 8 pairs of clothes and 2 pairs of shoes depending on the internal compartments. We recommend a 20kg large suitcase that is at least 24 inches long in order to fit all of this comfortably.

The Foundation of Your Holiday Wardrobe: Shoes

Let’s start with the cornerstone of any travel wardrobe: shoes. They’re crucial for comfort, especially when you’re likely to spend your days exploring. But here’s the catch—they’re also the heaviest items in your bag. With a strict 20kg limit to play with, choosing the right footwear becomes a strategic decision.

Enter Hotter shoes, a revelation in my travel and everyday wardrobe. These can take up a lot of space in your 20kg suitcase but they are essential. These gems are not just comfortable; they’re a statement of style. Take, for instance, my pale blue Flare sandals. Not only do they look fantastic, they’re designed with adjustable fastenings, making them a dream for those hot weather days when your feet decide to swell up a bit.

And let’s talk color—blue is my go-to. It’s versatile, much like denim, and pairs with just about everything. Then there’s the magic of red shoes. A pair of Nirvana mary-janes in buttery soft leather not only add a pop of color but are so comfortable and stylish, you’ll want to wear them with everything from dresses to jeans, making them perfect travel companions. One of the best suitcases to get in the 20kg range is the Kono travel bag.

 

Packing for the Summer Sun: A Burst of Color

Summer is synonymous with color. It’s time to set aside the blacks and greys and embrace the vibrant hues of summer dresses. The key to packing efficiently is starting with a visual layout of what you think you’ll need, then editing down to the essentials. For me, three pairs of shoes are a must—a pair each of flip-flops, sandals, and versatile walking shoes. My selection from Hotter, in hues of blue and red, are always the first to go in the suitcase, ensuring I’m prepared for any occasion.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

Creating a checklist is my little secret to ensuring I’ve got everything I need without overpacking. For a seven-day trip, here’s a glimpse into my essentials:

  • Footwear: A trio of sandals, flip-flops, and walkable shoes.
  • Dresses: A mix of maxi and shorter dresses, aiming for three in total.
  • Leggings and Tops: A pair of leggings and two tops for versatility.
  • Beach and Evening Wear: A swimsuit, a wrap or cover-up, and a cardigan for cooler evenings.
  • Undergarments and Essentials: Underwear, modesty tops, and a capsule collection of makeup and cosmetics that fit neatly into a ziplock bag.
  • Hair Care: My trusty heated rollers, hairbrush, ties, and pins.
  • Health and Safety: Medications, neatly packed into another ziplock bag.
  • Extras: Don’t forget the travel adaptor, phone charger, and journal.
  • Accessories: A foldable beach bag, sunglasses, and a few key pieces of costume jewelry.
  • Handbag Essentials: Checklist everything in your handbag to be doubly sure you’re prepared.

The final step? Roll packing. It’s a game-changer, allowing you to fit everything you need into your carry-on.

It’s Possible: Carry-On Only Travel

I was once a skeptic, but I’ve seen the light. With thoughtful choices—starting with the perfect pair of shoes—it’s entirely feasible to avoid checked luggage fees and still have everything you need. My journey to this revelation was made all the sweeter by Hotter Shoes, whose stylish and comfortable footwear has earned a permanent spot in my travel wardrobe.

So, as you plan your next summer getaway, remember: packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With a little forethought and some strategic choices, you can save those extra baggage fees for something far more enjoyable, like a nice dinner out or a glass of wine to toast to your travel savvy.

Happy travels, and may your packing be as light and effortless as your holiday adventures!

10kg cabin suitcases

Holiday tips – Pack Your Suitcase For 2023

Girls Nights Out are always fun but there are times in our lives that call for something bigger. Like Girls Weekends Out, babydoll. Grab your best friends, stylish suitcases and passports and get ready to have a good time. You don’t have to wait for a special event like a bachelorette party to enjoy each other’s company. And guess what? If you can’t afford to go away right now, all of these travel experiences are easy to recreate as staycations. So get ready to pack your suitcase with our top girls travel tips.

Special Note: Don’t invite frenemies. If there are people that you are on the fence about, then spending more time with them on vacation is not the answer.

Here are 3 ways to hang with your girlfriends for a weekend:

1. Gutsy Women Travel Adventure Weekend

You’re a busy woman, ruled by your agenda. You are so on top of things in your day-to-day life that when vacation time comes you want someone else to be in charge.That means that they handle everything including suitcases and bags Accommodations are first class and deluxe. Items like cooking classes, walking tours and wine tastings make the trip feel more special. We recommend just packing a 10kg hand luggage suitcase for this sort of trip.

 

Girls Trip Ideas: 30+ Best Girls Trip Destinations Around The World

2. Surf Goddess Retreats Relaxing Weekend

Surf Goddess is a yoga, spa and surf retreat company for women. Here’s how to make a fun and relaxing spa weekend happen. Think about it. A sun-drenched weekend in beautiful Bali. What more could you want from a girlfriend’s getaway? In addition, you will stay in an elegant villa eating gourmet food while practicing hands-on yoga in small groups.

3. Las Vegas Bad Girls Weekend

It’s a cliche but some cliches are wildly fun. Where are you going for your not-bachelorette weekend? Vegas, baby. What happens in Vegas may or may not stay in Vegas. As long as you include all of your girls with you you don’t have to worry about it. So in Sin City which places are woman-friendly?

Head to Las Vegas and be a Pussycat Doll for the night. The place to make it happen is Pure Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace. If you’re anywhere else in the world I say avoid Planet Hollywood-like spots like the plague, except when you’re in Vegas, baby. If you’re a reality TV fan then you know that Planet Hollywood is the home of Holly Madison’s “Peepshow.” You can also find tickets to versions of almost any Broadway show. In you’re in the mood for young hip nightclub action head over to Nikki Beach.

For more information start with the official Las Vegas tourism website.

There you go my gorgeous rock star passionista friends. Pack your bags and get ready to relax, retreat and party. As I always say be good, and if you can’t be good be safe.

This is why the egg chair has become so popular in Ireland

There is no one answer to this question as the egg chair has been created by many different designers over the years. However, there are some general inspirations that can be named.

Arne Jacobsen was a Danish architect and designer who is credited with creating the first modern egg chair in 1958. He was inspired by organic shapes found in nature, specifically those of an egg and a pebble. He sought to create furniture that would provide comfort and relaxation, and believed that the organic shapes of his egg chair would achieve this goal.

Another major influence on the creation of the egg chair was Fritz Hansen, another Danish designer who worked with Arne Jacobsen on its design. Fritz Hansen manufactured and sold Jacobsen’s designs, including the Egg Chair, which became very popular after it debuted at The Absolut Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1985.

How did the egg chair become a popular design icon?

The egg chair was designed in 1963 by Arne Jacobsen for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. At the time, it was one of the most expensive chairs in the world and became a popular design icon. The chair’s unique shape is said to have been inspired by an egg and its soft curves provide a comfortable seating experience. The chair can be adapted to different environments with a range of upholstery options that include leather, woolen fabric, or silk. It has also been featured in various films and television shows over the years.

Jacob Holm, CEO Republic of Fritz Hansen, - in Bene

Who are some of the most well-known designers of egg chairs?

There are many reputable designers of the hanging egg chair, but a few of the most well-known are Pierre Paulin, Arne Jacobsen, and Fritz Hansen.

Pierre Paulin is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern furniture design. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he designed a number of iconic pieces including the F 66 lounge chair for La Maison Charles. His Tapiovaara Egg Chair was also released in 1962 and became an instant classic – it’s still in production today. The soft curves and comfortable padding make it perfect for relaxing in, while its unique shape makes it a stylish addition to any home or office.

Arne Jacobsen is another highly respected designer whose work has been featured in exhibitions around the world. He’s best known for his graceful “egg” chair, which was created for Royal Hotel Copenhagen in 1958. Made from leather and stainless steel, this iconic piece is still popular today thanks to its timeless elegance and comfort.

Why do collectors covet vintage egg chairs?

An egg chair is a chair designed in the shape of an egg. They are typically made from leather or other expensive materials, which has added to their appeal as luxury items for some time. The first known egg chairs were designed by Arne Jacobsen for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1958. He was commissioned to design all the furniture for the hotel, and he drew inspiration from many sources, including nature and Scandinavian architecture.

The original egg chairs were manufactured by Fritz Hansen, but they are now produced by a number of different companies. While they have been reproduced in large numbers over the years and can be found at a variety of price points, originals still tend to fetch high prices at auction. This is mainly because they remain popular with collectors who appreciate their unique design and history.

What distinguishes an original egg chair from a reproduction?

There are a few key distinctions that can be made between an original egg chair and a reproduction. The first is the quality of materials used in their construction.typically, originals are made with higher-quality materials such as leather, wood, and metal. Repros may use cheaper materials like vinyl or plastic which can make them less durable over time.

Another distinction is the level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Because originals are often handmade by skilled craftsmen, they often feature more intricate details and finishes than repros. Additionally, because they were designed to last for many years, originals typically have better build quality than most reproductions.

Finally, one of the easiest ways to tell if an egg chair is original or not is by checking its price tag. Generally speaking, authentic antique chairs will be more expensive than modern reproductions

Though there are some exceptions to this rule (due to rarity or other factors), these three criteria—material quality, craftsmanship, and price—generally hold true when distinguishing between original egg chairs and replicas

Welcome to Kilrush Marina

Kilrush Marina, situated in County Clare, on Irelands unspoilt west coast, offers a unique blend of facilities and attractions to satisfy even the most discerning visitor.

The marina lies in the tranquil waters of a sheltered harbour, making it a safe secure haven for maritime enthusiasts to prepare themselves for the adventure of a lifetime.

The marinas strategic location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the splendid waters of the 100km long Shannon Estuary, with its many picturesque riverside towns and villages, and also gives access to the 200km long inland waterway system of the majestic river Shannon and its lakes and canals.

Kilrush Marina is perfectly located for exploring the exciting west coast with its dramatic scenery and enticing anchorages.

The personal touch begins at Kilrush Marina lock gates, where you will receive a warm welcome from the marina’s experienced staff, who will guide you safely to your berth, and look after you during your stay.