Jazz and Film Fever Infects Cork

November 9th, 2011

Hello readers!

I’m Kathrin from Germany and I’m working as a trainee in the Marketing Department at Fota Island Resort since September. Since my arrival in Ireland at the end of August I have heard everyone around me talking about the world renowned Guinness Cork Jazz Festival which took place from Friday, October 28th, until Monday, October 31st.

Guinness Cork Jazz FestivalThe anticipation of the people in Cork was infectious and I was really looking forward to it. Locals told me that the festival has been held in Cork City in late October every year since 1978. The Festival is Ireland’s biggest Jazz Event and attracts hundreds of musicians and over 40,000 music fans to the city each year.

Everything that I heard made me more curious. I like the Jazz music style but I’m not a big fan of it. So I was really excited to see if I would like it, when the Cork City becomes electrified with soulful and infectious vibes floating out of pubs and venues across the city of Cork. Would I maybe become a big Jazz fan?

I wanted to find out more about the music and I read that Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities. I have to say that through the long history, Jazz is still traditional but also a modern and fresh musical style for me. I know a lot of old and even young people which like the music. So I think whatever your age, you should feel the rhythm of the bands with its trumpeters, saxophones, pianos and drums, so that you have to follow the swing of the music. The traditional musicians put so much of themselves into their music that the music makes you think, feel, listen and dream, more than any other kind of music.

1920s JazzBut I still wasn’t sure if the festival can really produce all these emotions in me. Can it really match all the expectations of Corkonians and even mine? Or will be the new interpretations of the songs be too modern and the real feeling will get lost?

The line up for the 2011 event includes a host of international jazz acts reflecting the ever-changing face of jazz as it moves forward with new sounds and new audiences. This year’s event attracted acts such as the Harlem Gospel Choir, Tia Fuller Quartet, Grandmaster Flash, Pee Wee Ellis and Funk Assembly, Fred and the Frank and Walters, amongst many more. There were also a number of other events taking place over the course of the weekend with the Jazz Fringe Festival, Street Music, the Cork Jazz Camp and the Jazz Choir.

After a rainy Friday night the bad weather managed to stay away for most of the weekend to allow people soak up some street performances or hop from venue to venue. But when you dared to go on to the street despite the weather like me and official figures say 50,000 other people too, you could have seen bands on the streets Cork City centre which were dressed in candy-striped jazz trousers with pink braces and where impressed the bystanders with their trumpets and trombones.

The Festival was certainly as big as the people told me! There were 1,000 musicians from 37 countries who took part in this year’s festivities at more than 60 venues around Cork, over 90% of it free. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to see them all.

I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t go to the biggest venue for the festival, the 1,200-seater Cork Opera House which was sold out for many events. I missed one of the highlights there which was the performance of the Harlem Gospel Coir on Saturday night. I was a little upset and a bit envious on those people who could enjoy the music of this fantastic band!
At the Everyman Theatre you could listen to the saxophonist Tia Fuller or another performance of note was that of Clint Eastwood’s son, double-bassist Kyle, at the Everyman on the Saturday night. Perhaps the most eye-catching line-up was the first outing of Damon Albarn’s new collective Honest Jon’s Chop-Up now renamed Rocketjuice and the Moon, which featured Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea as well as DJ Theo Parish and Tony Allen.

As I strolled through the streets and the pubs of Cork at the weekend I didn’t just hear specific jazz music. You could listen to world music and European music with an electric rather than specifically jazz. You felt that the festival program moved away from the blue note era into new strands and styles of jazz. So even when you aren’t a big Jazz fan you would have fun at that weekend. I saw young and old people enjoying the music together and it was really that what I imagined. The Jazz Festival didn’t meet all my expectations, but the most of them. I didn’t become a Jazz fan but I still really like the music and the interpretations from the musicians weren’t too modern, so that I got the feeling which I wanted to have. The musicians did their best to entertain the listeners even on the streets of Cork City and it was absolutely a visit worth!

Corona Cork Film FestivalSo having enjoyed the Guinness Jazz Festival like me, you have to visit the next upcoming Corona Cork Film Festival as well, which is an annual film festival that is held in Cork City which started on November 6th, and runs until, 13th November. Established in 1956, it is now an internationally recognised film festival with around 35,000 people in attendance every year. It is particularly well known for its short films.

For me as a person which loves good movies it is also very important to assist young artists in there career! I heard that the Cork Film Festival plays an important role internationally with their assistance to young filmmakers and their careers. It has won international praise for its support of short films and the art of making them. So you even can support beginners and can enjoy nice films! What else do you want?!

The Festival should attract film lovers like me and filmmakers as well as the general public. When I had a look at the program I saw that it includes a wide range of projects including world cinema, big budget productions, documentaries, creative independent films, and short films. Filmmakers enter from all over the world and it is known as a major showcase for film production in Ireland. Typically there are over 3,000 films submitted 300 of which will be screened at the Festival. Everything that I written sounds great and I’m sure that they will have a film for every one of us!

2011 Cork Film FestivalThis year’s event will have a focus on Romanian films with Romanian documentaries and features as well as a number of Romanian guests. The opening film was “Cleo from 5 to 7”, a real-time portrayal of a Parisian singer waiting from 5.00 to 7.00 pm for results of a medical test. Directed by Varda the screening is the Irish premiere of the 1962 movie. For me the trailer looks very interesting and encourages me to see the film! Other festival premieres includes the before unseen director’s cut of “In The Electric Mist” starring Tommy Lee Jones and John Goodman, by French director Bertrand Tavernier, “Robert Mitchum is Dead” and “Spy(ies)” starring Irish screen legend Stephen Rea and French leading man Guillaume Canet.

Screening and events are taking place in a number of locations throughout Cork including The Gate Cinema, The really tempting English Market, The Pavillon and The Ballymaloe House.

So don’t forget to have a look at the Festival Catalogue and book your ticket for your favourite film or category, like for example Galas, World or Cinema, or even a Season Pass or a Value Pass.

I’m really looking forward to next weekend and my trip to the Corona Cork Film Festival. I don’t think you will have such a possibility this year to see so many interesting new films! I don’t want to miss this great Event so I hope to see you there?!

If you visiting Cork during the Film Festival then why not take advantage of the great package on offer at Fota Island Resort For just €109 B&B for a twin or double room you can escape to the idyllic and tranquil surroundings of Fota Island while also being just 20 minutes from one of Ireland’s premier cultural events, the Corona Cork Film Festival.

Kathrin.

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Preparing for Winter Golf

September 19th, 2011


Well it’s that time of year again when the evenings are getting shorter and the last strands of summer begin to disappear with that Autumnal chill taking prominence. Autumn gradually leads us into the winter months and often a lot of amateur golfers tend to hibernate their clubs. Depending on your location throughout the globe there comes a time every year when golf stops resembling golf. In Ireland that is usually around November time, when the ball seems to travel about 20 yards shorter than it did in August as a result of too much clothing which inhibits any swing fluidity, also, the fairways become slightly slower while the greens seem to become dead and lifeless.

The enforced hiatus from the game during the winter months can often lead to golfers dreading the ensuing March or April when they take to the fairways once again. The clubs will inevitably feel like foreign objects and it can often take two or three solid months of play to rediscover the form of the previous summer. So the old adage that practise makes perfect is even truer for a game such as golf when the skills involved need to be critically precise. The Golf Academy at Fota Island Resort is an ideal environment to hone your skills especially during the winter months with some enticing membership offers at present.

Winter golf can be a different game than the summer variety particularly when jack frost or a hint of snow begins to cover the landscape. But the cold climate should not be an excuse for you not to enjoy the game. Often there are no lines and slow play may not be an issue if there is no one on the course but you! That water hazard you had trouble carrying in the summer months may be frozen and those flies that plagued you during those long summer evenings are no where to be seen. It may not be exactly the same game you played during the summer but if you prepare correctly, it can be just as, if not more, fun and exhilarating.

Some Winter Golf Tips


In his blog, Gareth McShea provides some insightful tips for the amateur golfer when preparing for winter golf:

  • Check your golf shoes and make sure they are waterproof. If not, you might want to consider buying a new pair. When cold weather comes, it brings frost and moisture on the grass along with it. This can soak your feet which can lead to an overall feeling of discomfort. Also, ensure that you have sufficient waterproofs for the wet months ahead.

  • When dressing for the cold, put on layers of clothing, as opposed to wearing thicker items like a lined sweater. Multi layering will provide more warmth and you’ll be able to easily remove a layer if necessary. Under Armour compression garments are great for these times.

  • Always wear a hat that provides warmth for the head and protects the ears. You may not be nominated for the most fashionable person of the year award, but you’ll never have to worry about frostbite, or a headache from the cold.

  • Performance gloves are an essential piece of kit in the cold. New materials have allowed manufacturers to create pairs of gloves which are highly effective in combating the cold and wet. All of this is achieved without any compromise in feel.

  • During cold weather, the air is denser or heavier, which slows the flight of the ball and the distance it will travel. You might have to use more club than normal for a given distance. For example, a 6-iron might have to be used for a distance that would normally require a 7-iron, and so on.

  • With the ground getting softer it is important to keep the grooves on your clubs clean. Clean grooves impart backspin on the ball which in turn creates flight, so include a dry clean towel and a 3-in-1 multi-club cleaner as part of your kit.

  • Your risk of injury increases with cold stiff muscles, so keep moving. This is not the time of year for reading putts from ten different angles (there is no right time of year for that!). If possible get to the club in time to do some gentle light stretching before launching a missile off the first tee or you could partake in some spinning and core classes, enlist in a boot camp, avail of the swimming lessons or indulge in some Ashtanga yoga classes at the Fota Island Spa.



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    What to do in Cork City on a Sunny Day

    August 3rd, 2011

    Officially, the summer is over, however Ireland often gets some of its best weather in the autumn. Cork is undoubtedly a beautiful city to visit and some of its main attractions are perfect for a sunny day. Here is a list of our favourite activities that are particularly enjoyable on a hot day.

    1. University College Cork
    Established in 1845, University College Cork has strong connections with St. Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork. The motto of the college is ‘Where Finbarr Taught let Munster Learn’ and it is believed that his monastery and school once stood where the lower grounds of the university now lie. The heart of University College Cork incorporates Gothic and Victorian styles and is home to a collection of Ogham Stones. These important historical artifacts are inscribed with the earliest written source of the Irish language. A visit to this special part of Irish history, as well as a stroll through the picturesque grounds of one of Ireland’s most impressive and well-established colleges, is definitely a must when visiting Cork City.


    2. Fota Wildlife Park
    Fota Wildlife Park is situated on Fota Island, just a short 15 minute drive from Cork City Centre. One of the greatest attractions of this renowned park is that the majority of the animals are free roaming, so visitors can be sure to have some exciting encounters as they stroll through the park! It is home to over 70 species of animal from around the world, from cheetahs and zebras, to kangaroos and wallabies, as well as a number of endangered species.


    3. Blarney Castle
    Blarney Castle, built in 1446, is the second replacement of the original wooden castle which dates back as far as the 10th Century. The Castle was originally home to the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy. Seizure of the Castle was repeatedly attempted throughout the years, however none was successful, with the occupants of the Castle escaping through the three underground caves which lead to the nearby lake, to Cork City and, rumour has it, to Kerry. The most famous aspect of Blarney Castle is undoubtedly the Blarney Stone. Legend tells us that the stone was presented to Cormac McCarthy by King Robert the Bruce. This same stone is now incorporated into the Castle and every year it is kissed by hundreds of people hoping to receive the famous gift of eloquence! Within the castle grounds there is also a ‘Poison Garden’ where visitors are warned ‘Do not touch, eat or smell the plants!’ It contains a large variety of poisonous plants from around the world such as Mandrake and Wolfsbane, with detailed information on their history and affects on the human body.


    4. Fitzgerald’s Park
    Perhaps one of the lushest settings in Cork City Centre, Fitzgerald’s Park is the perfect place to relax in the sun. Boarded on one side by the River Lee and with a pond and fountain at the heart of the park, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll while watching or feeding the swans and ducks. With a café, museum and extensive playground, a trip to Fitzgerald’s Park will have something for the whole family. The park is also home to a number of artistic creations such as the ‘Boy with a Boat’ sculpture and the tree whose bark is entirely encrusted with mirrors.


    5. Fota Island Golf Club
    Golf was first played on Fota Island as early as the 1800’s. Since then it has developed to become home to three championship-standard golf courses which have twice played host to the Irish Open. A traditionally styled yet challenging venue, Fota Island Golf Club is maintained to the very highest of standards, ensuring that you benefit from year round golfing enjoyment on your island haven. For those looking to improve their game, the Fota Island Golf Academy uses some of the most advanced golfing facilities to improve the skills and techniques of golfers at all stages of the game. You can also enjoy the renowned Clubhouse which has the delightful Spike Bar, perfect for light snacks before venturing out or for some excellent après golf cuisine.


    6. Bishop Lucey Park
    Bishop Lucey Park lies at the heart of Cork City’s medieval history. The most famous feature of the park is the section of the old Wall of Cork which is visible just inside the entrance. The impressive arched entrance was once the entrance of the Corn Market in Anglesea Street, which was disassembled and later reassembled in its current home. The park is also home to some impressive sculptures, including ‘The Onion Seller’ and the bronze fountain with eight swans.


    7. Kinsale
    A visit to the old medieval town of Kinsale is definitely something that everyone visiting Cork should take the time to experience. It is a bustling town with a hive of bars, restaurants, historical buildings, narrow streets and trendy shops. Charles Fort is perhaps the best known historical attraction of Kinsale, with its two huge bastions overlooking the estuary. Directly across the harbour sits James Fort, full of hidden passages and nooks and crannies just waiting to be explored! Another of Kinsale’s most popular attractions is the wide variety of water sports which are available. From sailing and fishing, to boat trips and charters, there truly is something for everyone.


    8. Culinary Experiences at Fota Island Resort
    Fota Island Resort provides a tempting selection of restaurants with excellent food to choose from. The Cove provides an intimate atmosphere for a quiet and indulgent evening away complimented by an excellent menu to savour. The Fota Restaurant serves bistro style hearty evening meals and features an outdoor terrace, perfect for balmy summer evenings. There is also the mellow setting of the Amber Lounge where you can choose from specialty coffees and light meals, to afternoon tea or cocktails.


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    Activities Ideal for a Rainy Day in Cork City

    July 21st, 2011

    When on holiday in Cork City, you will find that there are many activities to keep you entertained. If you encounter rain during your stay however, don’t let it dampen your spirits (excuse the pun!). The following is a list of our favourite activities which are ideal for a rainy day in Cork City:

    1. The English Market:
    In existence since 1788, The English Market is one tourist attraction that the people of Cork are particularly proud of. It has become a part of history by surviving events such as the 1986 Fire of Cork City. Most recently, The English Market was at the centre of the Queen of England’s visit to Ireland, a momentous occasion in itself. On a visit to the market you will find yourself surrounded by delights such as exotic fruits, traditional butchers and handmade chocolate stands, to name but a few.

    www.corkenglishmarket.ie

    2. Cork Butter Museum:
    Cork Butter Museum, located in O’Connell Square, celebrates the hugely successful story of butter trade in Ireland. The gallery takes you from the origins of dairying in Ireland to the history of Cork and the Butter Exchange. Perhaps the most famous attraction is the keg of 1000 year-old butter on display in this museum.

    www.corkbutter.museum

    3. Cork Opera House:
    Cork Opera House has been around since 1855, when it was originally called The Athenaeum and was designed to be a Fine Arts Hall. Today, Cork Opera House plays host to a huge variety of performances annually, from musicals, theatre and opera, to comedy, dance, festivals and films. It is located in Emmet Place, right in the heart of Cork City Centre.

    www.corkoperahouse.ie

    4. Curraheen Park Greyhound Track:
    This glass-encased stadium houses a large restaurant, carvery, fast-food outlet and a bar which has live music after the races take place. An evening at the stadium is always a great night out, whether you choose to take a bet or not. Races take place on Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s, with a shuttle bus running from 10pm from the stadium to City Hall to make transport simple.

    www.igb.ie

    5. Mahon Point Shopping Centre:
    This is the perfect shopping experience for a rainy day with top brands and designers from Debenhams to Tommy Hilfiger, all found under one roof. Mahon Point Shopping Centre is also known for its wide variety of dining opportunities which include something for all tastes such as Nando’s Restaurant, The Bagel Bar and McDonald’s. Or, if you feel like just relaxing, you can visit the Mahon Point Omniplex which boasts an impressive 13 cinema screens.

    http://www.mahonpointsc.ie/

    6. Fota Island Spa:
    Why not spend a day being pampered in Fota Island Spa at Fota Island Resort? With a choice of 60 rejuvenating treatments and an array of 18 treatment rooms, you are sure to find the perfect option to restore your body and mind to a state of well-being and balance. Breathe in the pure air and surrender to the luxurious natural serenity of Fota Island Spa, one of Europe’s finest Spas. The renowned facilities include Ireland’s first walking river, a hydrotherapy suite and the Acacia thermal suite.

    www.fotaisland.ie

    7. Midleton Distillery:
    Home of Jameson Irish Whiskey, the distillery was founded by John Jameson in 1780. Take the Jameson Tour around the historic buildings, learn about the steps involved in whiskey production and finish the tour with a tasting session to earn a diploma as Whiskey Taster!

    www.jamesonwhiskey.com

    8. Cork City Gaol:
    Opened in 1824, Cork City Gaol was made an all-women’s gaol in 1878. Today, wax figures help to create a sense of what life was like for inmates in the 19th Century. Tours are available in 13 languages and night tours are also available for those in the mood for a scare!

    www.corkcitygaol.com

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    Golf & Nutrition

    July 18th, 2011

    The key to staying energised and focused on the course is to make sure your snacks combine high-fiber carbohydrates, lean protein and a healthy fat. By filling your golf bag with high-protein, high-fiber snacks, you’ll maintain energy and focus needed to sink your putts when it counts. And by staying hydrated, you’ll hit the ball strong and long till the end.

    Ever wonder what the professionals eat before, during and after a round of golf? Well, here you go.

    A sample diet of former world number 1, Nick Faldo.

    Breakfast:

    Mueslie & banana

    Porridge & Honey

    Toast (wholemeal bread)

    Bagel with banana

    Pancakes (wholemeal flour)

    Pre-match snacks (1-1.5 hours before):

    Raisin muffin, rice cakes, bagels, wholemeal bread

    Pre-match snacks (30 mins before):

    Bananas, raisins, malt biscuits, jelly beans, energy bar (glucose) and carbohydrate drink (for energy)

    Pre-match snacks (5-30 mins afterwards):

    Carbohydrate drink, energy bar, fruit bar, bananas, jelly beans!

    Pre-match meal (2 hours before)/Post match meal (evening):

    Rice, Jacket Potato, Baked Beans, Noodles, Pasta, Bread (wholemeal, pitta, bagels), Fish (Tuna, Salmon), Chicken, Humous, Peanut butter, Ice Cream, Yoghurt.

    At Fota Island Golf Club, The Spike Bar is perfect for light snacks before you venture out or for stocking up and re-energising after 9 holes. Once you finish your round, our menu will ideally cater for your all important post golf meal. For more details of our menu, please click here.

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    Golf vs Athleticism

    July 14th, 2011

    There is no doubt that golf has progressed into an era of power, athleticism and fitness. Golf’s precise synchronized movements, its mental demands and the training required to master repetition under pressure mirror the very essence of athletics. Even athletes of other sports appreciate the athleticism required for golf at the top level.

    Former Wimbledon Champion Boris Becker:

    “Golf is a different kind of sport than tennis if you’re talking about athleticism. I will say that walking four days in a row is exhausting. Not all golfers are athletes, but there are a lot more today than there used to be”.

    Tiger Woods, who was arguably the catalyst of this era, recently said:

    “You’ve got two guys who used to play basketball are now playing golf and that’s what I’ve been alluding to all these years. We are finally going to get athletes. Guys who can dunk. Guys could have played baseball or could have played football at the D1 level, but no, they are playing to play golf instead.”

    Recent US Open Champion Rory McIlroy may not appear to be the most athletic but don’t be fooled.

    “I’ve always been very flexible, which gives me a lot of speed through the ball. That’s where I get all my distance from. But I’ve started working on stability, injury prevention, because it puts so much load on my lower back during my golf swing. So I focus a lot on stability exercises and core stability. I’ve got a lot stronger over the past year. It’s something that I don’t feel as if I need to work out for two or three hours every day. I just have to keep myself in good shape.”

    The Power of Bubba Watson


    Are you looking for more power off the tee box? Or perhaps more distance with your irons? For practical advice, I find that Core Performance provides some interesting articles and tips. You can even have a look at the exact workout of one the best golfers in the world here. In a few weeks you may soon be ‘bombing it’ like Bubba Watson

    At Fota Island Spa, we provide fitness solutions that range from the full-on focus of morning or evening fitness bootcamps and spinning classes to the dynamic posters of the Ashtanga Yoga to the supportive regime of aqua aerobics. Fota Island Resort’s fitness team will motivate and lead you through the exercise that’s right for you. For more details, please click here.

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    Live at the Marquee 2011

    June 15th, 2011

    Aiken Promotions are proud to present a stunning line up of acts for this summers ”Live at the Marquee Cork 2011”, an annual music festival which takes place in the Docklands, Centre Park Road, Cork. This year marks the Marquee’s 7th year running with an array of impressive acts such as Christy Moore, Bob Dylan, The Frames, Elton John and Lil Wayne. The following acts have been confirmed for this year:

    The Frames 11th June

    Erasure 15th June

    Bob Dylan 16th June

    Imelda May 17th June

    Katherine Lynch 18th June

    Tom Jones 19th June

    Grinderman Featuring Nick Cave 20th June

    Paul Simon 21st June

    Bryan Adams 22nd June

    Imelda May 23rd June

    Alexandra Burke 24th June

    Christy Moore with Declan Sinott 25th June

    Fleet Foxes 26th June

    Elton John 28th June

    Bell X 1 1st July

    Lil Wayne 4th June

    Westlife 9th July

    For booking or more information visit Aiken Promotions or Ticket Master

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    Who Should Plan the Big Day?

    May 12th, 2011

    The programme ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ has only recently started on Irish television; however it is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most-loved shows. Yet I question whether or not I could ever have enough faith in letting the groom plan my wedding. Perhaps I am a little biased however. Being the typical girl I have had many daydreams about my big day. The dress, the cake, the presents, the church and all of the finer details are usually planned down to a tee by every bride.

    Some might argue that it is worth receiving the €10,000 offered to the couple to spend on their wedding day. Don’t get me wrong, I would be very tempted! But is it worth the impending disaster that so often happens??

    Let’s just face it…things do go wrong! ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ has proved that through and through. Common disasters on this show include; the bride not fitting into her wedding dress, the groom spending a sizeable chunk of the budget on the stag night, and various friends and family members failing to receive invites. Indeed the most recent episode, which was based in Cork, had viewers cringing while the groom speculated over where he would find room for a large bouncing castle within the reception venue!

    Part of me also has some respect for the grooms however. Not when they blow the entire budget, but when it comes to details such as the bride and bridesmaid’s dresses. To see the groom floundering when faced with the prospect of choosing the most important detail of the whole wedding can be comical to say the least! However, I feel that some credit is due to these men who brave a trip to the bridal shop only to find themselves discussing such things as dress size, fabric and diamante detail!

    Nonetheless, I do not think that I could hand over my wedding day to my groom. Of course the groom should be involved in all decisions, but planning the entire event is a different matter altogether. Perhaps I am just an old traditionalist, but I really believe that a girl’s wedding day will always hold a special place in her heart, so why risk anything going wrong?

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    The Royal Wedding – Kate’s Dress

    April 27th, 2011

    The Royal Wedding, the wedding event of the decade is fast approaching and I am sure there are many questions on everybody’s lips. ‘How will Kate cope with the pressures of royalty?’ ‘Will the marriage break down like so many other royal couples?’ and ‘Will the big day go off without a hitch?’ One question in particular that I am curious about is what will Kate’s dress be like? As we know, a bride’s wedding dress is perhaps one of the most important details of the entire day – the icing on the cake so to speak. Will Kate go with a traditional dress, as would be the norm with royal weddings? Or will she choose a more contemporary style?

    Many people already believe that Kate’s presence in the Royal Family will be a major step in revolutionising the monarchy and will revitalise a family with somewhat ancient traditions. As all eyes are on Kate on her special day, I believe that her dress may play a crucial role in how people regard her in her first years as a member of the royal family.

    Take a look at Princess Diana’s dress for example. Traditional but with a modern twist, the dress had brides talking for years. At the time the dress was the envy of all women – a puff ball meringue with frills, made of silk taffeta and incorporating sequins and pearls.

    Times have moved on though, and with the wedding just two days away speculation has reached fever pitch. It is obvious that Kate already has her own fashion sense and it is unlikely that she will allow somebody to tell her what to wear. Having said that however, with the eyes of the world on her she may well succumb to the pressures of tradition.

    With intense secrecy surrounding the dress, my hope is that Kate goes for a mirage of elegance and tradition, but at the same time staying true to her individuality. After all, what make’s Kate so special is her fresh and unique personality, and her ability to maintain her own independence and self-image.

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    The Great Island of Cobh

    April 21st, 2011

    Take advantage of the sunny Cork weather and explore the Great Island of Cobh, where an array of hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered. Attractions include St.Coleman’s Catheral, an outstanding Gothic revival which boasts the 49–bell Carillon, the largest of its kind in Ireland and Britain. Spike Island, renowned for its historical legacy, or the Queenstown Heritage Centre, where you can learn about emigration, transportation and the world’s greatest ocean liners.

    Enjoy a days sailing or power-boating with SailCork, one of Ireland’s leading Sail & Power-boating training centers in East Ferry near Cobh. Venture afloat to areas like secluded creeks, sandy beaches and the vast open waters for those who are more advanced. The team of friendly instructors is led by skipper Eddie English, who has been running SailCork for 36 years. All instructors at SailCork Centre are qualified as National Instructors and are trained in safety afloat and child protection code of ethics. For more info call +353 (0)21 4811 237 or visit http://www.sailcork.com/

    The Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour is another excellent way to discover the island and its unique history. This fascinating guided heritage tour explores the town of Cobh and its harbour, which was the last port of call of the RMS Titanic on its final fateful journey. Last but not least enjoy a traditional Irish session in one of the many traditional pubs such as the Roaring Donkey or the High Chaparral.

    For more information visit:

    South and East Cork Tourism

    Visit Cobh

    Go Ireland

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