Thursday, 22 March 2012

Wonders of the World - UK' s Own Version , Holiday Idea

    Many of us dream about  visiting all the “wonders of the world” and no doubt it should be on your wish list if you have passion for travelling like me; But how many of us know that UK has its own version of the “wonders of the world”? And believe me they really have the equivalent kind of charm as the “wonders of the world”. So if you are a resident of UK or a tourist in UK, why not include these gems in your list of “must visit place”.In this article we will talk about the 10 attractions. We will take  the each  wonders of the world and then we will check out the similar version   of that Wonder in UK.
Let’s have a tour with me  –


1.Grand  Canyon , Arizona USA Vs Cheddar Gorge , Somerset UK

Grand Canyon , Arizona USA

Learn all about Grand Canyon on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon


Cheddar Gorge


Whose dramatic cliff faces are said to “closely mimic” those of the Arizona landmark.Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903.Older remains from the Upper Late Palaeolithic era (12,000–13,000 years ago) have been found. The caves, produced by the activity of an underground river, contain stalactites and stalagmites.
Lear More at and Plan your visit with :-


2.Machu Picchu , Peru  Vs Tintagel Castle Cornwall Coast UK


Machu Picchu ,Cusco Region of Peru

7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urabamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to it’s isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village.

Learn More at :-


Tintagel Castle , Cornwall

For a magical day out in Cornwall, take the family to Tintagel Castle. Its wonderful location, set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, offers dramatic views, and its fascinating ruins and stunning beach cafe make it a perfect day trip, ideal for those on holiday in Dorset, Cornwall or Dartmoor. Tintagel Castle is steeped in legend and mystery; said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, you can still visit the nearby Merlin's Cave. The castle also features in the tale of Tristan and Isolde. With a history stretching as far back as the Romans, Tintagel Castle is one of the most iconic visitor attractions in the south west.

Learn more and Plan your visits with these sites :- 

Tintagel Castle 

English Heritage (Highly recommended site by us )

Wikipedia

3. Taj Mahal , Agra , India Vs Brighton (Royal) Pavilion UK

Taj Mahal Agra India



Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words.
Learn More at :- 


The Royal Pavilion , Brighton , UK


The Royal Pavilion is a former royal residence located in Brighton, England. It was built in three campaigns, beginning in 1787, as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, from 1811 Prince Regent. It is often referred to as the Brighton Pavilion. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century , The majestic Taj Mahal also belongs to this style , with the most extravagant chinoiserie interiors ever executed in the British Isles.

Learn more and Plan your Travel with these sites : -


4. Angel Falls, Venezuela Vs Eas a' Chual Aluinn Scotland UK 

Angel Falls, Venezuela
The Angel is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.
Learn more at :- 




Eas a' Chual Aluinn waterfall Scotland 

The Eas a' Chual Aluinn waterfall is the  Britain's highest waterfall . You can feel the thrill of the Angel waterfall here.

Learn More and Plan your travel with these sites :- 


5. Rocky Mountain National Park , USA Vs Snowdonia , North Wales UK

Rocky Mountain National Park US 
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the north-central region of the U.S. state of Colorado. It features majestic mountain views, a variety of wildlife, varied climates and environments—from wooded forests to mountain tundra—and easy access to back-country trails and campsites. The park is located northwest of Boulder, Colorado, in the Rockies, and includes the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Colorado River.
Learn more at :- 


Snowdonia , North Wales UK 

Snowdonia is the highest mountain in Wales at 3,560 ft (1,085 m) and has lovely national park  quite similar to the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Learn more and Plan Your visit with these sites :- 

6. Times Square in New York Vs Piccadilly Circus, London

Times Square ,New York

Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
Learn more at :-

Piccadilly Circus , London

Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London. It is famous for the fountain that was installed here at the end of the 19th century and for the neon advertising that turned the square into a miniature version of Times Square.

Learn more and make the Travel plans with these sites :-



7. Bondi Beach Australia Vs Holywell Bay Beach Cornwell UK

Bondi Beach Australia 

Bondi Beach is one of Australia's most famous beaches and among the world's most well-known beaches.
Learn more at  :- 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bondi_Beach,_New_South_Wales


Holywell Bay Beach Cornwell UK


Enjoy the sunbath and flat beach like Bondi Beach in our very own Holywell Bay 
Learn more and plan for the holiday with these sites :-


8. Ancient Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Vs Stonehenge, UK

Pyramids of Giza ,Egypt 

Very Significant Ancient Monument .The three main Pyramids of Giza are the focal point of the Giza necropolis, or cemetery, that served the elite of the Old Kingdom capital of Egypt at nearby Memphis during the mid to late 4th Dynasty (late 3rd millennium BCE). Three pharaohs were buried here in turn - Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure - their astounding burials attracted a number of surrounding associated burials of their queens, family members and nobility.


Learn More at:-


The Stonehenge , UK

Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain and has attracted visitors from earliest times. It stands as a timeless monument to the people who built it.
The Stonehenge that we see today is the final stage that was completed about 3500 years ago. The Pyramids of Giza is still surrounded my mystery so as Our Stonehenge.

To Have a crisp and Complete knowledge about the Stonehenge read "STONEHENGE UK - A Mystery , A World Heritage Site" on this blog . Follow the link for the article :- http://traveller-information.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/stonehenge-uk-mystery-world-heritage.html



Learn More and Plan your Trip with the these sites :-

9.The Colosseum Rome Italy Vs Coventry Cathedra in Coventry, West midland England  

The Colosseum ,Rome Italy

The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. The Construction started on 72 AD

Learn more at :- 


The Coventry Cathedral Midland England UK


The Coventry Cathedral was built in 14th Century and Its grand and roofless like the Colosseum of Rome. But unlike the Colosseum its entry is free , so it’s worth giving a trip for sure.

Learn more and plan your trip with these sites :- 



10. The Great Wall of China Vs the Hadrian's Wall of Northern England 

The Great Wall of China


The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Learn More at :- 


The Hadrian's Wall of Northern England 

The Hadrian's Wall of Northern England was a defensive fortification in Roman Britain. Begun in AD 122, during the rule of the Emperor Hadrian. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. English Heritage, a government organisation in charge of managing the historic environment of England, describes it as "the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.

Learn More and Plan your trip with these sites :-

So Plan your trip and enjoy these wonders on your doorstep. Have a good Holiday...

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Guernsey - A Tourist Gem on The English Channel -Perfect for Spring -Summer Break


    Guernsey is a fantastic destination, less than an hour's flight from London, for weekend escapes as well as for longer relaxing holidays. There is a wonderful range of outdoor activities for people who don't get enough fresh air, and still the occasional tax-free bargain to be had from one of the many artisans still producing hand made goods here in Guernsey.
Don't forget that Guernsey is only 24 square miles, so everywhere is close to town, countryside and beach. You may wish to hire bikes, or a car for your stay. There are many cycle paths dotted around the island, but it's just as easy to use the bus and the occasional taxi to get around. You'll probably find you'll want to walk to most places when the weather is fine.

Note : This article will help you with all the information about travelling to Guernsey . Lets start the Journey 
  
The Beautiful Guernsey

Take Virtual Tour In The Video Below
I am Sure You Will Love The Place 



Background

Guernsey, officially the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. Although its defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is not part of the UK; and while it participates in the Common Travel Area, it is not part of the European Union.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is included (along with the Bailiwick of Jersey) in the grouping known as the Channel Islands.
Guernsey On English Channel



Google Interactive map


Climate  

The climate is temperate with mild winters and warm sunny summers. The warmest months are July and August; when temperatures are generally around 20 °C (68 °F) but occasionally reach 24 °C (75 °F). On average, the coldest month is February with an average weekly mean air temperature of 6 °C (42.8 °F). Average weekly mean air temperature reaches 16 °C (60.8 °F) in August. Snow rarely falls and is unlikely to settle, but is most likely to fall in February. The temperature rarely drops below freezing, although strong wind-chill from Arctic winds can sometimes make it feel like it. The rainiest months are December (average 108 mm/4.3 in, November (average 98 mm/3.86 in) and January (average 89 mm/3.50 in). July is on average the sunniest month with 250 hours recorded sunshine; December the least with 50 hours recorded sunshine. 50% of the days are overcast.


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Language

English is the language in general use by the majority of the population, while Guernésiais, the Norman language of the island, is spoken fluently by only about 2% of the population (according to 2001 census)



How to Reach Guernsey

Guernsey airport has flight links to :-
a.The UK - London (Gatwick and Stansted), Southampton, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Exeter. There are seasonal services to Norwich, Edinburgh and Belfast.
For frequent Flight information visit Aurigny Air Service website: -www.aurigny.com
b.France - Dinard. There is a seasonal service to Grenoble
c.Isle of Man
d.Jersey
e.Alderney
f.Netherlands - Rotterdam (April-September only)
g.Germany - Stuttgart and Dusseldorf (April-September only)

Guernsey Airport :- http://www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg/ 

Capital


Saint Peter Port

Guernsey’s capital has been a busy entrepôt since Roman times. Her deep, safe anchorage and relative remoteness from France made Saint Peter Port the Channel Islands’ premier port, graced by a wealth of ship builders, privateers and merchant adventurers. Georgian and Regency styles were enriched by an influx of French emigrés, including Victor Hugo.
 Today the town is a captivating blend of styles, framed by a tumble of terraces and tiered gardens and criss-crossed by worn steps and hidden alleys.
Shopping in Saint Peter Port is an unmissable experience. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper. Small boutiques offer exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, whilst the Old Quarter is the place to find antiques.
You can explore Saint Peter Port with a series of guided walks available, Walking Festivals in spring and autumn, or pick up a copy of our map of Saint Peter Port, with five trails taking you to different areas of the town.  
 If you prefer to relax, take time to just look around you, soak up the atmosphere, sit and have a coffee or snack, al fresco style, and watch the world go by. After all, this is the Channel Islands’ most beautiful town.

Saint Peter Port 



Places to Visit

1. Castle Cornet & Its Museums

Castle Cornet, Guernsey’s ancient royal fortress, has stood guard over the town and harbour of St Peter Port for nearly eight centuries. The story of the Castle and other aspects of Guernsey’s past can be found in the five museums housed within the Castle: The Story of Castle Cornet Museum, The Maritime Museum, The 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and The Royal Guernsey Militia Museum.
The Castle is also home to four well-researched ‘period’ gardens. There is a guided tour each morning and the Noon Day Gun is fired daily by soldiers in 19th century costume. Themed castle tours available every Sunday May - September at 2:15pm.
On selected days the Guernsey Museums & Galleries ‘History in Action’ company enact stories from Guernsey’s past. With so much to see, plus the Refectory Café and the Castle Shop, a visit to the Castle makes a great day out.
Castle Cornet 


Contact details:
Castle Emplacement St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1AU
t: +44 (0)1481 726518
w: www.museums.gov.gg/
Perry's guide reference: Town Map P9
Admission: Adults: £9.00, Seniors: £6.50, Children: £2.00 (under 7 free)
Opening: Open daily late March – October
Fisherman


2. Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum

Known locally as the “Cup and Saucer”, Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey’s west coast. Many vessels have come to grief on this beautiful but treacherous coast, and the Martello Tower now houses a Shipwreck Museum with a surprising variety of objects recovered from the wrecks. The information panels tell the gripping stories surrounding the disasters which date from the HMS Sprightly in 1777 to the Vermontborg in 2003.
On Tuesday mornings at 11.15am and Sunday afternoons at 2:15pm Guernsey Museums ‘History in Action Company’ enact stories from Guernsey’s Past.
Fort Grey 


Contact details:
Rocquaine Bay St Peters Guernsey GY7 9BY
t: +44 (0)1481 265036
Website : www.museums.gov.gg
Perry's guide reference: Page 26, A1
Admission: Adults: £4.00, OAPs: £3.00, Children: £1.50 (under 7 free )
Opening: Open daily Late March – October

                                                                         Fort Grey 


3. Sausmarez Manor

Possibly one of the most interesting, beautiful and varied places on the island, encompassing so many different things to see and do, including a delightful selection of wildfowl, lake-side café, Happy Hollow 9 hole short course golf, Affinity Gems, where you can make your own jewellery, and an Edwardian Tin & Coppersmiths. The Subtropical Gardens, featuring many exotic species set in ancient woodland around two small lakes and a winterbourne is recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Good Garden Guide, Which Garden and 1001 Gardens to Visit Before you Die. The Art Park has more sculptors exhibiting their works than anywhere else in Britain to make a wonderful array of work to suit every taste and pocket.
Sausmarez Manor


Contact details:
Sausmarez Road St Martin Guernsey GY4 6SG
t: +44 (0) 1481 235571
w: www.sausmarezmanor.co.uk
Perry's guide reference: Perry’s Guide page 31, E2
Admission:
Opening: Open Daily

4. German Occupation Museum
A unique experience of life in Guernsey 1940-1945, authentic occupation street. Maritime history and fortifications.




Contact details:
Les Houards Forest Guernsey GY8 0BG
t: +44 (0)1481 238205
w: sorry - no website available
Perry's guide reference: Page 28 D3
Admission: Adults £5, Children £2.50

Opening: Open daily April - October. Restricted opening November - March. Please check with the Guernsey Information Centre for details.

5.National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum

Set in stables and other outbuildings of an old country house in Guernsey’s largest park, the Folk and Costume Museum depicts life as it used to be in the Island around 100 years ago. Displays include domestic life, farming, fishing and seafaring, trades, the tomato industry and transport. The recently much enlarged museum also has several displays on Guernsey costume and a magnificent fully-furnished scale model of a Victorian town house. In the summer months (May - August), the museum has a programme of small-scale local craft demonstrations and explanations on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons.



Contact details:
Saumarez Park Castel Guernsey GY5 7UJ
t: +44 (0)1481 255384
w: www.nationaltrust-gsy.org.gg/
Perry's guide reference: Page 15, G2
Admission: Adults £5, OAPs: £4, Children under 5: Free, Students and Children under 16: £1.50. National Trust Members: free.
Opening: Open mid March - end of October: Open daily.

6.Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery

Designed around the old Victorian bandstand in the restored Victorian Candie Gardens, Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery houses a variety of Exhibitions.
‘The Story of Guernsey’ shows the development of the Island and its people. Artefacts from Victorian Collectors are displayed in a Victorian style Gallery.
A changing programme of temporary exhibitions is held in the Rona Cole and Brian White Galleries.
The Museum gift shop stocks a variety of quality books and souvenirs. Café Victoria offers light snacks and lovely views over the harbour and outlying Islands. Free Entry to Shop and Café.

Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery 


Contact details:
Candie Gardens St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1UG
t: +44 (0)1481 726518
w: www.museums.gov.gg
Perry's guide reference: Town Map H5
Admission: Adults: £5.00, OAPs: £4.50, Children: £1.50 (under 7 free)
Opening: Open daily February – December

Other Attractions : - Le Dehus , Herm , Moulin Huet Bay , Victor Hugo Trail , L’Ancresse 
Herm



Le Dehus






Activities

With such spectacular coastline and countryside, the islands offer enough walking routes to last holiday after holiday. Qualified guides can help you uncover the islands’ secrets, or alternatively, just grab a map and head off yourself.

With an environment that’s as conducive to outdoor pursuits as ours, it’s not surprising that a range of sporting and other activities is available on the islands, including cycling, diving, angling and sailing. Guernsey’s west coast can also provide excellent surfing and windsurfing conditions. And nature lovers are in for a treat with plenty of bird watching opportunities on all of the islands.  However you decide to spend your time in the islands, one thing’s for sure – you’ll want to come back for more.
You can also get the good opportunity to learn and enjoy -:

Surfing
Cycling 


Flying , Language classes , Clay pigeon shooting , Climbing , archery ,Yachting and Sailing  etc


Night Life in Guernsey

Despite Guernsey's small size it has a buzzing nightlife that incorporates bar restaurants, funky cocktail bars as well as the more traditional pub. It also has a selection of nightclubs situated in the island's capital, St Peter Port.

Bar One, Club 54, The Townhouse & Laska offer a more laid back, sophisticated night out, with funky house and progressive beats from live DJs, while Barbados & Folies have a younger more energetic crowd playing commercial dance.

The Dog House is the island's premier live music venue and offers excellent value food also.

The Red Onion is primarily a sports bar, but also has live DJs.

The Dog House 


    

Walking Guide

With 28.5 miles of spectacular cliff top paths, plus numerous bays, rural lanes and common, Guernsey offers walkers numerous opportunities to explore. Getting out and about on foot is arguably the best way to get a real feel for the island and will allow you to discover much of what makes us so special.

As you walk you’ll be able to see rare, semi-tropical species of plants growing wild, including aloes, Madeira geraniums and Kaffir figs. Alternatively, explore the streets of our capital, Saint Peter Port, and discover how the picturesque town became what it is today.

Accredited guides are available throughout the year for guided walks on most aspects of Island life and in Spring and Autumn there are Walking Festivals. These provide a great opportunity to learn more about the island, providing you with insights that you might otherwise miss.
Guernsey’s temperate climate and variety of habitat makes it an ideal place for many species of bird to nest or visit. There are RSPB walks throughout the spring and summer that will take you to the best places to observe them.
Book by Victor Hugo 


Information Centre :- Various walking literature is available from the Guernsey Information Centre, and so why not pay them a visit during your stay, which includes:

The Must Have Map of Guernsey:

With details of floral, environmental and heritage sites, as well as accredited places of interest and activity centres. Available to pick up during your holiday on Guernsey and is free of charge.
The Walking Map of Guernsey: with points of interest along the whole of Guernsey’s coast, as well as two suggested circular walks. Available to pick up during your holiday on Guernsey and is free of charge.

Walk Trail


Map of St Peter Port: Five walking routes through the historic town of St Peter Port, with details on points of interest. Available to pick up during your holiday on Guernsey and is free of charge.

Guernsey Coastal Walks and Nature Trails: Sixteen walks throughout the island. Available to buy from The Guernsey Information Centre and other outlets £7.50

The Channel Island Way: The Way covers five of the Channel Islands: Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Jersey.  Available to buy from The Guernsey Information Centre and other outlets £9.95

While it is easy to gather the Channel Islands under any number of umbrellas, this new 110 mile, island-hopping, walking route dispels the notion that any of the islands are similar to their neighbours. In fact, the further you walk, the more each island asserts its own charm and personality. From the timeless charm of Herm’s Shell Beach to Alderney’s heaving sea bird colony, and Sark with its tractor-drawn taxis, each of the five islands are very much individual.


Travelling between the Islands

There are regular transport links between all of the Islands.
Alderney: Regular flights and occasional ferry (in season) from Guernsey:
Sark: reached by a 45 minute ferry ride from Guernsey.
Herm: reached by a 20 minute ferry ride from Guernsey.
Jersey: Regular ferry and flights from Guernsey


Getting Around

Guernsey has an extensive bus service with routes servicing most parts of the island and all of the main attractions.

Buses : With a little planning it is possible to use the bus as your sole form of transport.  Buses cost just £1 per journey and all have disabled access. Bus timetables are available from the Guernsey Information Centre, the Bus Terminus and at:  www.icw.gg/buses/

Saint Peter Port


Taxi , Cars and Mini Buses :

 Taxi's and mini-buses are also available for hire, some of which conduct island tours. 
With low priced petrol and competitive rates, self-drive hire cars are a popular way to explore the island. Although there are varying maximum age restrictions, cars can still be hired under private insurance; please check with your hire car supplier before arriving on the island. The minimum legal age to hire a car is 20 years old.

Driving in Guernsey is a little different to what most visitors are used to. The roads are narrow, there are special rules, and not all the signs will be familiar to you. The maximum speed limit is 35mph and less in many areas. We recommend that you read the leaflet ‘Driving in Guernsey is different’ available to download below and from the Guernsey Information Centre. Drivers must be insured and have a full driving licence.

Moulin Huet Bay


Parking :-

Many of Guernsey’s public parking areas are designated as ‘disc parking’ zones where drivers must display a parking clock, available from the Visitor Information Centre, the Police Station and some garages/news agents. Details of how to use the clock are printed on the reverse. There are three dedicated small car-parking zones in St Peter Port. More details can be found below.

Motorcycles and bicycles :-

Motorcycles and bicycles are also available for hire and are an excellent way to see the island. If hiring a motorcycle, you must be 20 years of age or over and have held a full licence for more than one year in the category required.

Guernsey is place to unwind yourself without burning your pocket . A perfect place for a lovely spring summer Holiday.
Do write to us you experience. We will loved to include your travel log and view about this lovely place.


List of Some very Useful Websites :-

Get the weather forecast for Guernsey

Choose and Book Hotels

Good Food in Guernsey

Honeymoon Ideas - Guernsey

Cheap Flight Tickets 

More Information on Guernsey

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Guernsey/General_Tips-Guernsey-TG-C-1.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernsey/







Saturday, 17 March 2012

St Patrick's Day ,Irish Holiday -A Funful Celebration , Events in UK


Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig (The Festival of Patrick); Ulster-Scots: Saunt Petherick's Day) is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general. 
(This Article Has Everything You Wanna Know About St. Patrick's Day )


Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world.
The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn't get the job of bishop of Ireland because he lacked the required scholarship.

ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE 2010 by BalconyTV



The Pagan Saint

Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity he became a Christian and adopted the name Patrick.

He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he got the notion that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity.

His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland.



Spreading the "Truth"

Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact rightfully upset the Celtic Druids, who had their own native religion. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his indoctrination of the Irish country into Christianity.
His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.





Maewyn Myths

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated.Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday.



Symbolism

One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.
The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston.



St Patrick's day Parade


The Rainbow, the Pot of Gold belief and the Lucky Leprechauns

The rare and lovely appearance of rainbows makes them incredibly magical for children and adults alike. Perhaps this magic first inspired the notion of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Dating back to Old Europe, the legend of the pot of gold is claimed enthusiastically by the Irish. They'll tell you that fairies put the gold there and then the leprechauns guard it. This folklore has become part of the symbolism of St. Patrick's Day, a holiday that celebrates everything Irish including the hope and luck it takes to find that elusive pot of gold. People play games of finding the pot of Gold on this day.



A Cute little leprechauns Poem 


You think you can trick me with rainbows and gold.
But I’m really fast, even though I am old.
Here is a treat to help you play.
I hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day

Children make some craft trap to catch the Leprechaun and try to trick him with some treats.below is the example of it.Often parents keep some small treats for the kids on behalf of the Leprechaun on the trap to make the kids happy

Leprechaun's Trap craft


A Cute Movie on  Leprechaun 

Good Things Come from Pagan Conversions

Today, people celebrate the day with parades, wearing of the green and drinking beer. One reason St. Patrick's Day might have become so popular is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring. One might say it has become the first green of spring.
"For those looking for something a bit different to the traditional pint of Guinness, there are quirky events taking place up and down the country – from the largest British St. Patrick's Day parade in Manchester to the annual 'Paddle for Paddy's' on the Thames."


Event and Attractions on St Pat :-
Note: It’s just a list not in order

1. Irish House Party– Dublin
There's no shortage of high spirits and entertainment at the Irish House Party. Join local musicians for an exhilarating evening of traditional Irish food, dancing and culture.

2. Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl - Dublin
Two professional musicians set the pace for a night of vivacious Irish music. Traditional instruments such as the tin whistle, accordion and the fiddle animate the crowd as the duo relates the history of Irish music and its influence on contemporary world music.

3. Paddle for Paddy's – London
Pair up with a friend and paddle in a double kayak from Westminster to Chelsea – complimentary Guinness will be given out on completion to spur you on!



4. St Patrick's Day parade – Manchester
This festival takes place in Manchester for just over two weeks in March and is the largest St Patrick's Day festival in England, with Irish food, drink and music galore!

5. Brent St Patrick's Day Parade with Irish Dancing – London
Cheer on the parade that departs from Willesden Green Station and finishes with stage performances from Irish dancers, singers and a fairground for the little ones.

6. The Drunk Show – London
This show in Kings Cross hosts performances from comedians including Wade McElwain, Patrick Morris and Angus Duncan. The first is performed when they are sober and the second after they've had a few drinks! This one is happening at the Star of Kings, 126 York Way, London.

7. Soul Food Project St Patrick's Day Supper – Birmingham
Enjoy an evening of delicious Gaelic cuisine at The Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham. The evening costs £15 for the three course sampling menu and tickets are distributed on a first come first serve basis.



8. Gaels Le Chéile – Glasgow
Enjoy entertainment from a variety of musicians including the Inishowen Céili Band whilst raising money for charity, as all proceeds from this event go to the Glasgow Irish Centre Project.

9. England vs Ireland Six Nations Rugby – Twickenham
Take a trip to Twickenham to enjoy one of the biggest games of the year for the Six Nations Rugby tournament. Being on St Patrick's Day, the game is sure to have a great atmosphere!

10. 'Forty Shades of Green', Mary and Brian Evans' art exhibition – Nottingham
Bring along your children and listen to some traditional Irish stories at the Mary and Brian Evans' art exhibition- a perfect afternoon for the whole family.



Important Links for Further Information - 


Crowds fill downtown for St. Patrick's Day 



History Channel
http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day 


http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120317/dublin-st-patricks-day-parade-120317/

http://stpatricksday.com/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120316-saint-patricks-day-2012-march-17-facts-ireland-irish-nation/