Explore Northern Europe

Explore Northern Europehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europeExplore Northern Europehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-ukThere are few better places to get to know the culture of an English city than its pubs. Manchester, famous for football and rock bands, is also known for its northern hospitality. Here are a few of the best pubs to check out in this historic city2023-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-ukhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe English city of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourism">Manchester</a> sits about 200mi (320km) northwest of London, and is home to red-bricked buildings, a bustling city center, the Premier League football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City, and the ever-quarreling brothers of rock band Oasis. However, Manchester is also known for its northern hospitality, and where better to experience this than in a local pub? We’ve rounded up just a few of the pubs that this historic city has to offer. <ul> <li><a href="#pev">Peveril of the Peak, Central </a></li> <li><a href="#beech">The Beech Inn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy </a></li> <li><a href="#courtyard">The Courtyard, Central </a></li> <li><a href="#gaslamp">The Gas Lamp, Spinningfields</a></li> <li><a href="#hands">Big Hands, Rusholme </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pev">Peveril of the Peak, Central</h2> Appearing seemingly out of nowhere along the curve of Great Bridgewater Street in central Manchester, The Peveril of the Peak is a deeply beloved time-warp. The building dates back to the early 19th century and has remained virtually untouched, with its distinctive jade-green exterior clashing wonderfully against the comparatively grey, modernized cityscape surrounding it. As well as being known for serving great pints of Guinness, it is also home to Nancy, one of the oldest and longest-serving landladies in the UK. Now in her mid-90s, Nancy has been running the Pev since 1971, and is something of a local legend. It’s the Pev’s character and refusal to change that makes it so popular with visitors, and one of the most authentic pubs in Manchester. <h2 id="beech">The Beech Inn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy</h2> The Stones Roses frontman Ian Brown once quipped, “Manchester has everything except a beach”. For the residents living in this hipster suburb in the southwest of the city, The Beech Inn might offer a solution. Always busy – and usually with some form of sport being shown, making it perfect for football fans – The Beech is warm and inviting, and perfect to drop into while wandering this increasingly popular area. It’s no frills, but it’s this unostentatious atmosphere that makes it so popular with sports fans; this, combined with surprisingly nice pizzas (the Buffalo Blue is a personal favorite), and a large outdoor sun-trap area, means it’s not uncommon to accidentally stay until last orders. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/the-beech-inn.jpg" alt="Exterior of the Beech Inn pub in Manchester, UK." /> <figcaption>The Beech Inn. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="courtyard">The Courtyard, Central</h2> Close enough to Manchester Metropolitan University to entice the students with the promise of affordable lager and pool tables, but with a large, heated garden to house the local football fans, The Courtyard appeals to more than just those studying; anyone looking for affordable beer and a lively atmosphere is welcome here. During sports events you can expect to see the place packed, with its £8 pitchers of beer practically flying from the bar, and a barbecue sparked on extra special occasions (don’t come here for food on a normal day – you’ll go hungry). Open until 1am most evenings, its cheap, cheerful, and down to earth – and very easy to spend your whole night here. <h2 id="gaslamp">The Gas Lamp, Spinningfields</h2> If you’re keen for a history lesson with your pint, The Gas Lamp just off Spinningfields is the perfect, albeit slightly secluded, spot to drop into. Open as a pub since 2010 and hidden away down some inconspicuous steps on Bridge Street, the Victorian space used to serve as a mission’s kitchen for street children and the homeless. Now a cozy drinking den specializing in fabulous craft beer, its rich history is preserved in photographs and artefacts adorning its walls – it even displays an oven similar to that used in the space’s original function. You can take a seat in the main bar area, or if you’re looking for somewhere quieter (it can get busy during evenings and weekends), you can take a wander through its tiled interior into the back parlor. Immensely popular with the locals, The Gas Lamp is not one to miss. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/the-gaslamp.jpg" alt="The tiled back parlor of the Gas Lamp pub in Manchester, UK." /> <figcaption>The back parlor of the Gas Lamp pub. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hands">Big Hands, Rusholme</h2> Although less of a pub and more of a bar, Big Hands is known across the city as a bohemian staple in its iconic music scene. Its well-missed late owner, Scott Alexander, was not only good friends with Elbow’s Guy Garvey, but also the lead singer of his own band, Indigo Jones, and from the moment you enter it’s clear he made this a music haven. Inside you’ll find candlelit tables, scarlet walls smothered from floor to ceiling with gig posters and stickers from around the world, and a fabulous music playlist. Located just outside the student district of Fallowfield, and nearby to the Manchester Academies at the Student Union, it’s not unusual for playing artists to be spotted here after a gig. A rooftop terrace is what makes Big Hands a cut above the rest, and on a warm summer evening you can sit and view the city skyline with a cool beer or cocktail – perfect.Anton Vierietin 11306680900 Getty Images https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/manchester-pubs-thumbnail.jpg

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/northumberland-dark-sky-park-2The UK’s largest Dark Sky Park is now a key site for ‘astro tourism’ – but it’s also home to England’s largest forest, filled with hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife. Nomad Neil McRobert shares his experience.2001-01-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/northumberland-dark-sky-park-2https://www.worldnomads.comAfter years of camping trips, I thought I knew what a dark night looks like. A few stars overhead, the murky glow of distant streetlamps; the dull opacity of night in semi-rural England. It took one night in Northumberland in May 2022 to realize how wrong I was. In 2013, Northumberland National Park, and most of the adjacent Kielder Water and Forest Park, was awarded Dark Sky Status by the Dark Sky Association. Across a combined 580mi2 (1,500km2) of lake, forest, mountains, and moorland, light pollution has been beaten back, leaving a pristine, pin-pricked blanket of blackest night sky above. It is the largest Dark Sky Park in the UK, and the second largest such area in Europe. There are few places in the world more perfect for stargazing. On the first night, from behind our rented farmhouse, my wife and I traced The Milky Way and debated whether a solitary light was a rare sighting of Jupiter. It was easy to imagine mankind, in all the millennia before the dawn of electric light, peering up at the sky and wondering. When the morning comes Northumberland is revealed. It’s a raw part of the world, full of resilient wildlife and hardy architecture. The valleys and moors are speckled with villages and the occasional lone farmhouse. Gaunt castles glare down on some of the most unspoiled beaches in the country. Hadrian’s Wall remains, a broken border to the north. The night always comes; but first, the day. <h2>Kielder Water and trails</h2> The largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, Kielder Water was completed in 1981, to answer the increased industrial demand for water. If that sound dispiritingly artificial, have no fear; the surrounding forest is the largest in England, home to an abundance of wildlife, and interspersed with art installations, like secret little gems strung amongst the trees. For the hiking-inclined, the entire 28mi (45km) shoreline is ringed with a huge variety of interconnecting trails. It’s possible to complete a short out-and-back loop from one of the main tourist hubs, or to cover a sizeable distance along the shore. I tried to run the entire shoreline, but heavy storms in 2021 have brought down trees, closing paths and forcing me to turn back. Once it’s fixed, I’ll be back, because the stark pine forests offer the skin-tingling sensation of complete isolation, with the reassurance of knowing you are never more than a short dogleg from a main road. <h2>Ospreys, squirrels, and roe deer</h2> Despite its stark landscape, Northumberland is a haven for wildlife – everything from seals and puffins on the coast, to wild, homicidal cattle at Chillingham Castle. Kielder, in particular, is the epicenter of two unique British conservation projects. First, it is the home of England’s biggest Red Squirrel population. There are other, more controlled places to spot the chubby little ginger fellows in the UK, but in Kielder you simply have to keep an eye out when walking the trails. Less cute but more regal are the Ospreys. For 14 years, Kielder Forest has staged one of England’s most successful breeding programs. In 2021, the breeding pairs increased to seven, with 16 offspring produced. Nesting poles around the lake have been fitted with high-res cameras. I stood watching one outside Kielder Castle, transfixed, as a dot grew into a shadow and then a full-grown Osprey alighted inches from the lens. Touchingly, I was told by the enthusiastic owner of a nearby catering van that it was the first year in which offspring were bred from birds that were themselves born in Kielder. <h2>Kielder Observatory on Black Fell</h2> As night draws down at Kielder Castle, visitors follow 3mi (4.8km) of winding access track through the pine forest, to emerge atop Black Fell. That’s where the wooden observatory structure sits, looking at once part of the natural landscape, and like something discovered on an alien world. It is the most famous observatory in the Dark Sky Park. Completed in 2008, it’s now a key site for promoting ‘astro tourism’ in the area, with hundreds of events taking place every year. Popularity has grown so intense that annual visitors are now limited to 20,000 and booking in advance is highly recommended. Those lucky enough to visit at night can search the skies from the two observing turrets, or the open-air deck. Each is equipped with high-grade telescopes (the technicalities of which are far better explained by the experts on site). There are regular special events, but it was magical enough to be there for a ‘standard’ evening. The three-hour session features a tour and a themed lecture, but it’s the telescope and the naked night sky that draws everyone’s attention. Even in late spring, with the sun hanging on well into the evening, the stars were dizzying. I can only imagine what it’s like to gaze up at them in the pitch-black depths of winter. Afterwards, my wife and I drove back along the lake to the cosiness (and spookiness) of our isolated farmhouse. The headlights felt like a feeble affront to the purity of the darkness around us. <h2>Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting to and around Northumberland</h3> Navigating Northumberland by public transport is straightforward. Rail links from the north and south serve Newcastle and several bigger towns, and from there connecting services link with smaller towns such as Haltwistle and Corbridge. There is also excellent bus coverage between the various market towns and out to the coast. However, if you’re there for the dark skies and the empty spaces, Northumberland is best explored under your own steam. A car, or even a bicycle, will open the county for a more personal experience. Most of my journey was focused on the area around Kielder Water. <h3>When to go</h3> The best time for stargazing is in autumn and winter, when the skies are darker for longer. However, this means visiting out of the typical tourist season, so be aware that fewer amenities will be available – including many of the tourist hubs ringing Kielder Water. Also, be sure to book ahead if you wish to visit any of the Dark Sky Observatories for the evening. Ticket prices vary but are generally around £25-30 per person.Getty Images / Dan King / EyeEm 11316212661 Getty Images Starry skies above a tree near Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, UK.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/northumberland-dark-sky-parkEurope’s largest Dark Sky Park is now a key site for ‘astro tourism’ – but it’s also home to England’s largest forest, filled with hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife. Nomad Neil McRobert shares his experience.2024-10-29T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/northumberland-dark-sky-parkhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#water">Kielder Water and trails</a></li> <li><a href="#ospreys">Ospreys, squirrels, and roe deer</a></li> <li><a href="#observatory">Kielder Observatory on Black Fell</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> After years of camping trips, I thought I knew what a dark night looks like. A few stars overhead, the murky glow of distant streetlamps; the dull opacity of night in semi-rural England. It took one night in Northumberland in May 2022 to realize how wrong I was. In 2013, <a href="https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/" target="_blank">Northumberland National Park</a>, and most of the adjacent <a href="https://www.visitkielder.com/" target="_blank">Kielder Water and Forest Park</a>, was awarded <a href="https://darksky.org/places/northumberland-national-park-and-kielder-water-forest-dark-sky-park/" target="_blank">Dark Sky Status</a> by DarkSky International. Across a combined 580mi2 (1,500km2) of lake, forest, mountains, and moorland, light pollution has been beaten back, leaving a pristine, pin-pricked blanket of blackest night sky above. It is the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe. There are <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/reach-for-the-stars">few places in the world more perfect for stargazing</a>. On the first night, from behind our rented farmhouse, my wife and I traced The Milky Way and debated whether a solitary light was a rare sighting of Jupiter. It was easy to imagine mankind, in all the millennia before the dawn of electric light, peering up at the sky and wondering. When the morning comes Northumberland is revealed. It’s a raw part of the world, full of resilient wildlife and hardy architecture. The valleys and moors are speckled with villages and the occasional lone farmhouse. Gaunt castles glare down on some of the most unspoiled beaches in the country. <a href="/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/trekking-hadrians-wall-in-winter">Hadrian’s Wall</a> remains, a broken border to the north. The night always comes; but first, the day. <h2 id="water">Kielder Water and trails</h2> The largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, Kielder Water was completed in 1981, to answer the increased industrial demand for water. If that sound dispiritingly artificial, have no fear; the surrounding forest is the largest in England, home to an abundance of wildlife, and interspersed with art installations, like secret little gems strung amongst the trees. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/northumberland/kielder-forest.jpg" alt="Stark pine forest surrounding Kielder Water, Northumberland, UK." /> <figcaption>The pine forest surrounding Kielder Water. Image credit: Neil McRobert</figcaption></figure> For the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking-inclined</a>, the entire 28mi (45km) shoreline is ringed with a huge variety of interconnecting trails. It’s possible to complete a short out-and-back loop from one of the main tourist hubs, or to cover a sizeable distance along the shore. I tried to run the entire shoreline, but heavy storms in 2021 have brought down trees, closing paths and forcing me to turn back. Once it’s fixed, I’ll be back, because the stark pine forests offer the skin-tingling sensation of complete isolation, with the reassurance of knowing you are never more than a short dogleg from a main road. <h2 id="ospreys">Ospreys, squirrels, and roe deer</h2> Despite its stark landscape, Northumberland is a haven for wildlife – everything from seals and puffins on the coast, to wild, homicidal cattle at Chillingham Castle. Kielder, in particular, is the epicenter of two unique British conservation projects. First, it is the home of England’s biggest Red Squirrel population. There are other, more controlled places to spot the chubby little ginger fellows in the UK, but in Kielder you simply have to keep an eye out when walking the trails. Less cute but more regal are the Ospreys. For 14 years, Kielder Forest has staged one of <a href="https://www.visitkielder.com/play/discover/kielder-ospreys" target="_blank">England’s most successful breeding programs</a>. In 2021, the breeding pairs increased to seven, with 16 offspring produced. Nesting poles around the lake have been fitted with high-res cameras. I stood watching one outside Kielder Castle, transfixed, as a dot grew into a shadow and then a full-grown Osprey alighted inches from the lens. Touchingly, I was told by the enthusiastic owner of a nearby catering van that it was the first year in which offspring were bred from birds that were themselves born in Kielder. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/northumberland/kielder-water.jpg" alt="Kielder Water, Northern Europe's largest man-made lake, in Northumberland, UK." /> <figcaption>Kielder Water. Image credit: Neil McRobert</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="observatory">Kielder Observatory on Black Fell</h2> As night draws down at Kielder Castle, visitors follow 3mi (4.8km) of winding access track through the pine forest, to emerge atop Black Fell. That’s where the wooden observatory structure sits, looking at once part of the natural landscape, and like something discovered on an alien world. <a href="https://kielderobservatory.org/" target="_blank">Kielder Observatory</a> is the most famous observatory in the Dark Sky Park. Completed in 2008, it’s now a key site for promoting ‘astro tourism’ in the area, with hundreds of events taking place every year. Popularity has grown so intense that annual visitors are now limited to 20,000 and booking in advance is highly recommended. Those lucky enough to visit at night can search the skies from the two observing turrets, or the open-air deck. Each is equipped with high-grade telescopes (the technicalities of which are far better explained by the experts on site). There are <a href="https://kielderobservatory.org/our-events" target="_blank">regular special events</a>, but it was magical enough to be there for a ‘standard’ evening. The three-hour session features a tour and a themed lecture, but it’s the telescope and the naked night sky that draws everyone’s attention. Even in late spring, with the sun hanging on well into the evening, the stars were dizzying. I can only imagine what it’s like to gaze up at them in the pitch-black depths of winter. Afterwards, my wife and I drove back along the lake to the cosiness (and spookiness) of our isolated farmhouse. The headlights felt like a feeble affront to the purity of the darkness around us. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/northumberland/milky-way-keilder-observatory.jpg" alt="The Milky Way over Kielder Observatory in Northumberland, England." /> <figcaption>The Milky Way over Kielder Observatory. Image credit: Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting to and around Northumberland</h3> Navigating Northumberland by public transport is straightforward. Rail links from the north and south serve Newcastle and several bigger towns, and from there connecting services link with smaller towns such as Haltwistle and Corbridge. There is also excellent bus coverage between the various market towns and out to the coast. However, if you’re there for the dark skies and the empty spaces, Northumberland is best explored under your own steam. A car, or even a bicycle, will open the county for a more personal experience. Most of my journey was focused on the area around Kielder Water. <h3>When to go</h3> The best time for stargazing is in autumn and winter, when the skies are darker for longer. However, this means visiting out of the typical tourist season, so be aware that fewer amenities will be available – including many of the tourist hubs ringing Kielder Water. Also, be sure to book ahead if you wish to visit <a href="https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/discover-dark-skies/where-to-stargaze/" target="_blank">any of the Dark Sky Observatories</a> for the evening. Ticket prices vary but are generally around £20-45 per person.Simon McCabe / Northumberland National Park 0 Simon McCabe / Northumberland National Park Starry skies above Sycamore Gap near Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, UK.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/5-great-hikes-west-midlands-englandHere are five of the best hikes in the West Midlands region, all easily reached from Birmingham.2022-06-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/5-great-hikes-west-midlands-englandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#stratford">Stratford-upon-Avon to Wootton Wawen</a></li> <li><a href="#stourbridge">Stourbridge to Kinver Edge along the canal</a></li> <li><a href="#staffordshire">Around the Roaches in Staffordshire</a></li> <li><a href="#alveley">Alveley to Bridgnorth along the River Severn</a></li> <li><a href="#wenlock">Much Wenlock and Wenlock Edge</a></li> </ul> Skylarks are singing as they fly up from mud dotted with deer-prints. Spring lambs are climbing on the massive, mossy roots of a centuries-old oak tree. I’m hiking over hills where the short grass is patched with celandines, violets, and primroses and wide views stretch across Warwickshire and the Cotswolds. Today’s walk begins, 40 minutes by rail from Birmingham, in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s home town. Birmingham is a major city in a sprawling conurbation, but it actually makes a brilliant base for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> through the underappreciated landscapes of the English midlands. These five trails showcase some of the area’s natural and historical treasures: wide rivers, aqueducts and gritstone crags, glass-makers, and cave-dwellers. <h2 id="stratford">Stratford-upon-Avon to Wootton Wawen (11 miles/18 km)</h2> I grew up on the edge of the Midlands and my first job was teaching English in a big high school here. The waterside Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon was one of the closest theatres and the destination for dozens of school trips. But I feel closer to Shakespeare’s poetry out here in the Warwickshire countryside than in Stratford itself, with its coachloads of tourists and models of Big Ben for sale. The walk starts by climbing the Welcombe Hills, where a <a href="https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/WelcombeHillsTrail" target="_blank">new audio trail</a> marks four centuries since Shakespeare died. I’m following part of the 625mi/1,005km <a href="http://www.monarchsway.50megs.com/" target="_blank">Monarch’s Way</a>, a long-distance footpath that traces the route of King Charles II as he fled Cromwellian forces after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Lunch is garden salad and gooey treacle tart at a farm shop and café in Stratford: outside the café there are fields of baby goats and a Gloucestershire old spot pig churning up a paddock ready for this summer’s sunflowers. The last stretch of the route follows a canal-side towpath over an aqueduct to reach St Peter’s church in Wootton Wawen with its Saxon core, bearded Jacobean knight, and carved stone faces. Hourly buses head back to Stratford from outside the church and the venerable, half-timbered Bull’s Head pub is nearby. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/canalside-hamlet-stratford.jpg" alt="a canalside hamlet in Stratford" /> <figcaption> A canalside statue of Hamlet in Stratford. Photo credit: Phoebe Taplin</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="stourbridge">Stourbridge to Kinver Edge along the canal (8 miles/13km)</h2> Bees are buzzing round the coconut-scented golden gorse and purple heather; red kites circle overhead as I look out from <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses" target="_blank">Kinver Edge</a> towards the blue-green Malvern Hills. 250 million years ago, prehistoric winds whipped the dune and desert sands here into layers of soft, sunset-colored rock. Iron age settlers built a clifftop fort. Later, 17th-century workers carved homes into the rock itself, making comfortable houses inside the naturally summer-cool and winter-cosy sandstone. My walk to the reconstructed rock houses follows canal towpaths from Stourbridge Town, 45 minutes by train from Birmingham. A new <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">glass museum</a> opened here in April 2022. Local coal for the super-hot furnaces and a supply of fireclay to line them made this area a natural location for Britain’s Victorian glassmakers. The canal network, built for industry, now provides peaceful walks through the countryside. Leaving the towpath, I head through fields and woods to Kinver. The National Trust is introducing longhorn cattle and clearing non-native conifers from an area of sandy heathland and wild ferny woods near the village. There are buses back to Stourbridge and cafés to refuel for the final climb to Kinver Edge. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/rock-houses-near-stourbridge.jpg" alt="Rock houses" /> <figcaption> Rock houses near Stourbridge. Photo credit: Phoebe Taplin</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="staffordshire">Around the Roaches in Staffordshire (7 miles/11km)</h2> For this spectacular hike, I head to the old textile town of Leek in Staffordshire. It’s 1½ hours’ drive from Birmingham, but the landscapes are worth it. This corner of the Peak District national park is a patchwork of waterfalls, blanket bogs, farmland, and high, craggy outcrops of wind-carved gritstone. After a breakfast of Staffordshire oatcakes (wholemeal pancakes with melted cheese), I walk half a mile up the road to the edge of the Peak District, which covers five counties and 555mi2/1,437km2. It became the UK's first national park in 1951. The walk continues beside the cascading River Churnet to Ramshaw Rocks. There are sheep grazing around gnarled trees and a ruined cottage; the damp air is rich with dung and woodsmoke. A flagstone path leads up through the heather past strangely shaped boulders. Trekking west, I reach the high ridge of the Roaches. These long cliffs, which slope like a broken table, take their name for the French word for rocks. There are views across Cheshire, Lancashire, and Wales. I walk past the atmospheric clifftop Doxey Pool (said to be home to a sinister mermaid who grabs unwary travelers) and climb over Hen Cloud, a distinctive solitary hill. On the far side, an old stone farmhouse serves tea and it’s a short hike back to Leek. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/the-roaches-and-hen-cloud-from-near-doxey-pool.jpg" alt="A rock formation named the Roaches and Hen Cloud" /> <figcaption> The Roaches and Hen Cloud from near Doxey Pool. Photo credit: Phoebe Taplin</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="alveley">Alveley to Bridgnorth along the River Severn (9 miles/14.5km)</h2> The <a href="https://www.svr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Severn Valley Railway</a> is a restored steam railway between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, 45 minutes from Birmingham by train. The line runs through 16mi/26km of countryside and is perfect for linear riverside walks along the long-distance Severn Way. I tell the guard I want to get off the steam train at a tiny station in the Severn Valley Country Park on the site of what was once Alveley Colliery. Before setting off along the river, I follow a new history trail, opened in 2020, around the country park. These 126 rural acres once produced 300,000 tons of coal a year and the trail encounters traces of ropeways, spoil heaps, and miners’ cottages. Today the wooded paths are thick with birds and berries: twisted wreaths of orange bryony and yellow hedges spangled with neon-pink spindle berries. Following the trail back over the River Severn, I set off for Bridgnorth, eight miles away upstream. The riverside path is grassy and inviting with mossy hawthorn trees and huge gaggles of mallards. Towards the end, there’s tea at Daniel’s Mill, a working 18th-century watermill near the Severn Valley Railway viaduct. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/spectacular-colors-on-the-severn-way-towards-bridgnorth.jpg" alt="Colors on the Severn Way towards Bridgenorth" /> <figcaption> Spectacular colors on the Severn Way towards Bridgenorth. Photo credit: Phoebe Taplin</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="wenlock">Much Wenlock and Wenlock Edge (6.25 miles/10km)</h2> The Olympic Games were reborn in Much Wenlock, 50 minutes’ drive from Birmingham. In 1850, a pioneering Victorian doctor called William Penny Brookes founded a sporting society that eventually led to the first modern Olympic Games. One of the official mascots at the London 2012 Olympics was called “Wenlock” as a tribute to the little Shropshire town’s contribution and a mile-long <a href="http://www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Wenlock-Olympian-Trail-2015.pdf" target="_blank">Olympian Trail</a> is now marked by bronze circles in Much Wenlock’s pavements. After walking the trail, I hike an energetic short loop that includes Wenlock Edge, a wooded limestone escarpment above the town. I pass the ruined medieval priory with its towering thirteenth-century church under peaceful pines. Climbing to Wenlock Quarry, there are ivy-draped cliffs; fossilized seashells and hints of coral and trilobites are embedded in the rock. I walk down Blakeway Hollow, a deep, stony gully between banks of hart’s-tongue ferns and bracken with hedge maples, hawthorn, oak, beech, and silver birch tangling their branches overhead. Another steep track leads up again, 1,000ft/305m above sea level, to look out across an extraordinary view where volcanic Shropshire hills form a misty backdrop to miles of hedge-chequered fields. There is a viewpoint known as Major’s Leap after royalist Major called Thomas Smallman, who galloped off the top of Wenlock Edge to his seeming-certain doom. The horse died, but the major lived (saved by an apple tree) and delivered his vital messages to the King’s army. As I head back down towards Much Wenlock, a horse, framed by yellow leaves, watches me over a five-barred gate and the clifftop beeches glow fiery gold in the setting sun. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/warwickshire-views-on-monarchs-way.jpg" alt="Warwickshire views on Monarchs way" /> <figcaption> Warwickshire views on Monarchs way. Photo credit: Phoebe Taplin</figcaption></figure>Phoebe Taplin 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/iceland/how-iceland-will-address-its-post-pandemic-tourist-boomBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, Iceland was being loved to death by travelers. Now that the country is welcoming visitors again, how will they avoid those same overtourism issues? 2021-07-29T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/iceland/how-iceland-will-address-its-post-pandemic-tourist-boomhttps://www.worldnomads.comAfter living in Reykjavik during the height of the last tourism boom, I returned in the summer of 2021 to see what new initiatives were in place to help Iceland manage the sheer number of visitors it receives. <ul> <li><a href="#ring-road">Iceland’s newest ring road: The Westfjords Way </a></li> <li><a href="#slow">Slow travel in East Iceland </a></li> <li><a href="#arctic">The Arctic Coast Way </a></li> <li><a href="#volcano">Geldingadalir, Iceland’s newest attraction</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ring-road">Iceland’s newest ring road: The Westfjords Way</h2> “Come back later, please! We’re the owners of this hot spring and want it to ourselves for a while longer!” the farmer sings out to me as she spots me coming over the rise. I’m surprised to find the family of four in the hot spring – there were no cars on the road. Instead, they must have walked over from the nearby farm for a leisurely soak after a day of work. “Wait – are you serious?” I ask with a grin, thinking she’s joking. She isn’t, but this is their land, so fair enough. I turn around to wait in my car, feeling a bit dejected at the welcome. After more than a year without having to deal with international visitors, is Iceland ready for tourists to return? I’m in the <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/northwest-iceland-from-isafjordur-to-dynjandi-falls">Westfjords</a>, and despite the cool reception at the hot spring, I get the impression that locals are looking forward to welcoming back travelers. “We’re already seeing more visitors coming through the region,” says Eyþór, a bookseller in the town of Flateyri. Dressed in a snappy tweed suit complete with a pocket watch, he could have stepped right out of 1914 – which is the year his great-grandfather started the store. “It’s all thanks to the new tunnel. Finally, it’s complete!” He’s referring to Dýrafjarðargöng, a new underground tunnel that cuts under a treacherous mountain pass in the Westfjords. Taking advantage of the new road, the local tourism board recently launched a new tourist route called The Westfjords Way. Or, when they’re feeling cheeky, The Ring Road #2. The aim? Drawing tourists off the main ring road into Iceland’s least-visited region. Of the 2.3 million visitors who arrived in Iceland in 2018, only 7% came to the Westfjords. That has, however, left the region untouched, so much so that it feels like a time capsule, including the Old Bookstore in Flateyri. Eyþór still sells secondhand books by weight (US $8 / ISK 1,000 per kilo), while next door, his grandfather’s apartment hasn’t changed since the 1950s. Over the next few days, I drive the new route in a campervan, enjoying my first real journey since the pandemic began. Dipping in and out of the fjords, I experience the larger-than-life scenery up close: table-topped mountains rising from silent fjords, villages teetering on the edge of the country, waterfalls rushing to join knots of rivers. I soak in hot springs, catch a live gig at a pub, and hike up winding mountain paths. The Dynjandi waterfall is thunderous, the star attraction of a soon-to-be national park, yet another reason for would-be ring road travelers to end up in this remote corner. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/iceland/westfjords-puffin-james-taylor.jpg" alt="A puffin on the rocky Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, Iceland." /> <figcaption>A puffin on the Látrabjarg cliffs. Image credit: James Taylor</figcaption></figure> At the western edge of Iceland, I stop at the towering Látrabjarg cliffs. At midnight, the sun is only grazing the horizon, casting golden light across the jagged rock face. I peer over the edge: 1,300ft (400m) below, the surf fizzes as it crashes against the rocks, and gulls and puffins divebomb into the sea in search of fish. <h2 id="slow">Slow travel in East Iceland</h2> Most visitors to Iceland don’t have the luxury of time – which is why drive-by ring road trips are so enticing. It’s Iceland’s biggest challenge as a destination: how to encourage visitors to stay longer and dig deeper into each region of the country? <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/explore-east-iceland-from-snaefell-to-seydisfjordur">East Iceland</a>’s answer is different than most. Rather than create a new driving route, the region is embracing the slow travel movement. It began with Djúpivogur, which boasts international “slow city” status, but has since crept across the entire region. The town of Egilsstaðir, for example, moves at a deliciously slow pace. “My wife and I moved here to get away from the rush of the city,” says Kári, chef and owner of Nielsen Restaurant. He’s the former head chef of Dill in Reykjavik, the only restaurant in Iceland to receive a Michelin star (so far). His new restaurant, like many others in the area, uses local ingredients sourced from the surrounding farms. There’s a bit of a <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/icelandic-cuisine-from-fermented-shark-to-new-nordic">foodie scene</a> in the east. “There are so many great suppliers here. We can even get our own local wasabi,” he tells me. How? A greenhouse, of course, making use of Iceland’s boundless geothermal energy. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/iceland/east-iceland-james-taylor.jpg" alt="Basalt columns in Stuðlagil Canyon, East Iceland." /> <figcaption>Basalt columns in Stuðlagil Canyon. Image credit: James Taylor</figcaption></figure> It’s hydropower that’s behind one of the region’s star attractions, Stuðlagil Canyon. The Kárahnjúkar Dam on the edge of the highlands caused a river to drop in depth, revealing a fascinating collection of twisted, basalt columns. I spend a morning gawking at the sight, retiring to the recently opened Vök Baths afterward for a steamy dip – just another reason to slow down and savor this part of the country. <h2 id="arctic">The Arctic Coast Way</h2> In a country of just 365,000 people, receiving more than 2 million visitors a year has proved a challenge. Locals despaired as fragile ecosystems were irreparably damaged across the country. There were stories of visitors ripping up thousand-year-old moss to use as insulation in their tents, and of others letting themselves into country houses just to look around, much to the surprise of the owners inside. New initiatives aim to help make visitors more aware of their impact. The <a href="https://visiticeland.com/pledge">Icelandic Pledge</a> encourages travelers to commit to responsible travel, while the <a href="https://visiticeland.com/iceland-academy">Iceland Academy</a> teaches about safety and proper travel etiquette before visitors arrive. Coupled with these two programs is a renewed effort to advertise the lesser-visited regions of the country. Soon the entire highland plateau will be merged into <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/adventure-guide-to-vatnajokull-national-park">Vatnajökull National Park</a>, creating a protected area that covers 33% of Iceland. And alongside the Westfjords Way, another tourist route aims to tempt people away from the ring road – the Arctic Coast Way. Tracing the northern coast of Iceland, from Hvammstangi in the northwest to Bakkafjörður in the northeast, the route delves into some of the country’s quietest corners. I drove the entire Arctic Coast Way a few years ago as I worked on updating a guidebook to Iceland. I remember the desolation of the <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/a-road-trip-adventure-through-iceland-s-forgotten-north">Langanes Peninsula</a> most vividly, with driftwood-laden shores and its abandoned fishing settlement slowly being reclaimed by the spitting ocean spray. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/iceland/arctic-coast-way-godafoss-james-taylor.jpg" alt="Goðafoss waterfall on the northern coast of Iceland." /> <figcaption>Goðafoss waterfall on the northern coast of Iceland. Image credit: James Taylor</figcaption></figure> This time, I’m focusing more on the northwestern edge. I set out along the Vatnsnes Peninsula, where low-lying mountains roll into the silvery sea, choppy due to the winds. I pass seals lazing on rocks, farmers mending fences, and ghostly houses left to the elements. More of the same awaits around the Skagaströnd Peninsula, where I camp the next night. Then, the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Suddenly, the mountains are immense, horses gallop across paddocks, and I even spy an arctic fox darting across the road. I plan to stop somewhere and camp, but the summer light glows violet and gold, tempting me to continue long into the evening as it lights up verdant valleys and shimmering rivers. I end up in Siglufjörður, at the tip of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Once the country’s second most important port thanks to the herring industry, it was forgotten almost overnight when the herring were fished out. The fascinating Herring Museum goes into the town’s historic heyday, illustrating exactly what the Arctic Coast Way does best: offering a glimpse of what life is like in Iceland’s remote areas. <h2 id="volcano">Geldingadalir, Iceland’s newest attraction</h2> Back near Reykjavik, one final journey awaits before returning home. At the Geldingadalir eruption, the country’s newest attraction, it’s hard not to draw parallels to what happened in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajökull eruption sparked almost a decade of explosive tourism growth. Molten lava crackles and hisses, slowly devouring everything in its path as it crawls further down the valley. I sit on the hillside above, watching its progress. It’s probably the busiest site in Iceland. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/iceland/volcano-james-taylor.jpg" alt="Tourists gaze at the red lava flow at the Geldingadalir eruption." /> <figcaption>The Geldingadalir eruption. Image credit: James Taylor</figcaption></figure> With flights increasing by the day, Iceland is already past the point of asking visitors to come back later. Rather than the sudden, sweeping changes to challenge overtourism seen in other destinations (like Venice’s ban on large cruise ships), Iceland has decided to stick to its long-term plan for sustainability in the industry, tempting us into its secret corners. Coupled with new national parks on the horizon and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/6-ways-to-be-a-better-traveler-in-the-post-pandemic-world">shifting attitudes towards travel</a> after the pandemic, it’s a destination that feels ready for the next eruption of visitors. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> To get around Iceland, it’s easiest to rent your own car or campervan. From Reykjavik to Ísafjörður, capital of the Westfjords, is around 280mi (454km). From there, it’s another 13mi (22km) to Flateyri. If you’re heading east, it’s 394mi (635km) from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir along the ring road. Hvammstangi, the starting point for the Arctic Coast Way, is only 122mi (197km) from Reykjavik. Hotels during peak season (June to August) are booked out a couple months in advance. Prices are lower in the shoulder seasons, and lower still in winter. If you’re traveling in a campervan, you must stay at designated campsites. The longest day in Iceland is on June 21, but if you’re after the <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/how-to-see-and-photograph-icelands-northern-lights">northern lights</a>, visit between September and May.James Taylor 0 James Taylor Wildflowers and snowy peaks in the Westfjords, Iceland.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/7-overlooked-natural-wondersGo beyond Ireland’s famous sites and discover these equally beautiful but much less crowded places. Nomad Ronan shares the best hikes and the ideal road trip for exploring them all.2021-07-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/7-overlooked-natural-wondershttps://www.worldnomads.comWhile travelers flock Ireland's famous natural wonders, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry, hidden off the tourist trail are <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/give-overcrowded-national-parks-a-break">equally spectacular yet comparatively empty landscapes</a>. From dense forests to stunning valleys and sacred mountains, here are seven overlooked spots worth discovering. <ul> <li><a href="#slieve-league">Slieve League (County Donegal)</a></li> <li><a href="#dooney">Dooney Rock Forest (County Sligo)</a></li> <li><a href="#doo">Doo Lough (County Mayo)</a></li> <li><a href="#lough-key">Lough Key Forest Park (County Roscommon)</a></li> <li><a href="#keem">Keem Bay (County Mayo)</a></li> <li><a href="#glencar">Glencar (County Leitrim)</a></li> <li><a href="#barra">Gougane Barra (County Cork)</a></li> <li><a href="#road-trip">Road trip itinerary</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="slieve-league">Slieve League (County Donegal)</h2> As I peer down at Atlantic Ocean, waves detonating on a rocky shoreline 1,900ft (580m) below me, a blackface sheep nonchalantly trots along the edge of Europe’s tallest accessible sea cliffs. This is Slieve League. Despite being three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher (Ireland’s #1 tourist site) this spot in a remote pocket of northwest Ireland receives a fraction of the visitors. Recognizing this untapped potential, Irish authorities recently gave it a USD $6 million makeover. Now travelers can enjoy its new visitor center and 1mi (1.6km) of fresh walkways. These smooth paths and staircases take visitors on a fairly easy hike from the car park, which itself offers lofty views over the Atlantic, up to the crest of the cliffs. To be truly overwhelmed by the scale of Slieve League, visitors can join the boat tours that allow them to swim, fish, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba dive</a> in the pristine ocean that kisses these cliffs. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/slieve-league.jpg" alt="Slieve League, the tallest cliffs in Ireland." /> <figcaption>Slieve Lague, Europe’s tallest accessible sea cliffs. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dooney">Dooney Rock Forest (County Sligo)</h2> Whenever I’m in Ireland, I always make a beeline for this serene woodland on the shores of glassy Lake Gill. To me, there’s nowhere more peaceful and majestic on the planet. This tranquility stems not just from its beauty, but because it’s free from crowds, despite being a short drive from the lively, historic university town of Sligo. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/dooney-rock.jpg" alt="Dooney Rock Forest, on the shores of Lake Gill, Ireland." /> <figcaption>Dooney Rock Forest, on the shores of Lake Gill. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> The enormous boulder that gives this location its name acts as a wind block. So, too, does its tall forest. In the autumn, between September and November, the leaves shed by those trees create a bright carpet on the ground that’s a patchwork of colors from gold to orange, pink, and purple. All year round there are beautiful views along the 1mi (1.6km) walk that loops along the lake’s edge and back through the dense forest. After finishing this simple hike, visitors can understand why one of the greatest poets in history, Sligo’s own W.B. Yeats, regularly came here for inspiration. <h2 id="doo">Doo Lough (County Mayo)</h2> Peaks hug Lake Doo (Doo Lough) so tightly, it’s as if they’re trying to prevent its majesty from escaping. This rugged mountain pass in the far west of Ireland has a bracing beauty. It isn’t attractive in a manicured way – rather, its splendor is imbued with hostility, creating a sense that while it’s an extraordinary place to visit, it wouldn’t be easy to survive in this isolated, rough environment. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/lake-doo.jpg" alt="Two men in a small boat on Doo Lough, County Mayo, Ireland. " /> <figcaption>Wild and spectacular Lake Doo. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> It’s a place where Mother Nature occasionally vents her anger, sending frozen winds and sweeping rains. In between those storms, however, Lake Doo feels like Ireland distilled into one location – a flawless, salmon-rich lake hidden between steep, green ridges which ancient workers once farmed, but where now only hardy sheep roam. Whether smothered in snow, whipped by gales, or illuminated by a sunny day, Lake Doo is wild and spectacular. Visitors have ample time to absorb its appearance while doing the 5mi (8km) loop hike around the lake. <h2 id="lough-key">Lough Key Forest Park (County Roscommon)</h2> Marooned in a pristine lake, circled by thick forest, I spy a grand old castle. Its reflection on the still water is perfectly clear until it’s pierced by a bevy of swans cruising along beneath a cloudless sky. This looks like a scene conjured by CGI artists tasked with designing a heavenly setting for a children’s movie. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/lough-key-swans.jpg" alt="Swans swim across Lough Key, Ireland, with McDermott's Castle in the background." /> <figcaption>Lough Key Forest Park, with McDermott's Castle in the background. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> Everything appears almost too perfect to be authentic – but this is exactly how Lough Key Forest Park looks every time the sun has a big day out in County Roscommon. That’s also the best time to swim in the lake, picnic on the park’s vast waterside lawns, hike its more than 10mi (16km) of forest trails, or row a hire boat out to explore that 800-year-old fortress, McDermott’s Castle. <h2 id="keem">Keem Bay (County Mayo)</h2> Having grown up in Perth, Australia, which is renowned for its exquisite coastline, it isn’t often I’m dazzled by a beach. Yet, even after nearly a dozen visits, that’s what happens every time I drive round the mountainside bend to catch my first glimpse of Keem Bay. Here on Achill, Ireland’s biggest island, turquoise sea water laps against a 1,600ft-long (488m) stretch of soft white sand. What makes this beach on the western edge of Ireland so memorable are the enormous cliffs that protect the bay and, from above, look like a giant green horseshoe. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/keem-bay.jpg" alt="A cliff-top view of the pale sand and turquoise waters of Keem Bay, Ireland." /> <figcaption>The turquoise waters of Keem Bay. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> This favorable geography ensures Keem Bay is wonderfully calm for much of the year. Many of Ireland’s most attractive beaches are blighted by frequent strong winds and choppy water. Not Keem. It’s a haven, in every sense of the word. <h2 id="glencar">Glencar (County Leitrim)</h2> Tabletop mountains, their slopes heavily forested, loom above dramatic waterfalls, wide green plains, and translucent lakes. Yet the pristine valleys of County Leitrim are scarcely inhabited – by residents or tourists. The least populous county in Ireland, with only 32,000 people, Leitrim also is overlooked by most travelers. Yet, pound-for-pound, it’s the most picturesque county in the nation. I’ve yet to encounter a corner of Leitrim that was uninspiring. “I stood enchanted at the scene of grandeur and of light” sang legendary Irish crooner Larry Cunningham in his song Lovely Leitrim, an ode to its underappreciated delights. The county’s glory reaches a crescendo at Glencar, where a waterfall tumbles down the lush hillside into a stream that feeds the adjoining lake. There’s a 4mi (6.4km) hiking trail through the hills above the lake, or a simple 0.7mi (1.1km) walk from the lakeside carpark up to the waterfall and back. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/glencar-falls.jpg" alt="Glencar waterfall cascades down a lush green hillside in Leitrim, Ireland." /> <figcaption>The waterfall at Glencar. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="barra">Gougane Barra (County Cork)</h2> “Go where the monasteries are.” That was the half-joking, yet entirely helpful advice offered to me years ago when I asked an elderly Irish relative where to find the country’s most tranquil locations. In a nation brimming with isolated spots, it makes sense Ireland’s monks would gather in places of exceptional peace and beauty. Kerry and Cork are popularly considered Ireland’s two most scenic counties, so somewhere straddling the border between them must be equally special. That’s what I figured as my Cork-native brother drove me to one of his favorite places, Gougane Barra, a hill-hemmed lake where St Finbar built a monastery 1,500 years ago. It remains a site of Catholic pilgrimage, with some visitors following the historic St Finbar’s Path. This 19mi (31km) hiking trail starts near the Cork town of Drimoleague, and passes mountains, rivers, and lakes before reaching Gougane Barra. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/gougane-barra.jpg" alt="The monastery of St Finbar, at Gougane Barra lake in Ireland. " /> <figcaption>The monastery at Gougane Barra. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="road-trip">Road trip itinerary</h2> Renting a car is easily the <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/driving-cycling-boating-and-swimming-in-ireland">best way to explore Ireland</a>. After flying into Dublin, drive 4hrs northwest to County Donegal. From the awesome cliffs of Slieve League, you can head south on the well-signposted Wild Atlantic Way, a spectacular 1,550mi (2,494km) driving route along the west coast. Take a short detour inland, to County Leitrim, and after 1hr 40 mins of driving you’ll be admiring Glencar. From there it’s just a 20-minute drive into County Sligo to my personal haven at Dooney Rock Forest. Then, drive 1hr south to the leafy environment of Lough Key Forest Park. After that it’s 3hrs west to secluded Keem Bay on Achill Island, which is connected to the mainland by a short road bridge, and then a 90-min trip south through some of Ireland’s purest coastal scenery to the rough Doo Lough. The final leg of the trip is the longest, a 4.5-hour journey down through counties Galway, Clare, and Limerick until you reach majestic Gougane Barra in County Cork. I recommended at least a week to complete this <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">road trip</a>.Ronan O'Connell 0 Ronan O'Connell A mirror-like reflection at Lough Key Forest Park in Ireland.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/norway/6-things-to-know-before-visitingWhen is the best time to go to Norway? Just how expensive is it? And are the Northern Lights worth the effort? Nomad Bill shares his tips for making the most out of your visit.2021-05-27T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/norway/6-things-to-know-before-visitinghttps://www.worldnomads.comNorway lives up to its reputation for stunning fjords, majestic mountains, and picturesque towns. And yet, each time I visit, Norway continues to surprise me with new places to discover and some surprisingly affordable ways to do it. Here are six things to know to help make your Norway trip great. <ul> <li><a href="#adventures">Fjords and snowboards: adventures for anyone, any time</a></li> <li><a href="#lights">Northern lights in Norway: yes, it’s worth the effort</a></li> <li><a href="#dark">Embrace Norway’s dark side: nordic Noir and Black Metal in the blue light</a></li> <li><a href="#food">There’s more to Norwegian food than herring (but still lots of herring!)</a></li> <li><a href="#expensive">Norway is expensive, but can be manageable</a></li> <li><a href="#autumn">Autumn is a great time to visit Norway</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="adventures">1. Fjords and snowboards: adventures for anyone, any time</h2> While Norwegians dominate the Olympics in their national sport of cross-country skiing, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy the country’s friluftsliv, the “outdoor lifestyle.” In winter, even beginner Nordic skiers like me can ungracefully (but joyfully) traverse any of hundreds of miles of groomed trails just outside the capital city of Oslo, and in summer these trails double as gentle, wooded hiking paths. You can sit back in warmth and comfort under blankets on a <a href="/stories/discovery/dog-sledding-at-the-top-of-the-world">dogsled ride</a>, or toast a late summer sunset relaxing on a sailboat. But, if you do want to go big, Norway has endless, epic backcountry <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikes</a> into wild fjord landscapes, bike treks along challenging, winding roads, and heart-palpitating downhill snowboarding runs. Given the extremes of terrain, climate and adventures, make sure to pack layers of outdoor clothes regardless of season, to be able to easily peel off and put on as the weather changes. Surprisingly, due to the Gulf Stream, Norway’s weather is quite moderate along the west coast in winter, with even Tromso, deep within the Arctic Circle, still averaging a high of 30°F (-1°C) in January (the interior is another story, with -40°F/C winter temps a common occurrence). <h2 id="lights">2. Northern lights in Norway: yes, it’s worth the effort</h2> I almost thought it was fake – some kind of movie projection – the first time I watched the green and yellow shimmering, dancing <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">Northern Lights</a>. This dazzling natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis can regularly be seen October through March in the northern half of Norway, with the cosmic performance growing more vivid and dramatic the farther north you go and the deeper the winter darkness. Yes, it’s a haul getting up north by boat, rail, plane, or car, and you’re at the mercy of the weather, but you’ll find this a worthwhile life experience, as photos hardly compare. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/norway/northern-lights-norway-1248230825.jpg" alt="A man gazes up at the northern lights over Bleik Beach, Lofton Islands, Norway." /> <figcaption>The northern lights over Bleik Beach, Lofton Islands. Image credit: Getty Images / Juan Maria Coy Vergara</figcaption></figure> Sailing up the coast on an expedition cruise (or aboard a commuter ferry) gets you into fjord areas only accessible by ship and offers great viewing opportunities (but lousy photography due to the ship’s motion). <h2 id="dark">3. Embrace Norway’s dark side: nordic Noir and Black Metal in the blue light</h2> “Don’t you get depressed when it’s dark 23 hours a day in winter?” I asked a resident in a small village deep in the Arctic Circle. “Only if you have a bad attitude,” he answered, “I think our ‘blue light’ is beautiful!” Norway is more than just summertime scenes of statuesque blondes posing atop unspoiled fjords bathed in sunshine. Long winters, rough seas, and rougher port towns harkening back to the Viking era have created a certain national attraction to darkness. You can see this in Norway’s popular hardcore “Black Metal” music scene, and its bleak but best-selling ultraviolent “Nordic Noir” genre of fiction such as Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole series. Expand your Norwegian horizons by exploring Norway’s dark side, with a winter visit to appreciate the blue twilight atmosphere, best accented with a live metal show in Oslo or Trondheim, a Harry Hole walking tour in Oslo (at night, of course), a visit to Oslo’s Black Metal Museum or Trondheim’s Rockheim metal music exhibits. <h2 id="food">4. There’s more to Norwegian food than herring (but still lots of herring!)</h2> With its extensive coastline and huge fishing industry, Norway’s seafood is plentiful and popular, with none more ubiquitous than the humble herring. I’ve had it dried, smoked, grilled, fried and pickled, in stews, salads, sandwiches, and sauces. You can’t help but try the “silver of the sea!” But in recent years, Norwegian dining has expanded far beyond traditional fish and bread fare. Eleven Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway showcase innovative Nordic cuisine with locally foraged ingredients, and more diverse ethnic fusion entrees. For full Norwegian immersion, take a pinch of the popular snus chewing tobacco and a shot of herb-infused Aquavit spirits and you’ll earn the respect (or at least some laughter) from locals. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/norway/bergen-fish-market-getty-529399517.jpg" alt="A customer stands at the fish market counter in Bergen, Norway" /> <figcaption>Herring and more for sale at the fish market in Bergen. Image credit: Getty Images / Holger Leue</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="expensive">5. Norway is expensive, but can be manageable</h2> Norway is infamous as one of the most expensive destinations in the world, and yes, a beer in a bar runs US $10, a standard restaurant meal for two well over US $100, with some of the most expensive lodging in Europe, and even pricey public transit. But don’t despair – it’s still possible to enjoy a fairly affordable visit. First, look for the freebies. Go for a hike in nature, a walk around town, use free bike rental from hotels, or visit some of the many free (or admission-free days) at museums and sculpture gardens. Camping is free and popular, so long as you’re 490ft (150m) from the nearest habitation, so bring a tent. Take advantage of reduced-price ticket deals, such as the <a href="https://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/">Oslo Pass</a>, which offers unlimited public transit rides, free entrance to museums, and restaurant discounts. Look for “Minipris” bargain ticket deals on the often-expensive Vy distance rail lines. Shop for food (and alcohol) in supermarkets, where cheaper generic brands provide some good deals for picnicking, camping, and vacation rentals. Note that Norway uses the Kroner, not Euros. The US dollar is stronger against the Kroner than it was about a decade ago (about 10 Kroner/dollar in January 2023), so it’s relatively cheaper than it has been historically. <h2 id="autumn">6. Autumn is a great time to visit Norway</h2> Summer is spectacular in Norway, with long sunny days and a general euphoria sweeping the nation with plenty of festivals and fun. However, everyone knows this and flocks to the country, resulting in higher prices, crowded tourist spots and some closings of restaurants or shops, as many locals travel during summer as well. If you’re looking for more peaceful travels with still-awesome scenery and reasonable weather, try a visit to Norway in the late August to early November timeframe. You’ll be able to see incredible fall foliage, enjoy crisp mountain air, and experience some nice harvest festivals without the crowds and high prices of summer. Note that weather becomes more variable in fall, so bring your rain gear and warm layers, and allow for some flexibility. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/norway/fall-colors-getty-1087003606.jpg" alt="Fall colors along the coastal highway near Innhavet in the Nordland region of Norway." /> <figcaption>Fall colors along the coastal highway near Innhavet in the Nordland region. Image credit: Getty Images / Roverto Moiloa/Sysaworld</figcaption></figure>Getty Images / Glenn Pettersen 11072713476 Getty Images A snowboarder looks down over the sea from a snowy peak in the Lofton Islands, Norway.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/trekking-hadrians-wall-in-winterThis ancient Roman fortification stretches across northern England – and walking the length of it in the off season is challenging, exhilarating, and free of crowds.2020-11-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/trekking-hadrians-wall-in-winterhttps://www.worldnomads.comLet me be honest first up: walking the Hadrian’s Wall path across England in winter is not for the faint-hearted. During the spring and summer walking season, the days are long, allowing for a leisurely pace, and the myriad picturesque villages and pubs that dot the 80mi (129km) route are open to welcome throngs of hungry, thirsty hikers. Winter is a different story. In March of 2020, as COVID-19 began to rage, we decided to flee the madding crowd and walk the Wall in what turned out to be one of the wettest <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/united-kingdom/snow-and-ice-driving-tips">English winters</a> on record. We hiked more than 15mi (24km) each day, sometimes in 50mph (80kph) winds, through rain and sleet, and ended up ankle-deep in icy mud more often than I care to remember. We ate our lunch on the hoof – you can’t stop and have a romantic picnic in mud – and I learned a few new skills out of necessity (not one public loo in the handful of villages we passed through were unlocked for out-of-season hikers.) It was, without doubt, one of the most physically challenging things I’ve done – as well as one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable. <ul> <li><a href="#wind">Walk with the wind</a></li> <li><a href="#romans">Hadrian’s Wall, a relic of the mighty Romans</a></li> <li><a href="#stay">Where to stay along the route</a></li> <li><a href="#tynemouth">Dinner by moonlight in Tynemouth</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wind">Walk with the wind</h2> We decide to start on the west coast in Bowness-on-Solway and walk east, which means we are walking with the wind, not against it – and what a relief that turns out to be. Thankfully, we are also properly equipped with water-proof trousers, jackets, and boots, and I cannot stress enough the importance of <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/essential-hiking-safety-kit">good kit</a>. The path is maintained by English Heritage (signposts are marked by a white acorn), and takes us through stone stiles, a gazillion kissing gates, over small wooden ladders, and across stepping-stones through small creeks and flooded paddocks. We encounter quizzical sheep, a sky full of scudding clouds, and weather that changes from bright to stormy in a minute. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/hadrian-signpost.jpg" alt="A signpost along the Hadrian's Wall path in England." /> <figcaption>The author on day two of the trek. Photo credit: Paola Totaro</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="romans">Hadrian’s Wall, a relic of the mighty Romans</h2> There are areas where the view of the valleys strips our breath away, and the sheer might of the Roman Empire is visible as we see the Wall stretch out into the horizon, like a dinosaur spine hugging the hills and crags. The descent down steep stone steps to the incredibly photogenic Sycamore Gap and the climb back up is a favorite, as is the Birdoswald Roman Fort perched high above the River Irthing. Trekking along the river bend, through woodland and moss-covered logs, is beautiful in winter, but must be paradise in the warmer months. The fort itself is an intriguing stop: it once housed up to 1,000 soldiers at a time, and its perimeters offer a glimpse of just how immense the whole venture was. The Emperor Hadrian ordered the Wall’s construction in 122AD. It took an estimated 24 million stones and 30,000 legionnaires some seven years to build, and became the most heavily fortified border anywhere in the Roman Empire. Archaeologists now believe that the wall was originally 10ft (3m) wide and between 16-20ft (5-6m) high, with a parapet on top. There is some evidence, too, that it was painted white, making its presence even more imposing in the hilly, verdant Northumberland landscape. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/hadrian-dinosaur-spines.jpg" alt="Hadrian's Wall undulates across the top of hills in England." /> <figcaption>The Wall, looking like a dinosaur spine hugging the hills. Photo credit: Paola Totaro</figcaption></figure> It seems incredible that this heart-stopping wonder of the ancient Roman world was pretty much forgotten for centuries – and could have disappeared entirely as farmers plundered its stones, taking it to build homes, churches, drystone walls, and even a road during the Jacobite rebellion. It wasn’t until the 19th century, when a local landowner, John Clayton, lobbied for its protection, and spent years and much of his wealth buying land that ran its length, that it was truly valued. Today, it has UNESCO World Heritage status and is a National Trail. <h2 id="stay">Where to stay along the route</h2> We choose to stay overnight in the old Roman city of Carlisle in Cumbria; in Lanercost, near a crumbling and evocative priory constructed of Roman stone; in the wonderfully named Twice Brewed village (signposted as Once Brewed if you arrive from the east) which leads to the most exhilarating parts of the wall walk; and in Humshaugh before finishing the walk in Corbridge in Northumberland. All our hosts are warm and welcoming, cook up a storm for breakfast, and provide a packed lunch for a small additional cost. <h2 id="tynemouth">Dinner by moonlight in Tynemouth</h2> The final, paved section through Newcastle, where the Wall is no longer visible, is a part of the usual itinerary, but we decide to skip it and take a train to the little seaside village of Tynemouth for our last night. Here, we clamber down 100 or so stairs to a surf beach by moonlight, and eat the most delectable, freshly caught chargrill fish dinner in an old sea container-turned-eatery that started as a pop-up and has become a beacon for foodies. It attracts queues a mile long in summer, but in winter, we get a seat (and a blanket) almost immediately, sit in front of our own tiny woodfire, and eat and drink like Viking kings. If you walk the Wall in spring and summer, you will have much more choice of accommodation, eateries, and pubs, but in a world ravaged by the coronavirus, the off-season solitude is blissful, and the one couple we cross paths with waves happily from afar. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/hadrian-sheep.jpg" alt="A flock of curious sheep greet a hiker on the Hadrian's Wall path." /> <figcaption>Curious sheep greet the author along the path. Photo credit: Paola Totaro</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>How to get there</h3> Direct flights are available to Newcastle or you can travel by train from London. <h3>Planning the trip</h3> Mickledore specializes in self-guided walking holidays and cycling trips for independent travelers. It booked our B&Bs, organized the pick-up of luggage each day, and provided our fantastic Cicerone guidebook and maps <h3>What to pack and wear</h3> Make sure your hiking boots are well broken in, and that jacket and trousers are both waterproof and windproof. A hat, gloves, and light, moisture-proof layers are helpful, as hiking long distances keeps you warm, but in winter, temperatures drop quickly, too. A light backpack containing water, high-energy snacks, and a battery phone charger were useful as well.Paola Totaro 0 Paola Totaro A hiker on the Hadrian's Wall path in Northern England.

What It's Like to Travel With an Autoimmune Diseasehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/never-give-upWhat It's Like to Travel With an Autoimmune DiseaseWed, 12 Aug 2020 23:56:03 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/never-give-uphttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/scotlands-wild-orkney-islandsDuring the chilly winter months, crowds are few and the welcome is warm on this historic archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland.2020-02-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/scotlands-wild-orkney-islandshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#stromness">A windy welcome to Stromness</a></li> <li><a href="#skara">A dose of history in Skara Brae</a></li> <li><a href="#hoy">Hiking and hoofed friends on Hoy </a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> </ul> In terms of ice-clad ruggedness, the Northern Isles of Scotland are the stuff of legend. The first cliffs you meet in this series of windswept settlements belong to Orkney, about 10mi (16km) off the northeast coast of Scotland. This glorious archipelago has an intriguing history and spectacular vistas to rival any imaginary kingdom of lore. I’m venturing to this chilly paradise with a ragtag group of friends and former Orkney locals in the <a href="/explore/travel-the-winter-collection">depths of winter</a>, having just left behind a sparkling London Christmas and a wild Edinburgh New Year’s Eve. As we’re buffeted across the strait on the 90-minute ferry crossing from Scrabster, the charm of secluded village life and the appeal of more remote adventures on the windy moors grows stronger. <h2 id="stromness">A windy welcome to Stromness</h2> There’s a romanticism to haphazardly cobbled streets, twisting and turning to undiscovered fates. But that charm quickly diminishes when we try to <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/united-kingdom/snow-and-ice-driving-tips">navigate our rented minivan along the narrow lanes</a> that pass for main roads here. Nonetheless, Stromness on Mainland Orkney is as endearingly Scottish as expected, with 95mph (152kph) wind gusts that can almost keep a limp body standing, and winding stone staircases leading to cozy, wood-paneled pubs. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/scotland/orkney-stromness.jpg" /><figcaption>The charming streets of Stromness. Image credit: Getty Images / font83</figcaption></figure> The town’s star is undoubtedly Gunner, a rowdy local we meet in the Royal Hotel Stromness. While I’m not entirely sure if that’s his real name (our conversation is fueled by beer), he did demonstrate that he can down a pint of Guinness in four seconds. Despite the loss of an eye, a foot, and a testicle to diabetes, he has a magnetic personality, and makes our group feel like part of the tiny pub party as we feast on pot pies and bangers and mash. It’s a cracking first night. <h2 id="skara">A dose of history in Skara Brae</h2> Luckily for our waistlines, there’s plenty more to Orkney than a hearty meal. Long before Mount Vesuvius erupted and froze Pompeii in time, and even earlier than the mysterious construction of Stonehenge, the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae was built on the west coast of Mainland. On our visit to the World Heritage site, perched on the Bay of Skaill, we’re pulled through 5,000 years of history to meet the people who lived in the cluster of eight stone houses, sunk into the earth for protection against Orkney’s harsh elements. It’s an otherworldly experience strolling around the village, imagining the architects behind the magnificently preserved dwellings full of stone cupboards and seats, especially with only a few other travelers braving the winter wind to witness history. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/scotland/orkney-skara-brae-group.jpg" /><figcaption>Our group at Skara Brae. Image credit: Aidan Henson</figcaption></figure> Lunch calls us to nearby Kirkwall, Orkney’s largest town, where we stumble upon more modern cultural artefacts. Wooden slats are nailed over the town’s windows and shopfronts – an ex-Orkney resident in our group explains this is remnants of The Ba’. This mass football game, which is thought to have originated in Orkney at least 300 years ago, sees households and shop owners barricade their doors and windows in preparation for the rambunctious, town-wide affair, still played throughout the city streets and alleys every Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. While we only gaze at the aftermath, more timely visitors can watch the giant rugby scrum of family-based factions – the Uppies and Doonies – rough and tumble to retrieve the cork-filled leather ba’ and race it to their respective goals at the south end of town and, shockingly, into the freezing water of Kirkwall Bay. <h2 id="hoy">Hiking and hoofed friends on Hoy</h2> Our final Orkney excursion is a day trip to Hoy. In classic Scot style, we arrive on the island in morning darkness and drizzle. Our stern ferry captain yells through the sleet that he won’t be returning to this port – we’ll have to trudge over 13mi (21km) south to a more sheltered bay if we hope to meet the return ferry to Stromness in the evening. But as stubborn amateur hikers with (currently) dry socks, we’re adamant we’ll make it there after walking our intended route to the remote hamlet of Rackwick, where we planned to cook sausages like grizzled adventurers in the postcard-perfect bothy (a stone hut freely open to the public). We certainly aren’t disappointed by the journey there. The island is spectacularly varied, with mountainous moorlands butting up against craggy ocean cliffs that present climbing challenges for more seasoned explorers. But thanks to the gloomy weather, the only souls we encounter are spirited Shetland ponies roaming freely in the grass fields. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/scotland/orkney-rackwick.jpg" /><figcaption>Rackwick Beach on Hoy. Image credit: Aidan Henson</figcaption></figure> Despite sinking into knee-deep puddles and getting creative with a pocketknife to enter the bothy (always check opening hours in the off season), we complete the 5mi (8km) trek. But it wouldn’t be Orkney without a proper test by fearsome Viking weather gods: the storm rolls in at full force while we broil our sausages over the fireplace. I’m bracing myself for a freezing night’s sleep on a stone pallet when one of our crew spots headlights. Praise Odin! Our savior, who we learn is named Philip, and his dog Maxwell, just so happen to be heading for the ferry back to Stromness after working on their holiday home which, like most residences this side of the island, is unoccupied in the dead of winter. We bundle into the truck, perched on a stack of firewood, and make it safely back to the village. Cheers to our new mate Phil. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.directferries.com.au/ferries_from_scotland_to_orkney_islands.htm">Ferries to Orkney</a> depart from Scrabster and Gills Bay in the north, and Aberdeen further south. Renting a car will help reduce weather-related delays, but the journey and some travel around the archipelago is doable via public transport.</li> <li>In the darkest days of winter, sunrise is at around 8am, and the glow settles into night before 5pm, with an average maximum January temperature of 43°F (6°C). Plan your movements and clothing layers carefully.</li> <li>Accommodation on Orkney is well-worn but well-loved. You’ll likely be staying in rented cottages, B&Bs, and hotel rooms above pubs, rather than swish modern digs.</li> </ul>Getty Images / Alan Majchrowicz 1136936676 Getty Images / Alan Majchrowicz The Old Man of Hoy, a sea stack in the Orkney Archipelago.

Video: Discovering Sauna Etiquette in the Balticshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/sauna-etiquette-in-the-balticsVideo: Discovering Sauna Etiquette in the BalticsThu, 12 Dec 2019 18:40:22 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/sauna-etiquette-in-the-balticshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/the-world-nomads-podcast-irelandIn this episode, we explore Ireland, known for its dynamic music scene, quirky characters, love of Guinness, rolling green hills and a unique sense of fun known as the craic.2019-11-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/the-world-nomads-podcast-irelandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>The World Nomads Podcast: Ireland</h2> Ireland is famous for its music, Guinness, green rolling hills, cliffs and castles, and men beating each other with sticks in the ancient game of hurling. This country has something for everyone including a county that sees itself as a separate entity even campaigning for its own passport. <h2>What’s in the episode</h2> 00:33 Why a nomad would want to visit Ireland 01:19 Threatened by a hurricane 04:10 Sheltering in a pub 06:44 Introducing the Global Hobos 08:36 A pub crawl in Dublin 10:55 Having a head of a head 12:25 Calling Cork 17:00 Music scene 19:58 Travel News 23:00 Why Americans love Ireland 26:14 Checking out the Cliffs of Moher 29:15 Explaining Gaelic football 34:38 Our podcast milestone 37:54 Next week <h2>Quotes from the episode</h2> "It was a hurricane party. Just like in typical Irish fashion." - Jarryd "When we went to the brewery in the Guinness factory, you can get your face printed onto the head of a Guinness. Nothing speaks more about Ireland to me than actually drinking a Guinness with your mug plastered on the top of it." - David "The best way to summarize the Cork accent I think is, we sound like a hummingbird on crack." - Mark "The very first time I visited it was super windy. The second time I visited it was like sunny and beautiful. And then the third time again it was like wind, rain, maybe a little sleet thrown in even though it was June." - Amanda "Hurling is rough. It is a seriously dangerous sport." - Ronan <h2>Who is in the episode</h2> Jarryd Salem is one half of NOMADasaurus, Australia’s biggest adventure travel blog. Jarryd and partner Alesha Bradford are award-winning travel writers and photographers. Check out their ultimate Ireland road trip <a href="https://www.nomadasaurus.com/ireland-road-trip-itinerary/">here</a>. David Bezear is also a travel blogger. Together with his wife Tanya they created <a href="https://www.theglobalhobos.com/">Global Hobos</a>, “…taking you on our journey to discover an extraordinary life. With very little financial security we have set off to discover what life is all about, and in doing so, we are hoping to inspire others to make the jump.” <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/podcast/headonahead.jpg" /> <figcaption> David’s ‘head on a head’ at the Stonehouse Brewery in Dublin.</figcaption></figure> Amanda Williams runs <a href="https://www.dangerous-business.com/about-2/">Dangerous Business</a> and spoke to us about her site and trip to Ireland visiting the <a href="https://www.dangerous-business.com/photos-cliffs-moher/">Cliffs of Moher</a>. Amanda also a suggested itinerary for road tripping in Ireland <a href="https://www.dangerous-business.com/10-day-ireland-road-trip-itinerary/">here</a>. Ronan O’Connell is a journalist and photographer with 16 years' experience as a reporter. His travel writing and photography work has taken him to more than 60 countries. Read his story on Gaelic sport <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/northern-europe/ireland/learning-gaelic-sports-in-ireland">here</a>. Mark Allen is a Customer Service Consultant at World Nomads office in Cork. Mark is an avid traveler and has lived in Spain, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Vietnam. However, he says people get so caught up in traveling the world that they often forget to explore their own country. “Cork is a wonderfully charming city and I would encourage travelers around the world to survey their own localities.”  <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/podcast/corkteam.jpg" /> <figcaption>Our Cork team with Mark front and center.</figcaption></figure> Mark has his own podcast called <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3Jzcy5jYXN0Ym94LmZtL2V2ZXJlc3QvZTVjZmE5MWYxMzRlNDYwNmJhZDA0YjYyM2E1ZDAxNjAueG1s&hl=en-AU">3BTS</a> (3 Biys Talking shite) …best friends trying to solve the world’s problems.  We took your suggestions from our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldnomadspodcast/?ref=bookmarks">Facebook group</a> and compiled a <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WXZ86WWA0m4ojgcgXD1N1?si=CCjMqFv3SVWHTpAGo2AS7w">Spotify</a> playlist of YOUR favorite Irish songs. Want to Republish This Episode <iframe src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/462654?theme=light" height="190" width="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay"></iframe> Next Episode: Francis Tapon About World Nomads & the Podcast Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">World Nomads</a> is a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent, volunteer and student travelers traveling and studying most anywhere in the world. Our online global travel insurance covers travelers from more than 135 countries and allows you to buy and claim online, 24/7, even while already traveling. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. You can get in touch with us by emailing <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a>. <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> Phil Sylvester: Guinness beer. There now I have your attention. Yes, we are talking about Ireland. The Emerald Isle, because of its lush greenery and rolling hills sports are huge and contrary to popular belief, only about 9% of people in Ireland have natural red hair. Can we check that statistic, please? So why would a nomad travel there? Speaker 2: Welcome to the World Nomads podcast delivered by World Nomads, the travel, lifestyle and insurance brand. It's not your usual travel podcast. It's everything for the adventurous independent traveler. Kim Napier: Hi, it's Kim and Phil with you exploring our latest destination Ireland. And why, Phil would a nomad want to travel to Ireland? Phil Sylvester: Good question, Kim. Kim Napier: Because well you asked it, so therefore it is a good question because not only does it have history, a dynamic cultural and music scene and landscapes that take your breath away, it has the crack, which basically means news, gossip, fun entertainment conversation, banter, hilarity, all rolled into one. Phil Sylvester: And there'll be plenty of that in this episode as we hit off on a pub tour of Ireland, learn about the quirky characters of Cork and celebrate a podcast milestone with some crack of our own. Kim Napier: Let's get into it with a friend of the podcast, Jarryd, from NOMADasaurus, and look, I feel this could only happen to him and partner Alicia caught in a hurricane in Ireland. Jarryd : Such is our luck, right? You know, we were in Ireland to speak at a conference and afterward like, oh, we might as well just hang out. He had never been to Ireland. It was a place that Alicia was desperate to go visit. So we're there and it was getting close to winter and at last go, let's just rent a cabin van and drive around and had a great time cruising around, exploring some really interesting parts of the country and then... Kim Napier: So perfect for an RV kind of experience? Jarryd : Look, I think Ireland for a road trip is just absolutely perfect. Kim Napier: Cool. Jarryd : I mean, a lot of countries are great for road trips, some are better for public transport and just kind of visiting the highlights. But Ireland for sure. You get a camp event or a car and cruised around because there are so many little peninsulas you can go and check out and the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara and the Dingo peninsula's great slave leaders heaps of places, right? Jarryd : And we went for campervan because we love camper van travel. Yeah, we've done that in Canada and New Zealand, Australia, and we were having a great time. And then we get word, we actually got a text message from the camper van company. It's like, oh, just a heads up. There's a hurricane coming your way. Say what? Yeah, a hurricane. I didn't even know Ireland got hurricanes. Apparently it was the first one in eighty years or something. Yeah, the text message is like, whatever you do, you make sure you're not anywhere near the Wild Atlantic Way. And of course we are like smack bang in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way. And we're like, whoa, what the hell do we do now? We can't just leave here because we've only got halfway through. There's still so many places to go. And we're like, ah, it shouldn't be, it shouldn't be too bad. Jarryd : Right. So we start chatting to some Irish people about it, Irish, nothing kind of perplexes them. And they just laugh, don't worry about it, it's going to be sweet. You know, like it'll, it'll pass. Nothing will come. So I'm like, all right, we'll just take their word for it. You know, we're ignoring all the weather warnings and the camper van company messaging. I'll make sure they don't screw up our camper with this hurricane, we were like no we're all right, we're all right. Jarryd : So we find ourselves in this little town called Lahinch, I think, or Lenichl? Beautiful little coastal surf town. And the hurricane's coming, everything's starting to be boarded up and wow, I don't know what we're going to do. We drive past the caravan park and we call up our old mate right from the caravan park and it's closed. And he's like, oh look, there's a hurricane coming. I'll tell you what, I'll give you the code for the place and cruise on in. Just park out. You don't have to pay anything. But yeah, you, you better try and get out of this hurricane. So we do that. We spend the night, hurricane doesn't come. Went into town to get some breakfast and people are like, what are you doing here? You need to get out like it's coming at 11 o'clock. Kim Napier: So it was a slow hurricane. Jarryd : It was a very slow hurricane it probably had a big night on the Guinness and not before. Yeah. [crosstalk] So yeah, we ended up just jumping in the camper van and hitting inland and we ended up in this tiny little town called Ennis, typical Irish village, just beautiful old pubs and nice tree-lined streets. And we had this camper van and we couldn't just park up in one of the, like all the car parks they'd like, no camping and whatever. So we ended up driving around. We found this really, really fancy hotel that we definitely could not afford. Was living in a camper van. So we just like kind of snuck into the hotel, found the loading zone and we found a semi-trailer was parked up and a little bit of a gap in between where the semi-trailer was and this wall, this old stone wall. So we just nudged our camper van in there and figured, well we got protection now from if this hurricane actually hits, hopefully nothing will collapse on us and we'll be sweet. Jarryd : And then only things open supermarket and the pub. Well, Supermarkets are kind of boring to hang out in. So we ended up in the pub along with every single person from Ennis. Kim Napier: That's where you go when a hurricane's about to hit. Jarryd : It was a hurricane party. Just like in typical Irish fashion. There was a fiddle band playing and everyone was down there and everyone was celebrating the fact that he didn't have to go to work cause everything was closed and the hurricane was happening. And sure enough rain started hitting pretty hard and the winds picked up. But the town Marion, and it's nothing was too crazy there. But I think Galway got hit pretty bad, I think Cork, and Ennis was fine. And this party just kicked off at about mid day six o'clock. Aaron was just absolutely hammered. We're all singing and dancing. Kim Napier: So Irish! Jarryd : Yeah, and the hurricane passes because no one wants to leave the pub at this point cause everyone's sloshed and so everything's clear and the roads are open again and everyone's not. Jarryd : You got stick there to the pub and we couldn't leave everyone every time we tried to like get up and walk back to the hotel, we can't pay. People kept buying his drinks and we're the only tourists in this town. Kim Napier: That's fabulous, what a great story. And did the hotel caught onto the fact that you use the loading zone for your... Jarryd : Oh they must've picked up on it, but I think they were kind of chill about it. Phil Sylvester: When that's happening though, that's fair enough. Kim Napier: So the first hurricane in 80 years and you're caught in it. What a great story and memory it was. Jarryd : It was a lot of fun. I'm glad we were there for her, that's for sure. Kim Napier: What do you love about Ireland? Jarryd : People. It has to be the people, right? Ireland is a nation of great storytellers. It's the only place I've been where you can get chatting to someone about their changing the light bulb in their grandma's lamp and it's the best story you've ever heard. Jarryd : You know, like they can just talk for hours and hours and hours and make any mundane things sound absolutely amazing and hilarious. So we just love traveling around and hanging out with Irish people and just listening to them talk and drink and meeting them on hikes and like hanging out with them like the people there are just amazing. But then, of course, the coastline is absolutely beautiful. Speaker 5: Yes spectacular. Jarryd : The Wild Atlantic Way is like next-level gorgeous. The Viking history you get around Waterford's quite interesting as well if you're into that kind of stuff. I just loved Ireland we're can't wait to go back. Kim Napier: You have sold me Jarryd , a link to NOMADasaurus in show notes. Well Tanya and David are known as the global hobos, the nine to five world zapping them of life. They set off to discover what life is actually all about without any financial security really. And in doing so, they hope to inspire others to make the jump. And of course among their travels they've been to Ireland and David tells us about it. David: We arrived in Dublin. We haven't got a long time in Dublin cause we're heading up to Northern Ireland. So we thought how best to spend our time to get to know the city, begin to understand the culture. So first thing we did, we set off to the Leprechaun Museum, then onto Stone House, which is the brewery for Guinness and finally finished off at Temple Bar, which is probably the world famous bar in Dublin. And the only problem with that is according to the guy that took us on a four-hour walking tour around Dublin. Now probably the last three things that you should do to get a feel for Dublin in Ireland. We'd basically done the tourist Mecca of, of Dublin and learned nothing about the culture, but he also offered a 20 Euro pub tour. And so we thought, okay, all right, he's talking about this. David: But I think Ireland's more about sharing stories or as they say having a crack. So we took him up on his pub tour and the whole thing changed. You know, we got, we got our way from the history and we've got to the roots of what Ireland's all about. When we moved to Galway, Galway is a very unique city. It's a city of music. It's a city of pubs. It's a university city. It's got an amazing, I went to say nightlife because the place is just, it's got a real festive spirit to it. When you walk through all the streets the pubs are open, there's music, there's buskers everywhere. So we thought it only right that we create a pub crawl. We picked five pubs. We thought we could do two pints at each pub. The third pub we saw side was our [inaudible] and this was a great little pub, this is considered to have the best Guinness outside of the Stone House in Dublin. David: It's a little [inaudible 00:08:54]. It used to be a grocery store and now it's beautifully decked out. All the bartenders have vests on and ties. They're really well dressed well like anything, there's lots of locals. There's a mixture of locals and tourists that just flit in, flick out, but you go out the back and this big garden, the biggest big garden in the world, I'm sure of it. But it's like an old market place and it just keeps going and going and going from this little storefront. The big garden just opens up if you don't know about it you'd never go in, you'd never find it. Kim Napier: All right, put that on the list. David: Put that on the list. The other one, you can't miss it's the last pub we went to is called the Crane and it's just a nondescript building. It's just a white building and there's no flags. There's no leprechauns there's no best pub in town and the streets were empty. There was nothing going on. This was probably about 10:30 11 o'clock at night, we said, oh, it's Monday night, maybe it's closed. And we walked in and there's about 70 people there. They're all sitting down, there are about 15 musicians playing in the corner. The place is just pumping. They weren't a band there were individual musicians. Just jamming and no one was talking. Everyone was just enjoying the music, watching them, engaging with the musicians, drinking Guinness and gin and coffee, whatever they get from that pub crawl we did in Dublin. This was the essence of Ireland. It's just amazing. It's what you, if you, if you picture Ireland apart from the grandeur of its landscapes and its cliffs and it's many fables and leprechauns and so forth. This is the true Ireland. David: This is when you, go to Ireland and you have to make point of finding locals, find those little bars that don't have all the facade that don't have all the flags and everything. I have to tell you one quick story about what really made Ireland and I was quite happy to settle on it and go, yeah, I'm done. David: When we went to the brewery in the Guinness factory, you can get your face printed onto the head of a Guinness. Nothing speaks more about Ireland to me than actually drinking a Guinness with your mug plastered on the top of it. It's quite interesting how they do it. They just take this photo, they pour a Guinness off the tap, they stick it in this machine and it just prints this perfect photo across the head of the beer. Now if you drink Guinness correctly, this head actually holds its form all the way down to the glass until eventually the bottom and it just dissolves. Part of the art of having a Guinness is watching it being poured and settling and that's why when you're sitting in a bar and they pull you the beer, you sit there and have a chat because you're not going to get your beer straight away. Having a head on the head. As much as the history is important and we can't forget the troubles, ah, there, that's Ireland really. Kim Napier: I linked to the Global Hobos in show notes. Thanks for that. And a pic of David's head on a head. Phil Sylvester: We fade from a capital of Australia. It's so foreign. It's no surprises, both countries are quite closely linked. The first Irish convicts arrived in Australia as part of the first fleet in the 1700's like cousins and [inaudible] even has an office in Cork. So we caught up with Mark to find out why Cork sees itself as separate to the rest of Ireland. Mark: Cork absolutely thinks it's different from the rest of Ireland we had the people's Republic of Cork. This is such a chosen title that we've given to our humble little County. Actually no, we're far from humble. I think we're more like charming in describing the words. So to best describe Cork and what makes us so different to the rest of the counties is basically the character sets when it's lightest, they're overwhelmingly friendliness, does compensate for the often underwhelmingly awful climate that we unfortunately have in the center of Ireland. What really kind of sums all this up for what Cork is is that back in 2013 we actually tried to obtain our own passports, despite being past of the Republic of Ireland. It was launched by the tourism board here and we started issuing passports. Just anyone from Cork, cause that's how proud we are about its locality and a wonderful city, and if that doesn't really sum up appropriately [inaudible] I don't know what does. Kim Napier: Well you're about to share with us your thoughts on Cork, the anecdotes and characters. I have said, well no, actually I didn't feel Mark did. He said that he will slow down at any point that we don't understand, it is an international audience. Mark: It's a difficult accent, a different accent, maybe a bit overly musical. The best way to summarize the Cork accent I think is we sounded like a hummingbird on crack. It's absolutely outrageous. It really is. I really, I have toned it down as best I could. The most wonderful viewpoints in Cork city but I want to try to tell everyone that goes is the top of Patrick's Hill. Patrick's Hill is the second biggest hill in a city in Europe. I heard that fact from a reliable source, an old elderly man in Nepal, so maybe you want to research that one possibly, but I haven't...not all facts can be Googled. Mark: They just got to rely on the locals, which is the most nomadic way of traveling is relying on the locals on their information and trusting them. And then at the Top of Patrick's Hill you get a wonderful view of Clark city and it's right near local hostel a brew hostel or whatever a lovely blend of international and locals in there. And if I could have one word to summarize and kind of complete, what is the feeling I get from Cork, it would be cozy. I think Cork is a very cozy city with cozy warm characters cause we'll never live up to the expectation of metropolis and North America the aesthetic postcard that is Southeast Asia. We're just a cozy city. We do love it here. I want people to come to visit for all this area. It's just to speak them as much as we can. Kim Napier: Tell us about some of the characters. Mark: There's actually some famous people from Cork that you would know and some that you might not know. So from an international perspective, you would guess Killian Murphy, he played Thomas Shelby in Peaky blinders and [inaudible] Peaky Blinders. Mark: If we have time, can I give you a little anecdote about the music history of Cork? Phil Sylvester: Yes, please. Mark: So the music scene in Cork is historic and it died for awhile in the mid-nineties but it's finally rejuvenating. So I want to go back to a year, I wasn't even born back then, but back in 1988 there was a club called Sir Henry's and this was a small rock club that slowly grew and became something much, much more. And it kind of encapsulated the soul of the city of the eighties and early nineties. It had a capacity for 400 people and [inaudible 00:17:38], if you know played there, Sonic Youth were actually supported by Nirvana in 1991 that's our biggest claim to fame. That Kurt Cobain was there in '91 playing to a crowd of 400 but if you ask local Corkonians if they were there, they're all going to say yes. So it has a capacity of 400 and 35,000 people were at that gig including my stepfather. So what you do is you got to ask them, have they got the ticket still? And my stepfather says he has but, I haven't actually seen it. Mark: So that's the big one, their final was in Cork and then this club got taken over by a new owner and the Rave scene came to Clark and the Rave was huge in the 90s and this went on for three or four years. Some of the biggest DJs came to Cork with renowned almost as big as Berlin. That's what scenery was to Europe in the early nineties and then it eventually closed down and the music scene died in Cork City. And over the last two or three years, we're finally seeing it come back in the way of small artsy acoustic arenas. Mark: So two churches have been renovated St.Luke's and [inaudible] have played there at Northern Irish artist called Silk. I think it's amazing that, I mean Ireland is not the same as it was 20 years ago. It's not the Catholic Christian country it was, it's still it dwells within us, but the fact that we can now, renovate a church from a spiritual home to now the home of the bring your own bottle, a music venue and it speaks volumes about how much we've transformed over the last few years and for any travelers and nomads to come to Cork, the music scene is the main reason you got to come here and it's absolutely it's getting better and better. Kim Napier: Why don't you come to Australia? We would love to have you in our office. Mark: It would be a dream come true guys. Honestly, I'd love to come to Australia at some stage and have a crack off. Kim Napier: Thank you, Mark. He's a character. Doesn't he just sum up what an Irish person is all about? Phil Sylvester: When you can understand him. Kim Napier: Yes. We have created our own Spotify playlist of Irish songs as suggested by travelers in our Facebook group. Just search for the World Nomads podcast on Facebook to join that and we'll have a link to the playlist in show notes. Still to come some crack of our own as we celebrate a podcast milestone, but film travel news. Phil Sylvester: Okay. Why we can't have nice things. Episode 342 taking photos of Geishas in Kyoto in Japan has been banned by local authorities because of people chasing them down the street to take a selfie. Oh, come on. Anyway, if you get caught doing it, 10,000 yen, fine, it's about a hundred American dollars. Look, I know we're about the experiences rather than the sights, but if you go to New York, you've been in New York? Kim Napier: I haven't been to New York. Phil Sylvester: You have to do the Empire State building. All right. It's what. .. Kim Napier: Heights, heights, it's a height issue. Phil Sylvester: You're in a building. Kim Napier: Yes still. Phil Sylvester: Look, the observation deck that you know the outside one is on the 86th floor, but there's another viewing platform that's on the top floor, which is the 102nd floor, but it's just undergone a massive renovation. They spent hundreds of millions of dollars doing it up. It's got a new sort of historical aspect about the building of the Empire State building, which was the first skyscraper over a hundred floors in the world and it's all, it's about to turn 90. Kim Napier: It's a beautiful building. Phil Sylvester: It is a beautiful building and on the 102nd floor they've removed all the internal columns. So while you're there you can get a 360 degree view of New York. Kim Napier: Thanks so much for that, Phil. Amanda is a travel blogger. Now she runs a site called dangerous business, but she's different from a digital nomad. Amanda: I have a home base in Ohio, in the U.S. I live near Cleveland and when I first started blogging I had a full time job, so traveling long term wasn't even an option. And then once I did kind of decide to devote some more time to blogging, I did think maybe I would become one of those digital nomad types. But I ended up leaving on a six month round the world trip and after three months I was like, yeah, no, this is not for me. And kind of cut it short. So the life on the road is tough. Like people think you're just on vacation the entire time. But for people who are digital nomads, you're not only living abroad often in like a completely different culture than you're used to, but you're also trying to work abroad. Amanda: So you're trying to find time to work, you're trying to find good wifi, you're trying to hustle for jobs and sometimes it's just really tough. And I just was not about that hustle that was required. I'm also like one of those millennials who totally suffers from FOMO. So when I'm on the road I have a really hard time taking a break from the traveling part to actually work or relax or do any of the other necessary things you just need to do in day to day life. Kim Napier: You clearly take time away from work to travel and you've been to Ireland several times, which is why we want to pick your brains about the country. Amanda: Yes. I've been to Ireland at least three or four times now, including I celebrated a birthday in Ireland once. I've done road trips in Ireland and yeah, Ireland is a great travel destination and Americans especially really like Ireland. Kim Napier: Why do they like Ireland in particular? Amanda: For one, it's fairly easy to get to. It's a kind of safe and familiar feeling place because obviously everyone does speak English. Irish people are known for being very friendly, but most of all, I think it's because a lot of Americans have Irish ancestry, so it's just kind of natural to want to visit places where your family might may have been from. Kim Napier: We mentioned earlier in the podcast about our connection, Australia's connection with Ireland. But again, yeah, you guys do have a connection with Ireland, don't you? Amanda: Yeah, New York, Boston, a lot of the big cities on the East coast have big, big Irish populations. And then moving West, I mean pretty much every major city, you know, you had people from Ireland settling in throughout the Midwest. Kim Napier: All right, that's a good setup Phil for the chat to come when we speak with Ronan about Gaelic football and hurling. Kim Napier: Yeah. We're just wondering what, what you guys would get out of listening to us talk about guy like football, but all you're going to enjoy it. Phil Sylvester: Okay. So on the bucket list of course and everybody that goes to Ireland, they're told you must go see the Cliffs of Moher. So tell us about your experience of that. Amanda: I've actually been to the cliffs, I want to say three times now. So obviously yes, very iconic spot in Ireland and the fact that Ireland is so small, like the very first time I went to the cliffs, I did it on a day trip from Dublin. It's only about a three hour drive, like across all of Ireland from Dublin. So yeah, I've visited three times in three completely different seasons and weather conditions and Ireland is one of those places that's known for, you could have literally every type of weather within a day. Amanda: The very first time I visited it was super windy. The second time I visited it was like sunny and beautiful. And then the third time again it was like wind, rain, maybe a little sleet thrown in even though it was June. So it is a very touristy place, but it's still also a very wild place in Ireland. Phil Sylvester: I was going to ask you about that because there's like an, there's an entrance fee and there's a visitor center and stuff like that. Does that, does that detract from the experience much? Amanda: I don't think so because obviously it's just cliffs and the cliffs kind of go along the whole coast of Western Ireland or at least that part of Western Ireland. So like once you get up on the cliffs, it still feels very kind of open and wild. Amanda: And obviously again as an American, you know, going to a place like this, you are kind of struck by the fact that there aren't really any safety barriers or anything like that. So you could easily just kind of tumble over the edge if you get too close. And I feel like that makes it feel quite authentic really, because it doesn't feel super touristy once you leave the visitor center. Phil Sylvester: When we travel, we obviously like to see spectacular things. But the essence of travel is not really about ticking off sights. It's about the experience that you have while you're there. So what kind of, I mean you say you did it on a day trip. What kind of experience did you have traveling to the cliffs? Amanda: So when I went on a day trip, it was like pretty standard day trip fare. We got on a small bus and we drove from Dublin and we stopped not far from the cliffs for lunch in a pub, which was pretty cool. And then you go to the cliffs and you just have free time to kind of wander around. And the most recent time I visited, I actually went with my mom and my sister last summer. We did a girl's road trip around Ireland and the cliffs were actually the very first place we went. Like the morning we arrived in Ireland. Amanda: We went straight there and it's like the experience is at first it seems touristy like you were saying, because when you're driving and especially you drive into the parking lot and you have to pay your entry fee and your parking fee and all that, and then you walk into the visitor center. But like from there it kind of starts to seem a little bit different from a lot of other touristy places, cause the visitor center itself is kind of built into this hill. So it's not just this random building on a cliff, it's made to feel a little bit more natural. And then from there you're free to just walk along the paths on the top of the cliffs and those paths go for, there's like a coastal trail that goes along the cliffs for, I don't know, maybe 10 or 15 kilometers I think. I mean theoretically speaking, if you went up there and you just walked for a while, you wouldn't feel like you were anywhere touristy Phil Sylvester: Of the sunny day and the really windy and sleety day, which was your favorite. Amanda: I mean, I think I'd have to say the sunny day because number one, easier to take photos for sure. And number two, not so concerned about being blown by a stray gust of wind into the ocean. Phil Sylvester: You know, I actually like when I'm doing those sorts of my sort of connection to the ocean in a way. I mean I love a good sunny day, but I also love it when you're in a really blustery cold day as well. Kim Napier: I totally agree. Phil Sylvester: It has a sort of rural power and magnificence that really appeals to me. Amanda: I mean the good thing about Ireland or Scotland or any of those places is that you could have sun, wind, cold rain all within about 30 minutes, so it's perfect. Kim Napier: Thank you so much Amanda and I agree with you Phil, there is nothing like being in a place like that all rubbed up and wind swept and looking forward to a fire and a hot pie and a glass of brown ale. Phil Sylvester: Fair enough. Kim Napier: Did you just dismiss me then? Phil Sylvester: No it's good. Kim Napier: It looks like Amanda has given us the go ahead too, we can relax about our chat with Ronan on Gaelic football and hurling. Ronan: One of the stories goes is that it was actually the inspiration for Australian football and anyone who would watch it for the first time and is familiar with Australian football would see a lot of similarities in that. You've got one ball, which a team is trying to advance down the field by passing it to each other either by foot or by hand, by running with the ball and bouncing it and then there is goalposts at the end, which you're aiming for to score. The one difference being that apart from in Australian football you've also got like a soccer style net at the bottom of the goalposts, like in Rugby when you that small gap at the bottom of the goalpost, there's a net in there like a soccer goal and that if you kick it past the goalkeeper there it gives you three points and if you kick it over the top of the bar in between the two uprights is one point. Phil Sylvester: Well it seems most of our audience are American, they have no idea what we're talking about. Kim Napier: That's the whole idea behind listening to a travel podcast. So you get to know a destination. Phil Sylvester: Well, how about we say it's a cross between let's say soccer and Rugby? Ronan: Yeah, that's not bad. Phil Sylvester: Soccer and rugby without offside. Ronan: You've got basketball I think mixed in there as well. You've got a team that is running down the field and you're passing it from side to side or forward and you're trying to get it close to your goal when one person then tries to shoot the ball towards the goal, except that in this case they kick the ball or they hit it with their hand rather than throwing it like they do in basketball. Phil Sylvester: Whether you could get it or not. It's synonymous with Ireland, isn't it? Ronan: Yeah, it is. And I mean there's two sports there that are, that are Gaelic games that are indigenous games to Ireland. There's Gaelic football, which we just talking about. And there's also hurling. So those are the two biggest games in Ireland. The two most popular games, which is a very unique situation because in most countries around the world, it's games that are played in many countries that are the most popular sports like basketball we just talked about, like rugby, like soccer or athletics or swimming. These are the most popular games in most countries around the world. Whereas in Ireland their two most popular games are ones that they invented themselves a long, long time ago. Hurling for example, is, is believed to be at least 3000 years old while Gaelic football dates back to the middle ages, they haven't pinpointed exactly, but it's at least 600 years old. Phil Sylvester: I don't mind a game where, you know, it's a bit rough. I like seeing grown men smash into each other. It's not bad. Yeah. But hurling it looks brutal. Ronan: Hurling is rough. It is a seriously dangerous sport everywhere. I mean guys are swinging a wooden stick as hard as they can and it doesn't matter who's around them. If you're trying to get near them and get the ball, which you are trying to do, they will just swing the stick. And if you're there and you cop it in the mouth, cop it in the shin, cop it in the elbow, that's all part of the game. It's a very tough sport. Phil Sylvester: We mentioned, well Phil did, that if you're an American, you don't know what we're talking about with Gaelic football, but you actually had an...you did a session with experience Gaelic games with an American family. Ronan: The kids in particular, there was a couple of young fellows, young lads there who were really into it. They were really interested by it. I think particularly the hurling Gaelic football is fairly easy to pick up straight away because you're just holding a round ball. You can bounce it off the ground it bounces predictably you're kicking it. Whereas hurling has got much more specific skills trying to hit a ball out of midair. So they were really interested in doing that and I think like a lot of people, they weren't quite sure of the rules but they were just, you know, in there having a go and they seem to have a lot of fun. Phil Sylvester: And these Gaelic sports men and women too, a bit like in well universally with sports stars, whether it's America or Europe or Australia, they're well paid. They're celebrities. Ronan: No, this is one of the really curious and controversial aspects of the Gaelic sports is the fact that you would go over there and you would watch it on TV as an outsider and you would see these huge crowds sometimes up to 80,000 people in Croke Park in Dublin, which is the main stadium in the country. You see it blanket coverage on the TV. It's a massive, massive deal there. Everyone is into these games. Ronan: You would think that the athletes involved would be making some serious money out of it. They are big celebrities in the country, but they don't actually get any direct salary from the sport at all. It is an amateur sport or sports, I should say hurling and Gaelic football. Phil Sylvester: I suppose it's the difference between college football and the NFL in the States. You know the college kids not supposed to be paid, but they get sponsorship deals and what have you. Ronan: And it's the same situation that in America, you know, there's so many people that are very upset with the fact that college athletes don't get paid and that the colleges make so much money out of it and it's, it's this, it's the same in Ireland, but Ireland also is, it really values and cherishes its traditions. And I think they see this well a lot of people see this as one of their traditions that these are humble amateur athletes. And so, you know, I think that has preserved its status as it is. Kim Napier: So just like having, a bit of a crack in a Guinness, Gaelic football or hurling is something you should experience if you visit the country. Ronan: Absolutely. Kim Napier: Thank you Ryan. And thanks to all our guests, in fact, because we couldn't make the podcast without you and there wouldn't be a podcast if nobody was listening, but you do. And we're very grateful for that because [crosstalk 00:34:47], I was trying to build up some anticipation here. I wasn't doing a very good job of it was I, as you hear very shortly, we've raked up a quarter of a million listens. In fact over a quarter of a million listens. Phil Sylvester: I hope it's not the same person. Kim Napier: Well, yeah, but it is remarkable given you and I often struggle. Phil Sylvester: I don't see your audio showing up yet. Ma'am. Caroline: Can you hear me? Phil Sylvester: I can now. Caroline: You're coming out of the computer not the [bleep] headphones. Okay. Phil Sylvester: Well go into your settings and select a speaker. Make that the road. Caroline: You there? Phil Sylvester: Yeah, I'm here. Caroline: You there? Phil Sylvester: Yeah, I can hear you. Caroline: You there? Hang on. Caroline: I didn't have my headphones in. Let's start that again. Kim Napier: Look, we reached out to Caroline because Phil, we often share stories of taking a Safari in Africa or even seeing the Wildebeest migration in Tanzania (laughter). Speaker 11: Every time I was hitting a button, it wasn't like letting me, hit it, so I couldn't convert it to the earphones. Phil Sylvester: But meanwhile, Kim is sending me a text message going, he's blind you (beep) idiot. Kim Napier: I'm so embarrassed [inaudible] I wasn't sure how you were doing it. Phil Sylvester: If you need proof that I don't discriminate. That's it. Kim Napier: Our next episode, what's it about, mate? Phil Sylvester: How about I have no (beep) idea, Kim. I hope you've enjoyed this episode on the Baltics and I'll also share some about other World Nomad stories including one on the [inaudible] do you know? [inaudible] All right, here we go. [crosstalk] Phil Sylvester: Let's capture it, right? Let's start again. (beep) (beep) Kim Napier: The amount of things that you and I have had to redo. Phil Sylvester: But you've got to protect your reputation. It's complicated. I'm not a denier. Kim Napier: Plenty and more. Plenty more bloopers where they came from by the way. Phil Sylvester: And a couple of them making this episode. Kim Napier: Yeah it took us a while. Thanks for listening to us from wherever you get your favorite podcasts truly, and you can also get in touch by emailing podcast@worldnomads.com. Phil Sylvester: Next week, have you ever picked up hitchhikers? Kim Napier: No, but I've hitchhiked myself. Phil Sylvester: Oh, were you worried? Kim Napier: Yeah it was stupid. Phil Sylvester: Next week we are speaking to a bloke who's visited all 54 countries in Africa, picking up hitchhikers along the way. Hundreds of them. You've got to listen. It's fascinating. </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/benedek 1 1175538988 Colorful pubs and restaurants in Kilkenny Ireland

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/learning-gaelic-sports-in-irelandRonan O'Connell takes a crash course in Gaelic football and hurling – and learns that they're all about community spirit.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/learning-gaelic-sports-in-irelandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <ul> <li><a href="#get-to-know">Getting to know Gaelic sports </a></li> <li><a href="#years">Thousands of years of history </a></li> <li><a href="#differences">The differences between Gaelic football and hurling</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> </ul> </ul> There he is, my favorite Gaelic footballer. So many times I’ve watched Keith Higgins on TV, as he represents my beloved County Mayo in front of roaring crowds of up to 80,000 people. On-screen, he appears colossal. Now, standing in front of me in Ballina town in Mayo, he just looks like a bank employee. That’s because he is one. Ireland’s Gaelic sportsmen and women are national celebrities, elite athletes, and the pillars of a hugely lucrative sports-business empire. Yet they’re also amateurs. Despite drawing millions of fans to Irish stadiums and television sets each year, they earn no direct salary from the sports. Some of them get perks, like corporate sponsorships. But most Gaelic athletes have to work day jobs, as they don’t get a cut of the revenue they help bring in. Instead, that money is controlled by the organizing body, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The GAA uses that revenue to run these sports, helping fund everything from under-age community competitions up to the pinnacle that is the inter-county level. Higgins has played for County Mayo’s senior Gaelic football team since 2005. Had he instead chosen rugby or soccer, a top-level career of that same length could have netted him millions of Euros in salary. What he and his fellow Gaelic athletes earn is respect. They may not be showered with cash and feted like royalty wherever they go, like the superstars of basketball, baseball, and soccer, but they’re greatly admired and appreciated across Ireland. <h2 id="get-to-know">Getting to know Gaelic sports</h2> That’s the message Gaelic sports aficionado Cormac O’Donnchú is keen to deliver when I meet him in Dublin. “Gaelic sports are all about the grassroots, about community spirit,” Mr O’Donnchú tells me while we stand in Na Fianna Gaelic Club, of which he is chairman. Mr O’Donnchú is speaking with intense passion as he prepares to take me onto the club’s field for a crash course in the highest-profile Gaelic sports – football and hurling. My wife and I, and an American family are taking part in a three-hour lesson with Experience Gaelic Games. This is the company founded by Mr O’Donnchú and his wife Georgina Caraher to promote Ireland’s indigenous sports to foreign visitors. During these lessons, visitors learn about the history and rules of the sports before instructors teach them the basic skills involved. I am reasonably competent at Gaelic football. Having grown up in Australia, where I was raised by Irish parents, for many years, I played Australian Rules Football, which some historians believe was influenced by Gaelic football and is very similar. The game of hurling, however, is much more of a mystery to me. Although I’ve watched many hurling matches on TV over the past five years, living on and off in Ireland, playing the sport is much harder than it looks. Yet the Irish mastered it a long time ago. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/gaelic-sports-instructor.jpg" /><figcaption>Our instructor, Mr O’Donnchú. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="years">Thousands of years of Gaelic sports</h2> Gaelic sports are astonishingly old, dating back 3,000 years. That is not a misprint. Irish historians believe hurling has been played for at least that long, while Gaelic football originated sometime in the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries AD). If my distant ancestors could play hurling, maybe I can too? “I’ve always done a lot of sport,” I tell Mr O’Donnchú confidently as I bend down to pick up a hurling stick on his club’s playing field. I’ve played <a href="/stories/connection/cricket-in-the-valley">cricket</a>, which, like hurling, involves hitting a small ball with a wooden stick. Those skills should be transferable, I figure. So I toss the baseball-sized sliotar (ball) up in the air just in front of me. I raise my hurling stick, which is similar in length to a baseball bat but has a wide, flat end. As the ball falls back down, I aim at it with force. Swing and miss. My second and third attempts produce the same result. My confidence is shattered. It takes a further beating when the American boys, who have never played hurling before, begin wielding their sticks impressively. “They’re naturals,” Mr O’Donnchú says to me with a smile. I watch as the boys quickly become accustomed to scooping the sliotar off the ground with their stick, lobbing it in the air, and hitting it to a teammate. That’s the aim of hurling – to move the ball down a large, rectangular field either by hitting it to a teammate or running with it balanced on top of the stick, before trying to score. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/hurling-practice.jpg" /><figcaption>Practicing balancing the sliotar. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="differences">The differences between Gaelic football and hurling</h2> In hurling, a goal is scored either by hitting the ball between two upright goalposts (one point) or into the soccer-style goal at the bottom of the posts (three points), which is guarded by a goalkeeper. Gaelic football has identical goals, posts, and scoring systems and is played on the same field, which is about 460ft (140m) long and 280ft (85m) wide. The key difference is that, in football, to move the ball players must either kick it or punch it. During our football session, my Australian Rules skills come to the fore. I manage to save a little bit of face after my shambolic efforts at hurling. As we’re walking off the field, our session over, I ask Mr O’Donnchú if he ever gets bored of Gaelic sports. “Never,” he replies, casually balancing a sliotar on the end of his hurling stick. Having witnessed his boundless enthusiasm during our long session, I wasn’t surprised by his answer. Even as I’m about to leave his club, O’Donnchú is imparting more Gaelic sports knowledge. His passion reminds me of countless men and women I’ve met back in Mayo. They adore their Gaelic sports and are especially proud of its amateur status and the humility that breeds in its participants. As Mr O’Donnchú explained, it’s all about community spirit. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> From Monday to Saturday, all year round, Experience Gaelic Games offers training sessions covering both hurling and football in Ireland’s three biggest tourist cities – Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Book in advance via their <a href="https://experiencegaelicgames.com/">website</a>. County matches of hurling and Gaelic football take place from February to September at venues across Ireland. Consult the <a href="https://www.gaa.ie/">GAA website</a> for fixtures. Getty Images / Stephen Barnes 11161185716 Getty Images A hurling stick and sliotar (ball).

another testhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/testanother testThu, 31 Oct 2019 17:42:56 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/testhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/football-testlearn gaelic football2019-10-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/football-testhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#wisent">On the trail of wisent (European forest bison, or zubra) </a></li> <li><a href="#conservation">Conservation and controversy in Bialowieza </a></li> <li><a href="#zubra">Zubra in the mist</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> </ul> As the Alaska sky gradually turned indigo in the fading light, the scraping of ice and frantic unheeded commands to my <a href="/stories/discovery/driving-a-dog-sled-in-alaska">dog team</a> broke the stillness. Thundering down the frozen waterway in the subzero air, I snatched glimpses over my shoulder. Where was Mike, my guide? How far had we come? And was he aware I was now some miles away, with the gap increasing by the minute? Out exploring in the early evening, an irresistible scent had wafted by my lead dog’s keen nose. Following primal instincts over my instructions, he wheeled around and led the obliging pack in the opposite direction at full speed. Applying all my weight to the hook brake barely scratched the smooth surface of the ice. It saved me from fishtailing wildly from side to side, but did nothing to slow the charge. <h2 id="wisent">On the trail of European Bison</h2> The evening chats with Mike over the last few days had provided enough insight to know that if we lost each other entirely, I was in trouble. I had nothing – no extra clothing, no shelter, but more importantly, nothing to start a fire. We had seen wolf tracks regularly, so fire seemed particularly important to me at that moment. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/poland/bison-mist.jpg" /><figcaption>Wisent (European forest bison) graze at the forest's edge. Image credit: Steve White</figcaption></figure>steve white 0

The Horse Thief | Iceland Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/the-horse-thiefThe Horse Thief | Iceland Travel StoryThu, 19 Sep 2019 16:50:30 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/the-horse-thiefVideo: Devon's Village of Fire | UK Festivalshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/devons-village-of-fireVideo: Devon's Village of Fire | UK FestivalsMon, 19 Aug 2019 19:29:19 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/devons-village-of-firehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/norway/snowmobiling-in-norwaySpeed across Norway’s vast fields of ice and through stunning scenery with Colleen Hagerty. 2019-04-05T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/norway/snowmobiling-in-norwayhttps://www.worldnomads.comWatch as she navigates her way through the Norwegian countryside on a snowmobile - coming across a few surprises along the way. Colleen tries her hand at ice fishing for dinner, before continuing her snowmobiling safari through one of Europe’s most exciting Arctic regions.World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/iceland/do-you-believe-in-elvesTravel to Iceland with Katie Yeates, where she discovers the extent that Icelandic locals go to, to respect the elves and where they may be living.2019-04-05T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/iceland/do-you-believe-in-elveshttps://www.worldnomads.comDid you know that more than 50% of locals in Iceland believe in elves? Others also believe in trolls, dwarves, gnomes, and fairies. This belief is interwoven into the culture and environment, and there is an underlying expectation that the majority of Icelanders know someone, or are related to someone, who has had an elf-related encounter.World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/sweden/sauna-and-slopesJoin Jordan Nicholson as she gets her adrenalin pumping by heading down Sweden’s beautiful Mt Åreskutan in a lowrider mountain cart. 2019-04-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/sweden/sauna-and-slopeshttps://www.worldnomads.comFirst, Jordan relaxes in a Swedish sauna, before trying a little more action-packed - heading down the beautiful Mt Åreskutan in a lowrider mountain cart. Join Jordan as she takes in the stunning Swedish scenery. <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full transcript of the video</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner">Jordan Nicholson: The sauna is the perfect way to relax, but if you want something a little bit more action packed, you can go mountain biking... One, two, three, go! Guide: So when we'd arrive at the mountain top, we've been making sure that everyone's safe. So we wear helmets at all times and glasses, and you've got some really sturdy brakes on the mountain car. Me as a guide, I would make sure that everyone gets down safe. So I ride first. Jordan Nicholson: When we were going down the mountain in the car, I was thinking, I really want to go faster, but I knew I needed to be safe. So I was thinking about my safety and trying not to crash.</div> </div> </div>World Nomads 0