Ireland Is Recovering From
Poor Travel Years

Ireland is looking ahead to much better years as a travel destination.

In a world with war and other worrisome events, today’s travelers have a real challenge in selecting destinations, and Ireland had been getting the short end of the shillelagh. But after two very bad years, North American travel to Ireland got going again in 2003.

The country’s noted attractions include more than 1,000 miles of marked walking and hiking routes, and more than 400 golf courses in North and South Ireland. If cycling is your thing, the additional attractions are many.

Dublin is a good starting point, with its museums, art galleries, theaters and fascinating architecture.

Away from the cities, there are many castles and notable gardens open for tours. One of the most visited fortresses is the Blarney Castle in County Cork. It is there that visitors can kiss the famed Blarney stone.

The landscape is a winner, too. An outstanding route is the Ring of Kerry’s 110-mile drive, which provides views of the coast and countryside. Especially remarkable is the coastline of County Clare.

Visitors also can see the spectacular Cliffs of Mother, which drop dramatically into the Atlantic. Nearby is the Burren, a landscape where limestone rock prevails, providing good areas for walking or hiking.

There are other lures for those who are fond of water. Ireland offers cruises on its lakes, canals and rivers. No cruising experience is necessary, as charter boat operators provide instruction, and crews will take passengers on other sailings of the 470 miles of rivers, lakes and locks.

Travel agents can provide much more information and advice, often from personal experiences in Ireland.

YELLOWSTONE: A hands-on program for children is being offered in Yellowstone National Park this summer for children ages 6 to 11. The program, presented by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which operates lodges in the park, gives kids a chance to learn about Yellowstone’s wildlife and geographical features. The park is a natural classroom, full of lumbering animals, mysterious geothermal features and more. Instructors use storytelling, games, nature crafts and hikes to teach children about the park. Groups meet in the lobby of the Old Faithful Inn. Advance reservations are recommended.

SWISS TRAINS: Switzerland has long been famed for its world-class train service. The most noted scenic train route is called “Golden Pass.” This route connects Switzerland’s best-known destinations of Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreau and Geneva.

On their journey, travelers can experience outstanding comfort aboard one of the most luxurious trains ever built. In Interlaken, they can stop over to add an excursion to one of the many spectacular mountaintops or simply to enjoy the hospitality of the people who have been receiving visitors from the United States for many decades.

Package tours are available. Some start at about $600 per person for three nights or about $800 for six nights. These rates include a breakfast buffet, first-class train ticket, excursion to Europe’s highest railway station, seat reservations on all panoramic trains and a 50 percent reduction on all additional excursions throughout Switzerland. Hotel accommodations are available at standard, first-class and deluxe hotels.

Travel agents should be able to provide more detailed information about the Golden Pass and accommodations, as well as tour packages like those offered by Interlaken-based Jungfrau Tours.