Travel Tuesdays

Ireland

My thinking was that every Tuesday I might feature a picture taken outside of Charleston.  Some days the "Charleston Daily Photo" title feels restrictive. Surely I am allowed to amble off campus now and then.

This picture was taken on a hiking vacation in Ireland some years ago. I had intended to go with a girlfriend who backed out at the last minute. When you are single and planning a vacation that is a big deal. I called the travel agent intending to cancel the trip but was encouraged to go on a trip that was for "solo travelers". Keep in mind that this was "solo", not for "singles". It was designed for independant travelers who happened to be alone, rather than people trying to hook up.

It was one of the best vacations I have ever taken in my life. The group included a Radiologist from Australia, a Psychologist from New Zealand, a Belgian school teacher, a French Pharmacist, a nurse from Cape Code, a gal who worked for NASA, a twenty one year old Canadian girl and a Scottish grandmother among others. At some point we walked along with each person and got to know everyone in the group.

We ate breakfast together at our inn and then set out hiking each day ending up in a pub by late afternoon. The group suited every interest. If someone wanted to hang out and watch TV in the evening there was someone to do that with. If you wanted to go to the pub in the village there was someone who wanted to join that party. I hit the jackpot in travel companions. By the end of the week we all exchanged emails and kept in touch for some time.

Irish Graffiti

Meeting Shay Given's Dad

Yesterdat TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO had the pleasure of meeting Seamus Given - the father of Ireland and Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given. Seamus has been staying here in Toruń and thinks it's a wonderful city. He would love to return here!

EURO 2012 FEVER!!

TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO was very lucky to get a ticket to see Ireland vs. Croatia in their first EURO 2012 match. The final result may not have been great (3-1 to Croatia) but the atmosphere was amazing. TDP was fortunate enough to travel with the Irish fans from Toruń. The convoy of 8 buses had police escort all the way to Poznan.

Poznan was party central...everyone was good spirited and we saw no violence or aggression amongst the fans. TDP also captured the Irish team as they boarded their coach on the way to the stadium!

TORUŃ TIPS IN THE PRESS!

Today our brand-new sister site TORUŃ TIPS.COM was featured in The Irish Daily Star.

You can read the article here:

http://www.toruntips.com/news.html

Toruń in the Irish press!

Yesterday, The Irish Daily Star ran an article all about Toruń - and why thousands of Irish football fans have chosen our city as their base.

You can read the article here at our new sister site TORUŃ TIPS.COM:

http://www.toruntips.com/news.html

Bring on the Irish!

All images courtesy of John Barrington

It may still be 5 months away...but Euro 2012 fever has already started. Toruń won't be a host city (that role is shared between Poznan, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Warsaw). However, that doesn't mean it won't see any football action!

TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO has learnt that over a 1,000 Irish fans will be making Toruń their base for a couple of weeks during Euro 2012! And why not? It makes sense...the Republic of Ireland will be playing 2 games in Poznan and one in Gdańsk. Toruń lies in a perfect central location between both cities. The city also offers much cheaper accommodation and beer!

Over the past few weeks, I've been in contact with quite a few of the fans...and am offering them loads of advice and tips about visiting Toruń. I personally can't wait until June now...looks as if Toruń will be party central for a few weeks! The Irish certainly know how to have a good time! Roll on June!!! Not sure if we have enough Guinness though!!! :-)

Many thanks to Irish football photographer John Barrington for personally allowing TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO to use his images.

***Irish fans (and indeed any other Toruń visitors): we have produced a special 2 page guide to some of the most well-known restaurants here in Toruń. Check it out here: http://freepdfhosting.com/bcbe21bcb2.pdf***