The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Europe

A Guide To The Best Pubs For Music In Ireland

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A traditional Irish music session is never far away in Ireland, because virtually every pub on the emerald island, no matter where it is, can suddenly and without warning be a host to what is known as a “session”. Local musicians will just crack open fiddles, tin whistles and guitars and will seamlessly become the backing soundtrack to great jokes, stories and good craic (meaning ‘fun’). So here is some of the best 3 places in Ireland to catch a traditional Irish session.    


Darkey Kelly’s, Dublin

You know Darkey Kelly’s is something pretty special just by looking at where it got this name from: A woman in Dublin, called Dorcas “Darkey” Kelly – who in the 18th century was accused of being a witch and a serial killer when dead bodies were found under the brothel she ran! Subsequently she was burnt at the stake in 1761. Darkey Kelly’s is an eccentric pub with some interesting cocktails such as Poitin and bitters, as well as plenty of Irish craft beer, and of course, Guinness. It frequently has live acoustic acts in the late afternoon into the evening, which attracts musicians  and visitors from all over the world, but traditional Irish sessions always appear shortly after the acoustic sessions have finished and the sessions will continue until close.

The best time to visit is usually on Friday evenings or Saturdays when most Dubliners will be off work for the weekend, making the place atmospheric and fun, with a bonus being that it is short way away from the expensive Temple Bar district, and so drinks here are much more reasonably priced.


Lowry’s Bar, Clifden, Connemara

Connemara is arguably the most beautiful region in all of Ireland. With it’s incredible mountains, a Fjord and it’s vast marshlands which seem to be covered in a constant mist, Connemara looks like something out of fantasy worlds, such as Lord of the Rings. Clifden is a small, charming town with a spectacular mountain backdrop right in the heart of Connemara, where Irish is still widely spoken as the first language! So, it may come as no surprise that Lowry’s pub has retained it’s Irish authenticity despite being a tourist hub in the summer months. You will meet friendly Irish folk at (and behind!) the bar, always ready to share a raucous a joke or two!

Lowry’s also offers over 100 whiskeys and numerous Irish craft beers to sample, along with 7 nights a week trad sessions which helped it win the coveted ‘Best Tradition Bar in Ireland” award in 2015. It’s famous all over Connemara for it’s breath-taking scenery and Irish culture which conjures up the perfect atmosphere for traditional session music.  

The Lee Sessions, Cork

Finally for something a little different, the Lee Sessions in the city of Cork refer to session music that has been playing non-stop constantly since 2011 by different trad musicians in numerous different pubs all over Cork! This probably sets a world record on continuous and unbroken trad sessions played in a single city. Cork is also home to the most prestiges traditional music schools in Ireland, and also has one of the highest densities of pub concentrations in the world, so you can easily combine a pub crawl to line up with some of the trad sessions.

 

So hopefully this gives a short guide to the most atmospheric places to catch trad sessions on your visit to Ireland! With some fantastic car insurance offered by Chill Insurance as well, you can rest easy knowing that you’re well covered on any jaunt to the tiny, welcoming villages and towns that these great trad sessions pop up in. Next stop – Ireland!

Romantic Rome – Things Not To Miss Out On

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Rome – probably one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. With a storied and deep history stretching back nearly three thousand years, this city couldn’t have more things to see and do stored within its limits. Between the sights, museums, backstreets and more it’s easy to see why people continue to come to Rome year after year to take in all it has to offer and more. But what should you not miss on your trip to Italy’s favourite city? Check out our top picks, and if you want to check them out in style, book a private car to take you around in pure luxury!

The Colosseum

Perhaps the most well known site from ancient Rome is this impressive structure known as the site of many a bloody battle in its heyday between gladiators who fought for favour and money. Often people would travel for miles around to the Colosseum to witness the fights between some of the country’s absolute best fighters, sometimes to the death. For a period of time as well it was a site where Christians would be fed to hungry lions in ancient times as well.

Trevi Fountain

One of the most famous fountains in the world, this Baroque style structure draws tourists from around the world every year to view and photograph the impressive facade which depicts a virgin assisting in the finding of the source of water for the eventual fountain – a source which served Rome for 400 years. It remains to this day one of the most impressive fountains in the world.

Herculaneum and Pompeii

Both of these ancient villages met their untimely fates at the hands of Mount Vesuvius when it erupted circa 79AD, burying them in ash and killing all inhabitants of each. Today visitors can explore what remains of each of these villages with life preserved just as it was the afternoon of the eruption.

Shopping

Undoubtedly Rome has some of the most impressive shops and shopping opportunities around! Just imagine flitting in and out of some of Italy’s most prestigious high end shops with your bags in tow. Nothing beats the finest labels – even if you’re just window shopping and wishing!

The Vatican

Of course no trip to Rome would be complete without a trip to the Vatican, perhaps one of Christianity and Catholicism’s most important sites. Come hear a mass given by the Pope, and take in the splendour of the city itself. Be sure to dress modestly though – those not adhering to the dress code may be expected to don paper trousers and shirts before being permitted entry.

The Seven Hills Of Rome

These seven hills are today difficult to identify due to the years and years of continual building that has gone on, but they were in ancient times very easy to see. They still to this day provide good views around the city and surrounding areas and are a great option for visitors who want something aside from the usual tourist trail stuff. The hill names are Aventine, Palatine, Caelian, Capitoline, Viminal, Esquiline and Quirinal. Some even have specific stories relating to the Gods associated with them – particularly the Gods Remus and and Romulus.

So if you’re thinking of heading to Rome any time soon, be sure to check out some of the great options for spending your time there. With so much to see and do you might find that you have to come back a few times, not that you’re complaining!

5 romantic hotspots for lovers who travel

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I have always enjoyed combining my love for other things in life such as surfing, wine drinking and climbing but there is something else that I like to combine with my travels, romance. Throughout the years, my partner and I have been to some of the most romantic spots in the world and I wanted to share a few of them with you. If you are looking for inspiration as to where to take your loved one for your next trip, here are some passionate places where you could go.

Paris

They call Paris the city of love and very often these titles are not lived up to, Paris thankfully, most definitely does. There is just something in the air in the French capital which you can’t put your finger on, but most certainly feel, love really is in the air here. On the other hand, for lovers in Paris who are into anal sex, your partner’s bottom is certainly something you can put your finger on. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you can make use of sex toys such as lp anal beads to help you during your sexy times. I love Paris because of the sights such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral, as well as the romantic activities which you can do. Float with your loved one down the Seine at sunset, lovelock one of its bridges, drink red wine in a hidden away bistro and kiss under the Arc de Triomphe, the perfect city for lovers.”

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Caribbean has plenty of perfect getaways for couples but the pick of the bunch for me is the Turks and Caicos islands. This place is pure paradise, the straight-out-of-a-postcard sort of location where you can relax in each others company in pure bliss. These quiet islands give you the chance of complete seclusion, surrounded by white beaches, palm trees and crystal ocean. Paradise should be enjoyed by lovers which makes the Turks and Caicos a perfect destination.

Santorini

Of all the Greek islands it is Santorini that steals the show, the jewel in the crown of the Aegean sea, this small island offers plenty for getaway couples. Santorini ‘s houses and villas which hug the coast are the whitewashed buildings which you normally see when people talk about Greece. I really liked the choice between seclusion and getting involved here in Santorini and aside from the amazing food, my partner and I really enjoyed getting involved in the local culture.

The Maldives

There is absolutely nothing to dislike about the Maldives, sat deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean you can stay in small, secluded huts above the water, on your own slice of the planet. The idea of a romantic getaway for me is a little adventure with lots of time spent enjoying my partners company. If this sounds like your idea of romance too, then the Maldives is the best option for your getaway.

Florence

Italy offers a huge amount of places for romantic getaways but Florence has to be my favorite. This was the classic Italy that I had seen in movies, a city with art throughout the streets, good food, music, dancing, Florence really had it all. As far as romance goes, it doesn’t get more romantic than sitting in an ornate square, listening to opera and drinking a fresh white wine with your partner, and that is why Florence is perfect.