In this Issue:

Tourism News Travel News Recipe Brain Teaser Final Thought

Tourism News

Official Opening of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry
Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today officially opened Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, a new centre for the Irish language and culture in Derry.
The Cultúrlann is a multipurpose centre which will provide facilities for Irish language and art classes, youth clubs, a 200-seat theatre, an Irish-language bookshop, space for office and business courses and a restaurant. The facilities will provide for Irish language speakers and learners and events will also be held for English speakers.
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National Trails Day 2009
National Trails Day will take place on Sunday, October 4th. Last year saw the launch of the first National Trails Day which was a resounding success with events taking place nationwide. If you are interested in organising or taking part in any events, visit the National Trails Day website for further information.
www.nationaltrailsday.ie

Government to implement 17 campaign ideas
Following on from our Summer newsletter, the Government announced in July its commitment to the immediate implementation of 17 of the ideas in the campaign’s Action Plan.
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Arthur's Day
On 24th September 2009, at 17.59 Dublin local time, a global toast will be held to raise a glass to Arthur Guinness, marking 250 years since he signed a 9000 year lease on St James Gate Brewery. Celebrations and performances in Dublin, include Irish and international headliners such as Black Eyed Peas, Estelle, Tom Jones, Imelda May, Sugababes and David Gray. Visitors should note that Guinness Storehouse will be closed to the public on the 24th September and will re-open on the 25th.
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39th Irish National Hot Air Balloon Championships
20th - 25th September 2009. Over 40 Hot Air Balloons will be invited to the championships, which is the longest running National Championships in the World. Flights will take place from Peoples park. Waterford.
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Hurling Finals
Congratulations to Kilkenny who won the All Ireland Hurling finals this year.
more...GAA website >>>

Tidy Towns Results 2009
The Overall National Award Winner was Emly, Co. Tipperary.

Irelands tidiest village - Emly, Co. Tipperary

Irelands tidiest small town - Aughrim, Co. Wicklow

Irelands tidiest large town - Westport, Co. Mayo

Irelands tidiest large urban centre - Ennis, Co. Clare

Get Involved
Each year Tidy Towns give out over 200 prizes, and awards range from Shop front awards to Waterside awards. By participating, you can help show your town off, keep it clean and create a community spirit. If you are interested in getting involved, get in touch with the Tidy towns web site or contact your local authority to find out how you can participate.
more >>>

Rose of Tralee Winner 2009
Congratulations to Charmaine Kenny representing London.
Originally from Athy, Co Kildare, Charmaine (26) has a degree in Management Science & Information System Studies and a masters in Economics, both from Trinity College, Dublin, where she is also an elected Scholar. Charmaine enjoys the outdoors and scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last year. She is an avid runner and has completed the Connemara Marathon and is now training for the Great Gorilla Run in London (dressed as a gorilla).
Rose of Tralee website

Travel and Tourism Statistics

The Central Statistics Office have released Travel and Tourism statistics for the second quarter of 2009. The following table shows where visitors came from and the type of accommodation they chose.
more... (.pdf)

Travel News

Iarnród Éireann says work is progressing on Western Rail link
Iarnród Éireann has denied that a delay in the reopening of the western rail corridor has anything to do with the McCarthy report which claimed the project may not be viable. The Ennis to Athenry line, which has been derelict since closing in 1976, was expected to reopen this month. However, Iarnród Éireann has now confirmed that services will not start until early December. The company has said the project is progressing, and that no mention has been made to it of the contents of the McCarthy report.
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Bus & Rail Services to National Ploughing Championships
Bus Éireann in association with Irish Rail will be operating a combined Rail and Bus shuttle to the National Ploughing Championships, between 22nd - 24th September 2009.
www.buseireann.ie
www.irishrail.ie

New Flights
Aer Lingus launches a new service from Belfast to Tenerife. Flights commence on 22nd September 2009, operating on Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays.
more>>

Recipe

Watercress and garlic soup
This soup can be served cold (useful if you want to make it the day before and chill it) or warm.

Ingredients
Serves 4
180 g watercress, washed and dried ( you can mix the watercress with fresh spinach if you like)
1 clove of garlic, sliced and softened in olive oil
400g of chicken stock (make it from a cube if you wish) 300ml milk
1 carton of single cream (about 140mls)

Directions
1. Put the watercress in a blender with the fried garlic and a little of the chicken stock. Process until it is smooth, scraping down the sides as you go.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend. Split the watercress mixture into two batches if the blender is too full (it will overflow if you don’t).
3. Serve the soup warm or chill it for a few hours before serving. Swirl a little cream on top if you wish.

For more recipe ideas click here more>>

Brain Teaser

John, his wife and their daughter wish to cross a river.
The row boat can only hold 100 kilos.
John weighs 80 kilos.
His wife and daughter weigh 40 kilos each.
Question: How do all three cross the river?
answer

Final Thought

The cause is hidden. The effect is visible to all.
Ovid

Slán

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