Topdeck Travel Blog

Topdeck’s Festival Manager Heather joins the locals for the ‘craic’ as she celebrates St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

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“Craic” or “crack” is a term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation, particularly prominent in Ireland.

Every year on March 17 millions of people around the world head to their nearest pub to celebrate all that is Irish for St Patrick’s Day.

Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick was famous for a number of remarkable feats including driving the snakes out of Ireland and teaching the Irish about Christianity. The national holiday marks the date of his death.

Last year I got the chance to make the day just that little bit more special with a trip to the Emerald Isles!

With as many green clothes as I could squeeze in my suitcase, I made my way to Dublin along with visitors from all over the world to join the locals in the traditional celebrations.

After checking into our hostel in the central city, we spent the rest of the evening soaking up the atmosphere and getting into the St Paddy’s spirit!

I was simply spoilt for choice when it came to entertainment! Over four days, Dublin plays host to more than 4000 world class performers including concerts, parades, street theatre and marching bands.

Our first morning in the city began with a walking tour of the must see sights such as Trinity College, the buzzing Temple Bar district, Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. And there’s no better time to stop by than on the eve of the big day!

After learning about each step of the Guinness brewing process we were all pretty thirsty. Thankfully the tour ends in the Gravity bar, famous for its 360° panoramic view of the city, it’s the perfect place to take in the scenery while you Sláinte (cheers) and enjoy your complimentary stout.

In a rather festive mood, we spent the rest of our afternoon finding suitably green clothing and accessories from local stores in preparation for tomorrow’s big day.

On the 17^th, we joined the masses of tourists and locals on the streets for the all-day celebrations before heading off to the Topdeck after party which lasted until the wee small hours!

Dublin is such a cosmopolitan and diverse city so it was a St Patrick’s Day to remember! The atmosphere over the four days was full of the expected Irish ‘Craic’ with plenty of singing, dancing and nightlife on offer making sure I had a holiday to remember with the biggest celebration on the Irish calendar.

For the ultimate St Patrick’s Day visit Dublin with one of Topdeck’s various festival options.

by Kara Segedin

Ten minutes from full time and I couldn’t bear to watch! Peering through my fingers, this was scarier than any horror movie!

Would they, wouldn’t they? One tiny mistake and the hopes of a nation would be dashed.

And there it was, 80 minutes down and the whistle blew – the All Blacks were the 2011 Rugby World Cup champions and the crowd in our little London pub went wild.

We managed to show a little decorum and shared words of commiseration with our French friends, but it was near impossible to wipe the smiles from our faces!

The Rugby World Cup has been the perfect showcase of New Zealand’s all-round greatness (no bias here of course!). With matches played the length and breadth of the country, visitors to NZ’s shores were treated to the stunning and varied landscape of this small island nation. Not to mention the world class Kiwi hospitality.

Take a dive in Queenstown

When you grow up in New Zealand it’s easy to take its natural and cultural wonders for granted.

Watching matches with mates from overseas, the World Cup has given me the opportunity to see my NZ through the eyes of a visitor and it’s been a great excuse to brag about my home town and country to my Aussie, British and North American friends.

“Yip, the North Island is awesome. Beaches, bush, vineyards, world class restaurants and nightlife – what more could you want.”

Check out the Bay of Islands

“Oh, and the South Island – heaven on earth springs to mind topped off with some of the warmest people on the planet.”

If I was going to describe New Zealand to someone who has never visited I’d say it is a land of contrasts.

Sunny, sandy beaches, snow-topped mountains, lush bush and chilly glacial drifts – NZ has it all.

It is home to both extreme, heart pumping adventures like skydiving, bungee jumping and jet boating and more leisurely activities such as horse riding, kayaking and tramping.

Mouth-watering food, beer and wine found in even the smallest town and a unique Maori heritage that goes back hundreds of years, this small island nation at the bottom of the world doesn’t lack culture.

Spend the night on a traditional Maori marae

Topdeck trips take you right across the country from North to South and vice versa or focus on one of the two islands.

Experience all sides of New Zealand with an overnight stay on a tradition Maori marae, get your thrill fix in the adventure capital Queenstown, sample life on a sheep farm and take in the scenery on a cruise through Milford Sound.

And who knows, you may even spot an All Black in the flesh taking a much deserved break on one of the country’s beautiful beaches.

Fancy your own NZ adventure? Visit Topdeck’s website & get planning!

Cruise the beautiful Milford Sound with Topdeck