Established in 1994, last year’s event was presented in Madrid with earlier shows in London (1996)  Edinburgh (2003) and Liverpool (2008). Lady Gaga had been the top winner last year with 3 accolades for the best pop, best female and finest song.

MTV has additionally released plans to host a number of events in the area around Belfast in the run up to the Ema’s. U.S. teenage singer and actress Selena Gomez will host the 2011 awards. The 19-year-old, who’s dating an additional teenage sensation, the 17-year-old Canadian superstar Justin Bieber, will make an effort to find time and energy to tweet and still provide comments for the mtvema.com internet site in addition to her normal hosting obligations.

Gomez follows names like Snoop Dogg,  Katy Perry, Eva Longoria and Justin Timberlake in hosting certainly one of pop music’s most significant nights outside of the USA. Despite the fact that it is held within a different European location every year, the MTV EMAs are usually taken over by U.S. acts. This coming year, Lady Gaga leads the shortlist of nominations with 6, accompanied by 2 additional U.S. acts – Bruno Mars and Katy Perry. Bieber continues to be shortlisted in 3 categories. The actual show, that’s transmitted to in excess of 650 million homes all over the world, is believed to be worthy of over £10m to Belfast’s economic climate.

Industry sources have disclosed the events coordinators, that have frequented Belfast 3 times during the last 16 years to assess its eligibility, have been treated to champagne receptions included in the bid from the Council and Northern Ireland’s Tourist Board. Additionally it is thought that the Belfast City Council’s sponsored appearance of Mark Ronson within the Waterfront at the end of 2010 was a condition of Belfast’s approval to the ceremony.

It’s understood the show cost the authorities over £70,000. Previous entertainers at the awards have included worldwide superstars Foo Fighters, Take That, Bon Jovi, Prince, Madonna, Jay-Z, Shakira, Beyonce, Rihanna, Green Day, Coldplay and U2. A year ago, the honours were awarded to Madrid, and possess previously frequented London, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen and then in 1999, Dublin.

The popular music channel will hold a number of activities in and around the area in the run-up for the awards that happen to be taking place in Ireland for the first time since the Point were the hosts in 1999. Belfast saw off opposition from Istanbul, Warsaw and Paris for the show which is to be screened to in excess of 1 million viewers throughout the world. The city’s leading hotels put price ranges up to 4 times greater than their normal prices for the large bash. In past years passes for the event exchanged for £850 a-pair within the black market.

There are different kinds of bars in Belfast that appeal to different kinds of crowds. So no matter what your age is or what your interests are, you will never get bored with Belfast. It is actually one of the most happening places in all of your Europe.

The Northern Whig

If you are looking for a stylish place to party then the Northern Whig is the right bar for you. This bar exudes class, from the elegant European interiors to the excellent food and beverage selection. One of the popular features though of the Northern Whig is the group of three huge statues of communist workers that you can find inside it. Stories have it that the statues were bought by the club’s owners in Prague after the fall of communism.

By day, you can go to this popular venue and simply relax. The Northern Whig is the perfect place to go to for a nice brunch or lunch with your friends. The relaxing brown and tan seats is very conducive for a relaxing conversation.

At night though, the place transforms into a real party place with some of the popular DJs in town spinning and with house cocktails flowing endlessly. You can expect the place to be crowded during Friday and Saturday nights.

The Northern Whig is located at 2-10 Bridge Street. You can call them at 9050 9880.

The Botanic Inn

The Botanic Inn, more popularly known as “The Bot,” is probably the most popular bar in Belfast. The crowd here is a mix of young professionals and more mature individuals out for a good time. The place is popular among tourist as well so an International crowd here is not uncommon. The Bot is not only the most famous bar in Belfast, it is also the biggest.

The place easily gets crowded though especially during the weekends. Needless to say, it is not the best place for claustrophobic individuals to get into.

The Bot also features Northern Ireland’s first video wall where major sports events are shown. During Wednesdays, it’s “Pinch for Stuff” night at The Bot, which means good music all night long.

The Bot is located at 23-27 Malone Road. You can call them at 9050 9740.

The Fly

The Fly is all about having fun and the staff in this very happening Belfast bar will make sure that you’ll have a good time.

This place is huge. It is made up of three floors and in any given night, there is a party going on in each of its floor. If you want to dance the night away, then there is no other place to go to in Belfast than The Fly.

The Fly is open 6 nights a week. Come early on weekends because the place can get really crowded.

It is located just off Botanic Avenue at 5-6 Lower Crescent. You can call them at Tel: 9050 9750.

To visit Belfast’s main treasure troves would be overlooking the many hidden gems that it takes some local insight to find. Tourists often centre on our turbulent past, looking at the murals etched across our buildings, painting a picture that many already have in their minds. By the end of this article I hope to change this perception.

When people think of Irish music or listening to Irish music when visiting our beautiful city, the idea that’s imprinted in your mind is that of fiddles and bodran’s, this is of course a fragment of our music scene. Behind the doors of many houses and many back street pubs,  passionate musicians lie, creating unique Irish music.

My advice when visiting Belfast is to look beyond the norm and the deeper you dig the more you will find. Why not visit an open mic night in Filthy McNasty’s and see Irish talent in its purest form? Or take a walk to Lavery’s Bar in South Belfast and listen to some home grown indie and rock music?

If you are more interested in typical Irish music visit bars that surround the docks, McHughs Bar is the home to some traditional Irish music. Belfast’s locals will be the best tourism tool we can offer, talking to those who have lived here and their knowledge and stories will leave a more lasting impression on your visit. Belfast’s best guides will be peppered across the city it will just be a matter of finding them.

For those who visit Ireland to learn more on our famous history, there are certain aspects that will  be overlooked by just taking a bus tour and taking a few blurry photos from the breezy roof of a red double decker bus. By taking a walk around the city you see more on foot than could ever be seen by a tour alone. Many visit Belfast with a negative view; times have changed, the country has changed, it’s just up to you to live it.

The Causeway however is not lacking. If you are willing to cast aside the theory that a mythological giant created the site afford yourself the opportunity to take in the fact that there are an estimated 40,000 hexagonal columns on and around the Causeway, a mighty impressive geological occurrence.

Undoubtedly the best possible way to travel there is by taking the breathtaking causeway route overlooking the swirling white rock beaches. You may even wish to stop for a while and take a stroll if you’re not a local. Beaches this beautiful are scarcely found in the city after all. Buses operate regularly from Belfast whether by an interlink through Portrush or a more direct service. More information regarding public transportation can be found at: www.translink.co.uk

Once arriving at the Causeway take some delight in the fact that visiting the site itself is free of charge. I would urge you not to get too excited though as the parking charges will more then make up for this. If you’re on the frugal side you may wish to park 10 minutes down the road. It’s a nice place to walk after-all and is all dependent on personal preference. Don’t forget Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge is right near by. Many people will instinctively tell you walking across the famous rope bridge put the fear in them but it’s nothing to fret about and is perfectly safe. Family tickets are available as well as the opportunity to take in the coastal countryside.

For those who want to make a night of it you may wish to check out the nearby Bushmills Inn offering traditional four star accommodation only ten minutes or so from the Causeway itself. Prices may vary depending on the point of your visit and type of room required but it’s certainly a beautiful compliment to the trip. Full details can be found on their website: www.bushmillsinn.com and they can be contacted by telephone on: 02820732339. Prices usually range from around £160-£180 from low to high season.

What you pack will largely be determined by the time of year you are traveling.  Some people are under the impression that there is snow to deal with when traveling to Ireland in the winter.  While the average daytime temperature in Dublin in the winter is 50 degrees, the weather is actually pretty warm.  The warm, moist winds that reach the island from the Atlantic Ocean keep things pretty temperate.  There are times when it gets cold enough to produce snow, but it never sticks and rarely snows much at all.  If you are traveling to Ireland during the winter, you won’t have to pack a parka and boots to be comfortable.  The main thing to remember is that the weather can be rather unpredictable.

Because the weather is unpredictable, it’s important to remember that one outfit per day is not going to be enough.  You might watch a beautiful sunrise under clear skies first thing in the morning, but be dealing with clouds and rain at noon.  It wouldn’t be strange to be exploring under sunny skies by mid afternoon.  This is a perfect example of the unpredictable weather that is common in Ireland.  The best way to plan your wardrobe is by layering your clothing.  If it starts raining unexpectedly, you can simply remove your top layer of clothing if it gets wet and still be wearing dry clothes.

You can expect rain when you spend time in Ireland.  It typically rains 3 to 4 times a week, sometimes more.  Even though it rains frequently, it’s really nothing to worry about.  While the rains are frequent, they are seldom soaking.  The typical rain shower in Ireland is light, long, and misty, not a drenching downpour.  This means that you may get a little bit damp, but you’ll rarely get soaked.

To prevent your hair from getting wet, consider packing a poncho with a hood.  You don’t have to worry about packing an umbrella.  You will se that very few locals make use of umbrellas.  The winds are strong and constant, making an umbrella much more trouble than its worth.

To deal with the weather in Ireland, pack plenty of layers and plan on getting a little wet.  The weather in Ireland is easy to deal with as long as you know what to expect.

Historic Cork Walking Tour

There is no better way to see the history of Cork City than by taking a walking tour.  There are a variety of guided walking tours that take you through the city to enjoy the sights and learn about the history of the city. You will see medieval streets, the Viking village, the walled city, the ancient monastery, and more.

Visit Kilkenny

Every Ireland tourist must take a trip to Kilkenny.  Kilkenny is home to many medieval buildings, the Round Tower, St. Canices Cathedral, and the famous Kilkenny Castle.  While in the area, make sure you see the Rothe House Museum and walk the “slips” in order to visit the city’s shops.

Sightseeing Tour of Dublin

Nothing will compare to a Dublin city tour. There are a variety of bus tour firms in Dublin that cater specifically to tourists. The bust tour provides a wonderful tour of all the city’s tourist destinations. These tour buses stop frequently on their routes, allowing visitors to get off to explore and take pictures.

Dublin Ghost Bus Tours

This is a very popular attraction with tourists.  These tours take travelers to all the haunted sites around Dublin and feature storyteller that tell each place’s fascinating story.  Any individual that loves Goth culture will love this ride.

Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dublin.  While visiting this beautiful par you can visit a bike hire company just inside the park entrance to rent bikes, helmets, and locks.  Peddling around this stunning park is an ideal way to spend an afternoon in Dublin.

Experience Zozimus

This is a ghost tour that is taken on foot and it’s exclusive to Dublin. While on this unique tour you will walk the streets of Medieval Dublin, guided by Zozimus, an old blind man that tells local ghost stories and recounts some of the gruesome murders that occurred in the area.  This guided walking tour takes approximately 1-1/2 hours to complete.

Historical Buildings and Museums of Dublin

There are many museums to visit while in Dublin, including famous ones like the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, the Bram Stoker Museum, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.  Some of the famous buildings you should visit include the Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

This is just a few of the must-see destination when you travel to Ireland.  There are so many sights to see that you just might have to book a second trip to see all of it.

Explore Some of the Area’s History

Travelers that are fascinated by history will find that Ireland has a great deal to offer.  It holds a position as one of the most important Christian countries, meaning there’s a wealth of information that will intrigue historians.  Be sure to explore the unusual round towers that were part of the 9th and 12th century’s monastic establishments.  When you visit County Kerry, make sure you visit Gallarus Oratory.  This master class building of stone dates back to the early part of the 6th century.

Spend Some Time in Dublin

No trip to Ireland is complete without some time in Dublin.  While a single day is better than nothing, you should try to stay for several days.  The city is home to spectacular parks and gardens, world class fine dining, and an exciting night life.  Be sure to visit the University and several of the city’s museums.

Buy some Waterford Crystal

While in Ireland, you can visit Waterford, the home of the world famous crystal.  Take some time to explore the factor and buy some crystal to take home as a souvenir.  You can tour the factory and watch as the glass is formed and engraved by talented craftspeople.  A stunning piece of Waterford Crystal will remind you of your journey to Ireland for years to come.

Play 18 Holes of Golf

Ireland is home to championship golf courses and is well known as a golfing destination. There are a wide range of golf courses inland that are suited to golfers of every skill level and different tastes.  Many people travel to Ireland specifically for the purpose of enjoying some of the best golf courses in the world.  Everyone should play a round of golf while visiting Ireland.

Head to the Beach

Ireland offers a wide variety of wonderful beaches.  You will find tiny hidden bays and vast stretches of soft sand.  Whether you want to build sand castles, soak up the sun, or do some surfing, you have to spend some time on the lovely beaches of Ireland.

While there are many activities to enjoy while in Ireland and stunning sights to see, these are the top 5 things every tourist should do when they travel to the Emerald Isle.

Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because of the green scenery and spectacular sights. The country maintains a wealth of resources that are proudly displayed for tourists to experience and marvel at.  There are many worthwhile destinations to visit while in Ireland, each of them with its own unique charm and its own story to share.  Tourists quickly see that the people of Ireland have a high regard for sports, dance, literature, and music.

Most travelers begin their journey in Dublin because it the main hub of the road network.  While visiting the city, there are some notable monuments and landmarks to see including the Dublin Castle, Spire of Dublin, Mansion House, Molly Malone statue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Anna Livia monument.

Travelers that enjoy a city with a vibrant nightlife are going to love Dublin.  There are many pubs in the city, with the areas around Grafton Street and St. Stephens Green being home to many popular pubs and nightclubs.  The area that is best known for an exciting nightlife is the Temple Bar, located slightly south of River Liffey.

Cork is a county that tourists should not miss.  This area is probably best known as the home of The Blarney Stone and Cobh.  This is the port where numerous Irish emigrants boarded ships for voyages to new homes in the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.  It is also known because it was the last stop for the fateful voyage of the Titanic.  Western Cork is also known for its natural rugged beauty, distinct social atmosphere, and fine beaches.

County Clare is located on the west coast of Ireland and is home to many areas of interest.  Some of destinations that are known for their beautiful scenery are The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Spanish Point, Loop Head, Doolin, Kilbaha, and Scattery Island.  The area is well known for its long history of Traditional music.  There are many music festivals to be enjoyed throughout the warm months.

This is just a small sampling of the stunning sights to see while visiting Ireland.  Adventures of all kinds await travelers of all kinds.  Those people that are looking for an exciting and unforgettable vacation should consider Ireland.

This castle has taken on a number of roles throughout the centuries.  It was mainly the royal residence; it also housed the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland or the Viceroy of Ireland, both of whom were representatives of the King or Queen. Within the grounds is the Vice regal Apartments, now called the State Apartments, and these remain to this day one of the nicest sites in all of Dublin. The inauguration of the President of Ireland is also here. The offices of the Chief Secretary of Ireland are also within these apartments. Throughout the years the parliament as well as the courts of law has met in this location before they had their new venues built. Another bit of information is that it served as a military garrison as well.

When the Irish Free State came into being, this castle no longer had a governmental purpose any more. This was in the year 1922. When the Four Courts, which was the home of the Irish court system was destroyed in 1922 it served as a temporary location for the Courts of Justice. After the courts vacated the castle was then used as a state ceremonial location. In the year 1938 Dublin Castle was used for the inauguration of Douglas Hyde when he became the President of Ireland. The inaugurations of later presidents also took place there. These were in the years 1945, 1952, 1959, 1966, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1983, 1990 and also 1997. In November of 1974 President Erskine Hamilton Childers’ lying-in-state occurred in this location.

Later major refurbishments were made to the Castle and it is now used as a conference centre. It has also become a major tourist venue, attracting people from all over the world.

Christ Church Cathedral,

The cathedral itself was built by the Vikings when they originally settled at Wood Quay, alongside the River Liffey quayside. The Christ Church Cathedral was the location where Lambert Simnel was coronated as King Edward VI. He was a boy pretender who wanted to dispose of Henry VII of England but failed.

During the 16^th century buildings alongside the cathedral were meeting placed for both the parliament as well as the law courts. The state opening of parliament was done in that location by King James II as well. The law courts and parliament were later relocated from here though. The law courts took residence in the Four Courts which were newly built, and Chichester House in Hoggen Green became the new residence of parliament.

In Victorian times the cathedral underwent extensive renovations. The renovations were done to preserve the building and stop the structure from collapsing. This makes it very troublesome to differentiate the genuinely medieval parts from the parts that are of Victorian pastiche.

Something the Cathedral is very famous for is for the fact that it contains the tomb of Strongbow. Strongbow was a medieval Welsh peer and warlord who, at the request of King Diarmuid MacMorrough came to Ireland. His coming marked the beginning of the involvement of England with Ireland. The tomb of Strongbow currently housed in Christ Church is not the original, as that was destroyed centuries ago.

Also an unconnected tomb from the medieval times was moved to the Cathedral as well, this was from Drogheda. This cathedral does house the largest cathedral crypt in all of Britain and Ireland though. The cathedral was recently renovated and is open to the public for tours. Various monuments are contained in the cathedral.

Outside Tholsel was a carved statue that in the late 18^th century was moved to this location. There is also a set of candlesticks that were used when the cathedral was last in full operation under the Roman rite. When King James II, who fled England in 1690, came to Ireland to fight for his throne he also attended High Mass in this catholicized Christ Church.