Prior to the laying of the Transatlantic Cable it took approximately two weeks from a message to reach North America from Europe… weather permitting as all communications were sent via boat.

The idea of a transatlantic cable was first proposed in 1845, but the distances and depths presented formidable problems. In 1856 the Atlantic Telegraph Company was registered with a capital of £350,000 (then about $1,400,000). On the American side Cyrus W. Field was the driving force; on the British side it was Charles Bright and brothers John and Jacob Brett.

The First Cable
The manufacture of the cable started in early 1857 and was completed in June. Before the end of July it was stowed on the American Niagara and the British Agamemnon — both naval vessels lent by their respective governments for the task. They started at Valentia Harbour in Ireland on 5 August. For the first few days, everything went well but six days later, due to a mistake made with the brake which limited the rate of descent, the cable snapped. Just 380 miles had been laid.

The ships were forced to return to port. An extra 700 miles of cable was made for the second attempt which began on 25 June 1858. This time the same two ships met each other in mid-Atlantic where they joined their respective ends. The cable broke almost immediately. Again the two ships made another splice: this time they managed 40 miles before it broke again. The fourth time they had laid 146 miles before the cable was lost yet again. It was clear that this was not going to be easy! The two ships returned to Ireland but it was decided that, despite the loss of a considerable amount of cable, they still had enough for a further attempt. On 29 July they made their fifth attempt, again starting from the mid-point. This time it worked! On 5 August 1858 both ships reached their destinations – Valentia Harbour in Ireland and Trinity Bay in Newfoundland. The two continents were joined.

On 16 August communication was established with the message “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men.” Unfortunately the engineer in charge, Wildman Whitehouse, started by applying very high voltages rather than the very weak currents that had been tested during the cable laying. Within three weeks the damage inflicted on the cable by the high voltages was becoming apparent and it ceased to work.

The Second Cable
It took several years before another attempt was made. This time a single ship was chartered, the enormous Great Eastern, by far the largest ship of its day. She started from Valencia at the end of July 1865 and succeeded in laying 1,200 miles before the cable snapped. Several attempts were made to retrieve the broken end but they all failed.

Third Time Lucky
After so many failed attempts, the final, successful, cable was laid with virtually no problems. On 27 July 1866, the cable was pulled ashore at a tiny fishing village in Newfoundland known by the charming name of Heart’s Content. The distance was 1686 nautical miles Valentia Island. The Great Eastern had averaged 120 miles a day while paying out the cable. The first message sent on this, finally successful, cable was: “A treaty of peace has been signed between Austria and Prussia”. Queen Victoria, then at Osborne, in the Isle of Wight, sent a message to the President of the United States. “The Queen congratulates the President on the successful completion of an undertaking which she hopes may serve as an additional bond of Union between the United States and England.”

Almost immediately, the cable opened for business but only the very wealthy could afford it – the initial rates were a startling $1 a letter, payable in gold – at a time that a monthly wage for a labourer might be $20.

It is interesting to note that even though later cables could carry large numbers of signals at the same time, it was not until the 1960s that the first communication satellites offered a serious alternative to the cable when in 1966 the Transatlantic Cable Station closed its doors for the last time.

If you are visiting Valentia Island why not stay in Brook Lane Hotel Kenmare   http://www.brooklanehotel.com

and visit no35 kenmare restaurant   http://www.no35kenmare.com

The post Valentia Island Kerry first appeared on Number35.

for accommodation please contact brook lane Hotel Kenmare at www.brooklanehotel.com

or 064-6642077

The post Whale Watching off south west coast first appeared on Number35.

The monastic buildings perch on a saddle in the rock, some 150m above sea level, reached by 600 steep steps cut into the rock face. The astounding 6th-century oratories and beehive cells vary in size; the largest cell has a floor space of 4.5m by 3.6m. You can see the monks’ south-facing vegetable garden and their cistern for collecting rainwater. The most impressive structural achievements are the settlement’s foundations – platforms built on the steep slope using nothing more than earth and drystone walls.

Not much is known about the life of the monastery, but there are records of Viking raids in AD 812 and 823. Monks were kidnapped or killed, but the community recovered and carried on. In the 11th century a rectangular oratory was added to the site, but although it was expanded in the 12th century, the monks abandoned the rock around this time.

After the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, Skellig Michael became a popular spot for weddings. Marriages were forbidden during Lent, but since Skellig used the old Julian calendar, a trip to the islands allowed those unable to wait for Easter to tie the knot.

In the 1820s two lighthouses were built on Skellig Michael, together with the road that runs around the base.

There are no toilets on the island.  

If you are visiting Skellig Michael why not stay in Brook Lane Hotel kenmare  www.brooklanehotel.com

The post Skellig Michael first appeared on Number35.

The fantastic Ring of Beara cycle is back this weekend for an exciting 140km or 110km cycle by the rugged Wild Atlantic Way coastal route of the Beara Peninsula. The cycle attracts thousands of participants from around the country who come together to raise money for this years two nominated charities: Southwest Counselling and Cancer Connect. Now in its second year the cycle transforms the picturesque town of Kenmare into a haven for cycle enthusiasts, tourists & locals alike.

We are delighted that our sister property the Brook Lane Hotel are the official headquarters of the cycle and are proud to host the after party this Saturday night with local legendary band “Stone De Crows”!! Guaranteed to be a great night with great food and even better craic we hope to see you all here to wrap up another successful year of the Ring of Beara Cycle.

For all info on the cycle click the link below and keep an eye on our Facebook page throughout the weekend for updates on an exciting weekend in Kenmare!!

http://no35kenmare.com/ | 064 664 1559  |http://ringofbearacyclekenmare.com/

The post Ring of Beara Cycle 2016 first appeared on Number35.

It’s nearly Christmas time again.

Kenmare has always been a special and unique place to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The Christmas celebrations are now complimented by the wonderful Kenmare Choral Festival. This special combination will leave you with many lasting memories.
Come and see the town crib, sparkling town lights and beautiful shop windows. Visit the food and craft markets and Winter Wonderland; listen to storytelling and Christmas Choral song from all corners of the town; watch the charming Christmas parade or catch a festive movie; taste and smell something special at one of the many food and drink events; learn a thing or two at one of the arts and crafts workshops; take part in a charity walk or Treasure Hunt; and bring in the New Year at the Gala Ball or gather at the countdown in The Square.

You will be spoilt for choice in Kenmare! Seems it is Christmas why not spoil yourself and indulge in what we have to offer:

Luxury 4* Accommodation is the perfect pre christmas treat contact Brook Lane reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website for all our special packages  www.brooklanehotel.com

Dinner  No 35 Kenmare Restaurant  is a tasty little treat for all the family Call 064 664 1559 for reservations or visit our website http://www.no35kenmare.com/

The post Christmas in Kenmare first appeared on Number35.

Following the success of the Choral Festival last year, The Kenmare Choral Festival Committee is extending a warm welcome to all choirs to come and participate in the 2013 Kenmare Choral Festival from the 30th November to 1st December 2013.

It is expected  a variety of  beautiful art form  and choral music will be brought to the local public and visitors alike through concerts, competitions and other events on the weekend.

As last year, there will be four competitions in the 2013 Festival:
Light Entertainment,
Chamber Choirs (up to 30 voices)
Church Music,
Large Choirs (25 voices and above).

Áine Nic Ghabhann and her family have kindly sponsored a new perpetual trophy for the Kenmare Choral Festival.  The Beirtí Ó Núnáin Memorial trophy will be awarded for the best competitive or non-competitive performance of a song in the Irish Language (not a translation).

The adjudicators this year are as follows:  Áine Nic Ghabhann, Martin Barrett, and Ben Hanlon.

Finally, in the spirit of the Gathering, a sincere welcome is also extended to the Irish people, home and abroad, to come to Kenmare this November to experience first-hand this amazing art form and be part of the music and festivities.

If you are thinking of visiting  the festival, Please avail of the following Accommodation & Dining options we have available.

Accomodation: Luxury 4* Accommodation contact Brook Lane reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com

Dining: Dinner reservations in No 35 Restaurant Call 064 664 1559 or visit our website http://www.no35kenmare.com/

The post Kenmare Choral Festival first appeared on Number35.

This festival held in the beautiful town of Sneem , only a short drive from No. 35 Restaurant Kenmare, celebrates one of Irelands oldest traditions, Storytelling. Sneem International Folklore & Storytelling Festival is a weekend of concerts, workshops, lectures, walks and tours with a theme of folklore and storytelling for all ages. The event runs from November 8th -10th this year and promises to be an unforgettable experience.

This charming village will host its second festival for storytellers, singers, lecturers and musicians from Ireland and abroad headed by its own international seanachai Batt Burns, capturing a little of the magic of the area’s centuries old traditions.

There will be performances for adults and children, story swaps, guided walks and bus tours to places of historic interest.

If you are thinking of visiting Kenmare during the festival, or maybe staying in Kenmare please look at the following Accommodation & Dining options we have available.

Brook Lane Hotel has a range of 4* luxury accommodation options please contact reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com

Dinner reservations in No 35 Restaurant Call 064 664 1559 or visit our website http://no35kenmare.com, Check out our Eat & Sleep packages available.

The post Sneem Folklore Festival first appeared on Number35.

Speaking about the launch of the conference, The Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) Chairman Denis Kane said:

“The IGTOA is delighted to host this event in Killarney, the birthplace of Irish tourism. We have received tremendous support from Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Kerry Co. Council and the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation. We are also delighted to announce the confirmed venue for the 2013 IGTOA Golf Classic to be Waterville Golf Links, who are looking forward to hosting our respective colleagues in the golf industry from across the island of Ireland and overseas, for this prestigious National Tournament.”

The National Golf Tourism Conference & Awards, is the largest gathering of golf industry professionals in Ireland and also attracts delegates from Scotland, Wales, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America. The event, now in its sixteenth year has developed to be a national showcase for the Irish golf tourism industry and for the region that hosts it each year. The event is a golf tourism business event offering networking platforms for the Irish golf industry to meet and generate new business with IGTOA Golf Tour Operators. Also featured on the Sunday of the event is a Golf Seminar covering a variety of current topical issues in the Irish and international golf industry. It is hoped to be a star studded glittering occasion which each year recognises the very best in the Irish golf industry, with CNN Presenter Shane O’Donoghue as MC for the night, will attract over 300 guests to Killarney. A host of national and international companies are supporting this event this year including Fáilte Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland, European Tour, The Europe Hotel & Resort, Waterville Golf Links, Golf Digest Ireland & Golfing Magazine, PING Collection, Waterford Crystal, Aer Lingus, Diageo Ireland, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, SWING –South West Ireland Golf, Hertz Ireland, Executive Helicopters, Eno Wines, J.O’Callaghan & Sons and Elite Event Management.

Killarney is located 20 minutes from Kenmare , making Kenmare the perfect location to stay and travel to the event. If you are looking for luxury accommodation or top quality dining then look no further

Brook Lane Hotel is Kenmare’s only 4* Hotel and is located just off the Killarney road , making  It ideal for those looking to travel. For reservations contact reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website http://www.brooklanehotel.com/

Alternatively if you are looking for good food then No 35 is ideal. For dinner Reservations please call 064 6641559 or visit our website http://no35kenmare.com/

The post National Golf Tourism Conference & Awards first appeared on Number35.

Kenmare Halloween howl will run from October 26^th through to October 31^st this year.

If you want to really get into the Halloween spirit then Kenmare is the place to be this year – just so right for kids of all ages over the Bank Holiday and on the night of Halloween.

Be prepared to be entertained, startled by the unexpected, alarmed by ghostly things that go bump in the night or even frightened out of your life if that is what you want from Halloween.

Ghoulish Activities include: Headless Riders thundering through the town to awaken latent spirits, Witches in their kitchen competing for the Monster Chef prize with lots of their friends popping up to surprise you, a Haunted Forest to be walked through with a number of startling figures waiting… just waiting for the right moment to say Hellooooo

Travel by Spooky Bus from the bus stop in town to the Haunted House where tours there will cater for a not so scary to a very scary experience, hear the tales of Halloweens past as expert Storytellers fascinate, frighten and amuse children and adults

Dress up and dance the night away at discos for Tweenies and Adults…at separate venues, dress for Halloween and take part in the Humpty Dumpty Duathlon …laugh, keep fit and give to charity all in one go at this event

Visit one of the Halloween Camps or amazing activity centres offering the best of entertainment for everyone – Play golf, horse ride, attend a yoga class, be active on land and at sea

Or simply relax and watch one of the Halloween Movies at the Carnegie Arts Centre.

On the 31st October, ghosts of years past, witches, warlocks and ghouls will be coming out to play and will make Kenmare the scariest town in Ireland this Halloween. They will also be sitting in cafes and taking breaks in a courtyard and alleyways.

Halloween Howl will be rounded off on Halloween Night with the amazing parade that has become a tradition.

Children and adults alike turn out to be part of the parade around town, visitors and locals mingle with ghouls and witches, then gather in the Green for Halloween Games – with not a computer in sight and a cup of hot chocolate to delight the senses.

If you are  visiting Kenmare during the festival please avail of the following Accommodation & Dining options we have available.

For Luxury 4* Accommodation contact Brook Lane Hotel reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com , Ask about our Eat&Sleep offers.
For Dinner reservations in our Restaurant, No 35, Call 064 664 1559 or check out our website http://no35kenmare.com

The post Kenmare Halloween Howl first appeared on Number35.

For the seventh year in a row,  Dingle will host its annual Food Festival. Founded in 2007, the Festival showcases the quality of the food that is locally produced and the warm welcome offered to those who choose to visit our beautiful Corca Dhuibhne.

The town is renowned for its restaurants, most of which offer excellent local seafood. Once cited as ‘The most beautiful place on earth’ by the National Geographic, Dingle was voted among the top 100 destinations in the world by Trip Advisor.

The Dingle Food Festival has grown steadily in popularity and has a range of events including a Taste Trail in over 55 outlets, where festival goers can purchase taste tickets and sample local cuisine delights in locations that vary from pubs and galleries to shop and restaurants.

The Dingle Food Festival plays host to the annual Blas na hÉireann awards, now in their fourth year. These National Irish Food Awards were devised and are organised by the Festival. Blas na hÉireann highlight and celebrate the quality of the best Irish food producers and award gold, silver and bronze medals in over 30 categories.

Why not visit  Kenmare during the festival or make a day trip, please take a look at the  Accommodation & Dining options we have to offer.

Luxury 4* Accommodation and Eat&Sleep special offers contact Brook Lane Hotel reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com
Dinner reservations in No 35 Restaurant Kenmare Call 064 664 1559 or visit the website on http://no35kenmare.com

The post Dingle Food Festival first appeared on Number35.