LAHINCH

 CLARE: This western county, known traditionally as Thomod, is mostly flat, and occupies the area from the River Shannon estuary, guarded by Loop Head, to the broad waters of Galway Bay. Amongst its many outstanding tourist attractions are the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and the amazing limestone district called the Burren, with its many caves, underground streams and rare flora.
Edna O'Brien an Irish novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet and short-story writer described as "the most gifted woman writing in English" was born in County Clare.

Lahinch, fronted by a mile long sandy beach fringing Liscannor Bay is a popular resort for bathing and golf. The golf course (18 holes) is situated in the sand dunes backing the beach. There is good coastal scenery on either side of the town and inland are some pretty glens, including the glen of the Cullenagh River to Ennistymon. Across the bay is the fishing village of Liscannor where John P. Holland (1841-1914), the inventor of the submarine was born.

Visit Clare

ST LUCIA

  Lake St Lucia is the largest estuary in southern Africa. It covers some 36 000 ha. And this huge expanse of water is a nature lover's paradise. Surrounded by rare coastal forest, lily-covered pans, grasslands teeming with reedbuck and unspoilt beaches. The lake was proclaimed as a game reserve in 1895 to protect the hippo, and hundreds of these great beasts still live in its shallow waters. St Lucia invites visitors to sample a whole spectrum of wilderness treats: like birdwatching, skindiving, game viewing, beach exploring, hiking, or just sitting and listening to the call of the Fish Eagle as the sun sets... Situated at the mouth of the estuary is the bustling village of St Lucia.

The attractions of the vast lake and scenic estuary with its game reserves, hutted camps, caravan parks... and crocodiles and hippos - together with prolific bird life, and abundant fishing.

GRAND FORKS

 The oldest major city and perhaps the most cosmopolitan one in North Dakota, Grand Forks is home to the state's leading university and a major Air Force base. The North Dakota Museum of Arts and Chester Fritz Auditorium highlight the arts community of the state's second-largest city. The Center for Fine Arts and local galleries add to the cultural mix. The campus of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks offers both a wide variety of activities and places for quiet contemplation. Grand Forks has a water-slide complex with a miniature golf course, terrific riverside city parks and 63 holes of great golf, including the truly outstanding Grand Forks Country Club. Summer activities offer fun for all during Summerthing, Catfish Days, Heritage Days and Friends and Neighbors Day.

United by the joining of the Red Lake River and the Red River, Greater Grand Forks is an area of rolling plains and winding waters. Fun-filled activities and events offer excitement year  round.