Further Afield Travel and Tours Inc.

08/02/2024

07/31/2024

Our preferred partnerships with best suppliers, ensures memorable travel experiences! Call us to book this adventure! 289-813-1968 or toll free 1-844-564-1076

Shari shares her fulfilling experience learning about Inuit culture through community visits on Adventure Canada's Northwest Passage expedition. Inuit culture,…

07/31/2024

You never know who you’ll meet in Ireland! !

Hidden in plain sight! 🐑💚

Eagle’s Rock in Glenade Valley, County Leitrim is a sight to behold. Can you spot who else is enjoying the view? 👀

📸 instagram.com/garethwrayphotography

07/31/2024

You can be here with us! An incredible experience you won’t want to miss! We’re going again in 2026. Join us!
www.furtherafieldtravel.ca/crossing-antarctic-circle

07/24/2024

You can be right here with us! Learn more here www.furtherafieldtravel.ca/discover-ireland

07/23/2024

You can be right here with us! Join us in 2025 and be part of our small group tour experiencing first hand a sheep dog demonstration. Learn more here www.furtherafieldtravel.ca/discover-ireland

07/22/2024

Join us in 2025 and be part of our small group tours travelling to places like the Giants Causeway.

07/20/2024

You can be right here with us! Join us in 2025 and be part of our small group tour experiencing first hand a sheep dog demonstration.

07/18/2024

Irish dancing up close! Look at those moves! Join our small group tour next June, 2025. Don’t miss out!

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07/18/2024

I just took this picture. Here’s what the Cliffs of Moher looks like in real time! Join our next tour of Ireland and make friends along the way.”

07/11/2024

07/10/2024

When we say that our GoldLeaf Service offers guests "expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach," this is what we mean.

Learn more about this service level here: https://bit.ly/3t4KQPl

📸: carleycelia on Instagram
🚂: First Passage to the West

05/15/2024

A Historic Time in Eyam, Derbyshire, UK 1665/1666

William Wood, an historian from Derbyshire, England compiled these words.
“Let all who tread the green fields of Eyam remember with a feeling of awe and veneration, that beneath their feet repose the ashes of those mortal heroes, who with a sublime heroic and unparalleled resolution gave up their lives, yea doomed themselves to pestilential death to save the surrounding country. Their self sacrifice is unequalled in the annals of the world”.

As the Covid-19 or Coronavirus virus grinds to a halt, and the world gets back to a semblance of normality, analytical studies and reports have appeared on television, radio, newspaper and books. Studies show that wars throughout the world have caused so many deaths, yet comparisons in WWI and WWII show a major decline in lives lost between one and the other. The biggest cause for loss of life in the world is ‘Septicaemia’, war wounds can kill of course but injuries can get infected because of conditions that people are placed in causing Sepsis or blood poisoning to set in. Between the two World Wars, the wonder drug Penicillin was discovered and as a result numerous medical advances have been made.

The Spanish Flu after WWI 1919 - 1922 caused millions of deaths. Smallpox has probably been the worst cause of death worldwide. Examinations on Egyptian mummies have found that smallpox existed 3,000 years ago. However, written evidence in the 16th century shows that smallpox had a significant impact on indigenous populations throughout the world. Explorers and missionaries going to regions such as North and South America, Australia, Africa, the Caribbean and other destinations, carried this virus with them. Figures show that in the 1950s, 50 million cases occurred each year worldwide, and as recently as 1967, the World Health Organization estimated that 15 million people contracted the disease. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, the latest infectious disease to be declared eradicated was Rinderpest in 2011. Since the 1980s HIV/AIDS is a common disease worldwide, it was first verified from a blood sample taken from a man in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1959.

Going back to the 1660s, this was a very historic time in England. Oliver Cromwell had led a revolution in 1642 that caused a Civil War with the ex*****on of King Charles I and the abolition of the monarchy, in 1649. The heir to the throne was Charles’s son who fled to France with his mother, his younger brother James and an entourage of supporters of the monarchy. With the death of Cromwell in 1658 the people of England had grown increasingly weary of the new regime and so the monarchy was restored in 1660. The new King Charles II was going to have his revenge on the men who signed the death warrant for the ex*****on of his father. Oliver Cromwell who was the first to sign the warrant, had his body exhumed and charged with the murder of his father. A group of bounty hunters were appointed to track down the Regicides (the action of killing a King). Read the book, The Act of Oblivion, by Robert Harris, it’s a book dealing with the story of Regicides.

In 1665 a Plague hit Europe and with the amount of merchant ships sailing into London, England, it very soon reached there. The bubonic Plague was caused by the black rat fleas that carried the bacteria. Hygiene was not a priority especially in large cities, fleas were very common back then. A bite from one of these led to serious infections that were fatal and contagious. This was the worst outbreak of plague since 1348. Deaths were poorly recorded but it is undeniably believed that over 100,000 people died in the city of London. King Charles II along with the Parliamentarians and upstanding people in the communities left London for their homes and villas in the countryside.

Eyam, once an insignificant village in the peak district of the Derbyshire Dales, had a bale of fabric delivered from London to Alexander Hatfield the local tailor. His assistant George Viccars noticed that the cloth was damp, drying it by the fireplace awakened the fleas that had nested there. Within a week Viccars was dead. William Hatfield and his whole family suffered the same fate. From the swelling on parts of the body, headaches and violent sickness that people suffered the two local vicars William Mompesson and Thomas Stanley recognized the problem. Addressing the villagers the two men implored the crowd to quarantine the area and allow nobody to leave or enter. A cordon of stones marked the boundary, signs were erected explaining why this was happening, for anyone who was able to read. Food such as grain and meat were left on the stones, in return money was placed in hollows in the stones steeped in vinegar to prevent contamination. When money ran out the local Earl of Devonshire provided foodstuffs. The church was closed to stop mourners from attending funerals. Burials took place near the houses where people would have lived and the families had to bury their own dead. The plague ran its course for 14 months, figures differ as to how many people died, the church records in Eyam show 273 individuals died, with about 80 survivors. The fate of some of these individuals differed, for example, Elizabeth Hancock remained uninflected despite burying six children and her husband. Marshal Howe, the gravedigger also survived, despite his contact with so many infected bodies. The epidemic ended in 1666. With the efforts made in Eyam doctors realized that the use of enforced quarantine could limit or prevent the spread of disease. To this day in England it is still used in particular for the spread of foot and mouth disease, and of course during the recent pandemic. Florence Nightingale, who we’ve all heard of, pioneered the use of isolation wards to limit the spread of infectious diseases during the Crimean War in the 1850s. The Ebola epidemic in Africa was handled by the quick disposal of bodies.

In the local church at Eyam Plague Sunday has been celebrated in the village since the plague’s bicentenary in 1866. Today there are many ‘plague stones’ to be found marking the boundaries that should not be crossed. Riley graves, where a large number of people were buried, are named after the family that had ownership of that farm back then. The National Trust takes care of the upkeep of this site. Walking around the village one can see houses dating back 400 years, the church was built in the 1200s and has been renovated a number of times. There’s a beautiful museum that has the history of the village, the people, and what these people did out of the goodness of their hearts. Most schools in Derbyshire have the history of Eyam on their curriculum and on days leading up to the examinations numerous students are taken there on buses by their schools.

There were many theories and beliefs as to why the plague happened. God’s will and his wrath to have people repent for their sins, crimes and actions. With 1666 coming up there was a belief that this would be the end of the world, the Satanic ‘numbers of the beast 666’ prophesied in the book of Revelation in the Bible.
Or as W.B Yeats wrote in his poem
The Second Coming,
‘And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.’

To make matters worse, in 1666 the great fire of London broke out in a bakery store and burned through the city for five days. The authorities had to commandeer a work force to pull down houses in its path, to prevent it spreading any further. The houses were built of timber with thatch roofs, so they burned like matchwood, 100,000 people were left homeless. The fire did have some effect on the city, the congested streets were replaced with wider ones, sanitation improved and the boardwalks along the river Thames were replaced with that spacious tree lined Boulevard. After the Great Fire in London a law was passed in Parliament that all houses in the cities of England had to be built of stone.

The Peak District of Derbyshire is outstanding, the symbol of remoteness and yesteryear, yet the magnificent stone walls dividing the farmland, with hundreds of sheep and their lambs frolicking around in the springtime. The magical stone houses dating back 200 years, the main rock formations are Carboniferous coal, limestone, and sandstone, there is an abundance of quarries in the area. Visiting the local towns with stores, bars, cafes, banks, post offices and what that town feeling used to be, the sidewalks alive with adults and children, little or no illuminated signs or flashing lights.

Sheffield is the nearest city to Eyam, roughly about 20 minutes away, while Manchester is about one hour. For anyone visiting this area it has a beautiful story to share. Wonderfully safe, family friendly walks, hiking and exploring some of the old coal mines and defunct railway lines that have been developed into fantastic walkways. Planning a trip, there are local airports, train stations, public buses and car hire.

Joe Fahy.


If you would like to visit the beautiful small towns and villages of England, contact one of our travel professionals.

Call Today!

289.813.1969 | 1.844.564.1076

05/08/2024

$25 Deposit & Up to FREE Roundtrip Airfare Plus, FREE Stateroom Upgrade & FREE Beverage Package - Select Nov - Dec 2024 & Jan & Mar 2025 Departures. Viking Ocean. Ask for OFFER: MDM24

One of the leading travel agencies the Burlington and Oakville area that books land, ocean and river cruise tours. Contact us to book your next vacation.

04/21/2024

Curious about Egypt & the Nile River? Contact our travel professionals to learn more.

One of the leading travel agencies the Burlington and Oakville area that books land, ocean and river cruise tours. Contact us to book your next vacation.

04/13/2024

Unique Hotels of Ireland

Owned by the Huggard family since 1940.
The Lake Hotel. Killarney, Co. Kerry.

The Lake hotel in Killarney was a purpose-built hotel back in 1820. Owned by the Huggard family since 1940. Not that this was the now renowned familiar name in the hotel and hospitality first adventure into the hotel business.

Martin Huggard, a farmer in Co. Kerry purchased the Bayview Hotel Waterville in 1912. His wife Mary had been working at the Great Southern Hotel. The Butler Arms in Waterville was added to the portfolio. Anyone visiting here will see references to Walt Disney, who spent time with his long-time friend Charlie Chaplin. He having set up home here for many years.

Through the years Mary’s experience in the hospitality sector was a treasure chest of information for people coming into the business and for the promotion of Irish Tourism. A number of other hotels were added to their list. Family sons and daughters became involved in the business.

The expansion of the Huggard chain of hotels continued. In Cong, Co. Mayo when Noel bought Ashford Castle, previously a home of the Guinness family. A restoration of enormous proportions was needed but none better to take on the onerous challenge. In the neighbouring Co. Galway Ballinahinch Castle was added. This was the home of Richard Martin, one of the famous tribes of Galway and founder of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Huggards, have celebrated over 100 years in the hotel business. Being the pioneers of an industry that has recognized their achievements and dedication. If one looks at the timeline and the birth of tourism, through a war of independence, a civil war, two world wars, an economic depression, no subsidies or Government grants, credit has to be given and appreciated by those of us who can now reap the rewards for their efforts. Of a family that now sees the third and fourth generations keeping on the business.

The Huggards may have come from France originally and not all of then stayed in Ireland. There are as many as 80 families of Huggard in Canada, mainly in the Province of Ontario. Starting out as farmers but then other businesses, as well as politicians.
A hotel with 131 bedrooms, each having their own specialty. Dining or enjoying a drink with local musicians in the bar of an evening, as you gaze onto the lawn, with the beautiful Lough Leane, hugging the shore line. In the distant background, a silvery moon dances on a clear crystal carpet of water. Deer stroll by at almost arm’s length. Breakfast in the dining room, with a sun kissed mist, above the ripples of a trout stream. The majestic Macgillcuddy Reeks, (mountains) towering in their splendour of sandstone. A symbol of nature’s strength, with the tiny gouged out lakes, left behind as glaciers had sneaked by, millions of years ago.

Take a trip to Ross castle. The home of ‘The O’Donoghue’. Lord of the lands of Kerry. It’s said by many that his ghost lives beneath the waters of Lough Leane and that every seven years on May 1st “La Bealtaine”, the great Celtic feast of Summer, he rises from the waters on his White horse and rides around the lake until the sun has risen to its zenith. Then the gravitational pull draws him back to join the fairies underwater and the other world. Anyone who happens to see him, will have good fortune for the rest of their lives. So be prepared.

The area around The Lake Hotel in Killarney has a plethora of choices for tourists, from water activities, golf, hill walking, mountain climbing, biking, day tours to Di**le or the Ring of Kerry. If you want to chill out and use the leisure facilities, there’s that too.

Two twin/double rooms remaining on our September 15, 2024 tour. Call 1.844.564.1076 | 289.813.1969

04/07/2024

The Sun, the brightest star in the galaxy, it’s over 90 million miles or 150 kilometres from the Earth. It’s the largest object in the solar system, the energy pulsating from this star has a magnetic field that holds the universe in place. With its gravitational pull, the poles attract and repel objects yet still keeps the planets and their moon orbits stable and on course. The Sun has been worshipped throughout millennia, long before scientists and astronomers had found out by their studies of the stars and the universe what the significance of all of these heavenly bodies meant. Farming is one of the oldest occupations on earth and the people involved in such activity were well aware of the importance that the Sun’s effect had on their livelihoods. They recognized that everything depended on the Sun, from the growth of crops, to seasonal changes and the length of day and night. Without understanding or any explanation to what was happening, it was accepted as a fact of nature. The Sun, Air, Water, Earth and Fire, these were the main elements of the Gods in Celtic mythology. The summer Solstice, around June 20th is the longest day of the year while the winter Solstice on December 21st is the shortest day. The halfway points between each of these dates are the Equinox, equal day and night, on March 21st and September 23rd. The Earth is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees in its orbit around the Sun. This is important for the amount of heat that the Earth receives during the year at various destinations worldwide.

The amount of solar storms occurring in the spring of 2024 are more frequent than usual. The reason for this is, the Sun’s magnetic field goes through a solar cycle. Studies have discovered that every 11 years or so, the Sun flips, meaning that the north and south poles of the Sun switch places. When this occurs there are enormous amounts of magnetic and solar storms on the surface of the Sun. Shooting stars, fantastic auroras in the night skies, lightning storms that are capable of causing power outages on Earth. After another 11 years the cycle repeats itself. There are a number of eclipses each year, some are partial, others are total, the fact that we don’t know of them is because of the regions where they’re visible. On April 8th 2024 a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible in the Northeastern part of the USA and parts of Canada. It’s a major phenomenon when it happens to cities and towns that are on the path of the eclipse. What’s happening is, the Moon, that’s neither a star or a planet but described as an “astronomical body”, passes between the Sun and the Earth in a complete alignment, blocking out the light of the Sun on the surface of the Earth. Watching this movement is a procedure of nature in slow motion, as the Moon starts to consume the surface of the Sun, in a disk like shape, eliminating the light from Earth. The Moon’s progress over the Sun will take over an hour. The totality of the eclipse lasts for a number of minutes and during this period temperatures may drop by 3 to 5 degrees C. As the orbit continues the reverse happens as the Moon moves away from the path.

In ancient Mythology, the Druids believed that the eclipses happened when the Sun was locked in a battle with the spirits of Darkness. Other theories were that Celestial beings were trying to destroy the Sun. The truth is the harmony and well-being of the Earth relies on the Sun and the Moon. We see the influence that the Sun has on the Earth, the Moon has its effect on the Ocean’s tides, the Moon’s gravitational pull causes the oceans to bulge on the side closest to the Moon, giving us high tide and causing low tide on the side opposite to the Moon.

There has been a sizeable increase in the population of the world in the last century, each of us are having an effect on the climate and the temperature of the planet, by our actions or lack of same but none of us can deny the responsibility we have in the preservation of this beautiful world. For generations coming after us, ad infinitum, let’s hope that they can have the enjoyment of experiencing the wonders of the universe.

Joe F.

04/01/2024

The quiet season is a fabulous time to experience Malta, Morocco and The Mediterranean. New Offer - Call 289-813-1969 | 1-844-564-1076

One of the leading travel agencies the Burlington and Oakville area that books land, ocean and river cruise tours. Contact us to book your next vacation.

03/17/2024

02/14/2024

There are approximately 2,100 travel agencies (including online travel agencies) and wholesalers (tour operators) registered and regulated by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).

02/03/2024

The Prehistoric Period Of Ireland.

The prehistoric period in Ireland, before the arrival of the Celts, is characterized by a lack of written records. Much of what is known about this time comes from archaeological and linguistic evidence, as well as later medieval Irish sagas and myths. The pre-Celtic inhabitants of Ireland were not a homogeneous group, and their societies were likely diverse. However, the available evidence provides a glimpse into the various pre-Celtic tribes and cultures that inhabited the island.

1. Mesolithic Period (circa 8000 BCE - 4000 BCE):
The Mesolithic era in Ireland represents the earliest known human presence on the island. Nomadic hunter-gatherer communities relied on the rich resources of the coastal regions and river valleys. Archaeological sites, such as Mount Sandel in County Derry/County Londonderry, reveal stone tools, bone artifacts, and evidence of seasonal campsites. These early inhabitants depended on hunting, fishing, and foraging for sustenance.

As the Mesolithic progressed, the people of Ireland developed a sophisticated understanding of their environment. They crafted microliths, small and finely worked stone tools, which were used for various purposes, including hunting and woodworking. The Mesolithic communities left a limited archaeological record due to their mobile lifestyle, but their presence laid the foundation for subsequent cultural developments.

2. Neolithic Period (circa 4000 BCE - 2500 BCE):
The Neolithic era marked a transformative period in Ireland, characterized by the advent of agriculture, settled communities, and the construction of impressive megalithic monuments. Agriculture brought about a shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming, leading to the establishment of villages. The cultivation of crops and domestication of animals allowed for more stable and complex societies.

One of the most remarkable achievements of the Neolithic people was the construction of megalithic tombs and ceremonial sites. Newgrange, a passage tomb in County Meath, is a prime example. Built around 3200 BCE, it showcases advanced engineering and astronomical alignment. The people of the Neolithic era had a profound connection to the cosmos, as evidenced by the alignment of burial chambers with the winter solstice sunrise.

3. Bronze Age (circa 2500 BCE - 500 BCE):
The Bronze Age in Ireland witnessed the flourishing of metalworking and the continued development of complex societies. Bronze tools and weapons became prevalent, signifying technological advancements. Societies engaged in trade with continental Europe, as seen in the Dowris Hoard, a collection of bronze artifacts with connections to the wider European Bronze Age.

The construction of elaborate stone circles, wedge tombs, and hillforts also characterized the Bronze Age landscape. These structures served various purposes, from burial and ritual to defensive fortifications. The Tara Brooch, an intricately designed artifact, exemplifies the craftsmanship of this era.

4. Iron Age (500 BCE - 400 CE):
The Iron Age represents a crucial period in Ireland's pre-Celtic history, as it is commonly associated with the arrival of the Celts. However, recent scholarship emphasizes a nuanced view, suggesting that Celtic influence may have been more gradual and integrated with existing populations rather than a sudden invasion.

The Goidelic or Q-Celtic-speaking people, considered the pre-Celtic inhabitants of Ireland, thrived during the Iron Age. The landscape was dotted with hillforts, such as Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands and Emain Macha in County Armagh, showcasing the socio-political complexity of these societies. These hillforts served as centers of power and likely played a role in regional trade and governance.

The Iron Age Irish society was organized into tribes or tuatha, each led by a chieftain. Agriculture, herding, and trade were essential for sustenance and prosperity. Ringforts, circular fortified settlements, became prevalent during this time, providing protection for communities.

The interaction between pre-Celtic and Celtic cultures laid the groundwork for the distinctive Irish identity that emerged in subsequent centuries. The blend of traditions, languages, and societal structures created a diverse and dynamic landscape, setting the stage for the rich history that unfolded in medieval and modern Ireland. While the written records become more abundant in later periods, the pre-Celtic era remains a captivating chapter in Ireland's ancient past.

02/01/2024

You may know to look for the TICO logo when you book travel, but do you know what the logo represents? It’s all about consumer protection. TICO’s Online Directory Any travel agency or website operating from Ontario, meaning they have a physical presence here, must be registered with TICO and fol...

01/28/2024

One of the leading travel agencies the Burlington and Oakville area that books land, ocean and river cruise tours. Contact us to book your next vacation.

01/17/2024

Inti Raymi, rooted in Quechua culture, is a bridge to the spiritual and cultural richness of the Peru's Inca past.