"Last summer, my friends and I decided to go to New York for a week. We had heard great reviews about the city from other friends and family who had visited the city in previous years, with its abundance of attractions, such as Times Square, the Rockefeller Centre, Chinatown, Central Park and many more. We travelled with Aer Lingus from Shannon to JFK in August, and were greeted with exceptionally warm, sunny weather!

Taxis operate an efficient service to Manhattan from JFK at a flat rate of $45 (not incl. tip). Other options include public transit, such as the subway and buses, but these would usually only be used by people you have little baggage and have a good knowledge of the New York public transport system. Also available are private shuttle buses that depart every 15-30 minutes with a cost of $13 (further info on shuttles can be found HERE). As we had lots of luggage we decided a taxi would be the best option for us, and so we got dropped off at our lovely hotel/youth hostel, which was located in the very heart of vibrant Mid-Town Manhattan.

One thing worth mentioning is that hotels in New York are not cheap! You will have to do some research before leaving so that you get the best value for your money. 

We filled in our week with visits to all of the historical landmarks that the city has to offer, including the Statue of Liberty, which is a perfect opportunity to take that memorable group-photo; the Empire State Building, with views on a clear day of up to 80 miles, viewing the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, as well as New York; the infamous Brooklyn Bridge and the more heart-rendering Ground Zero site.  

As visiting all of these attractions can wear up an appetite, we would usually have dinner at one of the many excellent Irish pub/restaurants that can be found all over the Mid-Town area, including Connolly’s Bar & Restaurant and the Irish Rogue Pub & Restaurant to mention a few. The food is really great, and gives you that real home away from home feeling! 

If nothing else, New York is renowned for its world class shopping; catering to just about every ones tastes and needs. We visited the famously large Macy’s store in Herald Square; had fun at Toys R Us in Times Square (the largest toy store in the world!) and did some window-shopping on 5^th Avenue, with its extensive array of high street, fashion conscious stores, which includes every teenager’s favourite, Abercrombie & Fitch! My friends and I could have spent the entire day there! 

We also visited three of the many museums in Manhattan; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which holds some of the worlds most famous and best preserved Egyptian mummies and artefacts; the Museum of Natural History, which is home to some of the most spectacular dinosaur displays in the world, a real ‘must see’; and finally the Guggenheim Museum, which contains some truly amazing artwork that you will find yourself appreciating, art-lover or not!  

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, I’m confident New York can fulfil your needs. It is a diverse, pulsating city that truly lives up to its name as “the city that never sleeps!”. It is full of excitement and entertainment, and is uniquely original. I can’t wait to go back again! "

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