0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Getaways. We go where you want us to go.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06This week we are in the States in the Windy City Chicago.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08You contacted our website with recommendations
0:00:08 > 0:00:10of what to do here and what to avoid.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13We are going to rate and review them for ourselves and for you at home.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23It's an eight-hour flight from Dublin direct to
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with flights daily.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Here is a bonus.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31The beauty of flying from Dublin airport is on most US flights
0:00:31 > 0:00:35you can clear customs here, so at the other end you just pick up your bag
0:00:35 > 0:00:36and away you go.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I have been to Chicago before and I remember it being really friendly
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- and really laid-back. - I have never been here.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I have been to New York a number of times.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53I would like to know is Chicago a good alternative to going to the Big Apple?
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Let's go and see what the city is like.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Chicago is the third largest city in the United States
0:01:03 > 0:01:05and is located on Lake Michigan.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11It's been described as the most American of American cities.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13There are lots of different ways to get around Chicago,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15including the "L" - an elevated train that
0:01:15 > 0:01:19travels around what's known as The Loop, the main commercial district.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24The population of the city is three million and it is
0:01:24 > 0:01:26famous for its lakefront beaches and its skyscrapers.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Chicago has more than its fair share of famous citizens.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33We have, of course, Al Capone, Bill Murray, John Cusack, Vince Vaughn,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35John Belushi, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Chicago is known as the Windy City due to the breezes
0:01:39 > 0:01:41coming in across Lake Michigan.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44But it is also attributed to the politicians who historically
0:01:44 > 0:01:45talked a lot of hot air.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Chicago is very much a musical city, from jazz and blues to dance music,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52but it has also provided the backdrop for a lot of movies.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Films like Pretty In Pink, The Untouchables, High Fidelity,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58and Batman: The Dark Knight.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00This is the only river in the world that flows backwards.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03They reversed the direction of the flow in the 1900s to save
0:02:03 > 0:02:07the city from waterborne diseases, plus being a real Irish city,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09they dye it green on St Patrick's Day.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12We've taken on board the advice you've sent us
0:02:12 > 0:02:14via our website and come up with our top five things to do
0:02:14 > 0:02:17in Chicago, based on your recommendations.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21We've also thrown in a few of our own interesting alternatives.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31And kicking us off at number 5 is a river cruise.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Chicago is a very easy city to get around.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37We'd recommend, to properly get your bearings, to take
0:02:37 > 0:02:39a tour of the Chicago River.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40There are many tours available
0:02:40 > 0:02:43but the one you recommended was the Architecture Tour.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53It really is a great way to see the city.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56If you are a film fan some of it will seem very familiar.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59If you look over there, that is the building they used in the bank job
0:02:59 > 0:03:03in Dark Knight and that is the building where Ferris Bueller's dad worked.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Thanks to America's best-known gangster, Al Capone,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and the collapse of law and order during the 1920s
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Prohibition Era, Chicago was known as a lawless city
0:03:18 > 0:03:22but now its reputation is more as a legitimate centre for big business.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Chicago historically has a large Irish community
0:03:32 > 0:03:36and there's a legendary story about how a cow belonging to Mrs O'Leary,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39an Irish immigrant, kicked a lantern over and started the Great Chicago Fire
0:03:39 > 0:03:43that almost completely destroyed the city in 1871.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47The Irish are still one of the largest ethnic
0:03:47 > 0:03:51groups in the city and even our deckhand has Celtic connections.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55My family is from Westport in County Mayo.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57My great-grandfather came over here.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Any tourist that comes to Chicago should go on an Architectural Tour.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03We are the architectural capital of the world,
0:04:03 > 0:04:04something we are very proud of.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Chicago is also one of the top culinary cities in the world.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10When you come here you should definitely eat.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12People coming here from Ireland,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15we have a rich Irish history in the city of Chicago.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18On the north-west side there is the Irish American Heritage Center,
0:04:18 > 0:04:19which has a great library.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22It represents people with Irish descent
0:04:22 > 0:04:24here in the United States of America.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28We also have the Southside Gaelic Park where there's hurling and whatnot.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It is great to see how much of the Irish
0:04:30 > 0:04:33traditions in the United States are still kept alive.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39The Architecture Tour really is the best way to get to grips with
0:04:39 > 0:04:41the geography of Chicago.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Wasn't that really cool? What a brilliant way to see the city.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49I didn't think I was interested in architecture but the
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- buildings there are fabulous. That was a great tour.- Yes, it's breathtaking. Let's go.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02Lake Michigan is to Chicagoans what Central Park is to New York.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05There are 33 beaches close to the city centre and this one is
0:05:05 > 0:05:07literally a two-minute walk from the main shopping area.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08How handy is that?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14As you can see, the lake can be choppy and unpredictable sometimes
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so just be careful if you are going out for a swim.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21And remember the sun cream. We visited at the end of August
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and the temperatures were in the 30s.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26After a hard day's work in the city, Chicagoans like to
0:05:26 > 0:05:28chill out on the beach.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Today I'm meeting up with my cousin, Sean,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33who's lived here for the past ten years.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- It's a bit of a change from County Mayo.- It certainly is.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I think it's raining at home right now, so it's a good way of life.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's a good city. The people make it the most comfortable.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Their midwestern attitude, they are almost like people at home.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48They make you feel welcome and warm. They certainly welcomed me.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51And if someone's coming over to Chicago on a city break to
0:05:51 > 0:05:54see the place, what would you recommend they have to do?
0:05:54 > 0:05:59Generally I always start off with a trip up to one of the towers
0:05:59 > 0:06:01and let them take in the city for what it is,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04because they are not used to buildings of that height.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09The lakefront, there is so much to do. Navy Pier, very children-orientated.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10The museums.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13There is something to do 365 days of the year in Chicago,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16summer and winter.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17It is fantastic.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26You told us shopping was a big attraction in Chicago
0:06:26 > 0:06:30and this area will seriously worry your bank manager.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33This is Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40It's a wallet-wilting parade of the biggest names in retail
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Bloomingdales, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, Armani
0:06:45 > 0:06:47and Topshop!
0:06:49 > 0:06:52You've also got a little bit of history and architecture in this area.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Behind me is the Pump House, a rare survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01But let's face it, if you're around this area you're just here to burn some cash.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12You said the best way to see this city is from the air.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Or at least a really high vantage point.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23This is the Skydeck on the Willis Tower, once the Sears Tower.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29From a glass platform 103 floors up you can take in panoramic
0:07:29 > 0:07:31views of Chicago.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35OK, it's time to go on the Skydeck. Are you all set?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- Not in the slightest. - You can go first, OK?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41A lot of you recommended that
0:07:41 > 0:07:43if you come to Chicago you have to go to the Skydeck.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45I have a morbid fear of heights
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and if you notice I'm not looking down at all, but I'm standing
0:07:48 > 0:07:54now on a one and a half inch thick pane of glass over 100 storeys up.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58Why would anybody do that for fun?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Why would you pay to get in to do that?
0:08:00 > 0:08:05My turn to go out on the ledge now. Whoo! It is high.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10OK, so you wouldn't want to dance a jig on it but the city is amazing.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14It is vast and the views are absolutely gorgeous.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18Well worth doing. 103 floors up and it's just lovely. I'll try it again.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Now that's grand. Nothing worth worrying about.
0:08:27 > 0:08:28There we go, that's lovely.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33Go on. You wouldn't guess you were 1,350 feet up.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Are you OK?- I am all right, thank you very much.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Solid ground. You feel so good.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51But the views are just spectacular. Are you sure you're OK? We'll go for tea.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Do you know what? I'm fine. I prefer looking at it from down here and looking up.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56That's as good. Thank you.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03There's an abundance of museums here in Chicago. Whether you're interested
0:09:03 > 0:09:05in art, science or history, there is something here for you.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09I am going to see a really special exhibit here at The Field Museum.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Dinosaur fossils are always interesting so if you want to
0:09:14 > 0:09:18see the largest, most complete, best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex
0:09:18 > 0:09:22in the world, you should come here and meet this lovely lady, Sue.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Sue lived about 67 million years ago.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Then, she would have been 14 metres in length by four metres tall
0:09:34 > 0:09:37and would have weighed over seven tonnes.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45Sue is named after the fossil hunter who discovered her in 1990.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48The Field Museum here paid 8.36 million for her,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51the highest amount ever paid for a fossil.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59The Field Museum of Natural History has a fantastic dinosaur display.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02There are 4.6 billion years worth of exhibits here
0:10:02 > 0:10:04so it may take some time to get around.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11There are also regularly changing exhibitions covering
0:10:11 > 0:10:14everything from the Evolving Planet to the Ancient World.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27So many of you contacted our website saying
0:10:27 > 0:10:31when you come here you have to visit the hallowed ground of baseball,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Your best advice was get a hot dog, hit the bleachers and enjoy.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44The Cubs are known as The Lovable Losers
0:10:44 > 0:10:46as they haven't won the World Series in over 100 years.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Kind of like Carrick Rangers back home except the Cubs will
0:10:49 > 0:10:53attract more than 30,000 supporters every single game.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Fair play, lads.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- The Cubs have a terrible record. - Yes they do.
0:11:01 > 0:11:07- Yet over 30,000 of you will come to every single game.- Right.- Why?
0:11:07 > 0:11:11They're like family. You support your family.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Do you think you're going to see a World Series in the next five years?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18I would certainly hope so,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21or I've been spending my whole life on the wrong team.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23As one of your local sports commentators said,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- "Any team can have a bad century." - They passed that already.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- They're into the second century. - You are due some luck. I hope you see a World Series.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Yes, thank you.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38We're not allowed inside the stadium to film.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41The team are tied up with a sports television network. It happens.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44If, like us, you can't get a ticket to get into the game, you can
0:11:44 > 0:11:45take advantage of this.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49The buildings across the way from the stadium have put bleachers up on the roof.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Now that's enterprise.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56As well as catching a game you also told us that this area,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Wrigleyville, is a good place for sports bars
0:11:58 > 0:12:02and restaurants perfect for hanging out with the sports jocks.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06The Major League baseball season runs between April and October
0:12:06 > 0:12:10and there are around 160 games, so matches are played pretty regularly.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Chicago has one of the richest musical histories of any
0:12:19 > 0:12:22American city, and Buddy Guy is considered one of the city's
0:12:22 > 0:12:24most influential musicians.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29He's credited with being the pioneer of the Chicago Blues sound.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33# This plane's gone tonight... #
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Every night different blues musicians play in his club.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40# ..See I'm going to leave
0:12:40 > 0:12:44# Can't get a job... #
0:12:44 > 0:12:47The blues developed here alongside the great migration
0:12:47 > 0:12:50from the south in the early 20th century when African-Americans
0:12:50 > 0:12:54were moving north to get jobs in industrial cities like Chicago.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59The lyrics classically depict tales of struggle, heartache and loss.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02# ..And bring it back... #
0:13:08 > 0:13:11You cannot come to Chicago without getting the blues
0:13:11 > 0:13:15and your first port of call should be Buddy Guy's Legends Club.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- I can't wait for this.- Come on, let's go.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19If you're all feelin' all right, say, "Yeah."
0:13:19 > 0:13:20ALL: Yeah!
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Buddy Guy tours internationally
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and although he usually only plays here in January, our luck was
0:13:25 > 0:13:29in as the king of the Chicago Blues decided to take a turn on stage.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32# Saying something to you
0:13:33 > 0:13:35# And I really don't care how you feel
0:13:35 > 0:13:38# You just don't realise
0:13:40 > 0:13:44# That you've got yourself a good deal. #
0:13:44 > 0:13:45APPLAUSE
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Thank you very much. I love you, man.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Major musicians that have played with,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52and been inspired by, Buddy Guy include Jimi Hendrix,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01That was absolutely amazing. Chicago really is home of the blues.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04And Buddy Guy was in there.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- BUDDY GUY:- Bless you, ladies and gentlemen.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Now there's no denying Chicago is an expensive city to
0:14:17 > 0:14:19stay in as it's geared towards business conferences.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I went to meet an Irishman who's running one of the city's
0:14:22 > 0:14:26top five-star hotels, the landmark Trump Tower.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29I asked him to show me one of the best suites.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- The views here are spectacular. - They're great. You get the view right down the river.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39You are now vice president and general manager of Trump Towers in Chicago.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42That's amazing. Tell me where you're originally from.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44I'm originally from Killarney.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46My family have a small hotel in Killarney,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48right in the middle of town, called The Failte.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51My mum still works there seven nights a week.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Through lack of imagination, I stayed in the hotel business
0:14:53 > 0:14:56and I find myself working at Trump Tower in Chicago.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59And it's such a beautiful tower and this is such a beautiful room.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01How much would it cost to stay here for one night?
0:15:01 > 0:15:05You've got expensive tastes because this particular suite costs 1,800.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10You also pay for these dramatic and exciting views of the city,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12the skyline, the lake and the river.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15We also have more affordable options within the property.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19If we were coming over now for a city break, what is the top
0:15:19 > 0:15:21tip you would have for an Irish tourist coming here?
0:15:21 > 0:15:25There are so many tips I could give. I would say be ready to be surprised.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29It is a lot more affordable than New York. It is clean, it is organised.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31The people are friendly and down to earth.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33You have great theatre, great restaurants,
0:15:33 > 0:15:37everything that New York has, but people are much less caffeinated
0:15:37 > 0:15:38and have more time for you.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44If you can afford a room with a view, starting prices at the
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Trump Tower are from 395.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56For our trip we stayed in the Swissotel.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It's in a prime location being within walking distance of the main
0:15:59 > 0:16:02shopping streets, Millennium Park and Navy Pier.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07But a great location always comes at a price the rate for a room
0:16:07 > 0:16:12here per night is from 259 plus tax and breakfast is not included.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21OK, Chicago is not a cheap city but a low cost option is hostelling.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24You can get a bunk in Hostelling International Chicago
0:16:24 > 0:16:26from as little as 35 per bunk per night.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32There are also family rooms available that sleep four or five.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36These cost 130 plus tax per night.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The rooms are clean and breakfast, towels and bed linen are provided.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46The hostel also provides free outings such as walking tours
0:16:46 > 0:16:48and trips to local jazz clubs.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52We booked flights and hotels separately and flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin.
0:16:54 > 0:17:00For more information on all our holidays visit...
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Right in the heart of the city is one of yours,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13and indeed our, favourite spots. This is Millennium Park.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Chicago has one of the most enviable collections of public
0:17:16 > 0:17:21art in the country. This is the most iconic. British artist Anish Kapoor's
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Cloud Gate. The locals love it so much they've given it its own nickname.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27What else - The Bean.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45110 tonnes of seamless polished stainless steel.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49The curve of it brings in all those harsh verticals of the skyscrapers,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53drawn in its environment. It draws in the crowds as well.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Right next to The Bean in Millennium Park is another amazing
0:18:04 > 0:18:07sculpture and this one doubles up as a concert venue.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11This is one of the most perfect marriages of function
0:18:11 > 0:18:15and design. This is the Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Not only is it visually stunning, but this was designed to replicate
0:18:19 > 0:18:21interior sound in an external environment.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25It is an audio-visual triumph.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30The Pritzker Pavilion has 4,000 fixed seats and 7,000 lawn seats.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Concerts and musical events are held here throughout the summer
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and the best news is that they're free!
0:18:38 > 0:18:42And if you can't stand the heat, the Millennium Park has somewhere
0:18:42 > 0:18:44ingenious to cool off.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48This is the Crown Fountain, two glass bricked monoliths that act as
0:18:48 > 0:18:51fountains to cool down the visitors to the park.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52This is the bit I love about it.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55On each of the facing walls there are projected
0:18:55 > 0:18:59images of over 1,000 citizens of Chicago, which basically means
0:18:59 > 0:19:03the fountain is about the city and for the people of the city.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16And from one crowd pleaser to another this time to a much
0:19:16 > 0:19:17older city institution.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Wow!- Chicago is very well known for its fantastic food,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27but it is most famous for its signature dish.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28That is the deep dish pizza.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31We're here in the restaurant of Lou Malnati who created it.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- It looks good. - That looks incredible.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36I don't know if we will be able to finish it all.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39You are about to see something really special.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44You know what makes a good pizza? This has it.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47The perfect ratio of base, sauce and cheese.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Mm! Oh! I surrender!
0:19:57 > 0:19:59It's perfect. It's a perfect pizza.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Now for those who prefer not to travel too far, I'm going back
0:20:06 > 0:20:10to my home county to see what it offers for a weekend break.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12I'm from County Mayo and it's famous for its beautiful landscapes.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15I'm delighted to be home and this weekend
0:20:15 > 0:20:17I'm going to try something a bit different.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Learn-to breaks are increasingly popular
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and there's all sorts of things you can try your hand at.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25I love hats and today I'm going to try and make one.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I'm going to a hat making workshop in the home of Lina Stein.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35She trained in classic theatrical millinery
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and is known for her flamboyant creations.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42She holds regular hat-making workshops for beginners and intermediates.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44If you want to get ahead get a hat.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50What am I going to try and make today?
0:20:50 > 0:20:54Today you are going to make a felt cocktail hat or a bibi
0:20:54 > 0:20:57as they are called in French.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00To mould the felt what we need is steam.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01Let's get hatting.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Once the felt was mouldable, we made the base of our hat by stretching
0:21:05 > 0:21:08the felt over a standard wooden base known as a block.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Then it was time to start the decorative pieces.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15I'm going to trace around one of my blocks with some tailors' chalk.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Now I'm going to cut them out. - Are hats back in fashion?
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Are people still wearing them as often as they used to?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23They are very popular, even these little ones.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27People wear them out, even to the pub at night. Let's get cracking.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Not to burn yourself, the pliers are a great help.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35To make our trimming, we're going to use a tool called a flower-making tool.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Get a cushion. Going to steam your felt.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Put a huge amount of pressure on and pull against it.- Can I try one?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Yes of course.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Put the ball in and just pull the felt up around it.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49You need to be strong.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Then you can kind of get an idea of what you have just done.- Yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- You just position them inside each other.- Lovely.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Make one more.- What hats are in fashion?- Fascinators are still on the go.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01They have changed a bit.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Getting bigger, more structured, more hat-like.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08For the winter, definitely a felt hat is a must.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11How do you know what type of hat suits you?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14People with pointy features should not be wearing angular hats.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Go for something rounded.- OK.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20If you've got rounded features, a hat with angles is good,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23or pointy feathers coming off it. There is a hat
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- out there for everyone, you just have to find it.- What do you think?
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- That is stunning. That is so pretty. You're going to sew your flower onto your base.- OK.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38- And I might just even put the pearl on straightaway.- OK. - And sew that on.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Then we'll move across. We will do the other side.- That is fabulous.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43There you go.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44I love it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Thanks. - It's very Chanel.- Ooh, thank you!
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Lina's workshop is based just outside Westport, which is
0:22:53 > 0:22:56renowned as a popular holiday destination.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01And there's good reason it's so popular -
0:23:01 > 0:23:03it's right next to some amazing beaches.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Bertra Beach is one of my favourite places to come for a walk.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11It is a little less crowded than the rest of the beaches
0:23:11 > 0:23:13and is a great place to blow away the cobwebs.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, visitors are also attracted
0:23:23 > 0:23:26here by the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick where many
0:23:26 > 0:23:30people still make the barefoot walk to the chapel at its summit.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34I think we are all guilty of not going to see the local tourist
0:23:34 > 0:23:36attractions in our own area.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40I am from Mayo but I have never been to this museum before.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The Museum of Country Life is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46The first surprise is the modern exterior
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and inside there are some fascinating collections.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52The museum has artefacts from all aspects of rural
0:23:52 > 0:23:54life in Ireland, dating from the time of the Famine
0:23:54 > 0:23:56until the end of the Second World War.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04A lot of the exhibits here at the museum show some amazing craftsmanship,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08just like this which is a hen's nest made from straw.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14There are six permanent exhibitions
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Romanticism and Reality, Trades and Crafts,
0:24:17 > 0:24:23The Times, The Natural Environment, Activities In The Home, and Working on the Land and Water.
0:24:28 > 0:24:34On the day I visited there was a cross stitch demonstration in the Trades and Crafts gallery.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37So this is what the ladies of the day would've been
0:24:37 > 0:24:40doing in their spare time.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Well-to-do ladies would probably have sat,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44they might have done some practical
0:24:44 > 0:24:46sewing like shirt-making and suchlike,
0:24:46 > 0:24:51but they filled their time with fancy work which was mainly embroidery.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55How about if you were not so well off? Would you still have to learn how to do this?
0:24:55 > 0:25:00A lot of not so well off children go into service.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04One of their jobs might be to sew the monogram for the family
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- on things like sheets.- I don't think I'd be very employable yet.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- Just having a line of orange. I'm getting there.- You're getting there.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13I think it looks great.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23For more information visit our website...
0:25:26 > 0:25:29There are loads of options for places to stay
0:25:29 > 0:25:33in this area from country house hotels to budget-friendly B&Bs.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Any time I'm home I love to get a few tunes in
0:25:41 > 0:25:44and this is one of my favourite spots for a trad session.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52Matt Molloy's has become one of the best-known pubs in Ireland for traditional music sessions.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I should admit I'm not quite in their league
0:25:56 > 0:26:00but it's great to get the chance to play with some talented local musicians.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04The pub is owned by Matt Molloy who played with
0:26:04 > 0:26:07The Chieftains and tonight we're joined by his son, Peter, who's on the flute.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09MUSIC PLAYS
0:26:15 > 0:26:18CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:19 > 0:26:22A bit of music like that is always good for the soul.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26And now our number 1 choice from your recommendations
0:26:26 > 0:26:28for things to do in the Windy City.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31This is Navy Pier, situated right beside the city centre.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34It is Chicago's top tourist attraction.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Nine million visitors a year can't be wrong.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Distinguished by its landmark Ferris Wheel, Navy Pier was
0:26:40 > 0:26:43used by the American Navy in World War Two for training.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47You told us to come here for a great day's entertainment.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54This Ferris Wheel is 150 feet high and is modelled on the very
0:26:54 > 0:26:59first one that was built for the Chicago World Fair in 1893.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02I think it is a lovely way of seeing the city skyline.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Navy Pier is an entertainment resort right next to the city,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09so you're getting the best of both worlds.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13From the pier you can take a boat tour on the lake or grab a boat taxi
0:27:13 > 0:27:16into the city which only takes ten minutes and costs five dollars.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Great value.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22The thing I love about Navy Pier and Chicago in general is it's not
0:27:22 > 0:27:25just about entertainment and indeed things you have to pay for.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27They try and bring as much art
0:27:27 > 0:27:31and culture to the public as they possibly can for free.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I think they're very successful at it.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Does it beat New York? - Absolutely hands down.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41It is a more compact city. It is a different city.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43It has all the attractions of the lakeside.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I think it is the cleanest, most friendly city
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I have never been to and I just loved it.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Why don't you try it yourself? - Join us next time on Getaways.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55And to top it all off, Chicago has one last treat.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Every Wednesday and Saturday there's a free fireworks display held on Navy Pier.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07It's an awesome way to say goodbye to an incredible city.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd