New Orleans (Louisiana)

The Big Easy - Queen of the Mississippi.

New Orleans (Louisiana)

Rooms From €139 (Per Person)

United States 3 City Breaks

Louisiana

The Big Easy - Queen of the Mississippi.

When Jean Baptiste Le Moyne picked out the strategic spot on the Mississippi River for his French colony in 1718, little did he know that he had doomed a future city to tragedy nearly 290 years later. Situated on a swamp, and surrounded by the sea, Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, the subsiding city of New Orleans chose to swim rather than sink with the construction of a system of levees, pumps and canals to protect the city from flooding.
However, on the 30 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst hurricanes ever to hit the United States, slammed into the region, catapulting New Orleans into world headlines that followed the struggle of the community to cope with extensive damage, loss of life and the flooding of more than 75 percent of the city.
Despite the 'I told you so' attitude of much of the world, the proud residents of New Orleans were more determined than ever to rebuild their city, to bring back the jazz, the extravagant celebrations and the 'Big Easy' lifestyle that once made it the party capital of America. Local musicians have returned home, after-dark options are burgeoning and the strains of jazz and blues rhythms are once again echoing through the streets of the atmospheric French Quarter. Legendary Bourbon Street continues to host carnivals and parades, including the annual Mardi Gras, which has a reputation for being the most scandalous and sensational event on the world's festival calendar.
Besides all the partying, New Orleans has plenty of serious sightseeing to offer. The city is full of picturesque historic buildings, lush parks, interesting museums displaying everything from voodoo culture to modern technology, riverboats and historic streetcars, and of course jazz cafes. But for now evidence of the calamity, as well as the city's determination to survive, take first place in any visitor's 'to do' list.

The first place you have to visit in New Orleans is The French Quarter. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets admiring the architecture and ambiance. Many street names also remain in French since the city's establishment in the early 1700's.
Party the night away in the French Quarter's famous Bourbon Street, New Orleans' famous party hub. The street is full of street performers and busy bars with funky brass bands, jazz, rhythm and blues, Cajun and Gospel music.
For the History buffs, the National World War II Museum has an impressive collection of artefacts and educational films documenting all aspects of the war, from D-Day to the war in the Pacific.
Take a trip to Lafayette, in Louisiana's Cajun Country where you can still hear French being spoken.
Savour the world famous Creole cuisine while you cruise the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel steamboat.

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There are currently direct flights from Ireland to the USA with Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and US Airways. There are also many connections via the UK with British Airways, Virgin and other airlines.

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There are no direct flights to New Orleans from Ireland but numerous connections via the UK or USA.

Average flight time from Ireland to New Orleans is 10-11 hours.

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