Jen_in_desert

Hi Everyone:
I will be traveing with 12 members of my family to Ireland for 18 days at the end of June 2006. Flying into Dublin and out of Shannon and hiting Kilkenny, Cashel, Waterford, Kinsale, Kenmare, Tralee, Dingle, Lisdoonvarna, Galway and Ennis along the way. While I have found answers to most of my questions a few have alluded me and I am hoping you all can help.

Is there an age limit in Irish pubs? If so is it all the time or after a certain hour? We have one member of our group who is 14, all the rest are over 21.

How long is the ferry across the River Shannon? Cost?

What's with the advice about hubcaps and side mirrors? I've seen refererences to previous posts on those topics but I'm not sure what they are referring to.

Any thoughts on Irish men? I have a sister who is convinced she's going to meet the love of her life while we're there .

I appreciate any help you can offer and thank you in advance.

Most sincerely,
Jen

TimS

The Killimer-Tarbert ferry ride takes 20 minutes and costs E15.00 for one car (including all passengers).

Irish roads are narrow with no shoulders. Vegetation (or even rock walls covered with vegetation) often comes right to the edge of the road so left-hand sideview mirrors and hubcaps often brush against the vegetation. Result: a broken mirror unless it is spring-loaded and a knocked off hubcap.

CAPH52

Actually, there have been threads about ages in pubs. I was told that there is a fairly new, strictly enforced law prohibiting anyone under 18 from being in a pub after 9:00. However, we just returned from Galway, Westport and Ennis. We were in the pubs every night, two or three nights until closing, with our 16 year old son. No one ever said a word to us about his being there. The drinking age in Ireland is 18. Our 20 year old drank Bailey's at the pubs and was never asked for ID. And the night we were in Westport, we saw quite young children in one of the pubs until very late.

Now, remember, these were weeknights in March. And our 16 year old is a big kid (six feet one) and probably looks older than his age. In June, in some of the more touristed areas, you may run into problems. But, FWIW, we certainly didn't have any.

The hubcab and side mirror advice has to do with the left side of the road driving on the very narrow roads. Again, we didn't have any problems. (Some near misses though!) And, the first time he went, my brother banged the h*%ll out of his side view mirror!

wojazz3

There are "strict" rules for those under age in pubs but they tend not to be enforeced much in the rural areas. They will be strictly enforced in Dublin. CAPH is right about the times but outside of Dublin, if you get in early enough, there is a reasonable chance the youngsters won't be asked to leave.

Shannon ferries schedule and info:
http://www.shannonferries.com/

Your sister meeting the love of her life:

If she sits at the bar at any urban pub alone for just a few minutes, she'll probably get approached multiple times and if nothing else, drink for free. In country pubs, it may take as many as 3-4 minutes to get approached. Will she fall in love? Can't answer that for you.

Have fun!

Bill

Jen_in_desert

Thank you all for the prompt replies and the link to the ferry schedule is most helpful.

Itallian_Chauffer

Was just in a pub in Clonakilty (less than a week ago) to see a 9 PM show by John Spillane, in the ack Bar at DeBarra's. Stood in line in the front bar, behind a ten or eleven year old who was with his family. Nothing was said/done about it.

Check the mirrors and hubcaps when you pick up the car (they often use big, plastic "zip-ties" as added 'insurance'against knocking them off.

Your sister will DOUBTLESS fall in love any number of times, with the men she'll meet in an Irish pub. Most will be between 60 and 80, no doubt. They seem to be the most charming ...

Bob

sprin2

Watch the side mirrors, easy to whack off.

Ladies in pubs, shouldn't take long...and if the men are less than 60 chances are they are married (lord only knows how many kids). Seen it and it is really sad when single ladies fall for Irish bar meets (although I'm a romantic and always hope for the best).

With one 14 yr. old and 12 people I bet you won't have a bit of trouble.

SiobhanP

In the country you will be fine with the 14 year old. In Dublin you won't be allowed in with a child after the set time (It may vary from pub to pub).

As for the sister looking for love...she will find lust if she wants but love is a tough one. MOst guys would be up for a fling but a relationship qwith someone 3,000 miles away is a long shot. Tourists are also easy targets for some men so I would say use your better judgement. The grass is always greener and i know a few irish Gals who would trade with her for an American man .