TPAYT

I know this question is quite a stretch.

I was looking through VRBO properties in western Ireland and saw one that had 2 sets of golf clubs to use with it.

We(and alot of Fodorites) love renting through VRBO, so I thought it might ring a bell with someone.

Any other comments on where you stayed would be welcome.

We're thinking of going in Sept.

suze

In Ireland?

TPAYT

Yes, I believe I said Western Ireland.
I've just started going through all of the listings again.

traveller69

It is in Wicklow vrbo#24532

TPAYT

Traveller69

Wow! I'm impressed. I reaaly didn't think I'd get an answer.

I had looked through so many listings, I couldn't remember where it was.

County Wicklow---I will start some research of the area. The listing was the one I remembered.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This is the best site. Fodorites are the most knowedgeable travelers, and love sharing their information.

Thanks, Traveller69, however did you come up with that so Quick?

traveller69

Hi - I love a challenge and it was very easy. I use VRBO all the time so I thought if I start looking at the end (because you probably started looking from the beginning) I may come up with it. When I saw by a golf course - I read the fine print!! My husband is such a golfer that I think my eyes are trained to see that before anything. Have a great visit. We just love Ireland.

Padraig

Am I understanding things right -- that you are deciding where in Ireland to centre your holiday on the basis of golf clubs being supplied?

TPAYT

Since our Sept. vacation is usually in France(or occasionally Italy), we were looking for something different. MDH loves to golf, I do not. He's also Irish, so I started looking in Ireland.

Very good question---and, no, we would not base our vacation on available golf clubs. But not knowing anything about Ireland that property caught my eye because it would be easy to golf once or twice and not haul golf clubs or pay high rental fees.

I'm so up and down about Ireland. Padraig, please give me some good reasons to go there. I don't golf, both of us don't drink beer, and I keep hearing that the driving is tough. It looks beautiful when the sun is out, but otherwise, some of the pictures make it look dismal.

I realize that there are golf courses all over, so MDH could get his 1 or 2 rounds in, but don't know where to base ourselves.

We love driving all over France and Italy, and find that very easy(avoiding the big cities).

If not Ireland, we'll be back to France again.

Help! We would like something different.

Padraig

Yesterday -- midsummer -- we had strong winds, thunderstorms, bucketfuls of rain; today we still have winds, little rain, and clouds scudding past; it might be fine tomorrow, or it might not. That's they way things are in Ireland: we have weather, not climate. No matter: I am going west later in the week to spend time in Connemara. Herself and I will enjoy it, whatever the weather, but of course we would prefer sunshine.

I don't think driving in Ireland is difficult. In many areas popular with tourists it is different, because roads are narrow and follow the terrain, which makes them twisty and hilly. But slow down, adapt to local conditions, and it's fine.

You don't need to drink beer or any alcoholic beverage to enjoy yourself here. I like wine with a meal, but otherwise drink very little. When I go to a pub I usually take non-alcoholic drinks because I am likely to be driving afterwards. I still enjoy pub life.

Being Irish, I cannot offer the same perspective that an overseas visitor might have. I have read, and sometimes see it mentioned or suggested here, that one of the good things about coming here, in addition to scenery, is interaction with the locals. [Mind you, one or two people here seem to think that interacting with me would be a downside.]

September in Ireland is often a good time. The volume of visitors drops a bit, and the weather is a good bet. The same applies to France, where I am often to be found at that time of year.

So my short answer to you is scenery, people, confirmation that there are plenty of golf opportunities, and mixed weather. Add in good food -- some very good indeed, but at higher prices than in France.

If your husband is Irish-born, he will know something about the country and possibly have family or sentimental motives for choosing locations. If he is of Irish ancestry, it might be an interesting voyage of discovery for him, especially if he has some idea of where his ancestors originated.

traveller69

Just my two cents worth here. I love Ireland. We spent just one week there and really saw a lot in that time but it was the people who made it great. So friendly, helpful and just plain fun. We aren't drinkers either but it was never a problem. We used to like to go into the pubs for the local entertainment in the small towns and we apologized in the first one saying we didn't want beer. The bartender said "No Problem" tea for two. That was the way it was everywhere. The scenery is really lovely but don't be in a hurry to go anywhere - just relax and enjoy.

wojazz3

Well said Padraig. I might also add that, along with the fact that one will find opportunities to converse with the locals, they're not waiting around in pubs just hoping to talk to a just off the plane "Irish American". I'm not sure how the conversations get started, but I've been in many I guess. It's usually been enjoyable. On the other hand, I swear there are pubs that hire an old guy with a flat cap to sit and pretend to be interested in tourist stories.

Despite Padraig's self deprecating comment, I certainly think I would enjoy a bottle of wine with him.

Bill

Padraig

wojazz3 wrote: "Despite Padraig's self deprecating comment, I certainly think I would enjoy a bottle of wine with him."

Let me know when next you plan a visit to the ould sod and this ould sod will consult his diary.

I wasn't deprecating myself; I was echoing other people's deprecation of me. My self-deprecation is done with some affection for its object.

wojazz3

Padraig:

It appears I will be there in Late September early Oct, into Shannon and out of Dublin. I'll let you know as the itinerary gets closer to in order.

Bill

Padraig

Bill, it could be tight because, as I have mentioned in this thread, I often visit France in September, and it's usually at the end of the month. But keep me advised, and we'll see if schedules can be co-ordinated.

maureencol

Wojazz,

I just booked my flight last week. Aer Lingus LAX to Dub for Sept. 15th thru Oct. 1st. The cost was higher this year..as expected but I thought I still got a pretty good deal. Aer Lingus had a special where they would waive the supplementary fuel charge which totalled $270. And I usually go the end of October so I thought I might go a bit earlier this year. So got my flight for $670 R/t. Last year I paid $430. :=( Darn oil prices!!!