After the ferry we headed up the Connor Pass. <BR>It is absolutely beautiful! But, do not attempt if it is foggy! As narrow as the roads are in Ireland, the Connor Pass is narrower! Of course, we were in a 9-passenger van! At one point, a man in an on-coming car had to get out of his car and direct us-we had inches, barely, to spare! <BR>But, it is so worth it-our group was just loving it! The valley below, the sheep grazing, its just stunning! <BR>Dingle-our group's favorite small town in Ireland. So much to do there and also just georgeous! Katie did the swim with Fungie and Scott her husband and Tommy and I went out in the boat. I wanted to do the swim but was afraid I'd be too cold-even though that day was bright and sunny and warm for Ireland-actually, most of our group were hot! <BR>Anyway, the boat ride was fun too-Dingle bay is just beautiful! We were served tea and biscuits (cookies) by a young girl that works on the boat. Katie had a blast seeing Fungie. And, we got to see Fungie too! <BR>We all rode in the van to do the "Slea Head" drive and we used the Rick Steve's book to guide us to the important stops. Recommend that. We did a stop at the Louis Mulcahy pottery shop and lamps, and pasta sets were purchased and will be shipped! Lots of history in the area. <BR>Three of the group went golfing and Denis at the B&B loaned them his own golf clubs. <BR>We had a great dinner at the Old Smoke House on Main Street-it is a small and cozy but very attractive restaurant serving "upscale" food. Someone had the baked cheese dish as a starter and our "discerning" eater was very happy with his chicken dish. (I don't have details on this one but everything was wonderful!) Highly recommended. <BR>We also had a great dinner the next night at The Mystic Celt-I even took pictures of the food here. (I had the duck with carmelized fruit sauce, boiled potatoes, steamed vegetables, assortment of brown breads, soda breads, and we were served several cheese spreads as an appetizer). Again, wonderful! <BR>Highly recommended as well. <BR>Stayed: The Lighthouse B&B <BR>Wonderful-its a lovely, modern home, view of Dingle Bay, beautifully decorated home-10 min. walk into town. Denis was very helpful planning our stay and restaurants. <BR>Glad we had 2 nights here-wish we could have had longer! <BR>Going to Ireland? Go to Dingle! <BR>On to Killarney!

Hi Patti, we will be going to Dingle for 2 nites in August. Thanks for the restaurant info. I am sooo glad you saw Fungi. It must have been amazing to swim with Fungi. <BR>Glad you had a great time! Judy

Patti- FYI- a suggestion <BR> <BR>The best way to post a multi-part report is to post the parts, in order, as replies to your original post. That way it would be easier for you, and for those trying to read your whole report in a coherent way.

Anon-you are right! I messed up since it was my first time and I was in such a rush to do it! I will do it that way now for my London/Paris part. <BR>Patti

Patti - how were the berries in Dingle?

Welcome Home Patti! Glad you enjoyed your trip. So you didn't do the swim. Too bad! Make sure you post your trip report on Pat's site. <BR> <BR>Take care

Topping now that pictures are ready! <BR>(see Trip Report #1 for pict. info) <BR>Patti

Patti, am so glad to see some postings about Ireland. Will be going (1st trip) in Oct and am so excited. Going with a tour group, but figured I would see more the first time on a tour and then if by the grace of God I get to go back I will know where I want to go. Thanks again.

Xaimi-you will just love Ireland! The countryside is so peaceful not to mention beautiful. Eat lots of brown bread, get to the pubs in the evening to hear the music, bring lots of film, buy everything you think you MIGHT want (you will wish you had when you get home), and take as many deep breaths of that great Irish air-I can't explain it-you just have to experience it! Wish it were me going again! Have a great trip and do a trip report! <BR>Patti