Well we made it back from Ireland, exhausting. Drove from Dublin, to Galway, stopped in Doolin, Cork, Youghal, Castledemount then back to Dublin. 8 days in Ireland

We need a vacation now but I can’t want to go back, only much less driving.

Found Guinness to be a tourist trap, if you really want to see a brewery in the works this is not it. When you purchase something ASK for your VAT tax refund. We did not find out about this until midway through our trip.

Also, vouchers are of a hassle, if you’re traveling around with no agenda then doesn’t use vouchers.

Folks are wonderful, Youghal was a surprise find and boy can I just say it was great.
Old shore resort.

Enjoy your trip and watch out for the sheep in Connemara, they really do own the road.

I'm glad that you enjoyed your trip.

Can I count on you to join the gang of us who so frequently advise intending visitors to shorten their itineraries?

Sounds like you had a fun Broncett. I agree about the vouchers -- see no advantage to them. Maybe I'm missing something...

Can you share where you stayed and how you liked it? Also any must do's or don't for restaurant / pubs?

Thanks

What is a VAT tax refund?

VAT is value added tax. If you are buying items that you are taking out of the EU, you are entitled to a refund of the tax. VAT is included in the price of most items and is not added on at the point of purchase as it is done in the US. It runs between roughly 12-21%.

There are two ways that it is done. Some stores will take the VAT off for you at the top and if you don't do your paperwork at the airport, they will add the charge to the credit card. The other version is you pay the VAT up front and get a refund either sent to you, or in cash when you leave.

One thing to watch for when paying is that you should always ask to be charged in the local currency. Merchants will try to tell you:
1. It's a better deal if they do it for you (that's a lie)
2. They are required to charge in your currency (um, that's a lie too)

You can always purchase collectibles at the duty free shop at the airport and avoid the VAT back schemes. Be aware that if you are flying from one country to another within the EU (I know this applies to liquor anyway) and not continuing on for a while, you will not get the duty free price. They look at your tickets to confirm that you are flying out of the EU.


Bill

We hit so many pubs I couldn't tell you all of them. In Doolin the pub had 2 guys with people joining in. The mic's where hanging from the ceiling it was crystal clear.. Only 3 pubs and they rotate who has the music.

We did have problem eating, by the time we got to a pub NO FOOD, we got into the habit of ordering pizza and bringing it to the pub or bringing cheese and crackers...
"sharing of course"...

In Cork City - An Bodhran... true Irish folks...Tell Gordon that Jim and the girls from Jersey said HI.
Ask him how is finger is feeling.
(no pics of the locals)


Kilkea Castle was priceless... Can't say enough about it..

Di