BEST OF THE BEST IN IRELAND
 

LETS HEAR ABOUT WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES IN IRELAND...ESPECIALLY FOR FIRT TIMERS TO THE COUNTRY...PLACES TO SEE, PLACES TO EAT ETC. <BR>THIS CAN DEFINITELY BE A HELP WITH PLANNING A TRIP...

1. Listen, listen, listen: the Irish love of language is a gift in itself, and it's expressed beautifully and melodiously <BR>2. Book of Kells, of course <BR>3. Watch the moon go down on Galway Bay <BR>

4. Kilmainham Gaol <BR>

Sitting on the pier in Dingle town munching on take away fish and chips. <BR> <BR>visiting the celtic shop in Clifden. <BR> <BR>walking out to the Mizen Head lighthouse. <BR> <BR>watching the nuns make pottery at the Kylemore Abbey

WOW!!!!! Keep them coming, they all sound wonderful.....

Hop a plane to Scotland and visit a more beautiful country.

Don't give our secret away that Scotland is a more scenic country. We don't want all of the tourists that the Irish depend on. We prefer to keep our beautiful land to ourselves as opposed to having tour buses plowing through our countryside.

Listening to the music at a singing pub <BR>Singing with everyone at a singing pub <BR>Eating brown bread with butter <BR>Drinking tea every chance you get <BR>Having a Guiness <BR>Watch the famers and their dogs "working the sheep <BR>Seeing the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher <BR>Slea Head in Dingle...

I too, loved the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Town...Doyles Seafood Bar and Devane's Farmhouse. Loved Guiness, Irish stew, and the music. Try the Irish Tourist Board website...they'll tell you where to find pubs w/ music. Also love Killarney, even though a bit touristy. In Dublin, hop on a double decker bus tour to get oriented and just enjoy the beautiful accent and sense of humor of your guide. If you can, try to go in June or July...by August we got lots of rain. Also, don't underestimate driving times...they have no superhighways! We did way too much driving in too little time.

Love this thread! And I have to love the accent.....drives me just a little wild......whewwww....Judy ;-)

Nearly getting blown off the Cliffs of Moher by the incredibly high winds. Save your money and go visit Big Sur in California. <BR> <BR>

Is this yet another one of the threads where the Fodorites are asked to provide all of the info for an upcoming article in a travel magazine?

Kissing the Blarney Stone only to find out that now I'll come down with Hepatitus! I hope I drank enough Guiness to kill the germs.

I rented a car and drove around Ireland for 4 weeks in 1997. The best: <BR> <BR>1. The scenic country on the Dingle Peninsula. Arriving in late afternoon after a rain storm and seeing a rainbow over the horizon, beyond the harbor of Dingle Town. <BR> <BR>2. Getting up at 5am to see the sunrise over the cliffs of Moher. <BR> <BR>3. Entering Kilkenny "homeless" and ending up attending a post-football game party at Kyteler's Inn (est 1300)where I got 3 offers of a free place to stay. <BR> <BR>4. Evening of Irish Music at Murphy's in Dingle Town. <BR> <BR>5. Going through the 3,500 year old ceremonial stone vaults of a long ago civilization at Newgrange, county Meath. <BR> <BR>6. Walking in nature at the Glendalough site in county Wicklow.

Drinking Guiness in Cruise's pub in Ennis while listening to a musical jam session.

love to read the above posts... <BR> <BR>my two cents and memories: <BR>-Eating at McSwiggan's Pub in Galway <BR>-Bulmers Cider <BR>-Trying all the candy not available in the States and eating it in St. Stephen's Green <BR>-Rainbow in front of the cute Park House B&B by Bunratty Castle (which also offered pancakes for b-fast. A great change from eggs)!! <BR>-Irish Dancing in a pub in Kilkenny (as I am an irish dancer) <BR>-and of course...tons of brown bread!!

One more thing ... <BR>-trying to tip the bartenders and realizing that the money is still sitting on the bar an hour later! (Ok so I didn't do my research on tipping before going, but I quickly learned)

Licorice Bon Bon candies - found at the local newstands. Cadbury candy is so much better there than the Cadbury we get here in the States. <BR> <BR>And the Guiness - also far better than the Guiness we get here.

In addition to Guiness, make sure and give the hard cider a try. Good stuff. And the Literary Pub Crawl in Dublin is a blast. <BR> <BR>While I might not be popular with this response, though Ireland is a great place to visit, I must side with a few of the other posters and give a higher vote to Scotland. Nothing can beat the architecture of Edinburgh and the scenery of the Highlands. Definitely worth a visit. But make sure to go to Ireland first and then head onto Scotland. If you do the trip in reverse, you will be greatly disappointed in Ireland. <BR> <BR>I did really also enjoy Blarney, though I guess I shouldn't have kissed the stone. Pretty area though. But the hike up to the top of the castle could kill you!

Cheers: Holey Moley, I am doing this trip in Aug. Scotland(Edinburgh for the Festival and Tattoo) and then Dingle, Galway, Dublin.... I don't think I will be disappointed in Ireland however.... differant strokes and all...I am sure I will LOVE both. <BR>Judy ;-)

Hiking around Horn Head in C. Donegal on a "soft" day and absorbing the heights and beauty. <BR> <BR>In C. Sligo, contemplating the surreal sight of Ben Bulben from Yeats' grave on a clear and bright Sunday morning as jackdaws set up their ruckus in the trees and, in the church, an organist plays. <BR> <BR>Getting lost in and about the Mourne Mountains, C. Downe. <BR> <BR>Shopping, eating, hanging out, hearing good pub music in Kilkenny town. <BR> <BR>Shooting the breeze with people anywhere; yes, the language is a gift. <BR> <BR>Knowing you can be dressed in so-so clothes and very few folks (outside Dublin, perhaps) are going to care or treat you with less respect; i.e., the casualness of people. <BR> <BR>Stopping in late for a ceili in the tiny town of Kilmacrenan (C. Donegal) and finding the elderly "lingerers" there warm and welcoming--and wanting to give up their seats by the peat fire for you. Having them offer a pot of tea; having them engage you in lots of questions and tell you about their town; being amazed at how these people so easily and kindly invited two utter strangers into their warm circle. <BR> <BR>These experiences barely scratch the surface. If you go to Ireland simply to "tour places," you will not really "see" Ireland; seeing in Ireland is a matter of the heart. Scotland certainly is beautiful and so are many other places; but their beauty does not discount the distinctions and wonders and beauty of Ireland. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Getting acquainted with the Crusader in the crypt at St. Michan's in Dublin, below the organ on which Handel practiced for the first performance of the Messiah.

re xxx(the 1st) and mr SCOT. <BR>I knew scots had a reputation for meaness, but I didn't think that that included being mean spirited.

Let your imagination run wild at Tara. <BR>Eat at a great restaurant in Kinsale. <BR>Splurge for a night or two at the Ashford Castle. <BR> <BR>

finding family, good craic at their pub in Roscommon <BR>the Burren <BR>Craig Castle manour house <BR>the beaches of north Donegal <BR>black pudding

The smell of turf burning while out walking in the early mourning... So I just found a website to buy some so I can remember it all over again .. over a guinness ... ha ha ha

THANK YOU Phyllis for starting this wonderful geyser of information. I planned my 2 month trip to Ireland (starting on May 1st--let's hope this whole foot and mouth scare is over) and this intimate exchange of favorite places is bringing tears to my eyes! I have been to Scotland and I agree--it's fabulous and hard to imagine any place being any better. But I have always dreamed of going to Ireland. I will be travelling alone as apposed to with my family (parents and brother) to Scotland. I think they key isn't always what country you go to. I think there are a variety of circumstances that always effect your travels. Just being able to visit the places I read about in literature, finding relatives I've never met in County Clare, and listening to the locals will be reward enough for me, even if the scenery itself isn't as beautiful as Scotland. <BR>Again, thank you everyone for the tips and keep them coming! Erin

There is reputedly something a little tight about the Scots, isn't there? I don't think that this can be said of the Irish.

Wow - what a great thread... sigh... brings back memories of my own, and isn't what this is all about? Fellow travelers sharing their fond memories to help some other soul create their own fond memories - and you all know that as you tap your keyboard reliving your travels, a slow, broad smile creeps across your face... I love it! Okay, here are some of my own: <BR> <BR>driving, driving, driving, and getting lost, discovering things never found in any book. <BR> <BR>Dingle Peninsula - in the summer, drive it late in the evening, and then drive it again. <BR> <BR>Creeping down the stairs at St. Michan's in Dublin for a close look in the tombs - eerie and amazing. <BR> <BR>The Beara Peninsula - dreamy, I will never get that out of my mind. <BR> <BR>The Rock of Cashel - awe inspiring - can't believe my fortune at seeing it during my lifetime. <BR> <BR>Sitting near the edge at the Cliffs of Moher and pondering the power and majesty of nature. <BR> <BR>Stumbling upon Fleadh Nua (music festival) in Ennis and seeing people of all shapes, ages and sizes competing in step dancing competitions, and a lovely, charming parade. <BR> <BR>Kilkenny - the cutest town, absolutely, ...and taking the walking tour with a beguiling host. <BR> <BR>Seeing a double rainbow over the neverending green valley below on a drive over mist covered Conors Pass. <BR> <BR>Someone said it earlier - drinking a lovely cup of tea, warm and sweet as you are welcomed into your B&B for the evening after a long, fun, wet day of driving and sightseeing. <BR> <BR>Going into the grocery stores and picking up some items to bring home that you will never find in the U.S. (I bought 3 bottles of "lavendar and lemon" liquid soap, and am on the last bottle, I think of my favorite B&B where I discovered it every time I wash my hands.) <BR> <BR>I can't wait to see who posts what next :-) <BR> <BR>

WOW!!!! These threads are fantastic. I look forward to reading all the responses every morning. My husband and I will be travelling for our first trip to Ireland the end of May for 8 days. I certainly have a lot to think about for our trip. We are spending 2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Galway, 2 nights in Limerick, 1 night in Birr and our final night in Dublin. I just love reading about all the suggestions of what to see and do. Keep them coming. Thanks, Phyllis :=)

Phyllis here again: Just a thought, I have all our accommodations reserved for our trip. The following is the names of the places we are staying. We have splurged on some of them but really wanted to make this trip special. Has anyone stayed at the following places: <BR>Ariel House in Dublin <BR>Clontarf Hotel in Dublin <BR>Fitzpatrick Hotel in Dublin <BR>Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway <BR>Glin Castle Hotel in Limerick <BR>Kinnitty Castle in Birr <BR>Any comments either good or bad would be interesting to hear about..thanks

This is a fun thread! My three cents: <BR> <BR>Stay in Doolin, Co. Clare. A beautiful, remote part of the country. Best craic (traditional irish music) anywhere. Just magical. In a town like Doolin, leprechauns don't seem hard to believe in at all. Check out Aran View guest house for acommodations. Eat Guinness stew at Gus O'Connor's. <BR> <BR>Splurge on a night or two at Ashford Castle on Lough Corrib. When you do, be sure to take the boat ride on the lake with Mr. Stepen Lydon, the gentlest soul that ever lived. He was in the movie "The Quiet Man". The whole town of Cong , in the shadow of the castle, was "built" by the move. Very charming, quaint town. Eat in Cong, not at the castle. <BR> <BR>Make many roadside stops at the cemeteries. Soak in the beauty and the sense of longevity, of history, of family. Take pictures of the gorgeaous celtic crosses. <BR> <BR>Even if you're not a big boozer (hard liquor drinker), you've got to try Middleton whiskey. It definitely the best of the best in its class. And definitely enhances your pub singalong experience. Prepare to pay dearly, but try it at least once. <BR> <BR>Slainte! <BR> <BR>

At last someone mentioned their visit to Co. Mayo. Cong is a very lovely town but unfortunately I had a bad experience on Lough Corrib - got lost on the lake. You may smile but it is possible. If you do go out with a rowing boat do ensure the owners have given specific instructions what areas of the lake to keep to. When you're out on the lake for an hour or so admiring Ashford castle, the whole shore line looks exactly the same. I can't remember the B and B owners who we hired the boat from, otherwise I'd put a red warning beacon next to their web site. <BR>Mayo is very very beautiful and rural. Especially a place called Furnace off the Newport road, Mulranny to Newport. Worth checking out. <BR>But the best about Eire is not the Guiness (I really hate the stuff), but 'Emerald Isle' sweets. Now check them out! <BR>

Phyllis, nice thread, thanks. My 3, the Glenariff Forest Park (fairies live there) and staying at the Meadows B&B in Cushendall, attending a Celeidh in Donegal Town watching folks who have danced together for a long time, and third, a trad session in Dublin the night before we returned home.

Hi everyone...I am so glad that everyone likes this thread. It is so important to dwell on wonderful things that life has to offer. The beauty of Ireland should be shared and it so neat to read about everyones experiences while visiting. When my husband and I return from our trip later this year I will definitely share our thoughts with you all. Until we leave I will continue to monitor this thread and wait anxiously for our trip. Phyllis :=)

Try taking the train from London to Holyhead and then the ferry over to Ireland after the end of a three day holiday. Very soon you will realize you are no longer among the reserved English but on a train load filled with Irishmen and women and they are going to talk loud and laugh loud all the way home and you are going to have a good time in Ireland.

The Scots are just upset because their football team is so woeful. <BR> <BR>Anyway, best things about Ireland, Tyrella Beach outside Newcastle in Northern Ireland, the Mountains of Mourne, the Wicklow Mountains and the Wicklow Way, Inishowen Peninsula is County Donegal, Killyleagh Castle in County Down, being able to meet up with a bunch of friends at the pub without it turning into a logstical nightmare like it does here in the States; Father Ted and Men Behaving Badly (yes, the latter is a British show, but you can see it Ireland!), lambs frolicking in the spring, really really good cheese and bread and potatoes, Shane MacGowan, the Pogues, Brendan Behan, Roddy Doyle, Colin Bateman, Jennifer Johnston (or is it Johnson), the Saw Doctors.

Phyllis: <BR>Glenlo Abbey Hotel is absolutely wonderful! Exquisite service. Beautiful rooms wonderful view. Enjoy your stay!!

Phyllis, <BR>We had a lovely meal at the Conrad Dublin International Hotel, Earlsfort Terrace just south of St. Stephens Green. Beautiful room and great food. The desserts were amazing! It's a hotel but when we were there the dining room was slow and the service incredible! Have Fun

Back again - reading what everyone has written since I posted. I absolutely concur with Kris about Doolin!! We had our most memorable pub experience there, at O'Connor's, tucked away in a little corner booth, enjoying the live music, laughing with everyone, and drinking a pint or two. We also stayed at a charming inn which is also a restaurant, called Cullinan's. We got an absolutely lovely room, and had dinner downstairs (lucky to get a reservation!), our biggest splurge on food (mmm, mmm good), in the morning, you go back downstairs to the restaurant and have your pick of the menu... not your usual B&B breakfast (although they serve it too). But I had lemon kiwi pancakes... oh, out of this world!!! Right behind Cullinan's is a nice youth hostel and a little stream, where ducks frolic and the "youths" play with the friendly local dogs. It was a great experience. Cullinan's Restaurant and Inn, tel. 065-707-4183. I believe it was about 22 punts per person, breakfast incl. (dinner extra, but worth it). Doolin is great!