Maeve

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>

Amy

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.

jp1

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.

steven

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>

Shelly

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

Milo

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

Erin

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

Jaqui

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.

Lisa B

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>

Phyllis

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

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

Kris

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>

siobhain

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>

Danna

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.

Phyllis

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 :=)

Annette

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.

Jamie

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.

AC

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

Danna

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

Lisa B

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!