Not much is said about Co. Offaly in the guide books but it is a lovely part of Ireland. Take in Birr Castle demense (gardens.) I am *no gardner but the gardens took my breath away. And the castle (still occupied) is in the center of town. Accomodation is made for the disabled to tour the grounds. <BR>Also Birr Castle is home of a famous telescope. The original, built over 150 years ago was made entirely on the estate by Irish workers, including the mirrors. Recently refurbished and available to see.<BR>Co. Offaly is one spot I will be sure to visit again. Lots more nearby so it's a good central location for day trips. <BR>One another subject : while you are viewing Cliffs of Mohr, go to Kileen's Pub in nearby town...and meet the locals, not other tourists.<BR>Have fun!

Whoops! The town nearby Cliffs of Mohr is Lahinch, where you also find one of the toughest gold courses in the world. If you have leanings towards that "good walk spoiled" sport! ;-)

Great thread - brings back such wonderful memories!<BR>Arriving in Lisdoonvarna and finding out that the annual Matchmaking Festival is going on - what a crowd and what fun!<BR>Scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream at Dromoland Castle.<BR>Spending time in Adare - lovely little town, so colorful and so many flowers.<BR>Dinner at a restaurant in Kinsale (name escapes me) that had the most flavorful vegetables and mouth-watering lamb chops.<BR>The Cliffs of Moher,<BR>Brown bread,<BR>The smell of peat in the air,<BR>The countryside,<BR>but most of all, the people!<BR>

IRELAND<BR> Where the sun is warm and golden <BR> and the rain is soft and clean, <BR> Where the meadow mist is fragrant <BR> and the hills are emerald green...<BR> <BR> Where a wish becomes a poem <BR> and a dream becomes a song, <BR> Where my heart, <BR> at least in memory, <BR> goes home where I belong... <BR> B.J.Hoft <BR>

Gina...my husband and I will be in Ireland in 3 weeks and are spending a night in Kinsale. Would love to know the name of the restaurant there with the great lamb chops and vegetables. Would you mind trying to come up with the name? Would reeally appreciate it.<BR><BR>Have enjoyed all these great posts...thanks everyone! Can't wait to get there!

Terri:<BR>I cannot remember the name, but it was just a block off the harbor, and was across the street from a restaurant or hotel named Coughlin (I remember that because my friend Bridget's maiden name was Coughlin). The restaurant advertised all homemade with home grown ingredients. <BR>Bridget will ask her sister this weekend, so if I get the name, I'll post it for you the first of next week.

My best experience so far visiting Ireland was my 3 day trip to kenmare..<BR><BR>What a town it's so quaint & every one very friendly. With so many restaurants to visit in Kenmare I think the best for my family was Caseys Restaurant on the Sneem rd (Ring of Kerry).<BR><BR>They run Traditional Irish nights on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 8.30pm to 10.30 pm,any of these nights is a must. We had a wonderful experience there and the entertainment was brill.. especially the Irish dancers they were fantistic.<BR>The food @ Casey's was great you must try their Steaks or Seafood. Another must is their Irish coffee's.<BR><BR>My two children were made feel very welcome by the staff, crayons & colouring books provided for the evening. <BR><BR>For a night of good food, good guinness & irish coffee's while listening to Traditional Irish Music Caseys is a must if visiting Kenmare or the ring of Kerry.

I feel like I just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Having just booked an 8 day trip to Ireland for early November, finding this wealth of information is a godsend. We don't have a lot of time to read and research, but I will certainly review these comments. One question I have right now...Is it possible to rent golf clubs at most courses, and if so, will the weather permit us to get in a round during the first week of November?

The building of a sailing ship similar to one from the 19th century at New Ross is very well done.See www.dunbrody.com for details

Oh well, this post has made up my mind where my next trip will be.

Lenore-most places do have clubs available, but not all have women's clubs for rent. You should be able to get out and play. Some courses shut down if there has been severe weather, but that's not the norm.