I'm back from Ireland
 

Hi guys,

Don't know if remember me? The apprehensive guy who was planning a trip for myself and my girlfriend after the death of her Irish Grandfather.

Anyway all I can say is that (to borrow a well worn cliche), I went, I saw, I was conquered!!! and I will return!

The scenery is beautiful for sure, but it's the people/atmosphere of the place that got me. It's true to say that we were staying with relations, but relations that my girlfriend had never met before. It's just simply tha pace and attitude to life. The appreciation of others, the real warmth of the welcome the actual interest they have in you, not nosey just a general interest in you and a concern that you are enjoying yourself, are feeling good, are having the craic!!!:)

Anyway just thought I'd eat some humble pie!

You don't have to eat humble pie. It's rare to find anyone who feels differently than you now do. Everyone I know who's been there has returned or plans to. I'm planning my third trip this fall. Glad you've become a believer!

I remember you and I'm glad you had such a great time. To be honest, I guess I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy Ireland on my 1st trip also, and it took me a day or so to get over myself and the whole "hating to be lost" male thing.

I agree with your take on the true attraction of the country. I live at the base of the Rocky Mountains and wake up every day to spectacular scenery (though no sea shore) so as much as I love the beauty there, as you said, it's the people and the pace.

Instead of humble pie, why not try the shepherds pie. Generally, regular contributors (especially myself) have a tendency to display an attitude of "What do you mean you might not love it? Are you crazy?? Well, that's wrong and we should all understand the apprehension that others have. Again, congratulations on a great trip and you'll probably be passing out sage advice to people here on a regular basis.


Bill

I get to wake up every morning to one of the best views in Ireland (lucky me, I know, and no, I'm not going to say where). Glad you had a good trip. But I did have a chuckle at the "having the craic" comment. Just reminded me when a friend from Belgium came over, and he phrased it the same way.

So will you share a trip report with us? I would love to hear all the details of where you went, what you loved, the foods you enjoyed (or didn't) and places you would recommend.

edhodge -

I will post a trip report of sorts shortly. As I didn't take notes or keep a diary, I'm going to wait to have our pictures developed in order to put the snapshots I have in my head in a proper order. At the moment all I have is memories/snippets that put a smile on my face.

Bill -
I tried Sheperds pie as it seemed to be a regular and inexpensive option in most places (pubs) we visited! Did you try the Guinness hotpot/stew anywhere? Hmmmm!!

I would be part of the "What do you mean you might not love it? Are you crazy??" camp now that I've been and come back. Reading my original post makes me want to tell myself to shut up!!! I have a small taste now of "whats it all about"! And my initial one trip conclusion its about an awful lot! An awful lot that I still have to see.

Will post soon......

The convert

Bhill, I identify with your comment,
"And my initial one trip conclusion its about an awful lot! An awful lot that I still have to see."

coz, ain't it the truth?? I obsessed, "jonezed" to get back to Europe. So much to learn, so little time (and well, $$$)

I'm so glad you had such a great time!! Your enthusiasm is showing itself remarkably well. I look forward to your trip report as we plan to go to Ireland this Christmas.

What part of Ireland did you stay?

bhill,

You just never know what everyone's taste is going to be, but I'm very glad you enjoyed your trip. I think most of the time, recommending Ireland as a trip is a pretty sure bet.

bhill:

Ah yes, the Guinness and beef. Fine stuff. Welcome to the land of the converted.

Bill