Ireland - it has an atmosphere all its own. I saw lots of redheaded kids too, must have been other tourists. LOL

Thanks for everyone's input! We are really looking forward to our trip to Ireland. <BR>Since my first posting, we've been told that Northern Ireland (not the Belfast area) has incredible scenery and should not be missed. Any suggestions for Northern Ireland are appreciated.

<BR>Be sure to drive up the Glens of Antrim....Beautiful!!! and on up to the Giant's Causeway...outstanding!! See the Carrick a rede rope bidge and on to Dunluce Castle. <BR>Alos the Ulster Folk park outside Belfast is well worth visiting. <BR>Have fun. <BR>Lee

Try this website for Northern Ireland. <BR>http://www.goireland.com/ <BR>I am originally from Northern Ireland, but live in the USA now. <BR>Don't be afraid to visit Belfast - I think you will enjoy it. <BR>Enjoy your trip! <BR> <BR>Margaret <BR>

I shyed away from this all day! God! what a leading question - it was interesting - though totally expected -what the response would be. I grew up in Ireland, near Clare, but my father is of English decent and have been there many times also. Terry liked Wales and Cornwall - well, the Welsh (and Scots) are celtic (and every Celtic person HATES that seltic thingy too! - sorry, just had to get that in) and Im not sure about Cornwall, but it just may well be a good tinge of the Celt there also. But anyway, back to business. NOTHING against England, or Northern Ireland but I have always noticed a definite coldness there. It is so different, sure, I just love and appreciate their history, but there is a very deep, ancient historic feeling to Ireland and her people, there is just no comparasion that can be made. Ireland and England are just totally different. One thing (from living in the United States of America for the past 10 years) that I have learned when I go back is that -- when you hit the airport in Ireland - relax, (I MEAN REALLY RELAX) let down your guard, have a pint, some crab or smoked salmon on some brown bread, have a chat, there is no one who wont love you. Have a great time in Ireland. Wish I was there. Anne

Just re-read my posting. BEFORE I get blasted - I have also been to N. Ireland many times - and it IS beautiful, and well worth visiting - but just a totally different - English - feeling to the Republic of Ireland.

My husband and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Ireland/Britain in May next year also.... Alas, we will be travelling with Insight Tours and not on our own..... I can't wait to get to Ireland, my ancestors came Ireland in the mid 1800's. However my Mum and Dad spent 3 weeks there a few years ago, touring and staying in B&B. they just loved it, and my mum said that when they went to Tralee it just felt like home... funny that. <BR>I can't wait to visit Ireland and absorb it all it's glory, history and friendliness. The memories will have to do me for quite a while, but Im sure once we've been we will want to return again and again..

Great. I just had to read this. Now I've got to find room in our 2001 schedule for a jaunt to Ireland. <BR> <BR>Seriously though, this post has seen the best exchange of information the forum has had in a long time.

To Margaret Have you used goireland and if so what was you experience ? I and A friend of mine used them and had some rough experiences. The site only lists places that pay for inclusion and as far as I can see doesn't check out listings. I noticed some postings on this forum recommending them and I emailed the people directly and my mail got bounced !. Thanks for your input, <BR> <BR>Lisa

Here are two official sites: <BR>http://www.interknowledge.com/northern-ireland/ <BR>http://www.ni-tourism.com/index.asp <BR> <BR>For our trip a couple of years ago, I contacted the tourist bureau, and received wonderful maps, brochures, catalogues, suggested itineraries, etc. which helped immensely in the planning.

Boy, Ann, I'm glad my Northern Ireland Catholic husband didn't see your posting about Northern Ireland feeling "English." Oh, how many words I could write about why that is, but I'm not going to stoop to that level. <BR> <BR>Anyway, great places to go in the north--Belfast, of course, nice city, some good restaurants (Nick's Warehouse, Deane's, the one that used to be Roscoff's), pubs (Kelly's, Rotterdam, Lavery's, Empire, the Botanic, etc., etc., etc.), a few nice buildings yet that haven't been demolished (City Hall, the Opera House), great people, etc. <BR> <BR>The Mountains of Mourne (head for Newcastle--the town's pretty touristy and tacky, but the mountains compensate) are just incredible, for want of a better word. There are very accessible, and easy to hike in. You can also drive up there--Silent Valley is very peaceful, and Tullymore Forest also has some easier walks than the Mournes). <BR> <BR>Stop and see my mother-in-law and she'll give you a nice cup of tea and some biscuits. <BR> <BR>Antrim Coast Road--take it from outside Belfast (head for Carrickfergus--stop at the castle in the town). Watch out for cyclists. Take it up to Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Portrush, Bushmill's Distillery. <BR> <BR>Glens of Antrim are great. Friends from the Glens maintain they are the best part of Northern Ireland! I haven't really explored them that much. <BR> <BR>Strangford Lough is a nice place to go boating--try Killyleagh for boat rental, or Portaferry. I always love to ride the Portaferry Ferry, simply because of the name. Well, also because seals swim alongside sometimes. <BR> <BR>Go to Saul and ask someone how to get to the Saul chapel -- it's very otherworldly. <BR> <BR>Somewhere nearby is a hill with a big old statue of St. Patrick on it. Every year, a bunch of pilgrim's climb it barefoot or on their knees or something. <BR> <BR>In Downpatrick, you can find the grave of St. Patrick. <BR> <BR>Well, my hands are tired. There's so much to say. Oh--a major benefit of Northern Ireland is that there are not as many tourists as down south. There are some, but not as many of us annoying Americans wandering around!

They are different enough that your wife will enjoy Ireland. The scenery is pretty much the same, however.

Boy Carolyn: From this Republic of Ireland Citizen, must have been all those Union Jacks, dunno! Anne

Elvira, <BR>Less of "The Quiet Man" nonsense if you please. You would be surprised how many Irish people find it patronising and offensive.

Ireland IS beautiful, but I liked England best! More interesting places to go to. I expect more than beautiful scenery when I travel.

The Irish are friendly; the English are pompous. Enough said. <BR> <BR>26 + 6 = 1 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>