Ireland, my wife says NO! Can u help?
Jan 24th, 2005, 05:56 PM
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Ireland, my wife says NO! Can u help?
My wife & I are avid Fodorites. We have been to Europe many times. Italy, England, France, Prague. We loved them all. I am thinking our next trip would be visitng Ireland. My wife is thinking why? Besides some castles and pubs what else? help me convince her with you expertise why we shold not miss out on a great holiday.
thanks,
Mike
Jan 24th, 2005, 07:20 PM
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Hi Mike!
My boyfriend and I went too Ireland two summers ago and had a great time. Ireland is a different kind of trip than the other places you mentioned for sure, but well worth it Besides for castles and pubs, you will certainly beautiful scenery. Rent a car, stop at little bed and breakfasts and enjoy the view as you go! The best parts of our trip were times we stopped to admire the ocean, the rolling fields, or took a turn off the main road to drive into the middle of farmland to find a bed and breakfast I had read about. We spent a week driving around and went from Dublin to Galaway to Kerry.
Outside of the beautiful scenery, the people are wonderful! If you enjoy history there is a museum on the Titanic that we found fascinating in Cobbe that was worth the stop. Dublin has a lot of interesting sites. There is an old prison with fascinating history. I also love the literary pub tour. It is kitchy, but a whole lot of fun. We're not big drinkers so it was a fun way for us to check out the pubs and learn some history.
My boyfriend and I went too Ireland two summers ago and had a great time. Ireland is a different kind of trip than the other places you mentioned for sure, but well worth it Besides for castles and pubs, you will certainly beautiful scenery. Rent a car, stop at little bed and breakfasts and enjoy the view as you go! The best parts of our trip were times we stopped to admire the ocean, the rolling fields, or took a turn off the main road to drive into the middle of farmland to find a bed and breakfast I had read about. We spent a week driving around and went from Dublin to Galaway to Kerry.
Outside of the beautiful scenery, the people are wonderful! If you enjoy history there is a museum on the Titanic that we found fascinating in Cobbe that was worth the stop. Dublin has a lot of interesting sites. There is an old prison with fascinating history. I also love the literary pub tour. It is kitchy, but a whole lot of fun. We're not big drinkers so it was a fun way for us to check out the pubs and learn some history.
Jan 24th, 2005, 07:36 PM
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Hi Mike. I know I can give you a good argument for going to Ireland, but what would help make it better would be if I knew what are the things your wife enjoys about travelling. What does she love to do, what does she hate. What makes her smile, what gets her excited, what happens during a day that at the end of it she really feels like she's learned/seen/experienced something worthwhile. That will help make my argument even more compelling. And get you to Ireland!!
Jan 24th, 2005, 08:04 PM
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I suggest going without her.
If the country and all of its scenery does not appeal to her, then she will not enjoy it and neither will you. There is a downside to any visit, and there are some to Ireland. The food is not very good; we ate more pizza than we should!
But it is the land of our ancestors and say what you will, blood is thicker than water.
My wife in particular seemed like she belonged there, which in reality she does. We never had a problem getting a conversation started, that is for sure.
The Irish are great practitioners of the art of speaking, and it was fun to listen and learn how else to express ourselves. Most of our guides around various sights often quoted poetry, particularly around Sligo.
If the country and all of its scenery does not appeal to her, then she will not enjoy it and neither will you. There is a downside to any visit, and there are some to Ireland. The food is not very good; we ate more pizza than we should!
But it is the land of our ancestors and say what you will, blood is thicker than water.
My wife in particular seemed like she belonged there, which in reality she does. We never had a problem getting a conversation started, that is for sure.
The Irish are great practitioners of the art of speaking, and it was fun to listen and learn how else to express ourselves. Most of our guides around various sights often quoted poetry, particularly around Sligo.
Jan 24th, 2005, 09:13 PM
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Tell her that the people of Ireland are some of the kindest souls you will ever meet. It isn't called the "Emerald Isle" for nothing, lots of lush and beautiful scenery. The celtic culture. The youth do not vandalize ancient and historic spots that are hundreds of years old. Good cheese. Like you, we have been to Italy, England, and France and this was our 2nd favorite country. Am waiting to go back a 3th time to see Belfast and more
Jan 24th, 2005, 09:48 PM
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The people are one good reason. So hospitable. Brookwood - I gotta take issue about the food. Ireland has best poached salmon I've had anywhere in the world - and it wasn't just at one place that I tried it (although the most memorable was in Dingle, along with potato and salad to die for).
Besides the scenery and friendliness? Guinness of course! Need I say more?
Besides the scenery and friendliness? Guinness of course! Need I say more?
Jan 24th, 2005, 09:53 PM
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I agree with everyone here, the scenery, the people, the thinsg to do and see historically or otherwise! The food isn't bad at all, just take away all your junk food and live on the edge! Eat traditional dishes if only to try them, you may be surprised. I the USA there are PLENTY crappy places to eat and plenty good ones too, recommendations always help it the way of the world all over. 
Jan 24th, 2005, 10:05 PM
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As someone who has been to Ireland 6 times and who is going in April again-I think I can speak for the food in Ireland in deference to someone above's post against it. The food is wonderful!
Yet, the food years ago was very not the best for sure. And, yes, even now you can find uneventful food. However, if you look you can find wonderful, fresh and yes, inventive food!!
If you are looking for great food SOME of the towns to visit are: Kinsale, Galway, Westport, Dublin and Cashel. Again, that is just a few.
I never get tired of going to Ireland!!
Shadow
Yet, the food years ago was very not the best for sure. And, yes, even now you can find uneventful food. However, if you look you can find wonderful, fresh and yes, inventive food!!
If you are looking for great food SOME of the towns to visit are: Kinsale, Galway, Westport, Dublin and Cashel. Again, that is just a few.
I never get tired of going to Ireland!!
Shadow
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:37 AM
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Hi,my husband has just returned from a months travelling in Korea, France, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, and he tells me that the Irish folk whether from the South or the North are the kindest people he met on all his travels. So kind that it was embarrassing.
We are Kiwis, and our daughter is living in Belfast, this is the 2nd time around for her, as she lived there 2 years ago,for 12 mths, and came home to NZ for 18mths, but was drawn back to the warmth of the people. (Not the weather) My husband went to see what, the attraction was, and he came home with no doubts at all. Please take the chance and go to the Emerald Isle, you won't regret the experience.
It is winter there at present, but he has managed to bring home, some wonderful digital photos, of the Giants Causeway in Coleraine, The Mountains of Morne, near Belfast, the Seaside Resort of Port Rush, Original Whiskey Distilleries, plus many more. They all sound wonderful, and we intend going back next year, and seeing some of the South, and West as well.
My daughters main complaint is the narrow one lane country roads, they sound like a nightmare, but not to be missed. IM
We are Kiwis, and our daughter is living in Belfast, this is the 2nd time around for her, as she lived there 2 years ago,for 12 mths, and came home to NZ for 18mths, but was drawn back to the warmth of the people. (Not the weather) My husband went to see what, the attraction was, and he came home with no doubts at all. Please take the chance and go to the Emerald Isle, you won't regret the experience.
It is winter there at present, but he has managed to bring home, some wonderful digital photos, of the Giants Causeway in Coleraine, The Mountains of Morne, near Belfast, the Seaside Resort of Port Rush, Original Whiskey Distilleries, plus many more. They all sound wonderful, and we intend going back next year, and seeing some of the South, and West as well.
My daughters main complaint is the narrow one lane country roads, they sound like a nightmare, but not to be missed. IM
Jan 25th, 2005, 03:21 AM
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I have two suggestions. First, have her look at some photos of Ireland. Go to Barnes and Noble or some other bookstore where you can comfortably spend a few hours and go through some of the many books filled with photos of Ireland. There are also many excellent websites. Looking at pictures always helps me to decide if I want to go someplace or not. She might get psyched. If not, maybe she really wouldn't enjoy it.
Second, if your next trip will be at least two weeks long, then combine Ireland with someplace else. Do six or seven days on the WEST coast, which is enough for a decent taste of Ireland, then fly to somewhere else for the rest of the time. That way she'll be sure to get her fix of Europe, in case Ireland doesn't do it for her.
Even though I did really enjoy my trip to Ireland (we did 9 days, but could easily have skipped Dublin and some of the interior/south coast - and combined it with a week in England) I have to say it didn't give me the same feeling, the "thrill" I get from Italy, England, France and Prague (to name the ones you did). After all Ireland was a ppor colonly for most of it's history and thus doesn't have a lot of the things that make travel to Europe so intersting. It does have some very cool castles, and the scenery of the west coast is fantastic, but most people I know who really get excited about Ireland seem to have Irish roots and enjoy going there for that reason, even if they have no living relatives still there.
www.earthtrek.com, www.exploitz.com, www.worldisround.com, www.planetware.com, www.danheller.com, www.galenfrysinger.com
my own photos of Ireland are at www.pbase.com/annforcier/ireland&page=all
Second, if your next trip will be at least two weeks long, then combine Ireland with someplace else. Do six or seven days on the WEST coast, which is enough for a decent taste of Ireland, then fly to somewhere else for the rest of the time. That way she'll be sure to get her fix of Europe, in case Ireland doesn't do it for her.
Even though I did really enjoy my trip to Ireland (we did 9 days, but could easily have skipped Dublin and some of the interior/south coast - and combined it with a week in England) I have to say it didn't give me the same feeling, the "thrill" I get from Italy, England, France and Prague (to name the ones you did). After all Ireland was a ppor colonly for most of it's history and thus doesn't have a lot of the things that make travel to Europe so intersting. It does have some very cool castles, and the scenery of the west coast is fantastic, but most people I know who really get excited about Ireland seem to have Irish roots and enjoy going there for that reason, even if they have no living relatives still there.
www.earthtrek.com, www.exploitz.com, www.worldisround.com, www.planetware.com, www.danheller.com, www.galenfrysinger.com
my own photos of Ireland are at www.pbase.com/annforcier/ireland&page=all
Jan 25th, 2005, 05:47 AM
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brookwood writes: "I suggest going without her."
I did that about two times a year for 5-years. Genealogy research was my main motivation: 2003 I met a 106 year old first cousin to my mother, 'one age with' my mother in their childhood village in County Mayo. There, I am accepted as an IorrisMan (i.e., from the Barony of Erris).
Ive had similarly fruitful experience finding kin in west Limerick, where my father was born.
"... There is a downside to any visit ... to Ireland. The food is not very good; we ate more pizza than we should!"
The only problem I had with the food in Ireland was with the quantity and variety of ways they served potatoes. They would often act as if they were different vegetables: Creamed Potatoes, Chips, and the centerpeice: a boiled potato.
I usually eat my main meal around 3:00 PM and enjoy a Beef or Pork carvery lunch. They excel in preparation of that meal; but I also enjoy Salmon or Hake or other kinds of fish (mussels included), and the seafood Chowder at Garvey's in Galway. I'm not a big fan of evening meals in elegant restaurants
"The Irish are great practitioners of the art of speaking, and it was fun to listen and learn how else to express ourselves. "
That's a gift we Irish have!
Well, in late February, 2004 I finally got my wife to accompany me for a week end in Ireland. We based ourselves in Ennis, County Clare and Saturday took a daytrip (BusEireann) to Galway. Sunday after 11:00 Mass we made our way slowly to the Queen's Hotel for the Carvery Luncheon; then we went next door to Cruise's Restaurant & Pub where a 'pick up' Traditional Irish Music session was just starting. We stayed there for about 2-hours. Monday we daytripped to Lahinch (on the Coast) and the Cliffs of Moher. It was 'off season' and the Irish Tourist Board shop in Lahinch had 30% off, across the board. So we did a lot of our shopping there. The store Manager filled out our VAT rebate forms for us.
Now, my Spain-born wife tells all her friends how wonderful Ireland is and what a great time we had there!
I did that about two times a year for 5-years. Genealogy research was my main motivation: 2003 I met a 106 year old first cousin to my mother, 'one age with' my mother in their childhood village in County Mayo. There, I am accepted as an IorrisMan (i.e., from the Barony of Erris).
Ive had similarly fruitful experience finding kin in west Limerick, where my father was born.
"... There is a downside to any visit ... to Ireland. The food is not very good; we ate more pizza than we should!"
The only problem I had with the food in Ireland was with the quantity and variety of ways they served potatoes. They would often act as if they were different vegetables: Creamed Potatoes, Chips, and the centerpeice: a boiled potato.
I usually eat my main meal around 3:00 PM and enjoy a Beef or Pork carvery lunch. They excel in preparation of that meal; but I also enjoy Salmon or Hake or other kinds of fish (mussels included), and the seafood Chowder at Garvey's in Galway. I'm not a big fan of evening meals in elegant restaurants
"The Irish are great practitioners of the art of speaking, and it was fun to listen and learn how else to express ourselves. "
That's a gift we Irish have!
Well, in late February, 2004 I finally got my wife to accompany me for a week end in Ireland. We based ourselves in Ennis, County Clare and Saturday took a daytrip (BusEireann) to Galway. Sunday after 11:00 Mass we made our way slowly to the Queen's Hotel for the Carvery Luncheon; then we went next door to Cruise's Restaurant & Pub where a 'pick up' Traditional Irish Music session was just starting. We stayed there for about 2-hours. Monday we daytripped to Lahinch (on the Coast) and the Cliffs of Moher. It was 'off season' and the Irish Tourist Board shop in Lahinch had 30% off, across the board. So we did a lot of our shopping there. The store Manager filled out our VAT rebate forms for us.
Now, my Spain-born wife tells all her friends how wonderful Ireland is and what a great time we had there!
Jan 25th, 2005, 05:54 AM
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Ireland is a great place! I've been all over Europe and have visited Ireland twice! You'll love the people and the beauty. My advice is get out of Dublin and go exploring the country! Galway is a great, fun city!
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:11 AM
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You have received some WONDERFUL replies, and I ditto all of them. We lived overseas for 5 years, travel a lot and have been to most countries in Europe. WE VERY MUCH Enjoy them ALL......however we kept avoiding Ireland for some reason. Finally made a beautiful trip there 4 years ago and it was stunning, and one of the best trips we've ever had...........THE PEOPLE of Ireland are the nicest on earth, we feel,..the countryside is so green and gorgeous, the towns lovely, food is fine, accommodations wonderful,and on and on.
We went in April, drove around for 9 days, mostly in the West, and had not one drop of rain! Flew into Shannon, then to Galway, back down to Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, and worked our way over to Dublin (where it rained),...Lot of beauty in IRELAND.
Saw some castles but they weren't the main focus, and ate in some pubs (where the food is often very good, and ordered water with a meal!)...but there is SO MUCH to IRELAND.
We went in April, drove around for 9 days, mostly in the West, and had not one drop of rain! Flew into Shannon, then to Galway, back down to Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, and worked our way over to Dublin (where it rained),...Lot of beauty in IRELAND.
Saw some castles but they weren't the main focus, and ate in some pubs (where the food is often very good, and ordered water with a meal!)...but there is SO MUCH to IRELAND.
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:41 AM
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If you are of Irish ancestry the historical story of Ireland should be appealing. In Dublin you can take a Walking Tour of the 1916 Rebellion--see Tourist Bureau. A visit to Kilmainham Jail would give you an impression of what the British did to the Irish for centuries. The reason there are so few painters and sculptors of note in Ireland can be attributed to this 300 years of suppression.
The theater is lively. Some of the best bookstores in the world are in Dublin. There is ballet, classical music, etc.
I second the glowing reports of the scenery in Ireland--Dingle, Galway, and, yes, the Irish people are civil,courteous and very friendly.
You,of course, do not have to be Irish I just point out some things of particular interest.
Good luck.
Anthony
The theater is lively. Some of the best bookstores in the world are in Dublin. There is ballet, classical music, etc.
I second the glowing reports of the scenery in Ireland--Dingle, Galway, and, yes, the Irish people are civil,courteous and very friendly.
You,of course, do not have to be Irish I just point out some things of particular interest.
Good luck.
Anthony
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:56 AM
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I have to disagree with everyone above:
There's nothing to see in Ireland so I really think you guys should not bother on going. Nope, there's nothing there. Nada. Zip. Zilch! A couple of moldy old castles and maybe a pub or two but you can see that all over...
whoops!
OK, if you click on my moniker you'll see I mostly (only?) post here about Ireland. But I'm also honest enough to say that I haven't really been anywhere else so I have no place in saying that Ireland is or is not better than anywhere else. It is a place I thoroughly enjoy revisiting over and over, castles and pubs, nonwithstanding.
Safe travels,
Wendy
There's nothing to see in Ireland so I really think you guys should not bother on going. Nope, there's nothing there. Nada. Zip. Zilch! A couple of moldy old castles and maybe a pub or two but you can see that all over...
whoops!OK, if you click on my moniker you'll see I mostly (only?) post here about Ireland. But I'm also honest enough to say that I haven't really been anywhere else so I have no place in saying that Ireland is or is not better than anywhere else. It is a place I thoroughly enjoy revisiting over and over, castles and pubs, nonwithstanding.
Safe travels,
Wendy
Jan 25th, 2005, 07:44 AM
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My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Ireland this past End of May -June-We were blessed with wonderful weather-that always makes traveling nice. But Ireland is a Magical land there is just something so enchanting about it-sometimes words cannot describe. We enjoyed the south and southwest/Connemare regions the most. Its a wonderful country to explore and the people are the nicest i've ever come across.
Jan 25th, 2005, 07:55 AM
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Ireland is worth visiting, and I am going to be totally candid here with my views of what you'll find there and what you won't.
Having been there many times, I agree with the posters way above who said you can't go to Ireland seeking the things you will find in some other European countries. Also, Ireland seems to be a pilgrimage of sorts for Irish-Americans, which for me it's a kind of turn-off, as I tend to travel to transcend nationalism rather than to reinforce it. Unfortunately, Ireland was so poor for so long that it does not have the wealth of architecture you will find in Italy, France or England. It is not a tropical or beach destination, although the views of the water are lovely. And although with its recent wealth, which is considerable, it now has an active cultural life, Dublin is not London or NYC.
So...why go? Well, staying in or dining in a castle really is an incredible experience. Excellent restaurants are everywhere. Golfing is wonderful; keep in mind that the Irish are much more into sports than into the everyday gourmet/artistic way of life you find, say, in France and Italy. If you are not golfers you can play pitch-and-putt. The scenery is lovely in the Ring of Kerry and Connemara (stay in Cashel House, where DeGaulle stayed, a gorgeous inn) and elsewhere in the West. And the handicrafts -- lovely woolens and such -- are stunningly beautiful.
I don't get my "Europe fix" in Ireland, but I do think it is worth seeing, and I agree with Isabel that combining it with a quick hop across to the UK or France may well be the way to go. This is cheap and easy to do.
Having been there many times, I agree with the posters way above who said you can't go to Ireland seeking the things you will find in some other European countries. Also, Ireland seems to be a pilgrimage of sorts for Irish-Americans, which for me it's a kind of turn-off, as I tend to travel to transcend nationalism rather than to reinforce it. Unfortunately, Ireland was so poor for so long that it does not have the wealth of architecture you will find in Italy, France or England. It is not a tropical or beach destination, although the views of the water are lovely. And although with its recent wealth, which is considerable, it now has an active cultural life, Dublin is not London or NYC.
So...why go? Well, staying in or dining in a castle really is an incredible experience. Excellent restaurants are everywhere. Golfing is wonderful; keep in mind that the Irish are much more into sports than into the everyday gourmet/artistic way of life you find, say, in France and Italy. If you are not golfers you can play pitch-and-putt. The scenery is lovely in the Ring of Kerry and Connemara (stay in Cashel House, where DeGaulle stayed, a gorgeous inn) and elsewhere in the West. And the handicrafts -- lovely woolens and such -- are stunningly beautiful.
I don't get my "Europe fix" in Ireland, but I do think it is worth seeing, and I agree with Isabel that combining it with a quick hop across to the UK or France may well be the way to go. This is cheap and easy to do.
