bobp46 - suppose to head to Kinsale on the 29th June...you have me thinking. was it worth the ride or not. doesn't sound like it. Any other feedback would be much appreciated....from chitown.

Hi Clarke:

I guess it's a matter of opinion and how much time you have. I certainly wouldn't cut Kinsale out of your plans though it will probably be pretty crowded at that time of year. If you have an oportunity to take the little back roads along the coast, I think there is plenty to see. The N71, once you pass Bantry south from Kenmare is a pretty rural road, but not spectacular. If you decided to take an excursion onto the Mizen or Sheepshead peninsulas, you probably would not be disappointed. I haven't made it to Baltimore yet, but from there, you can easily take a short trip out to a couple of the Islands there. The town of Glandore is a nice little village and just outside of it is the Drombeg Stone Circle if you have any interest in more ancient history.

In Kinsale there is plenty to do and of course, options for dining. The Charles Fort is certainly worth a visit and the harbor is very pretty.

That's my take on it, but others may differ.

Bill

why do you tap the glass with a coin?

Leaving 2 weeks from today, our first trip to Ireland. 2 nights in Dublin, Aurthurstown, Kenmare, Kilkee with the last night at Dromoland. All of you have made this trip even more exciting by giving such fantastic details. I can't thank you enough for all the info you have provided. Planning this trip has really helped in my recovery process, found out that I had breast cancer last year after returning home from a trip, chemo, the whole 9 yards...Anyway, we'd planned this trip for 2 years, had to forge ahead with a big happy smile and now its almost here. I've been pretty quiet, watching and taking it all in, and felt like I had to share how much you all have helped me through this and didn't even know it. With that said, does anyone have any pony trekking ideas? Thanks Wendy, for yours.
Bob, what a great job with the trip info, I hope I will be able to share some new info when we get back.
Budman, thanks for the Kilkee tip!
Deepest appreciation to all, Jeri

Thanks, BobP46. Your report was fabulous. My husband and I are taking the same trip in August - can't wait. I'm planning on having a pint in every pub!

A travel agent is planning this trip for us. We are staying in several b&b's, and the last night at Adare Castle.

JB, it's a great place to celebrate your recovery. I hope it's a wonderful trip and that we'll hear from you when you return.

Hi Clark,

We have some friends who loved Kinsale. Maybe it was the weather--cloudy, windy, and evening rain or maybe we were expecting too much after Rick Steves article. I would not cut it out of your trip, but expect alot of tourists. The prorietress of the Old Bakery B&B summed it up nicely when she told us "I think everyone from America will be here this summer. I hope the last person to leave (America) remembers to shut off the lights."

Bob

Jeri,

I wish you a wonderful and safe trip. Glad we could bring a little sunshine into you life.

Bob

Jeri:

Ireland will be a wonderful place to celebrate and it's great that you are recovering well. Have a great time and tell us all about it when you return.

Bill

Jeri, I hope you like Kilkee and the peninsula as much as we did. All my best, and enjoy the trip.

jaspertl, it's a little secret I learned from a bartender in the Donegal area several years ago. On my recent trip at Murphy's Pub in Dingle, I inquired with the bartender -- he was clueless -- he learned something from an American. ((a))

Once your Guinness is poured and served, tap the side of the glass with a coin. A quarter or a euro works fine. You will hear a very dull "thug" tapping sound -- the beer hasn't settled and the bubbles haven't all reached the top. After about 5 minutes (if you can wait that long), tap the glass again, and you will hear a distinct "glass" tap, totally different from the first "thug" sound you heard. Your Guinness is now ready to drink. ((a)) ((b))

BobP46

you said that you stayed in anice B&B in
salthill five minutes from city centre.
You have the name and website do you?

Jeri, I hope you have a relaxing and enchanting trip to Ireland. If you have time when you are in Kilkee (and the weather is good) I highly recommend Loop Head Drive. Stop about three miles from the end of the peninsula at a sign for Bridges of Ross. A short hike on the pathway to the left will take you over the sea arch. Then continue the drive out to the lighthouse.

Pony trekking:

Killarney Riding Stables: http://www.killarney-trail-riding.com/ Tel: 064-31686

Muckross Riding Stables(Killarney) Tel: 064-32238

Pony ride through Gap of Dunloe from Kate Kearney's Cottage (near Killarney)

Termon West, Kilkee; phone Helen or Martin 065 9060071

Hazelwood Guesthouse & Riding Stables,
Kenmare: http://homepage.eircom.net/~hazelwood/

Dromoland Castle also arranges horseback riding.

Take care and be well!

Leona,

If you have half as much fun as we did, you'll have a fantastic trip. Although the scenery and sights were great, the people we met in our travels made the trip memorable. The pubs were great places to meet interesting and friendly people with whom we could share common experiences. Have a great trip and do enjoy those pubs.

Bob

Hi lizard,

Unfortunately we don't remember the name and we paid in euros so we don't have a receipt. We got there by driving over the Wolfe Tone Bridge onto Fr. Griffin Road and in the direction of Salthill. It was only a short distance from the bridge and on the left side of the roadway. There were other B&Bs to choose from in the immediate area. Hope this helps.