Spent ten days traveling through Ireland. Went with four family members and had a wonderful time. Stayed in four b&b's-two were great, the other two not so hot. Also stayed at a hotel in Ennis, County Clare that I would recommend. Dublin is a great city to visit-don't overlook it as "just another big city". We wish we'd had more time (day & a half) to spend there. The only downside of our trip was the driving-it's brutal. We had driven in England and Scotland prior to this trip, so "wrong side" driving was not new to us. The roads, especially in the Southwest, are very poor: narrow, inadequately marked, no shoulders, etc. You cannot make any time. You average about 30 mph, and not a leisurely 30mph as you are constantly pulling over to let an oncoming truck or van squeeze down a one and a half lane road. We consequently didn't get to see all the sights we'd planned. Had we known about the road conditions, we would have mapped out the trip differently, but apparently all Yanks make the same mistake. Bottom line: We had a great vacation thanks to warmth of the Irish people. We also had good food and great weather-only one rainy day!

Ellen, <BR> <BR>What did you enjoy the most about Dublin? What did you think you missed there by not having enough time? Also, other than Dublin what were the other areas you saw that you would recommend the most? <BR>

Ellen, a couple years ago I spent 10 days in Ireland and loved it. The driving is a challenge, especially in the west - near the Ring of Kerry. <BR> My most vivid memory of driving was when cars would pass on the two lane highways. These are the well maintained national highways near the big cities, which are usually 3 lanes wide (1 in each direction plus a 1/2 lane shoulder on each side). Driving from Dublin toward Cork, I remember seeing the car in front of me ease over to the shoulder (still traveling at 60 mph), so that he/she was straddling the shoulder and half of the lane. I thought this was kind of weird.... until I saw two cars approaching in the opposite direction!! The guy being passed was stradding the opposite shoulder and 1/2 his lane, while the passing car was straddling both lanes!!!! Anyway, I learned quickly!! I saw this kind of thing happen numerous times throughout my trip; part of the experience. Anyway, glad you had a good time. <BR>

I enjoyed walking around Dublin, viewing the Georgian architecture. We visited Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar area, O'Connell St.,Grafton St. I wish there had been time to see St. Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals, Nat'l Museum, the General Post Office, and Guinness. Dublin seemed to me to be a lively, happening place. <BR>Outside of Dublin, I thought the Killarney Lakes area was beautiful. I'm sure the Ring of Kerry drive is great;we followed a flat-bed truck for close to three hours. He would not move over to let us pass! Finally, with daylight fading fast, we turned around, having completed about one-third of the circuit.

We are planning on arriving into Shannon mid-day and staying that night in Ennis. What can you tell me about the town getting there from SNN? How far is Bunratty Castle?

Ellen, <BR>What hotel did you stay at in Ennis? We're thinking about Killaloe, near Ennis, and also looking for someplace to stay in Oughterard or Recess in Connemara, if you know anything there. Thanks

Folks, <BR>Just one word of warning on driving and re Scott's comments on moving into the hard shoulder (ie over the broken yellow lines on the side of the road to allow someone pass) - YOU ARE NOT INSURED IF YOU DO THIS - you are only covered by insurance in this part of the road if you stop. What Scott saw is common practice and puts the safety of other drivers and lunatics first but not yours. Hope this tips helps, <BR> <BR>Cathy