Just Returned Ireland 17 days May 04

My husband and I spent 17 wonderful days in Ireland. Not one bit of rain. I want to share my trip with you because I got such wonderful information from your web site.

1st day ? Arrived in Shannon 8:15 am and went immediately to Dan Dooly car rental to pick up Ford Fiesta. We were satisfied with price for rental and the way we were treated. We went thru Ennis to the Cliffs of Moher (clear and beautiful day) for the 1st nite in Doolin. We stayed at Atlantic Sunset House, www.atlanticsunsetdoolin.com and we ate at Cullinans www.cullinansdoolin.com/Restaurant-1.htm (early bird menu) and we were happy with both our choices. We wanted to hear music at McDermotts but we were too tired to stay. Music does not start until 9:30 pm. Also, in May, daylight until 9:00 pm or later.

2nd day ? Left early after a nice breakfast for Galway. We stopped at Ballynalackan House (now a hotel) Doolin Craft Gallery (nice things to buy) and stayed at Four Seasons B & B on College Rd. www.galway.net/pages/fourseasons Eddie Fitzgerald (owner) very friendly and helpful. He recommended eating at Pierres www.pierresrestaurant.com and we were happy we did. Great mussels appetizer and a wonderful pork medallions main course. They have prix fixe menu. Galway Irish Heritage Center has a tour and crystal for sale. Check out the seconds sale area.

3rd & 4th day ? Breakfast and on to Bunratty thru Ennis ? Athenry Castle ? King John?s Castle sightseeing along the way. We purchased the Heritage Card before we left the USA. Senior citizen rate. This way we were able to see what we wanted to see and we mapped it out on the internet before we left. www.aa.com. We knew how many hours it would take to get from point 1 to point 2 and how many miles we needed to cover. The M roads are like our highways, the R roads are single traffic each way, twisty and turns and the undisclosed roads are 1 car wide, twisty and turny and sometimes scary if someone is coming from the other direction and driving too fast. We stayed at Headley Court in Bunratty Kathleen Browne e-mail [email protected]. We loved it. Beautiful rooms and large sitting room for guests. We went to Bunratty Castle for tour. Shopped at Woolen Mills and then returned for medieval dinner. Met nice people and had a good time.

5th & 6th day ? Breakfast on to Dingle ? stayed at Greenmount House www.greenmounthouse.com John Curran ? the best breakfast on the trip ? nice rooms and big sitting room for guests. We met 2 couples from California and really enjoyed their company. They were going to some of the same areas and we met them along the way. Everyone is so friendly in Ireland. Get Rick Steves tour by car off the internet. It gives exact directions on what to see during your drive on Dingle Peninsula. Stop at Louis Mellchy?s pottery www.louismulcahy.com good prices 15% cheaper than stores. It?s on Rick Steve?s drive. We ate at Lord Baker?s on Main Street. They have an early bird menu and we were happy with prices and choices.




7th & 8th day ? Breakfast and on to Kenmare ? stayed at Harbour View Castletownbere Haven Road e-mail [email protected] Ate at Davitts on Henry St., Packie?s on Henry St. and my favorite place was Jam?s Bakery 6 Henry St. for desserts. You can eat in or pack it up and take it back to the B & B. Every B & B we stayed in had a pot for heating up water, tea bags or instant coffee, cups and saucers and spoons. To save a few euros we had dessert back at the B & B. I had my 1st taste of banoffee pie (banana toffee and chocolate shavings on graham cracker crust) delicious! from Jam?s bakery.
Sightseeing was the Beara Peninsula ? Healey?s Pass ? we had a clear day so we got great view from the top. Definitely worth the trip.

9th & 10th day ? Breakfast and on to Kinsale ? stayed at Chephas House e-mail [email protected] I asked for room with balcony and that?s what I got. You overlook the harbour and get to watch the boats. We even had dessert sitting on the balcony. Lovely.
Must eat at Fish Fishy Café. Recommended by Rick Steves and it is a winner. Had a beautiful cold seafood platter. Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh. Not open for dinner. Only open for lunch. Also recommend Max?s Wine Bar and Little Skillet, both on Main St.
Sightseeing ? Don Heriliny Town Walk 11:15 am meet at Tourist Information Center. There is a charge and when we were there it was 6 euros. Charles Fort and Desmond Castle, both interesting tours. Also if you are interested, you can keep in touch with home on Internet. Kinsale has at least 2 sights. 1 is Finishing Service on 71 Main St. They also have a launderette on Pearce Street.

I will continue the trip on another day.

Thanks for this! I'm anxious for more. Isn't Eddie Fitzgerald a charmer?

I am enjoying your very detailed report and love that you are giving the websites. That is so helpful.

Did you really not have a drop of rain in 17 days.

Sandy

We are going in August. Any suggestions for dinner in Kinsale. We will be driving from Killarney to Kinsale, so may not make lunch in Kinsale as we plan to leave the next day for Bunratty.Thanks.

We ate at Fishy Fishy in Kinsale a few weeks ago and were quite disappointed. Noisy, crowded and food wasn't that great. A much better deal is at Crackpot around the corner. Nice and quiet with an early bird special of 3 courses for 20 euros. Delicious with great service.

Eddie was a charmer. That is correct, not one drop of rain for the 17 days in May.