Flanneruk, I could no more convince my biologist husband to be happy with a huge fuchsia bush than I could convince you to believe that "tourism-promoting guff" you speak of. Here is where I would like to put a smiley face, so you will know I am gently teasing you. But alas I don't know how to get one on here!

I have enjoyed contemplating your interesting perspective. I think I have gained a healthy skepticism for the "tourist-guff" I am reading!

As for "over-planning", why, that's my hobby! It's SO FUN to learn so much about each vacation destination. It's sort of like travelling every day, not just when we actually get on the plane.

But I always add in extra time in the itinerary, time for spontaneous discoveries. What works for us is to have a plan for every morning, and to leave the afternoon free.

Lots of research enables us to solve this problem: we have very different interests, but have learned to blend them together for great family vacations.

I am the trip planner since I enjoy it. I'm e-mailing the info I have to my husband with web-sites, and I appreciate everyone's help! I would rather go to Connemara since it's less crowded, but I'll wait and see what hubby makes of the Killarney National park info.

If anybody has anything to add about Killarney National park we'd be happy to hear it. Are all the paths paved in Killarney National Park by the way?