OT: Ireland

Hi Bette - I've been to Ireland many times beginning in the mid 1970's; and planning to go again in September. My DH grew up there. The list of things not to miss is so long I hardly know where to start. I'm partial to Killaloe, Co. Clare because it's my DH's home town. The town is built on a steep hill on the shores of a huge lake surrounded by beautiful green hills. The town is really hopping at night with great pubs, music and restaurants. (the irish term for having a wonderful time is "great craic" craic is pronounced as "crack") A fine place to hang around and be Irish for awhile. The women who work in the tourist office are great friends of my husband - they're very helpful in getting accomodations, etc. Othe suggestions: If you land in Shannon Airport and plan to spend your first night nearby, you might want to go Blarney castle. It's a real castle where they serve a medieval style banquet, including mead. On the castle grounds there is also a culture park - like Sturbridge in MA or Mystic in CT. People are dressed in period costume in a medieval town. Clonmacnoise - an incredble monestary built in the 800's I think. Also, Ballyvahon(sp?); a town on Galway bay, beautiful views, eat at Monk's Pub. From there take a beautiful drive along the rocky cliffs that surround the bay to a town called Doolin - best know for art galleries and irish music pubs. Irish musicians from all over jam in the pubs, just sit back with a pint of Guiness and enjoy. Then continue along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. Don't do that Blarny stone kissing nonsense; that's just gross. The Rock of Cashel is a beautiful old castle on top of a hill with great views of the surrounding hills and not too far from Moher. The ring of Kerry and West Cork can be done in a day or two, the views are incredible; classic Irish countryside. Just outside of Dublin are two great places that date back to Druid times. There's Tara - a huge ancient fortress and and Toomgraney (sp?) a 5,000 yr old tomb. You can go inside the actual tomb and see the amazing celtic stone carvings. The museums at both sites are worth spending some time at. Dublin is a great walking city. Very international flavor - as crowded as Time Square, New York. Lots of shopping, of course. Especially on Henry and Moore Streets. I suppose this can't all be done in one trip, but these are all great places so you can't go wrong with what you choose. If you want more details email me. By the way, it's cheaper to reserve a rental car online before you go. Driving on the left side of the road feels a bit suicidal so don't go too far on the first day. Arline

Bette, I went to Ireland with the "Red Hat Society".....(I'm not that age yet....but they let me go nonetheless) It was nice being the youngster of the group! What a blast we had...and those ladies know how and where to party! We mostly spent our time in the northwestern section. The views were spectacular. Our last evening we spent in a castle. Felt like a princess. The tour I took went to Galway, Westport, and Donegal. I'm planning on going back when they run the southern portion tour. I would like to see more of Dublin...and my ancestors come from Cork. I've got an Ireland for dummies book if you'd like to have it to get a few suggestions on what to do no matter where you go in Ireland. I work in Downtown Bridgeport, let me know if you'd like it and I can give it to you. Enjoy your trip! I'm jealous! Kelly