Suggestions for Ireland trip

[bikercelt1]

If you haven't already done it, grab a copy of Rick Steves' book about traveling Ireland. It's not the end all and be all but it will be a valuable resource for you. I second (or would that be third) the suggestion to go up to Dingle and take the drive out around the pennisula. That may well have been the highpoint of my recent trip. The pupbs were great fun and the sense of history seeing the behive huts and the Oratory were overwhelming. Whatever you do, you're going to have an awesome time.

Jamie

[macsim]

I liked Wicklow. We drove in in the late afternoon sun and the way it reflected on the hills was beautiful. The graveyard, round tower and old church provided a sort of "supernatural" feel to the place. We only drove through Dublin. I was nervous enough driving on the wrong side of the road and the traffic was bad that day. I must've looked like a bedraggled tourist. Some guy pulled up next to us, motioned us to roll down the window and he says, "Are ya looost?" The Rock of Cashel was pretty cool and the Cliffs - say no Moher! Breathtaking! My memories have dimmed after 18 years but I'll never forget the beauty and the people. And, the driving!:o

[jfellrath]

Before you go, read Patricia Monaghan's The Red-Haired Girl From The Bog (ISBN: 1577311906). It's a look at one woman's view of Ireland from a pre-Christian point of view. Even if you aren't a new-ager/Wiccan (which, as I remember, the author is), I think it'll show you another side of Ireland that is really part of the psyche of the Irish people.

I read this not too long ago and it opened my eyes to a lot of stuff in Ireland that might not be right on the surface or in the tourbooks, but no less relevant to understanding the Emerald Isle, its history, and its people.

[GMan]

My only advice, take me with you! OK if you can't do that, have a really good time. You have been given some great suggestions.

[Hamish]

I'd love to help you with a few suggestions, Your Reverence, but alas I have never been to Ireland, nor even close to it at ground level. The closest I have been was when flying back to London from NYC two years ago - we flew over Bantry Bay at about 30,000 feet!

Come to think of it, there are so many parts of these beautiful British Isles that I've not visited, and may never get around to doing so.

Ah, well!

[Colin]

I'd love to help you with a few suggestions, Your Reverence, but alas I have never been to Ireland, nor even close to it at ground level. The closest I have been was when flying back to London from NYC two years ago - we flew over Bantry Bay at about 30,000 feet!

Come to think of it, there are so many parts of these beautiful British Isles that I've not visited, and may never get around to doing so.

Ah, well!

As I said when you were here Hamish, don't miss a chance to visit Ireland, it is a truly beautiful country with outstanding people.

[davedove]

One place I want to visit in Ireland is Skellig Michael, a small island off the southwest coast, where the monks lived in very spartan conditions.

[Niblox]

If you are visiting Ireland, and you want to see the Giant's Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow et al - you need to know that the roads in Ireland do not allow you to drive more than around 40 mph. We don't have the motorways / freeways that other nations have (and when we do, they suddenly turn into small country roads!).

I suggest a week or two at least, and HIRE A CAR.

If you wear your kilt, you will get plenty of attention, but they will assume you are Scottish!

Enjoy

Niblox (Galway, Ireland)

[KiltedBishop]

thanks all for the adivce, wow! a lot to take in. We are hiring a car so we will have some freedom. Not too worried abour driving there as I have been driving in rural england for 5 months. I am REALLY looking forward to it. I look forward to giving you my return post. Leave friday morning!

and I do plan on being kilted the entire time.

Cheers!