Traveling to Ireland: Before Pictures

**Woodsman** · 15th May 11, 06:06 AM

As a follow up to my Travelling to Ireland post, here are some photos of me. I'm looking for your advice. How does everything look? Any quick fixes or additions? Since taking these photos I did purchase a pair of Lovat green hose and kilt pin from Rocky. If I had more time/money I would have liked to purchase the cream highland shirt for my Bunratty Castle feast. I had some difficulty with the timer on the camera, hence the smile on my face after the premature flash. At least I was having fun.

Woodsman

**Jock Scot** · 15th May 11, 06:16 AM

Well I think, if it were me, I would take a rain coat and a warm pullover(sweater) too.Have fun.

**Spartan Tartan** · 15th May 11, 07:38 AM

That third picture is much more of an "action shot" than we usually get of the pleats!! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time on your trip.

**Woodsman** · 17th May 11, 06:06 PM

Well I recieved very little in the way of recommendations for my kilt attire. I can assume I look OK or indifference from the rabble. Either way I'm heading over Saturday on the day the world is supposed to end and along with our President. Should prove exciting on a number of fronts. I'll be having a gansey-load of deadly craic for sure.

**piperdbh** · 17th May 11, 06:57 PM

I think I'd leave the Highland shirt at home, pack a button-up-shirt and tie and a jacket, and take what we used to call "rolls and rolls" of pictures.

**CMcG** · 17th May 11, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Well I think, if it were me, I would take a rain coat and a warm pullover(sweater) too.Have fun.

Originally Posted by piperdbh

I think I'd leave the Highland shirt at home, pack a button-up-shirt and tie and a jacket, and take what we used to call "rolls and rolls" of pictures.

Originally Posted by Woodsman

Well I recieved very little in the way of recommendations for my kilt attire. I can assume I look OK or indifference from the rabble. <snip>

You look comfortable and ready to do some sightseeing. I would, however, echo the sentiments of Jock Scot and piperdbh.

Ireland can still be a bit chilly and wet at this time of year, so bring gear for inclement weather. Also, having a button up shirt, tie, hose, flashes or garter ties, and a tweed jacket (or at least a sweater) could serve you in good stead... many members on Xmarks have remarked that the kilt is better received when one dresses up a bit more.

I would skip the "Highlander" shirt if you mean one of those poofy things with a lace up front. They aren't traditional and look rather costumey to me. Unless your feast at Bunratty Castle is some kind of renaissance fair event? In that case, you might need to get some other paraphernalia like leather bracers and knee high leather boots to go with that shirt

And now that you have a kilt pin, I would take carefully remove the USAkilts logo patch to make room for it.

**seanachie** · 18th May 11, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Unless your feast at Bunratty Castle is some kind of renaissance fair event? .

Certainly correct me if I am mistaken, but having spent a lot of time in Clare I believe this is the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet. You don't mention whether this is an organized holiday or whether you are traveling on your own. If you are on your own I hope you do a lot of exploring on your own in Clare it is a lovely place, just taking time meandering through the Burren, visiting Doolin etc can be fantastic. Then head north to Galway. My family is from there so I admit my prejudice but it is wonderful and Connemara is one of my favorite spots on earth.

**Andy Proffitt** · 18th May 11, 08:14 AM

You look good to me. I've rarely been in Ireland and seen people much beyond casual, so I think your look is fine. Three things though.

1. Like everyone else said though you need rain gear. Every time I have been in Ireland there I have needed it. When I was in Dublin it started raining every night between 7-9 and lasted till about 7 the next morning.

2. A sweater is a must in some portions. In Galway and the Aran Islands, the wind blew all the time and even warm days felt cool.

3. Good walking shoes. Wherever I was in Ireland I walked. Dublin is like Boston, its a great walking city and the best way to see it is on foot. Likewise, when I was in the country I walked the roads and trails, sometimes with a pack, and loved every minute. Most of the time I wore my light hikers from Keen and my heavy Alico hiking boots, take something your feet can go some miles in.

**Woodsman** · 19th May 11, 03:52 AM

Wow, thanks for all the excellent advice. Many good suggstions.

Originally Posted by seanachie

Certainly correct me if I am mistaken, but having spent a lot of time in Clare I believe this is the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet. You don't mention whether this is an organized holiday or whether you are traveling on your own. If you are on your own I hope you do a lot of exploring on your own in Clare it is a lovely place, just taking time meandering through the Burren, visiting Doolin etc can be fantastic. Then head north to Galway. My family is from there so I admit my prejudice but it is wonderful and Connemara is one of my favorite spots on earth.

Yes the Bunratty Castle is a Medieval Banquet and show. I will be on tour with a band with about 40 people all together. I will take a lot of photos and post when I back.

**Seanmadra** · 19th May 11, 05:00 PM

I second Joe's vote on the Burren and Doolin in Clare. While in Doolin, be sure to hit O'Connors pub for the craic. The Bunratty event brings the full spectrum of dress from casual to the jacket and tie. Don't eat before you go, taste the mead, meet new friends, and enjoy the tourist party. As to what you're wearing, looks good and add a beat up, short, leather jacket. If you have time while in Galway, take the boat to Inish Mor and make the walk up to Dun Aengus fort. And then when you come back, we'll have to get the PA kilties together for some sort of event.