UK & Ireland FAQ thread

Welcome to the UK, described by Lonely Planet in the latest UK guide as "simply one of the most beautiful islands on earth". You'll find that whilst people can appear flippant and/or sarcastic on this branch, it's only part of the unique British sense of humour so don't take it personally.

Please read this thread first before you ask a question, hopefully you'll find your answer already inside!

Feel free to add anything relevant to the thread too. Before we start though, here's some advice from the TT team:

1. Do a TT search! At least five posters a week ask what to do in London, whether to go visit Stonehenge on their way around the world, and whether it's possible to work under the table/overstay a tourist visa. The road is well traveled. Find those threads, add a reply (which brings the topic to the top, restarting the conversation), and then ... more »

Midgles

I am thinking of going to Scoltand in the next week or so, arriving in Oban and going to the Western Isles, possibly to Fort William. I am concerned about midges as I get badly bitten. Will they be out in force then?

Patrick Conway's to re-open

Historical site and allegedly Dublin's oldest pub, Patrick Conway's in Parnell St, is being renovated to re-open. According to some fellow drunks I know.

I don't know if, having been closed for what must be a number of years now, it gets to continue its claim for age.

Hopefully it'll be done with an effect of more authenticity than the nearby Parnell's lounge and bar or whatever it is called.

Which would be nice.

Don't Want to Drive in Ireland

We're in our seventies and planning our first trip to Ireland. We prefer not to drive on the left. What is the next-best way to see some of the country without being tied to a big bus tour?

Eating late in Tarbert, Harris

I am arriving at 7pm this Friday into Stornoway airport. I'll need to collect my hire car and make a quick trip to a supermarket (in Stornoway) to get some provisions. I then hope to drive down towards Tarbert, in readiness for hiking an Cliseam the following morning.

What are my chances of finding some food in Tarbert late on a Friday night? I don't suppose I'd be arriving there before about 9pm. I'm not looking for anything fancy, maybe some fish and chips from a takeaway? Do any pubs serve food at that time? Or am I better off staying in Stornoway the first night and doing the drive the folowing morning?

Many thanks, Heidi

England/Scotland Roadtrip 25 days

Hi,

Four of us (22-25years) have a hire car for 25 days this May/June and are planning on taking a roadtrip to parts of England and Scotland. I say 'parts' because we don't want to spend all day every day driving so understand we can't get north, south, east and west of both countries.

We prefer more natural sights, walking/hiring bikes/adventure activities rather than visiting big cities. We're starting and ending in London but the 25 days will be spent out of London. We like the coast. Does anyone have a favourite spot/activity etc in England and/or Scotland to share that may help us to roughly plan our trip?

My second question is, has anyone had experience roadtripping in the Uk and if so, what sort of accommodation did you find? We are on a budget and prefer self-catering accommodation. Are we likely to need to book ahead?

O'Leary @ Ryanair - 5 More years!

Yes, folks, it's official...the beatings are scheduled to continue until morale improves...Michael O'Leary intends to stay on for another half-decade to guide Ryanair to the next level...

http://www.independent.ie/business/michael-oleary-vows-to-stay-at-ryanair-for-five-more-years-29262368.html

All together now - 5 more years, 5 more years, 5 more years...

(Cross-Posted)

Hitchiking in Ireland

HI,

has anybody been hitchiking in Ireland recently?
please share your experience; hints welcome
Rosslare -- Killarney and region
Then hiking in the area.
Thanks

anne stevens

dubpubs08 part one

Below is version eight of a ‘pubs in Dublin’ list, called dubpubs08 and it is far from complete. Includes contributions from other posters, especially Fear-Rua, Philipd and Stiofan75. All the great entries are from others, any errors are mine.

Opinions gratefully received. Prices change (well, let’s be honest, they go up).

ANY POSTERS WHO WANT TO ADD THEN POST THE PUB IN THE FORMAT OF BELOW, LESS THAN 100 WORDS, AS A REPLY. DITTO FOR AMENDMENTS.

The new additions are The Celt in Talbot St and Bakers in Thomas St near Guinness.

McNiells – Capel St, north of the Luas/tram line. Small, trad music several nights a week, open fires, smoking garden. Does two types of sandwiches, shows sport. Nice toilets (nifty blade hand dryers!) but remember there are two steps down to the bar near the fire place. Okay? Does lock-ins until 4am on some Sunday mornings. Has opened a new up... more »