Ireland Trip Report

First I would like to thank all of those on this branch (especially the resident experts) that helped with my qestions about travel to Ireland.
Arrived in Dublin and was suprised at how small and inefficient the airport is. Not a complaint, just an observation, as an airport is not the country. Besides, I was later tolded by some locals that the goverment has plans to expand the facilities.
Picked up the rental car, no problem, and headed for Kilkenny. For all of you planning on renting a car in Ireland, I strongly recommend that you buy the additional insurance coverage. The roads in Ireland are in good condition, but are very narrow, winding, busy, and require full concentration at all times. I now know why the credit cards companies do not cover Ireland for car insurance. Ireland was my first attempt at "left side" driving, and it was not a hard as I expected, but with such narrow roads and the amount of traffic on them, it was as one tourist said to me "faith based driving" !! So get the extra insurance coverage !!
Arrived in Kilkenny early afternoon and found the town to be very charming and relaxed. Had my first Guiness at a pub and began to learn about the national sport of "HURLING" from a local guy sitting next to me. He informed that there was a match at the local field at 6pm, which I tried to attend, but over slept on my nap and by the time I got to the field the game was just over and the people was just leaving. Turns out Kilkenny was national champs in this sport ! We did walked around town and the next day did the tour of the Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral. The best thing about Kilkenny is the town itself, and is not worth spending more then a whole day there.
Next we to Killarney with a short stop to visit the Rock of Cashel, which in my opinion was worth the detour. The sight of suddenly rounding the bend and seeing this huge ancient structure towering over the town was impressive.
Arrived in Killarney and could immediately tell this is a touristy town. Arrived late afternoon, so decided to take the jaunting car (horse and buggy) ride around the National Park, which was nice and realxing after the drive to Killarney. Later that eveing we finally met up with our friends that we have not seen in 20 years, that happened to be in Ireland at the same time as us. They are big fans of Ireland and we had a wonderful time doing the "pub crawl". The next day we did the "Ring of Kerry". This is one big tourists attraction that get a big mention in all the guide books, but I do not understand why. The first halve of the trip is beautiful, but the second halve is a bore. There was much more beautiful scenery in other parts of Ireland. What was much more nicer and beautiful then driving the Ring of Kerry was the boat tour across the three lakes in the National Park follow with a buggy ride across the Gap of Dunloe. This was our highlight for Killarney.
Next it was on to the Dingle Peninsula. In my opinion the drive on this peninsula was much more beautiful then the Ring of Kerry, and much less crowded. The pace in Dingle is much slower and has a more relaxed feel then Killarney. It was much more fun doing a pub crawl here then Killarney ! After reading the restrictions and a few days of driving on the roads in Ireland, we decided to hire a local driver to take us up to the Cornnor Pass. This was a good idea because if you are driving you will miss alot of the views, except the ones at the pull over spot where you can get out of the car and view the surrounding area. The next day my "fisherwoman" of a wife decided to go on a fishing trip. There were stuned looks on the faces of all the guys as she boarded the boat without me (non-fisherman). I spend the day walking around the beautiful shores of Dingle Harbour (actually got to see Fugie the Dolphin from shore) and doing my own pub crawl.
Next was the long drive to Doolin. The place is more of a spot then a town, and we were lucky enough to get a B&B right acroos the strees from a pub named McDermotts which turned out to be the happening pub with music and a fun crowd. Needless to say that I indulged in a few extra Guiness's as all I had to do was walk across the street to bed that night :>) The next day we took the boat out to the largest Aran Island. If you do this I suggest you take the buggy ride instead of the van ride up to the ancient fort, because the buggy drivers are locals and they give you a longer ride around area to see more of the island while explaining about their life on the island. The vans just drive you right up (5 min.) to the fort, drop you off, and return to the harbour for more passengers. Also, the buggy only takes four people (it was just the two of us) for a more relaxed and informative experience. The ride back on the boat was anything but relaxed !! The winds picked up and the Atlantic began to roll and the boat began to rock and roll !! This was a bad experience for a land lover like myself !! Get this, the boat name was "Tranquillty" but the ride was anything but tranquil !! The young Irish boat pilot said to me " it was not that bad mate" :>) :>) and preceded to board people for the afternoon trip !! If waves are splashing oevr the window and the boat is rocking back and forth, then I think that is BADDDDDD !! Anyway the next day we made the trip to the "Cliffs of Moher" and was glad we went very early 9am. The was a wonderful site and to be two of only four people there at the time, made it even more enjoyable.
Next it was on to the County of Galway, by way of the coastal road from Doolin. Beautiful drive with a short stop to see a bit of the Burren area . We spent the first day in a very small lovely town named Poundstone which our friends had recommended. One road town with houses on one side and a beautiful harbour on the onther. I must say, this was one beautiful small town. From there we took the coast road up to Cliften and did the "Sky Road " drive. All I can say is "OH my God" the views are amazing, but you best have nerves of steel to drive it !!! I was so very thankful that the only car that passed us was when we stopped at a pull over to view the scenery are else it whould have been a problem passing each other and I was not about ot back up nor get closer to the cliff edge ! We continue on through the beautibul mountains of the Connemara area to Westport in the County of Mayo. We spent two days here just enjoying the beautiful town.
From there we headed for Dublin. After all of that countryside for about two weeks, we were ready for some city life !! Only problem was that Dublin was hosting the National Irish Ruby Championship game on the Sunday we were due to arrive. So we dedided to spent the night in a town named Mullingar one hour from Dublin. Good choice as we had a wonderful evening in a pub with a bunch of locals watching the game. We spent our last four days in Dublin, and we really enjoyed the city. One of the nicer ctities we have experienced in all of Europe. Did the local sites and took a very good tour of the archelogical sites outside of Dublin.
All in all Ireland was a beautiful country with very hospitable and friendly people. It was a very lovely 2 weeks for us and the weather turned out to be sunny and warm, with only two days of rain, one of which was the departure day from Ireland. Unbelievable, as most people said Ireland would be rainy and cool during September. We had a CRAIC of a time in Ireland !!
If you have any questions about accomodations are anything thing else that I maybe able to help you with are share with you, please feel free to ask. Afterall, this is what this website is all about ! INDEPENDENT TRAVEL RULES !!!!!
ONE LOVE !!!
Mike