When I Went: July 4-15, 2010
Was That the Best Time of Year to Go? Summer was delightful. Fall is a better value, but not as good weather.
Why I Went There: We went with a group that all had interests in Ireland for different reasons: an older couple named O’Neil (interested for obvious reasons) and a couple whose daughter competes in Irish dance.
Who Went With Me? My wife, our best friends, their daughter, and the O’Neils
We Stayed Here: In a series of bed and breakfasts: Atlantic View in Clifden, Purple Heather in Kilarney, The Blue Horizon in Kinsale, and Auburndale in Kilkenny.
[mapimage url=”http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fapi%2Fstaticmap%3Fsize%3D200x200%26sensor%3Dfalse%26markers%3DIreland%26zoom%3D5″]You Won’t Want to Miss: 1. The ancient monastery at Skellig Michael. A craggy island with a 9th-century monastery, the island is covered with delightful birds, puffins. 2. In Dublin, take the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour to see where the Irish attempted to gain independence from Britain, during World War I. See the machine gun holes in the side of the General Post Office. 3. Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the rebellion were shot by firing squad, inspiring the fight for liberty. 4. A great pub. Dublin is full of them. But Mulligan’s Pub on Poolbeg Street, reading James Joyce’s short story about this pub, and having a pint with the locals, was a highlight. 5. A great walk along the Kerry Way, walking the Gap of Dunloe in the rain. 6. Waterford Crystal factory, watching the dying craft of these crystal makers up close 7. Seeing the illustrated Book of Kells at Trinity College. 8. The coastline at the Cliffs of Moher. 9. Find a pub off the beaten path. For us it was in the little town of Karna, sharing a pint with locals, celebrating the DEB, their version of Homecoming. 10. The ancient ruins of Caherconnell, a stone fort.
Eat Here: Crackpots in Kinsale, locally harvested produce and beef, lovely wine list in the “gourmet capital of Ireland.”
Play Here: Dublin is a delightful city. It’s easy to get around by train. There’s history and literature.
If I Went Again: Spend less time in Galway. The traffic was dreadful.
How Did You Get There From Dallas? American Airlines to Dublin
Other Tips For Fellow Travelers: Best vacation of our life. Great treat to travel with our best friends.
