Going to Ireland, soon!

[Snapdad]

Ah, the Emerald Isle! My first time across the pond, too!

Soon, I will be heading over with my wife's family and here are some places we'll be staying. Looks like we'll be doing a Southern loop, neatly bisecting the land in half. Limerick might be iffy, so plans might change on that one...

3 days in Dublin.
1 Day in Kilkenny.
1 day in Waterford.
1 day in Cork.
2 days in Killarney.
2 days in Limerick (?)
2 days in Galway.
Back to Dublin, then home.

So, if anyone has any recommendations on good eats or visual treats, I'd love to hear from you.

[Gungawoman]

Soooo jealous!
I'll ask my Irish neighbor tomorrow for things to do-see-eat!

[Boomer]

I think the last laddie to visit the Isle was our own Mufasa. Last time I was in Europe I only saw Ireland from a periscope.

[burma.girl]

Yeah def hit up Muffy for pointers, he was there not too long ago.

It's been....20 (**gulp!!**) years since I've been there...have been to the first five of the seven places listed. The first thing that struck me about the landscape was how incredibly green everything was...like, glowing electric green grass/trees/moss. Everywhere! Beautiful scenery. Freshy-fresh country air. Magical!
However, it was such a short trip, I don't remember too much about any one particular place
The Waterford Crystal museum was kewl;
We discoed in Kilarney (because they're not nightclubs....they're discos);
Kissed the Blarney Stone;
Met some rather handsome Hurling players in Cork ;
Toured some old mine/cave system somewhere near Kilkenny;
And practically had to do a jogging tour around Dublin (coach tour ran waaaay late, only had 45 minutes there )

Our last night we stayed at a place just outside Dublin called the Dalkey Island Hotel. At the time, U2 was recording songs for "Achtung Baby" in a nearby location. Per the bartenders of the hotel pub, Bono and the boys often frequented the place during the week.
"Oh, really? They come here?", we enquired.
"Yeah, Adam sits right *there* [pointing at my stool] and Larry sits right *there* [pointing to the adjacent stool]. Bono and Edge usually sit in the booth over *there* [pointing past my head]."
"Huh. Wow! So, what are they like...are they nice?"
Well, Larry and Adam, they're good blokes, real easy-going. Bono's all 'rock star' with those feckin' glasses. And Edge...always wearin' that stupid hat!"

I'm sure you and Mrs. Snapdad will rustle up plenty of mischief 'n' fun.....enjoy!

[Gungawoman]

Hey, Snapdad! I haven't forgotten you--just haven't been able to get a hold of my crazy Irish neighbor today....

[Snapdad]

No worries! Thanks for all the info so far, everyone.

[Scythe Matters]

Oh, Ireland is so beautiful! We only stayed a few days as part of our UK trip and we would love to go back. We stayed overnight with friends on Galway Bay. It was magical and the town is picturesque and beautiful. We spent some time in Belfast too, and got to see much of the East coast on the train. Just make sure you keep an eye on the exchange rate so you don't get ripped off. Darned Euros!

[Gungawoman]

OK, finally talked to the crazy Irish neighbor. She said traveling the Ring of Kerry is a must, but it sounded like you were already doing that. It covers most all of the hot-spots. The southern part of the island is prettier and more green. She said if you golf, there are some wonderful courses right on the cliffs. There's the Waterford crystal factory, the Blarney Stone, numerous castles, etc.
Her best advise was if you're going to order Guinness. It's a creamier blend there and takes some time for a proper pour. If you're going to have more than 1, order 2 at once. The 2nd will arrive about the time the 1st is done.
She was born in County Kerry. She got so homesick when I was asking her everything. She wants to go with you....

[Mufasa]

Contact these fellas: http://www.daytoursunplugged.ie/
Simply the best - no question. Please take the Wicklow Mountains Tour, which includes Glendalough and Avoca.
New Mercedes busses / small groups / authorized Irish historians with personality.

We also did the Newgrange tour, which is for those with a hankering to stand within a 5,000+ year old tomb, and visit a Pub that was established in 1595. (Man O' War) Great food and drink. One of the fellas there is first cousin to Enya. We didn't want to get back on the bus.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http...Bg&dur=593

http://www.manowar.ie/

Dublin is something to see. Don't bother renting a car while you are there - use the trams.
It favors a lot of other old, European towns. A bit too touristy for me, but fun.

See The Guinness Tour - it's fun, and the Guinness is not pasteurized in Ireland.... VERY different taste.
If "New Free" is playing in the Guinness Tower, say howdy for me.
Link to slide show - this should begin at Guinness Lake (Glendalough). If not, just blaze through the Frankfurt slides (IAA Car Show)
http://s782.photobucket.com/albums/yy102...=slideshow

Temple Bar in Dublin seems to be where most tourist want to drink, but there are pubs that offer a far older experience. The tour fellas at Day Tours Unplugged will point them out to you, and give you their history if you like.
If your hotel is not booked yet, I recommend the Ashling, just on the edge of Dublin - right across the street fro Heuston Station.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&i...=0CCoQtgM.

[Snapdad]

Excellent! Thanks for the advice everyone!