BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Alison M
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 11:31 AM

Divis, have a nice time in Spain!

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 09:43 AM

Off again in the morning to Torrevieja Spain for eight days, will look in here from internet cafe.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: michaelr
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 09:33 AM

Donegal, Donegal, Donegal!

Just spent several days there and it's absolutely stunning. Most beautiful landscapes I've seen anywhere.

Slan,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 08:43 AM

There's nothing particularly special about the place, but as far as names go, you can't beat Ballynagrumoolia just south of Cork.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 08:25 AM

Might as welll do a bit of Thread Creep - Loughstock 007 is well under way , so if any one is any where near Portaferry in February
come and have a session with us !

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Alison M
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 08:10 AM

Thanks for all your replies, this thread has been an interesting read. Kind Regards.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: DougR
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 12:48 AM

My favorite is Clifden on the West coast of Ireland. A beautiful little town with very friendly people.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Mickey191
Date: 11 Sep 06 - 07:13 PM

First trip was in 1960 - one of the most beautiful sights was a road heading into Bantry, Cork. Overlooking the bay - it was stunning. On that same trip we did the Ring of Kerry. T'was fun even though it poured rain-and the guide of the horse drawn cart was a sketch! While we all were having lunch in Kearney's Cottage - He stood and toasted me with this: "Will yee come share my tent with me Foxy Red?" The red is gray now--but wisdom has told me that he probably proposed 3 or 4 times a week. Enhances the tip I'm sure.

Glad someone mentioned Fermanagh-beautiful! I've always thought the Killarney Lakes were overly praised. Love Galway Town all of Donegal. The people are the best!

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 06:23 PM

THE Mizen Head , next stop america.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Roughyed
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 04:29 PM

I did say 'generally' lousy, Guest. I've had excellent weather for two weeks at the end of September before now but I'm sure you would agree it tends to be a bit damp, although the west coast is mild because of the Gulf Stream of course. It's best to go prepared for anything but that's true of the whole of the British Isles.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 09:33 AM

Derry City is great for a weekend break, also Armagh city. Around the north coast is lovely, Castlerock. Cultra is great. There is a transport museum in it, this is a must. I myself love Warrenpoint and Kilbrony park Rostrevor. Looking out over Fiddlers Green across Carlingford Lough. Scenery around South Armagh is lovely,Crossmaglen, Camlough and Keady, otherwise there is very little there.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: jaze
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 08:39 AM

What about N. Ireland? Any special places there?

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 07:49 AM

You would have been wrong about the weather this Summer, it was excellent,following on from a similar summer last year, we do have our good days.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Roughyed
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 06:15 AM

Get a map of Ireland, a blindfold and a pin. Put on the blindfold, stick the pin in the map, pawn your possessiond and book the ferry. Wherever you go you'll find the people wonderful, the weather generally lousy and you can track down the music after a day or two.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: robomatic
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 03:29 AM

Carrantuohill

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 09 Sep 06 - 06:51 PM

Did it many years back with two vistors I had over. It was a very wet day. Many were doing it in their bare feet. Not really my type of thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 06 - 05:57 PM

Climb Croagh Patrick and indulge your senses.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 09 Sep 06 - 05:37 PM

I agree MudGuard. I passed a new really big hotel in Mulranny in Mayo, it's as if they can't build they ugly enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: MudGuard
Date: 09 Sep 06 - 04:35 PM

Hi. It's been about 10 years since my last visit, but my favorite place was the Cliffs of Moher. You cannot imagine the power of the forces of nature-- the wind blowing in from the Atlantic.

That was ten years ago - nowadays there is more power of the force of concrete than of nature - the place is a big construction site (at least it was in May 2006 - but it didn't look like being finished soon) nowadays, it has lost much of its nature ...

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 09 Sep 06 - 03:15 PM

Back from sunny County Mayo. Weather great as was craic. Bike played up a bit, bit of an oil leak, gasket under pressure, great roads to test a bike. Lot of speed cameras about, not sure if the law to add points onto licence from south to northern drivers is in yet, already got six, so hope not. Just covered Sligo, Mayo and Galway. Achill was beautiful. Sorry greg didn't get down as far as you. Take it from me, Moonlight in Mayo is as close to heaven as I will get !

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 07:14 PM

well I live in Ballydehob ,25 miles west of clonakilty.
THEW FIRST BALLYDEHOB INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL takes place ,may 6 may 7 2007, come and enjoy it . Dick Miles

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 04:54 AM

You lucky people who are touring around Ireland for the past couple of days, this morning the sun is shining out of a cloudless sky, a morning made in heaven

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: open mike
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 02:30 AM

I am surprised there were so many posts before Doolin was mentioned.
It has been the place name that I have heard of most often by music lovers who go to Ireland.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 02:15 AM

Achill
Achill
Achill (try to find the old amethyst mine - great fun collecting beautiful scraps, then on to Keem bay for great, terrifically cold, snorkelling)

then Dingle (climb Mount Brendan - gorgeous view)

then Doolin (but often too many Americans...yeah, I know, I am one and part of the problem)

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: kendall
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 07:39 PM

I'd like to stand on Dingle's Beach and sing, "Song for Ireland."

At this point, I'd settle for being able to stand anywhere and sing anyTHING.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 07:34 PM

Hi. It's been about 10 years since my last visit, but my favorite place was the Cliffs of Moher. You cannot imagine the power of the forces of nature-- the wind blowing in from the Atlantic. Another great place of a similar nature is the north-west coast of Mayo, a place called Downpatrick Head. There's a road that runs right along the edge of the cliffs, and you can walk right up to the edge. Up in that same area are the Ceide Fields. The last time I was there, the visitor center was just beginning construction, so I'd like to see the completed center. On one visit, I did a garden tour that included Glenveigh (sp?), Birr Castle, Muckross House in Killarney, the Botanical Gardens in Dublin, and the place south of Dublin around Wicklow (Mount Usher, maybe??).

Whatever you decide, just go wander around and you'll have a good time.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 06:56 PM

I'm in something of a sulk.
Apart from Greg (I remember playing in a session with the boatband in Rooney's pub in Ardmore, I do not remember going home - it was all a long time ago , the 80s I'd say? wonder if you were with them then Greg ?) no body seems to have visited County Waterford ???
I can assure you Alison M it is every bit as good a destination as the West, Nor West, Nor East, South West or East Coast .

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Alison M
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 06:29 AM

Thanks again for all your replies, which were all very interesting to read on here. Yes, I dream of visiting Ireland one day too. I would like to spend a year there and tour the whole of Ireland, but this would be too expensive for me, but maybe one day! I guess it is ok just to hope to visit one day at least. Divis I hope you enjoy your bike ride! Kind Regards to all.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: bflat
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 06:53 PM

Thank you BuckMulligan. The comparisons are excellent and known to me.

Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 06:44 PM

Where I wrote "NI" I meant "Belfast" - not that anything in NI is very far from Belfast.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 06:09 PM

Dress for generally milder (and wetter) than northeast US. NI (e.g.) is quite a bit north of Boston, (and Dublin's not far south of that, in "American" terms) but the whole island's climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream. It's getting chilly now, but it never does get as cold as New Hampster.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: bflat
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 05:47 PM

One dream is coming true, I'll be in Ireland next week. Plan to stay for two weeks and tour all of the perimeter and then some. Since I'm restricted to one 38" piece of luggage for the flight, I'd like to pack well. Any hints on dress code and average daily temps would be very appreciated. Thanks.
Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Kaleea
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 02:24 PM

Ireland would be at the top of my list of places to travel outside the USA. Most anywhere in Ireland! My neice & I were talking just last week of "wouldn't it be wonderful if we could go to Ireland someday?" One of my aunts & a cousin have told us of their many visits. When my mother was a child, she can remember when an aunt came over from Ireland & visited them out in the Oklahoma sticks, speaking with "such a brogue only Mama could understand her." (I thought it was a "Lilt") I'm not sure if any of my mother's generation would remember from what part of Ireland the aunt came. Granny's maiden name was Rains or Raynes (various spellings), but on both sides of the family, the ancestors have been in the USA for several generations--a couple hundered years, so who other than God Himself knows?
I wonder if some lovely Music loving folks would someday do a swap & let my neice, her daughter (now 22 mos old), & myself stay at their place (a short walk from nightly sessions, of course in my dream vacation) in return for letting them stay at our place in San Diego? Of course, we'd need to save quite a while for the plane tickets. That in itself might take a couple of years. (or longer!)
Perhaps we Catters should have our own vacation swap bunch, sort of like when my neice was a teen & they had exchange students live with them at least a couple of different years. She then visited them one summer. Except, of course, it would only be a few days instead of a summer or a school year. I'm sure some Catters already do this with some folks they've met! I think it would even be more fun to have a Catter visit us & show them around & vice versa than to merely swap living quarters. But, that may have to wait till we have something other than a couch to offer them! A Mudcat swap would be much more fun than some travel agent hook-up, due to the obvious Music interest, & being able to get to know each other here.
However, till we save up the $$ for our dream trip, if there's a would-be-surfer (or wanna-watch-the-surfers) Catter wanting to visit San Diego who's brave enough to not only sleep on the couch, but to attempt to navigate across a living room floor covered with toys without breaking your neck, I'll be happy to take you to the beach!

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: greg stephens
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 02:12 PM

Divis Sweeney: head south after enjoying Achill, come and meet the Boat Band at an acoustic gig(followed by session) at Gallagher's. Kilkishen, Co Clare.(not far north of Limerick). This Sunday(Sep 10). Sorry, it's a bit of a trek from Achill, but thats's our furthest north gig on this tour. Friday we'll be in Kilmacthomas,Co Waterford, and Saturday Kinsale,Co Cork. Hope to run into the odd Mudcatter somewhere along the line.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 02:04 PM

Best time of the day Emma, no traffic, no hassle and there for lunchtime. Five hour drive.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Emma B
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 01:59 PM

Divis the thought of zooming down the Atlantic Drive is very tempting - but 5am?

Go n'éiri an t-ádh leat agus slán abhaile

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: MudGuard
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 01:44 PM

Glendalough in the Wicklows is one of my favorites in Ireland.
Ring of Beara! (go out on the south side and go in on the north side!)
Kinsale is a nice little port town (south of Cork)
The Burren/Cliffs of Moher (but that was better before they started building the tourist highway up on the cliffs)
Connemara (Lough Mask, Lough Corrib, ...)
Donegal
Inishmore (Aran Islands) - stay overnight - most tourists leave with the last boat roundabout 5pm ...

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 01:33 PM

Reading all these posts have made my mind up, going to head off around 5.00am to Achill Island on the West Coast. So away now to polish my bike, back seat is free, any takers ?

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Stewart
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 01:12 PM

I've visited Ireland three times and hope to go back again. When asked if I had Irish ancestors, I replied no ... my people just came and burned and pillaged, they were the Vikings. But many of them stayed, even founded the City of Dublin.

The high points of my three trips:

2001 - two nights on Tory Island (off the NW coast of Co. Donegal). A magical place and still unspoiled. Wanted to go back on our second trip, but gale force winds grounded the ferry.

2002 - Spent two weeks in Co. Donegal. Some of the best scenery, particularly the Inishowen Peninsula where we stayed in Culdaff. Also enjoyed Glencolumbcille on the west coast of Donegal.

2004 - Spent a week in Kinvara, SW of Galway on the edge of the Burren. A beautiful town on Galway Bay, and a good base to explore the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, etc., also great music in Kinvara. The other highlight of this trip was several days in Connemara, another beautiful place.

On the next trip I'd like to see more of Northern Ireland. I had visited Derry on my first two trips - a very interesting city full of lots of history. If you play Irish music be sure to take your instrument(s) along. Playing in sessions, particularly in the smaller towns was the most enjoyable part of my visits.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 12:44 PM

Divis.... Lisdoonvarna may be a town for lovers, but only if they are lovers of the Guinness and damp beds.

Personally, I'd be just as happy never to see it again.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: greg stephens
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 12:16 PM

I have a special interest in this thread: I am off to Fishguard at crack of dawn, to catch the 11.30 ferry for Rosslare. Heading west to start a tour w ith the Boat Band. Tomorrow night(Thursday) we're doing a friendly acoustic gig(with joining in facilities) at Lil McCarthy's, Catletownshend, near Skiberreen. Fun, eh?
   Asr egards the best places to go: I have toured all over the island, and everywhere is fantastic and interesting. But if I had to pick out an itineray, I would say pick the line Cork-Clonakilty- Skibereen-Baltimore (then ferry)Cape Clear Island. Any and every place along that line(or a few miles off either side) will give you joy in your heart. And plenty of music.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 12:12 PM

Alison, The north is a no-no for most tourists, yet, I have been told by my US relations that the hospitality in the north is boundless, also the most wonderful scenery, the Mourne mountains, the Antrim coast road, regarded by many as the most scenic road in the world, the Fermanagh lakes, the historic and beautiful south Armagh area, Donegal our most northerly county my number one for the most beatuiful county in Ireland.
Just drive around and you will be surprised by the variety in all of the counties, you may also be surprised by the prices in the republic, but that`s anonther story.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Wolfgang
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 11:42 AM

I'll think of that, Divis.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 11:30 AM

Wolfgang when going through Armagh, please give me a call. A close friend of mine by the name of Rittmeister came over from Germany and loved the place so much he stayed here. Dave you know to contact me when here.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:36 AM

You don't get attacked at all Alison - Just some of the statements you make! There is a difference you know:-)

I have been to Dublin and then straight across to Listowel. That is a fine town, with manly literary connections if that's what tickles your fancy. Stopped in Finugue, just outside Listowel and the home village of Sean McCarthy who wrote many wonderful songs. Visited Tralee on the way to the Dingle Peninsula. I would not be too worried about the first but would definitely re-visit the last.

On my next trip though I intend seeing Lisdoonvarna, the Burren and various bits of the north where I believe I may be on for a free pint:-) My not be for a couple of years though. I have also heard that the ring of Kerry if very pretty but may be quite busy. Hope this helps.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Wolfgang
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:27 AM

The only part of Ireland I don't really know is that between Dublin and Belfast. I once passed through it in a bus and that doesn't count as 'knowing'. Next time in Ireland (in 1 or 2 years) I'll change that and stop in Armagh, Down, Louth, Meath, Monaghan.

One memorable moment was to be for two hours alone with my now wife on the Lake Isle of Innisfree (picture)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: *Laura*
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:18 AM

Dublin is great but the West Coast is gorgeous!
Cliffden, Galway is great.
And also Dingle (Co. Kerry?) - a bit further south from Cliffden anyway.
And yes, agree with DS that the Burren is a definite must-visit.
Also the CLiffs of Moher (co. Clare) - absolutely astounding!!

xLx

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:11 AM

Liz there is a great Marine centre open in Portaferry now. Ah Lisdoonvarna, the town for lovers ! I find both Dublin and Belfast really busy cities. I would advise the sight seeing tours of both cities. Belfast is a building site at the moment, everywhere there are massive centres going up. Now the Burren, a butterfly heaven for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:04 AM

Went to Ireland first 16 years ago on our honeymoon, Dublin and Lisdoonvarna. Last time we went was last year, to Portaferry.

I'd like to go back to Dublin and NOT go to a pub (spent about 48 hours in the city, seemingly 42 of them were spent in The Brazen Head). Lisdoonvarna... maybe, but again, I'd like to spend some time up on the Burren rather than in the pubs.

I'd like to see Belfast properly too. Portaferry is wonderful but there was far too much going on to be able to see the area properly. Next time we'll bring the child and do some birdwatching.

If I had to choose though, I'd have to say the Causeway.

LTS - who has no Irish ancestry whatsoever!

Subject: RE: BS: Choose a place in Ireland to visit
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 10:00 AM

I was there last year Keith, still as beautiful. The local council are really strict on any new buildings, pity the same couldn't be said for some other areas.
There is a great restaurant in Glendalough built over a small river, really beautiful. You said it was forty years since you were last there, last year was my first time back in 30 years, and it was still how I remembered it. Maybe it's time you revisited it, although I found it a little expensive last year, speaking to a guy who was there is August and he said locals said tourist numbers well down this year.

Last year I spent a week in monte carlo and monaco for less !