We had such a great vacation there that we have returned 3 more
times and it just gets better! We particularly like Donegal County
- Athlone - Clonmacnoise all that area.
We had 2 flat tires one very rainy night out in the midst of the
backroads. It was close to getting dark and I made the comment,
" Well this is when we find out if the Irish are as wonderful
as we think".
Sure enough, the next car stopped and took one of our party into
town (which was 30 min drive or so). They found us a bed and breakfast,
they came to pick up the rest of our party and all our luggage
(it took 2 cars). The next day they drove us to Donegal (the closest
place to find the size tires we had on the rental car) and took
care of taking the tires off and putting new ones on.
We forced them to take some money which was very little and Glencollimkille
(sic) will always be remembered for their hospitality and help.
It makes me very proud to be of Irish ancestry.
My mother and I traveled to your wonderful country in September
1994. We loved it!! The people are friendly, the countryside is
beautiful. We especially liked our stay at the St. George Hotel
in Limerick. The management and staff took good care of us. They
suggested places to go and things to do. We felt that they really
cared about us. We would recommend this Hotel when you are in
Limerick.
The Bunratty castle is in this area which was fantastic to see.
There was a shop there that had pictures from the 1890's of many
different cities. We were able to purchase four different pictures
of Dungarvan for our family history book.
The St. Patrick's Church in Waterford is a great source for tracing
your family roots. The people there were helpful and we were able
to make copies of original marriage documents of our great grandparents.
Everyone should go to Ireland!! We are looking forward to our
next trip.
I finally came across this page today and thought that I should
write to tell you of the wonderful time that we had while in Ireland.
Personally I found the "common" person in Ireland to
be some of the most friendly people I've ever met. But specifically,
we stayed at the Doyle Montrose Hotel in Dublin - near Dublin
University. The hotel staff took 200 people that were strangers
to the land and the customs, etc. and made us feel right at home!
My personal thanks to them for making me feel like I belonged
in Ireland.
Then we went to the Limerick Inn in Limerick and again were treated
almost like royalty. We never felt like "outsiders"
while in Ireland.
A special thank you to those that organized our trip, tours, etc.
Unfortunately I do not have their names, etc. in order to pass
those along to you.
Ireland is a wonderful country! I couldn't believe the amount
of grasslands and the beauty of the ageless buildings. I can see
why they call Ireland the "Gem of the British Isles."
Thanks to all of those that made our trip an enjoyable one!! I'll
be back to your country someday. That I promise.
If you would like to relate your experiences, please use Feedback
Story # 1
Story # 2
Story # 3
Story # 4
I just got back from a two week trip in Ireland. I stayed in Dublin
for 3 days and I really loved it. I went to Glendalough in the
Wicklow Mountains and I would recommend that area. The Waterford
Tour was well worth it. Also- went to Dingle which is really beautiful.
I would also recommend the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
Story # 5
Ireland. There's a magic about the place, alright. There's a soft song
haunting the wind, if you listen with your heart. Beware visiting Ireland,
friend. The place will twinkle you, and steal into your dreams
Story # 6
I was in Ireland for only 6 days and spent 4 of those in Dublin and 2 in the Wicklow Mountains. I loved Dublin with its beautiful pubs and wide array of restaurants. There is a particular vibrancy which exists in Dublin that is difficult to explain. I will surely return some day to spend more than 6 days and see the rest of the country.
Story # 7
There is nothing like a trip to Ireland. Nothing!
The people are the most friendly on earth and there are no words to
describe the breathtaking beauty to be found literally around every
corner.
Since childhood I dreamed of going to Ireland and did so five years ago.
We have visited Ireland every year since with our upcoming trip in October
making number 5.
Whether it's the feast at Bunratty (Durty Nelly's next door), the Wicklow
Mountains, Waterford, the Rock of Cashel, the Blarney Stone, the Aran
Islands ......
To much to tell in such limited space..... It makes me want to start
packing just thinking about it!!!
Story # 8
To anyone who would like to go to Ireland "someday":
Go! I have heard of many people who didn't go until late in life and
they regret not having gone earlier. It is as green and beautiful as
the pictures and travel posters you have seen, if not more so. There
is plenty to see and do, the food is good, and the people will take good
care of you. Don't get stuck in Dublin too long. Get out into the country.
Go to the Rock of Cashel, try the well-known food in Kinsale (ask for the tourist
menu), drive along a coast road in the west, go through the Bunratty Folk
Park, be awed by the Cliffs of Moher and, if pratical at the time, see the
lake and mountain beauty of the North of Ireland. You cannot help but to
start feeling "at home" there. Go! You will only regret it if you don't.
-
A Native Texan planning my 4th trip to Ireland at age 28
Story # 9
My name is Federica and I'm Italian. I come from Rome and I had a trip to Ireland in
July with my husband Andrea. I can't explain the beauty of this country, since childhood
I dreamed to go in Ireland and finally, this year, this dream has becomed reality!
We have touring most of Ireland counties, from Dublin, Wicklow, Cork,
Kerry, Galway, etc, to Donegal County and it was all fantastic and magic. People are very friendly and kind.
I hope to return in Ireland as soon as possible because I love this country very much!
Story # 10
I finally returned to Ireland...I say "returned," even though it was my
first time, because it felt as if I was going home. And, in a way, it
was. I saw the best of my family in every friendly person I met. It was
an awakening...a recognition...of the strengths that are part of being of
Irish descent. A vastly empowering experience, life-changing for me &
for my family, and I enthusiastially recommend a visit to Ireland, to
anyone who's even THOUGHT about it. Get there any way you can...don't
wait another day. artgrrl@hotmail.com
Story # 11
We spent 3 1/2 weeks in Ireland this past summer and made good use of a
couple of internet cafes, keeping in touch with our children via e-mail.
When I came home the almost daily reports made a wonderful record of our
trip.
The young people staffing these establishments were very helpful and we
developed a fine rapport as we became "regulars". We enjoyed the Planet
Cafe in Dublin and Revelations in Belfast.
Ed note: Internet Cafes
Story # 12
Hi! I traveled in Ireland this past summer for about a week! It was one of
the most beautiful countries that anyone could ever see. Including the
Blarney Stone, Bunratty Castle, Killarney, and Dublin! It is so great!
LMichele81@aol.com
Story # 13
I just returned from the first of many vacations I will make to Ireland. My
daughters, ages 10 and 13, and I traveled there the last two weeks of
November 1996. We found Ireland to be fantastic in the "low season." We
visited all the great tourist places, WITHOUT THE CROWDS. The weather was
great--bright and sunny with a bit of a chill. The people were warm and
inviting, the food just the same.
The girls had a great time. The older one said it was better than
Disneyworld! (It cost less than two weeks of Disneyworld!) For the kids,
the educational experience alone was well worth the price.
Story # 14
I was in Ireland in July and it was a lifes dream come true. I think one of the best things that we did was to stay in the B&B, they are cheap and you get a breakfast fir for a king, you also wont have to buy a lunch because the breakfast really fills you up. Also get away from the touristy spots, go through the small towns, this is where the people are the most friendly. I thought Newport, Westport, Ballina and Crossmolina in the Mayo region where some of the nicest spots that we travelled. Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures!!!!!! JCaro39737@aol.com
Story # 15
My husband and I took our first trip to Ireland in late Jan 97. We were in
Ireland for 7 days and were able to see most of the Southwest and
Southeast, plus as far north as Shannon and Lismore. The off-season was
WONDERFUL. We were able to take our time and really get out into the
countryside and off the tourist path. Blarney Castle was a pleasure to
visit without the tourist crowd. We traded our timeshare for a timeshare
at the Killarney Country Club in the Killarney countryside. This location
has a combination of timeshare/lodge/B & B. The staff were outstanding and
we felt at home. Ireland is the most beautiful place in the world. The
food was plentiful and excellent. The Irish people treated us like family
no matter where we went. We took our 17 year old Grandson for his
graduation present and he was thrilled, and used 17 rolls of film and a 2
hour video. We drove 770 miles, had the time of our lives, and felt like
we belonged there, which made me very proud of my Irish heritage. We will
go back!!!!
rwbear@net999.com
Story # 16
My wife and I made our first visit to Ireland in April 1990. We flew
from JFK to Shannon and drove directly to Errill hoping to find some of
my wife's relatives....Long story short....WE FOUND THEM....HAVE BEEN
BACK FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST SIX YEARS AND ARE GOING BACK AGAIN IN JUNE
FOR TWO WEEKS.....THE IRISH HAVE TO BE THE FRIENDLIEST, MOST
ACCOMODATING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET........JOHN...3-18-97
Story # 17
I attended a program at DCU
called CTYI from June 28 to July 18. It was
the best 3 weeks of my life, and I cried the entire flight home at the
thought that I may never see all of my newfound Irish friends again. The
teenagers there seem much nicer than in the states, and my experience
was thoroughly enjoyable. This doesn't actually have much to do with
Irish tourism, but I liked it so much that I'm just telling anyone I
can. HLR
Story # 18
Last September, my friend and I went backpacking through Europe and spent 6
days in Ireland. The people were the most fanastically wonderful human beings
I have ever encountered in all of may traveling. They were so helpful and
really made the trip.
As an example, we met these 2 stockbrokers in Dublin on a pub crawl who took my
friend and I to a huge Indian dinner, where they even kept the resturant open
for us. Unlike American men, these guys didn't expect anything. They just
wanted to make sure we saw their city in every possible light. Having an
expensive, full meal is heaven when you are backpacking.
I will never forget the Irish hospitality as long as I live. I also can't stay
away. I'm leaving for Ireland again this September.
Story # 19
My Mother and I just returned from a 2 week trip in Ireland and I
terribly miss it!!! We flew into Shannon and went to Killarney,
Waterford,Dublin,Sligo, and Galway. We made all kinds of stops in
between(Dingle peninsula,Adare,Youghal,Lismore,Hill of
Tara,Donegal,Belleek-sp.,Connemarra and the Cliffs of Moher and so much
more!) I have Irish ancestors and I am very proud to say that! Ireland
is the most wonderful country and I have told my husband that when we go
to Ireland together we will probably never come back. I could definitely
see us moving to the "Emerald Isle"!! If you haven't been-GO!!!!!
djewell0@flash.net
Story # 20
I have visited Ireland twice in the last year. I can not get enough of
the beautiful scenery, the smell of the air and the pace of life. Of all
the places I visited, I recommend the Slieve League in County Donegal
and a hike along the top ridge. Each county has its own magic. I also
recommend visiting Derry in the North. The city has an energy and
youthful presence that really makes it worth staying a little longer.
John from Canada
Story # 21
My fiance and I went to Ireland for the first time in December 1998. We
were planning a return trip before we ever left! We found it to be the
most awesome, beautiful place we had ever seen. The smell of the
burning peat (turf) in the air and the ruins all over the countryside are
indescribable to anyone who has never been there. We took over one
hundred pictures and still do not feel that they relate the experience
adequately. We not only fell in love with Ireland but felt like we fell
more in love with each other just from the exposure to the magic there.
We have even decided to try to be married there. We especially loved
Killarney National Park, Mizen Head (a must-see for anyone who loves
lighthouses), the Iroko B&B (thanks Dierdre), and the small town of
Doolin near the Cliffs of Moher. Five days there were not nearly
enough, but we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. If you have
ever even entertained the thought of going to Ireland, make those plans
now and don't deprive yourself another minute! C.K.
Story # 22
My company sent me to Ireland on a business trip that was to last three
months. 10 years later, I am still here !! To this day, I hold the feeling
that there is something magical about this country and have made Ireland my
home.
The best thing about having moved here is being able to explore this
country on an ongoing basis (The perpetual tourist !). Each time I visit a
place, even if I have been there many times before, there is always
something new to discover.
My favorite places are in the west; Counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and
Donegal.
If you are planning a visit to Ireland, have a look at your schedule, I'm
certain that you did not allow enough time.
You may be coming here as a visitor but don't be to surprised if 10 years
later you are posting a similar message !!
Story # 23
Firstly - I think your site is excellent! Congratulations and thank you.
I spent a week in Ireland as part of a 3 month backpacking trip and loved it
so much I am going back this year! I was travelling alone but met so many
wonderful people - even the tourists in Ireland are the friendliest! I went
to Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork (and the magnificent Blarney Castle), Galway and
the Aran Islands. I really enjoyed every second I was in that beautiful
country. Even the travelling between cities (usually the worst parts of a
trip) was fantastic - looking at the green countryside (and I was there in
the middle of winter) with Irish music playing on the bus - it really was
fantastic! I cannot wait to show my friend everything I saw and find other
amazing places when I go back.
Tania Celli
Johannesburg
Story # 24
We have taken three trips to Ireland and on the last trip we spent an entire month driving throughout the whole country. It is unquestionably a beautiful and marvelous land, but the true treasure of Ireland is it's wonderfully friendly and helpful people. We made airline reservations today and will be returning to Ireland in October. It is always like going home.
Those who have never visited that very special place can never know what a blessing they've missed.
Rod Manning - Elmore, Alabama
RManning@Prodigy.net
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