Has anyone ever been to Ireland?

Question

I'm part Irish and I would love to go to Ireland. So has anyone ever been there? What's it like there?

Answer 1

Here's an American point of view. I married an Irishman so we have been back several times since the mid-80s. Sure it's green but it's also overcast and rainy a LOT.

Avoid restaurants. Eat in pubs. Other than home-cooking, pub food is the only edible thing in the country.

Visit some websites and get an idea of what you would like to see. Bus tours of the country are available and reasonable, and a good way to see the country up close, with a guide to give you some history. If you are intrepid, plan to rent a car (remember, they drive on the left). Even in summer, we had no trouble finding room at B&Bs. They are affordable and comfortable. Driving the Ring of Kerry is a great way to spend a day - awesome views. Find out which way the tour busses go (clockwise or counterclockwise - I forget) and go in the opposite direction. You don't want to get stuck behind diesel fumes! Convert some cash to pounds ("punts"); credit cards are not accepted as universally as they are at home.

Aer Lingus used to have the cheapest fares. Do the research before you book. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Northern Ireland is really beautiful. The northwest coast is so remote and "un-touristy." This is the real Ireland. Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-rede bridge are definetly worth seeing. Summer is the best time as the days are long and the weather is relatively dry and warm. The people are so down to earth and friendly in that part of the country. In some places up there, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. I recommend staying in a guesthouse/B&B. The families that run them are so welcoming and will tell you a lot about the area. They have a lot of lovely places to stay in Portstewart and Coleraine. From there, it is close to the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Distillery (you can take a taxi or a bus). It is quite cheap up there compared to southern Ireland. They use the British pound, NOT the euro. The pubs serve great, cheap food after a long day of sightseeing.

Answer 3

I was there in 1976....much has changed and much has stayed the same.....
My family lives in Dalkey which is a little fishing village on the coast and south of Dublin. Since 1976, the real estate there has soared....You can see glimpses of Dalkey in the movie, "Da". The Bible used in the movie belongs to my family. The village streets in the movie are also in Dalkey as well as the marina. I remember walking everywhere on little tiny roads and the homes were named. My family owned Juverna for over 100 years but when they all died it was sold. My family also owned Tempe Villa which was where I stayed....it also had a separate wing where a prince of Spain who was travelling lived while on holiday. My great aunt and uncle still like in Dalkey near the marina but both are very old and family must take care of them. I went horse back riding on the beach, and visited the library. I was there for 6 weeks and I was only 16.....so no pubs. I also remember going to church every day with my aunts. I stayed in Black Rock (a suburb of Dublin) for a week and went to the baths....salt water pool. I brought home Irish linen, Irish sweaters, and of course, waterford. I was homesick and thrilled to walk to Dalkey castle almost everyday. I knew the horses along the way and little by little the neighbors....I remember conserving water. For example, if I had a bath (my aunt's house didn't have a shower) then we used the water to water the garden. I remember helping my aunt get rid of the snails.....my aunt was a VERY wealthy woman who did all her own gardening and housework at an advanced age. I remember the local cheese and rowing a boat out to Dalkey Island with my cousins. I remember very kind people and I'd like to return as tourist to see all the castles and Blarney Stone etc....

Answer 4

My family have a home near Kinsale and one in Westport. Try to go off season (mid Sept to mid Nov or Jan-Apr) for fewer tourists. Dublin is like any other big city and not worth more than 2-3 days, hit the countryside - gorgeous castles abound. Work in a whiskey distillery. If you'll be in Galway take the time to ferry out to the Aran Isles for a night - they didn't have electricity till the late 1970s and Gaelic is their primary language - very cool!

The West coast is my favorite, you can fly into Shannon to be close to the Cliffs of Mohr, Galway, Knock & Westport - also head South to Cork, Blarney Castle (do not kiss the stone, locals piss on it) and the Ring of Kerry.

Answer 5

Been to Dublin.

It is beautiful and green. It is hard to get over the whole green thing. I come from a city so was excited when I saw Ireland from the plane, getting on the ground was even better.

Answer 6

I'm Irish, and live here, lots ot see and do, I recommend it, we bring a lot of clients over on business and show them around, they all love it.

Answer 7

I haven't but my sister just left there a few days ago. I'll have to ask her all about it when she get's back in Septemeber.

Answer 8

i'm from ireland.there are tons of things to do in ireland.just bring enough money.its expensive.

Answer 9

no, but I would like to.

Answer 10

not yet, but soon.