I'm going to Ireland in October. Open to ideas

[Lt JL]

In October, I will be flying to Dublin, renting a car, and heading south through Kilkenny, Kinsale, Killarney, Galway,Newgrange and Bru' na Boinne, and then back to Dublin and home. Between Kilkenny and Kinsale is the wide spot in the road called Lisgoold where my GG Grandparents were married in 1829, and my GGrandfather was born in 1842. I have a loose itenerary with B&B and hotel stops arranged for me. Anything the S&W BRAIN TRUST might recommend I see on this pilgrimage?

 

[MaricopaKid]

In October, I will be flying to Dublin, renting a car, and heading south through Kilkenny, Kinsale, Killarney, Galway,Newgrange and Bru' na Boinne, and then back to Dublin and home. Between Kilkenny and Kinsale is the wide spot in the road called Lisgoold where my GGG Grandparents were married in 1829, and my GGGrandfather was born in 1842. I have a loose itenerary with B&B and hotel stops arranged for me. Anything the S&W BRAIN TRUST might recommend I see on this pilgrimage?

I would LOOK at the Blarney Stone, but I wouldn't kiss it!

 

[Rustyt1953]

Try the fishing.



And, don't forget after pics:

 

[H Richard]

Be sure to take a decent jacket, that is water resistant. Like all the British Isle's it is prone to rain, especially in the fall. Pick up some of the great Irish wool sweaters (to keep warn). I understand the scenery is wonderful. I spent 2 years in England, but never got the chance to get to Ireland other than refueling at Shannon. Enjoy the Pub's.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Irish Whisky
Guinness Extra Stout

 

[walkinghorse]

Check out the Irish breakfast thread!
Having a breakfast like that should keep you going for the rest of the day, saving you money to enjoy the sites and pubs!

 

[Camster]

Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, dinner at Bunratty castle.

 

[Dave_n]

Even though an Ex-Limey, I spent a lot of time in Eire paid for by their government, which always led to "interesting questions about what/who I was". If you have a chance, visit the Aran Isles off Galway as there you will find the best Irish sweaters available. Red Breast is the Irish single malt and though a single malt scotch drinker it is "tolerable!!" Dave_n

 

[Golddollar]

Have a Guinness Stout for me!

 

[billwill]

Remember two words....Guinness and Jameson. Enjoy!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Drink your self into a stupor and stumble home. The national sport.

 

[Rustyt1953]

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eirq4laOhcU[/ame]

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

Get a local SIM for your mobile. I use “3” which costs about 30 Euro for 3 weeks unlimited text, talk and data. Use the hop-on, hop-off buses in Dublin and Galway to acclimate yourself to the cities. There’s a good walking tour in Kilkenny that serves the same purpose. Discover neighborhood cafes, pubs and coffee shops. Stop in a few small towns or villages. Give yourself a half day for New Grange and Bru na Boine. The Aran Islands takes a full day. Have fun and don’t try to do and see to much. Galway has pubs known for traditional music.

 

[31FordA]

October is a nice time to visit, but you’ll want a waterproof jacket. My first visit in October 2000 it rained every day, but I still loved every minute of my visit. Driving is the best way to see Ireland. In three trips we put about 9,000 miles on a series of Ford Mondeo’s.

I will second the suggestion of visiting the Aran Islands while you’re in Galway. The ferry takes you out to Inismore, where you can see the Stone Age fortress of Dun Aengus. While in Galway I will also suggest a visit to Blacoe Jewellers. They were one of my mom’s favorite places to visit.

The Cliffs of Moher are worth visiting. The view is impressive.

In County Mayo the Museum of Country Life is very good. The town of Westport is also very nice. The Shrine at Knock, Foxford Woolen Mills, etc, Mayo is full of things to see. Actually I think Mayo is the best part of Ireland, but I’m a bit biased as most of my family came from Mayo. Come to think of it I have more living relatives in Mayo than America.

Waterford has Waterford Crystal. I’m not sure how much is still open after the business school whiz kids ran the business into the ground, but it was very impressive when I was there years ago. Most of the Waterford for sale in America these days is from Poland and Slovakia.

If you get to Cork I can recommend the Old Middleton Distillery. You can learn the history of Irish whiskey, and sample it. I also recommend a visit to Cobh, they have a wonderful museum in the harbor. Cobh was Titanics last stop on it’s way to meet the iceberg, and where the victims of the Lusitania were brought ashore. It’s also where many Irish embarked for America.

County Meath has Trim Castle. It was featured in the movie “Braveheart”. I also like to put in a good word for Castle Trim because it’s “my” castle. It was built by my ancestor Hugh DeLacy. They offer a really good tour.

Have fun. Oh, and bring your appetite. As mentioned in the Irish breakfast thread Ireland is full of good food. I never had a bad meal in Ireland.

 

[Valmet]

Just take it all in and don’t feel rushed. It’s a beautiful country with lots to see. It doesn’t sound like you’re going up North but don’t waste your time with Giants Causeway. I found it extremely underwhelming. Like H Richard said, take rain gear!

 

[CW3Mike]

Rock of Cashel, Kate Kierny’s (sp) Cottage, Watch a Hurling match (the kind in a stadium, not just outside a bar).

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

If you are into castles, try Athlone Castle on your way back east on the N6 from Galway. It’s an Anglo/Norman castle sited on the banks of the Shannon River. Next to it is Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar. A boat tour of the Shannon and Lough Ree departs from below the castle.

 

[panther]

First, let me say I am very jealous. Second, if you get to Mayo and meet any Madigan's, tell them a distant relative in Missouri says "hi".
Third, take your time and enjoy every minute of your visit.

 

[Lt JL]

Rusty,since I will be there in early-mid october, I have no intention of hitting the beach.

 

[Burley]

In Dublin, I'd go to St. Stephen's Green, Christ's Church, Horse Show pub, Roly's, Herbert Park, and for a nice dinner and a gin and tonic, The Bull and Castle. Also, the harp bridge, the statue of Molly Malone and buy a jumper!

The best was the bell tower at Christ's Church. You really want to see that.