(photos)I'm back from Ireland... 8 days/7 nights... all fun!

[perdidobay]

WOW! What a great time DH and I had. We can't wait to go back, DH wants to move there
Just a few photos from the 800+ we took..........

 

[campinggal]

Nice pics- thanks for sharing!!

We're hoping to do two weeks in Ireland next summer so these pics have me very excited.

What parts of Ireland did you hit during your week?

 

[crazyforgoofy]

I am so envious! It's my dream to spend a month or more touring Ireland. I have felt since I was a little girl that I belonged there. Your pictures are incredible. Thanks for sharing.

 

[perdidobay]

We did a coach tour ( way more fun than I could have imagined)
that started out in Dublin, a side trip to Howth, south to Cork and Cobh. From there to Kinsale for a few days, then west thru Clonakilty and Skibberdeen to Bantry. Around the bay to Killarney via Moll's Gap and past the Lakes of Killarney to the town. A few days there and then on to Tralee after Dingle and the Dingle bay area. we rode the ferry across the river Shannon and ended up at Bunratty. We left Ireland from Shannon airport.

 

[faithinkarma]

We took a coach tour there a couple of years ago. It is a great way to travel. And if you go off season, incredibly cheap. We went in late Feb, when the weather is quite spring like, and paid less than $1000 for flight, first class hotels, meals, bus tour, and admission to all sites. It is an amazingly beautiful country. I would do it again in a flash.

I, personally, love coach tours. Everything is arranged for you. Once you join the tour, all you have to do is unpack your bags when they arrive in your hotel room, and show up on time for whatever is on the agenda. And there are so many tours out there, it is easy to find one that hits all the spots you want to see. I'm not saying I would want every single vacation I take arranged like that, but it sure is a stress free way to travel.

 

[perdidobay]

I agree completley, faithinkarma.
We were on the pub and folk tour, so with all the pubs we visited, it was great not to worry about driving. Plus after seeing how narrow the roads are, I can honestly say I wouldn't want to try. How our driver got thru some streets I'll never know!
Our driver/guide was a hoot! We all miss him now....DH said he would do it all again tomorrow if we had the same guy.

 

[faithinkarma]

These guides are absolutely wonderful. My ex and I also took a historical tour of England Scotland Wales, and the guide was so knowledgeable. He had studied to be a history teacher, but could make much more money touring. It is wonderful to have someone iron out all the little difficulties for you.

I think a lot of people worry about being stuck on a bus with a bunch of strangers. But, other than meals, you don't have to spend any time with them unless you choose to. And the crowd is always so varied, you can always find people you do like.

Aren't the pubs wonderful? We were not on a pub tour, but there was one dinner out at a pub. It was such great fun. Singing along and hearing the jokes.

Just talking about it is making me want to go back LOL

 

[maci]

Oh We so want to go to Ireland someday!!

I would love to see more of your pics! If you have the time to post...or a link!

Sounds like a great vacation!

 

[SandraM]

Glad you had such a good time.
I'm sure I recognise that O'Neills - it's the one on the corner of Suffolk Street (quite near Trinity College), isn't it? I used to have lunch in there every Friday over 20 years ago when I worked in the nearby Ulster Bank. The food was atrocious then - packet soup and sandwiches with curled up corners, yuck! But the crack was mighty!
Did you do the tour around Bunratty of the recreation of homes of times past? We did it about 4 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The "schoolmaster" dragged us in for a History class, sitting at the old-fashioned desks. I kept getting into trouble for giggling - my kids thought it was hysterical!

 

[alabamaalan]

Originally posted by perdidobay
We can't wait to go back, DH wants to move there

I'm glad y'all had a good time; it sounds wonderful.

But to move from the sun kissed, sugar sand beaches of the Gulf Coast? Nah....

 

[perdidobay]

You're right , alabamaalan! I would miss the sand and sunshine,
But it sure wuld be nice otherwise.

Sandra, yes that is the same O'Neills.
We didn't make it into Bunratty folk park, except after it closed to go to a ceili. We ended up the night (and the tour) at Durty Nellies pub, with everyone on the tour buying each other rounds.

maci, I will be posting a link to a photoshow, as soon as I get it ready

 

[olena]

Spectacular photos! I'm glad you enjoyed your adventure. I hope to journey there someday....

 

[Cebhfhionn]

Originally posted by crazyforgoofy
I have felt since I was a little girl that I belonged there.

Crazyfor goofy, then you should look into going! I've always felt that I was supposed to live in the South so I moved here to Orlando last year! I feel at peace now, like I'm just where I belong!

The pictures are lovely indeed! I spent a month there 12 years ago and would LOVE to go back at some point.

 

[lisajl]

Oh my gosh! I am jealous too! This is a place I have always wanted to go.
Like crazyforgoofy, I have felt like I always belonged there.

But, alas, have to get braces for one child and send another to college, maybe in four years....A dream is a wish your heart makes.....

Lisa

 

[RitaZ.]

Great pics! Can't wait to see more!

 

[newmousecateer]

Absolutely beautiful!!! I would love to go there. Glad you and DH had a great time!

 

[snoopy]

Beautiful.

 

[mamajoan]

Way Cool!!

So glad to hear that you had a FABULOUS trip to Ireland. Your photos are gorgeous.

??????
For folks who live in or have traveled to Ireland.

I have always wanted to visit this spectacular land. I use a wheelchair ..... can you tell me if Ireland is accessible?? I realize that with the ADA here in the states that the US is the most accessible place in the world. I was wondering if Ireland would be do-able for me. Thanks so much!

 

[soccercruiser87]

i love the pictures, thanks for sharing them

 

[SandraM]

Mamajoan, I had a quick look to see if I could find any good websites re touring Ireland with a disability and I'm embarrassed to say I couldn't. However, I've emailed the Irish Tourist Board and if they send me any useful information I'll pm you.
Ireland is a lot more disabled-aware now than it used to be, and there are requirements that all public buildings be made wheelchair accessible. This is no problem with new buildings, but as so many of our buildings are very, very old, it will be a while before everywhere is sorted. However, I have often seen people in wheelchairs while holidaying in Ireland myself, I think most places would be accessible, but can think of a couple of old castles etc. that would not be. Hopefully I'll have some useful info for you in a day or so.