There’s an Irish motor coach tour (bus tour) for foodies, history buffs, golfers, ghost hunters, castle-lovers, even new-agers, but year after year tourists can’t resist the itinerary that has been bedazzled with the longest list of sites… no matter how many hours they’ll end up bumping around in the bus.

If you’re finding yourself wooed by the big-list tour, PUT DOWN THE BROCHURE! It’s those laundry list schedules that give bus tours a bad name. Instead, consider these tips when choosing a tour:

1. Avoid “grand tours.” In tour operator talk, “grand tour” usually means “we’re-packing-in-more-than-we-should-because-people-like-to-see-a-really-long-checklist-of-places-they’ll-visit.” Instead, choose a tour that focuses on a region or theme, and although you won’t cover as much ground, you’ll actually see more. Fact is, if you want to “see it all,” you’ll need to extend your visit.
2. Watch out for “bribed” tour guides. Although distilleries, crystal factories, and woolen mills can be fascinating stops, be on alert if every stop on your itinerary describes gift shops and souvenirs… some tour guides stick to places that offer kickbacks. The best tours also include experiences and access to things the average visitor might miss.
3. Research your accommodations, meals, and other “extras.” Some travelers choose a tour solely on the itinerary and price. Looking a little deeper may help you avoid frustration with lackluster accommodations, sub par meals, unexpected add-on fees, or getting stuck with a crowd that is older or younger than you were expecting.
4. Sign up for email updates. If you’re not sure when you plan to travel, but you’ve found some tour operators you like, sign up for their email list. They’ll let you know about specials and new tours. Discover Ireland also announces specials via email. Just remember to refer to #3 above when you find a deal.
5. Don’t be afraid to travel solo. Tours attract a diverse group of people, so they can be a wonderful way to share your travel experience. Tour companies usually charge an extra “single suppliment” fee for solo travelers, but you can sometimes avoid this fee by booking at off-peak times or offering to “share” your accommodations with another traveler. And if you really want to go, pay the extra and take the tour you want.
6. Extend your visit. Tour operators are happy to help you extend your stay a few days or weeks. This can give you extra time to see sites not covered on your tour, conduct some genealogical research, or visit with friends. If you’re leery about transportation, buses, trains, cabs, and day tours can get you where you want to go.

Do you have a bus tour tip? Add it to the comments.

Any day is a good day to visit Ireland, but depending on your interests, you may determine there are “better” times. Here’s my take on when to plan your trip.

Weather

Irish weather likes to keep meteorologists on their toes. As a guest, you could enjoy sunny, warm conditions in February or wet, cold days in August. Heck, you could have rain lashing at your ankles in the morning and find yourself taking in the sun on the beach in the afternoon.

Despite its reputation for being cold and damp, Ireland’s climate is actually quite mild (especially if you come from a place with snowy winters). In fact, palm trees grow on many parts of the island thanks to the the wind patterns that keep temperatures between 40° and 45° F (5° and 8°C) in the winter and between 60° and 70° F (15° and 20° C) in the summer.

Extreme conditions can occur. On occasion temperatures may drop below freezing and above 80 degrees. Ireland is also subject to hurricane force winds. Fortunately, these severe conditions are usually short-lived.

Seasons

Springtime in Ireland delivers landscapes bursting with color and fields filled with baby animals tottering alongside their mothers. You are arriving ahead of the main tourist crush, which can mean lower prices.

Summer in Ireland offers the bonus of extra hours of daylight due to island’s high latitude. This prime tourist season offers the most options for things to do, but it can also mean higher prices and crowds.

Autumn in Ireland treats us to comfortable temperatures and the chance to watch as 20 of Ireland’s 50 shades of green turn to rich golds, oranges, purples, and reds. Some attractions may close, but you will have no trouble filling your itinerary.

Winter in Ireland can be chilly with temperatures around the 30s F (1-3° C). With very few hours of daylight, touring can be limited. This can mean only one thing… spending your evenings enjoying the country’s famous pub culture.

Tips

1. Travel in the “shoulder season.” High season runs from late June through the end of August. The two months before and the two months after high season often offer great rates.
2. Disregard the weather statistics. Most guidebooks publish rainfall and sunshine charts. Those are great for some destinations, but Ireland gets statistically “punished” for fluctuating weather patterns that don’t look good on paper. Those charts don’t take into account that misty conditions might only stick around for a few hours or cloudy skies don’t always mean rain.
3. Plan your weekend around a festival or event. A quick peek at the calendar could influence when you travel. There’s something for every interest… gardens, food, music, history, agriculture, art, theater, and plenty more.

What other tips do you have for when to visit Ireland? Leave them in the comments below.

The online application is open to persons who were not born on the island of Ireland who provide supporting documentation connecting them to one or more Irish ancestors. The process is easy to use provided you have a digital copy of your ancestor’s birth certificate, death certificate, census document, affidavit, or other document.

Applicants can choose from three certificate designs and they also offer an selection of Irish-made frames. Certificates begin at €40.00 (US-$54 plus delivery costs). Learn more about how to apply >>

Listen to Our Certificate of Irish Heritage Interview

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5McSnfPduY

The Local Way Dublin—from Trad to Jazz from RPP PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Thought you might appreciate this look at some of Dublin’s music venues with the city’s residents at www.dublinthelocalway.com.

Every year, the travel blog community unites to support Passports With Purpose (PWP)… a very special fundraiser offering you a chance at a full menu of desirable prizes.

This year, Ireland with Kids sponsors two nights at any Irish bed and breakfast in the B&B Ireland network… that basically means two FREE nights anywhere in Ireland! Score!

Click the “Donate” button at PWP to see the very loooooong list of great prizes.

In the past, the effort has raised money to build a school in rural Cambodia and an entire South Indian Village. This year, Passports With Purpose works to build two libraries in Zambia.

Irish Fireside and our online community have been involved with PWP in some form since the beginning, and we’re happy to support it again. Please give generously… it increases your chances of winning the prize of your choice

Give Some PWP Love >>

B&B Ireland Blog – This newcomer to the blog scene has become a consistent source for authentic Irish travel information. Check it out.

Bitesize Irish Gaelic Blog – For those interested in learning the Irish language, these folks keep everything fun and informative. Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter.

Discover Ireland Blog – Since it’s launch, Irish tourism’s official blog has been providing a steady stream of original articles covering every corner of the Emerald Isle.

Diddlyi Magazine – Centered around the Irish dance community, Diddlyi also gives a generous helping of Irish culture and history.

Engaging Ireland Podcast – Their latest audio episodes visit Northern Ireland, but their archives give great tips for sites all over Ireland.

In Your Pocket Belfast and In Your Pocket Dublin – these sister publications have both capital cities covered.

Ireland Yes – When it comes to travel forums, Michele and her online community have answers for everything you want to know about Ireland. And her book is a hit as well.

Ireland with Kids – This site goes beyond family travel in Ireland and offers suggestions everyone can use.

Irish and Celtic Music Podcast – Irish Music! Celtic Music! Need I say more?

Married an Irish Farmer – We’re still charmed by Imen’s accounts of life on an Irish farm… and her site is loaded with delicious recipes from the countryside.

Irish Culture and Customs – Bridget has compiled a veritable encyclopedia of information on Ireland. Click around and you’ll love what you find.

Looking for a few more sites of interest. Visit our Links Page.

Scone & cream at McCathy's Tea Room www.donegalsquare.com

Liam and I pretty much ate our way through the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA, September 23-25. Our visit began with hearty meal at McCarthy’s Tea Room. Then was time for some pre-festival drinks at the Bethlehem Inn.

Once the festival kicked off, we had to sample a little bit of everything. I have to say, Celtic Classic serves up some of the best festival food we’ve tasted… and we’re at a lot of fests. And our calorie count didn’t include the snacks we picked up at Donegal Square and the tea and scones from McCarthy’s.

The food, combined with great entertainment, Highland games, great vendors, and a warm welcome, made for a memorable weekend.

Saying “Hi!”

While we were there, we met a few folks who wanted to say a heart-felt, “Hello,” from the Celtic Classic.

Links to the folks above:
www.celticfest.org
www.celticsigns.com
www.DonegalSquare.com
www.ecptile.com
www.haymancelticjewelry.com
www.heartsofgalway.com
www.HealyEngraving.com
www.LiamShardJewelry.com
www.pamelasforgetmenots.com
www.theCelticCross.com
www.twitter.com/fatstinkindrunk
www.twitter.com/gingirlee

Ireland, its quite nice actually! from jonny pardoe on Vimeo.

I fell in love with Ireland again this summer! With all the bad press and recession talk I thought I’d put together something a little more positive. These photographs were all taken in Ireland, the vast majority in the last few months. All photos are copyright Jonny Pardoe Photography but feel free to share the link! Music by The Heathers “Remember When.”

More from Jonny Pardoe >>

Mobile Booking

After testing the booking features of the iPhone app for a few dates and routes, I can say it works pretty well. If there are no dates for your query, the app deadends with a “no match found” message, but the back button lets you try again. I also had to be careful when I changed airports because the app seemed to switch to a default airport (I really didn’t plan on a trip to Aberdeen-ABZ or Amsterdam-AMS).

The biggest turnoff in booking via the app is that when it came time for the final booking, the app sent me over to the Aer Lingus website. Sadly the site is absolutely not mobile friendly. In order to complete the booking, I’d need to do a lot of zooming and scrolling. Therefore, it was doable, but quite annoying. The verdict… I’ll still be booking my tickets online.

Information

The information tab is basic and helpful with only six options, so it won’t answer all questions. Hats off to Aer Lingus for making the baggage info clearer and easier to find than on their main website – it’s amazing how simplifying the text and adding “Shorthaul – within Europe” and “Longhaul – from USA” to the baggage info can eliminate a lot of confusion.

The contact information is listed, but it is NOT set up for one-click calling, texting, or emailing — that’s a pretty shameful omission for a mobile app, but at least I can write it down… if I have a pen handy.

My Booking

Since I don’t have any pending bookings with Aer Lingus, I wasn’t able to test the most notable features of the app under the “My Bookings” tab. These include information on specific bookings, mobile check-in, seat selection, and flight status (many of these features are only available on a limited number of routes between Dublin and the UK).

Mobile Website

The headline in the Aer Lingus press release claimed they have a new mobile site. Sorry, but www.AerLingus.com is NOT mobile friendly… at least not yet. When I visited the site via my mobile browser today, it had no mobile-friendly features. It even included that annoying popup window that appears on their desktop page. Grrrrrr.

Conclusion

The app is free and works smoothly. Without testing the My Bookings features, I can’t really give it a full review. That said, the Flight Status feature (under “Flights”) will come in handy for those of us collecting friends and family at the airport as it quickly tells when a flight will arrive.

Aer Lingus says “This is phase one of a number of phases to be introduced as mobile technology advances,” so we’ll see what features they add (but that description sounds pretty vague to me).

Download the Aer Lingus iPhone App >>

Download the Android Phone App >>

Read the Press Release “Aer Lingus Announces New App and Mobile Website”>>

Here are some screenshots from the app:

Irish Sky – Can you spot the Troll? from CPPHOTO on Vimeo.

I couldn’t pass up sharing this great time-lapsed imagery from County Kerry. This scene is on the famous Ring of Kerry and shows some of the varied skies you might find on your travels. Click the link for more info.

This article features some beautiful photos and a video from a motorcycling adventure.

Eager Riders – Motorcycling in Ireland >>

And if you enjoy that, you will also want to read one from the Montreal Gazette that tells the story of an Alberta motorcycling quartet who take a circle tour around Ireland they dubbed ’50 Pints in 50 Pubs’.

An Easy Ride Around Ireland >>

Pauline Frommer talked about her recent trip to Northern Ireland.

I was happy to see travel expert Pauline Frommer took a moment to offer some insight from her recent trip to Northern Ireland. She was there during the riots and took the opportunity to talk to people about it. Anyone with an interest in travel to Northern Ireland should give this article a read.

Pauline Frommer: Northern Ireland wins you over >>

Read My Review of Pauline Frommer’s Ireland Spend Less See More >>

Tomorrow is 12th of July, a day members of The Orange Order commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne when the Dutch Protestant King William of Orange defeated his father-in-law, Catholic King James ll of England and Vll of Scotland.

A couple years ago, Heidi McAlpin, editor of Belfast In Your Pocket, took Liam and me on a tour of the Belfast bonfires held on the eve of the 12th. It was quite an experience. You can watch, read and listen more about our time in Northern Ireland during the marching season by visiting the links below.

What It Was Like

I’m often asked, “Did you feel safe while you were there during the Marching Season?” Truth is, in the days leading up to the visit, I was uncertain what to expect. Someone told me “if something bad is going to happen, it’ll be then.” That convinced me I was doing something edgy.

Once in Belfast, the experience didn’t feel all that adventurous. It was much like any other city during a large festival… roads closed for the bonfires and parades, extra police presence, plenty of people drinking and having a good time. City centre and the docklands were shiny, clean, and eager for visitors. Meanwhile some of the outer neighborhoods were slightly grimy, and the suburbs were lush with gardens and trees that knicked the top of the open top bus tour.

The bonfires on the 11th compared to many 4th of July celebrations in the US (except a large portion of the population simply doesn’t participate). The only things that made me a bit uneasy was the increasing number of drinking party-goers as the night of the 11th wore on… I had been to enough 4th of July festivities in the US to know that people can get a little sloppy when they start the party in the early afternoon.

On the 12th, we spent two hours at the parades. Mind you, the parades went on longer than that. Liam and I simply tired of the endless stream of drums, flutes, and flags after two hours. We slipped off to the Tourist Office to pick up a headset for the self-guided Titanic Walking Tour instead.

Blog Posts & Video from Our Visit

Podcast Interview About the 12th of July

Should You Change Your Plans to Visit Northern Ireland?

July 10 – GoToBelfast

July 10 – Road to Belfast

July 11 – Our BBC Interview

July 11 – Belfast Bonfires

July 12 – Marching Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riBJImo34VY

Carved arch at Dysert O'Dea by Karen J. Newhouse of CapallGlas Studio

I have been to the Burren area in Co. Clare and Co. Galway a number of times. Initially I was addicted to the prehistoric tombs most popularly recognized by the example of Poulnabrone, one of Ireland’s most photographed dolmens.

Then I found a book at a used book store.

“Forgotten Stones: Ancient Church Sites of the Burren and Environs” by Averil Swinfen was published in 1992. It is a collection of photographs and sketches of the tiny and not-so-tiny churches of the Burren region. Each entry includes a short story of the site, with as much information as the author could find in old manuscripts, church records, and local stories.

I have been slowly collecting a series of photographs and sketches from this list for a comparison, with a casual eye to someday working up a follow-up study of the same subject, so we can see how the sites are faring twenty years later.

Visiting the Sites… Large and Small

The larger sites are easily visited, well-signed, and free to enter. This list includes Corcomroe also known as St. Mary’s of the Fertile Rock; Dysert O’Dea, with a serene arch of carved faces, round tower, and high cross; Kilfenora with a large collection of high crosses; and Kilmacduagh, a large monastic complex of buildings just over the border in Galway.

Many sites are quite lovely, though less well-known, and easily accessed from main roads around the Burren. Most have a small pull-aside for a few cars. This list includes sites such as Kilnaboy with its Sheela-na-Gig; Romanesque Rath with its stone carvings, and view of the surrounding countryside; Carron with a nearby bronze age cairn; picturesque Noughaval with an ancient cross and friendly cat; Drumacreehy near Ballyvaughan; and the easily accessed Kilonaghan on the main coast road not far from Fanore Beach.

There are also some gems, further off the beaten track, but well worth hunting down. Kilcorney is a beautiful site, deep in the heart of the Burren, off a side road north of Kilfenora. The stunning Oughtmama churches are on private property but can be accessed if you take a walking tour offered by local “Burren Wild” tours.

The Hunt Continues

I still have some to find. I have not yet tracked down Sladoo or Killina, and I have not yet heard the bells of the sunken church of Kilstapheen, lost in Liscannor Bay during an earthquake on the day before the Feast of St. Patrick around 800AD.

I have documented about half of the small churches in the “Forgotten Stones” book, plus others nearby such as Kilmurray-Ibrickane. Many times I have found out how to access sites by asking my B&B hosts or showing my well-worn book and my sketches at a pub or teashop.

Often, as you plan a trip to Ireland, you aim to get to as many places as possible in the time allotted. You can barely take a breath as you pass by the most beautiful landscape in the world while sitting in your tour bus. The Burren drags me in as often as it can, and like many places in Ireland, there is so much more to see when you stop to look around.

Submitted by Karen J. Newhouse. Her Ireland-inspired artwork can be found at CapallGlas Studio.

Jody and her family at Bunratty castle

Jody Halsted from www.irelandwithkids.com gives her tips for traveling with the kids as well as shares her secrets to finding fairies on the Emerald Isle.

Show Notes:

01:00
What makes Ireland perfect for traveling with family?

01:40
How is traveling Ireland different from elsewhere?

02:40
How do you prepare your kids for travel?

03:00
Any special paperwork or duties required for traveling with kids?

03:50
What ages should kids be to explore Ireland/Dublin?

05:15
Hunting for fairies in Ireland – watch Jody’s fairy hunting video.

06:50
Memories from Ireland… pubs, fish and chips, live sessions.

08:20
Castles with the kids… and getting “over-castlated.”

Kilkenny, Muckross House (Killarney), Bunratty.

10:40
Slow down and taking the time to do other things.

10:55
Jen Leo and Cora visit Ireland.

12:12
Where do you stay? B&Bs? Castles? Family rooms?

13:05
Is it too expensive to take the kids to Ireland?

14:00
What mode of traffic do you travel in Ireland?

15:00
What are the biggest mistakes parents make when visiting Ireland?

15:45
Shipping supplies to Ireland.

16:40
Having your laundry done in Ireland.

17:00
Pull-it-yourself luggage for the kids. The Trunki – read Jody’s review.

Flights, car seats, and booster seats. Cares Harness. Boost-a-Pack – read Jody’s review.

19:40
Must-see destinations for families.
• Killarney/Ring of Kerry/Dingle
• Clare/Cliffs of Moher/Doolin/Ennis/Aran Islands
• Wexford/Wicklow Mountains/coasts/lighthouses
• Cashel/Cahir

22:00
B&B owners are great resources.

Stay more than one night in one place.

24:00
www.irelandwithkids.com
www.familyrambling.com

25:30
What on you’re next agenda?
Northern Ireland, Derry (Londonderry), Wexford
Causeway Coast and Glens
Inishowen Peninsula

27:30
Resources:
Regional tourist websites
www.irelandyes.com
Facebook tourism pages
B&B websites (do they list things to do in the area)

28:40
Tips for preserving your trip to Ireland?
• Scrapbooking
• Digital copy of photos
• Ferry coins
• Photos of entrances, unique occurances, signs (English Market in Cork, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Piggery)

31:50
Share your stories of traveling Ireland with kids at www.irelandwithkids.com.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Here are 10 reasons you should visit Ireland in 2011. I could give you 100 more, but I think these are enough to get you started. Enjoy… and start planning!

The signs at the intersection in Ballyvaughan were a common site in guidebooks and calendars. Alas, they have been recently removed. Photo by yakshini.

There’s controversy brewing in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, when one of Ireland’s most-photographed roadsigns was removed by the Irish roads authority.

While the cluster of signs wasn’t vital for tourists to find their way around the small village, it did attract their attention and their camera lenses. The sign has been a mainstay in calendars, guidebooks, and personal photo albums for decades.

Standing next to the notable intersection in The Burren, I remember hearing two separate visitors comment, “only in Ireland,” with giant smiles on their faces.

No comment has been issued about what has happened to the signs on the minor landmark… I’m wondering if we should be scouring E-Bay to see if they make it to the auction block or if public outcry will bring them back to their original location.

Full story from the Irish Times >>

An Update from the Irish Times>> (June 26, 2011)

–Sylvia via Facebook

Photo by David Kinney

There are no specific travel warnings for women traveling alone in Ireland, and I’d say the women I know who have done it tell some of the most amazing stories from their travels.

Also, there are no social downfalls to being an unaccompanied female traveler in Ireland. You might surprise a few people, but you won’t be treated poorly. In fact, you’ll probably get some special attention.

In other good news, Irish mammies have taught their sons it’s better to use charm over aggression with the ladies. Even if you consider both attitudes sexist, it’s usually easier to deal with a guy who wants to be nice than a mean jerk.

The usual solo travel tips apply… stick to public places, let someone know where you are going, keep your alcohol intake in check, pack light, and if you’re in an uncomfortable situation don’t worry about being rude, just get out.

Our readers were generous with their suggestions as well (add your tips in the comments section):

• Get a traveling purse that has the uncuttable strap if you want to carry it on your shoulder. — Bette via Facebook
• Ladies DO IT!!! I am heading out on my second solo trip rambling around Ireland next week!!! Tips: international phone for security and journal the whole trip. — Lora Lee via Facebook
• Wear sensible shoes and walk A LOT!!! I came home 10 pounds lighter. B&Bs are great..you meet people and get lots of information.  — Lora Lee via Facebook
• Use a bra pouch (small zippered pouch that attaches to your bra strap, and is worn inside your bra), makes you pickpocket proof. Walk strong with a purpose if you feel iffy. Wear your purse across your chest, not just on your shoulder, and get a cable strap or chain strap. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying. Actually, for a good idea of what NOT to do, watch the first half hour of Liam Neeson’s film Taken. — Christy via Facebook
• As for having fun part – drink at the bar, not at a table. Get included in conversations, enjoy yourself! If you don’t like sitting alone, bring a notepad — a book will keep people from talking to you, but writing notes in a pad is less intimidating, and doesn’t make you look so alone — Christy via Facebook
• If you are going someplace remote (exploring beach caves, climbing a mountain) and you are alone, let your B&B host/hostess know, or someone else, in case you get injured or lost, they know you haven’t come back, and where to look for you. — Christy via Facebook
• I stayed in hostels and met a lot of people to hang out with. My only regret is that I didn’t see the giant causeway. — Antonette via Facebook
• I have been solo to Ireland 2 times now — Dublin, Belfast & Derry. I stayed in B/B’s and used public transportation (buses, taxi’s etc..). I NEVER had a bit of trouble. Ireland is the friendliest place I know. Everyone I asked a question of or had the pleasure to talk to was absolutely wonderful. — Laury via Facebook
• Bring an umbrella-ella-ella! — @SlainteMoChara via Twitter (actually, I recommend a waterproof jacket… it’s better in the wind)
• Sheila Lamb wrote this bit over at BootsnAll – Girl Travel – Ireland

Read the original Facebook Suggestions (quotes have been abridged) >>

More Q & A >>>

Jill does an excellent job of recounting the highlights of her trip to Ireland with her Dublin > Clare > Galway itinerary. Sounds like a fantastic trip!

Eoin from Bitesize Irish Gaelic (shown her with his wife Saša) teaches us some basics of Irish Gaelic.

The Irish language can be elusive.

When you visit Ireland, it’ll be there. You’ll see bits of it written down. You probably won’t hear it spoken. However, if you say a few phrases while in Ireland, it’ll put a smile of amazement or wonder on a local’s face when the words come from your lips.

Eoin from Bitesize Irish Gaelic has stepped in to help you learn some useful Irish Gaelic phrases that you can spring on the locals… and you don’t need to limit yourself just to the Gaeltacht regions, either. Irish people in every part of Ireland will generally understand these basic phrases.

Irish people love talking about the weather, perhaps because there’s no shortage of it! So the phrases below will arm you with the ability to introduce yourself, and say something about that day’s weather.

The Irish Gaelic Phrases

The text /between slashes/ is an approximate pronunciation.

Dia dhuit. /Jee-ah gwitch./Hello.

Dia is Muire dhuit. /Jee-ah iss Mwir-ah gwitch./ Hello. (as a reply)

Conas tá tú? /Cun-oss taw too?/ How are you?

Tá mé go maith. /Taw may guh mah./ I’m fine.

Tá sé go hálainn ar maidin. /Taw shay guh haw-lin air modgin/ It’s beautiful this morning.

báisteach /bawsh-chok/ rain

gaofar /gway-fer/ windy

Tá sé fuar. /Taw shay foo-er./ It’s cold.

Tá sé fuar inniu. /Taw shay foor in-new./ It’s cold today.

Tá sé te. It’s hot.

Feicfidh mé amárach thú. /Fec-hig may a-mawr-okh hoo./ See you tomorrow.

Slán. /Slawn./ Good-bye.

Eoin — a native Irish Gaelic speaker — founded Bitesize Irish Gaelic with his wife Saša… that’s where you can learn Irish Gaelic online. All the recordings in this article come from that online course.

This oil painting by Bernie Rosage depicts The Long Walk, a street lined with colorful houses located on the banks of the River Corrib where it meets Galway Bay. The city’s gentry of old used to go for strolls here. Today, people continue to amble the promenade at The Long Walk which was mentioned in Steve Earle’s recent hit song “Galway Girl”… from the movie “PS, I Love You.”

Bernie lives in Onslow County, North Carolina.

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Pól Ó Conghaile’s “Aer Lingus Celebrates 75 Years…” >>>

Or this article from The Irish World >>

What are the most scenic train routes in Ireland?

– Erin McCullen via email

Good news! The rail lines in Ireland tend to run through exceptionally beautiful areas and offer views you might never see via car or bus.

Here are my favs:

Shear Variety: Sligo to Dublin – A great mix of scenery on this route with the mountain landscape of The West, transforming to gorgeous countryside, and then running along the fantastic parkland beside the Royal Canal on the way into Dublin (pictured above).

Enchanted Journey: Mallow to Killarney – This magical trip through the quiet countryside includes lush green mountains and a charming arrival in Killarney.

Hills & Mountains: Dublin to Belfast – The route connecting the two capital cities takes you along the coast with marvelous views of the Mountains of Mourne.

Farms & Fields: Limerick to Galway – Newly re-opened, this line runs behind the farms and fields of Clare with picturesque views of cows, sheep, rock walls, and a few old churches and cemeteries thrown in for good measure.

Coasts & Fields: Dublin to Wexford – Coastal views on this trip are only outdone by the landscape in the heart of Wicklow and the rural scenes of Wexford.

What can you tell me about train travel in Ireland?

– Angela Brown via Facebook

Having spent two weeks aboard Irish trains last summer, I can say it was a nice change of pace from my usual car hire travels. Train travel is by far the most relaxing form of transportation, but it also comes with more restricted routes and timetables when compared to car and bus.

Train routes tend to radiate from Dublin, so traveling between Dublin and towns like Cork, Galway, Sligo, and Waterford is a breeze. Meanwhile, traveling between towns that aren’t on the same spoke can be challenging… like my attempt to get from Kilkenny to Killarney. Both towns are on trainlines, but getting between them required some backtracking and schedule negotiating to make it work.

Although I’ve heard many offhand remarks that Irish trains are likely to be late, I found the schedules were quite accurate. Of the twelve trains I boarded, one was delayed eight minutes; otherwise everything was on time.

At larger stations there were staff on hand for me to ask “Where do I catch the train to…?” At smaller stations, schedules were posted, and although they were accurate, they didn’t always state on which platform the train would arrive. I never felt entirely confident until I talked to someone. Fortunately, fellow passengers on the platform were always helpful, and the staff onboard incoming trains were extremely helpful… even when asked about the arrival of a different train.

Ireland’s fleet of trains is only a few years old, so the cars are sleek, clean, and comfortable. In my two-week train trip last summer, even the bare bones transit car connecting Limerick Junction to Limerick Station was in good condition. Most trains have audio announcements and digital displays signaling upcoming stops (some rely just on the audio).

Tips

Use the comments below to add your Irish Rail tips.

Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann Website >>

Other Links to Explore Ireland by Rail >>

Here are some photos of the trains and train stations in Ireland:

Photo by Bart Busschots

More Q & A >>

Pat Preston

Ireland and the Irish-American community lost a great friend yesterday when Pat Preston passed away in her home in Red Hook, NY. Pat was the author of several books about Ireland and hosted the popular travel website and Q&A forum at www.IrelandExpert.com.

Liam and I had the honor of meeting Pat several years ago in Adare, County Limerick. Since that time, Pat has been generous with her knowledge and her friendship. We will miss her terribly.

In honor of Pat, our blog, Twitter feed and Facebook page will be quiet for the rest of the day… Tomorrow, we’ll return with a full serving of all things Irish… because we feel Pat wouldn’t want us to keep quiet for too long.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Pat’s family.

Some links we recommend:

1. Pat’s Obituary
2. Our Podcast Interview with Pat
3. Pat’s Ireland Expert Website
4. Pat’s 10 Irish Words You Should Know When Traveling Around the Emerald Isle
5. Our Review of Pat’s “Ireland Travel 101″

Liam Hughes, Pat Preston, John Preston and Corey Taratuta in Adare in 2007.

Because sometimes you just need some beautiful images and music from Ireland! Here’s a collection of Ireland travel photos for you to enjoy.

Hat tip to www.skograndstudios.com for putting it together for us.

Judy Arnold from Texas sent us this photo of her grandsons, the Gossoons, on a Hawk Walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry on the grounds of Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo.

Judy told us, “It was a total surprise for the boys and of course a highlight of their trip.”

Thanks for sharing Judy! We’ve included a few of our favorite firsthand accounts from the School of Falconry:

Fairways to Heaven - Photo from Discover Ireland

Good morning and happy spring. Here are this week’s collection of stories to enjoy with your morning cup of tea or coffee.

1. Today Marks Ancient Celtic Holiday of Beltaine – Happy May 1 everyone… or 1 May for our non-US readers.
2. May – the Month of Mirth and Merriment – Bridget Haggerty shares her memories of Ireland in May.
3. Jig… the Irish Dance Documentary – Video Trailer – From the curly wigs to the international championships, this film looks like it will offer an interesting look into the contemporary world of Irish dance.
4. Hunting for U2 in Dublin – We all have our must-sees in Ireland… Kristen Luna’s quest to find U2 puts locks in some memorable moments in the Fair City.
5. Fairways to Heaven – Northern Ireland has its share of golf champions… AND championship golf courses. Here’s a look at some of the countries most notable.
6. Equitrekking in the Irish Countryside – A video trip to some of Ireland’s finest horseback riding locations.
7. Irish Dream House for Sale… on YouTube – Jillian needed to sell her County Wicklow home, and YouTube helped.
8. If Ireland Was My Home – How does Ireland compare to the US… the UK… Australia… Canada… any other country? Have a look for yourself.
9. Stay with Royalty – T+L takes up residence at Crom Castle, in Northern Ireland, for a perfectly charming weekend.
10. Traditional welcome: Prince Albert enjoys visit to ancestral home in Mayo – Prince Albert follows in the footsteps of his mother, the late Princess Grace of Monaco.

More Headlines >>

In honor of her landmark year, Michele is giving away a copy of “Ireland Dream Trip” to one Irish Fireside reader. The winner will be randomly selected from the comments below… simply leave a message telling us how you envision your own Ireland Dream Trip. The winner will be notified via email on Monday, April 25, 2011.

The mere mention of Galway Bay cues a nostalgic Irish tune for many visitors. Imagine if I tagged on dramatic sea cliffs, cozy villages, welcoming pubs, a boat trip to the Aran Islands, lush green hills dotted with sheep, and the rocky landscape known as the Burren to the mix.

The New Bus Route

A new bus route from Galway City to County Clare was designed with the dreaming day tripper in mind. The bus leaves the new coach terminal just off of Eyre Square at 8am and delivers guests to their choice of idyllic destinations in northwest Clare before lunch. At the end of the day, the coach returns to carry travelers back to Galway before the city begins serving up dinner and live music sessions.

In addition to offering a premier route that sticks to the shoreline and courses through the Burren, the ticket can be combined with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, a ferry trip to Inis Oírr (the smallest of the Aran Islands), or a boat tour of the Cliffs of Moher.

Learn more at www.galwaybayexecutivetravel.ie.

Our Day Trip Picks:

Ballyvaughan

Probably best known for it’s often-photographed signpost at the junction in town, the walks in and around the village of Ballyvaughan can include a visit to Galway Bay, a stroll along country roads, and a stop in some of the friendliest pubs in Ireland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXJQxZjPBaI

Cliffs of Moher

Whether looking out to the ocean from the top of the Cliffs or taking in the view from a ferry at sea, the iconic Cliffs of Moher are among Ireland’s most notable natural wonders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpvfe6zPxgk

Inis Oírr

The smallest of the Aran Islands, a visit to Inis Oírr (Inisheer) includes a tour of the island, but for those feeling more adventurous hiring a bicycle or pony and trap offers an ideal way to see the island… and no visit is complete without a peek at the wreck of the Plassey which was featured in the opening scenes of the sitcom Father Ted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL11R6zmEGk

Kinvara

When it comes to views of Galway Bay, Kinvara enjoys some of the finest. The village’s relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for enjoying a pint, walking along the waterfront, and wandering around Dunguaire Castle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HPPRx1UN1c

Lahinch

Known as a destination for world class golf and some of Europe’s best surfing, Lahinch attracts a diverse crowd from around the world. Add to that it’s mix of pubs, restaurants, and shops and Lahinch may demand more than a single day trip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OOAGmOkO50

Lisdoonvarna

Irish matchmaking calls Lisdoonvarna home, and the population swells in the month of September for the famous matchmaking festival. The rest of the year, it’s known for it’s natural spa and pubs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NUzbNI2RGg

Photo by bestbib&tucker/Jessica Allen

Athassel Priory, County Tipperary

We’ve got a question for all our non-Irish readers…

Take the poll bellow and feel free to leave a comment as well:

Leave it to Dublin to leverage the power of the pint to help tourism. The City of 1,000 Welcomes program connects Dubliners with out-of-towners in a round of tourism speed dating… and the good news is that even if the “date” is only so-so, both parties get a free pint of beer or cup of tea.

At this very moment, Dubliners are signing up as ambassadors. After vetting the applicants, the program will facilitate one-on-one meetings with first-time tourists at one of three Dublin establishments… Merrion Hotel, Bewley’s Café, and the Porterhouse Pub.

With “meeting the locals” high on the lists of many travelers, this program deserves a shiny gold star… it’s good for visitors, good for sponsoring venues, and great Dublin.

The program launches on Bloomsday 2011 (June 16th), and visitors are invited to sign up for the City of 1,000 Welcomes Newsletter to find out how to participate.

Our friends at www.WanderingEducators.com want you to win a $10,000 dream vacation and a Sony Reader! You just have to send them a digital postcard from your dream destination and name what book(s) you packed.

We’re hoping to see all kinds of creative Irish dream getaways listed, so follow the link below and then click “Enter Now” for your chance to win! Entries end on Tuesday, April 19th. After the deadline, you’ll be asked to pester your friends into voting for your entry and a chance at winning the grand prize!

Now, I must decide which books I’d bring along on my Ireland adventure. Decisions! Decisions!

ENTER THE CONTEST NOW >>

I was feeling a little homesick for Ireland. Thank goodness our friends on Facebook and Twitter swooped in to share some of their favorite things about the Emerald Isle. Feel free to add your picks in the comments.

The stars on a moonless night. Lambs baaing on the hills. The smell of furze. The ever-present ocean. Little forgotten roads the motorways bypassed. Layers and layers of history. Cliffs, beaches, mountains, stone walls, lush landscapes, bleak landscapes, soft rain, spring cuckoos, bluebell forests, a peat fire, castle ruins, abbey ruins, cozy B&Bs, sticky toffee pudding, Irish breakfast,
Michele Erdvig

How complete strangers chat to you in queues, on buses etc and it’s not remotely creepy! Living here, I take it for granted but it’s only when returning home after travelling that you realise it doesn’t happen everywhere. Ih fact, if you did it in some countries, they’d cart you away..
Heidi McAlpin

Tiny, winding roads through gentle, rolling hills, and then suddenly…. SHEEP!!!!
Christy Jackson Nicholas

Absolutely everything.
Emily Smith

Scones topped with jam and cream…
Dana Saretsky

The spuds!
Sadie Clifford

The unmistakable scent of turf smoke…
Theadora Davitt-Cornyn

I love the bartender who kept his pub open til 6 am when I was in Dublin last week and poured me all the Midleton Rare I could drink since it was my birthday. I’d have to say that the people are what I love most about Ireland.
Jolene Hanson

The peace I feel when I close my eyes and have the feeling like I’m exactly where I’ve always belonged. That and the giant rhododendron bushes in the Muckross House gardens. And hearing Molly Malone just about every night in one pub or another. Never got old.
Karen Harrington Coles

How when you walk into a small town market, the cashiers/owners greet you and ask how your day is going.
Karen Atherton

Standing at Dun Aegus on Inis Mor looking west over the Atlantic, thinking of Vikings and thousands of years of history & survival…
Jean Goggins

The roads, the villages, and the people. Never have I met people more caring for a stranger than when I was in Ireland.
Wanda VanderVeen

The brown bread. I can’t recreate it no matter how hard I try.
Jody L Halsted

How after a Guiness at the village pub the barman says, “you’ll be joining us tonight for the sing song” and wont’ take no for an answer.
Karen Atherton

The small town Irish Parade in Kilkenny!! And How everyone is so Friendly!!!
Missy Smith

The people!!
Karen Helgesen Gurnavage

The people; everyone is warm, kind, friendly; pubs are home type and wonderful to join in. I loved especially, Galway and that whole area.
Nina Charters Scripps

The fact that you’re never alone in a pub for long.
Dana Saretsky

Been once But it won’t be the last Your NOT a stranger for more than a moment, your welcome and treated like an old friend.
Patrick Walsh

Most hospitable people, and I’m a southerner in the U.S. so I know a bit about that. Sure loved my daily bowl of seafood chowder! Ahh, traveled the west of Ireland and everywhere you look it’s beautiful. Cliffs of Moher are hauntingly beautiful, The Burren, Galway Bay at night time…I had just told my husband this evening that I’m ready to go back.
Phyllis Richardson Sherman

How intense the “Green” really is!
Micheal A. Hodge

I need one too! Even the birds seem happier there!!
Sandra Gray

The lager.
Linda Kenny

Walking among the people and hearing everyone talk.
Mary Kay Cutrera

The people
Stephanie Mahone

The ruins in the farmer’s fields…amazing to see!
Eileen Steuernagel

Fall in Clare
Scott Atherton

Piper Ferry from Greencastle to Magilligan’s Point, coastal route
Kimberly Coyle

The women, music, scenery, history, and Guinness!
Alex Smith

Mist hovering at the top of Knocknarea! Stone cirlces in cow pastures! : )
Kim Swaisgood

The Hedges have Daffodils and Gorse, the sun is shining the wind is whistling over the slieve and we are about to go on the 30 mile round trip for the weeks shopping.
Tony Calland

Driving the Conor Pass!
Rebecca Furnish

The people, the accent, the green fields, the fresh air, the music, the craic, the history, the wiskey? The beer, the poetry that is Ireland…i just love it all!!!
Marie Tetley

The forgotten places off the beaten track where time stands still.
Colm Moloney

I’m fascinated by the sometimes seamless blend of religious and folklore traditions.
Jiffy (@firecracker)

Climbing Croagh Patrick, pub scene, Avoca, Sunday roast dinner Fagan’s, rhododendrons Muckross Gardens, and the people!
Ann (@beamish11)

Being inside on a cold, windy night & a fire made w/ briquettes.
BAnLar2009 (@BAnLar2009)

I miss the people…their love of music and hospitality!!
Penelope Verstege (@cdnpenny)

Celtic Thunder!!!
Vicki Griffin (@schoolgeekVicki)

The native tongue and the accents. All I know of the land is what I’ve seen in pictures.
Lynn Green (@kandls)

The accents!!!
Michelle Eisenber (@MMEPhilly)

I got engaged atop the Cliffs of Moher @ sunset…a sight like none other. Need to go back…SOON!!!
John Duffy (@jmduffy97)

The warmth of the people & the view from my garden.
Arianna Maree (@Aria511)

The smell of a turf fire! Sweet, smokey, inviting!  The sound of Trad in a local pub! Got meself cryin’ here!
Joan Parks (JustJoan308)

The Burren – and the flowers that grow in the Burren.
Sheila R. Lamb (@sheilarlamb)

The music and the people – roll on July!!! yeao!
Kim Piper (@KimPiper1)

I love the friendly people! AND the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most serene places on earth.
Jessica Mullins (@jessmullins79)

Longing for a pint in a Irish Pub? Wishing you were getting your face painted at a St Patrick’s Day Parade? Dreaming of setting sail on a Galway Hooker? Tourism Ireland’s new Facebook game invites everyone to Ireland… well, the digital wonderland they’ve created.

The game combines Irish landmarks, traditions, and hungover sheep. Your strawberry blonde “guide” recommends you start things off by building a nostalgic little thatched cottage… so you can start collecting rent. Considering Irish history, that seems a bit odd, but maybe I’ve been reading too much about The Famine lately.

What’s most amazing… they let you take a bus to the Aran Islands!

I haven’t figured out all the bells and whistles yet… or how to earn more of the coveted “Experience” points without annoying my friends with IrelandTown postcards, but it seems like an entertaining way to kill some time, and learn a bit about Ireland in the process.

IrelandTown is a First

Ireland is the first national tourist board to try using this type of game to promote their country. “Tourism Ireland is constantly looking at innovative ways of reaching potential holidaymakers and we are increasingly using social media to do so, growing the online conversation about Ireland around the world.”

After you go over and LIKE the Irish Fireside Facebook page… head over to IrelandTown.

The Ireland.com App shown here highlights events occurring throughout Ireland and Nothern Ireland.

When my friend Betty suggested, “You should take my iPad for a few weeks. Find all the good apps and then show me how to use them,” I hid my excitement by grunting, “Are you sure?”

For the last two weeks I’ve been tapping and swiping my way across the iPad and iPhone testing over 150 apps… the ones that crashed, the ones that were copycats, the ones that had nothing to do with Irish travel, the ones that were Wikipedia in disguise, and the ones that delivered as promised.

My criteria was pretty straightforward. The apps had to work, they had to be useful for either traveling or planning travel to Ireland, and they got bonus points if they could be used without requiring a connection to the Internet. Here are the standouts:

THE TRAVEL GUIDES

Belfast In Your Pocket

Dublin In Your Pocket

iPhone – $2.99 each

No matter which capital city you visit, In Your Pocket has created two full-service apps that don’t require an internet connection to access their core content which includes restaurants, nightlife, sightseeing, transport, maps, and plenty more. Meanwhile, when connected to the internet, users get currency conversion, weather, and location-specific details. The only thing missing is access to the publications archive of articles… I guess we’ll still need to browse the web for those.
Lonely Planet Dublin City Guide

Lonely Planet Belfast City Guide

iPhone – $5.99 each

Although their entire Ireland guide is only available as an e-book, Lonely Planet has put all their Dublin and Belfast info into two snazzy apps. Their collection of background info is perfect for reading on the plane, and their interactive maps pinpoint all the recommended places to eat, sleep, site see, shop, and experience the cities… just tap the pin and read more about the attraction… the most popular spots even include phone, web, transportation and email info.

Ireland.com Travel

iPhone & iPad – FREE

With an emphasis on events, restaurants, pubs, and places to stay, this digital extension of IrishTimes.com focuses what’s hip and happening. The format is especially enjoyable on the iPad. Unfortunately, both versions require an internet connection to access the info which can be parsed by county.

Ireland – Travel Guide

iPad & iPhone – FREE

The info in this app is straightforward and basic, but it does a nice job of incorporating maps and places nearby. It also includes a feature that lets you share your travels via email… unfortunately, it once the one feature that crashed when I tried to use it on the iPad.

WALKS & SPECIALTY GUIDES

Trail Kilkenny

iPhone – FREE

For those taking to the trails of County Kilkenny, this app currently features 14 hikes with excellent overviews, tips, maps, points of interest (food and shopping), photos and even videos. It also allows you to add photos, text, and GPS tracking to your trip to share with friends. They’ve thought of everything and even allow the information to be downloaded to your device for access without an internet connection.

GoExplore Northern Ireland

iPhone – FREE

This app delivers five tours in Northern Ireland: road racing, Bushmills whiskey, Belfast and the Titanic, the Causeway Coast, and Derry/Londonderry. The well-produced video narrative at each stop are a nice touch and the fact that tours can be pre-downloaded or streamed gives users some nice options. The “Attractions” section is a bit light, but the events calendar offers a variety of suggestions, and the integration helps get user to their next stop.

iSpySculpture Dublin’s Public Art

iPhone – $3.99

You never know when you might stumble upon some of Dublin’s public art. Well, unless you’ve got the iSpy Sculpture app loaded. Great photos and descriptions put 50 of the city’s most notable sculptures in the spotlight. They even include some of the clever “unofficial” names Dubliners have coined like calling the Molly Malone statue “The Tart with the Cart” or “The Trollop with the Scallops.”

Festivals Guide 2011 IE

iPhone – $.99

Pick a day and see what festivals are going on in Ireland. Each listing includes a brief description and a map location. It’s not a comprehensive list, but it does include some items that a visitor might otherwise miss.

Clare Ecclesiastical Trails

iPad & iPhone – FREE

County Clare on Ireland’s West coast has a little bit of everything for the visitor, and this app offers insight into some of the more interesting historic, Christian sites in the region. The app divides the county into four regions, and the featured stops are a wonderful mix of known and lesser-known sites.

Dezzie’s Guide to Pinting in Dublin

iPhone – $1.99

This app took me completely by surprise by offering a lot more information than I expected. It taps Dublin’s reputation as the center of the universe for the “black stuff” and includes a full assortment of pint descriptions, tidbits, and vernacular, as well as a useful list of exceptional Dublin pubs and even more tips for exploring the city.

Dublin Walking Tours and Map

Galway Walking Tours and Map

Dingle Walking Tours and Map

Waterford Walking Tours and Map

Cork Walking Tours and Map

Dublin Literary Walking Tour

iPhone – $4.99 each

Each of these walks offer different experiences in their respective towns and cities. The information is a bit dry, but they get the job done with decent maps and walking instructions, and if you’re completely disoriented, the “Find Me” feature will get you back on course.

TRANSPORTATION

iTrainLive Ireland

iPhone – $.99

If you’re traveling by train, this simple app takes your start and end points and gives you a timetable including transfers… very handy when you simply need to know when the trains run.

CoPilot Live UK & Ireland

iPhone -$32.99

Offering turn-by-turn GPS navigation in Ireland without requiring an international data plan, this app does a great job of keeping travelers on-course… or off-the-beaten-path if you choose the “shortest route” feature. Read our full review.

EXTRAS

Titanifacts

iPhone – $1.99

Built in the same country as the Titanic — Northern Ireland, Titanifacts looks at the history of the memorable ship and it’s tragic maiden voyage through documentary clips, photos, and trivia. The app also connects travelers with attractions connected to the Titanic in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, and the US. You can also check out their FREE Titanic Dock iPad App.

Get The Focal Irish Translator

iPhone – $3.99

This app will come in especially handy when you approach a public toilet and don’t know if you should go in the door marked “Mná” or “Fir.” The offline dictionary includes 13,000 words and the online list covers over 200,000 terms. Will you use when you travel? Probably not. Will you impress your friends when you send them messages with Irish words? It’s likely.

PODCASTS

You can bring along your favorite Ireland-related podcasts using these apps.

Irish Fireside Podcast

iPhone – $1.99

The Engaging Ireland Podcast

iPhone – $1.99

Hotels & Transportation

Several hotels, attractions, airports, taxi companies and the bus system have hopped on the app bandwagon. These basic apps often include contact, booking, and special offers information. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick search to see if a service you’ll be using offers an app.

Every effort was made to assure the information presented here was accurate when published (remember, apps are quickly updating). A portion of app sales that come from clicking these links may benefit the Irish Fireside through our iTunes Store affiliate program.

The exposed limestone landscape that covers 250 square kilometres (155 square miles) of County Clare, Ireland, is often described as desolate or as a moonscape. In the mid-1600s Edmund Ludlow described it as, “a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him… and yet their cattle are very fat; for the grass growing in turfs of earth, of two or three foot square, that lie between the rocks, which are of limestone, is very sweet and nourishing.”

The description holds true today, and anyone who visits the area and takes even a short walk along the rocky expanse will discover an abundance of plants growing in the cracks and crevices (known as “crikes”). The unique combination of weather and stone delivers conditions that support arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants that grow side-by-side.

Start your plans for visiting County Clare at www.clare.ie.

Yeah, we hang out with Rick Steves. Well, on iTunes anyway.

Just spotted that iTunes has our podcast in the Top 20 in the Places and Travel category (just behind Steves FOURTEEN Top 20 Podcasts).

Haven’t met the guy yet, but it’s nice being in such good company… Rick Steves, Adam Curry, Chris Christensen and Disney.

I wandered over to the page when an old friend sent a message to let me know that they just hooked up their Apple TV and we were listed in the list of “Top Podcasts.” Gotta love a little exposure.

If you’d like a closer look at the image, just click… or you can stop by the iTunes Store yourself.

Listen/Watch some of our podcasts.

Jessie from Wandering Educators has posted another great video from her visit to Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. Her photo tour takes us to some of the premier sites in in Killarney National Park including Muckross House and Gardens, Ladies View, a horse-drawn jarvey ride, and Torc Waterfall.

Photo Credit Seabagg

A little video from the Gap of Dunloe near Killarney, County Kerry by Dr. Jessie Voigts from www.WanderingEducators.com.

Today, I mix it up a bit. For touring, I avoid turning on the GPS, and savor those moments when I’m not quite sure where I am. But when I need to get somewhere… especially at the end of the day, I like to punch in the coordinates and spend more time in a cozy pub or warm bed.

Alternative to Rental Car GPS Devices

Car rental companies in Ireland DO offer GPS devices. They generally cost €10-15 a day plus VAT (tax). On a two-week rental, that can add up to well over $225.

This summer I test drove an alternative… CoPilot Live UK & Ireland on my smart phone. The app is available for iPhone and Android phones for $32.99 and uses the device’s built in GPS to guide travelers.

Best of all, every bit of data is sent through the GPS and uses no cell phone data. For those who have used their smart phones internationally, you know that tapping the international data network can be pricey, so this feature solves that problem.

How Does It Perform?

The interface and features are much like a basic GPS device. The map shows your route and location, it speaks turn-by-turn directions (in your choice of voices and accents), you can change your route preference to avoid highways and toll roads… pretty much all the standard features… plus some extras my GPS at home doesn’t even have.

I found the routes on par with other GPS devices and it did an excellent job of finding even the small towns (provided I spelled them correctly). Since most of Ireland does not not use house numbers, it’s always helpful to get the coordinates of your destination (many B&Bs and attractions include them on their websites)… doing a random search for a business name wasn’t entirely reliable… and unfortunately, two B&Bs I was staying at had inaccurate GPS locations listed on their sites – thank goodness the Irish are a friendly lot who are happy to give directions – even if they aren’t as reliable as GPS

The Highlights and Shortfalls

Overall, the app performs as promised with many of the limitations coming from the device rather than the software. Below I’ve outlined a few things I noticed using both an iPhone 3G and an iPhone 3GS.

• CoPilot Live performed as promised with decent routes and current maps.
• Although the main features appear prominently on the screen and are easy to locate, finding some of the submenus to change the settings was sometimes confusing.
• The screen on my phone was smaller than many GPS devices. The software tries to accommodate this by offering collapsible info panels.
• It’s important to consider where you will place the phone in your car. Without bringing along a mounting bracket, I balanced the phone on the open ashtray drawer which meant I had to constantly look down to view the device, and it was prone to sliding and bouncing.
• It’s important to have your phone plugged into the charger as having the GPS and screen functioning constantly drains the battery quickly (a North American charger works in Ireland). For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend it for use as pedestrian device.
• The Points of Interest feature did not offer a complete list of offerings, but I’m not sure if that was based on the region I was in or if that’s the case across the board.
• When I asked the device to avoid main roads, it seemed to choose extremely rural routes… bordering on “this is a route than NO ONE ever takes” and “if this road gets any rougher, my car might not make it out in one piece.”
• From time to time, my iPhone’s GPS would get confused (it does this in the Google Maps app as well) and would place me on a different road… so I’d spend about 30-seconds with the app barking directions back to the main route.
• The software works even when data roaming is turned off (which guarantees that no international data is being used).
• The software is sluggish on the 3G model especially at start up and at times when recalculating a route (sometimes lagging for over a minute). The app crashed once or twice a day on me on the 3G as well. As a result, I would only recommend it for the iPhone 3GS and 4 models… however, it does work on the 3G.
• For the price, it’s a great value for anyone who doesn’t want to invest in a GPS device and the corresponding maps.

Use this link to download the app from the iTunes Store, and a portion of your purchase price will go to the Irish Fireside. Information and prices were accurate at the time of publishing. I was offered a complimentary user code to test this app.

Portmagee

I’ve been thinking about authenticity in travel lately, since there has been much discussion of it online. What is authentic travel? And why are expectations about authentic travel skewed? One of the places that I have most been jarred by the dissonance in what I expected – and what I experienced – was in Ireland.

I’d expected a vibrant, thriving culture with lots of tourists. What I saw was a vibrant, thriving culture with lots of tourists. But thinking about it and experiencing it are two different things.  What makes for an “authentic” Irish experience? It isn’t all thatched roofs and Guinness, fiddlers and genial Irishmen. It is about that oft-present friendliness and scenery and looking beyond the traditional Ireland to the Ireland of today. For me, Authentic Ireland was found everywhere I went, and the one constant was that it defied traditional boundaries.

Challenged by Expectations

I was challenged by our expectations of Ireland from our first breakfast at a B&B in Doolin, where we talked about Ireland and past visits with a family whose grandsons play college basketball, to the walk and shopping at the Cliffs of Moher, where the only Irish people present were probably those working there.  Authenticity was in the Blind Piper Pub in Caherdaniel, where the crowd was 90% tourists (mostly wet walkers, drying out for an hour before heading out into the rain again, continuing their Ring of Kerry trek), and the other 10% were a few families and the waitresses. It was in Cork, where the crowds were multicultural and cosmopolitan – working, shopping, eating Chinese, pushing baby strollers.

Authentic Ireland was in fellow travelers, in our horse cart ride through the Gap of Dunloe. It was in the locals swimming at Derrynane Beach, despite the frigid temps. Authentic Ireland was in the cemeteries, and the visitors who found peace (or photos, or both) there.

Authentic Ireland was in the artists I found, sharing their talents and craft in person and on the web. It was in the fish market, raw and gritty (and delicious). It was in the organic farmers at the Kenmare Market, with their beautiful and tasty offerings.  It was also in Quill’s store, with Irish playing cards and Irish Sweaters and Irish linen, snatched up by tourists.

Authenticity was in B&Bs and home rentals, so picturesque – and the reality of guests in their home/business, bookings, and being an entrepreneur in an uncertain global economy.

Authenticity was in the extremely helpful man – the very first person I saw in Ireland, right out of the plane – who helped with my wheelchair at Shannon Airport. Full of jokes, and patience, he told us about the Shannon area, as well as his family’s trips to Turkey and elsewhere abroad.

Authenticity was in the busloads of tourists who rule the Ring of Kerry – and the painted sheep who took over the roads at night. It was in the farms, eking an existence among the rocks, and the hardships of the current economy. It was in the music – traditional Celtic music, as well as music from all over the world. It was a tv show in Gaelic, right after a rerun of Storm Chasers.

As I learned, authentic Ireland is in the people – both locals to visitors – all of whom help to create YOUR Irish experience. It won’t be like any others’, except for one fact – that the true authentic Irish experience lies in diversity, people, and that beautiful, beautiful place.

What surprised you about Ireland? What constitutes your authentic Irish experience?

Dr. Jessie Voigts is the Publisher of www.WanderingEducators.com.

Traditional Cottage in Doolin, Charolette A Coulter www.facebook.com/pages/Coulter-Gallery-Art-by-Charolette-Coulter/125004894232102

The West of Ireland is known for preserving the “old ways,” so it’s no surprise that Charolette Coulter was inspired to capture this traditional cottage near Doolin, County Clare, with her acrylics on watercolor board.

Charolette moved to Ireland from the US in 1998 and has relied on her art and her wits have housed and fed her ever since.

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Save money and get some great deals and offers in Ireland. Give your budget a break; get a discount, special extra or an upgrade by staying in excellent accommodations throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. All of these offers are from reputable lodgings that I have personally inspected and stayed at. All are reviewed in my book  Ireland Dream Trip.

“Your name is magic in Ireland.” Or so I’ve been told. Use my name – Michele Erdvig – as the key to open the doors of the friendly homes of Ireland. Just mention my name when booking to get your Ireland travel deal.

All offers are for 2011 and subject to the details in each individual description. Listings are alphabetically by town. Note: pps means per person sharing a room.

Adare Gate Lodge © M. Erdvig

ADARE, CO. LIMERICK

Gate Lodge Cottage Offer: 20% discount for bookings confirmed by March 21. Mini Review: Gate Lodge Cottage is a charming thatched cottage right in Adare village. It is very convenient for walking to everything. Those who prefer old world charm will find the cottage cozy, comfortable and extremely convenient.

Smarmore Castle © M. Erdvig

ARDEE, CO. LOUTH

Smarmore Castle (north of Dublin). Offer: 10% off for a two-night stay or more. Mini Review: Smarmore is a great little castle. Rooms are comfortable and well kept; there is an elegant drawing room to relax in as well as a pool and leisure facilities. A very good Italian restaurant is located in the stable courtyard.

Drumcreehy © M. Erdvig

BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

Drumcreehy House Offer: Discount off their usual rate of €42 from now to March 31, 2011 and from Oct 1 to Dec 16, 2011. One night B&B: €38 euro pps (per person sharing a room) or two nights B&B: 70 euro pps. Mini Review: Drumcreehy House is an elegant guesthouse overlooking Galway Bay slightly outside Ballyvaughan. Lovely, comfortable rooms overlook either the water or Burren and breakfast is has so many selections you will have to spend a week to sample them all.

Bunratty Lodge © M. Erdvig

BUNRATTY, CO. CLARE

Bunratty Lodge Offer: €30 pps for a 2-night stay (or longer). Available all year, even high season. Mini Review: Bunratty Lodge is a delightful B&B with spotless, very comfy rooms and elegant public areas. The stylish Wedgwood sitting room is a great place to read, relax or meet other travelers. Renowned for true Irish hospitality and an excellent breakfast with homemade baking, this flawless lodging is an area favorite of actress Maureen O’Hara.

Headley Court © M. Erdvig

Headley Court Offer: “Red or White Grape Deal”. B&B for two is €65 per night and includes a free bottle of wine. Mini Review: Headley Court an attractive B&B with meticulous, well-decorated accommodations. Kathleen is a charming host who makes guests feel right at home with her warm Irish welcome and home baking. Set in the countryside, yet minutes from Shannon Airport.

Dualla House © M. Erdvig

CASHEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Dualla House Offer: July & August: 5% off any stay or 10% off a 3-night stay. Remainder of the year: 10% off any stay or 20% off a 3-night stay. Mini Review: Dualla House is a historic farmhouse set on a 300-acre sheep farm just a few miles from Cashel town. It is a very peaceful, lovely place to stay in the Irish countryside with large rooms, great breakfast and afternoon tea served in front of a fire. Plus it is fun to watch the sheep dogs rounding up the sheep.

Emlagh House © M. Erdvig

DINGLE, CO. KERRY

Emlagh House Offer: Upgrade to a superior or deluxe room (when available). Mini Review: Emlagh House is an outstanding place to stay with an easy walk into Dingle town on lit sidewalks. Most of the rooms overlook Dingle Harbor and some have private patios. If you are looking for quiet elegance, wonderful hosts, gourmet breakfast and a unique experience that will be difficult to duplicate anywhere Emlagh House will fulfill all that and much more.

Donegal Manor © M. Erdvig

DONEGAL, CO. DONEGAL

Donegal Manor Offer: Dream, Dine & Discover Donegal – Short Break: 3 nights of B&B and one gourmet dinner €149 pps. Available till Oct 30, 2011. Mini Review: Donegal Manor is the epitome of the famous warm Irish welcome. Comfortable, modern, well-kept rooms blend with the old world charm of the public areas. Food is top quality and carefully overseen by Sian who also runs a cookery school.

Cullinan's © M. Erdvig

DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Cullinan’s Guesthouse Offer: Bed and Breakfast (excluding holiday weekends). Feb/March €30 pps; April/May: €32.50 pps; June/July/Aug: €40 pps; Sept/Oct: €35 pps. Mini Review: Cullinan’s is set on the river in Doolin village. Rooms are bright, comfortable and clean. Food is a specialty so look for delicious breakfast and gourmet dinners. Booking ahead during the season for both the guesthouse and restaurant is advised.

O'Connors © M. Erdvig

O’Connor’s Farmhouse Offer: Discount off regular prices for March, April, May and June. €30 pps (cash only). That is a savings of €10 per couple per night. Mini Review: O’Connor’s Guesthouse is in Doolin Village and provides attractive, comfortable, well kept accommodations and a good Irish breakfast. Many of the rooms are on the ground floor and several are wheelchair accessible and fitted for handicapped access.

Pheasants Hill © M. Erdvig

DOWNPATRICK, CO. DOWN

Pheasants’ Hill Farm Offer: discount of £10 on a 2-night stay. The regular price is £70 pounds per night for two people sharing. The 2-night special is a total of £130 for B&B for two. Mini Review: Pheasants’ Hill provides charming accommodations on a working rare breeds organic farm. Rooms are serene, well kept and comfortable. The farms own organic products are served at breakfast.

Ferndale © M. Erdvig

ENNISKERRY, CO. WICKLOW

Ferndale House Offer: €5 per person discount for those that stay 3 nights or more. Mini Review: Ferndale is a historic house located right in the village so you can walk everywhere. It is filled with antiques, was a film location for a TV movie and has a surprisingly large garden to enjoy out back. Private off-street parking is a plus. Powerscourt House and Gardens is nearby.

Abocurragh © M. Erdvig

ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH

Abocurragh Farm Offer: A free nightcap each evening. Your choice of whiskey, Baileys, a glass of wine or most anything else to suit your fancy. Mini Review: This is one of those special hidden places that will have you dreaming of Ireland long after your trip is over. Wonderful food and hospitality, adorable bedrooms and the peace of being deep in the Irish countryside.

Kilwarlin Cottages © M. Erdvig

HILLSBOROUGH, CO. DOWN

Kilwarlin Cottages Offer: £10 off a 2-night stay or 10% off stays of 7 nights or more. Mini Review: Kilwarlin Cottages are set on a 200-acre farm in Northern Ireland near Hillsborough and Lisburn in Co. Down. The two adjacent self-catering cottages are cosy, well heated and sparking clean. Each has two bedrooms and two baths, while sharing a utility room with washer and dryer. Light and airy inside with high ceilings and open-concept living areas, the cottages are comfortable, welcoming places to stay.

Arthur's Lodge Wood © M. Erdvig

KENMARE, CO. KERRY

Arthur’s Lodge Wood Offer: Book two nights and get half off your third night. Mini Review: Arthur’s Lodge Wood is a superb new guesthouse just around the corner from Kenmare town and a quick 5-minute walk to pubs, restaurants and shopping. Arthur’s has it all and then some: beautifully decorated rooms, excellent breakfast, hospitable hosts and even air-conditioning.

Doire Farm Cottages © M. Erdvig

Doire Farm Cottages Offer: 10% discount off self-catering cottages. Mini Review: The three cottages are about a 10-minute drive to Kenmare in a quiet, rural, scenic area. Enjoy time on the farm with the friendly Randles family who take great pride in running comfortable, sparkling accommodations. All the cottages are spacious, beautifully decorated and well equipped. Everything you need for a wonderful stay is in each cottage.

Willow Lodge © M. Erdvig

Willow Lodge Offer: Discount of 20% in Jan, Feb, March, April, Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec. During other months and Greta will see if she can do something special for you (depending on dates). Mini Review: Willow Lodge is near the church and square in Kenmare, making it a quick walk into town. It is a quiet comfortable place to stay with well-kept rooms and a nice breakfast.

Rosquil House

KILKENNY, CO. KILKENNY

Rosquil House Offer: Based on 2 people sharing a room, this special is not available on Bank Holidays, public holidays or during festivals. Feb & March: Stay for 2 nights get 50% off your third night. April: Stay mid-week for 2 nights get 50% off your third night. May – Sept: 10% discount on any 3-night stay. Oct: Stay mid-week for 2 nights get 50% off your third night. Nov & Dec: Stay for 2 nights get 50% off your third night. Mews Apartment (Self-catering Rental): Feb & March; Nov & Dec (except Dec 22 – Jan 2): Stay for 3 nights get 50% off your fourth night. Mini Review: Rosquill House is an elegant guesthouse that is walking distance to Kilkenny City. Beautifully decorated, this lodging has very comfortable, meticulous rooms and luxurious public areas. A scrumptious breakfast and kind hosts make this a great place to stay in Kilkenny.

KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY

Earl's Court © M. Erdvig

Earl’s Court House Offer: 10% discount on all bookings made before March 17. The date of the stay can be up to Oct 30, 2011. This applies to all bookings made on www.killarney-earlscourt.ie or directly with the hotel. Mini Review: Earl’s Court House is elegant, meticulous and tranquil with an easy walk into Killarney town. Big, comfortable rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed, some with four-poster beds. Superb food and attentive hosts makes it a perfect stay in Ireland’s southwest.

Friar's Glen

Friar’s Glen Offer: Two nights B&B for two people sharing a room for €160 total. Three nights B&B for two people sharing a room for €200 total. Mini Review: Friar’s Glen is a picturesque retreat surrounded by Killarney National Park. Although a few miles from Killarney, it is near Muckross House and Gardens. Rooms are large, nicely decorated and comfortable. Public areas have the rustic aura of an old world hunting lodge and you can enjoy breakfast overlooking the mountains and forest.

Killarney Lodge

Killarney Lodge Offer: 10% discount, available all year. Mini Review: Killarney Lodge is just a short walk into Killarney town, making it a quiet, convenient place to stay. Charming hospitality with rooms that are comfy, spotless and even have air conditioning! Breakfast is truly memorable and delicious.

Woodlands © M. Erdvig

KINSALE, CO. CORK

Woodlands House Offer: a free bottle of wine for a stay of 2 nights or more from March 1 to Nov 1, 2011. Mini Review: Woodlands is walking distance to Kinsale town and is a warm, immaculate, elegant B&B. I especially enjoy tea or coffee on arrival and the very comfortable rooms that contain everything you would expect of a 1st class establishment. Nice beds, great breakfast and excellent hosts.

Edenvale © M. Erdvig

NEWTOWNARDS, CO. DOWN

Edenvale House Offer: Free admission for two to Mount Stewart House & Gardens for each couple staying for one night or more. Mini Review: Edenvale is set on the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland overlooking Strangford Lough and is just minutes from Mount Stewart House & Gardens. It is a 300-year-old country house straight out of a Masterpiece Theater movie set. Well kept yet comfortable and filled with family antiques, the enchanting house is covered in vines and flower boxes. Breakfast is a bountiful banquet set in the formal dining room and pretty guest bedrooms have absolutely everything a traveler can think of.

Brookhaven © M. Erdvig

WATERVILLE, CO. KERRY

Brookhaven House Offer: 10% discount. The only date it is not available is Nov 15 to Feb 1. Mini Review: Brookhaven overlooks the ocean on the tip of the Ring of Kerry. It is a comfortable, well kept, luxurious guesthouse near Waterville Golf Club and a perfect place to stop and explore the Ring of Kerry.

Granville © M. Erdvig

WEXFORD, CO. WEXFORD

Granville House Offer: For a two-night stay or longer choose either €10 off or a free bottle of wine. This offer is good all year except for July, Aug and the last half of Oct. Mini Review: Granville House is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and provides excellent accommodations near Wexford. Meticulous, comfy rooms, friendly hosts and a truly memorable breakfast make for an outstanding stay.

Resources:

Accommodations

Self-catering Rentals

Castle Hotels

Excerpt From Guidebook Ireland Dream Trip

Free Help with Your Trip: Free Ireland Travel Forum

Customized Ireland Itinerary

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

IrelandYes! Ireland Dream Trips

We asked our readers to help us choose the very best Irish interest stories of 2010 from sources around the Internet. The result is a list of 75 articles covering Irish travel, culture and topics of interest to the Irish diaspora.

So, cozy up with your computer or other internet device and enjoy this extensive collection of wonderful tales. And if you like what you read, let these authors know by leaving a comment on their blogs and websites.

While I was planning our recent trip to Ireland, I was extremely concerned about disability access for myself. I can climb stairs, but they are painful, and I try to avoid them. I can walk up to a block, but usually use a combination of our car (park close!) and my electric wheelchair scooter to get around. I decided early on not to take my wheelchair scooter, due to the electricity being different and not
trusting the airlines with it.

One of the best places I found for information was Pat Preston’s www.irelandexpert.com forum, where I asked questions and people answered with their own experiences. In that same spirit, I’d like to share my own experiences with you, in case you, too, are searching for answers. Of course, your own abilities will determine what access you need. We also stayed mostly in County Kerry, with a few nights in County Clare. So, these are my own experiences based on where we were, and my particular needs for disability access.

SHANNON AIRPORT

Shannon Airport: Grade A+

We chose to fly into Shannon airport rather than Dublin. This allowed us to arrive a bit closer to our rental home in County Kerry. I had requested wheelchair assistance, and indeed, there was a wheelchair at the gate for me, although I had to walk the hallway after disembarking. The employee pushing it was an *excellent* introduction to Ireland – he was funny, full of great advice and quips. He patiently waited and helped with our luggage, and then helped us all the way through our rental car experience and out to the car.
Grade: A+

RESTAURANTS

Most Restaurants: Grade F -- but D. O'Shea's in Sneem: Grade A-

We ate out several times a week, during our 17-day stay in Ireland. We saw two accessible bathrooms – one in the Burger King in Killarney (don’t ask, we were hungry and everything else seemed closed or difficult to get into), and at D. O’Shea’s in Sneem (great seafood chowder!). The handicap bars in the bathroom are slightly different than in the US – there is a frame over the back of the toilet, and an arm comes down to the side if you need it, to get down (or up). I was amazed at the many small steps to get into restaurants (often one or two), and the long passageway to the rest rooms (which are usually located at the far back). Besides the two aforementioned restaurants, none of the restaurants or pubs had ramps to get in or accessible bathrooms. I saw two other wheelchair users at D. O’Shea’s (bravo!). There were no automatic doors at any of the restaurants.
Grade: F (except for Burger King and D. O’Shea’s, Grade A-)

B&Bs

We stayed at two B&Bs, both highly recommended by Michele Erdvig of www.irelandyes.com. The first was Dubhlinn House B&B in Doolin, and the second was the Bunratty Castle Mews B&B in Bunratty. Dubhlinn House was beautiful and the owners were incredible. There were stairs, but I knew this going in. Bunratty Castle Mews B&B had one step to get in, and the rest was completely flat and accessible. Again, the owners were amazing hosts (owner Dolores is the friendliest person in Ireland!) and went out of their way to help us. Both had parking right outside the B&B, and access was easy, although not wheelchair accessible.
Grade: B

Pier Cottage - Grade A

HOUSE RENTAL

Kitchen Pier Cottage

We rented a house (Pier Cottage), near Caherdaniel, from Homeaway Holiday Rentals. On their website, you are able to search for wheelchair accessibility. We chose a house that was right on the ocean, and had one step in. There was a second floor to the home, but as there was also a bedroom on the ground floor, it was usable for me. The shower required stepping into a tub. There was laundry right in the house, and I was able to get around very well. I chose this house for location and accessibility, and it worked for our family quite well.
Grade: A

ATTRACTIONS

Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour

We aren’t big tourist trap people, but we did explore a few places. I’ll share our experiences with each
place.

Cliffs of Moher: There is handicap parking close, and there’s a paved walkway up to the cliffs.

Cliffs of Moher Boat Cruise: I had to walk across a gangplank and then down some stairs to get onto the boat. (It was worth it).

Killarney National Park: There is handicap parking in all of the areas where you can park – by the jarvey carts, and near Muckross House. We took a jarvey cart and I felt that we could explore more of the park than I’d ever see. There was one large step up into the cart.

Muckross House

Muckross House: There were both paved and stone pathways around the house. Wheelchair access would be very difficult. To go inside on the tour, I asked about wheelchair accessibility. The woman said that it was accessible, but no wheelchair or advice was offered. To get into the house, there is a small ramp. Once within, there is a very small elevator to get up to the first floor, and another elevator to go
between the floors.

While Bunratty Folk Park is accessible, stairs like these make the castle completely in accessible.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: There are wheelchairs for rent in the admissions room of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. The paths are very wide, mostly flat, although there are some hills. Within the folk park, you’ll have to get out of your wheelchair to enter each house and explore. In the village, there are curbs. Bunratty Castle is completely inaccessible – there are several flights of stairs to enter, and small curved stairs between floors.

A Pony and Trap trip through the Gap of Dunloe was very accessible.

Gap of Dunloe: This was one of the most accessible things we did, mostly because we took a pony trap ride through the Gap. The driver (one of the Gap Poneymen) asked able-bodied people to disembark and walk up the steepest hills, to save the horse. We took a boat ride back to Killarney. Everything else was mostly inaccessible – I had to walk a few steps to our van (Deros Tours), a few steps to the pony cart, about 3 blocks from when we disembarked to Lord Brandon’s Cottage (a way station, where we waited for our return boat), about 50 feet down to the dock, and a few steps down into the boat. Once we were back in Killarney, we had to climb a few stairs and then walk about 2 blocks to the waiting van.

Kenmare Market

Kenmare Market: Easy. Close parking, flat surface for the market (it was right on the street). There are lots of crowds, though, so it is a little difficult to get around.

Derrynane House

Derrynane House: The house is about 2 blocks from the parking lot. Gravel pathway up to the house. First floor is wheelchair accessible, with a few bumps over doorways. You will not be able to see the second floor, or head down the steps and the pathway to the beach. Plenty of beautiful garden pathways, if you can get around on gravel.
Grade: C

SHOPPING

Tesco Grocery Store: completely accessible, handicap parking spaces. Wide aisles, automatic doors.
Grade: A+

Smaller stores:

Skelligs Chocolate Company

Skellig Chocolate Company: easy flat parking lot, all on one floor.
Grade: A

Smaller grocery stores, shops: all of these had narrow doorways, steps, narrow/crowded/blocked aisles. It was extremely difficult to get into and around.
Grade: F

All in all, I was surprised at the lack of disability accommodations in Ireland. I know that many of the buildings are historic, and also that creating accessibility costs a lot of money. The sidewalks in small towns are usually narrow, and I didn’t notice curb cuts. However, if you have disabilities and are planning a trip to Ireland, I’d do a LOT of research, find places to stay that worked with my abilities, and then GO!

Dr. Jessie Voigts is the publisher of www.WanderingEducators.com

I recorded this a few years ago, but being in Ireland right now, I’m reminded just how special this place can be in the short days and long nights of the Irish winter.

Thanks for listening… and remember, we’ve got giveaways afoot… including some Irish linens for someone who comments about this video.

Preview photo by ©NIreland eye.

Michele is also including a very special Irish Santa Figurine holding a shamrock, as well as a lovely Donegal Belleek ornament… perfect for the holidays.

More about Michele:

• Read Our Interview with Michele
• Listen to Our Fireside Chat: Michele vs the Volcano
• Listen to Our Fireside Chat: Michele on Ireland
• Read Michele’s Irish Fireside Posts
• Visit Michele’s Website and Irish Travel Q&A Forum

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Congratulations! SBryan won this prize.

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Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most iconic sights. It’s worth the drive through County Galway even if you only have time to stop in the car park, snap a photo, and tear back down the road again. That’s how I remember my first visit to the abbey, 15 years ago.

Luckily, several years later, my husband and I allowed ourselves to slow down during another whirlwind tour of Ireland and spend a few hours enjoying everything Kylemore Abbey has to offer. First, we toured the four rooms that have been beautifully restored inside the abbey. Then we went outdoors for a walk along Pollacappul Lake to the Gothic Church.

Rich History

I hadn’t realized before that Kylemore Abbey has such a rich history. A fishing and hunting lodge existed on the site before Anglo-Irish businessman Mitchell Henry purchased the land. Construction on Kylemore Castle began in 1867 and took four years to complete.

Just a few years after the castle was completed, Mitchell’s wife, Margaret, died at the age of 45 while traveling in Egypt. Mitchell had the estate’s Gothic Church built in her memory. During our visit, my husband and I saw only a few other people come and go from the church. We enjoyed sitting for a while in the quiet solitude of this sacred space.

Mitchell and Margaret were both laid to rest in this mausoleum just down the path from the church. After Mitchell’s passing, the Kylemore Estate saw two more owners before the Irish Benedictine nuns purchased the castle and grounds in 1920. They continue to live and work at Kylemore Abbey today.

My husband and I spent the rest of our visit wandering through the Victorian Walled Gardens. Over the years, the gardens had become neglected, but they are now faithfully restored. It was fascinating to compare the displayed photos of the wild, overgrown area with the beautifully tended gardens that exist today.

When we drove to Kylemore that spring day, I think we expected to jump out of the car and snap a few photos like I had in the past. But the abbey and the lush scenery all around it drew us deeper and deeper into the day. It was definitely worth slowing down to experience this gem in the heart of Connemara.

Mary Caffrey Knapke has been traveling to Ireland since the early 1990s. She blogs about Irish music and memories at http://whilethesunsmiles.blogspot.com.

If you're lucky, you'll catch a thatcher at work. This friendly soul was thatching a cottage in Adare. Photo by Georgia Beaverson.

By Georgia Beaverson

For some places, a certain time of the year beckons visitors. Like Paris in April. But if you want to visit Ireland, go in autumn.

Autumn’s Ireland is lush and green and cool. It rains, but mostly intermittent showers. The temperatures remain in the 50s to 60s, but occasional dips below that mean you should dress in layers. Autumn travel will save you money, too, since it’s the “shoulder” season between summer and winter. Many B&Bs remain open, although you might want to call ahead to ensure you have a bed for the night.

Tours are great, but driving is better. Main highways are wonderful to drive and Irish motorists are amazingly courteous. Have you heard horror stories about the secondary roads? Yes, they are narrow (some only one lane wide) and many lined with fuchsia-covered stone walls. But as long as you remember to stay on the left side of the road and drive at a reasonable speed, you’ll do just fine. Meandering should be your travel watchword.

South, Southwest Coast

Touring the southern and western coasts of the Irish Republic is especially wonderful in the fall. The weather changes roll in off the coast as you pass through picturesque villages like Dunmore East and Ardmore on your way west toward the Ring of Kerry. While that ring attracts most tourists, the nearby Ring of Beara is equally lovely. Allow at least a day to explore the large druid stone circle on the way to Gleninchaquin, a private park that allows visitors to hike over the huge falls there. It’s worth the muscle strain; the view from up top is breathtaking.

On the Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry) to the north, the fishing village of Port Magee is a picturesque place to stop and gaze eight miles out to sea at Skellig Michael, a rocky pinnacle once inhabited by sixth-century monks. If the weather cooperates, you can take a boat there and climb the steep, hand-carved steps the monks once trod.

Next, the Dingle Peninsula is a must-see, with a lovely coastline (Slea Head is the peninsula’s most southwestern point), plenty of ancient sites (“bee-hive” huts built by monks, the ancient stone Dunbeg Fort, Gallarus Oratory) and even Fungie the dolphin in Dingle’s harbor. Worth a tour are the fabulous stained glass windows by Harry Clarke in An Díseart on Green Street.

West Coast

Go inland to enjoy the thatched cottages in the village of Adare southwest of Limerick. then go north and east, stopping for Dysert O’Dea Castle on your way to the Cliffs of Moher. Walk the trail to see the eighth-century church with its archway carved with 12 heads and a 12th-century high cross. And the famous Cliffs of Moher? You must go, even in “lashing” rain.

Just north, the Burren National Park consists of a limestone plateau dotted with rich archaeological sites and unusual plant life. If you like to hike, the 26-mile Burren Way is unforgettable. If you end up in Ballyvaughan, be sure to stop for lunch and some shopping before heading on to Galway.

North of Galway, the countryside changes from green-covered hills to rocky, lonely valleys winding through the 12 Bens (mountains) of Connemara, home of famed Connemara marble. The rich smell of peat burning fills the air. North, you’ll find the lovely village of Westport. Be sure to seek out Matt Malloy’s pub on Bridge Street; he’s the flutist for the Chieftains and his pub has live music.

The area around Sligo Town is full of sites, including some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. You can visit the megalithic tombs of Carrowmere and Carrowkeel, tour nearby Yeats’ Country and visit Parke’s Castle, bask in the green of Glencar Lough Falls, visit Yeats’ grave at Drumcliffe and see the High Cross there, and explore the ruins of Boyle Abbey. Above it all broods the mountain Ben Bulben.

You won’t really experience the northwest of Ireland if you don’t visit Donegal Town. There the people are friendly, the pubs are lively and there’s great shopping, too. Wander down side streets to find genuine, old-fashioned Irish pubs if you want to talk to folks not in the tourist industry. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real Ireland.

Top off your coastal tour of the Republic with Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Driving to the precarious parking area alone will turn a few hairs gray, but the awe-inspiring view of the sea and coast from the top truly makes that worthwhile.

Worth a Wander Inland

Kells Priory, near Thomastown in County Kilkenny, is an amazing and often deserted complex that dates from the 13th and 15th centuries. Nearby 12th-century Jerpoint Abbey boasts a truly wonderful stone arcade, complete with carvings.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is a huge medieval castle set high on a hill and once was the fabled power base of Munster kings. Inside, many ancient carvings remain in wonderful condition. At its foot crouches Hore Abbey, which visitors reach through a farmer’s field.

Writer Georgia Beaverson has been to Ireland twice in autumn for extended times and plans to go again ASAP. She blogs about cool shoes worn by children’s book literati at http://gbeaverson.livejournal.com.

A list of the Irish regional tourism groups represented at Milwaukee Irish Fest 2010.

I recently penned a Letter to the Editor to select Irish newspapers. Since there’s no guarantee they’ll post it, I thought I’d post it here as well. Have a read…

Dear Editor,

Last weekend I attended Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was surprised and disappointed by the almost nonexistent representation of Irish regional tourism at the 30th anniversary of the largest festival of Irish culture in North America.

Aside from Tourism Ireland, only County Clare was present to promote the Republic. In contrast, Northern Ireland sent representatives from Belfast, Newry and Mourne, Down, Banbridge and the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Gone are the days when the Spirit of Galway took over an entire caravan-turned-tourist office at the festival… when Kerry and Cork lured visitors with gorgeous coastal images… when Tipperary sent their craftspeople to show the county’s homegrown talent… when Visit Dublin delivered their most energetic representatives to display the city’s youthful vibe. Instead, visitors were shown three choices – a grab bag of highlights from Discover Ireland, the vast offerings of the North and the diversity of County Clare. All worthy destinations, but certainly not the end-all in Irish travel.

Having spent the month of July in Ireland, I was even more discouraged hearing Clare criticized for their North American trip. I realize difficult economic times are upon us, but expecting regional tourism to close up shop and rely on Tourism Ireland to do the heavy lifting is not a recipe for success — they have an entire island to promote.

I also heard some folks citing recent travel abuses in the Irish government as validation for keeping tourism reps home. I’m afraid that finger is being pointed in the wrong direction. Anyone who saw the reps in Milwaukee working long hours with hot, humid afternoons and an intense Friday-night rainstorm would be hard-pressed to consider their travels excessive or a luxury of any kind… especially considering the volume of prospective tourists they met.

For those promoting regional tourism in Ireland, it is vital they look for outlets, such as Milwaukee’s large festival, where they will come in direct contact with visitors who will be making travel decisions in the next 12 months. No one can sell an area like a local, and would-be tourists love hearing the Irish talk about home.

And while I’m on my soapbox, could the Irish people please refrain from using the phrase “rip-off Ireland” as if it is commonly used outside Ireland? The term appears every time someone brings up slumping tourism. Fact is, Americans don’t use that phrase, despite what Irish radio hosts and callers are saying. Americans are more direct and say “rip-off car rental” or “rip-off airline.” Crying “Rip-off Ireland” leaves no one to hold responsible, and in this climate, we aren’t letting anyone off the hook.

Regards,
Corey Taratuta

www.IrishFireside.com — www.twitter.com/irishfireside

Maureen O'Hara in Miracle on 34th Street

Click Here to Help Us Wish Maureen O’Hara a Happy 90th Birthday this Tuesday!

Keeping Irish Traditions Alive

Creamy Irish butter churned from fresh milk using wooden paddles and flavored with salt from the sea. Brilliant craftspeople finding a contemporary place for old-school blacksmithing. Native Irish cows standing only 38 inches tall, yet bred as milk producers and beef cattle. And… at last, a closer look at what really goes into making fresh blood pudding. These are a few topics covered by Ella McSweeney in the Home Grown project.

Home Grown brings traditions in Irish food and farming to radio, online video and social media. The concept centers around a weekly feature on RTE Radio 1′s Pat Kenny Show, but between the episodes, fans are invited to extend the experience on Facebook and Twitter where Ella and the Home Grown community post photos, videos and share their thoughts about a variety of traditional skills.

Building a Home Grown Ireland Community

Since I’m someone interested in “real” Irish traditions in contemporary Ireland, I find the radio segments fascinating and superbly produced. Meanwhile, the casual nature of the videos and photos on Facebook are doing their part to connect people and celebrate the individuals who are keeping traditions alive. Fans are also invited to contribute by sharing their stories in nostalgic food and farming from around Ireland.

Get in touch with Ella by email homegrown@ireland.com or join the HomeGrownIreland Facebook page to share your memories, recipes, photographs and stories. Be sure to scroll through the history on the Facebook page to see all the content (links, audio, video, discussions), and if you enjoy it, click the “LIKE” button at the top of the page.

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/rtehomegrown
AUDIOBOO: www.audioboo.com/homegrown
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Grown-Ireland/104399489615609?v=wall&ref=ts

Photo credit: Dex Info – www.dex-info.net/origart-wilson1918_106.htm

Discover Ireland – http://blog.discoverireland.com
The Discover Ireland blog shows that the Irish tourism body has embraced the blogosphere (better late than never, right?), and they’re doing a nice job with it. At the moment, Lisa G posts link-rich posts covering events, sites and places in Ireland.

Engaging Ireland – http://dailyblog.engagingireland.com/
Meanwhile, Travis and Kathy from the Engaging Ireland podcast have created a new area on their site for travel news and information. They’re keeping them short, sweet and useful.

So, here’s two more sites to add to your regular blog-reading. Enjoy.

Here’s a peek at a few of the sites in town… St Canice’s Cathedral, St Francis Abbey Brewery, St Mary’s Cathedral, St John’s Cemetery, Kilkenny Castle, Grace’s Castle/Courthouse, the Parade, the Hole in the Wall, the medieval gate and wall and Rothe House.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7AKbG8NPLY

Saint Francis Abbey Brewery

More Pics from Galway >>

More Pics from Mayo >>

Murphy's Ice Cream for Breakfast

This July, Liam and I are back in Ireland traveling to some of the country’s most beautiful locations. While we’re there, we’ll begin a new project I feel very passionate about. We’ll be exploring the Emerald Isle by train — stopping in various towns and cities along the way to show the sites and experiences that await.

In true Irish Fireside form, we’ll be sharing the journey with our digital friends (that’s you!) with a steady stream of blog entries, HD videos, Twitter updates, Flickr uploads, Facebook posts and podcast episodes.

Sound like fun? We think so too. Plus, we’ve got www.DiscoverIreland.com on board along with our many friends dotted across Ireland to help us uncover the ins and outs of traveling by train in the Republic.

Support the Project

You’re invited to suggest your favorite destinations along Ireland’s rail system. We’d love to hear what you recommend. Email corey@irishfireside.com or leave a message on our comment line at 414-292-9269.

Since we’re funding this project out of our own pockets, we’re looking at every opportunity to help offset costs… media discounts, partnerships and sponsorships (these relationships will be disclosed). Our biggest expenses will include travel, accommodations, tech equipment and data hosting. If you are connected with a potential partner or sponsor, let us know.

We’re also inviting our fans to help out with micro-payments of $5, $10 or more. These small contributions can really add up and help put a dent in our expenses and allow us to do more and share more.

Every donation will get a mention on our Wall of Honor that will go on the front page of www.IrishFireside.com. For those who give $25 or more, we’ll be sending a postcard from Ireland… the real, handwritten kind you can hang on the fridge. And for those who can afford $100 or more, we’ll be sending a special gift from Ireland.

Contribute Here

If you’d like to make a contribution in honor of someone or remain anonymous, just drop us a line and let us know how you’d like your donation listed on our site.

Photo credit: bbusschots via Flickr

This is the first in a series of Irish Travel website overviews we’ll be posting. Hopefully, you’ll find some useful tidbits that will aid in planning your travels.

As expected the photos are gorgeous, and it engages a Top 10 style to focus its information… Best of Ireland, Favorite Moments, Best of Ireland Outdoors, et al. The format works. I especially like that nearly every feature is mapped — that’s key for helping visitors understand the proximity of the sites they are considering.

Things I Loath

• The Forgotten Midlands: The book is entirely focused on the coasts of Ireland. Only the most popular inland sites get a mention.
• Hot is Hot: If it’s not one of Ireland’s most popular destinations, it probably didn’t make the cut.
• The Undrivable Map: The contributors strongly recommend seeing Ireland by car, but their map would prove useless to anyone who gets off the main roads. No attractions are highlighted on the map either (aside from the mountain peaks) — the only advantage is that you can write in your own dream sites.
• Unmapped Routes: The interior maps do a great job labeling sites, but I’m shocked the suggested drives don’t highlight the route on the map. Instead readers must rely on the written directions… I’m disappointed their designers didn’t spend a few extra minutes adding the routes to the maps.
• The Obligatory Best Places to Stay and Eat: Hybrid books just don’t do accommodations and restaurants well (unless they stick to a Top 10 list). This one continues the tradition of giving an extremely narrow view of Ireland’s accommodation and restaurant scene.
• Digital Please: As far as I can tell, this book is not available for portable devices like the iPad yet… sorry Kindle users, this book and it’s heavy use of photos and maps will be of little use to you.

Things I Love:

• Staying Focused: Day by Day doesn’t attempt to cover everything — I know, I just complained about that above. What they have chosen to cover, they have done well.
• Generous Maps: Although the pull-out map falls short, the maps inside are in close proximity to the content being covered and provide a good snapshot.
• Dublin Extra Credit: There’s an abundance of information on the Republic’s capital city.
• Realistic Travel Experiences: Day by Day emphasizes what a visitor can see in a day, three days or a week. If a traveler follows their advice, they’ll be keeping a very reasonable pace.
• Travel First: This book breaks away from some of its competitors by jumping right into the travel scene. It includes sections on History and Culture, but keeps those to the back of the book or in small sections.
• Travel Size: Although portable devices are leading me to leave books at home, the size on this fits nicely into a day pack — it’s not bulky.
• Real Prices: Thankfully, this guide prints an actual price range of a hotel or restaurant in local currency rather than using an ambiguous $$$ system. Sure you have to convert the price to your home currency, and as the book ages the prices will likely be a little farther from reality.
• Featurettes: They’re short and sweet, but these articles give the guidebook a bit of a magazine feel.

Emphasizing the points above, I’d give Ireland Day by Day my recommendation. It will be perfect for someone looking for a book to compliment a guided tour or trying to plan a first-time visit. I’d have to say, readers will benefit by teaming it with more comprehensive guidebooks like Pauline Frommer’s Ireland (read my review) or Pat Preston’s Ireland Travel 101 (read my review).

Congratulations to Elizabeth Joyce! She won our review copy of Frommer’s Ireland Day by Day courtesy of Wiley Publishing.

We hear from Bernard McMullen about the affects the volcano in Iceland has had on Irish travel and we have a guest who had to change her plans for Ireland because of the volcanic ash.

Our apologies in advance, we didn’t have access to our usual recording equipment, so this episode sounds a bit different than others.

Note: These interviews were conducted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Since then Irish airspace has opened and airlines are working their way back to normal service.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00
Intro: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

01:19
Bernard McMullen from www.discoverireland.com

10:00
Michele Erdvig from www.irelandyes.com talks about how the volcano has affected her travel plans and tells us what steps she took in changing her trip.

13:40
Discounts for travelers stranded in Ireland www.discoverireland.ie/features/stranded-in-Ireland.aspx as posted on Michele’s travel forum.

Closing Song – Jigs: McGuire’s/The Coming Of Spring by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

Volcano photo credit Plasmastik — Michele Erdvig photo courtesy of www.Irelandyes.com

Photo credit: The Pickpocket(Enviromental), originally uploaded by Lee Rudi Wood Photography

When it comes to crime, Ireland’s considered a pretty safe place for travelers. Overall, crimes against tourists are rare and violent crimes are even rarer. Therefore, the usual travel precautions apply… be aware of your surroundings, watch your belongings, lock your door, don’t leave valuables in your car, etc.

In 2009, reports of crimes against tourists in Ireland dropped from 380 to 354… numbers that are almost in line with the drop in tourism numbers. 69% of those crimes occurred in Dublin, and a majority of all crimes involved theft and burglary.

The Irish Times pointed out some interesting details:

• Most crimes happened when tourists were sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in restaurants and cafes.
• Crimes against tourists tend to happen between 2pm to 6pm.
• Female travelers aged between 17 and 24 are more likely to be victims of a crime.

This information reminds us to be careful no matter where we travel.

When I’m asked about crime in Ireland, I usually point out that crime rates in Ireland are usually the same or better than most US cities and towns, so travel smart, not scared.

Read the Irish Times Report.

Photo credit: The Pickpocket(Enviromental), originally uploaded by Lee Rudi Wood Photography

As the girl’s mother snapped photos, her father held his binoculars in front of the girl’s face. She quickly tilted her head in favor of unassisted viewing. “They’re lovely,” giggled the girl after one of the dolphins leapt clear out of the water and then disappeared into an oncoming wave.

The father offered me his binoculars. Grateful, I pointed them toward the area of whitecaps that marked their location. Every few seconds a dorsal fin would spring above the water. Then, in a strange choreography, two or three dolphins would spring out of the water one after the other. Breathtaking.

Driving Tour in County Clare and County Limerick

The water show was an unexpected treat on my drive around Counties Clare and Limerick. I had spent the morning on Clare’s Loop Head Peninsula climbing around the dark, craggy rocks; admiring the roadside ditches filled with bright orange flowers; and taking in a lunch with THREE types of potatoes in the town of Kilrush.

After the meal, I drove to Killimer where the car ferry hauled everything from cyclists to tour buses across the two-mile-wide estuary. After parking the car onboard, I passed the modest snack stand… more of a row candies and treats, and went up the stairs for the view. The whole ride took about 20 minutes with about ten minutes on each end for loading and unloading.

Once off the boat, I followed the N69 toward Limerick City. I peeked in at Glin Castle and grabbed info on their gourmet dinners (sadly, the castle is only available for group rentals and private functions in 2010). Then, it was onwards to Foynes, home of Irish Coffee and the Flying Boat Museum. The WWII nostalgia of the museum quickly turned it into one of my favorite “museumy” sites in Ireland.

On the road out of town, I pulled into the private garden of Tim and Helen O’Brien, Knockpatrick Gardens. They ask for guests to call ahead, but their “open” sign invited me to drive under the arch of lemondrop blossoms to the house. They fed me scones and tea and offered a private tour of the grounds. Lucky for me, it was hydrangea season and the plants were in full bloom.

Further east, I hopped off the main road and pulled into little Askeaton. The friary there has a nearly-intact cloister, the castle there is home to stories of a Hell Fire club and the old church was built by the Templars, but I can’t say there were any ties to the DaVinci Code.

Somewhere near Kildimo, I wandered off the main road and found myself wandering around an old cemetery and a castle and wandering the grounds of an old manor house (now a park) before winding up in Adare where I stopped for some ice cream and petrol (gas). A few minutes later, I was on the bypass around Limerick and heading home. It was the perfect daytrip… away from the crowds of tourists and among the people of Counties Clare and Limerick.

A horse grazes in front of Askeaton Franscican Friary. This friary has one of the most beautiful and complete cloisters I've seen. Askeaton, Co Limerick.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I was invited to green things up over at the “This Week in Travel” podcast.

That’s the show where the (almost holy) Trinity of Travel – Gary McArndt, Chris O’Christensen and Jen “Sweet Colleen” Leo – chat about which travel scams are trying to steal yer pot o’ gold, tell tales of bad leprechauns getting kicked off a planes, carry on about gadgets that book cozy B&Bs and introduce the world to non-Irish destinations… I know, many of you have forgotten that there are places to visit other than the Emerald Isle, so a healthy dose of “This Week in Travel” will be good for you.

In our fireside chat… without the fireside, we talk about headlines in Irish travel, best-loved Destinations in Ireland, the Irish-American Road Trip and loads of other items I think you’ll enjoy.

Use the player at the top of this post to have a listen. You are welcome to visit their site, leave a comment and even subscribe to their weekly podcast at www.thisweekintravel.com.

Here are some links from the Irish section of the chat…

• Ireland Yes Forum – moderated by Michele Erdvig – www.IrelandYes.com
• Ireland Expert Forum - moderated by Pat Preston -  www.IrelandExpert.com
• Ireland Travel 101 – by Pat Preston – www.irelandexpert.com/IrelandTravel101.html
• Queen Might Visit to Ireland – www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/7358961/Queen-to-make-first-visit-to-Ireland.html
• Free Rail Travel for Tourists Over 65 in Ireland – www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0317/1224266441900.html
• Discover Ireland – www.discoverireland.com
• CIE Tours – www.cietours.ie – Fly & Drive Tours – Research B&B Vouchers
• Ring of Kerry – most popular
• Dingle – the film “Ryan’s Daughter”
• Achill Island – More remote
• Inishowen – Northern Most
• Cooley Peninsula – Between Belfast and Dublin/Carlingford
• Midlands – non-coastal regions/County Tipperary/Lough Derg/Rock of Cashel/Athassel Priory in Golden – a fantastic ruin
• Kilkenny – Medieval Town
• Northern Ireland Route – Belfast/Glens of Antrim/Causeway Coast
• Visit a Irish Music Session
• Guinness Pub Finder App - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id339917896?mt=8

First, our suggestion that hotels would lead the charge for lower priced accommodations came with a nasty side effect – Zombie Hotels that will likely hurt the industry in the long run.

Then yesterday, Michele Erdvig from www.IrelandYes.com alerted us to news that a car rental shortage — especially automatic transmission vehicles that North Americans desire — might cause prices to skyrocket this season. That confirmed rental prices won’t be going down… in fact, after the Irish Times ran the article, some rental prices went up $4 a day.

And this morning, our concerns for an even quieter Shannon Airport were fueled. Aer Lingus is seriously considering plans to drop all long-haul flights from the west coast airport. The airline will likely announce their new “strategy” next month… we’ll keep our fingers crossed that they figure something out to keep Europe’s most tourist-friendly airport open for visitors from across the sea.

So What’s the Good News for Travelers?

All of these items are bad news for tourists, so what do we have to look forward to this year? Well, tourism is under the microscope at the moment, and it’s the one industry the Irish government seems to believe it can impact and profit from (even if their plans to put all their eggs in the UK basket could blow up in their face). So there are some positives for those traveling to the Emerald Isle this year…

Sweet Deals on Accommodations and Restaurants – While airfare and car rental prices are causing sticker shock for would-be visitors, hotels and B&Bs and restaurants are amping up their game… offering more for less and rewarding guests who stay a little longer.

Seniors Can Ride Irish Rail for Free – The government has moved forward on the plan we mentioned in our predictions to provide free rail transportation to seniors. That’s a double win for mature travelers… no car rental costs AND free train tickets.

Better Attitude Toward Tourism – The pendulum has swung yet again. As Irish emmigration is making a comeback, the Irish people have again become more sensitive to visitors. That includes a handful of astute government officials who are standing up for tourists by addressing fees, travel taxes, visa standards and several other issues that serve as barriers to growing tourism in Ireland. Psst, Irish officials, would you keep an eye on the car companies for us… they are among the LEAST tourist-friendly industries in Ireland — so much so, we had to tell our readers the 5 Things You Should Know When Renting a Car in Ireland.

The glut of hotels built as the Celtic Tiger roared, has created a dangerous combination for Ireland’s tourism secter — too many hotels… many of which would have closed but were bailed out by the Irish banking system. The result… the Zombie Hotel – a hotel equivalent of the living dead… and they are being labeled the cannibals of an already hurting industry.

As the economists duke out their theories on how to handle the situation and while they try to convince the powers that be, tourists are finding some of the lowest accommodation prices in years.

If you’re planning a trip this year, you really must read Michele Erdvig’s blog post about the zombies and the deals that are out there right now! If you want to read more about the Zombie Hotel phenomenon visit the Irish Times article and for more about the economic changes in Ireland this piece by The Guardian.

More Irish-interest headlines are available on our Twitter Feed… the most recent are featured on the sidebar on this page –>

They’ve already got some big names lined up… including Stacy Keach, Sir Roger Moore, Aidan Quinn and Geraldine Chaplin. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a Maureen O’Hara cameo!

Visit these links to learn more:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0217/1224264628353.html?digest=1

http://commanderbond.net/9598/sir-roger-moore-to-star-in-romantic-comedy-connemara-days.html

Kim on her way to Dingle.

We received an email this week from Kim C. in San Diego. She told a wonderful story about her August visit to the Dingle Peninsula.

We couldn’t resist sharing this story with everyone at the Irish Fireside.

A special thanks to Kim for sending us her Ireland travel experience.

Author Thomas O'Crohan from the Blasket Islands

• US – www.nxtbook.com/ireland-us
• Canada – www.nxtbook.com/ireland-can
• UK - www.nxtbook.com/ireland/GB

In other news, Waterford Crystal is getting new life since it closed its doors a year ago. Plans are underway for a brand new, much smaller, crystal factory to open in Waterford city this June. Crystal will again be produced in the city that made Irish crystal famous! With a significantly smaller-scale production and crystal actually produced in Ireland (for years much of Waterford’s crystal was made in other countries), the product will again be a true luxury brand.

Thanks to Engaging Ireland for sending us the link to this article www.insideireland.ie/index.cfm/section/news/ext/waterford001/category/1084.

A rendering of the new Waterford Crystal facility.

I’m afraid, there’s still a bit of doom and gloom in the forecast for 2010, but there are some great opportunities for travelers as well.

Have a look at our predictions for 2010 and let us know what you see for the future.

High Profile Visitors
There’s talk that both the Pope and President Obama are considering trips to the Emerald Isle (separately, of course). The Pope’s visit would celebrate the Peace efforts in Northern Ireland, but comes on the heels of long-delayed reports on Church abuse scandals. Word of an Obama stop comes from new information about his ancestral home in County Offaly; the site has only recently been identified, and a presidential visit would be a tourism windfall. Our vote… yes, to both special guests… but that might be wishful thinking.

More Americans in Ireland
Tourism Ireland predicts a 2% growth in visitors from the US for 2010. Considering Ireland hasn’t recovered from the 10% drop in 2008 and global travel among Americans on the rise compared to last year, they will likely meet that target.

Travelers will Mistake Bargains for Value
Tourist hotspots like Killarney, Dublin and Galway will offer amazing deals on accommodation and tour packages. However, only travelers in the know will recognize that the real value will come from the small, regional travel destinations that are likely to offer more amenities and personal service. Passionate hosts and guides in Donegal, the Burren, the Shannon Region and anywhere in the Midlands will step up their game, but will lack the advertising dollars to attract the masses.

Most Americans Won’t See the Ireland TV Ad “Blitz”
Ireland will be spending $500,000 on TV ads in the US this year, but unless you’re in a specific demographic (over 50 with expendable income and a decent cable TV package), you probably won’t see the ads. The rest of us will have to rely on the Today Show’s annual St Patrick’s Day visit to Ireland for our TV fix.

The Return of Dynamic Currency Exchange
We thought we saw the last of this credit card conversion “service” back in 2006, but it has returned. This system lets various businesses, namely those with high tourist volume, present customers with bills in their home currency. What they fail to mention is that the conversion, say from euros to US dollars, might be 5% or more than if the customers’ credit card company was left to make the conversion itself. The only good news is that the price on the slip IS the price you will pay… which includes the extra charges for that piece of mind.

Hotels Will Lead the Charge for Bargains
The Celtic Tiger years brought a frenzy of hotel building to the Emerald Isle, and the economic downturn has left a lot of beds empty. As a result, the hotel industry has been the first to woo visitors with deeply discounted rates. This trend is beginning to dethrone B&Bs as Ireland’s cost-effective accommodation choice.

Bus and Fly/Drive Tours Will Pass Discounts to Their Customers
Tour companies rely on bookings for survival, so in 2010 they will use all their leverage to get the best prices from airlines, car rentals and hotels. They will advertise packages that the average traveler will not be able to touch by booking à la carte (and I’ve long been an à la carte travel planner). The trick is finding a package that suits you… a super cheap golfing holiday is of no use to someone looking for a castles and folklore itinerary.

Airfare Deals will be Spotty
Prices have dropped on plane tickets, but it’s a shame that $600 roundtrip in low season is still considered a deal, and $700 in high season is a steal. Expect fare sales to spring up as low as $199 one-way — the only problem is that the dates will be limited, and the other half of the ticket will likely cost more than $299. Sign up for your airline’s email list and book when the sales are announced. This year, it’ll probably be too late if you wait to book until a month before departure.

Quiet Times in Shannon Airport
Flights between the US and Shannon evaporated in the last quarter of 2009, leaving Delta and Continental as the only carriers offering direct flights to and from Ireland’s West Coast airport. Aer Lingus has promised the return of their flights in 2010, but huge staffing cuts makes a return to a full Aer Lingus schedule nearly impossible. That’s bad news for the West Coast, but good news for those who can take advantage of a much-more-relaxing-than-Dublin arrival in Shannon.

Discount Airlines?
A few years back Aer Lingus touted itself as the first transatlantic discount airline. You won’t hear those words coming from them in 2010. This year, expect carriers such as Continental, Delta, United and US Airways to have slightly better prices… and we do mean slightly.

More Irish Accents
The downturn in the Irish economy has sent the influx of immigrants back to Eastern Europe, and the Irish are returning to jobs as hotel clerks, cleaners and waiters (some of them quite reluctantly). Although we enjoyed the smiling Polish faces, it’ll be nice to be greeted with an Irish accent again.

Expect Bumpy Roads
Ireland’s road system got a complete overhaul in the last decade, but the European Union gravy train has ended and the Irish economy is struggling. That means funds for maintaining all those new roundabouts are tight, and minor repairs will be delayed. Secondary roads will be the hardest hit, and extreme weather conditions in the last two months won’t help things either.

Few Deals on Car Rentals
In 2009, most of the car rental companies tightened their budgets and did minimal updates to their fleets. That means 2010 requires a new batch of cars for companies that choose to update their fleets, but also means few deals for renters. Those who score a good price will have to fight for one of the better cars in their rental class (in the economy category… a Focus or Opel trumps a Corsa any day).

Travelers will Get Hit with Taxes
New taxes on petrol (gasoline) will mean almost a six-cent increase per gallon (US$). Those renting cars will be the first to notice the increase, and it won’t be long before tour operators and other transport companies pass the expense to consumers. Small reductions for VAT (Value Added Tax) and alcohol taxes might bring a hint of relief… if retailers don’t decide to increase prices.

2010 WISH LIST

Dreaming of Super Cheap Flights
Please! Lure us with irresistible flight prices. If we get a great deal on travel, we WILL spend those saved pennies (and more) on car rentals, accommodations, sightseeing, restaurants, souvenirs and all those other things that bolster the tourism economy. I promise!

A Vote for Transparency in Car Rental Agreements and Policies
Stop the “hidden” fees in Irish car rentals. I’ve grown tired of the unending stream of stories from visitors lamenting that what they thought they were going to pay for their rental car was quite different from what they actually paid.

Much of this stems from travelers assuming Ireland’s rental policies are similar to other countries, but that is not always the case. The fact that most credit cards won’t cover insurance in Ireland, means unaware travelers feel strong-armed into purchasing extra insurance at the desk… Refuse the rental companies insurance and expect a hold of $2,000 to $15,000 placed on your credit card. Ouch!

Many of these problems could be cleared up if rental agencies simplified the information, made it consistent across the industry and clarified details during bookings… instead of burying it in the fine print.

A Rail Tours Campaign
The Irish budget has added discounts for senior travelers using the rail system. For this to catch on, a well-produced rail tours brochure that is available in both print and as a download will go a long, long way (and, please, don’t just give us links to commercial rail tour operators, that doesn’t count). Visitors will savor a collection of very specific 7 and 10 day itineraries that include sites, accommodations, meal options and details like handicap accessibility. If Ireland really wanted to crank up their game, they’d offer the rail discounts to all travelers, and promote a change in how people experience Ireland.

Give Us More Mobil Content
Travelers are hungry for up-to-date Irish travel content for their phones and portable devices. A steady stream of digital guidebooks, maps and phone apps centered on improving a visit to Ireland will be a welcome addition to the travel sector. Bring…It…On!

I could probably come up with 100 more items for my wish list, but I’ll stop at four.

Do tell, what are your predictions? What’s on your wish list?

Sunrise in the Boyne Valley by John McKeown

Submitted by John McKeown

It is the first bleak days of December 2009 in Ireland. The country has endured dreadful hardship from flooding in recent weeks; the economic indicators are depressing as the country awaits the most horrific Budget ever to be delivered by any Finance Minister and the days are getting shorter and shorter. Darkness dominates the Irish landscape as we approach the shortest day of the year. It is easy to be solemn and negative in our thinking.

But I am happy! For December brings to Ireland the Winter Solstice at Newgrange in County Meath – one of the great combined natural/man-made events of the world brought to us by the genius and the ghosts of the Neolithic Age, some 5,000 years ago. It is an awesome sight to behold.

This wonderful event takes place for a few days around the winter solstice each year, when the passage and chamber of the 5,000 year old monument are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn from the 19th to the 23rd of December. It comes about as a result of a miraculous and enduringly complex mathematical equation produced by a people who lacked the computers we have to today. To experience it sends a shiver down my back as I think of how advanced our forefathers of five millennia ago were.

A Frosty Morning at Newgrange by John McKeown

I haven’t missed one for years, dignitaries, politicians and academics always have priority to be inside the chamber for the event, but every September a lottery is held for those interested in being inside on the actual day. I would advise anybody has given up hopes winning this lottery to consider coming to Newgrange and watch from the outside either on the day or the days immediately before or after the 21st December. If you are prepared to be there early, you will have every opportunity of seeing it in all its splendour. The atmosphere is eerie as the sun rises slowly and lights up the Boyne Valley, it is a glorious event. You can imagine how this must have felt in Neolithic times!

After the dignitaries are gone you get the chance to go inside the chamber and they re-create the event. I wonder how this must have felt in Neolithic times!
And then, minute by minute, the days get longer and our spirits soar above the darkness. Our hopes are high once again for a great New Year.

Brought to you by John McKeown of Look Around Ireland – The Ireland Travel Guide – www.lookaroundireland.com

Episode Guide – Podcast #96 It’s Not Such A Long Way to Tipperary

In this audio podcast episode, we chat with Piers Duggan from County Tipperary, and we thank our listeners for their votes in the Podcast Awards.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00
Intro: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:35
Thanks to our listeners for getting us nominated to the Podcast Awards – Now, listeners choose the winners at www.podcastawards.com. Vote daily until Nov 30, 2009.
Travel – Irish Fireside
Podsafe Music – The Irish and Celtic Music Podcast

01:37
Blog Features

• 10 Things NOT TO DO in Dublin
• The Most Influential Irish Woman You Never Heard Of
• Holiday Giveaway
• 10 Things You MUST DO in Ireland

02:32
Talking about Tipperary with Piers Duggan
Location: Central Ireland – South Midlands – Golden Vale

• Slieve Felim
• Comeragh Mountains
• Slievenamon
• Rock of Cashel
• Devil’s Bit

04:22

• Keeper Hill Scenic Drive
• Curreeny Hedge School
• Upper Church
• www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary

06:00
Inland Counties: Tipperary, Offally, Laois, Kilkenny
Holy Cross

07:00
Castle Tour: Kilkenny Castle, tower houses scattered throughout Ireland, Nenagh Castle and Old Gaol (Jail) House, Roscrea Castle & Damer House, Birr Castle, Kinnitty Castle

09:30
Tourism in Ireland

10:50
Tipperary Artisans
The Gifted Hand Irish Turf by Joannes Berkery – www.turfpeat.com
Official Irish Dirt by Pat Burke – www.officialirishdirt.com
Irish Preserves by Crossogue Preserves – www.crossoguepreserves.com

11:55
Fly Shannon Airport, but Dublin is an option

12:50
Lough Derg

14:13
It’s a Long Way to Tipperary

Submitted by Phil

For beautiful coastal views cyclists may wish to tour Ireland’s craggy Beara Peninsula.

Located in the south-west, this stunning outcropping of land is ideal for visitors who want to follow a trail that is dotted with traditional Irish villages and many other sites. The route can be cycled and is also accessible for those using car rental services to travel around the spectacular peninsula.

A popular route with cyclists and motorists, it weaves its way around the perimeter of the region and allows visitors to immerse themselves in Irish culture. Historic Celtic monuments decorate the land, while villages serve up fish that has been freshly caught from the Atlantic. Holidaymakers also have the opportunity to indulge themselves in the serenity of several islands, which are located off the coast of the peninsula. Visitors tend to follow a circular National Cycling Route when touring the area as this features many of the sights that stud the land.

Which way from Castletownbere?

Starting near Oak Wood, bicyclists can travel towards the village of Glengarriff, County Cork, where they are able to enjoy the views across Bantry Bay. Surrounded by soaring mountains, the enclave offers connections to Garnish Island, which is a joy for green-fingered day-trippers, who are likely to appreciate its Italian-inspired garden. Back on the mainland, the scenic route continues East towards the village of Adrigole where visitors can stop off and enjoy the views of Hungry Hill located nearby. The impressive peak is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland and draws many visitors who are keen to see it cascading down the landscape.

Anglers and water sports enthusiasts may like to spend some time in the next town along the route. Castletownbere is 10 miles (16km) from Adrigole and offers the chance to try some adrenalin-fuelled pursuits in the Atlantic. Windsurfing is popular here, while golf is also available for those preferring more sedate activities. The remains of the historical Dunboy Castle are situated near the town and offer a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past where the land was ruled by clan leaders.

Cyclists can choose to pop over to Bere Island via Castletownbere or continue around the rugged headland towards Dursey Island, which can be reached by a cable car that gives impressive views of the rolling sea. Ireland’s copper mining past is evident back on the peninsula at Allihies village, where many of the country’s well-known artists now like to spend their time.

Allihies Copper Mine

The route winds back towards the East from here adjacent to Kenmare and Coulagh Bay. Staying on the coastal road, cyclists can visit Eyeries Village, which is dotted with brightly painted homes. The enclave of Aardgroom follows, where keen anglers can catch some trout. Continuing to Lauragh, visitors are free to navigate the Healy Pass, where they can fully take in the views of the mountainous countryside or they can stay on the coast and feel the sea winds if they prefer. Cyclists may like to complete their circular journey by heading south towards Glengarriff or for more adventures they can cycle northwards towards the village of Kenmare, where additional touring routes are located.

Click photos for credits.

I have to say, the setting is perfect, and wouldn’t it be fun to add a session at Ireland’s School of Falconry which happens to be on the castle grounds!

Two-day packages with several special activities start at $680 for two adults and two children. More info at www.oregontraveldaily.com/news/irishc102109_509.php, www.wheretogonext.com/story/207201 and www.ashford.ie

Photo credit Ashford Falconry, originally uploaded by irishdressage.

The Basics

For First Timers, a southern loop around the island is a good introduction to Ireland; it has an excellent mix of scenery, towns and options that cater to visitors. It’s best to take at least 10 days for such a tour, this number just happens to extend beyond the one-week vacation most US citizens allot and the more ideal length of two weeks of travel.

With only a week and flying into/out of Dublin, time is extremely limited and distance – how far you can go versus how far you want to travel each day – must be considered. Driving in Ireland is not like driving in the US. Short distances can take a long time because of small winding roads, traffic, etc.  Even the larger “motorways” can be slow due to traffic, accidents or just taking in the beautiful scenery and unfamiliar roads and signage. Visitors should expect to get lost at some point during their trip; it’s all part of the Irish Experience.

If you only have a week, it’s best to do one of two options: cover as much as of the island as possible with single night stays along the way OR plan on a series of bases along your route with multi-night stays that allow you to experience these areas with a bit more depth.

It is also important to be aware that Ireland has two major airports, Dublin on the east coast and Shannon on the west coast. Choosing the right airport or flying into one and out of the other can dramatically improve your experience and reduce unnecessary backtracking.

I’ve compiled two itineraries that offer a good “taste of Ireland.” The first option works best for those who like to see as much as possible or are okay with being on the go the entire trip… it’s an aggressive itinerary. Realize that you are sacrificing volume for quality – a lot of Ireland will be viewed through the car window. The second option means you’ll see fewer “big sites” in favor of more local experiences.

Itinerary 1: Southern Loop of Ireland – starting and ending in Dublin, moving each night

Click to Enlarge

Day 1 – Kilkenny
Pick up your rental car at Dublin airport and head to town of Kilkenny. It’s a relatively quick drive (about 2 hours) and the town has plenty to interest you for the rest of the day with Kilkenny Castle and other historical buildings. There are several places just outside Kilkenny to visit such as Dunmore Cave and Jerpoint Abbey. Don’t do too much though, you’ll want a nice early start then next day.

Day 2 – Kinsale
Head to the seaside village of Kinsale making a couple of stops along the way. Main places of interest are the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Blarney Castle, Cobh and Cork to name a few. There is no way you will fit in all these, but you could visit one or two. Kinsale also has a couple of forts nearby as well to visit.

Day 3 – Kenmare
The “long way” means you drive along the coast of Western County Cork and into County Kerry. Several stops can be made on the trip or you could opt for a side trip to the scenic Mizen Head or Dursey Head peninsulas, for example. Or you can drive directly to the town of Killarney for the sights you find there. The “short” way is to stick mostly to the main road (N22) between Cork city and Killarney. Although Killarney offers easy access the areas destinations, I prefer to stay in nearby Kenmare, especially during the busy summer season. A stop at Blarney Castle is an option on this route.

Day 4 – Clare
The first half of this day will be taken up driving from County Kerry to County Clare. Three to four hours depending on your route.

If you travel the land route through Limerick City, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park offers much to see and is worth even a quick stop. From Bunratty, head out to the coast to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, and if time permits, try taking some time to explore The Burren. The villages of Doolin, Lisdoonvarna or Ballyvaughan all offer great places to spend a night.

Alternatively, you can head up the Clare coast via the car ferry that crosses the Shannon River from Tarbert in County Kerry to Killimer in County Clare. You could travel to the Cliffs first, then move onwards to Bunratty or just head to Bunratty and experience the medieval banquet or Irish Night there. There are many lovely B&Bs in the Bunratty.

Day 5 – Galway
If you missed the Cliffs of Moher on Day 4, today is the day to go. You can take a half-day to visit the Cliffs and the Burren or just hit the Cliffs en route to Galway town for some great shopping and night life. If shopping isn’t your thing and you have the time, tour the beautiful Connemara region west of Galway town. Still stay in or near Galway however, if only for the many good restaurants, pubs, music and craic in the evening.

Day 6 – Dublin
The drive from Galway to Dublin can take as little as three or as many as four hours. There are stops to make if you like; the monastic ruins of Clonmacnois is along the way while the castle at Trim requires a bit of a detour. You may choose to drive directly to Dublin. Once in Dublin city, you won’t need the car any longer, but if you stay outside downtown Dublin, you may want to hang on to it.

Day 7 – Dublin
For those who give themselves a full seven days in Ireland, they can enjoy a whole day to explore Dublin departing for home on Day 8. Dublin is well worth a full day of exploration. The Hop On, Hop Off bus tour is ideal for an overview of the city. The Books of Kells, the National Museum, Kilmainham Goal and shopping, even if just window shopping, on Grafton Street are all top picks.

Extending Your Stay
This route also also works for a longer stay – ten days to two weeks is best. In this case, you can include several multiple night stays along the way. You can also do the above route in reverse, starting with a drive to Galway and working your way counterclockwise back to Dublin (see the next itinerary below.)

Itinerary 2: Southern Loop of Ireland – multiple night stays in several bases, starting and ending in Dublin

Click to Enlarge

Day 1 – Galway
From Dublin airport, pick up your rental car and drive directly to Galway. Warning – this may be a tough drive for some international travelers, especially if they have difficultly sleeping on the flight. Stop as often as needed to stay safe, and once you make it into Galway, you can (hopefully) check into your B&B or hotel right away. You then have the rest of the day to explore Galway town.

Day 2 – Galway
Connemara is the area West of the town of Galway, and it’s a lovely scenic area that is well-worth a day to explore, either on your own or by bus tour (the Galway tourist office will help you with this). You can enjoy staying overnight in your same accommodations as the previous night.

Day 3 – Bunratty
This is a great day to travel south and explore County Clare. This will be your only single-night stay of your trip as you make your way from Galway into Clare. The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are all top places to be seen in Clare.

Day 4 – Kilkenny
Drive to Kilkenny but include several stops along the way. The Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage (also in Cahir) are well worth a stop. You may also want to include several destinations around Kilkenny (Dunmore Cave or Jerpoint Abbey) before ending your day in Kilkenny town. There’s plenty to see in Kilkenny such as the Castle, shopping, pubs and other historic sights. Stay overnight in or near Kilkenny.

Day 5 – Kilkenny
A second day in this area means you can make a day trip as you like – for those who insist on a visit to Blarney or would like a long driving tour of the Wicklow Mountains. Another suggestion is the Crafts Trail around Kilkenny with a stop in Carlow or Kildare. You will not run out of interesting things to see and do in and around Kilkenny. Stay a second night in Kilkenny.

Day 6 – Dublin
Time for Dublin! If you stay in town, you won’t need the car; if you stay outside of Dublin, say in Malahide north of the city, and you may want to keep it so that you can do a half day trip to Trim or the Hill of Tara. Otherwise, just enjoy Dublin and don’t worry about driving.

Day 7 – Dublin
Some lucky folks have a whole day to explore Dublin departing for home on Day 8. Dublin is well worth a full day of exploration. The Hop On, Hop Off bus tour is ideal for an overview of the city. The Books of Kells, the National Museum, Kilmainham Goal and shopping, even if just window shopping, on Grafton Street are all top picks.

Making Your Own Plan
Either of these itineraries also work if you are flying into and out of Shannon airport. You can include Dublin if you like, but those who fly in and out from Shannon often tend to stick more towards the West. Making a large loop up to Galway and a second loop down into Kerry will easily fill two weeks; a single week means keeping your loops smaller.

Wendy lives with her Irish-born husband in Southern California. When she’s not enjoying her local Gaelic Football, she is planning her next trip to Ireland.

Photo Credit Ballyvaughan 6096.jpg, originally uploaded by Trevor S.

Craig & Linda

All of us have favorite websites… you know, those sites and blogs we peek in on right after checking our emails and updating our Facebook statuses.

I never know what I might find, but I rarely expect to see my name featured in one of those sites. Well, that’s exactly what happened last night.

I was paying my regular visit to www.IndieTravelPodcast.com, and as you might expect, I was compelled to click Craig Martin’s “Ten Podcasts to Travel With.” There at #6 was the Irish Fireside with our names tucked in there.

A page from the Indie Travel Podcast Magazine

I have to say, it feels great to get some notice from outside the Irish/Irish-American community (I love you guys too, but sometimes it’s nice to hear from an outside audience).

It’s especially nice when it’s coming from a source I respect. Craig and his wife Linda have been catering to the independent traveler crowd for several years, and have just extended their expertise to an all-out travel magazine… the gorgeous Indie Travel Podcast Magazine – www.indietravelpodcast.com/magazine.

The only thing missing from the list was the Indie Travel Podcast itself… I guess Craig was being modest.

I’ve got a few other podcasts I listen to regularly, so I thought I’d take a moment to highlight them:

• Engaging Ireland Podcast
• Frickin Circus
• Hometown Tales
• Indie Travel Podcast
• Irish and Celtic Music Podcast
• Irish Roots Cafe
• The Moth Podcast
• NPR: StoryCorps
• PRI: To the Best of Our Knowledge
• RTE Playback
• Storylife Podcast
• This American Life
• WNYC’s Radio Lab
• A Year in Europe (archived)

Keep up the good work podcasters, and for those of you who listen to podcasts, take a moment and let the creators know you’re out there. It will mean a lot!

All these podcasts are available on iTunes.

Episode Guide – Podcast #94 Engaging Ireland

In this audio podcast episode, we chat with Travis and Kathy Nelson, the hosts of the Engaging Ireland Podcast.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00
Intro Song: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:56
Irish Travel Bargains: Air fare deals are at about $400 roundtrip (+taxes & fees) for travel from Chicago or New York to Ireland

01:12
Accommodation prices have dropped as well. Read Pat Preston’s post featuring new bargains at her www.IrelandExpert.com blog

01:29
Michele Erdvig from www.IrelandYes.com reports that she’s spotted B&Bs for as low as €20 per person per night.

02:03
Current blog highlights include the Irish Farmers Calendar, Titanic Memorial Cruise and Three CDs You Should Experience.

02:22
Irish Fireside Twitter and Facebook profiles.

02:30
Travis and Kathy Nelson from www.EngagingIreland.com – How have you approached trip planning? What are some resources?

03:25
Websites of interest – www.megalithomania.com and the www.themodernantiquarian.com.

04:40
What were some places you discovered that weren’t in your pre-research? Duloe Pass in Connemara and Glen Aherlow in Tipperary and others.

06:33
Hotels vs B&B vs Self-Catering Accommodations.

07:10
Tell us about your first trip.

07:38
What keeps you returning to Ireland?

08:05
John and Linda from Fairymount Farm.

09:19
Do you plan to move to Ireland?

11:05
What are some of the traps the people planning trips fall into when planning their trip to Ireland?

13:40
What are your money-saving tips?

17:04
Heritage Pass & Heritage Week

17:48
What should someone expect when they listen to your podcast?

20:02
Do you have a treasured item that you’ve brought back from Ireland?

20:45

When’s you next trip and what’s on your must-see list? Northern Ireland and Walks like the one on the Gap on Dunloe.

22:13
Closing tune – Ashokan Farewell by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

Listen to Travis and Kathy at www.EngagingIreland.com or find them on iTunes.

Jim & Betty with Jim's brother and sisters at Muckross House, County Kerry, in 1999

Submitted by Jim Sanford

My mother Margaret, (nee Hogan), through stories and song, instilled in me at an early age a great sense of pride and interest in our Irish ancestry. I never fully understood the significance of those feelings until at age fifty-three my wife, Betty, and I traveled to the Emerald Isle for the first time. Since that first trip in 1997, we have made five more visits, most recently in June of 2006, each time having new and unforgettable experiences.

The best advice I received prior to that first trip came from a travel book, in which the author suggested reading all I could about Ireland including its history. For the better part of the year before our trip, I devoured every piece of Irish history and information I could get my hands on, including subscribing to “Ireland of the Welcomes,” a monthly publication promoting the wonders of that beautiful country. I began collecting and listening to traditional Irish music to the point where I now have about fifty CDs covering a wide range of Celtic music.

Jim and Betty with Milton the chicken at Knockahopple Cottage

By the time we were ready to begin our Irish adventure, I was afraid I had built such high expectations that I might be disappointed. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The reality of Ireland far exceeded my wildest dreams and still does to this day. It is not just about the landscape – which is indeed beautiful, wild and remarkably green – it is about the people – their genuine friendliness, care and good nature. This fact has always amazed me, considering Irish life, until recently, has been so hard.

Centuries of oppression accompanied by tragic famines plagued the Irish through the mid 19th Century resulting in a decrease of millions of the population due to starvation, disease and emigration. Coincidently, no word in the Irish language (Gaelic) exists for “emigration,” only “banishment,” for why would anyone choose to leave such a beautiful place? For many of us who have had the good fortune to spend time in Ireland, the passionate pride and love of the Irish for their country is easily understood.

It is fairly common for people of Irish descent returning “home” for the first time to experience strong emotions during their visit to “the olde sod,” very similar to what Alex Haley described in his stirring book, “Roots.” I know a Native American man named Everett Largo who was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation near Shiprock, New Mexico. He swears that whenever he visits the old places where his ancestors lived, he can hear the whispers of past “Diné” (“The People”) and feel them as they lightly brush by. I believe this to be true because of similar experiences I and others have had while in Ireland, something I would refer to as our “genetic memory.” Much like the powerful instincts of animals, I believe we have stored in our mind memories of people, places and occurrences possibly from several centuries past.

Jim, seated center, with his Irish cousins in 2001

As our plane passed over the Dingle Peninsula on its approach to Shannon Airport, I had this knowing sense of having come full circle since my Great-Grandfather, John Hogan, left his home of Coolboreen, County Tipperary, forever in 1865. Standing in a famine graveyard near Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, I felt that one or more of my relatives may have been buried among the hundreds of unmarked graves in that large open field. I could also see through my mind’s eye the scores of dead and dying children whose mouths were green from eating grass along the side of the road. As tears welled up and my throat tightened, I had a strange feeling that I had witnessed these events first-hand.

The harshness of that time, as well as many other difficult periods in Irish history, only makes me more proud and appreciative of my Irish heritage and the goodness of the Irish people.

Jim and his wife Betty live in Phoenix, AZ. You can email Jim at jsanford43@cox.net.

Jim and Betty appeared in Day 12 of our Irish-American Roadtrip http://irishfireside.com/roadtrip-details/

“Home To Ireland” is an excerpt from “Memories of Ireland” by Seamus Hogan (Jim Sanford). Copyright February 2006. All rights reserved. Published with permission from the author.

This news appears to be in line with the airline’s gradual reduction in service to Shannon Airport which I talk about in my “Aer Lingus, You’re Killin’ Me” post. It’s a shame… especially since the airline’s statements are constantly noting “the importance of Shannon.” Alas, they’re hurting and need to make changes. I just wish they had a better way of communicating with the public, they must have a broader plan than what we’re hearing about in the news, right???

Pat Liddy

by Kat Behling

Today we chat with acclaimed Dublin historian, author and artist, Pat Liddy. Pat spent his childhood growing up in Phibsborough, on Dublin’s north side. After an early retirement from a thirty year sales career with Aer Lingus, Pat dedicated himself to three of his life’s passions: writing, illustrating and exploring historical places. His favorite subject: his own 2,000-year-old city where he has channeled his love of historical research, legendary tales and amusing anecdotes of Ireland’s Capital City into a unique walking tour service simply called, “Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin”.

Pat’s love affair with his hometown doesn’t end there. Since 1984, he has authored and illustrated numerous books on the historic city. In addition, Pat’s delicate pen and ink drawings and paintings have been exhibited throughout Ireland, mainland Europe and the United States. And if that doesn’t keep this Dublin enthusiast busy enough, he also hosts a weekly radio show, “Hidden Dublin” and has teamed up with Dublin Tourism to present audio versions of his walking tours. Both his radio show and his narrated tours are available as podcasts. Welcome to the Fireside, Pat

What is your morning ritual?
Stealing an extra ten minutes in bed and always regretting it. After that, there is no fixed ritual as my lifestyle dictates that no one morning is the same as another.

What historical figure do you most identify with and why?
That’s too hard to pick on one person. I suppose I like to identify with anyone who in his life never gave up even when the going got rough and even seemed hopeless.

Which living person do you most admire?
No particular celebrity or famous person (who are often not what they seem), but my 94-year old mum who still cares about every little detail in our family and annually turns out the most admired garden of flowers in her neighbourhood. Also someone I know who is a full-time care-giver of an elderly person and always remains cheerful.

The perfect place to live is.
In your own body. If you are not happy there, your surrounding environment will be ultimately irrelevant to your happiness.

Name one place in Ireland you think visitors should not miss.
Newgrange in County Meath. 500 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt, it is the world’s oldest existing roofed building and was once the centre of a very sophisticated civilisation over 5,000 years ago.

Who is your favorite writer?
I simply don’t have one. I read mostly historical or popular science books and the subject rather than the writer appeals to me.

How would you describe your sense of humor?
It is always on duty 24/7 and being somewhat irreverent, it can ambush even the most solemn occasion.

What music are you listening to today?
Handel is my favourite composer and my musical tastes range principally from the medieval period to the baroque. Old-fashioned jazz is a nice contrast I appreciate from time to time.

What three things are you most grateful for?
My family, my health and my love of live.

Name one trait you most deplore in yourself.
Being a bit self-centred.

Name one trait you most deplore in others.
Rudeness and aggression to promote self-interest.

In the event you are reincarnated, what would you like to return as?
Just me – with another chance to have more time to achieve my more ‘noble’ ambitions without the need to make money for plain survival, to be more calm and more generous with my time for others. In this life I am unlikely to succeed in these aspirations.

What is one of your most treasured memories?
Family holidays or snuggling in with my children when they were very young to watch a film on TV we all enjoyed.

What is your favorite meal?
Not so much the food (as I enjoy most cuisines) but the company gathered around candlelight, especially family meals, no matter how humble the fare.

What is your favorite Irish tradition?
Attendance at the annual Christmas performance in one of our cathedrals of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ (which was first performed in Dublin in 1742).

Which of your podcast walking tours would you recommend for a first time visitor to Dublin?
Perhaps ‘Viking & Medieval Dublin’ to get a sense of the very beginnings of Dublin (see www.visitdublin.com).

Your philosophy on life is.
The triumph of optimism over experience.

Pat’s books include bestsellers “Dublin Today,” “Dublin Be Proud” and more recently, “Dublin A Celebration: From the 1st to the 21st Century,” the official book on Dublin and published by the Dublin City Council. The book contains almost 1000 illustrations of historic and contemporary Dublin. To learn more about Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin and his podcasts, visit :
www.walkingtours.ie
www.patliddy.com

Originally published in our e-newsletter

Episode Guide – Podcast #93 The Auld Sod, US Immigration & Customs Pre-Clearance and Holly Kirby

We talk about Ireland’s new Pre-Clearance facility, chat about Irish dirt with Pat Burke, mention QVC’s Ireland shopping event and listen to Holly Kirby perform Carrickfergus.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00

Intro Song: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:22

US Immigration & Customs Pre-Clearance Facility opens at Shannon Airport.

0:48

Aer Lingus has chosen not to participate in the program until the Dublin facility opens.

Our post on the topic Aer Lingus, You’re Killin’ Me, and Pat Preston’s post Shannon Airport’s New Pre-Clearance Facilities Are Open, But Not For Aer Lingus Passengers.

01:11

Airlines participating in Shannon’s Pre-Clearance Facility include Delta, Continental and US Airways

01:19

Recent blog topics:

• Champ Delivers More Than Mashed Potatoes
• Pre-Christian Celts and the Legend of Saint Brigid
• Help Hailey Plan for Her Summer in Ireland

01:46

Pat Burke from Official Irish Dirt

02:12

QVC Irish Event on September 9, 2009

02:53

Interview with Pat Burke

12:20

Holly Kirby performs Carrickfergus.

Website: www.hollykirbymusic.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/alpet07

Phil says… Millions of visitors to Ireland from all over the world go to see the Blarney Stone and take part in the famous ritual of kissing it. Legend has it that whoever kisses the stone, which was built into the battlements of the castle in 1446, shall be rewarded with the everlasting skill of being able to flatter people, or as the Irish say, inherit ‘the gift of the gab’.

The stone is located at Blarney Castle, around 5 miles from Cork, with world statesman and film stars known to having also performed the custom.

The kiss itself is not easily achieved however, with people having to climb to the top of the castle and lean backwards over the walls edge to press their lips against the stone. This practice is supervised of course, with the help of an assistant and safety gear and there have also been iron guide rails and protective crossbars fitted.

This was not always the case though, as before these safety measures were introduced, people would risk their lives trying to kiss the stone, dangling from the castle walls as others desperately clung to their ankles!

Blarney Castle Grounds
Originally uploaded by spinfly

The origins and traditions surrounding the stone take on a number of guises and it is up to those who visit the castle to decide which folklore they wish to accept.

It is thought that the word Blarney derives from a meeting between Queen Elizabeth I and the Lord of Blarney, Cormac Teige McCarthy. Whilst requesting an oath of loyalty to retain occupancy of land, Queen Elizabeth I received responses from the Lord of Blarney which amounted to subtle diplomacy, promising the Queen loyalty without surrendering land. Queen Elizabeth I declared that McCarthy was giving her ‘a lot of Blarney’ which gave rise to the legend and Blarney was thought of as being able to offer ‘empty flattery’.

If you are visiting Ireland and want to take part in this famous ritual, venture out of Dublin using one of the excellent car hire services and head for Cork and on to Blarney Castle. You too could go home having gained ‘the gift of the gab!’

Sign up for our Dreaming of Clare Giveaway by leaving a comment below. Details in the show notes. Photo courtesy of www.cliffsofmoher.ie.

Episode Guide – Podcast #92 Dreaming of County Clare

In this audio podcast episode, we chat with Geraldine Enright from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience as she talks about County Clare, Shannon Airport and opportunities a down economy can hold for those who travel.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

CONTEST DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS POST

Show Notes

00:00
Intro Song: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:50
The Irish Fireside is now a Lonely Planet Favourite Blog (our entries appear in the lower left column)

01:07
5 Tips You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Ireland

01:25
Geraldine Enright from the Cliff of Moher Visitor Experience.

1:30
The Cliffs of Moher are among the final 27 selections for the New 7 Wonders of Nature – they need your VOTE!

02:05
Online booking at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

02:25
Scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince filmed at the Cliffs of Moher.

02:53
The state of tourism in Ireland.

03:40
Shannon Airport now offers pre-clearance that allows passengers to undertake immigration, customs and agricultural inspections at Shannon… eliminating the need to go through these processes on American soil after a flight lands.

05:05
Question about visitors going to the edge of the Cliffs of Moher

07:04
Buskers at the Cliffs of Moher

09:12
Suggestions for the best value in County Clare

10:10
Travel options in Clare at www.clare.ie

10;30
A few of Geraldine’s suggestions: Banquet at Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher & the newly opened O’Brien’s Tower, Doolin Cave and Burren Perfumery (for cake and nettle tea… mmmm).

11:11
Flying into Shannon

11:30
Dreaming of Clare Giveaway: luggage tags, air fresheners, pens, lanyards, some gorgeous County Clare calendars and some Tina Mulrooney CDs. To qualify, leave a comment below. Your comment should include your memories or favorite sites in County Clare, or for those of you who haven’t been there yet, which Clare sites you’ll include in your dream itinerary. You can also submit a short article about County Clare by emailing it to corey@irishfireside.com

12:23
Will You Go Lassie Go? performed by Tina Mulrooney www.tinamulrooney.com

When it rains it pours. In the last two weeks, three Irish car rental agencies have contacted us out of the blue.

I suspect the drop in tourism and travel is forcing them to rethink the way they do business… and the trends are pointing to online/social media. Thus, they’re contacting us.

To me, that sounds like an opportunity for customers like you and me to share our ideas and influence the direction of the car hire industry in Ireland. Don’t you think the companies who listen to us and become more customer-focused, just might be the ones who gain the advantage and save their butts during this economic downturn?

Here’s what I’d like you to do. Post your questions, concerns and suggestions below. As I talk with the car rental folks, I’ll make sure and pass along the messages and update you on their reactions.

Feel free to post specific situations or criticisms, but also don’t shy away from completing this sentence “If I owned an Irish car hire company…“

In this audio podcast episode, we talk about Irish immigration and the steps you need to take to make sure you don’t get turned away. Be sure to read our 10 Tips for Getting Through Irish Immigration article.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00
Intro Song: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:26
10 Tips for Getting Through Irish Immigration Blog Post

01:00
Immigration vs. Customs

01:52
Fill out your paperwork – TIP: spell out the month to avoid confusion between the US and Irish ways of writing out dates (example for today’s date: US=08/11/09; Ireland 11/08/09)

02:38
What to expect when you arrive – TIP: if you are traveling with your spouse or children, you may approach the customs agent as a group.

04:33
Irish Immigration Act 2004 – http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2004/en/act/pub/0001/sec0004.html

04:50
Thank you to everyone who has submitted articles to the Irish Fireside – We love them!

05:20
Gifts from Arthur Giveaway

05:54
Rosetta Stone Irish language software giveaway.

06:42
Sales have been announced for travel between now and early March. TIP: look for packages that include airfare and car rental, hotel or B&B combined. We often post these deals on the blog.

07:30
We’ll be at Milwaukee Irish Fest and will meet up with Travis and Kathy Nelson from the www.EngagingIreland.com Podcast.

07:56
Follow us on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook.

08:03
She Moved Through the Fair by Anne Roos at www.celticharpmusic.com

However, two news stories this month (the Plano 3 and Tessa Fowler) have US travelers concerned they will be the next to be turned away in Ireland.

In both cases, the travelers presented “red flags” in their interactions with Immigration officials that resulted in being denied entry to Ireland and sent home on the next available flight. In one, travelers were not able to articulate where they were staying on their first night in Ireland; in the other, there was no return ticket and no clear evidence the traveler would be leaving Ireland in the time allowed.

In an email to us, Myles Geiran from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs explained that situations like these are rare, and let us know, “It is general best practise when travelling overseas to be in a position to respond to points raised in relation to funds to cover the stay and to indicate the reason and length of the visit.”

In other words, you must be able to state why you’re there, how long you’re there and in the worst case, how much money you can access… Ireland, like the US, isn’t looking for free-loaders.

To help assure your trip through Irish Immigration goes smoothly, we’ve pulled a few tips we hope will lead to smooth sailing through Immigration (note: these tips are geared to US citizens traveling from the US on holiday for 90 days or less – WE ALSO COVER THIS TOPIC IN PODCAST #91:

1. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of your stay.
2. Make sure your name is the same on your passport, airline ticket and the immigration forms you must fill out when you arrive.
3. Book a roundtrip ticket or have official documentation of your return.
4. Know the name and location of your first night’s accommodation or the name of friends or relatives you are staying with.
5. Be prepared to state the reason of your trip: holiday, visiting family, business.
6. Be prepared to state the precise length of your visit.
7. Answer questions concisely and honestly (there is no reason to share your family history or longwinded details of your itinerary unless you are specifically asked and there is no reason you should misrepresent information about visit).
8. Be courteous, attentive and honest.
9. Be prepared to show you have the funds to cover the entire length of your stay (this one seems tricky… especially since carrying documents with sensitive bank account information could be risky… one thought is to put a digital copy on your camera’s memory card or email a copy to yourself… however, there is no guarantee officials will accept this form of documentation)
10. Remember, you are a guest in Ireland… accusing immigration officers of invading  your privacy or lecturing them on YOUR rights will likely only reinforce the notion that your visit to Ireland may not be in the best interest of your host.

If you do find yourself in a bit of trouble while traveling abroad, Mr. Geiran instructs, “…they may choose to seek appropriate consular assistance from their Embassy.” And I must agree with him when he says, “Ireland and the Irish has a long history of giving a very warm welcome to Americans who choose to visit the country.”

If you’d like to read the official documents regarding the topic, you will find it at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2004/en/act/pub/0001/sec0004.html. The language is official, but it’s not too hard to follow.

Contact details for Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs are available at their website www.dfa.ie. We received a prompt response (a few hours) using their online form at http://dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=78746.

Details at www.aerlingus.com.

Episode Guide – Podcast #90 Meaití Talks About Tradition & Milwaukee Irish Fest School

We chat with Meaití Jó Shéamuis about traditional Irish sean-nós singing, passing down traditions and Milwaukee Irish Fest School. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes

Show Notes

00:00

Intro Song: New Mown Meadows, The Connacht Heifers sung by Meaití Jó Shéamuis

00:15

Oral traditions of sean-nós singing, lubini and lilting which are especially important in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht Regions.

00:30

#40 Interview with Emer Debara from Oireachtas na Gaeilgentoireachtas – www.irishfireside.com/40oireachtas.htm

#29 Interview with Aine www.irishfireside.com/29dingle.html

00:35

Introducing Meaití Jó Shéamuis

www.thatsseannos.com/lineupmeataijoe.html

www.cic.ie/product.asp?idProduct=819

www.greenmanreview.com/cd/cd_ofatharta_boithrinianlochain.html

Milwaukee Irish Fest & Summer School

www.irishfest.com and www.irishfest.com/schools/summerschool.php

01:07

Liam’s summer travelblog at www.irishfireside.wordpress.com

01:55

Interview from Milwaukee Irish Fest Gaeltacht Tent

02:30

Meaití’s early years

03:20

Sean-nós singing classes at Milwaukee Irish Fest – a relationship with Oireachtas na Gaeilge www.antoireachtas.ie.

04:55

Joe Heaney & Jimmy Canavan

07:17

Technique or spirit of singing & mastering song and influence on other types of music blue grass, jazz, country

10:20

Meaití’s family in Kentucky, the McDermots

12:00

Numbers of native Irish speakers are dwindling and its influence on music

13:25

Where should visitors go to experience the native language and music: Galway, western coast both north and south of Galway, east coast, The Pale (where English was first spoken in Ireland), Aran Islands, Carna, Spiddal and Rathcairn

18:24

Milwaukee Irish Fest School www.irishfest.com/schools/summerschool.php

20:05

Sean-nós song: An Buachaill Caol Ard sung by Meaití Jó Shéamuis

If you are visiting Ireland and are keen to discover some of the smaller islands that make up this stunning country, the Aran Islands are a must see. Made up of a group of three isles located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the west coast, the islands are named using the native Irish language, which is commonly spoken in this area. The largest is Inishmore, second largest Inishmaan and smallest of three islands Inisheer.

Getting to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay can be achieved by renting a car, which can be hired from Dublin Airport Car Hire or other locations around Ireland, and then driving over to the west coast before using one of a number of approaches to the bay.

Galway Bay near North Sound. Photo by Suey J

These routes which lie between the mainland and the Aran Islands include the North Sound, which runs between Aran and Lettermullen in County Galway, Gregory’s Sound, running between Aran and Inishmaan, Foul Sound that lies between Inishmaan and Inisheer and South Sound which is found between Inisheers and County Clare.

The summer months are particularly busy for tourism on the islands with people using ferry services to get across to them from Rossaveal in County Galway and Doolin in County Clare. There is also an air service run by Aer Arann from Inverin, which offers a connecting bus service to those staying in and around Galway City.

Dun Aengus Fort. Photo by FABIÀ

Those flocking to the islands go there not only to enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscapes, but also to visit a number of places of interest and historical strongholds.

Dun Aengus is a fort on Inishmore, positioned 100 metres high on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is made up of a series of circular walls, with the citadel enclosing an area of 50 metres.

O’Brien’s Castle is a 14th century fortress located on Inis Oirr which was captured from the O’Brien family by the Flaherty clan of Connemara in 1582.

A church thought to be the smallest in the world can also be found amongst the Aran Islands. Teampall Bheanain is also notable for its north to south orientation instead of the traditional east to west.

A view of Athlone, a town located on the drive between Dublin and Ireland's west coast. Photo by Regina.

You can learn more about the Aran Islands at www.visitaranislands.com and www.aranislands.ie. and you can read what Damon and Lisa from the One Year In Europe blog had to say about their visit at http://oneyearineurope.blogspot.com/2007/09/adventure-1-aran-islands.html

Thank you to Phil for sharing this information.

CARRY ON LUGGAGE

• Passport – be sure to check the expiration date
• Drivers License – check the date on that too – required only if you plan to drive in Ireland
• Credit Cards & Enough US Dollars to Cover Two Nights Lodging – beyond that, I use ATM’s (remember to call each ATM & credit card company and tell them you are traveling overseas…otherwise, your card might be suspended for “suspicious activity”)
• Medicines & Prescriptions – stored in original, labeled containers
• Tickets - printout from Internet confirmation email is usually fine too
• Glasses/Contact Lenses
• Copies of Car Rental and Accommodation Reservations
• Camera & Memory Cards
• Light Jacket or Sweater - in case it’s cold on the plane
• Travel Socks – for improved circulation
• iPhone – with my international calling AND data plan activated
• Travel Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
• 1-Quart Ziploc Bag – for liquids…they’re charging for Ziploc bags at Dublin Airport now
• Deodorant
• Wet Wipes
• Distractions – this is where books and music come in handy
• Granola Bar, Nuts, an Apple and Water Bottle – FYI, any liquids will not be allowed beyond security…except in checked bags
• Emergency List – includes US & Irish contact numbers, credit card numbers with customer service contact numbers, copies of passport and important documents – one copy is kept with me and another with a trustworthy person back home
• Duty Free Purchases – alcohol is cheaper in Duty Free than in Irish stores, so I often buy a few liters before leaving the US – airline personnel tend to overlook when Duty Free purchases slightly exceed carry on restrictions
• Laptop, Charger & Adapter - I don’t recommend bringing your laptop. I’m there for a couple months, and use it for business, but for most travelers it will be more of a burden and there is a risk of damage or theft.
• Ear Plugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones

CHECKED LUGGAGE

• Camera Charger & Plug Adapter
• Hooded Weather-Proof Jacket
• Spare Set of Comfy Shoes
• Laundry Tote – folds to the size of a deck of cards
• Gifts for the Relatives
• Clothing – I don’t travel with much because I keep clothes at the cottage

THINGS I DO NOT TRAVEL WITH

• Wellies/Galoshes – although there are a few times they would come in handy, I don’t travel with a set. One pair of my shoes, however, is weatherproof (one-step below waterproof)
• Travelers Checks – the abundance of ATMs in Ireland has made Travelers Checks unnecessary for me
• Shorts – okay, there are about five days a year when shorts would be nice in Ireland, but the chances of them happening while I’m there is usually pretty slim
• Umbrella (Bumbershoot) – the wind has trashed so many of my umbrellas in Ireland I count on my weatherproof, hooded jacket to keep me dry
• Hairdryer – it’s easier to buy one in Ireland than packing one and then trying balance the plug converter in the socket…many accommodations provide hairdryers too
• Shampoo – ever since I had a bottle of shampoo explode in my luggage, I just use what is available at my accommodations or buy some when I arrive.
• International Drivers License – If your license is printed in English, there is no benefit to getting an International version when visiting Ireland.
• Expensive Jewelry or Hard-to-Replace Items – It just makes sense to leave these at home…you don’t want to lose them, and you don’t want to make yourself a target for thieves.
• If my computer wasn’t required for the work I do, I’d leave it home too.
  

I’ve found there are only FOUR things that you absolutely can’t travel without: Passport, Credit Cards, Drivers License and Medicines & Prescriptions. If you have these things, you’ll be able to work out alternatives to anything else you may have left behind. So DOUBLE, TRIPLE and QUADRUPLE CHECK for these items!

MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PACK FOR IRELAND

• www.dochara.com/info/prepare/packing-for-ireland
• www.irelandyes.com/packing.html
• www.irelandexpert.com/faqs.htm
• www.irishfireside.com/22packing.html

OTHER IRISH TRAVEL INFORMATION

• 5 Things You Should Know When Renting a Car in Ireland
• Ireland’s B&Bs Provide More Than A Warm Bed And Hearty Meal
• 10 Tips for Getting Through Irish Immigration
• Choosing the Best Guide Book for Ireland
• 5 Mistakes Visitors Make When Visiting Ireland
• More…

corey says… Many travelers have never heard of Ireland’s Shannon Airport. But loads of repeat visitors insist on the virtues of this west coast terminal. I must confess, Shannon has won me over.

Compared to Dublin (DUB), everything at Shannon (SNN) is a bit calmer, quieter and more manageable. In fact, if you stand in the center of the terminal, you can see the arrivals hall, car rental desks, bank, tourist office, bathrooms, convenience store and even catch a glimpse of the check-in desks. You can’t say that for most international airports.

Shannon’s second level is just as amenable…cafe, gift shop, bathrooms and departures line. As my friend Wakako would say, “Easy-peasy.”

A Gateway to the West

But there are other advantages to using Shannon…it’s the gateway to Ireland’s scenic west coast…the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway, Killarney, the beloved Shannon River Region, even Cork city. It simply makes sense to fly via Shannon for these destinations rather than trekking across the country from Dublin.

Your Flight Might Already Have a Scheduled Stop in Shannon

Many flights from the US land their planes in BOTH Dublin and Shannon, so travelers can choose…most people simply assume Dublin is their only option.

Much Easier Driving

To me, the biggest advantage comes from the roads around Shannon. When I get off the plane, hopping in a rental car, engaging my left-side driving skills AND facing heavy traffic and construction are generally the last things I feel like carrying out. At Shannon, there’s only one main road out of the airport, so the first 2 miles are perfect for getting acclimated to the road.

Although Dublin Airport is outside the city, it can’t compete with Shannon on the accessibility front. My last experience driving out of Dublin airport really made me want to make it my last if possible. After 45 minutes following misguided detour signs that started immediately outside the car rental gates, I still had to stop twice for directions…and that was just to get to the main highway. Not exactly how I wanted to start my holiday.

Flying Open-Jaw

If your itinerary to includes Dublin’s fine attractions, consider flying “open-jaw.” That means you fly into one airport and out of another. This means your route around Ireland won’t require backtracking to the same airport.

Step By Step at Shannon

Two years ago, we recorded a basic introduction to Shannon Airport. The information is still relevant, and you can have a listen below (we’ve come a long way since this one was recorded).

[audio http://irishfireside.com/podcasts/03birishfiresideshannon.mp3"]

Details

Shannon and Dublin are Ireland’s international hubs…especially for North American travelers, but airports in Belfast, Cork, Kerry, Derry, Donegal, Knock, Sligo and Waterford are also options to consider…especially in this age of discount Eupean airfare.

Episode Guide – Podcast #87 An Irish American Welcome

We look back at a few of the people we met on our Irish-American Roadtrip…Julia Walsh, Kim Hathaway, Kate Dowling, Jim Sanford, Melissa Guerrero-Beltran, Tony Keegan…and reflect on the warm welcomes we received in so many Irish-American homes. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are available on iTunes

Watch our Roadtrip Videos

Read our Roadtrip Blog Entries – they appear most-recent first

Music for this podcast:

• “The Devil’s Bit” by Theresa Larkin
• “My True Love’s Hair” by Anne Roos www.celticharpmusic.com

Follow our video adventures from our trip in search of Irish-American stories. We’ve got a whole page dedicated tho this collection of videos!

Episode Guide – Podcast #60 The Giveaway

This one is a little different as we share some details about our big Holiday giveaway, our Holiday Gift Guide and even announce some more ways you can experience the Irish Fireside. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are available on iTunes

Show Notes

00:00
Intro

00:07
Giveaway is underway – 25 packages to 19 states and we’re only halfway through the month. Daily Giveaway announcements are posted on our TravelBlog http://irishfireside.wordpress.com.

00:40
Celtic harp music by Anne Roos www.celticharpmusic.com. Irish Turf Incense from www.turfpeat.com.

1:30
Some of our favorites: Earthen Craft Pottery, Jasper’s Knot Dog Leash, Burren Smokehouse, Ultimate Ireland Vacation Kit

03:07
Holiday Gift Guide: http://irishfireside.com/2008GiftGuide/

03:20
GIVEAWAY Irish Fireside Oatmeal Soap www.soapourri.com goes to Shannon Stackwood from Ontario, Canada.

04:52
Help us pay for shipping and web hosting by making a contribution at www.irishfireside.com/contribute.html

05:30
Give $25 or more and get a special thank you gift from us.

05:40
GIVEAWAY Knappogue Castle Whiskey Pitcher, Boru Vodka Glasses, Clontarf Whiskey cap and Celtic Crossing Liqueur Playing Cards go to Michelle Wently from Wichita, Kansas.

6:00
Irish-American Road Trip = Liam and Corey are going on an adventure. They are driving from Milwaukee to Los Angeles, and they want YOU to help plan their route. If you’d like to meet up along the way for a drink or enjoy a cuppa tea…or know of a great Irish-American Pub…or can share a bit of Irish-American history from along the route, let them know. Send an email to Corey@IrishFireside.com or Liam@IrishFireside.com.

07:46
Liam’s wishes for dishes to help build his collection of shard jewelry. Check it out at www.LamplighterStudio.com. Use coupon code: FIRESIDE to get 10% through the end of 2008.

08:39
Irish Fireside Holiday Gift Guide http://irishfireside.com/2008GiftGuide. Daily Giveaway announcements are posted on our TravelBlog http://irishfireside.wordpress.com.

08:50
GIVEAWAY Lenox Smiling Shamrocks Statues http://irishfireside.wordpress.com – You’ll just have to listen to find out if you won.

10:00
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We were thrilled to hear our buds at Belfast In Your Pocket received some well-earned recognition recently…and we’re even more pleased the movers and shakers in Belfast are supporting tourism-friendly entrepreneurs like Heidi McAlpin and Sinead Faulkner.

Heidi and Sinead brought the In Your Pocket franchise to the Emerald Isle in 2005 and have since been publishing both the Belfast and Dublin versions for FREE both ONLINE and in PRINT. These are great before-your-trip resources.

You’ll find the guides at www.inyourpocket.com (just choose the city you’d like to visit). In addition to the downloadable PDF, there’s an entire archive of articles available as well. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention that you can also listen to our interview with Heidi at www.irishfireside.com/37belfast.htm.

BELFAST CITY GUIDE POCKETS TOP AWARD

In Your Pocket Ltd., the company behind Belfast In Your Pocket city guide, has won the Excellence in Entrepreneurship award at the prestigious Belfast Business Awards, run by Belfast City Centre Management.

The gala ceremony, hosted by the BBC’s Sarah Travers and Jim Fitzpatrick, took place last Thursday evening at the Belfast Waterfront Hall. Past and present Lord Mayors Jim Rodgers and Tom Hartley (both fans of the magazine), and MLA Margaret Richie, were among the distinguished guests as businesses across the city were recognised for their achievements over the past year. And, for the first time in the Awards’ four year history, winners received a specially commissioned ‘Nuala’ trophy representing the city’s Ring of Thanksgiving statue and designed by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, the man behind the original sculpture.

Belfast In Your Pocket owners Heidi McAlpin and Sinead Faulkner received their trophy from KPMG – sponsors of this hotly-contended category. “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for our company”, said Heidi. “It is great to be honoured for our work in promoting the great city of Belfast to an international audience. With other winners also in the tourism sector, these awards underline the important role tourism plays in our local economy, despite the credit crunch.” Sinead added, “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us – the success of our company is all down to team work and a shared passion for tourism.”

Belfast In Your Pocket was established in 2005 and, since then, In Your Pocket Ltd. has gone on to successfully launch Dublin In Your Pocket. The company will also be adding Glasgow In Your Pocket to its expanding travel guide portfolio in early 2009. The magazines are part of a successful 17-year-old European-wide group of city guides covering 54 cities in 22 countries including Prague, Krakow, Berlin and Moscow. Aimed at tourists, and available free in hotels, airports and other visitor-friendly locations, the guides can also be downloaded at www.inyourpocket.com – voted No. 9 in Sunday Times Travel’s Top 100 Websites.

And more than fifty In Your Pocket (IYP) travel editors from across Europe will be in Belfast on Friday 12 December for the company’s annual AGM. “It is a real vote of confidence for Belfast to be chosen as host city for the IYP AGM,” added Heidi. “The event will be featured in every In Your Pocket guide which will really boost the city’s status as one of Europe’s must-see destinations.” The delegation will be guests at a Lord Mayor’s Civic Reception and shown around the city by Belfast City Sightseeing Bus Tours, another winner in last night’s awards.

Ryan Air, originally uploaded by Danner Gyde.

corey says…
Ryan Air, the Irish company that introduced low-cost, no frills air travel to Europe, says it plans to start offering über cheap flights from Dublin and London’s Stansted airport to New York, Florida, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston.

€10 + taxes and fees!

Read the article:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=76428-qqqx=1.asp Ryan Air on the web at www.ryanair.com

Watch the clip (WARNING…some of you may find the clip below vulgar, so don’t say you haven’t been warned:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfIY24BErBE

Episode Guide – Podcast #59 Irish Turf & Free Stuff

We’re giving away FREE STUFF and chat with the master of Irish Turf Incense. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are available on iTunes

Show Notes

00:00
Intro – Opening song: “The Devil’s Bit” Theresa Larkin and Noel McQuaid

00:22
Visit www.podcastawards.com and vote for the Irish Fireside for favorite Travel Podcast and the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast for best Podsafe Music. You can vote once every 24-hours, so visit every day until Thursday, Nov 6.

01:21
FREE Stuff – Sign up for our drawing for all kinds of great FREEBIES at www.irishfireside.wordpress.com/free-stuff

01:35
Irish Fireside Holiday Gift Guide – send us your ideas for great Irish and Celtic gifts – www.irishfireside.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/its-holiday-gift-guide-time/

02:08
Support the Irish Fireside – We need help paying for shipping on the all the free stuff we’re giving away. Make a contribution at www.irishfireside.com/contribute.html

03:13
TravelBlog Headlines at www.irishfireside.wordpress.com: Ryan Air €10 flights across the Atlantic (www.ryanair.com) and Magners Irish Film Fest (www.irishfilmfestival.com/BIFFhome.html)

05:13
Interview with Joannes Berkery: Gifted Hand: Irish Turf/Peat Incense at www.turfpeat.com

12:47
Bostrom Brothers play “Be Thou My Vision” from their album “Electric Stew” at www.thebostrombrothers.com.

Be sure to leave a comment, and if you’re extra observant, you’ll even be able to spot Liam’s relatives Kay and Jerry.

Episode Guide – Podcast #58 Belleek China, South Armagh & the Brobdingnagian Bards

We enjoy our nomination to www.PodcastAwards.com, interview Tony Hearty about Irish Belleek and south County Armagh and feature the Brobdingnagian Bards. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are available on iTunes

Show Notes

Photo credit: Anne Gordon – http://flickr.com/photos/75976921@N00/2501600227/

00:00
Intro – Opening song: “The Devil’s Bit” Theresa Larkin and Noel McQuaid

00:50
We’ve been nominated and YOU can vote for us for BEST TRAVEL PODCAST at www.podcastawards.com . The polls close on Thursday, November 6th.

01:17
While you’re there, also vote for Irish and Celtic Music Podcast in the Peoples Choice and the Best Podsafe Music categories.

2:31
Liam’s Lamplighter Studio site where he makes jewlery from broken dishes…including Irish Belleek

02:42
Interview with Tony Hearty about Irish Belleek and his home in south County Armagh.

13.22
Brobdingnagian Bards (www.thebards.net) “Green Grow the Rashes” from “Real Men Wear Kilts” – Buy there CDs at www.thebards.net/cds.shtml