May 2009 Irish R&R

Melissa G. · Member

May 2009 Irish R&R

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Welcome to my forum! How nice that you will have a weeks' vacation in Ireland. Time for you and your friend to make your dreams of visiting Ireland come true. Because you don't have a lot of time you should concentrate on a couple of areas.

You mentioned Galway and though it is a medieval city it is a college town with a lot of fun going on at night and a young crowd at the pubs and clubs. You could just find that bloke there. From Galway you can do day trips to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Galway is a good place to base yourselves for a few days.

The Cliffs of Moher are on the coast about 1-1/2 hours south of Galway. Easy to see either from Galway or when heading to another destination.

The SW of Ireland is where a lot of people go for beautiful, unforgetable scenery. Plenty of beaches, mountains, gardens and fun. Dingle is a big draw as is Killarney and Kenmare.

Take a look at those various places and see what appeals.

You should have reservations for Dublin and Clontarf Castle. Also Friday and Saturday nights can fill up in popular places. It is fine to mainly wing in in May.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Melissa G. · Member

Michele,
Thank you for your advice. I've been looking up those towns as I get the chance. Everything I've looked at comments on the beautiful scenery of Connemara. Kilarney seems to be a nice central area to see a lot.
I've also been looking up castle hotels to stay in for one night. I was considering Dromoland. Its pretty high in price, but we're willing to splurge for one night if it means we get to stay in a castle. I was wondering if Dromoland would be a good choice or if there is another along the south, south west areas that you would recommend.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Connemara's scenery is wild and a bit stark. Some people love it. Some very funny people I met once in Ireland hated it. They said all there was in Connemara was rocks and sheep. Well, there is a whole lot more to it, with mountains, wonderful coastline and beaches, etc.

Killarney is a very good base and the local scenery is superb. The lakes, mountains and peninsulas can't be beat.

Dromoland Castle would be an excellent splurge. Take a look at Ashford Castle and Adare Manor too.

Michele

Melissa G. · Member

I've been reading up a lot on the different areas of Ireland. Everyone seems to love the south, but more and more I'm reading that a lot of tourists miss the Donegal area and its such a beautiful part of Ireland. Would we be pushing time if instead of going south, we hit Galway, go to the Cliffs of Moher, then head north along the west coast up to Donegal then back to Dublin in 7 days? Which route would you suggest we go. I know we have to make a decision, I just want to make the best choice for the time we have without rushing ourselves and get to see Ireland.

Andi · Senior Member

Donegal is a wild and beautiful part of Ireland. If you are seriously more interested in scenery and solitude than in lots of tourist action and amenities, Donegal is well-worth a visit. It just depends on what you're after.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

I sent you an email about your book order. Check your inbox.

Given your ages and what you said previously I think that you will get the most out of the SW. Donegal is lovely but can be sleepy and slow. If you are looking for more action Donegal is probably not the place for it.

You should make a choice between the north and the south. Read up a little more. See which sightseeing is appealing to you more.

Michele

Melissa G. · Member

Thank you Andi and Michele, I'll do more research and decide.
Michele, I replied to your email informing you that the address is a US military base in Afghanistan and since it is an APO address, it is as if you are mailing the book to New York. ONce it hits New York, the military postal service handles it. I should receive it 7-10 days after you send it. No extra postage or extra packaging needed. I order stuff from walmart all the time and my folks send me packages all the time and I've never had problems with the packaging as usual.
I appreciate everything!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

For some reason your email did not come through to me. I appreciate your replying on the forum. I will get the book right out to you. Just received the 2009 discount brochures and will include one with it.

Michele

Anchoress · Guru

Donegal has more than many ever think... Just we tend to keep it more hidden so that it stays free:) Plenty here in all areas. Of course we are biassed...

Melissa G. · Member

Michele,
I received your book today and I can't wait to start looking through it! Thank you very much for your help.
Melissa

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

I'm glad to hear my book made it all the way to Afghanistan. Hope it is in okay shape. It should set you on the right path for your travels. If you need any other info, just let me know.

Michele

Melissa G. · Member

Yes Ma'am it made it in one piece and in perfect condition. I'm not going to want to leave Ireland to come back here to Afghanistan. cry

Maybe I'll go back to Ireland in September for my next R&R. smile

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Glad the book arrived in one piece. You never know what the post office will do to your mail.

That is an excellent plan to return to Ireland again in Sept. I'm sure it is quite a difference from Afghanistan. I imagine it as dry and brown? You will get you rain and green overdose in Ireland. Hope it lasts you through the summer.

Michele

Melissa G. · Member

Michele,
You're right, Afghanistan is dry, brown, HOT (145 F on average all summer) and dangerous. I'll be looking foward to the cooler, greener and safer Ireland by September. I'm sure I'll fall in love with Ireland in May and will be making my September plans as soon as I get back to work.

If I have any questions, I'll ask. Thanks!