And, finally -- A list of Ireland's Tourist 'Hot Spots' -- A voted by IRISH tourists! 

http://www.irelandcalling.ie/blog/top-irish-holiday-destinations-as-voted-by-the-irish

Changes to Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead Ferry service:

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/stena-line-confirms-end-of-dun-laoghaire-to-holyhead-route-1.2090954

This looks pretty interesting --  but a tad pricey!  Service begins in June.  Not sure HOW they'll route between cities, though . . .  

Seven day Retro Steam Train Tour:  http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/all-aboard-ireland-gets-its-first-weeklong-steam-train-tour-of-the-modern-age-31002007.html

Just a 'Heads Up' -- For those visiting in May, you might want to avoid driving the Beara on the 23rd of May ---

http://ringofbearacyclekenmare.com/  

TripAdvisor poll lists Killarney as the #1 Ireland Destination!

http://www.killarneytoday.com/were-on-top-of-the-world/

NOT trying to start another Killarney versus Kenmare fight ---       

Just sayin' -----       

Bad News!  Adare thatched cottage burning:  http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/large-fire-breaks-out-in-historic-village-of-adare-680456.html

Looks to be next to / nearby the Blue Door eatery.  

Just saw that too. I posted it on my Facebook page. From the various photos it seems like from the Blue Door Restaurant and to the right. Perhaps the sparks jumped over to the next cottages? Will have to wait for more news.

I hope the self-catering cottage I stayed in and the cottage with the green door on the front of my book are okay. 

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/major-fire-destroys-thatched-cottages-in-adare-1-6784203

Updates:   http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/family-traumatised-as-fire-destroys-historic-cottages-in-limerick-village-680477.html

Killarney is now OFFICIALLY 'Speed Trap City' --    http://www.killarneytoday.com/speed-cameras-now-on-every-main-road-to-and-from-killarney/

Be careful out there . . .     

For the shoppers among us (You know who you are!)

Kerry Craft Trail Brochure: http://www.originalkerry.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/OK-brochure-lo-res.pdf

Postal Strike by 36 Contract Workers shuts down An Post!
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/the-most-exciting-game-youve-never-heard-of-iconic-us-tv-show-to-air-segment-on-hurling-31579038.html

http://theliberal.ie/an-post-workers-strike-to-begin-today-deliveries-may-be-delayed/

Judy --

What shocks / annoys / perturbs me about the An Post situation is that the 36 striking employees that have effectively shut down practically all mail service in Ireland are:
1) NOT government employees, but -- private contract workers.
2) NOT obligated to perform their duties via Labour Court mandate -- Apparently, their contract does not include a 'No Strike' provision -- as the USA has with their quasi-governmental Postal Service.
3) Are 'Proof Positive' that Privatization is NOT always the best choice when it comes to critical government services.

The truth is though, that these workers basically perform the same job, utilizing much of the same equipment, as I serviced and maintained for over 25 years before retiring from the USPS . . . and I would GLADLY offer my services to help keep critical functions operating . . . in exchange for some 'preferred citizenship consideration'

--- Says HE -- Knowing full well that THAT ain't gonna happen . . .

-- Despite the claim that Cork Vision Center is a 'Top' Attraction, I can't say that I have seen this. May not get the chance, now:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/leading-cork-visitor-attraction-to-shut-doors-358335.html

More Info: http://www.corkvisioncentre.com/corkvision2/Main/Home.htm

Itallian Chauffeur wrote:

---

Hurling!
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/the-most-exciting-game-youve-never-heard-of-iconic-us-tv-show-to-air-segment-on-hurling-31579038.html

---

 Itallian Chauffeur-  Thanks for posting these stories, I enjoy reading them.

If this program sparks someones interest in hurling, you might want to check out the Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience.  My daughters and I tried this out during our visit in April, and it was a lot of fun.  We knew nothing about the sport.  You meet at a pub that has some exhibits on the Kilkenny Cats, (who 'are the best - standing top of the pile with 34 All Ireland Championship Titles' the guide tells us), then off to Nowlan Park where they play.  Usually you are able to practice on that field for a little over an hour, but they had recently done some sod work so we went to the adjacent practice field.  Then back to the pub for some stew (included) and a pint (not).

There were 3 brothers, probably 9-13, who were quite skilled and were clearly thrilled to be there.  They made us look even more un-coordinated than we are.

So if you're looking for something different to do in Kilkenny, this may be it for a nice weather day.  A great break for my girls and I from castles and ruins and churches and ruins and...

http://www.thekilkennyway.com/index.asp