Mike_in_NY

06/05/01 8:28 AM

A Few Before I Go


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Hello again- First off I just wanted to let you know that your website has been an outstanding help to me in the last month for planning my trip to Ireland-- Having the ability to get those little questions answered by an expert is a resource the is priceless and you are a great person for taking the time out to help everyone-----Your help will make mine as well as many others trips truely enjoyable!!!!!
Now the Questions---
1- Is it better to see the Cliff of Moher in the morning or the afternoon--- Is it usually clearer at some point in the day?
2- On my first full day in Ireland (sat. june 9) I will be driving across ireland from dublin to the cliffs-- What do you suggest as a good stop or detour to break the long trip up?
3- I will start at dublin - drive across to the cliffs and then cirle the coast counter-clockwise back to dublin. Along this path where is the best- most romantic place to go horse back riding? preferably on the beach or a view of the coast.
4- I tend to be quite adventurous and have heard that you can try hang-gliding in ireland-- I found someplaces in Northern Ireland but nowhere in the republic-- Do you know of anyplace that I could try this?
5-Me and my fiance are big animal lovers and would love to stay at a bed and breakfast on a farm with animals--where if possible we could help out or atleast feed the animals--- Where in your opinion is the best place like this to stay?
6- Your opinion where is the most romantic castle for a couple to stay at?
7- And last but not least-- is there anything I could do to return the favor - for all of the help you have given me?
Thanks - a - Million -
Mike




IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
06/06/01 8:24 PM

RE: A Few Before I Go


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Hi Mike,

Thanks so much for your glowing praise--it has made my week!! I'm very happy I could help out with your trip to Ireland. Comments like yours make the time invested here very worthwhile.

Now on to your questions:

1. The best time to see the Cliffs of Moher is when the weather is good (no rain, mist, gale force winds, etc.) Ireland many times has morning clouds that dissipate as the day progresses but this is not always the case. So if it were me I would play it by ear.

2. If you take the Galway road and then head south to the Cliffs you could break up the trip with Belvedere House and Gardens (just south of Mullingar) or Clonmacnoise (ruined monastic city) south of Athlone. Either one is a good choice.

3. The Dingle Peninsula!

4. Try the Irish Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association: www.ihpa.ie/

5. I really don't have a personal recommendation for a farmhouse in the area you will be in where you can help with the animals. However I did inspect a lovely old farmhouse near Cashel called Dualla House that does sheep farming. You could check with them to find out about helping out: www.tipp.ie/dualla-house.htm You might also check the Irish Farmhouse Association: www.irishfarmholidays.com/

6. The most romantic castle in the areas you will be in would probably be Dromoland Castle. Adare Manor (though not a castle) is also very romantic.

7. We would love to hear about your trip upon your return. There is a forum here called "I'm Back! My Trip to Ireland" where you can post trip reports. Also, if you hear of any friends or acquaintances who are planning a trip to Ireland be sure to pass this web site and forum along to them! Other than that, if you have a great trip to Ireland I'll be happy.

Happy travels,

Michele




irrover

06/07/01 1:57 PM

RE: A Few Before I Go


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Here are some websites for Dingle horseriding on the beach

www.dinglehorseriding.com
www.dingleweb.com/elrancho




IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
06/07/01 6:58 PM

RE: A Few Before I Go


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Michael,

Thanks for the Dingle horseback riding links. I ran out of time for listing them in my comments. You will want to note that the second one has changed to a computer/internet service web site. Don't you hate it when they change things?

Michele




irrover

06/08/01 10:41 AM

RE: A Few Before I Go


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Oh well, the dingle website still has that as a link to El Rancho Farmhouse and Stables but obviously they didn't pay their website bills, Oh well!