Unregistered User
(12/11/03 5:26 am)
 
Travel

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Hello,

        Let me start off by saying that if everyone responded to me as you do, my life would be a whole lot easier. You are great. You said, “County Cork covers a large area of Ireland and parts of it (west Cork and Kinsale in particular) are very scenic and have many interesting things to see and do.” Could you elaborate? What are these things to see and do? Please keep my interests in mind. I gathered that you are recommending Kinsale, knowing of my interests of sightseeing and etc. Right?

        You said, “County Kerry contains some of the best sightseeing in Ireland. Areas of it are very tranquil, while others are bustling. You will find it all in Kerry.” Where specifically in Kerry would you recommend, knowing of my interests? You said, “I prefer Kilkenny City.” Do you think I would like this destination based on what I told you about me? The castle in this place is amazing. Does this city offer other sights as well, or is the castle itself the main attraction. Where is it located exactly?

        Also, why do they call Ireland the Emerald Island? I know it has something to do with the greenery. I am however not fully sure. Finally, please respond to me at charlesstathoulis@yahoo.com Thank you. Charlie

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1975
(12/12/03 12:17 am)

Re: Travel

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Hi Charlie,

I'm always happy to help those traveling to Ireland and I'm glad that you found a place to get some answers. First let me say for others that may be reading this message and thinking that they missed out on something, that you first contacted me on AllExperts.com with many questions about Ireland. Some things that you said you wanted to see in Ireland were architecture, sightseeing and Irish ambiance. You also mentioned that you had done a lot of research. That's excellent, as it will help you to narrow down your focus for your trip. Places that you specifically asked me about were Cork City, County Kerry, Galway and Waterford.

In County Cork there are a tremendous amount of things to see and do. Since you obviously have a few books on Ireland, I would suggest going back to them to read up on what appeals to you. I recommended Kinsale for Charles Fort, one of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped forts overlooking the harbor. The town itself is a charming place of hills, small winding streets and flower-bedecked buildings set on the harbor.

County Kerry's claims to fame are many: Killarney National Park, Muckross House & Gardens, Ross Castle, the Lakes of Killarney, Ireland's highest mountains, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and the towns of Killarney, Kenmare and Dingle. There are a myriad of sightseeing options open to you but it all depends on how much time you have available.

In my previous answers, I said that I preferred Kilkenny City to Waterford. Kilkenny Castle is well worth seeing as are St. Canice's Cathedral & round tower, Black Abbey, Rothe House (for the architecture), and I recommend a walking tour of the historic city and its bridges, slips & cobblestone streets. In the surrounding countryside are Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory and Duiske Abbey. Not too far away is the Rock of Cashel. Kilkenny is located about a hour north of Waterford. If you go to my links page and click on Map of Ireland you can locate it.

If you take a look at some of the photos on my web site you will see why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. Much of the country is covered in green fields and vegetation. In fact it is said that in Ireland there are "forty shades of green". I believe there are many more than that.

I'm always happy to reply to inquiries here for free. Ongoing email correspondence, however, is reserved for my clients.

Enjoy your trip!

Michele