We just got back from 3 weeks -- in and out through Shannon  to Armagh, Ballycastle, Malin, Bunbeg, Ardara (pronounced arDRAH), Sligo, Clifden, Doolin, Dingle. We put so much work into developing the itinerary and creating the travel document, I'm going to attach it so you can see it. This is our third trip and the format has more or less worked out well. At the end of the trip the pages are covered with scrawled notes, and I think next time I'll leave more space to write.

This is our third trip. I know, I know, you're thinking "Too much stuff on the list". Well, you're right, we did not do everything there, but otoh we did some things we hadn't planned on. Got lost, had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, locals suggested things to do, drove from Sligo to Roscommon to Maeve's seat of power, but the visitor center was closed, had to come back the next day. It happens. Probably a good suggestion is to leave yourself some wiggle room. And that first day was a driving doozey I would not recommend. We couldn't find the well, the bog railway was closed when we got there, etc. By day 3 we were already a day behind!

We are more interested in the land and prehistoric Ireland -- megalithic tombs, stone forts, cairns, stone circles, and the history/mythology of Ireland. Also did some research on my Scots-Irish ancestory. Ran into someone who might be a relative out at Monreagh Heritage Centre. http://youtu.be/JlVlRY-q_tc

Our theme this trip was Spirit and Ecology. And Islands -- we visited three. About a dozen Holy Wells. Not so many pubs this trip, but I always like J Conneely's in Clifden. We walked a lot, up a mountain near Sligo to visit Maeve's Cairn, along the coast. The Burren was one focus, so we stayed three days in Doolin for easy access to it. While in the Burren, if you want a good guided walking tour, I can't recommend highly enough Tony Kirby at http://heartofburrenwalks.com/ . He is knowledgeable in so many ways about the Burren. We went with him again this year, and he promised to get us back before the end of the game.

(What game? Oh, yes, if you're in the South for the hurling finals, you must watch, even if you can't understand what's happening. We missed it but heard the last three minutes of a hair-raising game, and then watched the highlights that night. Seems to be a cross between football, baseball, and la crosse, without all the protective equipment. Ended with a tie, so a playoff is set for Sept 30. Anybody know if it'll be shown on the internet?)

Packed just about enough in two carryon size bags and one larger one so did not have to do much laundry. It's important to take rain gear. This time I brought my rain pants and was glad I did. Sturdy hiking boots so you can tread with confidence through the cow and sheep dung. Binocs are a must for anyone who wants to see things more than a few yards away. Audio recorder for your notes and of course the pub music. Small camera and memory chips. I think we shot a thousand photos and videos.

I recommend all the B&Bs we used. In fact, we have been to Iorras in Sligo and Bunratty Meadows twice now. Ita in Sligo has absolutely the best breakfast we have experienced (out of a couple dozen BBs).