Ireland Bucket List

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ireland Bucket List

Michele Erdvig · Host

I will start first.

Skellig Michael. Alas, I will never see it except through binoculars. Why? I don't like heights. Actually I HATE heights. If I went I would fall right off the edge into the ocean and you would never hear from me again.

tony2phones · Guru

Clare Island.. never got there and will probably be disappointed when I do.. but if I don't I wont know..

Boat trip off Mallin Head when the Orca migration is passing,, can't see that being disappointing..

murphy · Guru

Skellig Michael for me too. Not afraid of heights...but turn green if in a boat for very long esp if the water is rough. Climb Croagh Patrick again, when it is NOT cloudy. Blasket islands sound interesting and want to spend 1-2 nights on Inis Mor (or one of the other 2 smaller nearby). An in depth tour of the wee roads of Achille Island. (Probably butchering the spelling!) more time in East Clare in the lake areas as well as some of the rural counties east of county Clare that are less visited by most tourists. After 4 trips, it seems like my bucket list is getting bigger rather than smaller! smile

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I have 'rooted out' MOST of the still remaining Irish Round Towers, but I STILL have about 11 to go. If ALL goes according to plan -- which would be a first! -- hmm

I will visit 7 of those on my upcoming visit, in June. That will leave me with Four -- Two relatively easy to access and two that are NOT: Ram's Island, in Antrim and Tory Island, off to the North of Donegal. I may have to rent a boat and drive myself to Ram's Island, which is difficult, but NOT insurmountable -- but for Tory Island, I'll HAVE to take the Ferry which is infamous for stranding people on the Island due to rough seas and bad weather. doh doh

Likewise, I'll need to schedule 3 or 4 days in and around the ferry port, HOPING for decent weather!

From a site EXTOLLING the virtues of visiting Tory:

"Talking about it; when the sea gets too rough the boat won't go. That means you could get stuck on the island. Even on a reasonably good day the trip can be challenging for a landlubber. The boat is not particularly big and when it cuts its way through the massive waves of the Atlantic you get an impression how the hamster felt that you put in the dryer when you were a child. It's fun.

Tory Island view from Cliff (c) K. Busch Sometimes - especially during winter when heavy storms approach from the Atlantic - the island is cut off from the rest of the world for weeks."

It will probably be my LAST Round Tower -- but, SOMEDAY . . .

Judy · Guru

Not much left on the Bucket List except maybe the Wicklow Mountains and coastline. Never been to Loop Head so I would add that. I guess the big thing would be to find my grandfathers grave. I have scoured two graveyards where I was told he may be, but no luck so far.

wckc · Guru

Judy - only two graveyards? We have searched 10 in the Ballaghaderreen area searching for Keith's gr-gr grandparents...

We have so many things on our bucket list - it's going to take me awhile to get it all put together!

Pic · Veteran Member

Oh I agree! I have a long list too So many places I want to see. Achill Island comes to mind right away. I've been to Westport three times now and never been able to squeeze in a trip out there. Also the northern reaches of County Donegal has always intrigued me. Sixth trip coming up in Sept 2015 - maybe I can cross one of these off the list. But if not - that's just another reason to return!

Roy · Guru

Skellig Michael and Giants Causeway, neither of which will I see on this years trip.

EHannan · Member

For some reason, I find County Donegal fascinating. Sort of untamed maybe? Looking forward to riding a horse on the beach somewhere in Donegal this fall. Suggestions?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Yes, Donegal is considered Ireland's wild west. As they say it is different up there. Less populated, wide open spaces and beautiful beaches.

http://donegalequestriancentre.com/beach-rides/