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Tafmutt


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Things I learned while walking The Ring of Kerry
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Hi, All.


We just got back from 2 weeks in Ireland, having spend 9 days walking the Ring of Kerry. Here are some things that I learned while there:


Using travelers checks is very iffy...all restaurants looked at them with scorn and wouldn't cash them. ATM's are plentiful and most restaurants take credit cards.


DRINK BEER! A pint of beer in a pub will cost you 2.5-3.5 Euros. A 6-ounce Diet Coke will cost you 2 to 2.5 Euros.


When an Irish person tells you that something will occur at "half-eight" it means "eight thirty".


Early bird dinners (served generally at 4-6 p.m.) at many pubs and restaurants are a real bargain.


Irish merchants LOVE Americans..."they're big spenders"


American politics seldom came up in conversation...that was refreshing.


If you are doing some back country walking, bring some tweezers...ticks are not uncommon. Also, bring a walking stick...they are very helpful on downhill walks.


Think nylon, not cotton in what you wear if you are hiking. Nylon dries in a hurry, cotton stays wet forever. For shoes, think waterproof, not water resistant.


Terrain described as "boggy moorland" means "land in which you'll sink up to your knees if you are not careful".


The Dublin all-day bus pass (at 5 Euros) is the greatest travel bargain in the world.


There are some GREAT Chinese restaurants throughout Ireland.


If you are going to Ireland, make sure to look for Binnofi Pie on the restaurant menus. It is a life-changing experience. I recommend the one at "The Blind Piper" in Caherdaniel.


Make sure you tune in to the TV if there is a "Hurling" match on TV...darndest thing I've ever seen in my life. Kind of like Rugby with wooden weapons and very exciting.


Try "Smithwicks Beer"...some of the finest brew I've ever tasted.


Ask the locals who is the maker of "Poteen" in the area. You'll get a colorful reply.


"Black and White Pudding" is worth trying a bite of...don't ask what it's made of.


If you are hiking and see a sheep with it's head stuck in a fence (you will), be nice and extracate him/her.


If in Dublin, experience the Grafton Street area...lots of street musicians and other fun stuff.


Also go to St. Stephen's Green...a most beautiful park...bring your lunch.


Internet access is very limited along the remote areas of the Ring of Kerry. If you need to contact people via the Internet while you are away. libraries and some post offices have very reasonably priced access.


Buy an Irish knit sweater...beautiful and very affordable.


 


I hope a few of these are helpful to someone who may be going to Ireland. Overall, it was a fantastic trip. The weather was wonderful and the people were exceptionally nice, friendly and accommodating.


Enjoy your trip to Ireland!


Mark


 


 



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Mark Michaud
Maggie L


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Some good points, Mark! And yes, Banoffee Pie is amazing.  It is also really easy to make.  Somewhere in these archives is my recipe I gave to Michelle, but I didn't have much luck trying to search for it.  I'm only a couple days away from leaving for Ireland myself, so it's a little hectic here.  I'll re-enter my easy version, but probably not until I return in early August.


In the meantime, this link will take you to the "original" as well as some variations. http://www.banoffee.co.uk/banoffee/recipes.html


Maggie



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Tafmutt


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Hi, Maggie.


Have fun on your trip.


When you get back, I'd LOVE to have your Banoffee pie recipe!


Regards,


Mark



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Mark Michaud
wojazz3


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Here is the recipe for the Hungry Monk website, the seemly acknowledged inventors of the stuff:


http://www.hungrymonk.co.uk/pages/banoffi.htm


Bill



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Tafmutt


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wojazz3 wrote:

Here is the recipe for the Hungry Monk website, the seemly acknowledged inventors of the stuff: http://www.hungrymonk.co.uk/pages/banoffi.htm Bill

Thanks, Bill.


I've bookmarked the site and am looking forward to experiencing this once again.


Best,


Mark



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Mark Michaud
Michele Erdvig


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Mark,


Welcome back from Ireland. It sounds like a fun experience. You do know that banoffe pie has absolutely no calories, don't you? Maybe it is a good thing we don't have it here. It is a good reason to return to Ireland again.


Thanks for all the tips. If you want to add more details, feel free.


Michele



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Tafmutt


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Michele Erdvig wrote:

Mark, Welcome back from Ireland. It sounds like a fun experience. You do know that banoffe pie has absolutely no calories, don't you? Maybe it is a good thing we don't have it here. It is a good reason to return to Ireland again. Thanks for all the tips. If you want to add more details, feel free. Michele


Hi, Michele.


Believe it or not, we each lost more than 5 pounds despite the fact that we ate like crazy in Ireland. This is testimony to the ruggedness of the hiking over there (and may have something to do with the fact that we're "50-somethings"!).


Thanks for all of your advice.


Mark



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Mark Michaud
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