Home Base - But Where?

Sean · Member

Home Base - But Where?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sean,

As I recall you will be going to Ireland in August. What are your arrival and departures cities? Generally, the smaller towns in more off the beaten path places will give you more interaction with locals. Also, the farther north you go the more you leave the crowds behind. The southwest will be chock-a-block as they say over there. But once you go north of Galway or to the midlands you leave the crowds behind.

I remember that one forum member had a blast by doing things that the locals did rather than tourist-oriented things. She really enjoyed going to the local hall for bingo.

Of the list you gave me Sligo and Carlow are places with fewer tourists. Other places north of the Dublin/Galway line are Donegal, Achill Island, Cavan, Northern Ireland, Westmeath, Leitrim and all of the midlands.

There is a reason that the tourists go where they go. Spectacular scenery and lots to see and do. It really depends on you.

Michele

P.S. What do you want to learn from the local Irish?

Irisheyes · Senior Member

I spent an hour or two in a laundry mat in Mallow, talking to the local ladies. It was fun!

Sean · Member

Michele,

We will be utilizing the Dublin airport exclusively.

With regard to visiting with (and learning from) the Irish, I guess the best way I could put it is that I would very much like to meet the "Michaleen Oge Flynn" (character in The Quiet Man) type person. Just to have the opportunity to listen to the locals, take in a few stories, listen to tradtitional Irish music, etc. would be fantastic. So, as you can see, I think I will be visiting a number of different pubs throughout the course of my stay. I will say this, however, I think the "bingo thing" sounds absolutely hysterical! Am I wrong in thinking that I am going to have a harder time finding this sort of environment in the big tourist areas of the country?

Also, with regard to the scenery, I would think the midlands with all their lakes and rivers would be quite scenic as well. What do you think?

And once again, thank you! You have no idea how nice it is to have this type of resource in planning for a trip. Thanks!

Sean

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sean,

Keep in mind that The Quiet Man was a fantasy! There are few encounters like that in modern day Ireland. Not impossible but certainly few and far between. If you take the time to actually talk with people you may find what you are looking for.

Generally, the older folks have the stories and history. I remember once stopping to talk with a farmer who was working in his field. He told me all about the time when his brother was working in the very same field and the Black and Tans came by and shot him dead for sport. Another time some older gents in Dingle shared quite a few stories with my husband and me. Unfortunately I could only understand about half what they were saying. (Their accents were that thick.) I did understand when they looked at the clear blue sky and told me a storm was coming. Sure enough, next day there was howling wind and rain.

As I recall the Bingo was in Killarney so don't discount places that tourists like to go as no account. The midlands are lovely with green hills and lots of lakes but generally only the fishermen go there since there are not a lot of attractions like castles, gardens, historic houses, etc.

My best advice is to talk with people, strike up conversations with older folks, go to pubs that locals go to and take the time to listen.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Here's an idea .... rent a boat and cruise the Shannon. This is NOT a popular tourist event but it's a blast. You will definitely meet some people that you would never meet otherwise. When you're on the river, it seems it's the one time that locals are as interested in your stories as you are in theirs.

Bill

Sean · Member

Michele, "Irisheyes", and Bill,

Thanks to all of you for the great advice!

Sean

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sean,

You can read all about Captain Bill's adventures on the Shannon here: http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2003/index.htm It is a fun read.

Michele