Leaving Friday

Roy · Guru

Leaving Friday

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on taking your first trip to Ireland. I'm sure it won't be your last since your wife's family lives there. Do you have any reservations yet other than your first night? It might be advisable because August is high season.

You do realize that Doolin is in the Burren? It is also pretty close to Kinvara. But I'm sure you must have a reason for changing where you are staying. Perhaps you are attending the banquet at Dunguaire Castle?

I love Roundstone. It is a very small village in a scenic setting. O'Dowd's Restaurant has good food and there are scenic walks and lovely beaches around there. Be sure to see Dog's Bay. Connemara would make an excellent day trip. The Sky Drive near Clifden is a must.

I hope you enjoy your trip and meeting your mother-in-law and new relatives. What fun!

Michele

Roy · Guru

Thank you for the nice greeting. Yes, I am aware that Doolin is in the Burren. Kinvarna was a nice stopping place between Doolin and Roundstone, as Galway was booked due to the races. And yes, we have B&B reservations for each night.

I'm looking forward to spending the second week being less of a tourist and being away from the tourist areas and getting to know my wife's family. I have met most of her sisters and her brother. I am sure it will be a much different experience then the first week.

Roy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

You will have the best of both worlds. You will be a tourist for the first part of your trip and a local for the rest!

Michele

Roy · Guru

Michele,

It really is a unique opportunity. After a week of being and dealing with tourists, I suspect that I am going to enjoy "life on the farm." My wife keeps warning me that her mammy will be showing me off.

They live about five miles from Moate, not too far from Mullingar, in Co. Westmeath. I'm also looking forward to the day trip by train to Dublin. Even though I'll have a rental car, I'm looking at having a relaxing trip. It seems like it's a common theme that people try to run a marathon around the country. And you're right, I look at thia as the start of many, hopefully annual, trips to Ireland.

By the way, ater a night at the Oak Wood Arms hotel in Shannon, we're staying at the Dubhlinn House B&B in Doolin for three nights, Burren View B&B in Kinvarna for one, and Ivy Rock House B&B in Roundstone for two.

Thank you for the suggestions on places to see in Roundstone. It's been highly recommended by some people I know as well.

Roy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

Of course you will be "shown off" to all the family. You couldn't avoid that if you wanted to! You will have to let us know how it goes.

Dubhlinn House is nice. I visited it in 2005 and Joan Reilly is a lovely host. I'm sure you will enjoy your time there. I am not familiar with the one in Kinvara, however Ivy Rock in Roundstone is very nice. It has been listed in my book for several years. Tell Catherine "hello" from me. If you like hiking there is an island (reached by bridge) across from her B&B.

Bon voyage! Enjoy your trip to Ireland and the family.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 01:06, 2006-07-27

Roy · Guru

Michele,

Thank you,

Roy

Melissa5 · Guru

Roy, have a wonderful time! The Irish are friendly and hospitable, and refreshingly down-to-earth. If you're not Irish already, you will definitely be Irish by the time you arrive.

In Doolin when everyplace else had a wait, we ate at Bruach na haille next door to McGann's pub. The food and prices were good.

Enjoy!