Ireland

[Chuck Nessa]

I'm envious, Ed.

One day, I hope to go over.

try the potatoes.

Hm.

Can Pat and Mike jokes be far behind...?

A rather unfortunate comment, Chuck.

You are aware, I hope, of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852. Not cool.

Yes, that's how my grandmother's family came to the US.

The Mahoney's and the Tannahills came here and I am one result, so stick it where the sun don't shine.

[brownie]

And one last thing....if you're feeling adventurous once you reach Kerry, take your car through the Gap of Dunloe. You'll get some dirty looks from the guys running the horse carriages, but its beyond worth it. Its one of the most beautiful stretches of road you'll ever drive down.

I'll second that.

Some very remarkable sceneries in that area!

[Ed S]

Well, I'm back from my trip to Ireland.

I only wish there was a way to compress time so that I could have spent a month's worth of time in the 11 days I had. What a beautiful, beautiful country. The people were friendly, the accommodations very nice and the driving was exhilarating!

The music and pubs were really special. I heard some great traditional Irish music, but also spent time in pubs in various locations that featured rock and modern music infused with Irish themes. I heard a guy named Jim McKee in a pub in Ballyvaughan who was excellent. Had a great time in a really tiny place in Killarney that was packed and hot - but so very nice, and friendly. Heard some great music in a place in Clifden. In Dublin - on our first night we ended up in a small pub near St Stephens Green. I was at arm's length from the guy who was singing/playing guitar. Between sets, I thanked him for making our first night in Ireland so special. Had my first Bulmer's there - and boy do I wish I could get it in the States.

Whether driving or walking or bicycling - there was another beautiful sight around every corner. And thank god for my Garmin Nuvi! I downloaded maps of Ireland and it helped so much. Some of my favorites were Dingle, the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, the view out of my hotel room in Killarney, the night I spent in Ballyvaughan, the Ballynahinch Castle and bicycling on Inish Moor in the Aran Islands. What a great day that was - one of those that you will carry to your grave.

Thanks to all of you who helped me rein in what was an overly ambitious itinerary and come up with something more manageable. I'll tell you though - I could have spent a week at each stop and probably want to spend more time. But one has to try to balance the time you have with what you want to see and what you want to experience.

I hate time.

If/when I return to Ireland, I'll have the entire island north of the highway that runs from Dublin to Galway to explore. Looking forward to it.

Edited July 2, 2010 by Ed Swinnich

[Quincy]

Had my first Bulmer's there - and boy do I wish I could get it in the States.

In the US it's sold as Magners. It's a "rights" thing as to why it goes by another name outside of Ireland.

[Ed S]

Thanks - I'll have to look for some