This being my third trip to Ireland and the first with my family, we decided on a 5 day drive around the south west coast. The car, a corsa hatchback arranged through Sixt rentals and picked up from Dubin airport early morning.
Road maps are provided free of cost. All vehicles come with a full tank to be returned empty. There is lovely FM music from 98 and Clare.
The road network is not as complex as the one in England and the traffic is pretty light as there are few motorways. The drive from Dublin to Galway (214 kms), in the south took us 3 hours flat with a short stop on the way for a pint of Guinness (Review later).
Rural Ireland is very pretty and each region has its distinct colors for the buildings and they make perfect picture postcards.
We drove on to the deserted coastline and stopped for the night at the beautiful musical village of Doolin. Went for a few short walks before parking at McGanns pub - the cradle of Celtic music.
We were lucky to listen to the Celtic tenors and some traditional gigs. Mixing with friendly Irish blokes, retired republicans and suspected bombers, we hit bed at the wee hours. Stay as usual was arranged through the net with an Irish family. The stew was particularly enjoyable. Lots of craft shops where you can buy goodies (Apart from Shamrock). Remember Tara singing ’’The coast of Malabar’’.
I bought a Celtic tin whistle home.
The morning next day was spent gazing down the cliffs of Moher. Alhough scary, we enjoyed the morning. I went cold feet by the heights. This part of Ireland is a paradise for those who enjoy driving.
Drove to another small yet famous fishing village called Dingle, where we were greeted by our hosts. Marianne is American and used to work for Microsoft in Seattle (Next room to BG actually). Tom is 100% Irishman and he knows how to sing through his conversation. The riverside cottage is relaxing. The breakfast spread was amazing and worth a picture. The wildflower seeds presented to us by Marianne did bloom despite the punishing rains back home.
In the evening we did a bit of bargain shopping at the local super markets. Picked up some yummy Irish cheese and hit the small bridge pub. Felt nice tapping to the tunes of Drowsie maggie and singing along Danny boy.
Spend the whole of next day driving around sleghead and ballydavid and returned via the connor pass. You would find more of sheep than people there. Took lots of pictures of the blue sea and of some famous landmarks.. the famine memorial, ancient burial grounds, location where Ryan’s daughter was filmed etc. This is probably the only Irish speaking part of the country and Celtic sounded like Sanskrit to me (Celts have Aryan roots). I could speak a few words by now.
The night was spent at the outskirts of the city of Limerick (Shannon) from where we headed for Dublin. Avoided the ring of Kerry. Wanted to go to Killarney to watch a river dance kind of band.. but as we had an early day ahead of us, we decided against the midnight drive.
The south of Ireland is possibly the most beautiful place we have been to and its a lot more rustic than Wales. The Irish are a friendly and hospitable lot (So are the Welsh !!)
But a lot more affordable than England (Gasp 1 £ = 84INR). Road signs are ever confusing and a joke (but a pretty sight)
Many remote cottages and bed and breakfasts to stay. Can live on brown bread, stew and the Guinness. Smoking is not permitted at any of the pubs.. (Ah. another review) so you would find more people outside.
Get to see a lot of Americans who come there to trace their roots. It is said that one would never become a president unless proven Irish.
For best conversion rates, always carry a debit card while travelling abroad.
Dublin
Has its own charm but I like the fact for the ability to cover the city by foot in three hours flat. Grafton street is nice for shopping. The natural soap store and Body shop are cheaper than else where in western Europe.
The tourist office near to the post office has a surprise for your purse with all the goodies.
Go to Dun Laoghire for a quiet evening to walk by the harbour wall or to read about Joyce and Molly. There are a few take away joints and a nice shopping mall. Head south to Howth fishing village and mingle with the locals and share a pint or two.
You can take a day ticket to use DART service.
There is a lot of affordable Celtic music and instruments around that area. Trinity
college should take you to the college days. St. Stephen’s green for the lovers.
Butlers chocolate is worth mentioning so is Bailey’s.
However there is nothing quite like the Guinness (for strength). Howth has some
good stuff so does O’neills pub. The quality is always determined by the thickness
of the Shamrock. What you get in Ireland is special. Yummy sandwiches they sell for 4.50 with lots of chips and veggies and its more than a meal.
Temple bar is too crowded and smells yuk. Avoid but for a quick walk. Never tried any of the so called ’’Indian / Raj’’ eateries around. Not worth the bite I suppose.
https://hidden-dublin.com/tours/tourist_tips01.html
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