# Counting down to honeymoon: Any last-minute advice for an Ireland trip? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 3, 2018, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707 "2018-09-03T20:19:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2018, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/21 "2018-09-07T19:41:35Z")
I spent a week in Ireland last year. Based out of Dublin and did day trips. Giant’s Causeway rocks. Totally. It is unbelievable. I didn’t find Dublin to be more expensive than Paris or London and I’ve been to both. The Guinness “Experience” was a waste of time and money. Take a guided tour of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Loved Dublin Castle. I found the food good and fell in love with Jameson and ginger. Didn’t have time to tour the jail but I heard it’s very good. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2018, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/22 "2018-09-08T23:30:34Z")
> [@Edward\_The\_Head](#): > > Is the bold correct? You’re going to Giant’s Causeway and heading out west? Because the Causeway is way up north, and quite honestly not worth such a detour if that’s all you’re going to see in the area. Yes, we’re going to to the Causeway; it’s part of a very long full day Game of Thrones-theme tour that includes The Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Larrybane, Ballintoy Harbour, and Cushendun Caves. We’ve got the Burren on the list, and I believe our accommodations in Killarney are in the National Park, so that’s covered too. 🙂 Thanks again for all the input; we’ve decided to go ahead and get reception for one of our cell phones as a backup GPS, and we’ve added a few more things to our list. We’re definitely very excited! ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/23 "2018-09-09T21:42:34Z")
Can anyone confirm the driving times that are being quoted online? Barring any side-stops, going straight through (which isn’t going to happen, but still…) and taking main roads, it says less than 4 hours from Dublin to Killarney, and 2.5 from Galway to Dublin. Our trip from Dublin to Killarney will be very relaxed, but we’ll be heading back from Galway to Dublin and have booked dinner at the Merry Ploughboys that evening, so we need to be checked in at the hotel and getting road grime washed off by 4PM at the latest. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/24 "2018-09-11T17:35:20Z")
Its been a few years but… if you are near the Cliffs of Moher, like traditional irish music and are looking for a place to stay, try a B&B in or near Doolin. Great session music at the pubs. In Galway? A trip to the Aran Islands is a good time. Rent a bike at the dock and pedal around. There is also a ferry from Doolin. We went to Inishmore and spent the night. Dun Aonghasa is ancient cliffside fort worth seeing. Slieve League in Co. Donegal is a must see if you are in the area. Hike to the top of some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. It is NOT necessary to do it the morning after too many Guinnesses in Killybegs the night before. (Trust me on that one.) In general, get out and walk. Take the little detours some else mentioned. Congrats and have a great time. Its almost impossible not to. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/25 "2018-09-11T17:47:20Z")
P.S. - Depending on where you are, be careful with “Up the Black and Tans” stuff. The Black and Tans are hated by many in Ireland. If you want a Guinness and a Harp in the same glass, order a “half and half”. > **[Black and Tans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_Tans)** > > The Black and Tans (Irish: Dúchrónaigh) were constables recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as reinforcements during the Irish War of Independence. Recruitment began in Great Britain in January 1920 and about 10,000 men enlisted during the conflict. The vast majority were unemployed former British soldiers from Britain who had fought in the First World War. Some sources count a small number of Irishmen as 'Black and Tans'. > The British administration in Ireland promoted the idea ... ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/26 "2018-09-11T17:58:57Z")
Its been a few years but… if you are near the Cliffs of Moher, like traditional irish music and are looking for a place to stay, try a B&B in or near Doolin. Great session music at the pubs. In Galway? A trip to the Aran Islands is a good time. Rent a bike at the dock and pedal around. There is also a ferry from Doolin. We went to Inishmore and spent the night. Dun Aonghasa is ancient cliffside fort worth seeing. Slieve League in Co. Donegal is a must see if you are in the area. Hike to the top of some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. It is NOT necessary to do it the morning after too many Guinnesses in Killybegs the night before. (Trust me on that one.) In general, get out and walk. Take the little detours some else mentioned. Congrats and have a great time. Its almost impossible not to. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/27 "2018-09-11T18:06:14Z")
Oops. ---
**Author:** ![RadioWave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/91b2a8/32.png) [@RadioWave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioWave)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/28 "2018-09-11T21:03:13Z")
People go to Italy to see the history. People go to France to see the art. People go to Ireland to see the people. The best part of Eire is just talking to the locals or hanging out in a pub chatting. For driving, once you’re on the major roads, it’s not too bad if you can keep your focus on where you are and where you’re supposed to be. Around the Ring of Kerry, as God is my witness, there will come a time when you’re sitting on the wrong side of the car, driving on the wrong side of the road, on a road the width of bike path, in the pouring rain when a herd of suicidal sheep will pop over the hill and charge you. It just happens. My favorite driving moment (other than the sheep) was using a U.S. based navigation app on the phone which couldn’t handle clockwise roundabouts. The second you entered one, it would start shrieking “TURN RIGHT. TURN RIGHT. TURN RIGHT. TURN RIGHT…” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/29 "2018-09-11T21:10:23Z")
In Dublin, I did the Wicklow Mountain tour with [these folks](https://ruraltours.ie/tours/) and can’t recommend it highly enough. Great people, great alcohol, great sightseeing. ---
**Author:** ![Swampwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Swampwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swampwolf)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/30 "2018-09-11T21:15:18Z")
Stay away from [Galway](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgYzbIRGtq4) on a Friday night. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/31 "2018-09-12T01:36:37Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > . . . > > We will not be driving in Dublin, > . . . > We plan on stops at Trinity College > . . . > We asked for the tiniest car possible, but I know that driving will be… interesting. Any tips for the cross-country jaunt, or for driving in Glaway/Killarney? > . . . > I’ve been eyeballing the weather and it’s looking perfect; in general, will we be better off with hiking boots or sneakers? > . . . > When we were recently in Germany, we were a little taken aback at the number of shopkeeps and other folks who asked us our opinion on the state of US politics. Should we expect the same in Ireland? > . . . Not driving in Dublin is a very wise decision. I’ve never had trouble anywhere else, but Dublin maps and street name changes had me reduced to a screaming harpy. Can not stress enough - Spring for the automatic transmission. No matter how well accustomed to a stick shift you are, there will be so many other things to think about, give yourself a break. Take a “walk” through a couple of roundabouts on google maps before you go. Every street in Ireland has been photographed by them, so you can jump into the map and look around at any point. Getting a visual perspective on how the ramps work will make your first day driving much more enjoyable. If you’re at all new to driving left, consider asking the rental place for a “learner’s” sign. It’s basically just a big red “L” that alerts other drivers you’re new to all this. Folks will be incredibly accommodating if they see you’ve got one. Be sure to get both pounds and Euros before you leave the city. I got stuck once because I thought I’d get pounds once I got to Down, but the toll to exit there didn’t take Euros. Re: Politics Conversation is an art form in Ireland. Civil disputes are simple good-hearted entertainment for the most part. If it begins to get heated, just say “Ah, but we are friends nonetheless” and change the subject. But don’t hold yourself back from it; getting to know people is the best part. My European friends are just openly disheartened and confused by what’s happening here. They don’t understand how our current GOP majority happened, much less President Trump. They want to hear it from us. If you’d rather not go there just say “It’s distressing, I’m glad to get away from it for a bit.” or something similar. > [@UDS](#): > > Bring raingear. Preferably the breathable kind. > > Unless you’re hiking, you won’t need hiking boots. But your shoes _will_ get wet, so bring a change of shoes, prefer water-resistant sneakers to the kind with mesh parts, and bring lots of changes of socks. I disagree, I think sturdy shoes are a necessity. Even the sidewalks are not the smooth, even surfaces we are accustomed to. If you do a lot of walking even in the city, your ankles will be getting a major workout. But I do agree about extra pairs. And bring some 2.5 gallon ziplock bags for when you need to put wet shoes into your suitcase. And a [bunch of these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYRKW83/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01LYRKW83&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=4a97ab2f-e708-423b-b8f7-1f785b9d294d&pf_rd_r=4RDMXT58ZBXHADD93EBG&pd_rd_wg=whytX&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=xyDCc&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=2f687c35-b622-11e8-b051-b5b232fb75a1)come in handy to help shoes dry overnight. > [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > . . . > > Oh, and UP THE BLACK AND TANS. > > — Uke, Fellow Irisher This is actually dangerous, don’t do it or say it, and if you drink them at home DO NOT order them in Ireland. The Black and Tans were a brutal “police” force and much hated. > [@Gus\_Gusterson](#): > > . . . > People may talk when live music is being played in a pub. Don’t shush them. > . . . > If you’re in someone’s home and they offer you food or drink (tea and biscuits is common), it’s polite to refuse once (“No, thank you. I couldn’t”). They will offer again and then you can accept. Some people do multiple rounds of this ritual. This can be funny to watch as the host and guest wage a battle both know will end the same way it always does. Mostly good advice, but please don’t talk if someone is singing. Instruments, OK, maybe, but myself I wouldn’t then either. Refusing food or tea [is nearly impossible](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0anR6t56PX8), but [make your best stab at it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaKT2AdJCAc), and always try at least once. You should each have a “party piece” ready to share. This can be a song or a poem or a story even just a short joke. Nobody minds if it’s bad. It’s like showing up at a potluck supper; you need to bring a dish. If folks start going around the circle, you just need to have something to share. > [@MikeF](#): > > P.S. - Depending on where you are, be careful with “Up the Black and Tans” stuff. The Black and Tans are hated by many in Ireland. If you want a Guinness and a Harp in the same glass, order a “half and half”. > > [Black and Tans - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_Tans) Yep. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best! ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/32 "2018-09-12T05:11:33Z")
> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#): > > Tipping at “regular” (non-pub) restaurants is similar to in the US. Except far less expensive. 10% is fine. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2018, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/33 "2018-09-14T00:59:35Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > Can anyone confirm the driving times that are being quoted online? Barring any side-stops, going straight through (which isn’t going to happen, but still…) and taking main roads, it says less than 4 hours from Dublin to Killarney, and 2.5 from Galway to Dublin. Our trip from Dublin to Killarney will be very relaxed, but we’ll be heading back from Galway to Dublin and have booked dinner at the Merry Ploughboys that evening, so we need to be checked in at the hotel and getting road grime washed off by 4PM at the latest. I suspect but haven’t done Dublin to Killarney that 4hrs would more or less do it. Galway City to Dublin City in a motorcar can be done in approx 2hrs these days with the motorway but bear in mind rush hours. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2018, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707/34 "2018-09-14T20:51:48Z")
Thanks to everyone once again for all the insight, advice, and congrats. 😃 It is all very appreciated! I’ll check back in when we get back and let you know how it all went. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-down-to-honeymoon-any-last-minute-advice-for-an-ireland-trip/820707.md?page=1)