# Going to Ireland in May. Anything I should know? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 16, 2007, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518 "2007-02-16T18:29:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/21 "2007-02-16T21:48:20Z")
I have to confess I didn’t enjoy Newgrange, but it wasn’t because there was anything about the place that wasn’t fascinating. It’s just that I visited it a few short months after being through the Northridge earthquake, and I had a massive claustrophobia attack inside the tomb when our guide explained that the roof had shifted in an earthquake several thousand years ago. Yeah, it wasn’t exactly rational of me, especially since it’s so roomy inside the tomb, but if you’re prone to claustrophobia, the entrance to the tomb is definitely a bit scary. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/22 "2007-02-16T21:49:41Z")
After reading all of your responses and checking out your links I’m starting to really champ at the bit. I’m so excited I could explode. I definitely will show this thread to my cousin. Another question. We are both lesbians. Niether of us would be easy to peg and although we are “proud” we aren’t stupid. I’m not going to be all “flag on liberty” while there. But, both of us are forward gals that are quick on the firm handshake with a man and I often engage guys in conversation as if I’m, well, one of the guys. I’m not a brash asshole but I’m not always ladylike either. How might I be received in the smaller pubs and whatnot? ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/23 "2007-02-16T22:39:39Z")
Ooooh, Dingle. Don’t miss Dingle. And take the conor pass road. Beautiful and scary. Stay over night in Doolin. Great music in the pubs, and amazingly friendly b&bs. Not far from the cliffs of moher and not too far from the burren. If you go to the Skef pub in Galway, right off the Square, say Hi to my cousin Sammer. He’s the bouncer. And a great guy. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/24 "2007-02-16T23:13:03Z")
Kilkenny was our favorite, Killarney was too touristy I thought (but the people were wonderful). Newgrange/Knowth is a must see, in my opinion. [Cobh](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobh) is neat, if you’re interested in Titanic stuff (beautiful town, but the surrounding area was rather industrial, some pics [1](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179475647/51)[2](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179474845/46)[3](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179475002/47) [4](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179475170/48) [5](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179475355/49) ) I could spend a month in Dublin ([Christchurch](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179492850/105) and from our hotel [window](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/donegalbob/album/576460762318829028/photo/294928803179492633/103) ). It didn’t really take long to get used to driving - the roundabouts were the worst, driving on the left was easy. We avoided Bunratty and Blarney. Hmm, what else? Oh, Book of Kells at Trinity! And don’t bring warm clothes, it’ll give you an excuse to buy a sweater or three. Next time I want to visit Donegal, where my family is from. I’m told the rugged beauty of that part of the country is simply breathtaking. Colorado was drought-stricken when we went, so the green was even more amazing. Vacant lots in Dublin were greener than my poor lawn at home. Someday we **will** go back. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/25 "2007-02-17T00:57:49Z")
Don’t discuss religion in Belfast. They aren’t asking your favorite color, when they ask if you’re for the orange or the green. Don’t make fun of the sheep. Don’t stare at a man’s date, if it looks like a sheep. The Irish believe in fairies, they just don’t trust them. When asked if you’ld like to see the wee ladee, it’s not a lepricon. Bagpipes are a Scotish instrument, the Irish play the flute. The local pub will not have people dancing in black tights. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/26 "2007-02-17T15:32:31Z")
I’ve been twice - once with a rental car and once by tour bus. The car was nice (freedom) but the bus guide was very knowledgeable so I learned more about history and even obscure things I would have driven right by on that trip. I liked the West the best. I’ll just list my faves and musts sees from my two trips - some may be touristy, but outside the attractions, it’s much like being home, in a way. Pub-sitting is fun. In no particular order: Newgrange Glendalough Giant’s Causeway Dingle (the Slea Head drive,Conor pass, and the town and its pubs) Kerry (stayed in Sneem, went horse back riding) Cliffs of Moher Aran Islands The Burren Shopping and drinking in Galway More I’m forgetting…I love it there. ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/27 "2007-02-17T22:35:15Z")
[QUOTE=Harmonious Discord] Don’t discuss religion in Belfast. They aren’t asking your favorite color, when they ask if you’re for the orange or the green. .[/ld like to QUOTE] True enough but most tourist areas in Belfast are devoid of that sort of carry-on. > [@](#): > > Don’t make fun of the sheep. What’s to make fun of? > [@](#): > > Don’t stare at a man’s date, if it looks like a sheep. In all seriousness, the level of random violence in Dublin is quite high. Don’t stare at anyone. > [@](#): > > The Irish believe in fairies. No, we don’t. > [@](#): > > When asked if you’see the wee ladee, it’s not a lepricon . Can’t imagine where you would be asked this and by whom. > [@](#): > > Bagpipes are a Scotish instrument, the Irish play the flute. We have our own pipes which sound a lot better, the Uilleann pipes. > [@](#): > > The local pub will not have people dancing in black tights Most likely not but there is still a decent rave scene in Dublin. I know your post was in jest but I was just giving you some grief. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/28 "2007-02-17T22:38:38Z")
[QUOTE=Lochdale] We have our own pipes which sound a lot better, the Uilleann pipes. [/QUOTE] Uillean pipes are a form of bagpipe. ---
**Author:** ![According\_to\_Pliny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/29 "2007-02-17T22:43:09Z")
Be prepared to be searched crossing in and out of Northern Ireland. Not a problem, but the questions struck me as odd when the soldiers with rifles at ready asked them: “What’s an American crossing this border for?” Um… my guidebook shows there’s more stuff to see on the other side. “Oh, yes! Both countries have much to offer tourists.” So, what was I before they decided I was a tourist? ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/30 "2007-02-17T22:43:23Z")
[QUOTE=GorillaMan] Uillean pipes are a form of bagpipe. [/QUOTE] And? Bagpipes are still popular in Ireland but the Uillean pipes are more common on the trad scene. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/31 "2007-02-17T22:43:44Z")
[QUOTE=Lochdale] We have our own pipes which sound a lot better, the Uilleann pipes. [/QUOTE] Well they are certainly better for misty-eyed film soundtracks. Charging into battle, or just generally scaring the neighbours, not so much. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/32 "2007-02-17T22:44:42Z")
[QUOTE=According to Pliny] Be prepared to be searched crossing in and out of Northern Ireland. Not a problem, but the questions struck me as odd when the soldiers with rifles at ready asked them: “What’s an American crossing this border for?” Um.. my guidebook shows there’s more stuff to see on the other side. “Oh, yes! Both countries have much to offer tourists.” So, what was I before they decided I was a tourist? [/QUOTE] They’re still doing that? I was through on my way to Bundoran in December and there were no checkpoints. What check point did you cross? ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/33 "2007-02-17T23:17:24Z")
Locdale I figured you were having a bit of fun like I. Here’s another nasty border for tourists. The park is so ironic and an actual embarassment in my opinion. [Border Field state park.](http://www.choisser.com/border/borderfl.html) ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/34 "2007-02-17T23:20:43Z")
I never got searched going into/out of N. Ireland. I didn’t even know we’d crossed until I noticed the road signs were different. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/35 "2007-02-17T23:29:09Z")
[QUOTE=According to Pliny] Be prepared to be searched crossing in and out of Northern Ireland. Not a problem, but the questions struck me as odd when the soldiers with rifles at ready asked them: “What’s an American crossing this border for?” Um.. my guidebook shows there’s more stuff to see on the other side. “Oh, yes! Both countries have much to offer tourists.” So, what was I before they decided I was a tourist? [/QUOTE] This tip is more than a decade out of date. It used to be really intense, but there are no checkpoints any more. Not even border markings in some places, as **Lochdale** and **Boscibo** confirm. ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/36 "2007-02-18T00:29:21Z")
[QUOTE=jjimm] This tip is more than a decade out of date. It used to be really intense, but there are no checkpoints any more. Not even border markings in some places, as **Lochdale** and **Boscibo** confirm. [/QUOTE] That’s my understanding as well. I can tell you a great story about being in the Enniskillen RUC station in 1994. I nearly wet myself. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518/37 "2007-02-18T01:04:49Z")
[QUOTE=Lochdale] That’s my understanding as well. I can tell you a great story about being in the Enniskillen RUC station in 1994. I nearly wet myself. [/QUOTE] OK. It sounds interesting, do tell. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-ireland-in-may-anything-i-should-know/392518.md?page=1)