This June, in celebration of four things that are very much worth celebrating, I shall be taking a plane to Dublin and not going back to the US for nearly two weeks.
I know I want to spend a few days in Dublin and a few days in Galway. I want to go to Belfast and see County Antrim in Northern Ireland, which is where some of my family is from. Other than that, I have no particular plans at this point.
I’ve been once before, four years ago, where I had a great time hanging out with the unbelievably entertaining and hospitable Irish Dopers.
So two things, here. Anyone have suggestions for things to do while I’m there? And any Irish dopers want to meet me for a drink or three while I’m there?
I realize that this is a long, long time away, but I just bought my tickets and I am terribly excited.
Andygirl–Wow! That sounds exciting.
Have a great time! I wish I had neat-o travel plans for this coming summer. But I don’t.
I would advise getting thee on a road trip. Or something. We all need vacations, after all.
Ireland is beautiful! My wife and I went there for our honeymoon in '89 and got to visit her great-aunts and uncles. We found that if you take the regular roads (stay away from the highway) you will see the real Ireland. Go to a local pub in a small town and you won’t have to buy a drink because they will want to keep the “Yank” talking as much as possible. Of course, if you buy a few pints you will have made a friend for life!
Drive to the Connor Pass on the Dingle Peninsula. Absolutely beatuiful. Also visit the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Claire. You can do the tourist thing and go have a midevil dinner at Bunratty Castle where you are only given a knife to eat with.
When you come back from the North, go to The Downhill House Hotel near Ballina. Wonderful place and they treated us like royalty.
Have a great time!