Ireland

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Best: Dingle
Why: Dingle is a place of both historical (and pre-historical) importance and is a wonderful place for the best qualities of live music. And some pretty darn good food. Comfortable, and despite the high Euro, not all that expensive. The chef that made Out of The Blue so incredible (I think his name is JeanMarie) now has his own place - the Goat Lane Cafe, around the corner from Dick Mack's - Superb cuisine nouvelle for E15 to E20

Rob Wilson in San Francisco , CA USA 07/07/2008

Best: Trinity College (Book of Kells); Kilmainham Gaol; Newgrange; St. Stephen's Green
Why: The feeling of history and authenticity; good tour guides; relaxing environment

Worst: Dublin Castle; Temple Bar
Why: Though not bad, the castle and Temple Bar feel very touristy and modernized... far better options exist outside the Dublin area

Randy in San Francisco, CA USA 06/30/2008

Best: Dingle Peninsula (Slea Head Drive), National Museum of Ireland, Irish National Stud Farm and Gardens, Muckross House and Gardnes
Why: Breathtaking views, beautiful gardens (if you like to visit gardens)and a fabulous museum.

Worst: Crowds in Dublin and driving.
Why: It takes a couple of days to feel comfortable driving on the left and losing your fear of roundabouts.

Judy G in Paris, TN USA 06/15/2008

Best: Milestone B & B
Why: Barbara and Michael are the best hosts ever. I have traveled around Ireland several times and their place is the at the top. Plus, they serve the absolute best brown bread in all of Ireland!

Brian Delameter in Riverside, CA USA 06/13/2008

Best: Dingle Peninsula Tour
Why: The ruined church of Kilmalkedar and its graveyard with a mix of ancient and modern graves was amazing. The Gallarus Oratory was like nothing I've ever seen, and the tip about the guy who trys to trick you into paying to see it was very nice. That guy is such a liar that he even put up a no left turn sign so that people wouldn't drive down the lane and see it for free.

Robin in Austin, TX USA 06/03/2008

Best: Biking the Dingle Peninsula and Biking the Aran Islands
Why: Both were just amazing - gorgeous! The peninsula was certainly more challenging, but we found the drivers to be amazingly courteous, and it was just fun. And - I can't imagine seeing the Aran Islands any other way than on a bike - what a special time!

Worst: Portrush...
Why: This was a tough stop for us, because most people appeared to be over 60 and there was no "night life" at all. The area is beautiful and the Beulah Guest House was very nice. But, the town seemed so tired and just left-behind. Maybe it's more "buzzing" in the middle of summer, but if that's the case, perhaps that's worth mentioning!

Annie in Denver, CO USA 05/28/2008

Best: Belfast sightseeing
Why: http://www.belfastattractions.co.uk was recommended by fellow tourist who we meet in Belfast.After the taxi tour in the Ricks book was fully booked.1 word awesome

Worst: open top bus
Why: its was raining very very heavy.

george clake in London, uk 05/28/2008

Best: Dun Laoghire
Why: We chose Dun Laoghire on May 12,13,14 2008, because we did not want to pay the higher prices that decent hotels in Dublin center command, and we were looking for a quiet layover after a very busy 28 day trans-atlantic Mediterranean cruise, before heading to Boston. Dun Laoghire is an easy DART ride into Dublin, yet it provides a taste of Ireland where the Irish live, outside of a central tourist center. Rick was right in recommending this seaside ferry port for people on a short stay who wish have a taste of both the metropolis and the countryside. On a two day visit we took the DART down to the Wicklow mountains and the seaside resort of Bray, and then into the city for the HOP-on/off double decker bus tour. The TI information staff person at the Dun Laoghire ferry terminal was most helpful in planning which DART train stop we should use on our city tour. Dun Laoghire is definitely worth the stay, for those on a short stop over or for people wanting to drive and take their car over to England if they are doing a self drive tour.

Judith Medeiros in Naples, FL USA 05/28/2008

Best: All good but I would upgrade the Guiness Storehouse from * to **
Why: There was a lot to see, most of it interesting. A free Guiness (not counting the tasting room), a chance to draw your owm from the tap, and a great view at the end to enjoy your drink.

Noel & Denise Underwood in Vienna, VA USA 05/25/2008

Best: St. Finan's Bay, Muckross House
Why: St. Finan's is just beautiful--the view is just as I imagined the coast to be (wild waves and rocky) and the beach is wide and accessible. Mucross grounds are magnificent and lush.

Worst: None!
Why: Every place recommended was worth seeing.

Mary E. Thanasouras in Palm Beach, FL USA 05/22/2008

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Great scenery and interesting history.

Mike Brown in Harford, NY USA 05/16/2008

Best: Beachcove B&B, St. Finan's Bay, Kerry
Why: Wonderful hostess, Bridie O'Connor-a very kind lady who treated us like family. Stayed in the cottage--wonderfully decorated with pleasant tv room with a bay view, 2 bdrms, 2 baths and kitchen. All on St. Finan's Bay where we saw surfers! We loved every minute spent there!

M. Thanasouras in Palm Beach, FL USA 05/15/2008

Best: Slea Head Road, Dingle
Why: The views were spectacular, we felt as if we were experiencing the "real" Ireland, and it was a thrill to be able to get out of the car and touch the ancient relics along the roadside.

Worst: Cliffs of Moher
Why: While not a horrible destination, we were disappointed to find that the access to the edge of the cliffs has been closed.

Lisa Natcharian in Wilbraham, MA USA 05/09/2008

Best: Squigl Restaurant, Duncannon
Why: Located in a pleasant coastal town in County Wexford, this restaurant's menu was filled with original, delicious dishes, well presented. Servers were friendly, helpful and efficient. The experience was both elegant and relaxing.

Worst: Fishy Fish Shop and Deli, Kinsale
Why: We got to Kinsale at lunchtime and looked for the Fishy Fish Shop and Deli, but found ourselves at the Fishy Fish Cafe. It was a beautiful day, and the place was completely full inside and out with a long line. In spite of the hectic situation, we were favorably impressed that two busy servers took the time to direct us to the Shop. When we got there, we waited at the door for 15 minutes and were completely ignored. If there was a system, no one told us about it. Occasionally someone who appeared to be a hostess would glide by with a party of people but never made eye contact. At that point more than two thirds of the tables inside were empty. After ten more minutes, I went up to one of three shop workers milling around the counter (which had no customers) and asked how we might be served. She snapped back in a very surly manner that we had to wait in line. Even after being ignored and scolded, we waited five more minutes before heading out to find lunch by the water. That was definitely the most unfriendly and disorganized establishment we encountered during our month in Ireland.

Ron in Seattle, WA USA 04/20/2008

Best: The Dingle Penninsula
Why: Like Rick, my Irish dreams will now be set around Dingle. It is a gorgeous area and it reminds me a bit of where I grew up.

Worst: Hill of Tara
Why: The historical significance is facinating but the spot itself is much better viewed from an aerial photograph than actually being at, especially off-season.

Natalie in Martin, WI USA 04/08/2008

Best: Aran Islands, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park, medieval banquet at Dunguaire Castle
Why: Biking on Inis Mór and seeing Dún Aengus made for a great day. The medieval banquet at Dunguaire Castle was a wonderful way to start our trip. The food and entertainment were fantastic!

Worst: Cliffs of Moher, the Burren
Why: Dún Aengus was better than the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren was interesting but not worth the detour.

Karis in Madison, WI USA 03/31/2008

Best: Foxford wollen mills: Co.Roscommon
Why: Foxford mills had really good quality irish goods an is an ideal spot to take a break.Roscommon is a very nice unspoilt county lots of stone walls and no tour busses.

harry watson in Raleigh, nc USA 02/12/2008

Best: Either the Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin or the Historic Town Walk in Kinsale. Both were great.
Why: Musicians were personable and informative. Musical selections were very enjoyable.

Barry in Kinsale has a great personality. He made it interesting and fun.

Nelson Tennison in Mandeville, LA USA 12/09/2007

Best: The Cliffs of Mohr
Why: They are the most dramatic natural wonder my wife and I have seen. We've been on the Great Wall in China (though not natural, but still awesome) and the Grand Canyon among other places, but this is the most incredible place we have been.

Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Pitlochry were excellent recommendations, also.

Bill Sims in Encinitas, CA USA 11/27/2007

Best: Cliff of Moher, Bogside Artist Tour
Why: The Cliffs were spectacular with amazing views. The Bogside Artist Tour was led by one of the artists, and it was an amzing way of learning the history behind the murals and the issues that they have faced and how they are moving forward.

Worst: Doolin
Why: This little village had 5 tour buses which over-ran the entire town. It looked like it normally had charm, but there were a few gift shops and a pub open and that was the extent of the village. We took one look and headed to a more sedate scene!

jlb49 in Houston, TX USA 11/26/2007

Best: DINGLE area
Why: It was fantastic scenery. Would go back in a heartbeat.

Bill & Kathleen Bradburry in DeBary, FL USA 11/20/2007

Best: Kinlay House, Galway
Why: For a hostel, this place had great accomodations. We had a private double with private bathroom. The breakfast was sufficient; the staff were very accomodating and helpful. The location was great' right by the main square of town. There is an elevator to their 4th floor accomodations (with great view of Galway).

Mary and Bob Davidson in Greenwood, SC USA 11/17/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Easy to travel; lots of great sights; more to see than on Ring of Kerry (we thought)

Mary and Bob Davidson in Greenwood, SC USA 11/17/2007

Best: Donegal
Why: We rented a holiday house in Inver on the bay for E 210 for a week in October. Similar experiance in Doolin. I know you advocate the 21 day tour. We took closer to 10 weeks. January and October. My wife is an O'Gorman with a family farm at Boherbue in county Cork with 3rd cousins and cousins who have vistied us at Killegh, co cork. We spent a week with cousins both times.

My wife found her Mother's Mothers family, McGroatry's around Inver.

Walking up Slieve League was one of our best days in Ireland and it was free.

Runing down family ties is the most fun.

What would you reccomend for longer trips than 21 days?

Dan Hogan in St. Louis, MO USA 11/16/2007

Best: Biking the 30mile Dingle loop
Why: If I got creamed by a tour bus and went to heaven I'd be in the same place...biking in Dingle!! It was like I was pure energy sucking up fresh air and scenery!!It was a much needed exercise experience. Even with a flat tire,(Eileen and Tim Collins free bikes), it was a wonderful walk back to Dingle(the last 10 miles. Heaven!!but..read on..to the worst..

Worst: Biking the 30mile Dingle loop
Why: I am 52 years old , and this was the scariest thing I ever got myself into. As two-way traffic did their best not to knock us off our bikes..there are no shoulders on the road...only hills and hairpin turns, and big trucks, huge tractors, and monster tourist buses whizzing by, and this was Oct.23rd!!Image what high season would be like. Readers should be warned of the danger. I was too scared to stop and read Ricks'self-guided tour. I was still in heaven!!!

Deborah Wehunt in Mesa, AZ USA 11/12/2007

Worst: VAT tax refund
Why: Do not get the "moneyback" export VAT refund card. They gave this to us at the Blarney Woollen Mills store. It records all you purchases and is supposed to make obtaining your refund easier. It does not!!! The kiosk at the airport was down,no one available in customs, unable to download the form needed from the site. Phone # in brochure is wrong.

Deborah Cassin in Rosemount, MN USA 11/06/2007

Best: Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, N Ireland
Why: Each cottage you came to had someone explaining and showing how they baked, or made something. Everything was as you thought it probably was for the early residents. And we ate lots of blackberries as we walked the trails. Loved it!

Worst: Irish National Stud Farm
Why: What a disappointment. Cost lots, and you just walk around by yourself in these big fields. Only saw a couple of horses!!

Linda in Kailua, HI USA 11/01/2007

Best: Dingletown and Dingle Pennsulia
Why: Breathtaking scenery, historical sights; wonderfully quaint village with great pubs, shops, people, B and B's and views. We used and enjoyed the driving tour.

Worst: driving in Ireland
Why: We would do it again in order to see the country and Dingle, but it was pretty stressful. Between driving on the left and the inadequate signs, we could not relax at all while driving. Next time, it might be easier knowing what to expect.

Beth Amos in Raleigh, NC USA 10/24/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Beautiful scenery. History. Character. We also really enjoyed the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.

Kris in Glendale, CA USA 10/17/2007

Best: Giant's Causeway
Why: It was natural... spiritual... a very special place not to be missed by anyone!!!

Worst: Dunguaire Castle, Kinvarra, CO. Galway
Why: It was definitely not worth the money... it was traditional AMERICAN food... not Irish or of the period. We were squeezed together tightly on narrow benches which may have been traditional, but certainly showed us they were trying to stuff too many people in a small area to make money. We did not have traditional poetry as promised and mead was not available except a small cup upon entrance. One of the singers was accomplished but one was very amateurish and NOT a good singer or actor. The people running the banquet were especially pleasant and nice but, we arrived over an hour early to tour the castle, but could not even get in as they prepared for the banquet. We were told we could come back the next day as they did not include a tour as part of the banquet. (Our travel plans did not allow for this.) Rick says this castle is much better than Bunratty Castle which we saw in 2000, we disagree. Sometimes smaller is NOT better although the idea had appealed to us.

Carol & Rich Fike in Montrose, CO USA 10/14/2007

Best: Page 262 – Shane Connolly’s tour of the Burren was the highlight of our 23 day trip to Ireland.
Why: He is completely knowledgeable about the geology, flora, fauna, and human history of the Burren. His hike and presentation offer a comprehensive, interesting, extremely well thought-out, and often humorous explanation of an area like none other in the world. It was a fun excursion. He obviously loves his topic and enjoys explaining it to others. Highly recommended.

Worst: Cong,
Why: I love “The Quiet Man”, but Cong is not Innisfree. The town is nothing special. The Quiet Man cottage is a disappointing souvenir shop in the wrong location to evoke any of the movie’s charm. The ruins at Cong Abbey (page 279) have little of interest compared to many other better, but similar sights in Ireland. For example, the Office of Public Works (OPW) tour of Jerpoint Abbey (south of Kilkenny) was much more interesting and rewarding. Jerpoint Abbey should be added to “Ireland 2008” Ashford Castle is just another luxury hotel for rich people.

Richard Pine in Rockville , MD USA 10/12/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: gorgeous scenery, quaint little fishing villages

janet james in smiths falls, on canada 10/12/2007

Best: Cill Bhreac House in Dingle Bay
Why: The bed and breakfast was sensational. Angela was very helpful in helping us find our way around, and recommending the best places to go to eat. The bed and breakfast was wonderful and the breakfast was very good

Sandra L Heck in Port Orange, Fl USA 10/09/2007

Best: Kilmainham Gaol; Dingle/Slea Head Drive
Why: We walked to the Gaol from Heuston Station--a mistake as it's a lot farther than it looks, it started raining, we got lost, it started pouring, we were soaked, there was a large crowd on our tour (on a Wednesday afternoon in October), and it was still the best experience of our trip. Not to be missed. On our Slea Head drive, we found sheep making their way out to the Blasket ferry-just like the post card pictures! Our host gave us directions to a perfect picnic spot (at the site of the school house in Ryan's Daughter). The drive was an incredible mix of history and gorgeous scenery.

Worst: Malone Lodge in Belfast
Why: The front desk personnel were not helpful and seem uninterested (in the city, their jobs, and us). They forgot our wake-up call, gave incorrect directions to a closed internet cafe, told us we could store bags at the bus station (there is no left luggage at bus station due to bomb threat). Overpriced and the least hospitable of all of our stays.

Susan & Steve in Fort Collins, CO USA 10/09/2007

Best: O'Neachtain Clifts of Moher and Dingle Archaeology Tour
Why: Excellent tours with great history lession. All of the tours we took were excellent.

John and Anita Dumire in Chicago, Il USA 10/08/2007

Best: Dingle B&B called Greenmount House
Why: Great rooms, friendly & very professional service not to mention outstanding food.

Marc Belanger in Montreal, Qc Canada 10/06/2007

Best: Tossup between Kinsale and Kilkenny
Why: Kinsale: Beautiful seaside town with excellent food. Bulman's and other nice spots. Good pubs, good music and friendly folks. Kilkenny: Outstanding traditional town with several great pubs - greyhound, Lawlors etc. In both of these locations we found excellent prices on sweaters, and the typical stuff you'd take home.

But most of all, it's the little places like the little town of Boris, where you stop by O'Shea's for a pint and a shot and great craic

Worst: Dublin
Why: Aside from the historic features, it's just another big city full of tourists. Once you're out of town you immediately see the real Ireland

Steve Nelson in Poulsbo, WA USA 10/05/2007

Best: Rent a car - a small one!
Why: Ireland's backroad experience would not have been possible for us without a rented car. Lovely trip and experience. Driving on the "other" side of the road was just fine.

Theresa in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/01/2007

Best: Slea Head Loop on the Dingle Peninsula
Why: The most gorgeous and accessable views of the trip. The Blasket Heritage Center. Archeological sites.

Ellen Veazey in Norway, Ma USA 09/27/2007

Best: Avondale Guest Accomodation, Waterford
Why: Excellent room - larger than most B&B rooms. Excellent service - Margaret Fogarty sent the passport I had left in the room to me in Dublin by train.

Juan Bowen in Rochester, MN USA 09/23/2007

Best: Peady O'Donnell's Pub in Derry
Why: We sat down with our pints and a fellow named Martin (a Derry resident) came over to us and included us in his group of locals and travelers. He and Margaret (another local) sang and told jokes and we had the absolute best time (early September 2007)

Worst: the ordnance survey recommendation
Why: we found that was a waste of money - we used Rick's directions to various places and the map from Dan Dooley's car rental

chris and jim helman in berea, oh USA 09/22/2007

Best: Kinsale
Why: I would have sacrificed some days in other places to add a couple more in Kinsale. It was a culinary delight and among the least expensive places to get a high-quality gourmet meal.

Worst: Cliffs of Mohr, Giant's Causway, Rope Bridge
Why: Maybe it's because I live near the coast, but I did not find these coastal regions to be all that awe inspiring and not really worth the effort. The Cliffs of Mohr was much too overcrowded (in Sept) to enjoy the scenery. I can only imagine what it's like there in mid-summer.

Scott Joiner in Santa Clara, CA USA 09/21/2007

Best: Dun Aengus, Inishmore
Why: Even more amazing in person than in any pictures I've ever seen. And the Rock of Cashel was great too!

Worst: The Burren & Matt Malloy's, Westport
Why: Maybe it was just our first day but the sights were not as great as I had imagined. Traveling through Connemara was much more impressive!

Matt Malloy's in Westport was a nice little place but even on a Tuesday night was filled with more Americans than Irish. Just a bit dissapointing!

Sara Curran in St. Louis, MO USA 09/17/2007

Best: Garnish House, Cork City, Ireland
Why: Garnish House, Cork City, Ireland the best B& B that I have ever stayed at. They have the best irish breakfasts in the world and the owner is wonderful. the rooms were modern, immaculate and beautiful and she gave us warm scones and tea upon arrival. I highly recommend.

melissa in boston, ma USA 09/05/2007

Best: Hiking in the Burren and GAA museum in Dublin
Why: Outstanding flowers and rocky terrain. we hike the Palowak Cairn(SP) trail to the top of a hill near the Cahercommaun ring fort. There was also a perfumery fairly close by that had a great free AV presentation. Caught a high school hurling game, GAA hurling match and football game in a pub with the locals and really like the GAA museum in Dublin, but may not be for everyone.

John McGuire in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/27/2007

Best: Glendolough!!!
Why: You can almost feel the ancient druids when you touch the stones.

Worst: Cliffs of Moher
Why: Granted, the view is awesome when it is sunny, but the price to park plus the price to go into the new Visitor's Center is not worth it. Anyone should be able to park, walk along the walkway and take photos - for a nominal fee.

D Husby in Moraga, CA USA 08/24/2007

Best: Dingle Penninsula
Why: It was beautiful, varied, and manageable for a day's drive with a 4 year old. The town was small enough to be very walkable with a young child on foot.

Margo Malakoff in Sierra Madre, CA USA 08/23/2007

Best: Trim Castle
Why: Very good 45 minute guided tour. Great value at 3.5 euros

Telford Williams in Mpls, MN USA 08/20/2007

Best: Kenmare is the best town we found in Ireland.
Why: Kenmare is the perfect sized town in a great location.

Worst: Killarney
Why: Urban sprawl. Sucks.

Rob Kiser in Morrison, CO USA 08/16/2007

Best: Doolin, hands down
Why: Cliffs literally take your breath away, and Doolin is close by. It's a very small town, but the people are wonderful. We adored our time at O'Connor's pub each night, and thought our stay at Twin Peaks B&B was the absolute best part of our entire 7 days.

Worst: Prehistoric Museum on Dingle Tour
Why: Not worth your 4 euro! Why would a mammoth be kept here? Just was not credible and we were sorry we stopped.

Shannon Buckner in Brussels, Belgium 08/12/2007

Best: Cliffs of Moher, Killarney Nat'l Park, Kells Priory, Rock of Cashel, Hore Abbey, Connemara, Glendalough, Kinsale, Kilkenny
Why: Just some of my favorite places of my trip

Melissa in Mason, OH USA 08/11/2007

Best: Galway, Cathedral of St. Nicholas
Why: This cathedral is one of the truly 'Sacred Spaces' in the world.

Mary Jane in Archenbronn, CA USA 08/09/2007

Best: National museum of Ireland
Why: The bog men and history of the bogs in Ireland were fascinating! Plus- it was free!!

Worst: Kinsale
Why: Crowded, crowded, crowded!!! We much prefered Cobh.

Shannon Roberts in Glenside, PA USA 08/08/2007

Best: Cong
Why: Beautiful little town.

Worst: Waterford
Why: This town is a place to visit, but not to stay overnight.

C. Ruiz in Phoenix, AZ USA 08/08/2007

Best: Dingle, Kilkenney, the road from Moll's Gap to Dunloe Gap.
Why: Dingle, because it has so much to offer and great pubs and music at St. James.; Kilkenney because of the castle and the music; the road to Dunloe is not for everyone, but, it was so pretty and so rural and unspoiled, with little traffic.

Worst: Driving is an adventure, but we did all right.
Why: As you mention in the book, driving is a challenge, but you meet locals and see the country better.

Dan Peterson in Brier, WA USA 08/08/2007

Best: The day trip to the Aran Islands
Why: We rented bikes and had a spectacular ride around the island. The ferry ride was easy and efficient, the trip incorporated a great physical day with historical and cultural interest, spectacular natural beauty, good pub food and music and fun shopping. What more could you ask for?!

Barbara Stark-Nemon in Ann Arbor, MI USA 08/08/2007

Best: Dunguaire Castle, The Burren, Belleek Pottery,
Why: The castle entertainment and mail was great. We were able to meet people from all over at the meal. It was a great start to our vacation. Very nice area. I collect Belleek and it was exciting to watch in being produced.

Worst: Cong
Why: Was a disappointment-very touristy but you did mention this -wouldn't do this again--but would look for the original sites since the house there is only a replica and the Quiet Man Museum was closed when we got there.

Mary Wise in Bay Village, OH USA 08/02/2007

Best: Skelligs and Aran Islands
Why: Admired the history and natural beauty of these wonderful islands.

James in Seattle , WA USA 08/01/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Gorgeous scenery, friendly people, ideal Ireland experience.

Amy in Kloese, IL USA 07/27/2007

Best: Blasket Island, Dingle Peninsula
Why: Blasket Island was once a small community just a 30 minute boat ride from the Slea Head Road. It is a beautiful island with the north end protected from the strong winds by the tall cliffs on the south. There are hiking trails that cover the ridge, and a small cart path that circles the first ridge. You get incredible views of the surrounding coast along the ridge, and there are old stone structures to explore along the top. There is an old signal tower, and an old fort. Also dotted along the slopes are old sod drying huts. The hills are covered with grazing sheep and the occasional donkey. The old town is in various stage of ruin, but there are a few buildings in use. This summer there was a ferry worker/weaver living in one of the smaller buildings, and there is a large building that used to house a hostel. It costs 30 Euros for the round trip, but there also Eco-tours available. There is a lovely beach to the west of the town and a colony of seals that frequent the islands west side. Plan on spending about 4 hours if you hike to the summer ot the "Cro".

Worst: The Captian's House, and MIlestones B&B in Dingle
Why: They never answered my email inquires for accommodations.

Paul Stanley in Maple Ridge, BC Canada 07/19/2007

Best: Loved Dingle, Powerscourt, Glendaloch
Why: Beautiful sites, just as described.

Arleen Amato in Paducah, KY USA 07/18/2007

Best: Driving the Dingle peninsula ring
Why: As advised, the chapter needs to be read before the journey and we also read it while we drove. We couldn't possibly stop at every 'highlight' as two sons grew impatient with all my "Oh WOW"'s. One view was more beautiful than the next. Certainly not to be missed. You noted similarity to the Ring of Kerry, which we did not drive due to your advise about the busses. The roads were so tiny, that busses were intimidating and would have diminished time spent enjoying the vistas.

Worst: The rocks in Kenmare
Why: "druid stone circle' looked like 5 boulders. We had a good laugh how anti-climactic this site was. Not even worth a mention as we were expecting stone henge! We used your 2006 guidebook. Tom (from Gallery B&B)recommended walking to the pier in Kenmare & stopping at the Park Hotel. On the way back from the pier, we walked through a vine covered park entrance and followed the path past ponies and walked up the hill into the back entrance of this posh hotel. Stayed for a pot of tea and a drink for my husband on the back porch of this lovely old hotel overlooking the hills below. This was the highlight in Kenmare.

Kathy Ryan in Rockaway Beach, NY USA 07/18/2007

Best: Skellig Michael
Why: Although Rick's description of landing on Skellig Michael "a bit like jumping off a trampoline onto an ice rink" is quite accurate all other aspects of visiting the island turned out to be our most memorable experience visiting Ireland.

Worst: Driving
Why: Sharing very narrow roads with tour buses and large SUV's

Brooke Serres in Salem, OR USA 07/11/2007

Best:
Why:

Bob and Mary Efinger in Pompano Beach, FL USA 07/09/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula Tour
Why: Spectacular scenery, you get a real feel for the still-rural lifestyle in Ireland.

Rebecca Stowe in Jefferson, GA USA 07/05/2007

Best: Salthill.
Why: Lovely seaside resort with quaint traditional Irish pubs, traditional Irish food, music and craic.

Karen Platt in Cardiff, n/ Wales 07/02/2007

Worst: Transportation in Ireland and Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin
Why: We chose not to drive in Ireland for obvious reasons, but getting around in Ireland by public transportation is difficult. Bus schedules are not accurate or misleading and train travel is limited. We spent a lot of time on busses and made many connections--exhausting. And beware, Sunday service is even more limited.

As for the Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin, the guidebook doesn't say to make a reservation. When we arrived at the registration/payment desk at the pub, we were asked if we had a reservation (?) and then told the tour was booked and we would be put on a waiting list. Some people said they had booked online. So the next morning, we called the pub crawl number only to be told to just arrive between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. at the Gogarty Pub. So we went online to book it, and were only able to fill out a query form. We received a response that our request would be "dealt with". So I don't know how people make a reservation. Very frustrating.

Debra Camastro in Gilberts, IL USA 07/02/2007

Best: Ring of Kerry
Why: Your strategy for the timing necessary to avoid the tour buses coming in the opposite direction worked very well! We started from Kenmare and, blessed with great weather, had a fantastic drive around the Ring and on to Dingle.

Worst: n/a
Why: your book was an excellent guide and resource

Bob Lata in Paso Robles, CA USA 07/01/2007

Best: Pubs in Dingle
Why: Friendly locals and great music

Angela McConnell in Madras, OR USA 06/29/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Absolutely beautiful scenery, truly Irish.

Debra Brown in San Diego, CA USA 06/27/2007

Best: Dingle
Why: Perfect combination of scenery, nightlife, sights and local Gaelic flavor. I can still smell the peat in the air!

Worst: Not following the book's recommendations
Why: Whenever we ventured away from Rick's recommendations we were disappointed. i.e. Hotels were a cold, unfriendly experience just as discussed in the book. B & B's were outstanding. For the best experience, trust the book!

William Lavey in Wakefield, MA USA 06/24/2007

Best: The Coast Road from Ballyvaughan to Doolin.
Why: This road was spectacular, and more lengthy than we realized. Well worth it.

Worst: Kilfenora - the Burren Centre
Why: There is nothing wrong with the Burren Centre, except that the displays and explanations need greater development, especially for the price. The video is too brief and lacked any depth. The attached coffe shop was very pleasant, however.

Robert McNaughton in Middletown, CT USA 06/10/2007

Best: Bru Na Boinne/Newgrange
Why: The Newgrange Mound and Visitor Centre was impressive with knowledgeable guides. We paid for transportation with Over the Top Tours for the shuttle van only. This was so easy, and a beautiful ride out into the countryside. Be sure to make your shuttle reservation in advance. The Dingle Peninsula drive was fabulous. We stopped so often enjoying the beautiful weather it took us almost an entire day. My next trip to Ireland will be to explore more of those beautiful western counties.

Sharron Stevens in Oberstaufenbach, Germany 06/10/2007

Best: Better than predicted.
Why: Kilmainham Gaol - Old Dublin Jail The hop on hop off tour bus stops right in front of the jail now...due to Dublin construction detours. Perhaps it was the guide, but this was extremely informative and interesting.

Janet Murray in Spring Lake, NJ USA 06/08/2007

Best: Dingle peninsula
Why: Beautiful sights mixed with some history, and three nights of great music (definitely go to the folk concert at the church if you can).

Worst: Cliffs of Moher during the day
Why: Too crowded (especially on a bank holiday weekend)! Even driving through the area was jarring, with all the flashing signs and traffic and people streaming across the road. But in the evening it's a beautiful and relatively quiet place.

Melissa in Fairfax, VA USA 06/08/2007

Best: Recommendation to skip Ring of Kerry
Why: Skipping ring of Kerry in favor of Dingle tour resulted in great time savings and a wonderful off the beaten path experience we will not forget. If you stay in Kenmare and want a 'back door' - outdoor experience get a good map and try the inland road that cuts across the Ring mid-penninsula going through Glencar. Amazing!!!

Worst: Galway - water issues takes the edge off
Why: Less than comfortable feeling of showering in water not fit to drink. This (reportedly) is a result of hypergrowth. For the traveller it is the nagging feeling of whether this dining establishment washes food with tap water or bottled / purified water. Not a reason to skip Aran Island experience or use Galway area as base...maybe just not Galway itself for a while particularly if you have greater risk factors to cryptosporidium infection.

McNeil's On Canda 06/04/2007

Best: Belfast
Why: The sense of hopeful regeneration (redevelopment) and carefully thought out preservation and respectful healing - the new Titanic Quarter, along the docks near the now historically preserved Samson and Goliath, really sounds energizing.

Worst: Cliffs of Moher
Why: Unfortunately, there is not enough good weather forecasting or accurate current weather reporting to know that the whole area was socked in - couldn't see 3 ft in front of us, let alone the cliffs, the burren, or even where the new visitor's center was. Is there some reliable point to point weather info access?

Colleen in Bloom, MD USA 06/04/2007

Best: Waterford factory
Why: The tour guide was friendly and informative. The workers were very friendly and accommodating, even allowing us to stand next to them while they worked. The staff in the gift shop were also very friendly.

David Evans in Oak Hill, VA USA 06/01/2007

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: The sights were spectacular on the Sciuird Archaeology Tour

Karen in Chicago, IL USA 05/27/2007

Worst: Dingle Town
Why: The town is described as a quaint Irish fishing village deep in the heart of a traditional gaeltacht area. We went to experience the culture, hear the language, enjoy the craic, and listen to traditional music. Instead we found a tourist trap filled plastic leprechauns, "classic American" music, and only a touch of Irish language. The most useful words and phrases we used came from my Polish Grandparents. Half of the working people in Dingle are Polish!

The Dingle peninsula itself was an incredibly beautiful and tranquil place. We definitely recommend seeing it. But unless you like your culture Epcot style, skip the town and day trip in from Tralee. The music was better, the food was better, and it felt much more genuine than Dingle.

Rick VA USA 05/12/2007

Best:
Why:

Worst: Gallarus Oratory Heritage Site
Why: We took our group of American teachers to Gallarus Oratory and used the public parking area and the public walk way. The man that owns the adjacentvisitor center approached our group and belligerent and verbally abusive. He was angry that we did not pay his fee to walk up his walkway to the Heritage Site. This unpleasant, embarrassing and unnecessary. I have experienced this for 3 straight years with my teacher group. Don't use his facilities. There is public, free access.

Joyce Webb in Monument, CO USA 05/11/2007

Best: Everything in the book along the south and west coast
Why: The book is wonderful with the detail it gives for the Kinsale area, Kenmare, Dingle Peninsula, Burren, Connemara, and Aran Islands and we followed it almost completely. We drove the Ring of Beara, which was gorgeous, instead of the Ring of Kerry and Rick doesn't cover that in his book.

Worst: Driving
Why: You aren't prepared for the narrow roads, poor road signs, tight streets in the towns with parking on both sides, no shoulders, walls and hedges along the sides of the roads etc. My husband did a great job, and I also watched the road at all times. Renting a car is the only way to go however. Don't try to go too far each day, get a good map (Ordance Survey was great), expect to get lost a few times, and it does get better after the first couple days.

Judy Johnson in Alexandria, MN USA 05/11/2007

Best: Visiting during the "shoulder" season and renting a car.
Why: The end of March/early April was an ideal time to see Ireland. The weather was nice, accommodations were plentiful( except Dublin), we caught numerous price breaks, and there were very few other tourists. On a whim we stopped at Bunratty Castle/Folk Park, and castle addict that I am, thoroughly enjoyed it. On a busy summer day we'd have wisely skipped it.

After weeks of worrying, I found driving in Ireland to be surprisingly easy. I recommend a good navigator with a good map (willing to repeat "Stay left!"), and to keep the first couple days of driving to short intervals. The extra concentration required was tiring, and limited the amount of sightseeing I could do, so I also recommend an additional driver. (At age 20 my son was too young to drive a rental, which came as an unwelcome surprise.) The roundabouts were simple and practical, far easier than most intersections, and easier yet when I realized I could go "roundabout" again until I was sure of my exit. Don't expect, and don't be tempted to do anything, or get anywhere in a hurry. In fact, expect the unexpected, and expect to get lost. That's half the fun of it!

Powerscourt, Glendalough, the Rock of Cashel and the Dingle Peninsula were wonderful. Incidentally, the fellow that owns the visitor center near the Gallarus Oratory actually blocked the public road with his car and gave us a story about horses being loose. We chose not to make an issue of it, and in all fairness, for 3 euros his facility was nice, clean and the video was informative. Nonetheless, I was irritated enough that I didn't buy anything from his gift shop. I don't blame him for trying to make a profit, but unfortunatley his notariety is such that people feel compelled to circumvent him. He'd catch more euros with honey.

Mary Alcorn in Fort Hancock, TX USA 05/09/2007

Best: Cliffs of Moher
Why: breathtaking beauty

Worst: Waterford Crystal
Why: Crowds

Kathleen Surrette in Stratford, CT USA 05/07/2007

Best: Inishmore, Dun Aenghus
Why: Solitude. I'd like to live on Inishmore.

Worst: Cliffs of Moher
Why: Absolutely miserable weather. I was there March 19th or 20th of this year. It was freezing cold and so windy that I was afraid my glasses would blow off my head. Our small group of ten did not walk up all the way.

karen williams in windsor heights, ia USA 04/29/2007

Worst: Stokestown House and Museum
Why: Was very expensive to see a so-so presentation regarding the famine and there were no convenient hours for a tour of the house. Would not go out of the way to see this.

Elizabeth Whalen in Miami, Fl USA 04/20/2007

Best: Cliffs of Moher
Why: "Brilliant!" Our B&B host recommended a hike along the coast to see the cliffs. The hike was absolutely amazing. The new visitors centre is very interactive and teaches you how the cliffs are formed. Suprisingly, we really enjoyed the gift shop too!

Worst: Kylemore Abbey
Why: Beautiful gardens and a nice house. We enjoy tours that are live. The Kylemore Abbey tour was not live. You read a pamphlet as you go through the house. . . not very engaging.

Heather Pardue in Ocala, FL USA 04/16/2007

Best: Slea Head Drive / Dingle Peninsula
Why: An amazing sight to behold. The gorgeous scenery, the charming towns and villages, and the friendly locals will always remain etched in my memory.

Worst: Dublin
Why: While we enjoyed our trip to Dublin we regretted not using this time to spend more time touring the West/South-West of Ireland...Cork, Kerry, Clare, and Galway are amazing counties that people should spend more time exploring (especially Kerry).

Meg Young in Colorado, USA 04/15/2007

Best: Kilkenny
Why: Charming, walkable town. Surrounding area is lovely.

Worst: Dublin tourist offices
Why: Of the three TIs visited, none knew of any printed walking tour and all seemed unfamiliar with markers throughout the city that indicated that such a tour existed. All the TIs seemed set up primarily to sell tourist merchandise and tickets for paid tours.

M Heffron in Exeter, NH USA 04/11/2007

Best: Kinsale- Cork County- including Charles Fort!!
Why: It was a quaint, friendly community that highlighted the best of Irish culture.

Charles Fort is an intriquing piece of Irish history.

Erin Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/30/2007

Best: Kinsale
Why: Great local flavor, friendly people

Todd Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/29/2007

Best: The Dingle Peninsula and Kinsale
Why: We talked to locals because we were torn about driving the Dingle Peninsula or The Ring of Kerry. Most locals said that the Dingle was much less crowded and that we would probably enjoy it better. We did the Dingle and it was breathtaking.

Grecco's in Toledo, OH USA 01/22/2007

Best: Galway and the train trip there from Dublin
Why: Small town feel, but great dining and shopping. Also the large green space directly where the river flows into the bay is great for kids and should be emphasized in the guide book. The train trip from Dublin is only 3 hours, with several stops in quaint places. It provides an excellent way to see the county without the hassle of a rental car.

Worst: Dublin (at least when traveling with kids)
Why: LOUD LOUD LOUD and lots of drunks, both day and night, particularly in Temple Bar. Also very narrow sidewalks with large trucks and tourist buses passing perilously close by. Also, it can be difficult to meet a real Irishman! Most service staff is eastern European, and the popular areas are filled with American, German, and British tourist.

Brett Fleitz in Carmel, In USA 01/10/2007

Best: Giant's Causeway
Why: I do not see it mentioned by other posts and it is just a spectacular place to vist. Afterwards go to Carreck-a-rede to cross the rope bride. There are so many great places in Ireland and it depends on what you like. There is nature, history, pubs, food, golf and much more.

Worst: Increased immigration
Why: Many Eastern Europeans are moving to Ireland and taking jobs that the Irish will no longer do. This changes the feel of the country for tourists expecting to meet the Irish people.

Richard in Ft Washington, PA USA 12/28/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: It was beautiful and the driving directions were flawless.

Helen USA 12/20/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: We had a perfect day with light breezes and blue skies and spent the whole day poking around Slea Head and Dunquin.

Worst: Dublin
Why: Temple Bar was like Bourbon Street execpt the food and music weren't as good. Everybody we met was either angry about something or learning to speak English. It is a city in transition and it isn't pretty.

John Zesbaugh in Pine River, MN USA 12/17/2006

Best: Taking the DART
Why: We rode the DART from Dublin to Howth to visit the lighthouse, 3.50

The trip was in the book, but we got the idea from the book. Very inexpensive and enjoyable trip.

Wilma Sutton in Hudson, IN USA 12/13/2006

Best: Bru na Boine, Trim, Cashel, Glendalough, anything Heritage Ireland
Why: Heritage Ireland does an extraordinary job of restoring, maintaining, and staffing the historical sights they manange. We found their docents to be historically informed, enthusiastic, and helpful. Though not in the guide book, the attendant - Sheila - at Jerpoint Abbey spent much time with us explaining in detail the history, architecture, and notable works of art. She also gave us very detailed directions for the back road drive to Cashel, which provided us with the itinerary and sights mentioned above.

John Bradley & Charles Keenan in Jersey City, NJ USA 12/06/2006

Best: Newgrange
Why: First a note. You have been too politically correct both Newgrange and Dingle should be refferred to by their English rather than Irish names. No one know where Bru na Boinne is but every knows Newgrange. Same with Dingle.

Amazing structure built before the pyramids. These people were not knuckle dragging Neanderthals but highly intelligent scientists. Amazing. Great visitors center. Excellent video with a great explanation of science involved.

Worst: Cliffs of Moher
Why: The Irish are ruining the Cliffs. Enormous vistors center was not complete but the trail along the cliffs has been "Diseylanded". Very disappointed in the 'upgrades' made. Could only walk 200-300 yards. Yuck.

Jon T. Haugen in VANCOUVER, WA USA 11/26/2006

Best: Heritage Card
Why: This was money well spent. It gave us the chance to visit so many great sights without extra expense. We used it 20 times in two weeks.

Martin Reynolds in Coatesville, PA USA 11/16/2006

Best: The various sights in The Burren, the cliffs north of the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Penninsula, the Boyne Valley
Why: If you like history and a bit of adventure, The Burren has it all. Ancient sites are well hidden and the landscape is like being on the moon. The cliffs on the western coast north of Doolin are much more accessible than the Cliffs of Moher about 10 minutes south. The Dingle Penninsula is much easier to drive than the Ring of Kerry and much more scenic. Taking the Mary Gibbons tour to the Boyne Valley from Dublin was a great way to start your ancient history lesson of Ireland. She was very informative.

We were there for 10 traveling days out of Dublin and basically traveled south from Dublin, then west along the coast and north to The Burren. We didn't get as far as Galway, or in to Limerick.

Worst: The Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Dublin City
Why: Access to the Cliffs of Moher are currently greatly restricted. The walking areas are very reduced and there is a lot of construction due to a new visitors center being built. You can not go to the 19th century tower for pictures. The Ring of Kerry is hard for the driver, even out of tourist season, and you don't get to see very much. Dublin is just like any other large, very population dense, city where everyone walks. They just have a different accent. Most of the restaurants we visited were staffed by non-Dubliners and not that friendly.

Dick Vaughan in Houston, Tx USA 11/09/2006

Best: Connemara Drive (from Westport)
Why: My traveling companions and I felt that RS's description of this area, and his route recommendations, were the best of any of the many guidebooks we purchased. Gorgeous area made all the better by a keen understanding of the land and its people, past and present.

Worst: Recommendations for traditional music in Galway
Why: We had NO luck finding traditional music in Galway! Maybe it was the time of year that we were there--late September. Many locals told us that once the college students come back (and, presumably most tourists go home), traditional musicians pack up and the pubs are full of pop music to cater to the students. I was really disappointed; thank heavens Doolin was our next stop!

Suzanne Fischer in Durham, NC USA 11/06/2006

Best: See both below
Why: Dingle - Irish music at the Smallbridge Pub - great atmosphere, amazing music. Belfast - An absolutely fascinating city as it re-builds from "The Troubles" - I think it was a much more interesting city than the guidebook implies

Carolyn S. in Seattle, WA USA 11/03/2006

Best: Staying in Kinsale
Why: What a great town! The people are extremely friendly and it's a wonderful place to just unwind and take it easy from all of the driving:)

Worst: Galway
Why: If you've been used to the small towns and the friendly people for over a week - it is a little disappointing to head to Galway - where it feels like a fraternity town. We're only in our early 30's but were still looking for the Ireland we knew and loved from prior days in the country.

Michele & Jay Carter in Austin, TX USA 10/29/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula drive
Why: Absolutely STUNNING! This drive took us 1/2 a day with several stops for scenic views. I have never seen such vibrance of colors. Thanks for the suggestion, Rick!

Worst: Food in Ireland
Why: Pub food is pretty terrible. Believe it or not, Ireland had some decent Thai restaurants!

Kerri in Richmond, VA USA 10/27/2006

Best: Dinner in Foley's Pub, Kenmare
Why: We stopped in Foley's because the pub was recommended in Rick Steve's guidebook. We decided to order dinner, as many restaurants in town were full. Each member of my family had a wonderful meal. My salmon was the best I had experienced on our trip!Not only a wonderful meal, but presented with sophistication as well.

Christine Richtman in Alta Loma, Ca USA 10/26/2006

Best: Dingle and Dingle Peninsula
Why: A wonderful combination of ancient sites, beautiful scenery, charming and colorful town, great music and food in the pubs, friendly people, terrific walks and great driving tour around the peninisula. One of our favorite places in Ireland.

Worst:
Why: This is a small thing, but the self-guded circular car tour of the Dingle Peninsula was a tad frustrating just because it is in miles and fractions of miles while the rental car ODO had only a km. display. We finally gave up doing the calculations and just read the descriptions and looked for signs. Had a great time anyway.

Patricia Cassel in Monroe, WA USA 10/24/2006

Best: Newgrange
Why: An incredible opportunity to visit a stone age (5200 years ago) sight, predating Stone Hedge, the Great Pyramids, and the Great Wall of China. It still boggles my mind, when I consider how they got those 20 ton rocks to the sight, from 40 K. away, before the wheel was invented, and prior to horses in Ireland. Truly amazing monument!

Dan in Ocean Shores, WA USA 10/14/2006

Best: most all were good
Why: west, southwest ireland, Dingle pensulia

Worst: city of dublin,
Why: just a big dirty , ugly city

gary beck in valley mills, tx USA 10/13/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Beautiful scenary and wonderful music! Every corner you turn has a breathtaking view. We caught a concert of local musicians on a Wed. evening and heard unbelievable music for about $10.

JBY OR USA 10/11/2006

Worst: Medieval Banquet, Dunguaire Castle
Why: I thought it would be a fun, if touristy, thing to do but our dinner companions were disgustingly drunk and obnoxious. (Did I mention that they were all American?) For the same amount of money, we could have eaten in the dining room at Sheedy's Country House where we were staying and had a meal about five times as good and in way better company.

Donna Hecker in Frankfort, KY USA 10/08/2006

Best: Bicycle riding in Connemera
Why: Went 30 miles from Cliften, to Ballyconnelly, to Roundhouse and back the Bog Road. Beautiful ride, pretty flat with some rolling hills, sheep on the roadways

Worst: Having a rented car that was too wide
Why: The roads are unbelievably narrow and the speed limits are very high. We'd recommend that people rent the narrowest car they can find. A few inches makes a big difference!

Diane Boettcher in Winchester, MA USA 10/06/2006

Best: Galway and the west coast
Why: I cried when I saw the Cliffs of Moher, stunning! I would recommend even staying a full week on the west coast and spending less time in Dublin.

Worst: Moore Street Market in Dublin
Why: There was absolutely nothing there, it was dead.

Sarah Napoli in Brattleboro, VT USA 10/06/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula; also Don Herlihy's Kinsale Tour
Why: Breathtaking vistas on the Dingle Peninsula - Slea Head Drive and Conor Pass.

Don Herlihy's Walking Tour of Kinsale is not to be missed.

Patricia Drabant in Brooklyn, MI USA 10/04/2006

Best: An Daingean Peninsula Circle Tour
Why: Spectacular scenery.

Worst: Rock of Cashel
Why: Only because of heavy rain while we were there.

david u. in phoenix, ax USA 10/01/2006

Best: Newgrange
Why: Extremely ancient and the tour was great. They simulate the first day of the winter soltice when the sun shines a ray of light down the 60-feet shaft. This happens only once a year. They simulate this happening which makes it seem as if it were happening.

Worst: The roads. It took us about 12 hours to drive from Denny to Waterford!
Why: Twisting, curvy roads and the drastic lack of confirmation signs. If one makes a wrong turn, then it might be 10 or 15 miels down the road before the right way is discovered by stopping at a gas station or asking someone.

Frank Sharp in Norcross , Ga USA 09/30/2006

Best: The bog road across Connemara
Why: ALthough not discussed, but on guide book map, this is truly an experience of moonscape, bog land and hundreds of sheep everywhere. . .sleeping on the nearly one lane road, on the rock walls, everywhere. . .and no traffic!

Worst: Cliffs of Mohr
Why: Although breathtaking, under construction. Building huge new visitor's center, so route to see cliffs less spectacular.

Val Eliassen in Otis Orchards, WA USA 09/27/2006

Best: Dingle Loop, Cong and Giant's Causeway
Why: Magnificent views and awesome, spectacular scenery with very friendly people and some very neat history.

Brad Bessant in Seffner, fl USA 09/26/2006

Best: Dublin, Dingle, the Aran Islands
Why: We enjoyed each place we visited. Each was so varied and had different sights and experiences.

Cathy in Ashland, OR USA 09/23/2006

Best: Bobby, driver with the Causeway Hotel
Why: We stopped at a local service station to discover that the only car rental agency was in Colraine. At that service station we bumped into Bobby with the Causeway Hotel. He literally saved our trip. Even though he had an eight seater van, and there were only two of us, he took most of the day shuttling us around to various sights. He was EXCELLENT. The whole day only cost us 25 pounds (although we paid him more). The hotel tel. is 028 2073 1226 and Bobby's cell phone is 07967 / 682-162.

Troy Morgan in Belfast, NI UK 09/20/2006

Best: Info. on Beara Peninsula.
Why: Next time try the Inchiquin Park about 15 minutes outside of Kenmare; cross the bridge out of town and take an immediate right. It's a beautiful sheep farm and nature area in the mountains with a large waterfall you can hike to. It is run by a farming family who have lived there for many generations. Great hiking and sightseeing.

Bruce Grabowski in Barrington Hills, Il USA 09/08/2006

Best: Beara Peninsula
Why: This was our first trip to Ireland, and we covered the southern swing from Dublin to Galway. I thought the Beara Peninsula was the most breathtaking part of Ireland -- want to go back there to sit and hike for a week.

Christine Dibble in Washington Grove, MD USA 09/05/2006

Best: Irish People, Dingle penisula, Monasterboice
Why: Irish People: for us, the land and the sightseeing attractions were nice but the people were special. We talked to the locals everywhere: at pubs, in towns, along the roads, every chance we got. Almost everyone was interested in us and our homeland, had a friend or relative who lived in or visited the USA, and eagerly offered advice and recommendations for our trip.

Dingle peninsual: great, just as promised. Our best day: great scenery with perfect clear weather, some wonderful historical sights, a wonderful lunch at the restaurant in Ballyferriter which became memorable when the sparsely populated interior quickly filled to overcapacity with well dressed children and adults of every age. We discovered everyone was coming from the funeral service at the church just down the street (I guess an Irish wake celebration).

Monasterboice: truly great, but not anticipated. During a full day in the Boyne valley, we started at the amazing Newgrange and Knowth sites, great as anticipated. We decided to finish the afternoon at other sites in the valley and as a last stop decided to look for Monasterboice, of the beaten track. For some reason, we had failed to note the info in Rick's book and only went because a guide at Old Mellifont Abbey said it was close by and interesting. Well, to us, it was spectacular. A small sight, almost no people with fantastic, well preserved carved high crosses and round tower. I guess we thought it was so great because we thought found it by accident.

Worst: Kinsale? not really
Why: This was bank holiday weekend and we had a hard time finding a B&B after calling from Kenmare earlier in the morning. We finally found a B&B listing about 5km from town. Upon arriving about 2pm, no one answered the door so we went in and looked around. Finally after opening several doors, I found 2 guys watching TV who said our room was down the hall and gave us a key. No further converstion was offered. We found the room to be tiny but OK and went into town to visit. The road through town was jammed to a standstill (it turns out this day was their annual celebration). After visiting Charles Fort we headed back to town to look for Jim Edward's (recommended by Rick and also by a person we met earlier in the day about 100km away in Banty). After a short wait at the bar, we were led to a nice table and began an interesting but uneasy coversation with the couple sitting next to us. We talked about our great vacation up until today, that we had our only poor experience at our B&B today. They were dismayed. It turns out they have a horse ranch close to our B&B and are good friends with the owners and could not believe we didn't get a better reception. After a little more discussion, we all realize that it wasn't the owners that we met earlier, but perhaps their kids who where watching the championship Irish foolball playoffs between the home team and their arch rivals (the most important sporting event of the year). The next morning, we met the wonderful owners who had been away at a wedding (It was their kids who were left in charge for the day). And as we drove into Kinsale the next morning, it had returned to a charming seaside town, afterall. So this day which looked to be one of the worst experiences of the trip will undoubtedly become one of the favorite lasting memories.

Ron Wickham in Foster City, CA USA 09/01/2006

Worst: Dingle and Kinsale
Why: I thought both these towns (on an August weekend) were touristy, crowded and not all that attractive. We regretted spending the time on them,

Margaret Hodel in Durham, NC USA 08/30/2006

Best: It was our favorite B&B in Ireland
Why: Rigney's farmhouse was such a treat. Caroline and Joe are wonderful,friendly hosts. The breakfasts were homemade with fresh ingredients from the farm.The house is well cared for and comfortable. Our triple room was delightfully decorated with Carolines personal touches. The lush countryside is lovely and the farm lively with lots of little pigs,ducks,chickens,horses, and two sweet dogs.Our family loved to wander the farm and the Rigney's are happy to share it.

Peggy Walker in Cambria, Ca USA 08/27/2006

Best: Tough to pick one...The day on Aran Island
Why: Absolutely wonderful scenery...unbelievable amount of rock fences, fun pony cart driver (it is easier to get pictures while in a cart than a a bus), Dun Aonghus and the cliffs there are not to be missed.

Jaunita Eichman in Wirtz, VA USA 08/26/2006

Best: Bike trips around Dingle peninsula and Inis Mor; Rock of Cashel
Why: You experience things more intensely from the seat of a bike than riding in a car. Rock of Cashel looked like something from the set of Lord of the Rings.

Eric & Carla in Seattle, WA USA 08/25/2006

Best: The town of Cong
Why: Park beside the abbey ruins and acclimate yourself to the little village corner made famous in "The Quiet Man." The tourist center and gift shop lie along the street where the Quiet Man cottage is located. Pay a small fee, get yourself a one-page town map, and head over to the abbey. Climb the ruins for unique picture-taking overlooking the courtyard and town; stroll across the bridge to view the old stone fishing hut; and where the sign points you to the Nature Trail, go the opposite way. You'll be afforded a quiet walk beside the river, smell earth so mossy that you swear leprechauns are afoot, and end up at the grounds leading to the beautiful Ashford Castle. It's easy to lose yourself in Cong.

Another fine time was hay at the ceili at the Arklow Bay Hotel in Arklow. Friendly locals, cold beer and good music and dancing sure to be had!

Kelly Williams in Overland Park, KS USA 08/16/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula (The Wicklow Mountains and Kinsale are a close second
Why: Although crowded in July & August, Dingle is a lot of fun. There are many great pubs for music and good restaurants, as well. The weather can be wet, but it changes fast and never slowed us down. The Irish people are very warm and friendly (maybe the Guinness?).

Dave Johnson in Sacramento, CA USA 08/14/2006

Worst: Being stuck at the Dublin airport during a bombthreat
Why: Over 5 hours on our day was spent wasted being stuck in traffic trying to return our rental car before heading to Dublin. To find out that the car rental had changed locations which was not near the airport. Call ahead!

Heidi Fernandez in McMinnville, OR USA 08/09/2006

Best: Silly question
Why: There are so many totally different wonderful things - historical walks out of Trinity College, the old jaol, the Beara Peninsula, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House, Connemara....

Worst: A joke comes to mind - What's the difference between a ruin and a rubble? 10 euro
Why: Things are expensive and no one misses an opportunity to make money; one "ruin" actually had an advertisement screwed into it. Still a fantastic vacation. Grafton Street totally overrated and unnecessary.

Philip Osattin in Kew Gardens, NY USA 08/07/2006

Best: Powerscourt Gardens
Why: My wife and teenage kids loved this place. On July 26th everything was in bloom, we had a beautiful, sunny day. My personal favorite was the Cliffs of Moher.

Worst: Dunguaire Castle
Why: While this place was "just okay", it is waaaay overpriced for the value. 195 Euro ($260) for my family of four... We should have spent this money and time on something else.

Terry McCarthy in Austin, TX USA 08/02/2006

Best: Traditional Irish-Musis Pub Crawl
Why: This was the best way to understand the Irish music and meet some fellow travelers. We spent 3 hours drinking in pubs and litstening to music as well as singing along. Definitely a must in Ireland, and Dublin's was well worth it.

Kelly Cummings in McLean, VA USA 08/02/2006

Best: Dingle drive
Why: Bypassed the Ring of Kerry and chose Dingle drive instead. Everyone we met that had done both said Dingle was preferred..much less crowded and similar scenery.

Janet Koth in Manchester, MO USA 08/02/2006

Best: Get around by car
Why: It is not that hard to get used to the driving. If you reserve well in advance it is cheaper than the train. And, in a cuntry like Ireland, it gives a person the freedom to make a short detour and check outsome of the sights around almost every bend in the road. I almost did not rent a car because of the left side of the road thing. I am very glad I read rick's book and decided to do it.

William Gruesbeck in Beavercreek, Oh USA 08/01/2006

Best: An Daingean Peninsula bike ride
Why: Everything Rick mentioned was dead on. We did it in five hours, but we stopped for lunch where he suggested at 30km, town of Ballyferriter, and several times along the route to sightsee the suggested sights. It could be done in 4 as he mentions; all depends on the riders' fitness levels.

S.S. in Indianapolis, IN USA 07/30/2006

Best: Bru Boru show Ardmore
Why: the entire evening was entertaining, exhilarating and just fun. Ardmore was educational and just interesting to see. We liked it because it was out of the way. Not many people were there.

Julie Lepa in Tucson, AZ USA 07/19/2006

Best: Trip to Skellig Michael
Why: The island was just magnificent--as isolated and austere and rocky as expected. It was also very green along its near-vertical slopes that supported the most enchanting population of puffins that could be imagined. They were on the grass, on the rocks, under the rocks, oblivous to their human admirers. We had hundreds of excuses to take breaks in the arduous climb to the top, getting yet one more picture of the wonderful birds. We circled Little Skellig on our way back and were astonished to see the gannet colony covering every part of the rocky island and much of the sky. This was an extraordinary and breath-taking nature experience.

Ginger and Walt in Auburn, AL USA 07/19/2006

Best: Most of Western Ireland
Why: The scenery, the people, everything. We loved the banquet in Kinvara at the Dunguaire Castle, Loved Dingle and Galway.

Worst: Ennis
Why: It looked dark and not as clean as some of the other places. Just didn't like the "feel" of the place.

Patricia Robertson in Highlands , NJ USA 07/14/2006

Best: Great Blasket Islands, Dingle Peninsula
Why: Amazing scenery, I would also emphasize how cool the Heritage Center is a little more strongly. We did the center first, then the island trip. I am so glad we went over!

Kennis Hyder in Dade City, FL USA 07/10/2006

Best: Dingle and Ardmore
Why: The Dingle Peninsula was one of the most hauntingly beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, no words can describe it. Another town we loved was Ardmore, described in the book as a “funky beach town.” Lovely, friendly, good food, beautiful beach and panoramic walks

Worst: Waterford
Why: The town was dirty and held no interest for us at all. We got out of there as fast as we could passing by the Waterford Chrytal factory on our way out.

Gayle Roberts in Kansas City, Mo USA 07/08/2006

Worst: Westport
Why: Not bad of course, in fact definitely a cute little town, but there are lots of those. We went out of our way to come here, and it probably wasn't worth the extra driving. The Thursday morning market, however, was great.

Tzaddi Smith in san francisco, ca USA 07/06/2006

Best: Rock of Cashell
Why: An impressive piece of history, easily accessible. Lovely town. The Legends B and B is wonderful. Our room provide us with a view of the Rock of Cashell and an outstanding breakfast.

Josie McNamara in Coral Gables, Fl USA 07/04/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Just as scenic as the Ring of Kerry but shorter and less bus traffic. Dingle town was a highlight of our tip. We also went over Conner Pass - great views.

Worst: Internet access
Why: The internet access recommended in the book means using someone else's computer to access the internet - not acceptable for making reservations with credit cards or moving money using online banking.

Mark FitzMaurice in Lexington, SC USA 07/03/2006

Best: Rock of Cashel
Why: Our tour guide for the visit, a lovely Irish girl in her late teens, made the old stone walls come alive with her commentary. A very important spot in the history of Ireland, and quite beautiful as well.

Worst: Kinsale
Why: Though full of history and beautiful views from the fort, Kinsale was the most "touristy" area we visited. Very crowded. We enjoyed many other small villages much more.

Sherry Cavanaugh in Clearwater, FL USA 06/27/2006

Best: Dun Laoghaire was great experince
Why: The Dart made it so easy to travel to Dublin and other seacoast towns outside of Dubline. It was easy to use mass transit to Glandalough and Powerscourt Gardens.

e sabol in kittery, ME USA 06/23/2006

Best: Inch Beach Guest House, Dingle Penninsula
Why: This was a lovely brand new guest house on a cliff over looking Inch Beach. It is owned and operated by the Hussin family who treated us as if we were a member of their family. Manmood, his mother Lilly, his wife Iris, son Mark and daugher who was off to Australia to learn more about being a chef, also ran the restuarant which was on the beach across from the guest house. The food was supurb! We loved it so much we wanted to stay longer. They made us feel so special.

Worst: Roads and road signs
Why: We took a wrong turn heading to Killarney because the sign was after the turn instead of before the turn. We ended up in the Dark Valley which was a wild ride of narrow roads and huge buses coming from the opposite direction.

Anne Pontuso in Charlottesville, Va USA 06/22/2006

Best: The gardens/mansion at Powerscourt
Why: The Japanese Gardens are without question the most beautiful I have ever encountered. Pictures cannot do it justice -- you must encounter the smell of all the flora to truly appreciate.

Worst: The Burren (bleak land in West Ireland)
Why: Was too stark for my taste; unusual at best.

Linda Stevens in Richardson, TX USA 06/14/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: It was gorgeous and not full of tour buses

Worst: Galway City
Why: Everyone (including the book) said Galway was super fun. It was ok. The market saturday morning was fine. I wished we had just planned on passing through and continued on through into the Connemara. Galway itself was a fairly uninteresting place.

Hilary Domush in Madison, WI USA 06/14/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula Trip
Why: On a very rainy day we used the guidebook to take us on the Dingle Peninsula trip. We had to choose between the Dingle and the Ring of Kerry and we used your suggestions. Thanks for the great directions so that we could do the tour ourselves.

MaryHelen Windell in Blaine, WA USA 06/13/2006

Best: Dingle Pennisula
Why: We loved following your kilomeer by kilometer clockwise journey around the Pennisula. it was the most beautiful place. we loved crossing the road where you ford the stream. I only regretted i couldn't get out to take a picture of it. No pull-out.

Ruth Domush in Greenbrae, CA USA 06/08/2006

Best: Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Why: It always feels like I've returned home when I arrive there. And it makes a great base for exploring the southwest coast.

Bruce Grabowski in Barrington, Il USA 06/05/2006

Best: Big Bus Living History tour of political districts in Belfast
Why: Really explained the history of Belfast and the Troubles in a vivid yet entertaining way. Now I understand so much more of what happened in the 1960s. It wasn't a religious fight--it was political.

Worst: Book of Kells
Why: Only two small books in a poorly lighted room. Just not very interesting, but the Old Library upstairs was great.

Susan Scruggs in Longmont, CO USA 06/03/2006

Best: Slea Head drive
Why: Detailed descriptions of the sights and the distances between them. (But consider giving those distances in kilometers, too!)

Jennifer Herrin in Heidelberg, Germany 06/01/2006

Best: Dingle Drive
Why: Made the drive so much more interesting. Actually brought the whole area to life for us!

Geraldine Nepszy in Windsor, ON CANADA 05/31/2006

Best: Dingle Town
Why: Rick was on the money: Dingle is preferable to the Ring of Kerry. It is a beautiful seaside town, bustling but not crowded (at least in May), great music, esp. at O'Flaherty's, nice shops. Look at the stained glass at St. Mary's.

Laurie Granieri in Milltown, NJ USA 05/24/2006

Best: Dingle Circle Tour and later the Drombeg Stone Circle
Why: Pressed for time, we took your advice and spent a good part of a day exploring the An Daingen Circle instead of the Ring of Kerry. We loved it. We were on our way to Fiddle Fair in Baltimore, so later we went to Drombeg Stone Circle. The circle itself was wonderful itself and the nearby water trough and cooking pit was fascinating. Plus we were the only people their for quite a while. In a word, it was mystical. I don't think YOUR book mentions these very interesting cooking pits. They were a very pleasant surprise.

Mary Burdette in Hammondsport, NY USA 05/22/2006

Best: Kilkenny
Why: There are so many things to see and do in Kilkenny within easy walking distance. The High Street has plenty of shopping and restaurants. The people are very friendly.

Worst: Dublin
Why: Dirty, smelly, over crowded. Sadly, it is not the quaint place it once was due to rapidly increasing population and major industrialization. It was extremely heartbreaking to see a once beautiful city turn ugly.

Lisa Pizzuto Whittaker in Woodinville, WA USA 05/17/2006

Best: Dingle Peninsula tour
Why: The views! The beehive huts, Kilmalkedar.

Worst: Dingle town
Why: If you are not interested in music/nightlife, the town seems very focused on Fungie....

Carol in Apex, NC USA 05/12/2006

Best: Guinness Storehouse
Why: A nice view of the whole entire city, as long as the weather is nice, and a free drink.

Worst: Buses
Why: The buses were never on time or showed up when they claimed they would due to heavy traffic.

The Sellers in Newberg, OR USA 05/12/2006

Best: An Daingean Peninsula Circle Tour
Why: a great way to spend the day! Lots of places to stop & take photos. Gorgeous scenery.

Catherine C in Sacramento, CA USA 04/28/2006

Worst: Parking in Galway
Why: The book was packed with fantastic suggestions with one exception -- the recommendation of parking at the Jury's hotel in Galway. The parking garage was very, very small and cramped, and it was almost impossible to navigate even a small car through it. When we returned to our inn outside of the city later that evening the owner commented that even many locals do not use the garage for the same reason, and he could not believe that it was included in a guide book.

Maura in Washington, DC USA 04/18/2006

Best: Newgrange
Why: Oldest manmade structure, fascinating. Very mystic and in a lovely part of the country. Not for the claustrophobic or the mobility impaired.

Cathryn Alpaugh in Lincoln, NE USA 04/18/2006

Best: Tour of the Wicklow Mountains
Why: Our tour guide (www.daytoursunplugged.ie) was incredibly informative and ambled our van through roads I didn't think a bike could travel, but sure enough, we got to some beautiful spots and made lifetime memories. The tour was fairly inexpensive and the firsthand knowledge of our guide was invaluable.

Tina Cline in Dallas, Tx USA 04/10/2006

Best: Bed and Breakfasts
Why: The savings one gets with the hostels is just not worth it compared to the experience of the B&B's in Ireland. Don't fall for the lure of the small savings inolved.

Roger E. Smith in Fort Collins, CO USA 04/04/2006

Best: Cong
Why: It was one of the few places we visited that felt relatively untouched by the upsurge in building the Celtic Tiger has produced. The ruins, castle, gardens, and town itself were wonderful to explore.

Mary Mayo in Peaks Island, ME USA 03/26/2006

Best: Town of Doolin
Why: This is the perfect place for those who want to experience a small town in Ireland. Less than 5 miles from the Cliffs of Moher, this town consists of a few pubs, a few tourist shops and a dozen bed and breakfasts. It was the perfect rural Irish setting, especially with the sheep and cows everywhere and an awesome view of the coastline within walking distance.

Worst: The Book of Kells
Why: The cost was around 7 or 8 Euro to get into the exhibit, and though it was kind of neat, the Book of Kells was a total let down as we all looked at it and really did not understand what it is. It may have been worth to see it had it been free, but because of the high charge I strongly do not recommend it to anyone who had not heard of heard of the book otherwise. Walking around Trinity College is still worth the visit.

Christopher WI USA 03/23/2006

Best: Better than suggested
Why: I believe that this is quite dependant on what your interests are so consider the following:

History - Kilmainham Gaol - Old Dublin Jail good history of Ireland and the jail.

Architecture - Rock of Cashel - Great old monestary/fortification/cemetary. Great views as well but out of the way. Good to do this and Kilkenney the same day. And something you can do on your own time without a tour.

Scenery - Dingle Peninsula - Dingle was a nice small town but great ocean views and a nice drive especially with the book as a guide.

Town to wander - Kilkenney - Good town to wander and hit a bar or restaurant. Tour of the Castle (tour required) is nice as well somewhat plain but nice especially to view at night.

**Blarney Castle: While most people would look at Blarney Castle as "the" Irish place to visit, Rick is right that the castle itself is nothing overly special and can be a bit scary to scale if you are scared of heights or have problems in small spaces/narrow staircaises. Yet what he fails to mention and what most people miss is the fact that the grounds are what really make up the site. There are lots of little spots to walk through that make it worth visiting, if it were just the castle and standing in line to kiss the stone, I would agree and skip it.

Worst: Cork
Why: Aside from some interesting places to shop during the day I would have skipped it. While it is said to be a place the young and hip are moving I did not see it as anything special, Dublin was much better.

Erick in Elkhart, IN USA 03/16/2006

Worst: Harding Hotel, Dublin Ireland
Why: We read your book, and took rooms at the Harding hotel in Dublin last week after reading your recommendation.... We were looking for a good clean hotel that wasn't fancy, but that wasn't a dump either.... Reasonably priced and clean. I have to say that we were VERY disappointed. We have traveled pretty extensively, and this hotel was really a dump. The bathrooms were dirty and terribly old with moldy drains. The hotel is on top of a bar and it was extremely loud and hard to fall asleep because of raucous and drunken yelling at all hours. The beds were lumpy and awful, and the hotel used to be a hostel, it turns out....which wasn't mentioned in your book. The restaurant was also very mediocre and not good. All in all, it was an unsatisfactory experience. the only bright spot was the nice staff, but the rooms themselves were really not good.

Just wanted to let you know so that you can revise your guide book. They are redoing the hotel in the fall, and will probably jack up the rates, but I don't see how they are going to improve it much unless they absolutely gut it. It was awful.

Kathleen Bruce in Williston, VT USA 03/14/2006

Best: Giant's Causeway
Why: The views were spectacular. The shuttles weren't running, so we walked a good portion of the area. Please remind your readers to wear good walking shoes!

JLB in Houston, TX USA 03/07/2006

Best: Black Cab Tour of Falls Road
Why: The driver took us on a 21/2 hour tour through the neighborhoods,cemetery and memorials and was very knowledgeable about the Troubles. Without a doubt the highlight of our vacation in February. Never been North in Ireland but the cities of Westport, Derry, Belfast, were truly great.

Michael Worosz in Griffith, IN USA 02/22/2006

Best: Dingle Bike Ride
Why: It was fantastic - one of the best vacation days I've ever had. A full day of biking some of the most beautiful views in Europe. I would highly recommend this to anyone in moderately good shape.

Worst: Trim
Why: There were no good food options here. After casing the entire town, we realized that our choices were (1) the overpriced american place, (2) the way-overpriced Italian place or (3) the gross fish and chips place. We went for (3). The place was terrible.

Matt in Somerville, MA USA 01/29/2006

Best: Day tours unplugged - Discover Wicklow, Damian O Reilly.
Why: Fantastic day, Damian has a wealth of information and looked after our group superbly. A welcome contrast to time spent in Dublin city. Beautiful scenery and a sore face from smiling and laughing all day.

Worst: Temple Bar district, Dublin
Why: Like Leicester Square in London, soul-less and touristy

Suzanne Ryan in Ripon, UK 01/10/2006