IrelandGuidebook corrections:Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.  Don't totally pan the Blarney Castle. Go late in the afternoon and there are no tour coaches you can climb all over the ruins which I prefer to a renovated castle that can only be stared at from behind a rope. Also there is a beautiful wild garden out back of the castle. I always use your books because of the walks and outdoor activities listed. Dolly Bufter in Fort Myers, FL USA 07/16/2008 Not a correction so much as a comment. Finnegan's hostel in Tralee doesn't provide towels. So bring your own. Kara Porter in Portland, OR USA 07/11/2008 The roads in Rick’s “County Donegal” driving tour have improved. Although there are still a few bumpy patches, you can average a little better than the 30 mph noted in the book. However, Rick’s other estimates of driving times are often too optimistic (page 403 of the 2008 guide). The aaroadwatch.ie website is generally more accurate. Obviously prices have gone up and the dollar is weak, so all guidebooks underestimate costs. Ireland is a terrific destination, but it isn’t cheap. John, Monica, George & Tom in Towson, MD USA 06/17/2008 We were staying in the Midlands, and rented a car. Because of the narrow roads, round-a-bouts and left side driving, we were 5 nervous people, (with one driver and 4 back seat drivers). We decided it wasn't worth it to have a car, and after 4 days, we turned it in and took the bus. Mary Celi in Glendale, WI USA 06/01/2008 Belfast murals,l have to admit this is the biggest art gallery in the world. george clake in London, uk 05/28/2008 2008 Gudiebook 1) Page 106, the Brook Cottage B&B in Enniskerry was not accepting guests due to a family medical emergency. Not sure if this will change soon. Stayed at the Coolakay House B&B (their recommendation) which was fine but not walking distance from town. 2)pg 162, Kenmare, Ancient Stone Circle, "free and always open". There is now a kiosk with a sign requesting 2euro for entry. Since it was late in the evening and unmanned we did get a free entry. 3) pg 226, as noted by someone else the Shannon Ferry is now 17 euro. 4) pg 79, Chorus Cafe is now open until 10PM for dinner Noel & Denise Underwood in Vienna, VA USA 05/25/2008 The recommended Wine Vault restaurant in Waterford is no longer a restaurant. It is only a wine shop, as of late 2007. Mike Brown in Harford, NY USA 05/16/2008 In response to Stephen's comment below, I would make a slight correction. The "World" Mastercard does provide coverage in Ireland. I recently obtained one for our upcoming fall trip there, and have re-confirmed with Mastercard that it does indeed provide coverage. Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 05/12/2008 April 14, 2008 - I just called Mastercard about rental car collision coverage. They DO NOT cover you in Ireland. Stephen Ikard in Little Rock, AR USA 04/14/2008 A few of the prices were a bit off but that's bound to happen as businesses up their rates. The drawn map of Belfast made the roads seem much straighter than they are. Ramore (in Portrush) now has another above the Wine Bar: Ramore Oriental, which is excellent. Our hostess warned us not to go to Novecento Restaurant in Dingle. She said it wasn't very good and she's had several people get food poisoning. Natalie in Martin, WI USA 04/08/2008 The ferry across the River Shannon cost us 17 euro and not the 15 that was mentioned in the book. Rachel McGinnis in Brookline, MA USA 02/27/2008 Mention our favourite bed/breakfast www.gaultier-lodge.com harry watson in Raleigh, nc USA 02/12/2008 P.322 Portrush listing for Harbour Heights B & B does not have a valid weblink. Can't access information on the facility. Diane Fagan in Cerritos, CA USA 01/21/2008 Updates to 2007 Guide: Dublin Bus now sells a 3 Day "Freedom Pass". It includes the Hop-on Hop-off City Tour and unlimited Dublin Bus transportation, including the late night bus and the Airlink for 25 Euros per person. Considering the City Tour itself is usually 14 Euros per day, it is quite a bargain if you intend to use the bus for transport in the city. The City Tour Hop-on Hop-off now has a stop directly in front of Kilmainham Gaol. Nelson Tennison in Mandeville, LA USA 12/09/2007 No Dan Hogan in St. Louis, MO USA 11/16/2007 No Deborah Wehunt in Mesa, AZ USA 11/12/2007 Yes, on page 226, where Rick writes about the Gallarus Oratory, he states that an owner of the land has a coffee shop and requires a fee to visit the church. We had a long conversation with Seamus Kelleher Carol & Rich Fike in Montrose, CO USA 10/14/2007 Page 5 – Trinity College and Library in Dublin are no longer covered by the “Heritage Island Explorer Touring Guide”. Page 143 – The Wine Vault restaurant in Waterford has recently changed its hours. It is now closed on Mondays and open on Sunday. Pages 140-42 – We were told on our excellent Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin that Traditional Irish music sessions should really be acoustic only. This seems hard to find, however. We found amplified traditional music often to be too loud for normal ears. Page 139 – The sign at Reginald’s Tower in Waterford said it is closed Monday and Tuesday. We were there in mid-September. Pages 24-25 – Tips on Driving should also include: 1. there is no “left turn on red” in Ireland comparable to our “right turn on red” in the US. 2. it is unlawful in Ireland to drive and talk on a mobile (cell phone) at the same time. Hurray! Tip for driving from a friend that helped me: “Keep the white line on your right.” Page 219 – Dingle Peninsula Circular Tour - It is not true as you state that “Ireland’s car speedometers and odometers have gone 100 percent metric in recent years”. The Ford we rented at Dublin Airport had miles. Consequently, your kilometer directions for the Dingle Peninsula were very confusing for us. Would it hurt to have miles, too? Northern Ireland still uses miles, too, by the way. Page 218 – We did not see any Irish only road signs in Dingle. The word “DINGLE” is newly stenciled on all the town signs we saw, for example. We were confused by some of the informational signs in Donegal, however, which were only in Irish. Page 206 – Pucin Wedge Tomb - We looked everywhere by car, but we could not find this tomb or any place called “Doonties” near Lispole. Even the TI people in Dingle couldn’t help us find it. Page 281 – Eating in Westport. A new, excellent restaurant has opened up in the past two months called “The West Restaurant”. It is upstairs above The West bar at the corner of South Mall and Bridge Street. Page 288 – Connemara National Park. Your book should add that the Visitors Center also has a Tea Room. Page 348 – The Exchange Restaurant and Wine Bar in Derry was impossibly busy and crowded. We couldn’t even find anyone to take our name for a later table reservation. Page 342 – The Bogside mural in Derry of “The Hunger Strikers” portrays a man and a woman; not “two long-haired men”. Page 335 – The laundry in Derry is not on a corner as portrayed on your map. Page 326 – The cost of the Giant’s Causeway minibus is now up to 1.00 Sterling. Page 326 – We could not find the “75p hiking guide” you recommend for the Giant’s Causeway. We tried at the Visitor’s Center and the TI next door, but no one knew what we were talking about. Page 327 - You say that the “Island of Mull in Scotland” is visible from the Antrim Coast viewpoint. The Island of Mull is much too far north to see from here. What you actually see is the “Mull of Kintyre” on the Kintyre Peninsula of Scotland. Page 308 – You say that the Ulster Museum in Belfast is “closed for renovation until late 2007”. We were told it is closed until 2009. Page 306 – The Belfast City Hall was just recently closed for renovation and offering no tours when we were there in early October. We were told it may be closed for tours for another 2 years. Page 316 – The Rain City Café in Belfast was closed and being completely renovated. I’m not sure if it will reopen as the Rain City Café or something else. Page 302 - I’m surprised that you recommend the 8A or 8B bus from Donegall Square East to Malone Road and your recommended B&Bs in Belfast. The 9A, 9B, and 9C buses from downtown to Lisburn Road go closer to your B&Bs and Lisburn Road has many more restaurants and shops than Malone Road. The “Shu Restaurant” near the corner of Lisburn Road and Windsor Avenue (see your map on page 313) is excellent, and very busy and popular with the locals. Page 107 - Your description of the Knowth tomb suggests that each of the two passages connects to “the center chamber”. This is not correct, the two passages each end near the center without connecting. Richard Pine in Rockville , MD USA 10/12/2007 On page 26 of Ireland 2007 you mention using the credit card CDW in lieu of the renatl company insurance. In 2006 our Visa Platinum card eliminated this benefit for Jamaica, Israel, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Dan Dooley car rental insists that you bring a letter of authorization from your credit card company if you claim that you are covered through your credit card. Mike Harshe in Manassas, VA USA 10/12/2007 Rain City Restaurant in Belfast was closed--just a big dumpster out front. Susan & Steve in Fort Collins, CO USA 10/09/2007 -Bus Stop in Kinsale. The ESSO Station on Pier Road is now boarded up. Great Southern Hotel in Shannon Airport is now Park Inn John and Anita Dumire in Chicago, Il USA 10/08/2007 p.250,O'Flaherty's Pub is no longer in business and the Hotel p.250,O'Flaherty's pub no longer in business & Great Southern Hotel changed name in Galway. Please add that when giving a deposit with PayPal, the guidebook should mention the fact that the discount applies as well as the deposit. We had this problem in Portrush at the Anvershield B&B.
Marc Belanger in Montreal, Qc Canada 10/06/2007 No, used the guidbook almost daily. Theresa in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/01/2007 We used the 2007 Guidebook to Ireland during our trip from 27 Aug 2007 to 7 Sept 2007. It was invaluable!! There were a couple of corrections that I wanted to bring to your attention: pg. 171 - Druid Stone Circle, Kenmare The book notes that the admission is free. It is now 2 Euros.
pg. 178 - Muckross House The book notes that visitors can take a self-guided tours. You must take an organized tour, which takes about an hour.
Ring of Kerry - due to a late start, we left Kenmare at 5:00 p.m., however, it was a fantastic time to go. It was still sunny so we were able to see almost the entire ring prior to sunset. We were on the northern side of the Ring at the time of sunset, which was absolutely incredible. After sunset, we headed to Killarney for a late dinner and back to Kenmare. I was concerned about the late start, however, there were no tour buses and no traffic, which allowed us to have a leisurely and pleasant tour.
pg. 226 - Gallarus Oratory The book notes that the actual stone church is free. It is now 3 Euros, which is covered by the Heritage Card. When I pointed out that the book mentioned that it was free, the explanation that I received was that although tour books say that it is free, the fee is for parking and upkeep. You also cannot get to the small parking lot that is mentioned in the book as it is all fenced in. Nancy in Providence, RI USA 10/01/2007 We arrived at the Waterford Crystal Factory on a Friday night at 6:30 as the gate was being locked. We were delighted to learn that contrary to the statement in the 2007 Guidebook tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dale and Carla Harris, Hillsboro, Oregon Dale in Harris, OR USA 09/30/2007 We had a great trip, mostly thanks to the guidebook. I have used Rick’s books in Paris, London, and now Ireland and have not been disappointed. There are only two places that I would diverge from the book. First, when touring the Dingle Peninsula, drive yourself. The Sciuird Archaeology Tour did not stop at anything that was not on the self tour. Although Eileen and Tim Collins were lovely and very friendly, we felt that for the expense ($109 for four of us) we would have been better off to drive ourselves. Second, I also disagree with the assessment of Blarney Castle. It was not anymore a tourist trap than the Cliffs of Mohr. It was interesting to see the structure and the grounds so well intact. It was definitely worth the stop. Phyllis Ritson in Reedsville, PA USA 08/30/2007 - “L” (new drivers/learners) stickers are not allowed on the motorways. - O’Brien’s Tower on Cliffs of Moher is closed and it wouldn’t have offered any better view than you get from the walkway. - Galway Gothic Ghost tours are supposed to be great but are closed on Sundays. - Dublin also has walking ghost tours. D Husby in Moraga, CA USA 08/24/2007 I beg to differ with your assessment of the Bunraitty Castle outside Limerick -- at least as far as young children are concerned. We were travelling in Ireland with our 4 year old, and met up with an Irish friend, also visiting Limerick, with her 2 and 4 year olds. Although it is touristy, it is a great outing when travelling with young kids. We managed a broader glimpse of things-Irish than we would have otherwise. One can only drag young children to so many places. And the playground gave the kids the break they needed to allow them to follow us through a few more houses. The collection of old machinery was also a great hit. True, if travelling without young children, it is not worth the time -- but it is a good family outing. Margo Malakoff in Sierra Madre, CA USA 08/23/2007 The rates that you have listed for Harding House and especially Jurys Christ Church Inn are way below what those hotels are actually asking. Bruce Glass in Houston, TX USA 08/22/2007 We visited Trim on Aug 14-15, and Bennini's Cafe in Trim is closed for business. Frazini's is still open. Telford Williams in Mpls, MN USA 08/20/2007 1) Currency conversion is way off. When I was there in August of 2007, the conversion rate was 1 Euro = 1.37 U.S. Dollars. This is markedly different than the rate quoted in the book. 2) Driving time from Limerick to Dublin is 2 hours in the guidebook. This is not possible. I drove that like a bat out of hell. It is 200 km, and the speed limit is 100km/hr for most of the way. Once you're on the M7, it goes up to 120 km/hr. On the N7, I drove 110 km/hr and passed every chance I got. On the M7, I drove 160 km/hr, and it still took me 2:15 to get from Limerick to Dublin. My suggestion would be to change the estimate to 2:30 instead of 2:00. I promise you no one on earth could make it from Limerick to Dublin in two hours without an airplane or a racing motorcycle. Rob Kiser in Morrison, CO USA 08/16/2007 The Titanic Trail Tour in Cobh has gone up 1 Euro and the free pint of Guiness at the end of the tour is now a free "taste". We did enjoy it though! Shannon Roberts in Glenside, PA USA 08/08/2007 For renting a car, I searched and searched for a charge card that still had CDW coverage. I found one; Advanta Platinum Business Card. Even after calling Enterprise them from the states before arriving, to confirm it would work, upon arrival they balked. So, I had the number in the State to call, and they did, got on the phone, and they agreed to waive the CDW. It saved us over $400 for a three week rental. Also, please clarify in the book that your own insurance in the STates won't cover you in Ireland, and if by chance you do get CDW coverage through your charge card, the rental company then covers the damage to the other vehicle if you have an accident. Lastly, we heard many stories that if you have a flat, or other tire damagel, it is your problem to get it fixed, not the rental company. Dan Peterson in Brier, WA USA 08/08/2007 1. Dingle - For most people, I don't think it's realistic to hazard the Dingle Peninsula Circle Tour on bike. The roads are narrow, with one lane in each direction, yet the cars and buses move as if it's a speedway. Bushes and branches intrude over the road, and force the cyclist to move into the fast-moving traffic.
2. Kinlay House (in Galway) - There is a free breakfast in the morning (toast, cereal, juice, milk, coffee). (The guidebook doesn't say this; it mentions only a self-service kitchen.) Paul Takemura in Monterey Park, CA USA 08/03/2007 Not this time-good job! James in Seattle , WA USA 08/01/2007 Ireland - Kilkenny Castle may technically be open until 5 pm, but the last tour leaves at 4, and you can't get in or join the tour if you arrive late. Diana in Houston, TX USA 08/01/2007 no. Sandy Patrick in Taylorville, IL USA 07/24/2007 Laundry facilities in Dublin are not open on Sunday. One of the facilities is now closed completely. Arleen Amato in Paducah, KY USA 07/18/2007 Drive times! We were planning the drive from Dingle to Galway with a stop at the cliffs of Moher. OUr departure day was rainy and the roads were so small and the towns so congested we instead took the larger road from Tralee through Limerick and to Galway. This highway route took us 4 hours: heaven knows how long the scenic route would have been. Kathy Ryan in Rockaway Beach, NY USA 07/18/2007 Bushmills Whiskey Tour Discovery/Correction: According to our guide John, under the new ownership (some conglomerant)at the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, they no longer take "volunteers" to which 4 tastes of whiskey are provided. I asked our guide at the end of the tour and he said that they quit doing that for reasons he is unsure. He said that he didn't understand why, for it was a lot of fun and he knows the company can afford to give away the whiskey! Elaine Hart in Dallas, Tx USA 07/16/2007 I don't think O'Donovan's in Kinsale is accepting guests. Please confirm. Brooke Serres in Salem, OR USA 07/11/2007 Yes....please add Erna's name to the guidebook. She and Victor are a dynamic duo! Bob and Mary Efinger in Pompano Beach, FL USA 07/09/2007 Nope! Karen Platt in Cardiff, n/ Wales 07/02/2007 Dingle - Mainstay Guesthouse has apparently closed down.
Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin. Information is very misleading. Apparently, a reservation may be required and there is a limited capacity for the tour. The listed phone number does not allow you to make a reservation and the website only allows you to make a request for a reservation. We were told at the pub that the tour was sold out and that we needed a reservation. I think the guidebook needs to clarify the procedures for this activity. Debra Camastro in Gilberts, IL USA 07/02/2007 Would recommend that you offer lodging options in Doolin; there are now many places to stay there in Doolin and it does not seem worth traveling to and from Lisdoonvarna Bob Lata in Paso Robles, CA USA 07/01/2007 Page 117: Gardens of Powerscourt was only open until 5:00 pm. The book said open "daily 9:30 - 17:30 year-round."
page 73: (Post Office) "Step inside and trace the battle by studying the well-described cycle of 10 paintings". There were no paintings in the main hall. William Lavey in Wakefield, MA USA 06/24/2007 Not a correction as much as a suggestion. In the section on Dingle/An Daingean, I would recommend talking briefly about the issue involving the elimination of the English name from signs, against the overwhelming will of the populace. I was in Dingle a week after the government elections in May (2007), and it was a sensitive topic with protest signs up all over town. It also has its amusing side, with the locals "vandalizing" road signs by repainting the name "Dingle" on them, or painting it on the roads themselves, or even the parody of the HOLLYWOOD sign saying "DINGLE" that briefly sat above the town (there's a photo of it in a storefront in town). I discussed it with my B&B hosts, and it was a fascinating perspective on the pluses and minuses of living in a Gaeltacht region. Melissa in Fairfax Station, VA USA 06/19/2007 Botanica B&B in Belfast is planning on changing to a self-catering hotel in the fall. May be closed during renovations. Kevann Lamkin in Azusa, CA USA 06/15/2007 Wandered the area rreccomended for Irish music in Waterford, and found none. VERY few things even open. Severeal pubs stopped serving food at 7:00,and the one that did was Tex-Mex!Limited restaurant choices. Kashmir Tandoori by the Wine Vault very good. Kevann Lamkin in Azusa, USA 06/15/2007 The 2007 Ireland book,pp 115 ff, tells of the Wicklow Mountains. In early June we left Powerscourt on a misty day to travel to Glendalough, following the Military Road suggestions. What we didn't realize is that the mist and light rain of Powerscourt became an intense fog on the mountain. With the extremely narrow roads, and extremely low visibility, the trip was both dangerous and anxiety-producing. And of course, the scenery could not be seen to be enjoyed. Include a tip in the book: don't make the trip if the weather is poor in Glendalough or Powerscourt. Robert McNaughton in Middletown, CT USA 06/10/2007 A "correction" (if you would call it such) for use in the 2008 edition, yes. Portrush has been overrun by developers. Many buildings are now either in major disrepair and are being boarded up to encourage neighboring hangers-on to give up and sell, and other areas - including your recommended Belvedere (which we stayed at and greatly enjoyed) have been sold out. The Belvedere hosts informed us they got an offer that was "just too good to refuse" and that they, and as many as 15 other B&B's in Portrush had sold out that very year.
P.S. The Belvedere will close in September, be torn down and replaced with multi-story apartments selling at between E 500,000 - E 2 million. It's really a shame to see all the Victorian era stuff torn down in an outright grab for new money - housing prices have gone through the roof and most local folk can't afford housing any more - - so who's buying up all these expensive flats??
Colleen in Bloom, MD USA 06/04/2007 I concur with Jennifer in Riverside, CA about the Guardwell Lodge in Kinsale. No response by phone or e-mail and the Web site has been taken down. Perhaps it has closed? Ann O'Hagan in Chicago, IL USA 06/02/2007 The Ghost Tour in Kinsale, Ireland operates Monday through Friday only during June - August. April and May, September and October, it operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. David Evans in Oak Hill, VA USA 06/01/2007 Guardwell Lodge in Kinsale has proven impossible to reach to make reservations. The phone number listed in the Rick Steves guidebook (the same as on their website) doesn't work, and they have not responded to emails. Jennifer Newton in Riverside, CA USA 05/09/2007 You can download the Heritage Island Explorer pass for free at www.irelandvisitordiscounts.com Dana McClane in Columbia, IL USA 04/25/2007 Great Southern Hotel at the Shannon Airport has changed to the "Park Inn". We had a double room for 99 euro in mid-April 2007. Heather Pardue in Ocala, FL USA 04/16/2007 odonovans b&b in Kinsale is no longer trading as a b&b, see email I got from them this morning below:
Very sorry but we are no longer trading as a B&B. Please try theoldebakery@oceanfree.net
Original Message: ----------------- From: *** Date: 05 Apr 2007 22:57:29 -0500 To: odonovans_bb@iolfree.ie Subject: July 17 and 18
Greetings, I found your B&B in the Rick Steves guide. I am looking for a place for my future husband and I to stay for on our honeymoon. We'll be staying in Kinsale on the nights of July 17th and 18th. If you have a room available, what is the rate?
Thank you, Libby Libby in Saint Paul, MN USA 04/06/2007 no Todd Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/29/2007 We really like your Ireland 2007 book. We are using it to contact B&B owners by email. We found that Mrs. Howard's address did not work for Dublin. We'll give you feedback from our trip when we get back in August. The error message is below:
The following recipient(s) could not be reached:
corahoward2003@yahoo.co.uk on 2/1/2007 8:21 AM There was a SMTP communication problem with the recipient's email server. Fred Trexler in Jackson, MI USA 02/01/2007 In Dublin you mention the General Post Office had ten pictures depicting the uprising. About a year ago the Post Office was renovated and the pictures removed. The post office worker informed me that he didn't know if there was a plan to put them back up again. Rick Scott USA 01/26/2007 Mrs. Howard's B&B in Dun Laoghaire, email address, corahoward2003@yahoo.co.uk, does not work. Annie Malone in long beach, CA USA 01/06/2007 We are presently planning our trip to Ireland. Your 2007 guide book recommends leasing a car from Europe by Car for stays longer than 2.5 weeks. Alexander Roy (pres.) confirmed that you cannot lease a car to drive in Ireland. London is closest location and cars cannot be taken from there to Ireland. Same with Canadian associate company. Please delete this option from your Ireland guide book. Vivian McFarland in Calgary, Ab Canada 01/04/2007 MacCool's Portrush Independent Hostel in Portrush, Northern Ireland is no longer open. Lori Roth USA 12/29/2006 Windsor Lodge in Dun Laoghaire has closed, as the owners have retired and sold the property. It will be missed as a very nice convienient place. Richard in Ft Washington, PA USA 12/28/2006 I feel that Clifden House in Dublin, Ireland should be removed from your book. The carpet was so dirty it was black. The owners were surly. The cleaning staff was very friendly and it was safe since the door is locked and you have to be buzzed in. I definitely would not recommend this B&B to others and it certainly does not belong in your guidebook. Helen USA 12/20/2006 Someone mentioned that the Bushmills afternoon tour does not include a comparative tasting. It does indeed and I have the certificate to prove it.
We too had a car with a "miles" odometer and would love to have had the Dingle drive measured in both kilometers and miles. Northern Ireland cars and those ferried over from Britain still use miles.
Sadie at Boulevard Guest House in Westport said Rick spent a night there, but if he would have spent two he would know that there is no daily maid service for the rooms. Not a problem, just a surprise. John Zesbaugh in Pine River, MN USA 12/17/2006 In Ennis, Hal Pino's is now Zucchini's.
Couldn't find Granny's Kitchen in near the Rock of Cashel and King Cormac's was closed on Monday. Wilma Sutton in Hudson, IN USA 12/13/2006 St, Canice Cathedral in Kilkenny is closed for renovations for several months, people are only allowed in for services. John Bradley & Charles Keenan in Jersey City, NJ USA 12/06/2006 Prices: Heritage Card now Adult: 21E; Sr. 16E; Student 8E; Family 55E Rock of Cashel: parking now 3E; 1.20E in town for two hours, free all locations on Sundays. If you need the Handicap parking next to the front doors not advised you will have to back down the hill. Not advised. Galway page 217 left the 's' off The Quays Pub. Correct on other pages.
Galway p. 224. College Crest Guest House: Charged 45E person, though we had a double and a triple for our party of 5. Not hosted by Irish but eastern Europeans (Poland and Latvia) P. 225 Salthill Carraig Beag closed in winter months. We visited 16 November 2006. Jon T. Haugen in VANCOUVER, WA USA 11/26/2006 I got the impression from the guide that tourists were not welcome in any of the trinity college buildings except the library. But a tour guide told us they have cafes and pubs right on campus and they are open...didn't have time to check this out, but wish I had. Karen Rutledge in The Dalles, Or USA 11/18/2006 Cliffs of Moher. Please don't suggest that your readers step over the barrier and peek over the edge! A large construction project is going on. (October 2006) Pam USA 11/17/2006 The "Craft Village" in Derry was really just two or three shops of junky souvenirs. Suzanne Fischer in Durham, NC USA 11/06/2006 Minor - on the map of Dingle I think that the labels for Heaton's & Castlewood House are reversed. (You reach Heaton's first driving from town.)
Also - a suggestion rather than correction - on the Dingle Peninsula drive you give the notes only in kilometers. I guess I had the only rental car in the Republic that measured by mileage instead so it was hard to follow the book. Some sights were easy to find regardless, but where the heck were the ridges of unharvested potatoes from the Famine? Couldn't tell you.... So having both miles & kilometers here would be helpful Carolyn S. in Seattle, WA USA 11/03/2006 No, my husband and I have used Rick's books since we went to our honeymoon in London. We've since used his books for Paris, Italy and now Ireland. My husband even read "Postcards from Europe" going over to Ireland and loved it! Michele & Jay Carter in Austin, TX USA 10/29/2006 The Galway Crystal Factory no longer offers tours or the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre. Last tour was in August. GCF sold thier building last year and are moving. Walt Harper in Savannah, GA USA 10/11/2006 I was very confused about the National museum in Dublin. Some of the exhibits that Rick talked about were not on display Sarah Napoli in Brattleboro, VT USA 10/06/2006 It is a GUIDE book, not the final word. We enjoyed all of our "wrong" turns and unmentioned sights along the way. Patricia Drabant in Brooklyn, MI USA 10/04/2006 Two corrections: 1) The Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Center is no longer conducting tours, as of August 2006. They sold the factory bldg. nextdoor. They're still open for duty-free sales of crystal. 2) The parking at the Cliffs of Moher is now €5 and O'Brien's Tower is temporarily closed for renovations. Actually, the whole area is under construction as they are expanding the parking lot and building a bigger tourist information center and gift shop. The breathtaking sights of the cliffs are still there. Linda Matar in Tampa, FL USA 09/21/2006 Just a note concerning our experiences in the Giant's Causeway Area in Northern Ireland. The first week in September we arrived in Portrush on a Friday expecting a tourist information bureau which would assist us with plans. We were shocked to discover that due to low interest it was closed except on the weekends beginning at noon on Saturday. We were under the impression that there was some sort of public transportation available between the sights, including the Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. We were dropped off by a taxi at Dunluce Castle. No one at Dunluce had any idea about busses, times or schedules. After visiting we waited for a LONG time for a bus. A woman in the Wee Cottage there helped secure a ride for us to Bushmills Distillery (an Italian couple who where themselves on holiday) only to discover that there was no public transportation to the various sights. What did exist ran twice a day. Attempting to walk to Giant’s Causeway, my elderly mother and I discovered that while it was only two miles away, there was no foot path. I would caution anyone who is heading for Giant's Causeway any months outside July and August to either rent a car or contact Bobby at 07967 682162. Troy Morgan in Belfast, NI UK 09/20/2006 Hi Rick, We had a great trip and used your book amost exclusively. There is one thing we need to let you know, however------ We stayed in Trim our last night and it was wonderful at the Cranmor Country house. Our flight was at 1045 a.m. and we were advised to leave Trim at 0715.That was fine except for the rush hours traffic. We followed Carolines advice and the trip to the airpport went smoothly until 2miles outside of the M50. The traffic backs up to a stop for two hours. We got to the airport at 9:50 and dropped off our car. There then is no shuttle to the terminal and it tookk 10 minutes to get ther, walking. We boarded the plane at 1035. No, we did not miss the plane but with security tight, and traffic it was a nightmare!!!!! If staying in Trim, I would advise a later flight . I would always stay at the same place. It was outstanding and unforgetable. Please consider this very strongly for others sake. Tis wonderful in Ireland. Connie Henn, Indianapolis, In. connie henn in Indianapolis, In USA 09/15/2006 Mary Gibbons Tour in Dublin only gives a discount PER book not per person( its listed as if you flash the book you pay 30 instead of 35 )As a Couple we only have 1 book and so we paid 65 E.The tour was great and wonderfull, that just put a damper on it. Patricia M in Kingston, MA USA 09/05/2006 Just returned from Ireland. Re Dublin -- you should mention the beautiful stained glass windows in the National Library. I found them on a previous trip and went back again this trip. Also, City Sightseeing does not actually take you to Kilmainham Gaol. It leaves you off far from it, on the edge of a huge construction site.
M. Cantwell Mary-Jo in Sequim, USA 09/04/2006 Trim: the Dunderry Lodge highly recommended as a gourmet splurge is now a gourmet bargain with a 2 course early bird offered at 16 euro. We visited 2 nights and had a variety of wonderful starters and mains that would be about 25 to 30 euro on the regular menu. The place was packed but it seemed everyone was there for the earlybird which is offered until 8pm. You'll never find it without detailed directions.
Kilkenny: Langton's pub and restaurant offers great food and entertainment at reasonable prices in a classy setting with free gated parking. We had a late dinner on Monday and joined the traditional entertainment in the bar afterwards. On a music break, I talked to the musicians and found out on Tuesday nights only, Langton's offers a traditional Irish music and dance dinner show. My wife and I thought the Tuesday night show was a highlight of our trip. I'm guessing the large showroom accommodated a sold out crowd of 200 or more. Perhaps Rick would want to include it in the next book. Ron Wickham in Foster City, CA USA 09/01/2006 The Ragus music and dance show on Inis Mor is closed. Prices generally a tad higher than in the book, but it was our Bible on our 12-day trip. Eric & Carla in Seattle, WA USA 08/25/2006 Our experience in Dingle was that the B&Bs do not accept credit cards,nor did any of the others we stayed at except The Stables in Birr. We also want to pass on our B&B experience in Ennis. Our first night was at Rockfield(?)/Pauline's. Your book gave it a good rating but we found the beds to be awful and the bathroom and shower had a lot of black mold on the ceiling, walls and especially in the shower behind the bifold shower door. I doubt you have actually stayed at this place. We were lucky to get a room with Mary Keane at the Grey Gables our second night, a great stay, and Mary was full our third night but found good accomodations for us. She was great. Otherwise we used the book a lot and found it quite helpful. Rick, I met you at O'Flaherty pub in Dingle. Kit Sullivan in Green Bay, WI USA 08/22/2006 The Hard Rock Cafe in Belfast has closed its doors. However, the Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin is still there. Teri Clark in Bothell, WA USA 08/09/2006 Your advice regarding yellow traffic lights is misleading; we had a chat about this with our friendly Dublin cabbie. He explained that you should, as in the USA and required by law, slow up and prepare to stop at a yellow traffic light, unless you are already in the intersection. Philip Osattin in Kew Gardens, NY USA 08/07/2006 On page 122: In Cashel, the "Pasta Milano's" is closed and boarded-up. Looks like they are permanently out-of-business. Terry McCarthy in Austin, TX USA 08/02/2006 The large pizza place in Cashel town is closed, probab;y for remodeling. William Gruesbeck in Beavercreek, Oh USA 08/01/2006 We felt your comments about Bunratty Castle were a bit harsh, we enjoyed the day there, although we did not attend the banquet. Chris in Albany, NY USA 07/26/2006 In Galway the tour the other Galway is now called the Gothic Tour of Galway. Bart Thompson in Ridgeley, WV USA 07/17/2006 You mention that most of the cars are in metric but ours wasn't. Our rental car was calibrated in miles but the speed limit was posted in kilometers. Dr.Paul Tamas in Sicklerville, NJ USA 07/07/2006 Most of the prices were about one Euro higher than the book - inflation. Keith Wood in Lawrence, KS USA 07/03/2006 The Ordnance Survey map was a waste of money. We got just as much detail out of the Rough Guide map of Ireland. The OSI map has no city details, which is what we needed. It was hard to find good city detail maps, even at the local TIs. Mark FitzMaurice in Lexington, SC USA 07/03/2006 Westpoint B&B, 87 Threadneedle, Salthill (Galway). The McGuires run a beautiful B&B, reasonable (35 Euros each for three in mid-June) with a great breakfast. No CC Westpointmac@netscape.net 091-521026, fax 091-582152 Mrs. Maread McGuire & her husband gave lovely recommendations for dinner, and were the only hosts all week who sat in the lounge & watched TV with the guests. Parking, near bus stop & a tiny grocery two doors down tucked between lovely homes. We were lucky enough to get in on a cancellation on a Saturday night. My daughter especially enjoyed the hairdryer. Sherry Cavanaugh in Clearwater, FL USA 06/27/2006 On the following page : http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/ireland/aranisla.htm
"Bad Arann Teo" is now called Aran Direct and their website has changed to http://www.arandirect.com . Also the phone number should be 091-566535. Brian Hickey Ireland 06/23/2006 On page 183, Harry Clark Windows of Diseart in DIngle. There is now a charge for admission. They are doing this to raise money for restoration. 3.50 euros for one, 2.00 euros for one in a group of 20+ and 10.00 euros for a family. Kathy McCartney in Prescott, AZ USA 06/15/2006 Just -- more of the same! Your book make my recent trip to Ireland absolutely enchanting! Linda Stevens in Richardson, TX USA 06/14/2006 A possible addition for Kilkenny. we stayed in the Celtic House, celtic-house-bandb.com, 353-0-56-776-2249. Right off the main street and 3 blocks from kilkenny Castle. Nice hosts, very clean, big room, really nice bathroom. Breakfast was fine. Only drawback, no carpets on the beautiful wood floors. Close to everything and we thought you would like to know about it.
Another find was in Skerries. The village itself is right outside Dublin , north. we stayed in The Hamilton House, hamiltonhouseskerries.com. Beautiful home and lovely room, big bath, good breakfast and a lovely host. She helped us get ready to journey to the States, the airport was only 25 minutes away, by helping package some food we bought. Skerries is on the harbor and it was clear and beautiful. we had a wonderful dinner at Snoops the tiny resataurant right on the curve of the harbor. A great place for our last night in Ireland. Ruth Domush in Greenbrae, CA USA 06/08/2006 1. To get to Dun Laoghaire from Dublin Airport, don't take the 746 Airlink bus. It is a local. Instead, take the 747 Express to O'Connell St and then take the 7 or 45A to Dun Laoghaire. 2. The Military Road over Sally Gap is extremely bumpy and if the heather isn't in bloom (like now), it is pretty desolate. 3. All the laundrettes in Waterford are drop-off, not self-serve. 4. The ring fort outside of Derry isn't on the main road. What looks like the fort is really a visitor's center under construction. Drive up the hill to get to the fort, which is also under renovation but you can walk around part of it. You can't go inside. 5. The Windermere in Belfast doesn't accept credit cards. 6. Many entrance fees or bus fees have gone up a euro or two or a pound or two since the book came out. Susan Scruggs in Longmont, CO USA 06/03/2006 Page 171...Derrynane House....the TI just outside the town doesn't have the handy free map...they knew we were reading that info from your book and asked to please change that... Geraldine Nepszy in Windsor, ON CANADA 05/31/2006 I called the Aran Island Ferries and was told there is not a discount available for pre-booking in the high season. They will give a discount to seniors or students, though. Otherwise the price is the same, year-round. Morgan TX USA 05/31/2006 We couldn't find Hal Pino's in Ennis. There was another restaurant at what we think was the same address. Harry Clark Windows of Diseart in Dingle charged 3 Euro per person (guidebook states free), however we felt it was well worth it - the guide was wonderful and added a lot to the experience! Rosalie & Roger in Albany, NY USA 05/29/2006 Kirrary B&B in Dingle is cash only. Laurie Granieri in Milltown, NJ USA 05/24/2006 The Little Skillet Restuarant in Kinsale has a beautiful wine bar waiting room upstairs with a cozy fireplace jane in Dublin, Ireland 05/19/2006 Gap of Dunloe - you can drive it! We were in Killarney first week of May 2006. Our B&B host told us that after the horse-drawn carriage rides are done, the road is open to car traffic. He suggested 6:30 p for this. We went, but the horse rides were still going on. We grabbed dinner at the pub/restaurant at the entrance (Kate Keirney's?), and went back out at 7:30p. The horse rides were all done, and so the road was open. Awesome (and cheaper)! I suspect in the summer, the pony rides will go longer, and so your car ride will be delayed til 8 pm or later. Not worth doing in the dark, so be forewarned.
Warning - the Gap of Dunloe road is incredibly narrow, terribly twisty, and has big jagged rocks along the edges. Further, locals use it as a connector between Kenmare and Killarney (and there are people who live on the road also). So you have to be aware of oncoming traffic; either you'll have to stop at a "pullout" or you'll have to back up to a pullout. Or you'll have a local on your tail, who's driving 20KMH, while you're doing 5KMH (no joke). Be ready to pull-over and let them pass. All of the above *will* happen.
Despite the above, we were able to drive it, and see some incredible views. We did feel rushed in taking our pictures, as we didn't feel there were good places to pull over and get out of the car (in retrospect, there were a few places...) so our pictures are so-so. The memories are awesome.
Last note - there is no sign/indication of when you are at the top of the Gap/best picture site. So we kept driving up until the view got worse, and then we turned the car around, and took pictures accordingly on the way down. This spot was where the Gap Road intersects with the road that to Moll's Gap/Kenmare (plenty of space)
Above all, use your best judgement! What I said worked for us and was our experience. Driving in any country is always a risk, so be sure of what you are doing.
We say it was awesome, and well worth driving adventure! Arjun Khare in Cary, NC USA 05/17/2006 Hi! This morning (May 11) my husband and I called the number for Mrs. Bridie Flanagan's B&B and spoke with Mrs. Flanagan's daughter. She stated that the B&B was no longer running (due to her parents' age). Heather Montague in Annapolis, MD USA 05/11/2006 p. 185 West Kerry Craft Guild: www.gailearaibeag.com is a bad link. p. 197 Wild Banks restaurant is closed (http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:PD3EpaV2CHwJ:www.thewildbanks.com/+%22Wild+Banks+Restaurant%22&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1) Anne Saul in Alexandria, VA USA 04/21/2006 The discount I got from your book was only 1 euro, not the 5 euros indicated in the guidebook. Cathryn Alpaugh in Lincoln, NE USA 04/18/2006 Yes. Bush Mills tour no longer offers comparison tasting (guidebook states (when your guide asks for a tasting volunteer,... four volunteers per tour get to taste...)at least on the last tour of the day in March. Please have someone check on this -- might be important to someone reading your book! ! Amy Apine in Eau Claire, WI USA 04/05/2006 I can't believe that Rick has not yet corrected (according to this website) the descriptive tour of the Ring of Kerry to be in Kilometers rather than in Miles, especially since auto odometers are not going to be in Miles!!! Roger E. Smith in Fort Collins, CO USA 04/04/2006 The Caherconnell (Cahercommaun) ring fort no longer seems to have a "fort only" option at 3 euro, we only saw the 5 euro option. The book says closed Nov-Easter, however they were open on March 30th when we visited. Jason in Henderson, CO USA 03/30/2006 Although many individuals do indicate that distances should be marked in km versus miles. Driving the entire way I found the quoted time to be quite different. For the most part all suggested travel times (even in the off-season) were nearly double the listed travel time. Erick in Elkhart, IN USA 03/16/2006 |
