Ireland 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Your "don't miss" advice is right on the money. Traveling in January we had the roads to ourselves and could really take our time on the loop. All of your B&B recommendations were closed for the season, and restaurants were few, but we found a nice B&B, and the mediocre pub food was more than offset by the beauty of the drive in, the loop, and the drive out the southern route.
Joe & Kathleen Kelly in Jasper, GA USA 01/27/2012
Best: the Dingle Peninsula
Why: It was very specific, helping us get the maximum coverage of the Peninsula.
ann fessler in gig harbor, wa, WA USA 12/21/2011
Best: Walking Tour of the Burrens with Tony Kirby
Why: A fall tour of southwest Ireland included a walking tour of the Burrens, led by walking guide, Tony Kirby. In addition to being very knowledgeable in the landscape, history and natural habitat of the area, Tony enriched the walk with stops along the way for readings from well known Irish poets. His warm, gentle character made this stop on our tour a delight and much remembered.
Caroline Roy in Duxbury, MA USA 12/15/2011
Best: Ring of Beura; also the self-guided tours of all three penisulas were excellent. You had it down with the best points and stops!
Why: No tour busses and absolutely stunning as far as coastal scenery; the Ring of Beura that is! Liked it better than the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Penisula is also better than the ROKerry as Rick suggested.
Erica Hansen in Alamo, CA USA 12/05/2011
Best: Walking Tours, 2011 book
Why: The walking tours in Dublin (historical & Trinity College/Book of Kells), p. 56; Don & Barry's Kinsale Historic Tour, p. 163; and, Guinness Storehouse, p. 57 were all great!
Worst: Kilmainham Goal (jail), Dublin, 2011 book, p. 56
Why: This is a personal preference. To me, it was eery, cold, and creepy. Wish I hadn't spent the time or the money.
Maureen in Tempe, AZ USA 10/22/2011
Best: Dingle Pininsula, Don Herlihy's Kinsale Walk, Ghost Tour in Kinsale
Why: The Dingle Pinninsula, Great Blasket Center were fantastic! The Center was a great place to learn more about the people and area, with interactive displays, and very good food! We did the Ghost Tour and Don Herlihy's walk in Kinsale and enjoyed both tremendously. The Ghost Tour was fun, Don was truly amazing with his wealth of knowledge and insight into the history and current goings on of the town of Kinsale. He also provided great advice on eating in the midst of the Gourmet Food Festival.
Worst: Meadowlands Hotel
Why: The food and smell and lack of internet connection was a major let down.
William Gamble in Culver City, CA USA 10/11/2011
Best: The music scene in Dingle
Why: We attended a concert in St. James' church, then heard music in two pubs. All different, all delightful.
Donna Murphy in Fairfax, VA USA 10/10/2011
Best: Kinsale
Why: Don & Barry's Kinsale Historic Stroll made the amazing and important history of Kinsale truly come alive. A better history lesson than I remember from college, where I majored in history.
John H. Lifland MD in Bridgewater, NJ USA 10/04/2011
Best: taxi tour in Belfast
Why: easy to find in a worrisome city excellent information
Worst: Bushmill Tour
Why: expensive hard to understand very small sample of whiskey at end
martha Aguiar in CAMPTON, NH USA 10/03/2011
Best: Dingle Penninsula and Aran Island
Why: the beauty was amazing the people the food everything was more than what I could ever imagine. I'd also suggest the Black Cab tours in Belfast, very interesting with a great cabbie that gave us the tour of the murals.
Jill Sletten in Saint Paul, MN USA 09/27/2011
Best: Kinsale and Dingle
Why: Kinsale is like the Nantuckate of Ireland, so surprisngly fresh and beautiful. We ( my sister, niece and 29 yr. old twin daughters stayed in the Anchorage by far the best B&B ever! Anne the owner could not have been more hospitable. The night before we left my sister and daughter came down with a 24hr flu and Ann was so helpful. We could not make our bus for 5hrs and she looked after my daughter, drove us to the stop and waited until we left, also told us not to worry about our room if we needed to stay longer. Our 3 bedroom room was immaculate, bright and sunny , bathroom very large and clean, had the best time ever.
Paddy Munro in Vancouver, B. Canada 08/25/2011
Worst: Music walking tour in Dublin
Why: We made a reservation, but they did not honor it when we arrived, and that spoiled our evening.
Helen in Washington, DC USA 08/22/2011
Best: The Antrim Coast
Why: There's so much to do here in a very compact area. The Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the whiskey tour--all were wonderful.
Worst: Galway city
Why: We didn't enjoy Galway. The sights were only somewhat interesting, and it was very crowded and somewhat dirty.
Eilis O'Neal in Tulsa, OK USA 08/05/2011
Best: Aran Islands - Dun Aengus
Why: No guardrails overlooking 100 meter cliffs plummeting into the frothy ocean. It is stunning. The view of the island itself from this ancient fortress is equally amazing. It appears like some giant created the island with a cookie cutter and just dropped it into the ocean. If it weren't for all the stone walls marking different properties it feels almost like and alien landscape.
Worst: Kinvara - Dunguaire Castle
Why: While the banquets they throw here in the evening might be worth the 50 Euro price tag, the 8 Euro entrance fee to see the castle during the day really wasn't worth it. If you must, send one person in your group in to take pictures. Otherwise, it's still worth a stop in Kinvara just to take some pictures of the castle from afar.
Brian Furlong in Chicago, IL USA 08/04/2011
Best: Dingle
Why: This place makes me happy.
Gregory in Las Vegas, NV USA 07/30/2011
Best: Dingle, Eask Tower
Why: The book mentioned the bike and hike option. I walked from Dingle and it look about two hours each way. It was exciting as the road does not have much of a foot path. It was one of the highlights of the trip with beautifyl views at the summit. Watch your step as you walk near the sheep!
Mark Draganescu in Chalfont, PA USA 07/25/2011
Best: Dingle
Why: Breathtaking scenery.
Nathan Scott in Santa, CA USA 07/06/2011
Best: The Ring of Kerry
Why: I took off early as suggested in the book and slipped into the Skelig loop before noon and did not encounter a single tour bus. Don't take off too early though because I arrived at Derrynane so early, the place was not open yet.
Worst: Not really - except when it rains heavily
Why: I could not see a thing when touring the Wicklow mountain or driving the Dingle loop. It was pouring on both days. The clouds were so low we could not even see the sheep in the fields along the road. On the Dingle trip, the wind was also so strong, I was soaked the minute I left the car to visit the first site.
Pitim in Chicago, Il USA 07/04/2011
Best: Historic Kinsale Tour with Don and Barry
Why: I took the tour with Barry and it was excellent. He is so enthusiastic and knows so much about Kinsale. He has a great style without seeming to have memorized a script!
Sharon in Indianapolis, IN USA 07/03/2011
Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Very nice drive, little traffic, easy to follow with Rick's book. However, read the book ahead so you don't miss the sights because you're looking for signs or watching your odometer.
Worst: Derry and Portrush
Why: The town may not be in a civil war, but it still doesn't feel friendly. No one was overly friendly or helpful, everyone on the streets seemed to be 18-20 and the streets and sights were littered with garbage and graffiti. Although the book said that Portrush in June is lazy, I can attest that bumper to bumper traffic with people lining the streets is not lazy. Parking was not worth the trouble and staying in nearby Portstewart may have been a better choice.
Lisa Moyer in Pine Grove, PA USA 06/30/2011
Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Full of beautiful scenery, historic sights and friendly people. Lots of fun things for the kids to do also. We could have stayed here for a week of our vacation but had other events pre booked elsewhere. Next time!
Worst: Ricks gallarus recommendation
Why: Gallarus oratory is a terrific stop and a wonderful monument however Ricks recommendation of using the side entrance is a really poor one. Parking is at a really small lay by on a narrow laneway and one of my kids was nearly run over by a car coming down the hill. Not a very appropriate access point considering how busy this site is. Better off using the nearby visitor center for safe access. Poor judgement on this call by Rick.
Dawn Lynsky in Norton, MA USA 06/20/2011
Best: There are many! Dingle
Why: Wonderful town along the coast. Enjoyed the shops, harbor, and the drive over Conner Pass and the villages on the way.
Jon Lesch in Portland, OR USA 06/10/2011
Best: There are many! Dingle
Why: Wonderful town along the coast. Enjoyed the shops, harbor, and the drive over Conner Pass and the villages on the way.
Jon Lesch in Portland, OR USA 06/10/2011
Best: Glendalough - old monastary; Kinsale - Don and Barry's Historic Stroll
Why: We found the Glendalough monastic settlement historical site to be fascinating (even with the intermittent rain!). Very interesting place and the rain/mist made for a couple of interesting photos as well. Kinsale - took part in ‘Don and Barry’s Historic Stroll’ and had a great time. Don is quite a character! His stroll is highly recommended.
Worst: Guiness Storehouse in Dublin
Why: Guinness Storehouse was a non-event (maybe we’ve seen one too many brewery tours) although the views from the Gravity Bar were great. In late May the Gravity Bar was absolutely packed, so I can only imagine how bad it is in mid-summer!!
Susan and Don in Columbia, SC USA 06/09/2011
Worst: Many of our best experiences weren't covered in the book; Cobh
Why: Cork City, Clonmacnoise, and Ross Errilly friary (R334 North towards Cong in Headford) were conspiculously absent. You force us to follow your exact itinerary, and if we don't, we can miss a lot.
The Garnish House B&B in Cork City is by far the best B&B for the money in all of Ireland. Welcoming staff, incredible food, excellent rooms at a great price.
As for Cobh, what a letdown. Nice church on the hill and three interesting monuments, but the town is dull and lifeless as paint drying. Certainly not a destination stop.
Paul Porwoll in Johns Island, SC USA 05/26/2011
Best: Dingle, of course - also The Queenstown Story, Cobh
Why: The guidebook downplays the Queenstown Story displays, but I found its artifacts and exhibits more worthwhile than expected. My husband spent time sitting with a consultant who provided good information on my great-grandmother's family name (she sailed from Queenstown in the 1800s to America). Handy cafe for coffee and soup, nice shops, easy parking just outside. All in all a very pleasant stop! Thank you, Rick, for so many great suggestions - I used the guidebook constantly.
Worst: Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre - disappinted we couldn't tour
Why: Went out of our way to visit (early May) since we have enjoyed owning the crystal for years... street parking only in this busy town, but found a spot and went in midday, but would have had to wait 90 minutes for a tour so we left to make it to our next stop in time. Were not carrying a phone to be able to call - Perhaps you might indicate in the guide if tours are somewhat infrequent? The selling area was huge and rather sterile, though the cafe was nice. Rather a high fee charged for the tour at 11.50 Euros for a commercial product, I thought, compared to blockbuster historic attractions for less.
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 05/17/2011
Best: Powerscourt....and The Porterhouse in Dublin
Why: We love the gardens of Europe.
Porterhouse has great food and atmosphere...and they offer an Ale sampler tray... so you can sample a number of great irish ales....
Worst: The Never lost in our Hertz car
Why: ....It is really a Tom Tom...The damn thing wants to take you on a direct route from airport to Dun Laoghaire --right thru the City --where RICK says do not drive...instead of going around the M-50. Who has time to educate yourself on a nav system when you are driving a right hand drive car on the Wrong side.. We are buying our own GARMIN next trip and we will learn how to work with (him or her) BEFORE we drive anywhere in Europe...
Chris Canning in Boca Raton, , FL USA 05/13/2011
Best: Dingle / Slea Head Drive
Why: The Dingle region was definitely the highlight of our vacation.
Jim Myers in Boston, MA USA 05/08/2011
Worst: I would skip Cobh altogether
Why: Sort of a tired town, and not in a quaint way. Just tired. I feel mean by saying that, but there are so many other areas that are much more beautiful and interesting. I admit, we were only at the waterfront, however, unless your time is unlimited...not much to offer. Water views are of the docks across the way..somewhat industrial. They pretty much roll up the sidewalks at 9:00. Wished I used that night as additional night in Kerry, Dingle or anywhere else!
Lyndsay in Alexandria, VA USA 04/29/2011
Worst: Kilkenny
Why: Horrible traffic, full of Dubliners getting away for the weekend, all the pubs favored the Dubliners and played every possible type of music except Trad. Very disappointed and wish I could have spent an extra day in Dingle rather than Kilkenny.
Karen in Suwanee, GA USA 04/14/2011
Best: the pub music
Why: i love it
Rick in Seattle, WA USA 03/23/2011
Best: Serendipity
Why: Duck liver pate and seafood chowder; Irish national clog dancing champion (and member of RiverDance) giving an impromptu performance at a pub in his hometown in Dingle; pubs and traditional Irish music in Doolin; "open session" with 17 musicians in Galway; incredible spirit and helpfulness of the Irish people from finding and mailing our lost credit card back to us in the U.S. to leading the way for us in their own car rather than just giving directions.
Worst: Temple Bar in Dublin
Why: Too crowded, noisy, touristy and alcoholic. Ireland has much better to offer.
Joyce in Toledo, Oh USA 02/27/2011
Best: Serendipity
Why: Duck liver pate and seafood chowder; Irish national clog dancing champion (and member of RiverDance) giving an impromptu performance at a pub in his hometown in Dingle; pubs and traditional Irish music in Doolin; "open session" with 17 musicians in Galway; incredible spirit and helpfulness of the Irish people from finding and mailing our lost credit card back to us in the U.S. to leading the way for us in their own car rather than just giving directions.
Worst: Temple Bar in Dublin
Why: Too crowded, noisy, touristy and alcoholic. Ireland has much better to offer.
Joyce in Toledo, Oh USA 02/27/2011
Best: Ken Harper Tour of Belfast
Why: Ken picked us up at the train station and gave us a personal tour of the Murals in both Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. He was impressively knowledgeable and personable, making this experience our favorite of our whole Ireland trip.
Worst: Tours of Guiness and Jameson distillery
Why: Both tours were expensive. Save your money and buy your own drinks.
Lyn in San Diego, CA USA 11/23/2010
Best: Boulevard B&B in Westport
Why: The location was good. The rooms showed a lot of thought, and the owner and her helper were fun.
Brent Thompson in Ashland, OR USA 11/12/2010
Best: Ballyvaughan, Kinsale, Dingle
Why: Spent three nights in Ballyvaughan for family event and highly recommend for folks interested in a small town experience. We LOVED the burren.
Worst: Dublin generally
Why: Dublin was our last destination (for three nights), and we really missed the countryside. It's a big city with some good spots (the jail!), but overall we enjoyed the rural spots more.
Heather O in Washington, DC USA 10/25/2010
Best: Killarney National Park
Why: It's so beautiful.
Patty Bush in Independence, Mo USA 10/25/2010
Best: Several - but ring of Kerry route stands out
Why: Route was perfect. Missed all the buses and recommended stops were fabulous.
Worst:
Why:
Mary Schroeder in Seattle, WA USA 10/23/2010
Best: Dingle (surprise, surprise), Kinsale, Cashel, Killarney National Park (not really recommended by the book, but should be!), Antrim Coast, Boyne valley
Why: So I cheated and listed multiple best destinations, but whatever! Dingle was great, such a nice cozy town (although getting a little touristy nowadays), makes me want to buy one of those holiday homes! Kinsale was such a cute town as well, and living at O'Brien's Cashel Lodge made me love Cashel even more. Killarney National Park was very beautiful, wish I had more time hiking the park. And the jaunting cars, though touristy, was very fun (but me and my friends are suckers for animals). Antrim Coast was super duper windy like no other, but it was so beautiful I didn't mind. I liked all the little towns and the countryside in the Boyne valley near the Boyne river.. everything was so cute and peaceful; if I were to live anywhere in Ireland, it would be there!
Worst: Cliffs of Moher, Belfast, Dublin
Why: They're not bad sites, just not as good as the other ones I listed! The day we went to Cliffs of Moher it was really foggy, so I couldn't really see anything far off; plus, they fenced the area, so we couldn't lay near the edge like Rick Steves to take a picture :( Belfast and Dublin were nice, but we got SO lost trying to find sites because of the confusing and ever-changing street names. But the nightlife was very good in the cities, and watching A Night With George at the Grand Opera in Belfast was really funny as well as educational!
Pearl in Pleasanton, CA USA 09/18/2010
Best: Dublin Musical Pub Crawl
Why: We had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
Worst: Portrush
Why: It's really run down.
Jo Anne Vaughn in Colorado Springs, CO USA 09/16/2010
Best: The Burren
Why: Thanks to the wonderful guided tour with Tony Kirby. See our entry in Favorite Discoveries or Tips, above.
Bill and Rima Caspary in New York City, NY USA 09/12/2010
Best: Middleton Jameson Tour
Why: We arrived at 11am and took the first tour. needless to say, we didn't want to leave. But, driving on the left side became a issue, so we walked into town and found a cozy pub serving a fine lunch.
Worst: Guinness Experience
Why: Extremely touristy and one Guinness was not worth E20. I should have lisitened to you!
Dan Doll in Lincroft, NJ USA 08/18/2010
Best: Don Hurlihy's Tour in Kinsale
Why: Don is personable and passionate about his city. He knows his "stuff." We left Rick Steeves Ireland Book in a previous town and couldn't find it anywhere in Ireland's bookstores. Don graciously loaned us his copy for the rest of our tour in Ireland. Since it was well worn by the time we got home, we just sent him a new one!
Miriam Ting in Santa Cruz, Ca USA 08/08/2010
Worst: BunBeg House
Why: This B&B was a terrible disappointment. It was dirty, dusty and I had a terrible nights sleep in filthy sheets and room. Please don't recommend it. The view of the working harbor was not worth the filthy conditions of the place.
Cleti Cervoni in Beverly, MA USA 08/03/2010
Best: Dingle Town and Dingle Loop; Westport, County Mayo;
Why: Dingle Town was a fun, laid back quaint town, filled with great restaurants and pubs. We took the Dingle Loop as suggested and are glad we did so. Westport turned out to be one of our favorite cities on our entire trip.
Worst: Donegal
Why: We stopped in Donegal based on the 2010 Ireland guidebook. It didn't have the untouched ancient feel that the guidebook described. I was hoping to find Donegal knit items and only found the ho-hum boring "leprechaun only" items found in every gift shop.
Crystal in Drexel Hill, PA USA 07/28/2010
Best: The Overall Hike
Why: Tony Kirby did an excellent job mixing in details about the landscape, plants, and history. For a group coming from the US this was an eye opening experience.
Worst: Length
Why: I wish we would have had time to hike the entire Burren!
James Hanlon in Cedar Falls, IA USA 07/20/2010
Best: walking path for Giant's Causeway
Why: Loved the path you recommended
Karen Labenz in Clive, IA USA 07/18/2010
Best: Aran Islands
Why: Inish Mor was absolutely incredible! Thanks for the tip.
Worst: Killarney
Why: The guidebook said that it was touristy and a bit overrated. I thought it was decent (though by no means as good as Kinsale or Galway). But we did find some good restaurants (Bricin) and the proximity to Muckross House, Dingle and Ring of Kerry was great.
Peter Henrich in Chicago, IL USA 07/17/2010
Best: Dingle / Slea Head
Why: The views, the people, and everything about this place make it a very special part of Ireland.
Rose in Chicago, IL USA 07/17/2010
Best: Dingle
Why: Our family loved Dingle so much we didn't want to leave. Plenty to do and see and great choice of places to stay and places to eat.
Susan in Richmond, VA USA 07/14/2010
Best:
Why:
Worst:
Why:
Leslie Giresi in Burlington, NJ USA 07/08/2010
Best: Newgrange, Rock of Cashel & the old Dublin jail
Why: Great sites. Mary Gibbons tour of Newgrange gets you into the tomb.
Worst: Dublin's history museum
Why: Not as good as I had hoped for. We went to Berlin last year & the history museum there was 10 times better.
Scot Dailey in Arlington, Tx USA 06/26/2010
Best: Slea Head Drive, Dingle Irelnad
Why: You have to see it to understand, beautiful
Sandy in Bakersifle, ca USA 06/17/2010
Best: Slieve League and Glengesh Pass, Donegal
Why: The cliffs there dwarf the Cliffs of Moher and the Pass to Ardara from Slieve League is just SPECTACULAR!!! Like a valley in Switzerland but prettier. Amazing.
Brian in Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 06/07/2010
Best: Horn Head, Donegal; Atlantic Drive, Achill Island
Why: Exceptional scenery. Don't miss.
Worst: none
Why: Only Shannon Airport as it meant we were leaving.
Brian in Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA 06/06/2010
Best: Musical Pub Crawl, Dublin
Why: We've done it twice and both times came away with an appreciation of traditional Irish music and the Irish people. It's a fun evening!
Betty Malone in Orlando, Fl USA 06/06/2010
Best: Dingle Loop Road Drive
Why: Views and stops were extraordinary. The directions were easy to follow, detailed and accurate.
Terri Muren in Stonington, CT USA 04/28/2010
Worst: Rental Car Return At Dublin Airport
Why: Whatever you've heard about Ireland roads is true. They are narrow and have little signage. When we brought our car back to the Dublin airport, we couldn't find the rental car return. There were no signs for it. We drove frantically in circles for 30 minutes. The airport is undergoing construction & most signs have been taken down. Allow plenty of time returning your car at least through summer 2010.
Ron Michaels in Fort Collins, CO USA 04/16/2010
Best: Walking tour with Don in Kinsale
Why: He was incredibly friendly and engaging...a walking history book.
Holly in Pasadena, CA USA 04/12/2010
Best: Dingle!
Why: Glad I saved this town until the end of my trip. Fabulous little town, worth definitely 2 full days. (I stayed 3). Took the Sciuird tour (great), rode horses Dingle horse riding, & did the "short harbor walk" and had a Fungi sighting!
A Outlaw in Charleston, SC USA 03/20/2010
Best: Dingle
Why: Very friendly people
Michael Brock in Spokane Valley, WA USA 03/09/2010
Best: ring of kerry
Why: beautiful scenery, history, a true view of ireland
Worst: waterford
Why: big town with little appeal, waterford factory is closed (heard it may open up again summer 2010
Pamela King in Vacaville, CA USA 03/06/2010
Best: Cork
Why: Charming! And it had all you wanted, hop on and hop off (only on weekends in the winter) a gaol (jail) lots of great shopping and a fun atmosphere in the city center. Plus lots of mojaor tours picked up in Cork.
Sarah White in Liberty , TX USA 02/16/2010
Best: Rock of Cashel
Why: Dramatic. Never would've gone except that Rick gave it "don't miss" rating.
Madeleine Schamehorn in Redlands, CA USA 02/06/2010
Worst: Driving
Why: It's a nightmare. Not the driving on the driving on the left but rather constantly having to pass cars on roads that are less than two car-widths wide and being nearly run off of the road.
Lionel Trane in Chlcago, Il USA 02/06/2010
Best: The Giant's Causeway
Why: Basalt columns and Rope bridge were both unusual and fun to explore. We also enjoyed the Bushmills Distillery.
Worst: Hop on/off on Giants Causeway
Why: We never saw the bus going back to Portrush. Luckily a nice Irish couple offered us a ride.
Nancy Grosshans in Spring, TX USA 01/28/2010
Best: Huhhhhhhhhh?
Why: Shirley, I can only guess, if you think the Ring of Kerry was better that the Dingle, you must have been on a tour bus. There's no way anyone in their right mind would put the Kerry above the Dingle. Trust me folks, this gal is in the minority here, or she was asleep during the drive. The Dingle is THE place you want to see unless you're into Disney-like toursit traps and contrived Irish retoric that you'll find on the Ring of Kerry.
Jake in Nash, AZ USA 11/15/2009
Best: Giant's Causeway for natural sight; The Blasket Center for museum; Newgrange for historic. Any old ruins where we were alone were fun.
Why: Giant's Causeway is indeed scenic, and the high path provided nice views, even though we spent 5 or more hours in gentle rain. The access to both high views and water's edge makes this area even more interesting. Access is possible for those who can't hike long distances. The Blasket Center's coverage of individuals was touching and interesting. Newgrange is amazing. Heritage card purchase - well worth it!
Worst: Dingle and Dingle Peninsula
Why: For scenic views, The Beara Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are both much better. We did enjoy the Blasket Center on the drive, and the scenery was fine. It's just that the other two peninsulas nearby are much better, and staying in Kenmare was far, far better than the town of Dingle. Angela at Cill Bhreac House in Dingle, though, made our stay fun and comfortable. We arranged ahead of time for 3 nights and were more than pleased with our time there. Angela is thoughtful and caring and provides a great breakfast. Dingle town was a huge disappointment.
Shirley in Pagosa Springs, CO USA 11/08/2009
Best: Dingle Bay Peninsula drive
Why: Using the guidebook, we enjoyed the entire loop and loved learning as we drove. It was our only sunny day in Ireland, so it was extra fun!
Lori Ecklebe in Omaha, NE USA 10/25/2009
Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: OMG, this place is absolutely awesome. So rustic and picturesque. I knew Rick recommended it, but I kinda thought we might skip it since we were doing the Ring of Kerry the next day. If you have to choose, skip the Ring of Kerry and do the Dingle!
Worst: Ring of Kerry, Guiness' Tour, Galway
Why: I feel like the Ring of Kerry is overrated, (not necessarily by Rick) and totally "touristy". Compared to the Dingle, I'd rate the Ring right up there with Blarney Castle and Bunratty. As far as Guiness' is concerned, for the money, I would have rather sat in a neighborhood pub and enjoyed a few cold ones with the locals. Besides, I hate Guiness and left my pint on the bar after a few sips. A horrendous waste of time and $ in my opinion. Galway: We stopped there on our way to Limerick...mostly due to Rick's positive recommendations in the book. We only planned a couple of hours during mid-day. We walked "Shop Street" in the city centre. The school kids were out for lunch from the nearby secondary school and one of the boys decided to light and throw a "cherry bomb" on the mall when it was so crowded with people. Little children were in hysterics afterward and their parents were livid. The boy who did it just laughed and walked away. The Galway Garda were nowhere to be seen. It did not make a very good impression on us.
Jake in Queen Creek, AZ USA 10/24/2009
Best: Loved Antrim Coast
Why: The coastal drives the mountains and glens Small coastal towns.
Taylor in Boston, USA 10/18/2009
Worst: Jameson Distllery
Why: We went with a tour group and had dinner and entertainment. We were "herded around", bumped by the servers and had a tough time seeing the entertainment. I felt like a tourist!
Gail Moser in Bandon, Or USA 10/12/2009
Best: Nights at the pubs with the locals
Why: I enjoyed the music and commraderie as well as recapping the days many events and sights.
Worst: Costs
Why: Although the air transporation was cheap and the B/Bs were somewhat reasonable, everything else was very expensive and substantially higher than the 2009 prices Rick quotes.
Dale in Libertyville, IL USA 10/11/2009
Best: Dingle Peninsula/Ring of Kerry
Why: Both had great scenery and a lot to see. Great way to see "real" Ireland.
Eric in Falls Church, VA USA 10/04/2009
Best: Derry
Why: There is so much to see and the book was excellent at sorting out the most meaningful to us.
Maria M Maclean in Nelson, BC Canada 09/20/2009
Best: Kinsale
Why: Just small enough to walk, while large enough to provide excellent shops, resturants, and lodging. You should add Max's Resturant to your list.
MIchael Habig in Bloomington, Mn USA 09/19/2009
Best: The Ring of Berra
Why: Outstanding scenery--every bit as good as the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula without all the tour buses or crowds. The most awesome scenery in Ireland
Bob and Donna Johnson in Hendersonville, NC USA 09/14/2009
Best: By far the Connemara and Cliffs of Moher tour
Why: Investing the time and money required for this day-long excursion was fully planned out in the guidebook. We knew what to plan for, how long it would take and what we would see. We did a couple of these tours and the driver was definitely the "make or break" when it came to information sharing and fun.
Pamela in Overland Park, KS USA 09/12/2009
Best: Book of Kells
Why: Great advice. We got there at 9:30 when it opened, and the line was very short. When we left an hour later, the line was already snaking down the sidewalk.
Worst: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Kenmare Circle
Why: AVOID IT ON WEEKENDS!! On Saturday afternoon they closed the ticket window from 1:30 to 2 p.m.. After waiting in line for half an hour to buy our tickets, there was a 45 minute line to get to the bridge. Then a whistle was blown if people did not hurry across the bridge fast enough. There was another 30 minute wait to return across the bridge. What a tourist trap! ===== Ancient Stone Circle in Kenmare. It’s now locked when there is not an attendant to take your 2 euros to see this putting green with ancient stones. It may be the most accessible, but it certainly is not the nicest. There have now placed oil on top of the gate to slow people down from climbing over and going in after hours. Even for free, this sanitized site is not worth it.
Mary Ann in Wilmette, IL USA 09/06/2009
Best: We loved the Dingle Peninsula and staying in Dingle.
Why: The Alpine Guesthouse was great, the scenery fantastic, and we found good music and food by following your recommendations. Thank you so MUCH!
Carol and Bob Hicks in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/04/2009
Best: Westport, Clifden, Ennis, Donegal
Why: Our favorite small town in Ireland is still Kenmare, but we wished we could have spent more time in the above four towns during our recent trip to Northwest Ireland!
Dan in Ocean Shores, Wa USA 09/02/2009
Best: Not recommended, but Tobercurry and Gurteen area
Why: These two villages in the interior of NW Ireland were not over run by tourists. Great trad music, very friendly people, much more so than in the heavily touristed areas such as Galway Dublin. These rural folks, most with agriculture background, are the salt-of-the-earth, and exactly why we go to Ireland for that great "People" experience! We really enjoyed the small town feel of Westport, and the trad music in Galway.
Dan in Ocean Shores, Wa USA 09/02/2009
Best: Rock of Cashel
Why: Truly impressive and evocative as Rick stated
larry in rochester, mn USA 08/27/2009
Best: It was all wonderful, and so was your book!
Why: I personally loved Barry's tour in Kinsale,the Queenstown Story in Cobh, the Beara Peninsula, Trim Castle Tour, Skellig Experience Center audio visual (we didn't get to go over), Burren perfumery, Matt Malloy's pub music,...
Worst: The Kerry the Kingdom Museum, Tralee
Why: It smelled like a latrine. Video presentation cloudy and not up to standard. Downstairs presentation is ok for a child's learning experience but not for adults who have done their homework...barely a 1 triangle in our opinion...definitely not a 2...
Susan and Lamar Robinette in Clemson, sc USA 08/23/2009
Best: Musical Pub Crawl - Dublin and Kilkenny
Why: I'm not a fan of Irish music, but we loved this tour. It was funny and informative. We loved the Dublin one so much that we did it again in Kilkenny. Also awesome. Less people and fresh and different.
We also did the Literary pub crawl in Dublin and I liked it less only because parts of it were outside and we kept attracting cigarette smokers. If you don't mind the smoke, do this one as well.
PJ in Carlsbad, CA USA 08/11/2009
Best: Bogside Artists' Studio in Derry AND Archeology Museum in Dublin
Why: We spent almost 2 hours talking at the studio with Kevin Hasson, one of the mural artists. These artists remain neutral and try to promote reconcileation. Kevin was an amazing source of information on the history of the troubles and could present a complete picture, as someone who had lived through it all from violence to "peace", over the decades. This was without a doubt our top experience. The Artists also give tours daily. If you are going to look at the murals, you might as well do it with the artists who painted them. A must do if going to Northern Ireland. The Dublin Archeology Museum gave a great perspective of the history of the country, spanning back to 6000 BC.--why there are peat bogs, etc It helped when traveling the country to other points of interest.
Christina in New York, NY USA 08/08/2009
Best: The Ring of Kerry
Why: It was beautiful and Portmaggie reminded me of the town in Local Hero.
Worst: Coming home
Why: In Ireland the high temperature each day was about 70 degrees. When we were flying into Houston, the pilot said it was 101!
Larry in Pearland, TX USA 07/31/2009
Best: Dingle, Co. Kerry
Why: By far the highlight of our holiday. It is the gem in a country that has many.
Julia Strawley in New York, USA 07/18/2009
Best: Rock of Casel
Why: An amazing place for learning about ancient Ireland.
Carolyn Smith in Garden Grove, CA USA 07/14/2009
Best: Cliffs of Moher
Why: Breathtaking. We were lucky and had great weather as well so the hiking was not difficult.
Kay Pitchon in Tarpon Springs, FL USA 07/12/2009
Best: Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl
Why: We took the bus into the city and took this tour on our first night. It was a great 1st-day experience because it was fun, interesting, and didn't require much from our travel-weary bones. We learned a lot about the music and the musical culture and it was fun later in the trip to see what we learned on the pub crawl in action.
Worst: Driving in some areas
Why: Watch out in small cities. We didn't drive in Dublin, and we got used to rural one-lane roads (although never got brave enough to take the ones that hug the cliffsides on the Atlantic Drive), but driving in Navan was a nightmare. One-way streets, hard-to-follow road signs, and American-style traffic. Get good directions and don't assume you can take the same route going back as you did going out, because of the one-way streets.
Shan Hays in Mesa, AZ USA 07/04/2009
Best: Dingle
Why: Dingle Peninsula is a remote gem people should not miss. I would definitely recommend Dingle over the overcrowded Ring of Kerry with its legions of tour buses and people.
Donna Wichelman in Fort Collins, CO USA 06/29/2009
Best: Dingle
Why: We were going to Killarney until I read Rick's recommendations on Dingle. My wife and I wanted to get away from the normal tourist crowd. By going to Dingle and staying at An Riasc we became part of the Irish. At night we went to the village hear and enjoy music. The rest of the time we were outdoors/ away from the crowds and with the people in rural settings.
Steve Ferrin in Naperville, Il USA 06/28/2009
Best: Moher Cruises
Why: You get to really experience the Cliffs of Moher from the water. The view from on top doesn't do it justice.
Worst: Blarney castle
Why: I can see why it only had one star. The other castles in Ireland give you guides and background for them. The Blarney Castle just charged you 10 Euro to climb to the top and kiss the blarney stone. We wern't going to kiss the stone anyway. Not with all the pandemic problems these days.
Cindy Christofferson in Poulsbo, Wa USA 06/17/2009
Best: Dingle Peninsula, Kinsale Charles Fort, Cobh..Cathedral and Heritage Center.l
Why: Dingle peninsula was a highlight. Really enjoyed Charles Fort... Certainly enjoyed Cobh...the cathedral there was magnificent and though nothing like the scope of Ellis Island, seeing the quay and hearing the stories of Irish emigrants, the Titanic and Lusitania at the Heritage Center was an emotional experience for us. We came through Fota on our way to Cobh and stopped at a large supermarket where we had the deli prepare sandwiches for us which we ate when we got to Cobn...Much more inexpensive and delicious than the concession at the Heritage Center.
Worst: None really...Just more rain than usual, according to the locals
Why: More rain than usual according to the locals..Two days of full sunshine May 11-12, and then rain at least part and often, all of the days until we left on May 22.
Marie & Bob Andel in Kirkwood, MO USA 06/16/2009
Best: Ring of Dingle
Why: Rick was totally right about doing this driving tour over the Ring of Kerry! So many more historical sights and information! Really enjoyed the kilometer-by-kilometer instructions...very helpful and fun!
Worst: Jameson Distillery-Dublin
Why: We went to both Middleton and Dublin distilleries and the Dublin one was just a tour of pictures that were taken of the Middleton distillery. Really enjoyed the Middleton one though!
Sarah Arehart in Minot, ND USA 06/12/2009
Best: Dun Aenghus
Why: We really enjoyed our trip to the Aran Islands...and it's one of the places we'd go back to in a heartbeat. We rented bikes to get to Dun Aenghus, then brought a lunch up to the site. We were impressed with the site as well as the cliffs off the site. It really exhibited the best marriage of beautiful landscape and historical significance of anywhere in Ireland.
Worst: Gallarus Oratory
Why: We actually felt taken. Neat church, but we could have used those 6 Euro that day. Disappointed that our Heritage Card had no impact.
Gary Zekis in Little Rock, AR USA 06/09/2009
Best: Northern Ireland
Why: it was beautiful. the glens weere spectacular.
Worst: parking in Dubin at Baggot hotel
Why: there was 2 inches between my rental car and the concrete sides of the entry way. Baggot Hotel had no one there to ask questions concerning hop on hop off bus, nor questions about laundry. Trying to get to Hotel was almost impossible. I had 3 navigators and it took me 45 minutes. Don't plan on visiting Dublin again, but would not stay at Baggot Hotel. 40 euros difference in price between week and weekend rates is unjustified.
Gail Buss in Ballwin, MO USA 05/31/2009
Best: Skellig Ring
Why: We felt as if we were nearly alone on most of these roads and the scenery was breathtaking!
Stephanie Simmons in Lapeer, MI USA 05/29/2009
Best: Midleton Distillery, the tour of Kinsale, and the Kilmainam Gaol.
Why: So glad that Rick told us to go here instead of the one in Dublin, and also glad that he mentioned it as a destination around Cork and Kinsale. We detoured on our way from Cashel to Kinsale and it was well worth it - the tour was great and the whiskey tasting was fun (thanks for recommending that we volunteer, too!)
The walking tour of Kinsale, given by Barry, was outstanding - I really enjoyed hearing the history of the town, and Barry was very engaging.
The Gaol in Dublin was outstanding - the tour was fascinating and really gave a good description of the jail and the history.
Worst: Dingle Town
Why: The scenery was gorgeous and I am glad we stayed here for 2 nights but the town was a bit more touristy than I was expecting, and we never really connected with any of the locals like we did in Kinsale. But we really did not have a bad experience anywhere, so this was the worst of the best!
Laura Gilligan in Chicago, IL USA 05/25/2009
Best: Salthill (Galway) and Cobh (Cork)
Why: Awesome locations, seashore, beautiful vistas!
Vickie Bell in Bremerton, WA USA 05/20/2009
Best: Dingle peninsula
Why: So much in so little space. At one point when we were out on Slea Head, I felt I was the closest to heaven I have ever been!
Worst: Belfast.
Why: Perhaps it was because we stayed downtown. That area becomes a ghost town after business hours. The people seemed cold, impersonal and too eager to sweep the troubles of the past under the rug. Understandable, but frustrating for travellers wanting to learn something. The "living history" bus tour turned into a this-is-what's-so-great-about-Belfast tour. Quite a contrast from our experience in Derry.
Shirlene Hayashibara in Riverside, CA USA 05/20/2009
Best: Dingle Peninsula Circular Tour
Why: Great scenery.
Worst: Dun Aenghus
Why: Not a very interesting fortress, and it required an entire day to get there and return, due to the ferry schedule. About half the time on the island was spent in shops.
Janet in Battle Creek, MI USA 05/17/2009
Best: Ken harper in Belfast
Why: We enjoyed the political taxi tour with Ken Harper in March 2009. It was fantastic and one of the highlights of our trip. Ken was obviously engaged in knowing what was happening in Belfast. We could have done another 2 hours with him. Ken also helped us with other recommendations about getting around Belfast and Ireland.
Debbi Sharp in Blaine, MN USA 05/03/2009
Best: Newgrange
Why: historical significance
KevinMcKenna in Rancho Cordova, ca USA 04/24/2009
Best: Doolin, Ireland. Doolin Activity Lodge
Why: The location is close to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Aran Islands. It's only about 25 miles from Galway, and about 28 miles from Shannon Airport. Also the best location for Irish Traditional music, without travelling any farther.
Worst: I would not suggest a stay in Lisdoonvarna
Why: There's nothing there. If shopping is to your liking as it was mine, take Claretaxi to Ennistymon, Co. Clare. It's only 12 miles up the road. It's a working town with everything you would want, but make sure you stop at Eugene's Pub for a guiness and to visit Toby (his german sheppard).
Kathleen H. Douglas in Yuma, AZ USA 03/16/2009
Best: Kilkenny
Why: Quaint, charming town. Easy to navigate by foot and good shopping. Felt traditionally Irish.
Worst: Ennis
Why: Not much to see at all (town seems depressed with recent recession). Good place to spend the night between cities but not much more.
Vivian Arestia in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/15/2009