Ireland 2010

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

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

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:
Why: We were in awe of the history of this archeological site. The guide was wonderful. It is worth going to Ballina and going out here the next day. We stayed at the terrific Red River Lodge and Dolores Jordan gave us a list of all the other places to see in the area.

Nancy McMurtrie in Verona, NJ USA 06/24/2009

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

Best: Ardmore
Why: The St. Declan's walk around the Loop took only about an hour and you got to see the Irish Sea, 12th Century ruins, and two natural springs. Plus, we got to take a walk on the beach. It was so relaxing and not crowded at all during high season.

Worst: Blarney Castle
Why: Too crowded and commercialized. Not much there compared with many of the other castles and ruins. For example, Cashel was crowded but very worth it as the tour was very informative.

Molly Wilsbacher in Dublin, OH USA 11/11/2008

Best: Kilmainham Gaol
Why: It was a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Irish people in a tangible way. Our tour guide was fantastic.

Michelle Fogarty in San Francisco, CA USA 11/02/2008

Best: Dingle Peninsula
Why: Very relaxing. We really enjoyed the local music and horseback riding.

Worst: Guiness Brewery
Why: It was pretty touristy and commercialized. It seemed to be difficult to learn much about the brewing process (other than that Guiness is awesome). The restaurant one floor below the gravity bar was definitely preferable to the bar itself, which was crowded.

Shane Day in Seattle, WA USA 10/13/2008

Best: Tours of Belfast and Derry
Why: RS-recommended Ken Harper toured us through Belfast, concentrating on the areas of most conflict during the Troubles. Very interesting and worthwhile. We did RS's walking tour of Derry on our own. Fascinating.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/10/2008

Best: Celtic and Prehistoric Museum, Dingle
Why: This place was AWESOME! The RS Guidebook gave it a small mention, but I think it needs to feature more prominently. Definitely a first-class museum, inexpensive, easy to find.

Worst: Newgrange
Why: Expensive and very disappointing. We traveled quite a way to see it, and were allowed to spend TEN MINUTES inside the chamber. The staff have too many tours scheduled back-to-back. The bus trip takes nearly an hour (including the wait at both ends)... an after all that, we weren't shown the famous "triple spiral" inside the chamber. It wasn't off limits, we could have seen it had it been pointed out. It just wasn't.

See the Knowth mounds instead (or at least before seeing Newgrange). The tour was better, the info was more complete, and even though we couldn't go in the mound, it was an all-round better experience.

Robyn Kevlin in Nashville, TN USA 09/22/2008

Best: Archeological Tour in Dingle Town
Why: Tim Collins is a delight. He weaves lots of history into a masterful story on the circle mini-bus circle tour of the Dingle Peninsula. Just the right length, and he is also a great driver.

Pat Keech in Shoreline, WA USA 09/19/2008

Best: Kilmainham Gaol
Why: Very interesting tour full of Irish history

Worst: Paying Cash
Why: We were given the wrong change twice. In both cases it was over a 10 Euro error. Should tell people to pay very close attention and try to pay the exact amount whenever possible.

Pauline Dravet in Marlton, NJ USA 09/13/2008

Best: Mad Max Tours, Bath
Why: We took all day tour to Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, and Castle Comb. The scenery spectacular in a domestic way, the guide knowledgeable and entertaining. Great value!

john snow in woodinville, wa USA 09/08/2008

Best: Dingle
Why: Beautiful scenery.

Rita Jones in Hartford, CT USA 09/02/2008

Best: Slieve's League in County Donegal
Why: I made the drive on the cliff and it was breath-taking! The cliffs there appear nearly twice as high as the Cliffs of Moher, which have become very commercialized now.

Molly Wilsbacher in Dublin, OH USA 08/24/2008

Best: Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin
Why: Lots of history, well told by the guide.

Eleanor in Belmont, MA USA 08/17/2008

Best: Giants Causeway
Why: Huge unique formation. Again we went just before the visitors center closed so were able to get the info here. You can't take the shuttle after closing but it's open for walking without the crowds. You get wonderfull evening light for photos.

Dolly Bufter in Fort Myers, FL USA 07/16/2008

Best: The Dingle Peninsula.
Why: By far the most beautiful place on Earth. And I grew up near Big Sur, CA. Went Horseback riding at Long's Riding in Ventry and they were wonderful.

Worst: Tralee
Why: As Place to stay convenience ways, great. But the town itself is little scary after dark. No actual problems, but it was the one place I didn't feel completely safe. I got the impression that the locals don't care much for tourists. Although we did meet some nice younger folks who took us under their wings.

Kara Porter in Portland, OR USA 07/11/2008

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 30 mile 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!

Worst: Biking the 30 mile 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) big trucks, huge tractors, and monster tourist buses whizzed 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. But 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: Burren Tour
Why: Shane Connolly’s tour of the Burren was the highlight of our 23 day trip. 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 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 to the book. 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