Ireland 2013 Guidebook
Guidebook corrections:
Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.
We found the Guidebook to be pretty spot on in relationship to areas we visited-- sites, food, people, modes of travel. Would highly recommend Riverdale Farmhouse B&B in Doolin. Owner, Mary Fitzgerald. True Irish hospitality. Great accommodations, food, location, and always that warm cozy living room and peat fire, sharing tales of our day, and learning of other local attractions also.
Jerry Kinzer in Lebanon, OR USA 04/21/2013
Dublin-Holyhead ferry, p. 100. The Irish Ferries dock is not 1 mile east of O'Connell Bridge; it is 3 miles from there (not walkable, which I did, and very difficult to find). A city bus gets you about 1 mile from the ferry dock, which is not nearly close enough to rely on it (auto-centric, not pedestrian friendly). However, there is a special bus from the bus station that is specifically for access to the ferries. It is, by far, the best way to get to the Irish Ferries dock (or take a taxi). Pay the driver but visit the bus station the day before to find out where and when the bus departs.
Phil Brazil in Seattle, WA USA 11/01/2012
no
Bob and Marian in Tallahassee, FL USA 10/22/2012
In Kinsale, The Stolen Pizza has moved from the 'Kirby' storefront to another location a few hundred feet away. The food is still great!
Michael Chevalier in Essex Junction, VT USA 10/06/2012
Clubhouse Hotel in Kilkenny was a dump. Loved Loved Butler Court was amazing. First night in Ireland. Loved walking tour in Kinsale with Barry. Chart House B&B in Kinsale out of business.
Mary in Santa Rosa, CA USA 09/30/2012
My apologies if this has already been edited/removed: I only have the 2010 Ireland guidebook, so perhaps by 2012 this has been updated. However, on page 78 of the 2010 Ireland guide under the section "Outer Dublin", Rick lists Greyhound racing as one of the sites to see (granted it does not have a triangle rating next to it, so it's not listed as a 'must see' or anything like that). Still, Greyhound racing is a hugely immoral sport responsible for the deaths of thousands of dogs each year in Ireland alone (See: http://grai.ie/2012/04/10/racing-greyhounds-killed-and-dumped-in-mass-grave/).
As the owner of a retired racing Greyhound I was remiss to find this sport listed in the guidebook at all. I very much value Rick Steves' books, television program and invaluable information, I think he has a wonderful attitude on travel and encouragin all of us to be more worldly/cultural people. I would hope that this item be removed from any future Ireland guidebooks so as to not associate Rick Steves' brand with such a morally unethical activity, and to not encourage participation from his readers who may not be familiar with the gruesome underbelly of this sport.
Again, I only have the 2010 Ireland guidebook so if this item has been edited or removed from the 2012 edition, please excuse this feedback. If however this item is still slated to be released in the 2013 edition of the book, I would beg it's removal.
Katy H. in Seattle, WA USA 09/02/2012
There IS a laundry in Dingle. Across from St. Mary's Church. Fiona and girlfriend. Large sign in the window. $10 for a weeks worth of clothes for 2 people
Joy Appleton in Tampa, FL USA 08/09/2012
Page 108 - mispelling The line - All trains departing Howth .... continue on to Tara and Pierce stations. Pierce should be Pearse St Station
Joe Hellman in Central Point, OR USA 08/01/2012
Your suggestion that tipping in Ireland is not expected is prehistoric. As somebody who works in the service industry I, and my colleagues, rely on tips as much as any American. As someone who has travelled to the USA and experienced the pressure, and sometimes abuse, regarding tips and how much they should be I find it nothing short of insulting to be thrown loose change, if anything at all. To say it infuriates me to read the advice given in your guidebook, which seems to be the bible to many US travellers, is an understatement. It actually belittles the good work done by people here in Ireland which is not any different to the standards in the USA and therefore we should be equally rewarded. You might consider an amendment in your 2013 edition!
Nicholas in Dublin, Ireland 06/27/2012
p 57 - Dublin Bus Tour now stops at Gaol
Michael Mulroy in Bellevue, WA USA 06/18/2012
The People's Gallery in Derry is now closed, unfortunately. Word from a few fellow hostellers (who are helping the artists refurbish some of the murals) is that they are hoping to open something smaller elsewhere.
Josh in NY, NY USA 06/04/2012
Lime Tree Restaurant in Kenmare was closed on Sunday & Monday in May 2012. Would not describe The Farm Restaurant in Dublin as "quick & easy." Dinner was almost 2 hours but very good. Would not describe any of the restaurants in Portrush including 55 Degrees North and Adelphi Bistro as "fine dining." Adelphi was very good but not fine dining and 55 Degrees North was average pub grub.
Jane in Waynesville, NC USA 06/03/2012
The Cullinan's Seafood Restaurant and Guest House is in its 18th year of operation and has won many prizes for the chef/owner's culinary skill, but the 2012 says You write that Doolin eateries come and go too often to list in a guide book. WRONG on this account! Pls see their website: www:cullinansdoolin.com
Natalie Gawdiak in Columbia, MD USA 06/02/2012
Dunluce Castle near Portrush was 5 pounds per person.
Susan in Vancouver, BC Canada 04/26/2012
None. Really enjoyed the Guide (2011) and will never travel without one of yours in the future.
Joe & Kathleen Kelly in Jasper, GA USA 01/27/2012
Appears that Chart House B&B, Kinsale is no longer a B&B. The property is now listed on HomeAway as a self catering rental and the web site in the Ireland 2012 book no longer works.
Kenneth in Georgetown, TX USA 12/31/2011
Car insurance through the rental agency is mandatory, you can't use your credit card coverage. Adds a significant amount to your rental contract.
Erica Hansen in Alamo, CA USA 12/05/2011
There is a charge for getting on the grounds at Ashford Castle.
Elaine Roppo in Livermore, CA 94551-2956, CA USA 11/20/2011
Meadowlands Hotel food in Tralee was dreadful. The breakfasts and the dinner (we only ate the dinner once) both suffered and there was a nasty smell in the elevators and hall. There was no internet or computer available either for the 3 nights we stayed. The staff was warm and friendly (though we only encountered one grumpy person the entire trip!)
William Gamble in Culver City, CA USA 10/11/2011
The Guidebook says that the Kilmainham Goal in Dublin opened at 9:30 am. When we went there on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011 it opened at 10:00 am, and the first tour wasn't until 10:30 am. Others who'd read your Guidebook also arrived early. Taking pity on us, however, they let us into the museum part of the Goal at 9:45 am--it was fascinating and we're glad we had the extra time to visit it prior to the tour.
Donna Murphy in Fairfax, VA USA 10/10/2011
Park at Bushmills and take free bus to Giant's Causeway rather than pay 6pounds. Ann's B and B in Howth is closed
martha Aguiar in CAMPTON, NH USA 10/03/2011
ATMS are all over the Dingle and Kerry penisulas. Most pubs have free wi-fi. Many sites are not accepting Heritage Card and we only broke even. Sites are free on Wednesday. Tour buses do go on the Dingle penisula tour now!
Teresa Ribadeneyra in Chatham, NY USA 09/21/2011
Le Caprice restaurant in Dublin is now closed.
Sean in Philadelphia, PA USA 07/20/2011
Not really a correction, just a FYI--Lismore Castle closed at 4:00 when we visited in mid-June. It was supposed to be open until 4:45, and you could stay on the grounds until 6:00. (that's what the sign said) The person at the Tourist Center said that Lismore Castle will close early if there is no one around! There were several other disappointed people who could not get in that afternoon.
I noticed there was one tour bus parked in the lot when we arrived shortly after 4:00, and they came out as we were returning from the tourist office at about 4:15. We were disappointed-lesson-arrive well before posted closings. Barbara
Barbara in Indianapolis, IN USA 07/14/2011
There are a few pricing changes (we were there about a week ago). Dublina now costs 7.50 Euro, Duluce Castle costs 4 Pounds, The Museum in Waterford is closed as they are moving locations. We were told the Museum will be located across from the Waterford Crystal Factory and will open at the end of June this year or maybe the first week in July. The friary in Ennis is still closed as they are putting on a new roof. Sean Egan is no longer with the museum in Waterford since they had to shut down for a month and when they reopen, he is not returning. Instead he is now at Kite Design Studios at 11 Henrietta Street sharing a space with the 4 people who started the Irish Handmade Glass Studios.
Kathy in San Antonio, TX USA 06/24/2011
I'm in Dublin now and the Evensong service times for St.Patrick's have recently changed to 5:30 for Mon-Friday. (Dublin Guidebook says 5:45)
Jennifer Rock in Melbourne, FL USA 06/13/2011
In the info on getting to Dublin from the airport by bus it is recommend to take the 748 bus to Wood Quay to get to Harding Hotel. The bus driver did not actually say there was no 748 Airlink bus any more but he did say the route had change and they no longer stoppe at Wood Quay. He left me off at stop #13 Christ Church which was only a 5 min walk to the hotel.
Mike Haire in Petaluma, CA USA 06/04/2011
Just a little additional info: When in Dublin, if you get the bus from the airport, buying the 3-day "Rambler," it's helpful to note that the three days are ANY three and not necessarily consecutive.
Cynthia in Seattle, WA USA 05/27/2011
Omission from 2011 Book - 5% Discount is not available during July & August at Anvershiel House B&B, Portrush, Co. Antrim.
Victor Bow in Portrush, N. Ireland 05/27/2011
Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, p. 263. Admission is e6 per adult at the car park, not e8 per car; no separate fee for the Atlantic Edge exhibit. Fee to climb O'Brien's Tower is still e2.
p. 235 - The Old Smokehouse, Dingle. The "rustic woody setting" has been replaced by an elegant light, airy dining room overlooking the river. Great atmosphere that belies the name.
p. 223 - Dingle Pitch and Putt - not at all as described, and I wanted to play it! Nothing but a mowed pasture.
Paul Porwoll in Johns Island, SC USA 05/26/2011
The cost of the Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre is now 11.50 Euros rather than 10.50. At the Queenstown Story parking area, you get your ticket from the blue P machine (not a disk from the tourist office.)
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 05/17/2011
No-- Rick and his crew do an amazing job..
Chris Canning in Boca Raton, , FL USA 05/13/2011
The chocolate shop on Dingle Pennisula burned down and has another temporary location in another town.
Lyndsay in Alexandria, VA USA 04/29/2011
On page 87 of the Ireland 2011 guidebook it states that readers get a 10 percent discount when booking reservations at the Harding Hotel's official site. After making the non-refundable deposit I was advised that the discount only applies to reservations made by phone or email.
Thomas Small in Rose Valley, PA USA 01/27/2011