Ireland 2010Guidebook 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.  No corrections, except that Waterford Crystal is now closed. RS Ireland, 2009 was right on-target most of the time. We used the suggested 3-week trip by car as a basis, then adjusted for our tastes, and extended it to 30 days. We bought 2 other books and were given one other. Rick's was the best by far. We used it several times a day. I appreciated the opinions in that book. Other books merely list attractions. The Dublin advice was, as the Irish say, "dead on". This book allowed us to truly enjoy our month in Ireland - our first trip away from the No. Amer. Continent. Shirley in Pagosa Springs, CO USA 11/08/2009 No, the book was our "bible" while we were there. Very accurate and indispensible. Jake in Queen Creek, AZ USA 10/24/2009 Hi There! Greetings from Kinsale! John Maher here, proprietor of the now defunct 'Muddy Mahers'. Just to advise that we've lost the lease on our bar/restaurant. We are no longer trading, but would hope to open in a different location a.s.a.p.. While I'm online, I'd like to thank your guides for the huge business you have caused to walk thru' our doors over all these years. We'll keep you posted on our next move...once we figure out what it is!! Cheers! John Maher in Kinsale, Ireland 10/14/2009 We wanted to take the train from Dublin to Bellfast but a bridge was out and so a train and a bus was required or just a bus the entire way. The reality of Bellfast's political situation was worth the trip which takes the entire day. Gail Moser in Bandon, Or USA 10/12/2009 Jameson Distillary tour was contrary to Rick, a very educational and fun tour. Ross Castle was definitely worth going to and Rick doesn't mention it. Harding Hotel in Dublin was hot without AC and only provided a small desk fan. The open windows allowed some air in, but the drunken hillarity from the beer garden below kept us awake much of the night. Dale in Libertyville, IL USA 10/11/2009 Please add Newlands Lodge in Kilkenny to your book. www.newlandslodge.com Mairead Morrow is the owner. Lovely place! Our favorite out of the four we stayed at on our trip. Breakfast was lovely and made with love. Price was very competetive. She even went out and got an anniversary card for us when she learned we were celebrating 17 years. Very thoughtful hostess in so many ways. Only slight negative, they are not in town. It is about a 10 minute drive into town. The bed was great. The decorating of the whole house was lovely. Kimberly Lachamn in Libertyville, IL USA 10/11/2009 This is technically not a correction - But when you describe the "treacherous" Connor Pass on the Dingle Peninsula - I think more detail is needed to describe what a traveler will actually encounter ( An incredibly steep and narrow road that is actually beyond treacherous). We made the pass with no problem but I can see where most people would have a hard time making the ascent. Ed Thurlow in Iselin, NJ USA 09/26/2009 The prices above are much more competitive than those currently listed on your site. Joan Reilly in Doolin, Co Clare, Ireland 09/24/2009 The Bogside Inn in Derry is now closed. Maria M Maclean in Nelson, BC Canada 09/20/2009 We just got back and apparently there hasn't been a hop/on hop off bus in Kilkenny for a while. Connie Hallman in Rocky Hill, NJ USA 09/13/2009 Murals in Derry: There are some additional murals not listed in the guide book.
Mary Ann in Wilmette, IL USA 09/06/2009 Watties B and B is fully updated and modern. It is not "lived in" but rather comfortable and quiet but completely modern, fresh and clean. larry in rochester, mn USA 08/27/2009 Talbert/Kilmer Ferry has gone up from 15 to 18 Euros/carloaad. ALSO Howth FYI: Ina Cook of Ann's Guesthouse died suddenly on 8/16/09..not sure what will happen to their guesthouse..we didn't get to stay there. Susan and Lamar Robinette in Clemson, sc USA 08/23/2009 The Bogside Artists in Derry have a new studio. Nobel prize winner Hume has been an active supporter and was at the opening. They opened up a large gallery at the other end of the Bogside--I think that the address is 46 William Street. We stumbled into it and found it to be highly educational. Christina in New York, NY USA 08/08/2009 James Griffin bar in Trim has traditional music Monday and Wednesday evenings, not on Thursday evening as listed in the book. Tim Burke in Apple Valley, MN USA 07/31/2009 In the 2009 Ireland Guidebook, it states that if one takes the Dublin City Tour hop-on-hop-off bus (green bus) you must get off at the Museum of Modern Art stop and then walk 200 yards if you wish to see the Kilmanhaim Gaol . Don't do this! The green bus now stops directly in front of the gaol and if you get off at the Museum stop you will be dropped off at the back of the museum and have a looong walk ahead of you. Other than that the guidebook was excellent, it made our trip efficient and memorable. Andrea in Vallejo, CA USA 07/28/2009 On pg. 110, Mary Gibbons Tours has changed its prices to Powerscourt/Glendalough and departure time. Prices are now 35 Euro adult/30 Euro student (instead of the book's 39 Euro adult/35 Euro student), and pickup is at 9:15am (instead of the book's 10:15am) at Dublin TI. Steves' readers still pay 35 Euro as cited in the book, not the more discounted student rate. Gibbons Web site has the most current info. Frank Catalano in Seattle, WA USA 07/21/2009 P. 233, Rick lists Kerry the Kingdom. This is actually the name of an exhibit within the museum. People will not know what you are talking about when you ask for directions. The museum is the Kerry Country Museum in Tralee and is well worth a visit. Harriet Achtman in Scottsdale, AZ USA 07/18/2009 The Dublic City Tour (green bus) hop-on/hop-off buses that say "multilingual" use a recorded guide, and the driver just drives. Took us a while to figure it out and we were initially very disappointed to have paid 15 euro for a tape recording. Unless English isn't your first language, wait for the next bus that uses a live guide. Speed limits in the book are correct but you might mention they're set based on the road classification, not the specific road. The 80-kph speed limit is absurdly high on some of the rural roads we took in the northernmost part of County Donegal. The recommendation to stay near Dublin your last night is good but as someone else said, rush hour traffic could cause problems. Leave plenty of time. We missed rush-hour traffic by getting over to the N2 by taking the 153 from Navan (we stayed in Kells our last night) instead of taking the N3 to the M50, which also avoided M50 tolls. Shan Hays in Mesa, AZ USA 07/04/2009 The Muckross House Farm is no longer included in the Heritage Card for the entrance fee. I believe it was 6 euro to get into the Farm and not covered on the Heritage Card. The house is still included. Cindy Christofferson in Poulsbo, Wa USA 06/17/2009 No corrections, only perhaps put in bold print or underline the message that if you need to avoid stairs, ask for ground floor, not first floor accomodations./ Also reinforce your comments about being sure to use parking discs etc. and not ignoring them. We heard from fellow tourists that they were fined 40 euro for not using a 1 euro disc in Tralee. Marie & Bob Andel in Kirkwood, MO USA 06/16/2009 Muckross House won't allow self-guided tours anymore, but the guided ones are worth it...and could go over an hour. Gallarus Oratory isn't free anymore, because the owner of the parking lot and visitors center has put a building blocking the free access to the Oratory. We confronted the owner noting that the OPW listed the site as a free site, but the operator informed us that it's a 3 Euro facilities fee and the site is still free. We saw many people trying to get around this one by walking into farm fields, but they couldn't get over the walls. The operator has also made it more difficult to get access to Gallarus Castle by blocking off walkways from the parking lot to the castle grounds. Plus the Talbert Ferry is 18 Euros. Gary Zekis in Little Rock, AR USA 06/09/2009 see above Gail Buss in Ballwin, MO USA 05/31/2009 1 - the email address listed for the Olde Bakery B&B in Kinsale is incorrect. It should be oldebakery@gmail.com. 2 - the Novecento Italian Restaurant in Dingle has closed. The smaller pizza bar down the street is still open, however. 3 - you can no longer drive for free to the Galarus Observatory; you have to park in the main lot and pay at the small visitor center. (not sure if this is all the time or just the day we went, but since we went on a weekday, I would imagine it is no longer an option) Laura Gilligan in Chicago, IL USA 05/25/2009 The suggestion to pick up the car at Duglin airport, drive to Powerscourt, Glendalough, and then on to Kilkenny was way too ambitious after a translantic flight. It nearly killed us! Shirlene Hayashibara in Riverside, CA USA 05/20/2009 In the Ireland 2008 guidebook (on page 176) - the Celtic Weave China shop is no longer in business. It's now a hair salon. tory klaubo in washington, dc USA 05/20/2009 The tour from the Derry (Londonderry) TI was at 14:00 on the Friday in May when we were there, vs 14:30 in in "Ireland 2008." Janet in Battle Creek, MI USA 05/17/2009 I am a good customer of your company. Rick has taken me all over Europe. I am having a problem contacting B&Bs in Ireland - I've been trying about three weeks. The B&Bs listed in Ricks 2009 Ireland book with the email addresses "indigo.ie" and "eircom.net" all emails are returned as undeliverable. Specifically Dingle, Kilkenny and especially Galway. Do you have any suggestions for me? Donna Fletcher in Helena, MT USA 03/31/2009 Rick Steves' books do not miss a thing. Everything one would ever want to know he has covered. I would suggest however, that when he tells you what to pack to listen, I way over packed. And what he suggested to pack would have been more than enough Kathleen H. Douglas in Yuma, AZ USA 03/16/2009 The Shannon River ferry is now 18 euros, not 15. The Waterford Crystal factory is now closed. Vivian Arestia in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/15/2009 (addition request - accommodation, Galway City Centre) Helen Cunningham in Galway, Ireland 03/12/2009 In Trim area I have tried contacting Crannmor Guest House for lodging and Mark O'Regan for fishing, but have not received any responses to several email inquiries. Perhaps they are no longer in business. Pat Kranz in Minneapolis, Mn USA 03/09/2009 Prices seemed rather low in the guidebooks compared to actual prices, and more than just a few Euros off. Molly Wilsbacher in Dublin, OH USA 11/11/2008 The road signage for the Republic of Ireland was different than Northern Ireland, but the only one described in the book seemed to be for Northern Ireland. Also, it wasn't 100% clear which was the travel lane and which was the passing lane on the freeway. Shane Day in Seattle, WA USA 10/13/2008 Your description of the Aillwee Caves (page 252) omitted to mention the Burren Birds of Prey Centre which is on the same property as the caves. Admission is included with the 15 Euro price of admission to the caves. We were lucky enough to catch a flying display which included an owl, Harris hawks and a Peregrine falcon. This display was a real highlight. Ronnie Moore in Fullerton, CA USA 10/05/2008 Rainy Day Cafe no longer in business in Belfast. Cayenne is still running strong! Pat Keech in Shoreline, WA USA 09/19/2008 2008 edition page 26. Do not order a Harp in Ireland. The bartender laughed at the order. Harp is made in Canada even though the label says from the makers of Guinness, it is not readily available in Ireland. Pauline Dravet in Marlton, NJ USA 09/13/2008 Mange 2 in Derry, N. Ireland no longer exists. Also the Bogside Pub in Derry is not a good place to visit, despite the interesting photos. We were not welcome there from the minute we opened the door - clearly seen as strangers and viewed with suspicion. Eleanor in Belmont, MA USA 08/17/2008 IN the Dublin section of your 2008 Ireland guidebook, you mention the cafe "Graham O'Sullivan's" as a great cheap place to eat. I was fortunate enough to stay with the O'Sullivan family while in Dublin, and I wanted to let you know the restaurant/cafe was shut down last year. Theonly other correction is that you indicate the Cliffas of Moher are pronounced "Mor", but I checked with several Irish people and it is in fact pronouce "Mo-her". Thanks, your books are great! Kim sadler in Los Angeles, CA USA 08/12/2008 Driving distances given in the Appendix are unrealistic. We showed them to a few of our B&B hosts and they agreed. We were not afraid of the driving, drove the speed limit for the most part and, without any traffic delays we had to increase estimates by about 50%. Margaret in Milwaukee, WI USA 08/11/2008 Don't totally pan the Blarney Castle. Go late in the afternoon and there are no tour coaches you can climb all over the ruins which I prefer to a renovated castle that can only be stared at from behind a rope. Also there is a beautiful wild garden out back of the castle. I always use your books because of the walks and outdoor activities listed. Dolly Bufter in Fort Myers, FL USA 07/16/2008 Not a correction so much as a comment. Finnegan's hostel in Tralee doesn't provide towels. So bring your own. Kara Porter in Portland, OR USA 07/11/2008 The roads in Rick’s “County Donegal” driving tour have improved. Although there are still a few bumpy patches, you can average a little better than the 30 mph noted in the book. However, Rick’s other estimates of driving times are often too optimistic (page 403 of the 2008 guide). The aaroadwatch.ie website is generally more accurate. Obviously prices have gone up and the dollar is weak, so all guidebooks underestimate costs. Ireland is a terrific destination, but it isn’t cheap. John, Monica, George & Tom in Towson, MD USA 06/17/2008 We were staying in the Midlands, and rented a car. Because of the narrow roads, round-a-bouts and left side driving, we were 5 nervous people, (with one driver and 4 back seat drivers). We decided it wasn't worth it to have a car, and after 4 days, we turned it in and took the bus. Mary Celi in Glendale, WI USA 06/01/2008 Belfast murals,l have to admit this is the biggest art gallery in the world. george clake in London, uk 05/28/2008 2008 Gudiebook 1) Page 106, the Brook Cottage B&B in Enniskerry was not accepting guests due to a family medical emergency. Not sure if this will change soon. Stayed at the Coolakay House B&B (their recommendation) which was fine but not walking distance from town. 2)pg 162, Kenmare, Ancient Stone Circle, "free and always open". There is now a kiosk with a sign requesting 2euro for entry. Since it was late in the evening and unmanned we did get a free entry. 3) pg 226, as noted by someone else the Shannon Ferry is now 17 euro. 4) pg 79, Chorus Cafe is now open until 10PM for dinner Noel & Denise Underwood in Vienna, VA USA 05/25/2008 The recommended Wine Vault restaurant in Waterford is no longer a restaurant. It is only a wine shop, as of late 2007. Mike Brown in Harford, NY USA 05/16/2008 In response to Stephen's comment below, I would make a slight correction. The "World" Mastercard does provide coverage in Ireland. I recently obtained one for our upcoming fall trip there, and have re-confirmed with Mastercard that it does indeed provide coverage. Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 05/12/2008 April 14, 2008 - I just called Mastercard about rental car collision coverage. They DO NOT cover you in Ireland. Stephen Ikard in Little Rock, AR USA 04/14/2008 A few of the prices were a bit off but that's bound to happen as businesses up their rates. The drawn map of Belfast made the roads seem much straighter than they are. Ramore (in Portrush) now has another above the Wine Bar: Ramore Oriental, which is excellent. Our hostess warned us not to go to Novecento Restaurant in Dingle. She said it wasn't very good and she's had several people get food poisoning. Natalie in Martin, WI USA 04/08/2008 The ferry across the River Shannon cost us 17 euro and not the 15 that was mentioned in the book. Rachel McGinnis in Brookline, MA USA 02/27/2008 Mention our favourite bed/breakfast www.gaultier-lodge.com harry watson in Raleigh, nc USA 02/12/2008 P.322 Portrush listing for Harbour Heights B & B does not have a valid weblink. Can't access information on the facility. Diane Fagan in Cerritos, CA USA 01/21/2008 Updates to 2007 Guide: Dublin Bus now sells a 3 Day "Freedom Pass". It includes the Hop-on Hop-off City Tour and unlimited Dublin Bus transportation, including the late night bus and the Airlink for 25 Euros per person. Considering the City Tour itself is usually 14 Euros per day, it is quite a bargain if you intend to use the bus for transport in the city. The City Tour Hop-on Hop-off now has a stop directly in front of Kilmainham Gaol. Nelson Tennison in Mandeville, LA USA 12/09/2007 Yes, on page 226, where Rick writes about the Gallarus Oratory, he states that an owner of the land has a coffee shop and requires a fee to visit the church. We had a long conversation with Seamus Kelleher Carol & Rich Fike in Montrose, CO USA 10/14/2007 Trinity College and Library in Dublin are no longer covered by the “Heritage Island Explorer Touring Guide”.
The Wine Vault restaurant in Waterford has recently changed its hours. It is now closed on Mondays and open on Sunday.
We were told on our excellent Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin that Traditional Irish music sessions should really be acoustic only. This seems hard to find, however. We found amplified traditional music often to be too loud for normal ears.
The sign at Reginald’s Tower in Waterford said it is closed Monday and Tuesday. We were there in mid-September.
Tips on Driving should also include:
1. There is no “left turn on red” in Ireland comparable to our “right turn on red” in the US.
2. It is unlawful in Ireland to drive and talk on a mobile (cell phone) at the same time. Hurray!
Tip for driving from a friend that helped me: “Keep the white line on your right.”
Dingle Peninsula Circular Tour: It is not true as you state that “Ireland’s car speedometers and odometers have gone 100 percent metric in recent years." The Ford we rented at Dublin Airport had miles. Consequently, your kilometer directions for the Dingle Peninsula were very confusing for us. Would it hurt to have miles, too? Northern Ireland still uses miles, too, by the way.
We did not see any Irish-only road signs in Dingle. The word “DINGLE” is newly stenciled on all the town signs we saw, for example. We were confused by some of the informational signs in Donegal, however, which were only in Irish.
Pucin Wedge Tomb: We looked everywhere by car, but we could not find this tomb or any place called “Doonties” near Lispole. Even the TI people in Dingle couldn’t help us find it.
Eating in Westport. A new, excellent restaurant has opened up in the past two months called “The West Restaurant”. It is upstairs above The West bar at the corner of South Mall and Bridge Street.
Connemara National Park. Your book should add that the Visitors Center also has a Tea Room.
The Exchange Restaurant and Wine Bar in Derry was impossibly busy and crowded. We couldn’t even find anyone to take our name for a later table reservation.
The Bogside mural in Derry of “The Hunger Strikers” portrays a man and a woman; not “two long-haired men”.
The laundry in Derry is not on a corner as portrayed on your map.
The cost of the Giant’s Causeway minibus is now up to £1.
We could not find the “75p hiking guide” you recommend for the Giant’s Causeway. We tried at the Visitor’s Center and the TI next door, but no one knew what we were talking about.
You say that the “Island of Mull in Scotland” is visible from the Antrim Coast viewpoint. The Island of Mull is much too far north to see from here. What you actually see is the “Mull of Kintyre” on the Kintyre Peninsula of Scotland.
You say that the Ulster Museum in Belfast is “closed for renovation until late 2007”. We were told it is closed until 2009.
The Belfast City Hall was just recently closed for renovation and offering no tours when we were there in early October. We were told it may be closed for tours for another 2 years.
The Rain City Café in Belfast was closed and being completely renovated. I’m not sure if it will reopen as the Rain City Café or something else.
I’m surprised that you recommend the 8A or 8B bus from Donegall Square East to Malone Road and your recommended B&Bs in Belfast. The 9A, 9B, and 9C buses from downtown to Lisburn Road go closer to your B&Bs and Lisburn Road has many more restaurants and shops than Malone Road.
The “Shu Restaurant” near the corner of Lisburn Road and Windsor Avenue is excellent, and very busy and popular with the locals.
Your description of the Knowth tomb suggests that each of the two passages connects to “the center chamber”. This is not correct, the two passages each end near the center without connecting. Richard Pine in Rockville , MD USA 10/12/2007 On page 26 of Ireland 2007 you mention using the credit card CDW in lieu of the renatl company insurance. In 2006 our Visa Platinum card eliminated this benefit for Jamaica, Israel, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Dan Dooley car rental insists that you bring a letter of authorization from your credit card company if you claim that you are covered through your credit card. Mike Harshe in Manassas, VA USA 10/12/2007 Rain City Restaurant in Belfast was closed--just a big dumpster out front. Susan & Steve in Fort Collins, CO USA 10/09/2007 -Bus Stop in Kinsale. The ESSO Station on Pier Road is now boarded up. Great Southern Hotel in Shannon Airport is now Park Inn John and Anita Dumire in Chicago, Il USA 10/08/2007 p.250,O'Flaherty's Pub is no longer in business and the Hotel p.250,O'Flaherty's pub no longer in business & Great Southern Hotel changed name in Galway. Please add that when giving a deposit with PayPal, the guidebook should mention the fact that the discount applies as well as the deposit. We had this problem in Portrush at the Anvershield B&B.
Marc Belanger in Montreal, Qc Canada 10/06/2007 No, used the guidbook almost daily. Theresa in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/01/2007 We used the 2007 Guidebook to Ireland during our trip from 27 Aug 2007 to 7 Sept 2007. It was invaluable!! There were a couple of corrections that I wanted to bring to your attention: pg. 171 - Druid Stone Circle, Kenmare The book notes that the admission is free. It is now 2 Euros.
pg. 178 - Muckross House The book notes that visitors can take a self-guided tours. You must take an organized tour, which takes about an hour.
Ring of Kerry - due to a late start, we left Kenmare at 5:00 p.m., however, it was a fantastic time to go. It was still sunny so we were able to see almost the entire ring prior to sunset. We were on the northern side of the Ring at the time of sunset, which was absolutely incredible. After sunset, we headed to Killarney for a late dinner and back to Kenmare. I was concerned about the late start, however, there were no tour buses and no traffic, which allowed us to have a leisurely and pleasant tour.
pg. 226 - Gallarus Oratory The book notes that the actual stone church is free. It is now 3 Euros, which is covered by the Heritage Card. When I pointed out that the book mentioned that it was free, the explanation that I received was that although tour books say that it is free, the fee is for parking and upkeep. You also cannot get to the small parking lot that is mentioned in the book as it is all fenced in. Nancy in Providence, RI USA 10/01/2007 We arrived at the Waterford Crystal Factory on a Friday night at 6:30 as the gate was being locked. We were delighted to learn that contrary to the statement in the 2007 Guidebook tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dale and Carla Harris, Hillsboro, Oregon Dale in Harris, OR USA 09/30/2007 We had a great trip, mostly thanks to the guidebook. I have used Rick’s books in Paris, London, and now Ireland and have not been disappointed. There are only two places that I would diverge from the book. First, when touring the Dingle Peninsula, drive yourself. The Sciuird Archaeology Tour did not stop at anything that was not on the self tour. Although Eileen and Tim Collins were lovely and very friendly, we felt that for the expense ($109 for four of us) we would have been better off to drive ourselves. Second, I also disagree with the assessment of Blarney Castle. It was not anymore a tourist trap than the Cliffs of Mohr. It was interesting to see the structure and the grounds so well intact. It was definitely worth the stop. Phyllis Ritson in Reedsville, PA USA 08/30/2007 - “L” (new drivers/learners) stickers are not allowed on the motorways. - O’Brien’s Tower on Cliffs of Moher is closed and it wouldn’t have offered any better view than you get from the walkway. - Galway Gothic Ghost tours are supposed to be great but are closed on Sundays. - Dublin also has walking ghost tours. D Husby in Moraga, CA USA 08/24/2007 I beg to differ with your assessment of the Bunraitty Castle outside Limerick -- at least as far as young children are concerned. We were travelling in Ireland with our 4 year old, and met up with an Irish friend, also visiting Limerick, with her 2 and 4 year olds. Although it is touristy, it is a great outing when travelling with young kids. We managed a broader glimpse of things-Irish than we would have otherwise. One can only drag young children to so many places. And the playground gave the kids the break they needed to allow them to follow us through a few more houses. The collection of old machinery was also a great hit. True, if travelling without young children, it is not worth the time -- but it is a good family outing. Margo Malakoff in Sierra Madre, CA USA 08/23/2007 The rates that you have listed for Harding House and especially Jurys Christ Church Inn are way below what those hotels are actually asking. Bruce Glass in Houston, TX USA 08/22/2007 We visited Trim on Aug 14-15, and Bennini's Cafe in Trim is closed for business. Frazini's is still open. Telford Williams in Mpls, MN USA 08/20/2007 1) Currency conversion is way off. When I was there in August of 2007, the conversion rate was 1 Euro = 1.37 U.S. Dollars. This is markedly different than the rate quoted in the book. 2) Driving time from Limerick to Dublin is 2 hours in the guidebook. This is not possible. I drove that like a bat out of hell. It is 200 km, and the speed limit is 100km/hr for most of the way. Once you're on the M7, it goes up to 120 km/hr. On the N7, I drove 110 km/hr and passed every chance I got. On the M7, I drove 160 km/hr, and it still took me 2:15 to get from Limerick to Dublin. My suggestion would be to change the estimate to 2:30 instead of 2:00. I promise you no one on earth could make it from Limerick to Dublin in two hours without an airplane or a racing motorcycle. Rob Kiser in Morrison, CO USA 08/16/2007 The Titanic Trail Tour in Cobh has gone up 1 Euro and the free pint of Guiness at the end of the tour is now a free "taste". We did enjoy it though! Shannon Roberts in Glenside, PA USA 08/08/2007 For renting a car, I searched and searched for a charge card that still had CDW coverage. I found one; Advanta Platinum Business Card. Even after calling Enterprise them from the states before arriving, to confirm it would work, upon arrival they balked. So, I had the number in the State to call, and they did, got on the phone, and they agreed to waive the CDW. It saved us over $400 for a three week rental. Also, please clarify in the book that your own insurance in the STates won't cover you in Ireland, and if by chance you do get CDW coverage through your charge card, the rental company then covers the damage to the other vehicle if you have an accident. Lastly, we heard many stories that if you have a flat, or other tire damagel, it is your problem to get it fixed, not the rental company. Dan Peterson in Brier, WA USA 08/08/2007 1. Dingle - For most people, I don't think it's realistic to hazard the Dingle Peninsula Circle Tour on bike. The roads are narrow, with one lane in each direction, yet the cars and buses move as if it's a speedway. Bushes and branches intrude over the road, and force the cyclist to move into the fast-moving traffic.
2. Kinlay House (in Galway) - There is a free breakfast in the morning (toast, cereal, juice, milk, coffee). (The guidebook doesn't say this; it mentions only a self-service kitchen.) Paul Takemura in Monterey Park, CA USA 08/03/2007 Not this time-good job! James in Seattle , WA USA 08/01/2007 Ireland - Kilkenny Castle may technically be open until 5 pm, but the last tour leaves at 4, and you can't get in or join the tour if you arrive late. Diana in Houston, TX USA 08/01/2007 no. Sandy Patrick in Taylorville, IL USA 07/24/2007 Laundry facilities in Dublin are not open on Sunday. One of the facilities is now closed completely. Arleen Amato in Paducah, KY USA 07/18/2007 Drive times! We were planning the drive from Dingle to Galway with a stop at the cliffs of Moher. OUr departure day was rainy and the roads were so small and the towns so congested we instead took the larger road from Tralee through Limerick and to Galway. This highway route took us 4 hours: heaven knows how long the scenic route would have been. Kathy Ryan in Rockaway Beach, NY USA 07/18/2007 Bushmills Whiskey Tour Discovery/Correction: According to our guide John, under the new ownership (some conglomerant)at the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, they no longer take "volunteers" to which 4 tastes of whiskey are provided. I asked our guide at the end of the tour and he said that they quit doing that for reasons he is unsure. He said that he didn't understand why, for it was a lot of fun and he knows the company can afford to give away the whiskey! Elaine Hart in Dallas, Tx USA 07/16/2007 I don't think O'Donovan's in Kinsale is accepting guests. Please confirm. Brooke Serres in Salem, OR USA 07/11/2007 Yes....please add Erna's name to the guidebook. She and Victor are a dynamic duo! Bob and Mary Efinger in Pompano Beach, FL USA 07/09/2007 Nope! Karen Platt in Cardiff, n/ Wales 07/02/2007 Dingle - Mainstay Guesthouse has apparently closed down.
Musical Pub Crawl in Dublin. Information is very misleading. Apparently, a reservation may be required and there is a limited capacity for the tour. The listed phone number does not allow you to make a reservation and the website only allows you to make a request for a reservation. We were told at the pub that the tour was sold out and that we needed a reservation. I think the guidebook needs to clarify the procedures for this activity. Debra Camastro in Gilberts, IL USA 07/02/2007 Would recommend that you offer lodging options in Doolin; there are now many places to stay there in Doolin and it does not seem worth traveling to and from Lisdoonvarna Bob Lata in Paso Robles, CA USA 07/01/2007 Page 117: Gardens of Powerscourt was only open until 5:00 pm. The book said open "daily 9:30 - 17:30 year-round."
page 73: (Post Office) "Step inside and trace the battle by studying the well-described cycle of 10 paintings". There were no paintings in the main hall. William Lavey in Wakefield, MA USA 06/24/2007 Not a correction as much as a suggestion. In the section on Dingle/An Daingean, I would recommend talking briefly about the issue involving the elimination of the English name from signs, against the overwhelming will of the populace. I was in Dingle a week after the government elections in May (2007), and it was a sensitive topic with protest signs up all over town. It also has its amusing side, with the locals "vandalizing" road signs by repainting the name "Dingle" on them, or painting it on the roads themselves, or even the parody of the HOLLYWOOD sign saying "DINGLE" that briefly sat above the town (there's a photo of it in a storefront in town). I discussed it with my B&B hosts, and it was a fascinating perspective on the pluses and minuses of living in a Gaeltacht region. Melissa in Fairfax Station, VA USA 06/19/2007 Botanica B&B in Belfast is planning on changing to a self-catering hotel in the fall. May be closed during renovations. Kevann Lamkin in Azusa, CA USA 06/15/2007 Wandered the area rreccomended for Irish music in Waterford, and found none. VERY few things even open. Severeal pubs stopped serving food at 7:00,and the one that did was Tex-Mex!Limited restaurant choices. Kashmir Tandoori by the Wine Vault very good. Kevann Lamkin in Azusa, USA 06/15/2007 The 2007 Ireland book,pp 115 ff, tells of the Wicklow Mountains. In early June we left Powerscourt on a misty day to travel to Glendalough, following the Military Road suggestions. What we didn't realize is that the mist and light rain of Powerscourt became an intense fog on the mountain. With the extremely narrow roads, and extremely low visibility, the trip was both dangerous and anxiety-producing. And of course, the scenery could not be seen to be enjoyed. Include a tip in the book: don't make the trip if the weather is poor in Glendalough or Powerscourt. Robert McNaughton in Middletown, CT USA 06/10/2007 A "correction" (if you would call it such) for use in the 2008 edition, yes. Portrush has been overrun by developers. Many buildings are now either in major disrepair and are being boarded up to encourage neighboring hangers-on to give up and sell, and other areas - including your recommended Belvedere (which we stayed at and greatly enjoyed) have been sold out. The Belvedere hosts informed us they got an offer that was "just too good to refuse" and that they, and as many as 15 other B&B's in Portrush had sold out that very year.
P.S. The Belvedere will close in September, be torn down and replaced with multi-story apartments selling at between E 500,000 - E 2 million. It's really a shame to see all the Victorian era stuff torn down in an outright grab for new money - housing prices have gone through the roof and most local folk can't afford housing any more - - so who's buying up all these expensive flats??
Colleen in Bloom, MD USA 06/04/2007 I concur with Jennifer in Riverside, CA about the Guardwell Lodge in Kinsale. No response by phone or e-mail and the Web site has been taken down. Perhaps it has closed? Ann O'Hagan in Chicago, IL USA 06/02/2007 The Ghost Tour in Kinsale, Ireland operates Monday through Friday only during June - August. April and May, September and October, it operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. David Evans in Oak Hill, VA USA 06/01/2007 Guardwell Lodge in Kinsale has proven impossible to reach to make reservations. The phone number listed in the Rick Steves guidebook (the same as on their website) doesn't work, and they have not responded to emails. Jennifer Newton in Riverside, CA USA 05/09/2007 You can download the Heritage Island Explorer pass for free at www.irelandvisitordiscounts.com Dana McClane in Columbia, IL USA 04/25/2007 Great Southern Hotel at the Shannon Airport has changed to the "Park Inn". We had a double room for 99 euro in mid-April 2007. Heather Pardue in Ocala, FL USA 04/16/2007 odonovans b&b in Kinsale is no longer trading as a b&b, see email I got from them this morning below:
Very sorry but we are no longer trading as a B&B. Please try theoldebakery@oceanfree.net
Original Message: ----------------- From: *** Date: 05 Apr 2007 22:57:29 -0500 To: odonovans_bb@iolfree.ie Subject: July 17 and 18
Greetings, I found your B&B in the Rick Steves guide. I am looking for a place for my future husband and I to stay for on our honeymoon. We'll be staying in Kinsale on the nights of July 17th and 18th. If you have a room available, what is the rate?
Thank you, Libby Libby in Saint Paul, MN USA 04/06/2007 no Todd Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/29/2007 We really like your Ireland 2007 book. We are using it to contact B&B owners by email. We found that Mrs. Howard's address did not work for Dublin. We'll give you feedback from our trip when we get back in August. The error message is below:
The following recipient(s) could not be reached:
corahoward2003@yahoo.co.uk on 2/1/2007 8:21 AM There was a SMTP communication problem with the recipient's email server. Fred Trexler in Jackson, MI USA 02/01/2007 In Dublin you mention the General Post Office had ten pictures depicting the uprising. About a year ago the Post Office was renovated and the pictures removed. The post office worker informed me that he didn't know if there was a plan to put them back up again. Rick Scott USA 01/26/2007 Mrs. Howard's B&B in Dun Laoghaire, email address, corahoward2003@yahoo.co.uk, does not work. Annie Malone in long beach, CA USA 01/06/2007 We are presently planning our trip to Ireland. Your 2007 guide book recommends leasing a car from Europe by Car for stays longer than 2.5 weeks. Alexander Roy (pres.) confirmed that you cannot lease a car to drive in Ireland. London is closest location and cars cannot be taken from there to Ireland. Same with Canadian associate company. Please delete this option from your Ireland guide book. Vivian McFarland in Calgary, Ab Canada 01/04/2007 |
