Ireland?

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Author Message   LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1493 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 9:40 am:        So, we're trying to think of a place to go on vacation this summer (probably mid-late summer) and we're thinking of Ireland. For those of you have have traveled or lived there - any recommendations on where to go? Any "must-see" destinations? We'd probably be there for about a week.   jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1090 Registered: 7-2001 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 10:12 am:        If you can , fly into Dublin out of Shannon . Do the ring of Kerry. Play golf . Spend a night @ Adare Manor . Spend a afternoon getting snookered @ the Temple bar. Ireland just sort of happens to you , travel around stop in pubs get your ears talked off.   ril Citizen Username: Ril Post Number: 522 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 10:27 am:        Don't be too ambitious--we were there a few years ago, and had mapped out an itinerary that took us from Galway (we flew into Shannon) and around the south to Dublin. We found ourselves sometimes too focused on getting to where we though we "needed" to be that we missed taking enough time to just dawdle along the way. So many little towns, castle ruins, seashores, to explore. We especially loved the Dingle Peninsula and the music pubs of Galway. (and you can find my favorite Irish beer, Smithwicks, at the pub in Maplewood). We did one of those B&B/drive trips for 10 days--you get vouchers for the overnight stays and you book the places yourself (they give you a list). I also recommend doing a farm stay instead of the B&B for at least a night--at the place we stopped, we were served just-laid eggs and bacon they'd cured themselves. yummy! Great country, nice people--you can't go wrong.   Cartman Citizen Username: Cartman Post Number: 32 Registered: 2-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 11:13 am:        Been there twice. Both times, we only had vague plans on where we wanted to go, & that worked out perfect. Jet's right - Ireland just sort of happens to you. And Ril's right - don't be too amitious, you'll miss out on something. Really enjoyed Ring of Kerry & Dingle Penninsula. Galway's a nice "city" too. Found Dublin too big, but maybe you're into that. I also recommend flying in & out of different airports, you'll cover more ground. Both trips, we flipped a coin as to which direction to head in when leaving the airport with our rental car. Got room in your luggage for a (large) stow away?   Lucy Smith Citizen Username: Lucy123 Post Number: 114 Registered: 6-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 11:32 am:        Just went in September for our honeymoon. We did the marathon tour of Ireland as well...started out in dublin and ended in galway-all in 10 days. We loved Kilkenney-they have a great beer brewed there that you can get all over ireland-kilkenny draught i think it's called???? We stayed in the Butler House B&B there-it is a part of the Kilkenny Castle. Dingle was by far our favorite place-we even cancelled other destinations we had planned because we just couldn't stand the thought of leaving after 2 days....make sure you stay a few nights in Dingle right on the Dingle Bay and you will have a FABULOUS time-the bars in Dingle are what you think of when you think of ireland-great music, lots of old timers and young people all enjoying a pint together! Dingle is where the Ireland parts of the movie Far and Away were filmed-that will give you an idea of the scenary-it's breathtaking. PL me if you need recommendations for B&Bs-we stayed in some amazing places throughout ireland. i also have great books about where to stay-what to do etc. if you would like to borrow them. In Galway-you HAVE to go to the restaurant that just serves baked potatoes-the name is on the tip of my tongue right now but i'll let you know what it is later. they don't serve anything but baked potatoes-every imaginable topping and some you wouldn't even imagine! We really did not like Dublin-but we stayed at an excellent B&B there-called Number 31 not too far from st. stephen's green. Please PL me if you need any help! we can't wait to go back!   patmich Citizen Username: Patmich Post Number: 57 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 12:15 pm:        My wife and I traveled to Ireland a few years back and loved Inish-Mor, one of the Aran Islands. Most people just go for the day by ferry, but we opted to stay the night. There is not a whole lot to do at night besides sit in a pub and sip a pint of your favorite draught and talk with locals, but that is what we loved about it. We stayed at this place, which was wonderful. http://www.manofarancottage.com/   Spare_o Supporter Username: Spare_o Post Number: 398 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 1:20 pm:        Loved Dingle and Doolin. Loved the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher - take time to walk along the cliffs as far as your eye can see. I think the secret to enjoying Ireland is to get into the local pace while out in the country. It's not really a place to go if you have a checklist of places to visit as many others have said here. I've been to many of the "must-see" places but my fondest memories are the unexpected moments. We got stuck in a traffic jam of cows crossing the road from one field to another. We took a walk down some country road, got stuck in a rain storm and then spent the rest of the afternoon drying off in front of a fireplace in a pub. We tried to herd a renegade sheep back into a gated field (he won, we lost). When I was traveling in Ireland by myself once near Galway I went to a pub and had lunch. There a group of older men were at a table. They sized me up and one of them simply said "You are welcome." Drink lots of Guiness. Go to the abandoned cemetaries and castle ruins. We went the book a bed ahead route that someone recommended to me before my first trip to Ireland. We planned in advance where we wanted to spend the first couple nights after we arrived and made arrangements at a B&B (not at all like those state-side). That was our base for the next several days. During the course of our adventure, we got out the map and then picked our next location, usually a couple hours away by car. Before we left our first town we went to the local tourist info office and booked a B&B at our next location. We usually stayed in each location for 2 - 3 nights, sometimes extending our stay if we didn't want to leave. I think we stayed in Doolin for 4 nights and Dingle for about the same. I would go back to both locations. We also stayed in Cahir for a couple of nights and the family we stayed with invited us to their son's hurling match which was great fun. An alternate to flying in and out of different airports is what we did. We flew into Shannon and then traveled in a small loop: Shannon to Doolin to Cahir then Dingle and Shannon (I may have my trips mixed up). Do anything but do go!   Urbanretreat Citizen Username: Urbanretreat Post Number: 29 Registered: 7-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 8:10 pm:        We went to Ireland two summers ago for two weeks. Stayed in a very nice place in Dingle, which is a WONDERFUL town. Here is the link to the place. http://www.heatonsdingle.com/ It was, unfortunately, filled with very loud americans, whereas most of the other places we stayed were full of quiet europeans; but it was a wonderful place if you can get over loud americans talking in the communal breakfast room - you do have different tables. The breakfast was wonderful, so we didn't bolt despite our urge to bolt. We also went to a place called the Glasha farmhouse - which was wonderful. The place is in the country and there are some nice walks around her place. Not exactly a destination spot, but if you find yourself near Clonmel, it was great. We stayed on the top floor, so we also had complete privacy, which was nice. Link - http://www.glashafarmhouse.com/. Another great place to go as everyone says is the Ring of Kerry. Rick Steves' guide book is a must for that trip. He gives great tips on how to navigate it. We also visited the small islands near the tip of the Ring - well worth the trip. They were amazingly beautiful. Neat fishing villages. Be sure to check out the Muckross House after you visit the ring - it is really neat. If you have kids (or don't) the Irish farm village is pretty cool. Powerscourt gardens are a MUST for anyone who likes gardens. I would recommend Dublin as well. It was the place I least looked forward to on the trip as the large, bustling city, but I loved it. What a great place. Like Ril, we planned way too much and had set a way too ambitious schedule (I set it), and we did regret it. We saw alot, but it would have been more relaxing and less harried to pick 3-4 places that were pretty close together - i.e. fly in and out of the same airport. I would strongly recommend that unless you are very energetic. Be forewarned! It is quite cold and rainy in Ireland in June and July. On our two week trip - June 18 to about July 5th - we saw the sun once: on our last day. This message is being sent by the S.O. of urbanretreat. Although urbanretreat also loved Ireland, this email does not express urbanretreat's Ireland preferences. Other than: go to Dingle.   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1935 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 12:08 am:        I suggest the west coast of Donegal, wilder, a bit less traveled, than other parts of the country, and abuts a lot of history. The roads aren't as crowded in summer as are the roads from Dublin out through Limerick, Kerry, and Cork. If you like Irish music, you will find it in abundance in Donegal, and also a bit closer to its roots. It would be easier to get there by landing at Shannon than Dublin, but driving from Dublin up to Donegal is not insurmountable. Try this link: http://www.donegal.ie/ and this one: http://www.donegalbay.com/ for some good information.   The Man Citizen Username: Bumboklaat Post Number: 176 Registered: 2-2005 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 4:08 am:        Top 5 Things To Do in Ireland 1)Get a round of 18 at the K club. 2)Become a whiskey taste tester at the Jameson Factory. 3)Stroll around Trinity College in Dublin. 4)Walk on the Boardwalk in Bray. 5)Get a round of 18 at St. Anne's.   Lucy Smith Citizen Username: Lucy123 Post Number: 117 Registered: 6-2005 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:44 am:        LilB-here is the link to where we stayed in Dingle www.pax-house.com it is absolutely fantastic-the lodge/accomodations and the views look JUST like the pics on the website-absolutely breathtaking. if you decide to go there make sure you ask for a room with a walk out patio straight out to the bay. hubby and i spent each night after the pubs sitting out there with a beer and conversation and it was such a relaxing place to stay. the owners are wonderful-although just saw that they are looking to retire-i'm sure they will find great replacements though!   SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3244 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:45 am:        As you can see LilB, it all depends on your personal tastes and what you're looking for. My top 5: 1) If you want, kiss the Blarney Stone, but don't miss the walk around the grounds - some of the most amazing plantlife and trees you'll ever see. 2) Spend some time in Doolan (includes trip to The Cliffs of Moher) - good music and crac at the local pub 3) Take the Slea Head Drive around Dingle and spend some time in that area 4) Stop and explore the castles and ruins that you'll just come upon. 5) Spend some time in Ennis - lots of music in this town If you go to the East coast and Dublin - take the time to visit Newgrange - older than the pyamids at Gaza, older than Stonehenge. If you have an interest in history, this is a must see. Also, if you go to Dublin see The Book of Kells at Trinity College, the Art and History Museums, and Christ Church.   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1938 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:46 am:        6) Afternoon Tea at the Terrace Lounge of the Westbury Hotel, off Grafton Street, in Dublin. Especially when you're home for a few weeks, and you meet old friends there. And from there, you move on to your old local.   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1939 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:51 am:        and that word is spelled "craic," pronounced almost like "crack," but not quite. Also walk out from Dublin down to Sandymount. Takes about an hour, or take a train out. Walk down to the view of Dublin Bay, smell the good air. Then backtrack to Sandymount green and into the pub, especially if it's a soft early summer eve. Drink, talk, listen, laugh.   LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1503 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 11:55 am:        I'm getting excited already! Thank you for all your tips and links! Keep it coming....   Cubeless Citizen Username: Cubey Post Number: 284 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 12:53 pm:        Just a few towns in Ireland I've enjoyed: Kilkenny, Tralee, Ennis, Dingle, Kinsale, Skibbereen, Kenmare. There are some great restaurants in Kilkenny...you can also stay in a hotel adjacent to/overlooking the Kilkenny Castle. Personally I like Dublin, even though it's a big city, there are lots of beautiful parks and streets. Cork was definitely not my favorite.   SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3246 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 3:37 pm:        Thanks for the spelling lesson Innis - at least I knew it didn't have a k at the end. I also meant to mention that we stayed in bed and breakfasts most of the time -- exception being Dublin, we stayed in hotels when we were there. If it's in your budget, night at Dromoland Castle (or one of it's cousins like Adaire Manor) is lovely.   3ringale Citizen Username: Threeringale Post Number: 173 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 3:58 pm:        I'm sorry to intrude, but I'm making my first trip to Ireland next week. I'm going with a couple of cousins, one of them born and raised in Dublin. We're doing a 4 day bus tour in the south for the tourist stuff, Ring of Kerry, etc. Then back to Dublin for 4 days to visit with relatives. I want to go to the Porter House which is, I believe, the only brewpub in Dublin. Any suggestions for off-the-beaten-path Dublin pubs would be appreciated, although I'm sure my relations will be showing me a few. I'll try to get to as many as possible! Cheers   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1950 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 11:03 pm:        3rkngale: see my posting above for Sandymount with its strand and green. I've first cousins living in Ballsbridge and it's not a real far walk down to the bay at Sandymount, then not quite a kilometer up to the green with the pub just off, and a couple of chips and curry places nearby for the late snack to absorb the alcohol.   Bailey Citizen Username: Baileymac Post Number: 234 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 12:05 pm:        I've vacationed in Ireland several times. Each time I'd planned a rough itinerary, with only a few pre-arranged reservations. Many towns have tourist centers, indicated on the maps they give you when you rent a car, and for a few Euros, the folks there will call the local B&B's and get you a nice room for the night (or several, if you like). The B&B's like to know before 6pm that they'll have guests, so we typically would drive as much or as little as we wanted to each day, find a B&B for the night and continue the next day. The B&B's are great, a wonderful way to get to meet people who know what to see and do locally, where to find music or whatever else interests you. If you're planning on driving a lot, know that the roads are NOT super-highways, so don't plan on driving there as you can here. Driver sits on the right, most cars are manual transmissions, shift with the left hand. I've gone to Dublin each time I've been to Ireland, and there are lots of reasons to go there, The Trinity College Library, The Book of Kells, the whole Temple Bar area among them. That said, I was disapointed the last time I was there (last May), as it felt like any other large city. Lots of non-Irish workers in restaurants etc. I much prefer local pubs and smaller towns. Newgrange is unique, 1000 years older than stonehenge, it's one of 13 (I think) mounds, of which only 3 have been explored. Check it out if you can. It's north of Dublin, and if you're up that way, it's worth exploring. Doolan is a wonderful very small town on the west coast, I'll go there again. It's also the closest port to get to the Aran Islands. Unfortunately, the weather was disagreeable the day we'd planned that trip, and we didn't make it. Next time for sure. Kinsale is in the south - also a BEAUTIFUL town. Dingle is a great town, the Dingle peninsula is magnificant. The Ring of Kerry is too. For its beauty, the southwest of Ireland should be a first consideration. Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to Knock in 1979 to visit the site of an apparition reported in 1879. If you're Catholic, or at least interested, it's a good experience. Galway is a big city, feels more "Irish" than Dublin did. Learn to sing "Galway Bay" and you'll fall in love with that city before you go there! So much to say.. obviously, I loved it there. I'd prefer to fly in AND out of Shannon, btw, bit it depends on how much time you have to spend. Oh, if you like kind of "touristy" things - the dinner at Bunratty Castle (a medieval banquet) is fun. Be sure to drink some mead! Have a great trip!   3ringale Citizen Username: Threeringale Post Number: 174 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 5:12 pm:        Innisowen, I'll try to make it to Sandymount. It sounds very nice. Cheers PS I just finished Last of the Donkey Pilgrims by Kevin O'Hara. When he gets to Donegal, he runs into a schoolteacher who tells him about Eoghain, one of the sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages. His father gave him a section of Donegal called "the Island of Eoghain", or Inishowen. Is this an alternate spelling?   ilene Citizen Username: Ilene Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 5:22 pm:        We are making our first trip to Irelan in June, I truly enjoyed reading all the informative posts that are on this site. We are taking the CIE tour for 10 days and I am afraid that I will not be able to take advantage of many of the suggestions.   finnegan Supporter Username: Finnegan Post Number: 331 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 6:08 pm:        I went to Newgrange last time I was in Ireland, and thoroughly recommend it. If you're the kind of person who'd want to go to Stonehenge if you were in England, then go to Newgrange. I'd encourage you also to consider the northern six counties. The Giant's Causeway on the n.e coast is so cool,(an amazing and weird geological formation on the beach) and I loved the town of Derry. I was there on a study-tour with other grad. students, so "your mileage may vary," since we had lots of people explaining all the history to us everywhere we went. The large, painted brick sides of buildings with their political murals just blew me away in Belfast, but I think it might be wise to have a guide in that small city.   bettyd Citizen Username: Badjtdso Post Number: 194 Registered: 12-2005 Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 5:22 pm:        I've been to Ireland a few times. I have relatives in Kinvarra and Renvyle. I prefer Renvyle in Connemarra on the West Coast. Rugged and raw, yet with beautiful beaches and interesting locals. Some really nice towns like Clifden and Tully Cross. Great food. The town where we have property has a great local pub, with plays in the back courtyard Wednesdays throughout the summer. Friendly people everywhere. My son gets to play Gaelic football while he is there and loves it.   CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2184 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 8:42 pm:        My family goes to Ireland every summer to visit my husband's family, and we used to go every 2 or 3 years for Christmas, too (not so much since we've had our daughter though). Ireland in the late summer is fantastic - it doesn't get too hot and it doesn't rain that much that time of year. (if it gets above 70, my mum-in-law complains how it's "roasting" and she's "melting" and she's "going mental in the heat") I second finnegan's recommendation of Newgrange. We have been several times, and always get a lot out of it. Try to ditch the guided tour so you get more time - they don't really approve of this, but if you look really forlorn they'll let you. Get there early in the day so you can take in Knowth too - another passage tomb site. It operates out of the same tourist center (you get the bus from there to the archaeo sites - they won't let you in unless you take the bus). I also like the Burren region in Co Clare. Breathtakingly beautiful and wild, and tons of archaeo sites if you like that sort of thing. West Cork is beautiful just about everywhere. It's my favorite spot on Earth. The painting to the left in my avatar hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin - a very good museum. Also in Dublin - Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's - both are fascinating. The Medieval Dublin display connected to Christ Church is interesting, though a bit kitschy and often mobbed with schoolkids. I love Grafton Street in Dublin despite the crowds. Also - if you like books - you MUST GO TO HODGES FIGGIS - the best bookstore in the UNIVERSE!! I kid you not, go there. You must. I usually drop quite a few Euro there. It's near Grafton Street on Dawson St. Bailey is right that Dublin is a very modern European city - very cosmopolitan with lots of people from other parts of Europe and all over the world. There is also an incredible amount of development taking place in the Dublin burbs - they are going through a huge economic boom there. In Enniskerry, Wicklow but not far from Dublin is Powerscourt Estate - go there for the gardens. I'm not really into the castle tours & grand manors but I like the gardens at Powerscourt. They have a nice lunch room - cafeteria style but the food is good. Also home to Avoca Weavers - expensive handmade but beautiful garments. Glendalough (Co. Wicklow) is cool too. Also check out the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. We go there a lot as it is very close to my husband's mother's family home in Barnane. Barnane means "Devil's Bit" and is the name of a mountain in Tip that looks as if it had a bite taken out of it. The legend is that the Devil took a bite out of the mountain and spit it out - the lump spit out became the Rock of Cashel. Barnane is also the name of the village near there - also beautiful and I believe there are a lot of B&B's around there. This is just off the top of my head - there is a lot more that I can't remember, or that I haven't yet seen. There is just so much to do and see all over Ireland. Obviously you can't do it all in a one-week stay. You will have a wonderful time and will want to go back, I promise!   Projects Dude Citizen Username: Quakes Post Number: 111 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 10:44 pm:        Ireland. Wow... the last time I was there was in college over 12 years ago. I don't recall in the level of detail as many of the posters here but I do remember falling in love with the country and the people. Spent two weeks visiting with a friend studying in Dublin and drove throughout the country. Ever bar is so historic and full of character... and everywhere we went we easily struck up conversations with local townsfolk and bar regulars. Do recall food is not a biggie... although they do perfect different types of fish and chips! Had a great time overall and totally understood why many Irish emigres would love to retire and die in Ireland (I say that with total respect and in all seriousness). Definitely go! Ireland is so special in a very different and unique way that it's hard to explain.   CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2187 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 8:24 am:        I disagree about the food - there is fabulous food in Ireland if you know where to go. There are many really superb restaurants there, as well as good pub grub. There is a restaurant in Wicklow someplace run by Germans that is possibly the best restaurant I've ever eaten in - absolutely amazing. I can find out the name & location if your travels take you into Wickow.   Lucy Smith Citizen Username: Lucy123 Post Number: 119 Registered: 6-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:28 am:        CLK-i completely agree with you. we were told before we went that the food is really bland and not the highlight of going to ireland. the old "you go there for the scenary not the food". hubby and i were not only pleasantly surprised but extremely thrilled when we had some of the BEST food we've ever eaten there (including some of the best, most authentic italian we have had in a long time-the entire staff were italian-barely spoke english-and all of the pasta was made from scratch) the thing we found in ireland is that there seemed to be a lot of different restaurants with food from all over europe-the people from those countries setting up shop in ireland. we had authentic german, irish and italian food during our stay. we really enjoyed the stews-there were FANTASTIC. the seafood/fish can't be beat-i remember in dingle there were a bunch of little places that only served seafood/fish. The menus were not announced until that day until they found out what the local fishermen had brought in-now that is fresh food!!!!!! the best way we found was to speak to the B&B owners where we were staying about where to get great food and we were not disappointed at even one meal our entire time there!   combustion Citizen Username: Spontaneous Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2006 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 11:45 am:        Years ago when I went we didn't plan anything out, just rented a car and meandered across the country. I would definitely do that again. We saw Dublin, Galway and Belfast. There were numerous small towns in-between that made up the bulk of our visit. Belfast was wonderful because not too many tourists go there. The people there were enthusiastic about meeting Americans. For the pubs in Dublin, we just wandered the city and went into anything that looked interesting. Highly recommended. One other thing we did that I would recommend was horseback riding on the west coast near Galway. Beautiful scenery. Our first night we had reserved a hotel room (so we would have a place to go when we arrived) but for the rest of our stay we lodged at B&B's. We always lunched at local pubs. Dinner was either at pubs or resturants, though we did have one meal at McD's, NOT my idea. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did.   Bailey Citizen Username: Baileymac Post Number: 245 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 1:14 pm:        The food is great in many places in Ireland. Actually, I was never disapointed with the food there. A good Irish stew is amazing.. and that wonderful brown bread is a treat! One B&B we stayed in last year raised their own chickens, and the eggs at breakfast were amazing - so good! Don't think I've seen it mentioned here yet, but the traditional B&B breakfast available is wonderful, juice, cereal, bread, toast, coffee or tea, eggs, bacon, sausage.. mmm.. A late lunch and maybe a later snack, or a snack and an early dinner, and you're good for the day. (Well, except for the Guinness at the pubs in the evenings) Some B&B's offer a much more extensive breakfast, btw. We stayed in one in Dingle and had salmon and eggs. Wonderful.   CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2188 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 1:25 pm:        But do NOT get the traditional Irish breakfast with Black Pudding. (shudder ... ewww ... that stuff is really nasty ... looks & tastes like one of mem's more inventive recipes ... ) But Irish rashers (bacon - more like Canadian bacon than ours) and sausages are amazingly wonderful. Another breakfast fave is baked beans, weird breakfast food to an American but tasty. Also grilled tomatoes.   Bailey Citizen Username: Baileymac Post Number: 246 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 1:32 pm:        Yeah, I agree with that whole Black Pudding thing.. I've tried it twice. NEVER again. (somebody must like it, no?)   CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2190 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 2:19 pm:        The restaurant I remember is the Strawberry Tree at Brooklodge house in Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow. It's Ireland's only certified organic restaurant. http://www.brooklodge.com/food_strawberry.htm Absolutely fabulous.   SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3251 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 5:13 pm:        Brave Bailey, very brave - I didn't try the pudding. CLK - I often substitute grilled tomatoes for potatos when we eat breakfast out around here. Forgot about the baked beans - we were only offered them at Winns in Dublin on our first trip. I don't know about you LLib, but I tend to get a bit cranky when I get hungry and there's not a restaurant within an hour or so. Since you never know when traveling about Ireland, stop and get some bottled water or juice and pick up some Digestive Cookies. Always a treat, but great in an "emergency".   LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1548 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 5:26 pm:        Good advice SoOrLady. And, I think I'll steer clear of the black pudding....sounds like something they'd make people eat on that "Fear Factor" show....   CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2192 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:10 pm:        I found out what Black Pudding really is. It's congealed pig's blood, encased in pig's intestine. The Irish version includes pig's liver, too. Yum yum (NOT!)   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1990 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:23 pm:        I'm a little miffed about the reactions to the black and white puddings here. It's old home food, and when you've been away and come home, it's quite good. You should try packet and tripes--- sheep's innards with dried sheep's blood, for a dandy change of pace. Irish chefs have been doing amazing things at home for the past 15 years or so. But Ireland is a small country, and you can't expect a village of 300-400 souls (the average population of our small villages) to boast of world class cuisine. You need to be looking up the village or town where you're going to stay or stop for a meal and make sure there's a good restaurant or inn there. It doesn't hurt to ring ahead to check on hours and make a reservation. Some of the newer B&B's (especially in the Dungarvan area and in Kerry) pride themselves on their evening meals (so they are bed&breakfast&dinner establishments). They will expect you to make your dinner reservation when you arrive, so that they can have sufficient quantities of food for yourself and other guests. Pub grub is grand indeed, but it is consistently better in bigger towns, where's there's a turnover of patrons and a lot of fresh food being prepared. I'd take a fresh chicken sandwich and a pint of Smithwick's in a Dublin, Leitrim, or Athlone pub over anything served in the locals of South Orange and Maplewood any day. IMHO.   Bailey Citizen Username: Baileymac Post Number: 249 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 7:24 am:        Innisowen, the chicken sandwich in St James's Gate in Maplewood and a pint makes a pretty good meal!   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 2000 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 10:12 am:        bailey: Hate to disagree, but hardly a chance. The Gate is OK, but just OK. And some of the grime on those tables has to go.   JMF Citizen Username: Jmf Post Number: 259 Registered: 9-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:35 pm:        " And some of the grime on those tables has to go." Although my expirience is limited in Ireland... it seems St. James gate could just be considered "authentic" in that regard. and it is a little unfair to compare foods... Anything would taste better in Ireland!   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 2013 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 8:22 pm:        and does.