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"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors."
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So, it's a joke, now we can proceed to the important elements - such as... First off, getting to Ireland. As most will already know, the weather always plays a part. The tourist season runs (more or less) from the first of June to the first of September. Yes, that would be the time you will spend the most money. We hear the weather is slowly getting warmer so perhaps you can take the chance. We did - in May. We hear it usually works well. Do not write and tell us your weather was bad if you do the same (unless it makes for a good story). Aer Lingus has many excellent offers for air travel to Ireland. These all tend to be very much off-season. Look into these first. Of course, with all the air travel fears and tribulations, all the airlines are doing better in their pricing. We went our own way and we paid a premium for that. To avoid that higher price: Look into a package; an Ireland vacation from any number of Irish (or not Irish) Travel Tour groups. You should not expect they are as they used to be. (You know what I mean, "everyone back on the bus, we have to be in Adare in a quarter hour".) Most are simply collected to encourage full planes, Rental Car Agencies and B & B's. The important bit is the price. The cost includes the air fare and is often less than booking just a flight yourself. Hard to argue about.  So, you still don't feel comfortable at the thought of a package - never mind.You have a large amount in your account and you hate to see it lounging there - doing nothing. You are also very independent. Then do it yourself. First, air travel. The headline reads 'the lowest international travel fares on the web' - Call their bluff. Lowest International Airfares When you solve the part over the water or you're travelling from Europe there's only one reasonable way - Rail. Russ would do it all by rail but the first and last legs would be damp. On top is the problem of Ireland. The rail will take you between the major cities (Dublin, Belfast, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Cork) any other spots are not on the line.  When you can though, it is well worth it to go by rail. Here's how its done.  An essential guide for the first-time traveler to Irelandby Frank McNally Frank McNally is a reporter/columnist for the Irish Times, where this article first appeared in 1999. It is reprinted here with his kind permission. Driving in Ireland Part One by Russ Haggerty  This is the story of our first trip to Ireland. The story is more than a read; it has a purpose. This is a, not very well, camouflaged guide to driving a rental car in Ireland. I say rental car because otherwise you already know all about it or you brought your own over on the ferry and you may have problems I can't help you with. The story helps explain why I was driving in the first place and sometimes explains how. Besides, it's not as boring this way. So... If you visit Ireland and intend to drive, first read Russ' Articles - Driving in Ireland part one (above) and part two (below). Then you will have an appreciation of why you should reserve your car in advance. Of course, you will need Maps. Ireland may appear small but you can still become thoroughly lost. Admittedly, it may be much more enjoyable to stop and ask. You may or may not be helped with directions but you'll hear some wit and gain a new perspective. Driving In Ireland Part Two by Russ Haggerty  The day of the surprise birthday party for Bridget had arrived. What to do? If I let her force me to drive the 'Ring of Kerry', we wouldn't get back until too late to spring the surprise. Astonishingly, the weather was foggy and drizzly; we couldn't see anything. One of the locals had said, "if you can't see the top of the mountains, there's no reason to go". We couldn't see the tops of the trees. If you decide to do any hiking, again, you will need maps. In this case though, you should have a large scale ordnance map. The OSI (Ordnance Survey Ireland) - Discovery series covers every inch. They are available for portions of every county and scaled 1:50,000 (inches). As an example, Discovery Map number 51 - West Clare and a bit of Galway - includes the following towns and features: Aran Island, Lisdoonvarna, Burren, Ballyvaghan, Kilfenora, Carran, Black Head, Doolin and Inishmore (with all the paths and points of interest of course). The OSI also has a single touring map.If you would like to get these in advance and use them to plan your visit, we finally found where to get them! - just click here OSI Discovery Maps.
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 The Galway Hooker This unique vessel, with its distinctive curved lines and bright red sails, originated in the village of Claddagh. During the 19th century, hookers supported a significant fishing industry and also carried goods, livestock and fuel. Seán Rainey is remembered for building the last of the original boats, the Truelight, for Martin Oliver who was to become the last king of the Claddagh; as king, he was entitled to white sails on his boat. Since the mid seventies, many of the old sailing craft which were on the verge of extinction have been lovingly restored and new ones have been built. During the summer months they can be seen at festivals such a Cruinniú na mBád - the Gathering of the Boats - in Kinvara. |
Travelling to - and in - Ireland