Trifter

Map of Ireland is courtesy wikipedia.com

My trip to the Emerald Isle was in late August several years ago with one of my daughters. We decided to see the entire country; so many plans had to be made beforehand so nothing would be missed.

Part of getting ready to visit an unknown country is doing my homework stating the places of interest of the people traveling. My daughter and I put on a piece of paper which points of interest we desired to see and then compared notes.

Needless to say, many of the same ideas were on both lists. After compiling the final agenda, we had more to do. Locating the contents of the list on the map of Ireland, was next in line to schedule.

Since the entire country was to be seen, we decided to rent a car, so nothing was left out on our travels. It took 2 of us to drive the car. No kidding! One to sit in the driver’s seat that is opposite from our cars and the other to shift and remind the pilot of the car to remain on the “wrong side of the road”. We are such creatures of habit; we determined early on, that the motoring was a 2 person venture. Signs were in the native tongue with some sporadic English language on the street signs too. We both learned much from our enjoyable mistakes.

Cliffs of Mohr, is splendid, but takes some getting to before you view the beauty. The trip to the cliffs was pleasant and enlightening. We passed many tourists, who were seeing the country from mini campers. Yes, they were on the roadway. Animals are permitted to roam free, so an occasional cow or goat alerted the co-pilot to inform the captain of the vessel to be alarmed to animal in the road. Bed and Breakfasts are plentiful and our selected rest and relaxation at the close of each day’s events. We got to visit with locals and see interiors of some homes as well. We were fed very well in some, while others were skimpy for the first meal of the day. A Castle had to be one night’s stay, which we were glad we only did for one night. The price was extremely high and the abode was cold. Everything was a-la-carte which meant no free breakfast during that one evening of feeling like Princesses.

Kilarney should not be overlooked. The countryside ride in a one horse buggy is a must, not only to see the sights, but to enjoy someone else driving you along with other benefits. I won’t spoil the other great things that ride provides so you can be surprised as we were.

The Blarney stone, Bunraty castle, a caveman meal, seeing the church where Christopher Columbus prayed before setting sail to discover America and your heart’s desire might be on your Points of interest list. The Abbey, museums; large and small along with Waterford Crystal Factory might be included on your “Must See” agenda.

Even if you do not drink alcohol, going to a pub at about 11AM, is an experience I will never forget and perhaps you might not either. Plan on walking if you are going to sample anything alcohol. The bartenders serve delicious tasting concoctions that go down easily, and then kick you in about 20 minutes. I recommend Mead wine and asking the bartender for suggestions. Plan a meal in the pub if at all possible. Enjoy the locals there.

Many happy memories are mine from my trip to Ireland. You can write about yours when you return.