Ireland

Ireland

My parents were avid fishermen and we went to Ireland once or twice a year to catch Trout in the many rivers so growing up, I got to know the country extremely well. I loved the music, like no other, the people, and the culture. The food is jolly good too. A casual lifestyle, great shopping, and its enjoyable at any time of year. Of course, you need a brolly (umbrella) but the way global warming is changing the world’s climate, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t get any rain.

Many people don’t like driving on narrow, one lane roads, and on the wrong side, so I am going to recommend that you take a motor coach tour. The groups are different sizes, and you get a lot of free time. On the 10 day tour, you would get 13 meals included, to give you an idea. I tell clients, on your free nights, find a local pub and go hear the local music and have an excellent inexpensive meal. You will find it more relaxing, good value, and you can always do a few days on your own before or after the tour. You can go on a tour for 8, 10, or 13 days, and there are several excellent companies I use such as Abercrombie & Kent, Insight, Globus, and Collette. If you are tracing family ancestors, then you will have a few places in mind. After the potato famine in 1845-1849, over 100,000 Irish emigrated to America. Here is a route which I particularly like to give you an idea when you plan a trip in the future.

Always go to the destination a day or two before the tour starts, so you are over your jet lag and don’t have to worry if your flights from the U.S. got cancelled which can happen.

You should begin in Dublin. This route is for 10 days, and you will see the highlights of the country. Take a city tour and go to dinner at a local pub and enjoy the music. Go see the Georgian architecture around Merrion Square and a must, is the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a pint of draught in the traditional brewery bar, and the rooftop Gravity Bar. My father came home from World War 11 a very sick man. His doctor told him to have a pint of Guinness a day and it would do him more good than any medicine. Remember to say Slainte when you get your pint – pronounced “slawn cha”, which means to your health.

Trinity College is home to Ireland’s national emblem, the harp. The book of Kells, long room in the old library, and the nearby National Museum. See the 8th century Tara Brooch. I always recommend a city tour then go back and spend extra time wherever you want to. Wonderful cathedral, magnificent organ music.

Step back in time and begin day 4 in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Visit Waterford Crystal factory and learn how it has been made for centuries. Day 5 visit the Blarney Stone and the story goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. Visit Blarney Castle. Day 6 visit the Ring of Kerry, its rugged coastline and travel thru quaint villages. Day 7 you will visit Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, and then thru Killarney National Park. Day 8 takes you to the 700 ft high Cliffs of Moher for views of the Atlantic. Day 9 , Limerick, Tullamore, Kilbeggan, and Kingscourt visiting a whiskey distillery and Cabra Castle.

Some tours add on a few days and visit Northern Ireland, which is under British Rule.

An Irish saying I love.

May your heart be light and happy

May your smile be big and wide, and

May your pockets always have a coin or two inside.

You can’t go wrong in planning a trip to Ireland sometime soon, I hope.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

maureen.jones@frosch. com