Irish Vacation

izzarina · Post by **izzarina** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 2:58 pm

dubhlinn wrote: Shocking..

They'll be charging admission into the G.P.O. next.

Seems to be the trend now, charge for everything..even a look at a Cliff.

Slan,
D.

Especially in the West, the tourist trade is a huge money maker. With the roaring of the Celtic Tiger (which, from what I understand, may be dying down quite soon), there are many people who are wanting to see the Emerald Isle at it's "best". And if there are people who are willing to pay, then why not charge? Not that I personally agree with that, and I'll be damned if I'm going to pay anything to get to see the GPO, but that's the unfortunate mindset.

koktach · Post by **koktach** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:26 am

I'm also planning a visit to Ireland this year. I would like to stay in Dublin for a couple of days but after that me and my gf would like to see some of the countryside. Do you know where can you sleep outside the major cities? Also how old do you have to be to rent a car?

Cayden · Post by **Cayden** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 12:18 pm

izzarina wrote: Especially in the West, the tourist trade is a huge money maker. With the roaring of the Celtic Tiger (which, from what I understand, may be dying down quite soon), there are many people who are wanting to see the Emerald Isle at it's "best". And if there are people who are willing to pay, then why not charge?

I don't know what you mean about the Celtic Tiger and seeing ireland at 'it's best' The country side upturned and turned into a sub urban sprawl? Beauty spots buried under houses the siting and size of which are not at all in tune with the landscape?

I hate the mindset that turns everything into a commodity, that tries to squeeze as much money out of what's there as possible.

I have always hated the charges put in place for parking at the Cliffs of Moher and have always made a point of going by the time the lads in the check out booths were going home or alternatively park the car away from the official entrance and cross a few fields to get to a quiet spot.

There's quite some dissatisfaction among both visitor and locals a like about being charged through the teeth certainly because what's on offer doesn't usually deliver on the quality front.

Now in the case of The Cliffs of Moher I think it's fine if there's a charge that goes towards the maintenance of the carpark (and it's not like there's people looking if your car is broken into and cleaned out) but eight fecking euro for the pleasure of leaving your transport in a field covered by gravel is just that much over the top, especially since the ynow have the neck to put an entry fee on entering the site of the Cliffs. Tourbusses pay 25 by the way and they're not one bit pleased about it.

Personally I would now drive to Kilkee with visitors which has lovely cliffs as well, less high but a lovely walk. For free. And better coffee at the end of the walk.

Or instead drive on to Doolin or stop off at Liscannor to take the Moher ferry and see the Cliffs from the sea below, which is brilliant.

izzarina · Post by **izzarina** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 1:12 pm

Peter Laban wrote:
izzarina wrote: Especially in the West, the tourist trade is a huge money maker. With the roaring of the Celtic Tiger (which, from what I understand, may be dying down quite soon), there are many people who are wanting to see the Emerald Isle at it's "best". And if there are people who are willing to pay, then why not charge?
I don't know what you mean about the Celtic Tiger and seeing ireland at 'it's best' The country side upturned and turned into a sub urban sprawl? Beauty spots buried under houses the siting and size of which are not at all in tune with the landscape?

I hate the mindset that turns everything into a commodity, that tries to squeeze as much money out of what's there as possible.

It was actually a very poor attempt at sarcasm on my part, Peter (and if I still had that blasted eye rolling emoticon, I might have pulled it off

), and I apologize for making it seem like I was saying something else. I actually agree with you completely.

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 1:23 pm

izzarina wrote:
Peter Laban wrote:
izzarina wrote: Especially in the West, the tourist trade is a huge money maker. With the roaring of the Celtic Tiger (which, from what I understand, may be dying down quite soon), there are many people who are wanting to see the Emerald Isle at it's "best". And if there are people who are willing to pay, then why not charge?
I don't know what you mean about the Celtic Tiger and seeing ireland at 'it's best' The country side upturned and turned into a sub urban sprawl? Beauty spots buried under houses the siting and size of which are not at all in tune with the landscape?

I hate the mindset that turns everything into a commodity, that tries to squeeze as much money out of what's there as possible.
It was actually a very poor attempt at sarcasm on my part, Peter (and if I still had that blasted eye rolling emoticon, I might have pulled it off ), and I apologize for making it seem like I was saying something else. I actually agree with you completely.

I got it.

Flying Cement · Post by **Flying Cement** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:46 pm

Peter Laban wrote:Depending on the time of year it's probably best to have some idea of the places and things you want to see/do and from there play it by ear. It's all good and fine to sit smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful landscape, it's not much use to you if rain or fog prevents you from seeing anything beyond the side of the road. And yes it does happen and more often than you'd like. So, get transport and if you like it somewhere, stick around or if you don't : move on. And take it easy if you're not used to the roads.

Plenty of touristy irish picturebook stuff to see along the way:

(stuff from last week)

Any chance that last graveyard is in Treen? Looks remarkably similar to a graveyard there where I have some relatives buried.

walrii · Post by **walrii** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:20 am

This one is dierected at my fellow Yanks or others who normally drive on the right side of the road: is renting a car in Ireland a good idea if I've never driven on the left side? I'm guessing there are agencies who will rent me a car but is that wise?

Sylvester · Post by **Sylvester** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:27 am

walrii wrote:This one is dierected at my fellow Yanks or others who normally drive on the right side of the road: is renting a car in Ireland a good idea if I've never driven on the left side? I'm guessing there are agencies who will rent me a car but is that wise?

erh...a right hand driver here,

Roads are not top quality in some areas of Ireland. Many of them are narrow, too narrow for two cars at the same time to pass. Be patient and enjoy the drive. A bad road might be the perfect excuse to stop here and there. I remember my driving through the Pass of Connor (near Dingle) or Connemara tiny roads as a very gratifying experience.

Be sure that you reserve an automatic car. In Ireland (Europe) the most of any rent a car fleet consists of manual vehicles. It takes a bit to get used to, especially if you see everything on the opposite side!

No problem though driving on the left, in 10 minutes and a couple of slight invasions of the kerb will get you on the right lines.

Enjoy.
Rdgs

koktach · Post by **koktach** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 6:27 am

Ok, Irish vacation is on, I've got the airplane tickets reseved, the intinary is set. I've got one bout the cliffs, we'll be staying in Doolin for a couple of days and since cliffs of moher are quite comertialised. I would like to know if there is a possibility for rent-a-bike or someting and go exploring the coast all by yourself.

Cayden · Post by **Cayden** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 6:49 am

If you think the Cliffs are commercialised, welcome to Doolin

centre of the huge new housing boom, the holiday home estates and the overpriced everything.

Anyway, there's bike hire galore there but you can walk up the Doonagore road and quite pleasantly follow the edge of the Cliffs as they rise towards the high point at the visitor's centre. Very pleasant walk if the weather is good, four or five miles each way. Plenty of walking along the coast if you set out north from the pier.

Realise the Doonagore road and further up to the Cliffs have a very steep rise when you're trying them on a bike.

Best play it by ear and see when you're actually there. Get the most detailed Ordnance survey map.

koktach · Post by **koktach** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 1:05 pm

Oops,

come to think of it, it was a little to easy to find a hostel in doolin. Hmmm... is there a better place to stay on budget, somwhere near? I'm workin exclusevly over the net, so my info is a bit limited.

Well if it's five miles that's no problem we'll take a whole day just to explore the area by ourselves, by foot is OK as well.

keuka · Post by **keuka** » Tue May 01, 2007 1:24 pm

Beautiful photographs Peter, you should get then on your web page and start offering prints.

Rent a car and spend the extra to rent a GPS unit, the roads are smaller and not as well marked as you might be used to.

You might consider a self catering cottage. The prices can be very good for a week and you'll save money by not eating every meal out.

http://www.shamrockcottages.co.uk/