OT - What one thing to see in Ireland?

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Wed May 07, 2003 12:46 am

Okay, I am not going to Ireland. But my wife probably will be going in August. She will have 2 days to see something. Her sister is taking her to Ireland and France. We have France covered for what to see, but we don't know much about Ireland. Her sister's friends have convinced the sister not to go to Dublin. Other than that, what would you see if you had only one day to do it and limited funds?

We are just trying to plan for the trip. So you know our interests, we both are interested in history, especially medieval and earlier (right back into the Bronze Age). I have a fascination with armor (my wife would love to photograph any good collections she can see, but I have not heard of any extensive armories in Ireland), odd musical instruments, and uncommon handicrafts. She doesn't drink and her musical tastes don't run to traditional sessions.

Suggestions?

-Patrick

Martin Milner · Post by **Martin Milner** » Wed May 07, 2003 4:32 am

If you like scenery, the cliff of Moher & the Burren on the west coast are breathtaking. If you can hire a car, take a trip round the Kerry ring or the Dingle peninsular, there's a lot of ancient sites there, stone circles, monastic retreats etc.

Bunratty castle is a bit touristy, but with the folk park too you can get a good idea of the two sides of Irish life - the rich (usually English) lords in the castle, and the poor Irish living in one room cottages.

I don't know of much armour in Ireland, any there is would probably be in Dublin, the Irish were never great users of protection. Dublinia is a great museum about medieval Ireland, and there's a Viking exhibition too - but they're both in Dublin. Tralee has a good museum about medieval life, but is otherwise a tip. Adare there is a great exhibition about Irish monastic life - plus a fabulous whistle shop, Shanna Quay, and a chance of session in the evening.

chas · Post by **chas** » Wed May 07, 2003 5:13 am

I'm with Martin. If I were going back, I'd stick pretty much to Clare and Kerry.

If they're more into city stuff, the Waterford Crystal tour is way cool.

Tyghress · Post by **Tyghress** » Wed May 07, 2003 5:21 am

Co. Sligo has the greatest concentration of prehistorical megaliths to be found in the world. Stone circles, dolmens, souterrains, ringforts, standing stones...five thousand + years old.

There are truly glorious places to stay, abbeys, friaries, churches and such to tour.

Drop me an email if you have any interest in my suggestions and I'll give you specifics.

RonKiley · Post by **RonKiley** » Wed May 07, 2003 7:01 am

I agree with Martin. The ring of Kerry, the cliffs of Moher, and the Burren are spectacular. I would take another Jaunting cart ride back to Muckross Manor. The ride is great fun and the gardens are beautiful. We spent 2 weeks in southern Ireland last May. When we were there the Rhodedendrens were in bloom. I have never seen them this large. If you enjoy the prehistory, Knowth and Newgrange are very interesting. Next visit I am going to go for a walk on Dingle beach and play a song for Ireland.
Ron

Tom Dowling · Post by **Tom Dowling** » Wed May 07, 2003 11:15 am

ONE WORD:

Glendalough

Tom D

Marcus · Post by **Marcus** » Wed May 07, 2003 11:40 am

I would rent a car and drive to the west coast. Drive straight to Galway and then see some things in Co. Clare and Connemara.

I think Dingle, Kerry etc. is too far to drive for a 2 day trip (roughly 400 miles just to get there and back, not counting the local driving around)

Post by **Nanohedron** » Wed May 07, 2003 12:10 pm

For what first comes to mind, I would definitely want to see Newgrange for ancient construction, and the Devil's Causeway for natural beauty.

ErikT · Post by **ErikT** » Wed May 07, 2003 12:21 pm

I would agree with the Ring of Kerry.

ErikT · Post by **ErikT** » Wed May 07, 2003 12:22 pm

p.s. I have some Irish travel books that you can borrow if you like.

Post by **Nanohedron** » Wed May 07, 2003 12:27 pm

Nanohedron wrote:For what first comes to mind, I would definitely want to see Newgrange for ancient construction, and the Devil's Causeway for natural beauty.

Oops. That's two things. My bad.

trisha · Post by **trisha** » Wed May 07, 2003 1:09 pm

Definately West Coast - Clare, Galway. Aran Islands are amazing. Two days is tight.

MarkB · Post by **MarkB** » Wed May 07, 2003 3:23 pm

The one thing I would like to see in Ireland --- is myself, but alas it will have to be next year, my partner and I have choosen somewhere else to be this year.

I would like to be anywhere in the west of Ireland, even for two days.

MarkB

StevePower · Post by **StevePower** » Wed May 07, 2003 3:42 pm

Adare.

(Well, it IS pretty and it's south of The Burren and North of Kerry!)

Steve
(in Adare)

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Wed May 07, 2003 4:45 pm

Thanks all for the suggestions. As we are currently in the planning stages, I don't know what she'll be able to see. I had forgotten all about the Waterford crystal. Funny, since one of the places in our own country I am dreaming of visiting is the Corning Museum of Glass. I'd love to see some pics from that one!

I will make sure she gets to read this thread when I get home.

I think she'd like to see more than what you get in two days, but her sister's friends have insisted that there isn't anything interesting in Ireland, so they are going to be spending more time in France. huh.

-Patrick