Trip to Ireland?
Q. Hi guys! I want to take my daughter to Ireland this coming February/March. (I know the weather won't be great - but we don't care! lol!) My daughter is 12 (and will be almost 13 by then) and I want to find the best prices on airfare and accomdations. I don't really want to be on an organized tour - because we are not all about structure - but we want to see lots of the "tourist" attractions - as well as being able to shop and just meet people. Any suggestions- are there family tours? Where are there family friendly places to stay? What should be NOT miss?! Thanks for all of your help! Blessings!
A. Day 1
Shannon-> Liscannor -> Lahinch Links Golf Course -> St. Bridgetâs Well -> Memorial to OâBrien -> Cliffs of Moher / OâBrienâs Tower -> Aran Islands -> The Burrens -> Fanore Beach-> Bally Vaughn -> Galaway City -> Galway Cathedral -> St. Nicholasâ Church -> G Hotel -> Glenlo Abbey Hotel
SHANNON, Co. Clare
·Has Park Inn right on the grounds of the airport. Great for early departures next morning as it is only a 2 minute walk. Not suggested for much else since it is right on the airport and would be loud and visitors would not be able to walk into town.
LISCANNOR, Co. Clare
·Drive through it on the way to Cliffs of Moher. Home of John Holland, inventor of submarine.
LAHINCH, Co. Clare
·About 10 minutes from Cliffs of Moher. Small town. Has famous links golf course just outside of town. The Lahinch Golf Course actually has two courses, one on each side of the road. The Old Course (between the ocean and the road) is world renowned; the Castle Course is on the other side of the road and is much flatter.
ST. BRIDGETâS WELL, Co. Clare
·On the western side of the road just south of Cliffs of Moher. A little cavern in the hillside is filled with offerings and pictures and other odds and ends for St. Bridget.
MEMORIAL TO OâBRIEN, Co. Clare
·Just North of St. Bridgetâs well you can see a limestone memorial built for OâBrien. Legend has it he was not a kindly landlord and he demanded the memorial be built before his death because he knew no one would build it after.
CLIFFS OF MOHER/OâBRIENS TOWER, Co. Clare
·Has a new award winning interpretive center built into the hillside. Inside the interpretive center are interactive programs and a film in case of bad weather along with a gift shop and restaurant.
·Approximately 5 minute walk from interpretive center to OâBrienâs Tower.
ARAN ISLANDS, Co. Galway
·These 3 islands are located off western coast, at the mouth of Galway Bay. Tourists can reach the islands via ferry from Rossaveal, Co. Galway (just west of Galway City).
THE BURRENS, Co. Clare
·The Burrens is approximately 25x25 miles and is a barren landscape spotted with glacial erratics. Sparsely populated, those that do live in this region have to drill wells into the underground cave system for fresh water.
·Has had inhabitants since 3000 BC.
·Along the road, visitors will see troughs of water for the numerous cattle. Farmers set up a series of pipes that funnel the rain water from the roads into these troughs so the cattle will have fresh water. Unlike other areas, the cattle can be left out year round here because of the rocks heating up the grass.
·Nature lovers will be thrilled with the rare wildflowers that grow in abundance here.
·Caves and dolman can also be found in this region. There are walking tours for those wanting to explore the Burrens thoroughly.
FANORE BEACH, Co. Clare
·Popular beach for surfing along the way to Bally Vaughn.
·Located in the Burrens.
BALLY VAUGHN, Co. Clare
·Great cottages to rent right on the water
·Monkâs Pub in town has great seafood
GALWAY CITY, Co. Galway
·Church of St. Nicholas- Christopher Columbus was said to have visited this church before setting sail for America. Built in 1320.
·Galway Cathedral- Built in 1960s. Famous rose petal windows. Mosaic of JFK in cathedral. Ceiling made of wood from California, pews made of wood from Western Africa. Life-size Stations of the Cross. Floor is Connemara marble. Organ has pipes ranging from 6 inches to 21 feet.
·National University of Ireland- The stone quadrangle is a famous landmark, about a 10 minute walk from the city center.
·The Spanish Arch- Extension of the former city walls, now lies adjacent to the Galway City Museum.
·Eyre Square shopping center- Bustling walkway filled with shops in the center of town. Church of St. Nicholas located along it, the Spanish Arch and Kennedy Memorial Park are at each end.
·Walled city- Visitors are able to see remnants of the old city walls throughout the town.
·Kennedy Memorial Park- Previously named Eyre Square, town center located next to Eyre Square shopping center.
G HOTEL, Co. Galway
·Very modern hotel overlooking Galway Bay. Bold, bright interior in the main areas, neutral colors in the bedrooms. Theme of the sea carries throughout the hotel.
·5 star hotel, voted one of Best New Hotels by Conde Nast Traveller.
·Designed by Phillip Traecy, hat designer.
·Spa area (ESPA) is very quiet and relaxing, subtle lighting. Massage area looks out on Zen garden complete with bamboo garden and a 50 year old bonsai tree.
GLENLO ABBEY, Co. Galway
·Free wifi in rooms, although reception was low in my room and I could not get it.
·We ate at the River Room Restaurant overlooking the golf course and river in the distance.
·The Pullman Restaurant has 2 cars from the original Orient Express. It is situated just outside the hotel and overlooks the golf course.
·Private golf course on property
·Has a walking path (15 min. walk) to the river where guests can take a boat tour of the river.
Day 2
Connemara Marble Factory-> Connemara Region -> Kylemore Abbey & Garden -> City of Cong / The Quiet Man Tour -> Ashford Castle-> Knockranny House Hotel & Spa -> The Quay of Westport -> The Sheeban Restaurant -> Westport -> Matt Molloyâs Pub
CONNEMARA MARBLE FACTORY, Moycullen, Co. Galway
·Visitors can have brief (5-10 minute) overview of family owned business and the history of Connemara marble and then enter the gift shop to buy marble gifts.
·8 miles west of Galway City.
·Famous for their 5 types of marble: Green, white, red, rose, and jet black w/fossils.
CONNEMARA REGION, Co. Galaway
·Western portion of Co. Galway between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean.
·Dominated by the 12 Bens mountain range, Connemara is known for its wide open spaces, sheeps, lakes, mountains (tallest is approximately 2,500 feet), fishing, and Connemara ponies.
KYLEMORE ABBEY & GARDENS, Co. Galway
·Amazing castle finished in 1871 that was converted to a Benedictine abbey 1920.
·Visitors can self-tour some of the rooms on the ground floor, the Gothic chapel and mausoleum, and the famous Victorian gardens.
·Shuttle provide transportation every 10 minutes to/from the gardens.
·Allow 2-3 hours to see the whole property.
·Garden is closed October-March.
·Gift shop and restaurant are also on the grounds next to the car park. Gift shop has famous Kylemore Abbey Pottery available for purchase.
CITY OF CONG / THE QUIET MAN TOUR, Co. Mayo
·Cong is the small town Oscar winning 1952, âThe Quiet Manâ was filmed in.
·Visitors can sign up to have a walking tour visiting scenes from the movie.
ASHFORD CASTLE, Co. Mayo
·Former home to the Guinness Family, this 13th century castle was converted to a hotel in the 1920s.
·Activities for guest include fishing with a ghilley on Lough Corrib, the falconry, complimentary golf, archery, equestrian, and clay shooting, and boat rides on the lake.
·Voted one of the top European Castle Hotels.
·Pierce Brosnan was married here. *sigh*
KNOCKRANNY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, Westport, Co. Mayo
·4 star property built on hill above town of Westport.
·Has a great view of the city, Clew Bay, and Croagh Patrick (said to be where St. Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland).
·Twenty minute walk to town
THE QUAY, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Area of town filled with restaurants on Clew bay.
·Pronounced âkeyâ
THE SHEEBAN RESTAURANT, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Located in Wesportâs Quay district, a seafood and steak restaurant right on the water.
TOWN OF WESTPORT, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Won Irelandâs National Tidy Town Award.
·Flower lined streets, very beautiful and clean.
·One of the only planned cities in all of Ireland.
·At the foot of Croagh Patrick
CROAGH ST. PATRICK, Near Westport, Co. Mayo
·Mountain St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland.
·Chapel at top of mountain that people can make a pilgrimage to, some even do it barefoot to pay penance.
MATT MALLOYâS PUB, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Located downtown.
·A crowded pub with live traditional Irish Music.
·Filled with locals and tourists.
Day 3
Westport House-> Lough Rynn Castle Estate & House -> Farnham Estate Hotel
WESTPORT HOUSE, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Roof is being fixed so it does have a large scaffolding over it
·The house itself has a great tour, you can see nearly all the rooms
·Built off the base of Grace OâMalleyâs castle. Home of her ancestors.
·Just outside of Westport
·Lots of things for families to do: swan paddleboats on lake, flume ride, train ride, rock climbing, laser tag, animal and bird parkâ¦.
LOUGH RYNN CASTLE ESTATE & HOUSE, Mohill, Co. Leitrim
·45 minutes from Knock Airport.
·Dublin airport has a better road but longer distance.
·Conference Center open Dec. 2007
·Golf Course done in end 2008
·Has Victorian gardens on the grounds⦠will have a nature walk in the future.
FARNHAM ESTATE HOTEL, Cavan, Co. Cavan
·2 hour drive from Dublin
·Set on 1300 acres, owned by Ireland businessman who owns multiple pharmacies, the hotel concentrates on health and relaxation.
·Has a large Golf course opening end of 2008
·Miles of walking trails
·Spa services
·Conference center
·Contemporary rooms w/free wi-fi
·Rooms off entryway for reading, relaxing, playing games, talking
·Small town of Cavan a cab ride away
Day 4
Carton House Hotel & Spa
CARTON HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
·Conference center
·Contemporary, modern rooms
·President Bush stayed here⦠had his infamous picture snapped as he looked out over the grounds in his birthday suit.
Day 5
The K Club -> Hunt Museum-> Limerick City -> Adare Manor -> City of Adare -> Knappogue Castle -> Dromoland Castle Estate
THE K CLUB, Kildare, Co. Kildare
·Home of the 2006 Ryder Cup, has 2 course both designed by Jack Palmer
·40 minutes from Dublin
·Extremely expensive and upper class
HUNT MUSEUM, Limerick City, Co. Limerick
·Artifacts collected by the Hunt family who owned an antique shop
·Had a Picasso hanging in their kitchen, used a 500 year old water pitcher for their water pitcher.
·Built off the base of Grace OâMalleyâs castle. Home of her ancestors.
·Located on OâConnell Street
LIMERICK CITY, Co. Limerick
·Has great examples of Georgian houses
·OâConnell Street is main street (also is Dublinâs main street)
·âLimericksâ were created by a man from Limerick who used to write 5 line poems on the âcoffin shipsâ (ships used to transport the Irish to North America during the potato famine).
ADARE MANOR HOTEL & GOLF RESORT, Adare, Co. Limerick
·40 minutes to Shannon airport
·Took 30 years to build, 52 chimneys (for every week of the year), 365 stained glass windows (for every day of the year)
·20 minute walk to Adare where visitors can visit the thatch roofed cottage constructed for workers of the manor
·Golf Course and spa on site
·Townhomes available to rent for golfers, families, etc.
·Has ruins just across the property
CITY OF ADARE, Adare, Co. Limerick
·Many B&Bs in town
·Has thatch roofed cottage businesses along main street
·Adare Heritage Center
·Dunraven Arms is a 4* across the street from thatched cottages
KNAPPOGUE CASTLE, Quin, Co. Clare
·Old castle hosting renaissance banquets with live music
DROMOLAND CASTLE ESTATE, Co. Clare
·Can have bagpipe player greet groups
·Served Irish coffee upon arrival
OTHER INFORMATION and IRISH FACTOIDS
·Most Irish sheep have crosses on their back because sheep carried baby Jesus on their back
·Sheep also have a paint on their backs (washes off with mild detergent) so herders can tell their sheep apart
·St. Patrick came over in 400 AD and created Celtic cross to bridge Christian cross with the sun worshipping
·Trinity College is extremely busy between 11-2, get there before then
·Standing stones are prehistoric and found in fields. Can be seen at Trinity College along with the Book of Kells
·Dublin
oNational Museum in Dublin is free. Allot about 2 hours
oNational Art Gallery in Dublin created by writer of Pygmalion. Promised to donate 1/3 of proceeds from play to museum!
oFour Seasons is out of town but has shuttles in and out of town
oDublin Castle can be hired out
oDay trips for groups or individuals:
§Golf (lynx courses like the K Club)
§Irish National Stud- horses and Japanese gardens (Tully, Co. Kildare)
§½ day tour: Treasure hunt on farm and bake bread after (Pares? Courthouse and Garden⦠check with Liz, tour guide for more details)
·Tour Companies
oBrendan Tours has Irish national guides, stays in 5* hotels
oTauck Tours has American guides
oCIE Tours
·Prefix of âballe means âtown ofâ and âkil means âchurch ofâ
·Curvy roads because Irish believe ghosts can only travel in a straight line or go in circles
·Any type of umbrella topped tree is considered a fairy tree, although Hawthorne trees are the best
·Clew Bay is in Westport
·In Shannon-on-Carrick or Killaloo (Cty. Clare) visitors can rent cruise boat, bring bikes along and cruise for a week with them and bike into the small towns.
·In Shannon-on-Carrick clients can also stop and have tea on the boat
·In approximately 10 years, all the power in Ireland will be wind generated
·Long ago make up was made of arsenic and wax and stands were set next to people with a heavy cloth to shield their faces from the fireplace so their makeup didnât melt
·Flags toting the city colors are often flown from homes when big matches are coming up
·Killarney
oGreat for incentive groups
·Fox Hunting
oSeason is last weekend in October thru mid-March
oUsually hunting groups go out 2 times a week
oPink coat= wearer is master of fox hound (MFH)
§Theyâre actually red coats but long ago made by London tailor named Mr. Pink
o11:30am leave the pub and start the hunt, ends 4:30ish
oIf you see a fox you take off your hat and point in the direction of the fox and shout âtally hoâ
oTerm for professional fox hunter is âhuntsmenâ
·Ireland has lots of stud farms, very strong, world-renowned horses
·New Grange (Co. Meath, north of Dublin)
oOldest building in the world
oExcavated in 1960
oLocated in Boyne Valley
oBuilt in 3200 BC
oWorld Heritage Site
·Kells (city south of Kilkenny) is where the Books of Kells was found in a peat bog
·Some movies filmed in Ireland: Michael Collins, The Quiet Man, The Wind that Shakes the Barley
·The term âcold shoulderâ comes from unwelcome guest in Ireland being given the cold shoulder of the lamb
·The term âupper crustâ originates from if you were a welcome guest youâd be given the upper crust of the loaf of bread
Shannon-> Liscannor -> Lahinch Links Golf Course -> St. Bridgetâs Well -> Memorial to OâBrien -> Cliffs of Moher / OâBrienâs Tower -> Aran Islands -> The Burrens -> Fanore Beach-> Bally Vaughn -> Galaway City -> Galway Cathedral -> St. Nicholasâ Church -> G Hotel -> Glenlo Abbey Hotel
SHANNON, Co. Clare
·Has Park Inn right on the grounds of the airport. Great for early departures next morning as it is only a 2 minute walk. Not suggested for much else since it is right on the airport and would be loud and visitors would not be able to walk into town.
LISCANNOR, Co. Clare
·Drive through it on the way to Cliffs of Moher. Home of John Holland, inventor of submarine.
LAHINCH, Co. Clare
·About 10 minutes from Cliffs of Moher. Small town. Has famous links golf course just outside of town. The Lahinch Golf Course actually has two courses, one on each side of the road. The Old Course (between the ocean and the road) is world renowned; the Castle Course is on the other side of the road and is much flatter.
ST. BRIDGETâS WELL, Co. Clare
·On the western side of the road just south of Cliffs of Moher. A little cavern in the hillside is filled with offerings and pictures and other odds and ends for St. Bridget.
MEMORIAL TO OâBRIEN, Co. Clare
·Just North of St. Bridgetâs well you can see a limestone memorial built for OâBrien. Legend has it he was not a kindly landlord and he demanded the memorial be built before his death because he knew no one would build it after.
CLIFFS OF MOHER/OâBRIENS TOWER, Co. Clare
·Has a new award winning interpretive center built into the hillside. Inside the interpretive center are interactive programs and a film in case of bad weather along with a gift shop and restaurant.
·Approximately 5 minute walk from interpretive center to OâBrienâs Tower.
ARAN ISLANDS, Co. Galway
·These 3 islands are located off western coast, at the mouth of Galway Bay. Tourists can reach the islands via ferry from Rossaveal, Co. Galway (just west of Galway City).
THE BURRENS, Co. Clare
·The Burrens is approximately 25x25 miles and is a barren landscape spotted with glacial erratics. Sparsely populated, those that do live in this region have to drill wells into the underground cave system for fresh water.
·Has had inhabitants since 3000 BC.
·Along the road, visitors will see troughs of water for the numerous cattle. Farmers set up a series of pipes that funnel the rain water from the roads into these troughs so the cattle will have fresh water. Unlike other areas, the cattle can be left out year round here because of the rocks heating up the grass.
·Nature lovers will be thrilled with the rare wildflowers that grow in abundance here.
·Caves and dolman can also be found in this region. There are walking tours for those wanting to explore the Burrens thoroughly.
FANORE BEACH, Co. Clare
·Popular beach for surfing along the way to Bally Vaughn.
·Located in the Burrens.
BALLY VAUGHN, Co. Clare
·Great cottages to rent right on the water
·Monkâs Pub in town has great seafood
GALWAY CITY, Co. Galway
·Church of St. Nicholas- Christopher Columbus was said to have visited this church before setting sail for America. Built in 1320.
·Galway Cathedral- Built in 1960s. Famous rose petal windows. Mosaic of JFK in cathedral. Ceiling made of wood from California, pews made of wood from Western Africa. Life-size Stations of the Cross. Floor is Connemara marble. Organ has pipes ranging from 6 inches to 21 feet.
·National University of Ireland- The stone quadrangle is a famous landmark, about a 10 minute walk from the city center.
·The Spanish Arch- Extension of the former city walls, now lies adjacent to the Galway City Museum.
·Eyre Square shopping center- Bustling walkway filled with shops in the center of town. Church of St. Nicholas located along it, the Spanish Arch and Kennedy Memorial Park are at each end.
·Walled city- Visitors are able to see remnants of the old city walls throughout the town.
·Kennedy Memorial Park- Previously named Eyre Square, town center located next to Eyre Square shopping center.
G HOTEL, Co. Galway
·Very modern hotel overlooking Galway Bay. Bold, bright interior in the main areas, neutral colors in the bedrooms. Theme of the sea carries throughout the hotel.
·5 star hotel, voted one of Best New Hotels by Conde Nast Traveller.
·Designed by Phillip Traecy, hat designer.
·Spa area (ESPA) is very quiet and relaxing, subtle lighting. Massage area looks out on Zen garden complete with bamboo garden and a 50 year old bonsai tree.
GLENLO ABBEY, Co. Galway
·Free wifi in rooms, although reception was low in my room and I could not get it.
·We ate at the River Room Restaurant overlooking the golf course and river in the distance.
·The Pullman Restaurant has 2 cars from the original Orient Express. It is situated just outside the hotel and overlooks the golf course.
·Private golf course on property
·Has a walking path (15 min. walk) to the river where guests can take a boat tour of the river.
Day 2
Connemara Marble Factory-> Connemara Region -> Kylemore Abbey & Garden -> City of Cong / The Quiet Man Tour -> Ashford Castle-> Knockranny House Hotel & Spa -> The Quay of Westport -> The Sheeban Restaurant -> Westport -> Matt Molloyâs Pub
CONNEMARA MARBLE FACTORY, Moycullen, Co. Galway
·Visitors can have brief (5-10 minute) overview of family owned business and the history of Connemara marble and then enter the gift shop to buy marble gifts.
·8 miles west of Galway City.
·Famous for their 5 types of marble: Green, white, red, rose, and jet black w/fossils.
CONNEMARA REGION, Co. Galaway
·Western portion of Co. Galway between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean.
·Dominated by the 12 Bens mountain range, Connemara is known for its wide open spaces, sheeps, lakes, mountains (tallest is approximately 2,500 feet), fishing, and Connemara ponies.
KYLEMORE ABBEY & GARDENS, Co. Galway
·Amazing castle finished in 1871 that was converted to a Benedictine abbey 1920.
·Visitors can self-tour some of the rooms on the ground floor, the Gothic chapel and mausoleum, and the famous Victorian gardens.
·Shuttle provide transportation every 10 minutes to/from the gardens.
·Allow 2-3 hours to see the whole property.
·Garden is closed October-March.
·Gift shop and restaurant are also on the grounds next to the car park. Gift shop has famous Kylemore Abbey Pottery available for purchase.
CITY OF CONG / THE QUIET MAN TOUR, Co. Mayo
·Cong is the small town Oscar winning 1952, âThe Quiet Manâ was filmed in.
·Visitors can sign up to have a walking tour visiting scenes from the movie.
ASHFORD CASTLE, Co. Mayo
·Former home to the Guinness Family, this 13th century castle was converted to a hotel in the 1920s.
·Activities for guest include fishing with a ghilley on Lough Corrib, the falconry, complimentary golf, archery, equestrian, and clay shooting, and boat rides on the lake.
·Voted one of the top European Castle Hotels.
·Pierce Brosnan was married here. *sigh*
KNOCKRANNY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, Westport, Co. Mayo
·4 star property built on hill above town of Westport.
·Has a great view of the city, Clew Bay, and Croagh Patrick (said to be where St. Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland).
·Twenty minute walk to town
THE QUAY, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Area of town filled with restaurants on Clew bay.
·Pronounced âkeyâ
THE SHEEBAN RESTAURANT, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Located in Wesportâs Quay district, a seafood and steak restaurant right on the water.
TOWN OF WESTPORT, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Won Irelandâs National Tidy Town Award.
·Flower lined streets, very beautiful and clean.
·One of the only planned cities in all of Ireland.
·At the foot of Croagh Patrick
CROAGH ST. PATRICK, Near Westport, Co. Mayo
·Mountain St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland.
·Chapel at top of mountain that people can make a pilgrimage to, some even do it barefoot to pay penance.
MATT MALLOYâS PUB, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Located downtown.
·A crowded pub with live traditional Irish Music.
·Filled with locals and tourists.
Day 3
Westport House-> Lough Rynn Castle Estate & House -> Farnham Estate Hotel
WESTPORT HOUSE, Westport, Co. Mayo
·Roof is being fixed so it does have a large scaffolding over it
·The house itself has a great tour, you can see nearly all the rooms
·Built off the base of Grace OâMalleyâs castle. Home of her ancestors.
·Just outside of Westport
·Lots of things for families to do: swan paddleboats on lake, flume ride, train ride, rock climbing, laser tag, animal and bird parkâ¦.
LOUGH RYNN CASTLE ESTATE & HOUSE, Mohill, Co. Leitrim
·45 minutes from Knock Airport.
·Dublin airport has a better road but longer distance.
·Conference Center open Dec. 2007
·Golf Course done in end 2008
·Has Victorian gardens on the grounds⦠will have a nature walk in the future.
FARNHAM ESTATE HOTEL, Cavan, Co. Cavan
·2 hour drive from Dublin
·Set on 1300 acres, owned by Ireland businessman who owns multiple pharmacies, the hotel concentrates on health and relaxation.
·Has a large Golf course opening end of 2008
·Miles of walking trails
·Spa services
·Conference center
·Contemporary rooms w/free wi-fi
·Rooms off entryway for reading, relaxing, playing games, talking
·Small town of Cavan a cab ride away
Day 4
Carton House Hotel & Spa
CARTON HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
·Conference center
·Contemporary, modern rooms
·President Bush stayed here⦠had his infamous picture snapped as he looked out over the grounds in his birthday suit.
Day 5
The K Club -> Hunt Museum-> Limerick City -> Adare Manor -> City of Adare -> Knappogue Castle -> Dromoland Castle Estate
THE K CLUB, Kildare, Co. Kildare
·Home of the 2006 Ryder Cup, has 2 course both designed by Jack Palmer
·40 minutes from Dublin
·Extremely expensive and upper class
HUNT MUSEUM, Limerick City, Co. Limerick
·Artifacts collected by the Hunt family who owned an antique shop
·Had a Picasso hanging in their kitchen, used a 500 year old water pitcher for their water pitcher.
·Built off the base of Grace OâMalleyâs castle. Home of her ancestors.
·Located on OâConnell Street
LIMERICK CITY, Co. Limerick
·Has great examples of Georgian houses
·OâConnell Street is main street (also is Dublinâs main street)
·âLimericksâ were created by a man from Limerick who used to write 5 line poems on the âcoffin shipsâ (ships used to transport the Irish to North America during the potato famine).
ADARE MANOR HOTEL & GOLF RESORT, Adare, Co. Limerick
·40 minutes to Shannon airport
·Took 30 years to build, 52 chimneys (for every week of the year), 365 stained glass windows (for every day of the year)
·20 minute walk to Adare where visitors can visit the thatch roofed cottage constructed for workers of the manor
·Golf Course and spa on site
·Townhomes available to rent for golfers, families, etc.
·Has ruins just across the property
CITY OF ADARE, Adare, Co. Limerick
·Many B&Bs in town
·Has thatch roofed cottage businesses along main street
·Adare Heritage Center
·Dunraven Arms is a 4* across the street from thatched cottages
KNAPPOGUE CASTLE, Quin, Co. Clare
·Old castle hosting renaissance banquets with live music
DROMOLAND CASTLE ESTATE, Co. Clare
·Can have bagpipe player greet groups
·Served Irish coffee upon arrival
OTHER INFORMATION and IRISH FACTOIDS
·Most Irish sheep have crosses on their back because sheep carried baby Jesus on their back
·Sheep also have a paint on their backs (washes off with mild detergent) so herders can tell their sheep apart
·St. Patrick came over in 400 AD and created Celtic cross to bridge Christian cross with the sun worshipping
·Trinity College is extremely busy between 11-2, get there before then
·Standing stones are prehistoric and found in fields. Can be seen at Trinity College along with the Book of Kells
·Dublin
oNational Museum in Dublin is free. Allot about 2 hours
oNational Art Gallery in Dublin created by writer of Pygmalion. Promised to donate 1/3 of proceeds from play to museum!
oFour Seasons is out of town but has shuttles in and out of town
oDublin Castle can be hired out
oDay trips for groups or individuals:
§Golf (lynx courses like the K Club)
§Irish National Stud- horses and Japanese gardens (Tully, Co. Kildare)
§½ day tour: Treasure hunt on farm and bake bread after (Pares? Courthouse and Garden⦠check with Liz, tour guide for more details)
·Tour Companies
oBrendan Tours has Irish national guides, stays in 5* hotels
oTauck Tours has American guides
oCIE Tours
·Prefix of âballe means âtown ofâ and âkil means âchurch ofâ
·Curvy roads because Irish believe ghosts can only travel in a straight line or go in circles
·Any type of umbrella topped tree is considered a fairy tree, although Hawthorne trees are the best
·Clew Bay is in Westport
·In Shannon-on-Carrick or Killaloo (Cty. Clare) visitors can rent cruise boat, bring bikes along and cruise for a week with them and bike into the small towns.
·In Shannon-on-Carrick clients can also stop and have tea on the boat
·In approximately 10 years, all the power in Ireland will be wind generated
·Long ago make up was made of arsenic and wax and stands were set next to people with a heavy cloth to shield their faces from the fireplace so their makeup didnât melt
·Flags toting the city colors are often flown from homes when big matches are coming up
·Killarney
oGreat for incentive groups
·Fox Hunting
oSeason is last weekend in October thru mid-March
oUsually hunting groups go out 2 times a week
oPink coat= wearer is master of fox hound (MFH)
§Theyâre actually red coats but long ago made by London tailor named Mr. Pink
o11:30am leave the pub and start the hunt, ends 4:30ish
oIf you see a fox you take off your hat and point in the direction of the fox and shout âtally hoâ
oTerm for professional fox hunter is âhuntsmenâ
·Ireland has lots of stud farms, very strong, world-renowned horses
·New Grange (Co. Meath, north of Dublin)
oOldest building in the world
oExcavated in 1960
oLocated in Boyne Valley
oBuilt in 3200 BC
oWorld Heritage Site
·Kells (city south of Kilkenny) is where the Books of Kells was found in a peat bog
·Some movies filmed in Ireland: Michael Collins, The Quiet Man, The Wind that Shakes the Barley
·The term âcold shoulderâ comes from unwelcome guest in Ireland being given the cold shoulder of the lamb
·The term âupper crustâ originates from if you were a welcome guest youâd be given the upper crust of the loaf of bread
Weekend break for Parents 50th?
Q. My parents are turning 50 this year and my brothers and I want to book a weekend away for them. The only thing is they have left me to book it and I have no idea where to be looking! I was thinking of sending them to Paris seeing as we have been to France many times but have never actually seen the capital itself, but my dad has a really bad back since his fall a few years ago so I am not sure that he would want to be walking around the busy cities. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations as to where to send them? We live in Ireland so feel free to suggest any Irish weekend breaks that you know of that are nice and relaxing! Many thanks! :)
A. Westport is a great town to visit.
I've heard great things about the Ice House Hotel in Ballina.
Kilkenny is a beautiful city.
You could send them to one of the islands off the west coast either, e.g. one of the Aran Islands, Clare Island, Achill Island etc (bear in mind that you will need good weather to properly enjoy an island holiday).
Cork, Belfast, Galway are all great weekend-break cities!
Or Waterford or Rosslare...
Or you could see what events are on (e.g. if they are fans of Christy Moore, book them a weekend break in whatever town he's playing in on any given weekend).
I've heard great things about the Ice House Hotel in Ballina.
Kilkenny is a beautiful city.
You could send them to one of the islands off the west coast either, e.g. one of the Aran Islands, Clare Island, Achill Island etc (bear in mind that you will need good weather to properly enjoy an island holiday).
Cork, Belfast, Galway are all great weekend-break cities!
Or Waterford or Rosslare...
Or you could see what events are on (e.g. if they are fans of Christy Moore, book them a weekend break in whatever town he's playing in on any given weekend).
Flute purchase question? Mamianka? Flutista?
Q. I'm browsing for flutes at the moment. I'm in Dublin right now on a shopping weekend and my dad always goes to Paul Ryan, a guy who deals specially with woodwind/brass instruments.
I'd love if you look through this link http://www.paulryanmusic.com/
It has flutes on it and I need help choosing. I don't have a bank account full of cash, but I have â¬300, it's my birthday next month and christmas is closing in, so I'd be able to get it.
I got a distinction in my grade 8 and I'm first chair flutist, so I thought a B foot joint would be a good place to start.... THANKYOU!!!
I'd love if you look through this link http://www.paulryanmusic.com/
It has flutes on it and I need help choosing. I don't have a bank account full of cash, but I have â¬300, it's my birthday next month and christmas is closing in, so I'd be able to get it.
I got a distinction in my grade 8 and I'm first chair flutist, so I thought a B foot joint would be a good place to start.... THANKYOU!!!
A. I absolutely agree with everything that Flutista has said. I looked at the site you sent us to, and ALL the flutes there are of decent brands - but there are also many more. Being Irish - did you look up the Galway Spirit flute? I wen to my favorite site (I live in NY state, about 100 miles up the river from the city) and looked over my usual list of student flutes, and tried to convert dollars to pounds - using $1.64 per pound. The Jupiter 511 flute comes out ot about $400 pounds from Flute World - no idea about shipping, tax - and this is the flute that Paul Ryan wants quite a bit more for. I also looked on eBay.uk - and found that there are places selling brand new Jupiter 511 with a first bid of 185 pounds - and there are several of them there!
The 511 is a closed hole beginner's flute - you said you wanted a B foot, so I would guess that you also want open hole, offset G - and the if other things like a split E or a C# trill key are *included* (no need to special order them - but sometimes the store has a flute that CAME that way) then you might do well to get that flute. Get at LEAST a solid silver head - and all-silver body is best. Keys will be silver-plated. No need AT ALL for a gold-plated lip-plate, unless you KNOW that you are allergic to silver on your lips. Plugs will come with the flute, until you get accustomed to playing open hole,s one at a time. Your teacher will help a lot.
This is a big decision, and you need to shop around. Good FLUTE companies - places that do JUST flutes, like Top Wind in London (I do not know any other JUST FLUTE place closer to you) will send you flutes to try; Dad can choose over the phone, and they take a credit card number to reserve the flute - when you send it back, you are only charged for the shipping and insurance. You keep it- theyhave the credit card number. If you are getting a better choices of better flutes, this is worth it - instead of feeling you HAVE to buy something in the shop you are standing int - as they WATCH you!
I wish you much luck - keep us posted about your search. You can also go to Yahoo Groups and join a great fun group called FLUTENET - there are over 3,000 of us there, all flutist, and you will get FAR better help than THIS place! Oh - and HUG YOUR DAD for doing this for you!!!! I bet you did that already . . . .
Speaking of Sir James - I am in the group of his that holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest flute quartet! Over 2,000 of us, in a hotel in NYC in 2009!
The 511 is a closed hole beginner's flute - you said you wanted a B foot, so I would guess that you also want open hole, offset G - and the if other things like a split E or a C# trill key are *included* (no need to special order them - but sometimes the store has a flute that CAME that way) then you might do well to get that flute. Get at LEAST a solid silver head - and all-silver body is best. Keys will be silver-plated. No need AT ALL for a gold-plated lip-plate, unless you KNOW that you are allergic to silver on your lips. Plugs will come with the flute, until you get accustomed to playing open hole,s one at a time. Your teacher will help a lot.
This is a big decision, and you need to shop around. Good FLUTE companies - places that do JUST flutes, like Top Wind in London (I do not know any other JUST FLUTE place closer to you) will send you flutes to try; Dad can choose over the phone, and they take a credit card number to reserve the flute - when you send it back, you are only charged for the shipping and insurance. You keep it- theyhave the credit card number. If you are getting a better choices of better flutes, this is worth it - instead of feeling you HAVE to buy something in the shop you are standing int - as they WATCH you!
I wish you much luck - keep us posted about your search. You can also go to Yahoo Groups and join a great fun group called FLUTENET - there are over 3,000 of us there, all flutist, and you will get FAR better help than THIS place! Oh - and HUG YOUR DAD for doing this for you!!!! I bet you did that already . . . .
Speaking of Sir James - I am in the group of his that holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest flute quartet! Over 2,000 of us, in a hotel in NYC in 2009!
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