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Ireland

Started by: ena malcup (4151) 

Never been.

Had lots of Irish friends over the years.

Where in Ireland would you recommend for extended visit/touring around?

Started: 14th May 2022 at 17:27

Posted by: PeterP (11223)

Never been to Southern Ireland but went on a long w/end to Belfast and really enjoyed it. Surprised how small the city of Belfast is . One day we went on a coach tour along the coast calling at various towns and Bushmills whisky distillery and the Giants cause way. We also visited Belfast Zoo which is very hilly from one lot of animals to the next.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 18:19
Last edited by PeterP: 16th May 2022 at 10:18:29

Posted by: ianp. (927) 

I have been to Ireland. I was there in 2019 and really enjoyed it.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 18:30

Posted by: ena malcup (4151) 

Does the common travel area mean that I can ignore the border? ie Could I hire a campervan, and criss-cross the border at will?

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 18:35

Posted by: broady (inactive)

I worked in Belfast for two years and Dublin for two years. Lovely country. In the North the Antrim Coast is very nice and enjoyed the Giant’s Causeway. In the South Dublin of course is good craic. Stayed in Cork and visited Blarney Castle from there. Went to Galway, Donegal and Athenry. Enjoyed a sail round Galway Harbour and a great evening of Irish music there. I drove 1700 miles in ten days all very enjoyable. Almost forgot we went to the Cliffs of Moher. That was very enjoyable also.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 18:40

Posted by: First Mate (2324)

I seem to remember a female member from not long ago telling those on Wigan World that she lived on an island off the south coast of Ireland, and
telling everyone how beautiful and tranquil it was. I haven't seen her post for some time.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 19:00

Posted by: ianp. (927) 

ena,
Ask broady, because he obviously saw it all and knows everything about Ireland.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 19:51

Posted by: Stardelta (11829)

Stayed in Athlone several times, nice place, right on the Shannon, has the oldest pub in Ireland and its bang in the centre of the country. I was visiting for work and its one of the few places I intend to go back to.....at some point.

Athlone

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 19:59

Posted by: broady (inactive)

Both Ireland and the UK were in the common market when I last went in 2017. No passports required and you could travel backwards and forwards at will. No idea now.

Just for the record I don't know everything about Ireland but I have spent four years of my life working there.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 20:07

Posted by: fossil (7728)

ena malcup,I have been to Ireland, probably 30 times at least for both sporting, fishing and golfing, and sightseeing holidays,the longest being for three weeks,but we haven't been for about 9 or 10 years.
So where you go there is always somewhere of interest to visit and we have always taken our car over on the ferries on all the routes, but some of our friends fly to Dublin or Knock and use car hire.
The Irish tourist board have a booklet with ITB recommended B and B's which are always top class as they are inspected regularly, and the last pamphlet I got was delivered for a postage fee if I remember. The non ITB places can be iffy!
There are tourist informaton centres in all tourist towns where for a few euros you can can get last minute discount deals in hotels with meals included and they booked us in. I would think that system is still in place.
A fantastic country to visit,the south east Enniscorthy and Wexford for the best weather.Co Cork ,a lovely town called Youghal with easy access to Kinsale and Cobh,and great scenery and towns all up the west coast to the spectacular Co Donegal.
Not cheap, but quality everywhere we found, and a great welcome always.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 20:09
Last edited by fossil : 14th May 2022 at 20:11:47

Posted by: riocaroni (673)

Been to Dublin 6 times and Cork 3 times. Always use public transport when there cos I like a Guinness and always find it easy. In 2019 went for paddys weekend and had a fabulous time, people from around the world all celebrate together and not a sign of trouble.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 20:52

Posted by: First Mate (2324)

Posted by: ena malcup (919)
Does the common travel area mean that I can ignore the border? ie Could I hire a campervan, and criss-cross the border at will?

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 18:35

Who knows

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 21:12

Posted by: broady (inactive)

Been there for two St. Patrick’s days. Sadly one was subdued because of travel restrictions caused by foot and mouth. The second was excellent. I was there in 2002 when the Republic were in the World Cup. See to remember the pubs being open very early until very late. Plenty of drunks but no bother. Good Craic.

Replied: 14th May 2022 at 21:16
Last edited by broady: 14th May 2022 at 21:20:03

Posted by: fossil (7728)

I don’t think there is any restriction of movement across the borders in any form of transport.
Obtaining fuel could involve a big difference in price.
I know people living near the border would shop on the more economic side.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 07:57

Posted by: Owd Codger (3016)

My Wife and I went on a eleven day coach holiday to the Republic of Ireland and had one of the best holidays ever with no hostility whatsoever shown by Irish people towards us.

Went in a pub in Tramore near Waterford where some of the locals were sat around the bar like in Ballykissangel, but with a bit of 'Language', ordered drinks and a big Irishman turned to me and said, 'Are you English', I said yes to which he put his arm round my shoulder and said 'Are you enjoying your holiday'.

Also had a great time in the bars of Temple Bar when I visited Dublin for the Rugby League game between Wigan and Leeds which was played on the same Sunday as Dublin was playing Galway in a Semi Final of the All Ireland Gaelic football competition and supporters of all four teams mixing with each other.

It is only in Norther Ireland where I have seen a different atmosphere than what I have ever seen in the republic.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 10:02
Last edited by Owd Codger: 15th May 2022 at 11:02:32

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

I've been on fishing trips a few times, The furthest town I've been to is Listowel a small town in County Kerry near to Limerick, The pace of life there is quiet and tranquil and the folks there are so laid back that, they can see St Patrick BUT, they talk so fast you have trouble understanding them,

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 10:46

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

I have never been to the land of Mick

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 11:01

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

Whale oil beef oct

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 11:05

Posted by: Billinge Biker (2383) 

Ireland... North and South... Love it... a bit pricey in the South... been to Kinsale and Cork a few times... The North between Ballycastle and Portrush has a beautiful coastline with emerald seas and lovely beaches.. Giants causeway is a must... but get the bus for the return up to the top.... The people are friendly north and south and the bars generally burst into music by the locals. A great place Ena... there is a lot to see. And try a tipple of the dark stuff... beautiful

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 11:18

Posted by: ianp. (927) 

ena, let's see if 'we' can give you some help.

Your question: 'Where in Ireland would you recommend for extended visit/touring around?'

By now, some posters have offered you a choice of places and with some additional information, which I hope you find useful.
Of course, like always, it comes down to how large the country is, how much time you have and what do you really want to do during that time.

For me, I want to see things which are interesting, historical, beautiful, to see lush landscape and to see and experience great culture, to be part of that atmosphere of local life...
Additionally, I also want to have the time to relax and the time to enjoy some places - I don't want to be jumping in-and-out of the car and rushing off to the next place, only to spend a few hours trying to see and photograph everything that the tourist guide etc tells you 'this is a must.../got to visit this...'.
Ireland is a large island and some parts aren't engineered for speedy travel. In other words, the highway system does not equal the English highway system; simply because in many parts, if not in most, it does not need to. So, do not expect wide, long motorways stretching across every part of Ireland. In parts, travel can be slow.
I was in and around the Cork and Kerry area in the last quarter of 2019 and enjoyed my stay there very much. There had obviously been some highway work done: new surfacing and new construction. There was a dual carriageway, which looked new, and which stretched quite far; this allowed comfortable, easy and time saving travel.
Regarding what I saw and what to see in the area mentioned, the choice is vast. There is wonderful landscape and beautiful villages. Some of the coastline is breathtaking: dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, misty mornings, beautiful rainbows with vibrant colours, long sandy beaches... On the opposite side of what to see, I found Dingle beautiful, relaxing and a total contrast to the sights and sounds of the cliffs. This small port town is full of character, with its calm coastline, sailing vessels, fishing boats, old streets, old buildings, architecture and brightly painted buildings (pubs, shops, some houses) it is definitely worth a visit. A very nice place to spend a few days in.
Now, here is what we all have to bear in mind: stretching across to the other coast you have Dublin, which I have spent time in and can definitely recommend visiting. But, the distance is great (possibly around 350km) and will obviously take time. On a positive note, you can stay in Limerick for a number of days or even one week to break up the journey. Limerick is another one of those places which is 'a must' and obviously so, because this is one of the largest and oldest cities in Ireland.

Sorry for not answering your other question about 'common travel/border', but I think that I have typed enough for now. But, just to finish, I can tell you this: I needed my passport and on arrival in the stated year, there was passport control and I had to show my passport - and, so did the other visitors to the country 'Ireland'.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 12:11

Posted by: fossil (7728)

Ian p ,I have never even taken my passport to Ireland , but I suppose since Brexit thing’s are different.
Regarding the roads ,I remember a friend of mine saying that he went to visit family over there in the 80’s and took his caravan. The state of the roads caused his van to shake and disintegrate and he left the bits over there when he came home.
The motorway system is decent now and the Dublin by pass is an improvement but can be gridlocked at times.
We tried to visit Leopardstown race course for the champions day on two successive years and gave up both times because of the traffic.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 12:26

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

Ena, have yoo ever thought about visiting Cornwall

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 14:00

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

You don't need a passport.

"Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. British nationals travelling from the UK don’t need a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and may ask for proof of nationality, particularly if you were born outside the UK. You are therefore advised to take your British passport with you"

LINK

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 14:07

Posted by: ena malcup (4151) 

TTS

Throughout the seventies and eighties I used to visit Cornwall fairly regularly, more or less every year. Used to enjoy camping, usually at a place called London Apprentice. Also frequently hotel stays, often in Roseland Peninsular. Also in 1960's for a spell, lived in Helston, as working nearby.


Wondering what made you ask?

Not particularly planning a visit, but I have been looking online at property for sale in Cornwall. Will move there should I find the right place, but alas have been looking for quite some time.

(I might have missed the boat: age and state of health are increasingly mitigating against making a move!)

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 14:29
Last edited by ena malcup: 15th May 2022 at 14:35:10

Posted by: irene (2901) 

Hello....I haven't been on Communicate for years and it took me ages to sign in as I couldn't remember my password! However, a friend has asked if I would answer ena malcup's query re places to go in Ireland. . My friend and I both live in Abram and some years ago we had a Centenary Memorial of the Maypole Pit Disaster in Abram and a number of people from County Mayo attended and this was followed by people from Abram visiting The Hennigan Heritage Centre in Count Mayo. Not only does the Centre portray previous life in Ireland but it also has a room dedicated to The Maypole Disaster. Maybe if ena or any of you visit County Mayo at some point, you might find it of interest. I have only been to Ireland once for my 50th birthday, (20 years ago come October....oh dear!) We went to Athenry and I still have the picture I bought with the words to "The Fields of Athenry" on my kitchen wall. My abiding memory is of sitting in a pub in Athenry on my 50th birthday, and every time someone came in they said "God Bless All Here". I will never forget that as long as I live.
Hope everyone is well. Irene.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 15:26

Posted by: ena malcup (4151) 

Glad to see your return, irene.

Thank you, and everyone else, for the helpful information posted.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 16:36

Posted by: mollie m (7076) 

We lived in Londonderry for two years, but not by choice. My husband was in the Army and we were posted there in 1977 – 1979, and it was not the happiest posting we’d had. However, that was then, but I’d never go back because of sad memories.

One thing though is, if you’re visiting Southern Ireland, don’t forget that British sterling is not accepted, so you’d have to get it exchanged for Euros which is now their currency. Also, as Southern Ireland isn’t classed as British soil, it would be wise to take your passport as well.

If this has changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 21:04

Posted by: ianp. (927) 

Mollie, you are perfectly correct. But, get ready for the keyboard warriors.
Please read what I typed and then read the follow-up remarks.
What is sometimes unbelievable, is what some people post. On this particular page, one member tells us what you should or should not do and what you don't need etc, but tells us that he has never been to Ireland.
I was there in the last quarter of 2019 and where I spent my time, I only used euros.
I would say that Northern Ireland does not have the euro and it possibly isn't accepted in many places.
As you pointed out, only Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Southern Ireland is not part of the UK and it is in the EU.
Therefore, I would not be so sure that British tourists can cross borders with great ease, speed and without a passport.
My philosophy has always been, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 23:12

Posted by: broady (inactive)

A thirty second search advises that if you are a UK citizen you do not need a passport to cross into Southern Ireland. However I would always travel with mine as a form of identification.

Replied: 15th May 2022 at 23:45

Posted by: Owd Codger (3016)

Prior to the pandemic, I have visited the Republic on a number of occasions and never took my passport, but now that we are out of the EU, I suggest that it would now be advisable to take your passport, especially now that the same element in Northern Ireland are again trying to stir up trouble between the two parts of Ireland.

Replied: 16th May 2022 at 08:03
Last edited by Owd Codger: 16th May 2022 at 10:30:57

Posted by: jathbee (11463)

I have had a brief stay in Dublin, enjoyed it very much indeed. A very kind bus driver even allowed us to use our bus passes. Very friendly people.

Replied: 16th May 2022 at 09:39

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

As I remember, originally to travel between Britain and Ireland, you did not need any form of identification, you literally bought your ferry ticket, and got on to the ferry, because the 'Common Travel Area' which exists between Britain and Ireland, allows both countries citizens, to travel, live and work in each other's respective country.

This was the case up until the 1970s and 80s when due to the 'troubles' and particularly when the IRA started bombing mainland Britain, under anti terror legislation, ID checks were made compulsory, when travelling between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain, to thwart the terrorists who were bombing Britain, but the ID had to be photo ID, and under the anti terror legislation, ferry companies had to, and as far as I know now, still have to, send lists of the names of people who are crossing the Irish Sea, they have to send those names to the British authorities.

But going back to before photo licences were issued, the only ID most folk had with a photo on it, was a passport, but now photo licences are an acceptable form of ID when travelling to Ireland.

Under the Brexit thing, one of the first things to be decided, was to reinstate the 'Common Travel Area' between Ireland and Britain.

Replied: 16th May 2022 at 12:45

 

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