wanted: suggestions for Ireland
Oro...@others.sscnet.ucla.edu
As I have been away for 3 years I don't know what festivals would be on this
time of year but I am sure there is something happening. The Irish tourist
board in O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 will give your friend the information she
would need. There is plenty of pub's in Dublin and around the country that
will have folk music. She just has to ask the locals where the ballad
sessions are and they will glady point out the pubs.
When in Dublin there is plenty to see. Guinness as far as I know give a free
tour. All the museums are free, there is plenty around St. Stephen's Green
at the top of Grafton Street. At the far end of Grafton Street is Trinity
Collage where they have the book of Kells in the Long room it's about 1# to
get in. St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church is not too far but you
need your walking shoes!! I think CIE have daily tours to Meath or
Kilkenny that show you where the Druid's lived and Celtic crosses etc.
When you leave Dublin and head south you can visit Waterford Glass which is
also a free tour. Waterford is about 2 hours from Dublin. Further South
West you can drive the ring of Kerry. This is a lovely drive (the roads are
a bit narrow but then again most of the roads in Ireland are) not to be
missed. Your friend can also visit Blarney Castle in Cork. If you kiss the
blarney stone you get the gift of the gab. There is plenty to see in Ireland
and the west is no exception.
If you friend has not booked hotels, there is plenty of B & B (Bed and
breakfast) which range form 8# up. If she gets a chance on her way to
Waterford, she should stop in Wicklow, the beaches there are beautiful (this
is where I spent my youth and some of my adult life and hope to live there
some day). Not too far from Wicklow just outside Arklow is Avoca and that is
where the meeting of the waters are.
Well, there is much more to see. Just get a map for ITB and get in the car
and drive no matter where you go it will be beautiful. Ireland is only 180
miles in width and 310 approx in length. If she goes north, Donegal is also
breath taking.
Hope this helps.
Evelyn