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Yes, we went to Ireland this summer, and seem to just keep going back. You know why--the people are friendly and they truly love Americans!
Usually, we travel all on our own,rent a car, and have a rough idea of where we're going. This year we decided to do it differently. We tried the Irish Tourism Board, but they are just about impossible to get in touch with, and when we finally did, their ideas were so general that they weren't of much help. Through a friend we discovered a locally-owned Irish Travel business call Authentic Ireland. We rented a car part of the time, bussed it other times, and we saw places ten feet away from where we'd been before but had never even noticed! Explored the Boyne Valley--incredible. Older than the Pyramids. Exchange rate, no, didn't bother us very much. In the B & Bs they serve such a huge breakfast it lasts you until almost dinner. In local pubs the fish chowder is supreme, affordable, and would be called something fancy if it were over here. (Plus the music is free!)

We love the west of Ireland, but exploring Dublin is also a treat. (And just 30 miles from the Boyne Valley!) Cuisine was great... Last time we went it was in the fall, and we found that prices were less.

My priority list has changed as we've aged. There have been so many things I've wanted to do that I've put off, and I regret every time I've done that. For the past year, I've been saying to friends, when they tell me they're waiting until this or that happens before they do something, "Are you like a Timex or something? Did you come with a lifetime warranty?"

Now if we want to do something, we do it. Priorities... I don't know. They often seem to be run by our kids' issues, or grandkids, or friends' moving problems. Etc. We love them all dearly and more, but we've decided to go when we want to go. The rest of the world gets along without us, and even flourishs!, for a couple of weeks while we recharge our batteries, explore, and fuel our love of life.

Our favorite places in Ireland, and it is not for the drinking, are the fabulous pubs where traditional music rocks us, body and soul. After this last trip to the Boyne Valley, and the local guide Authentic Ireland provided us, we are really starting to get into sacred sites and archaeology. The feeling these places have is extraordinary.

Please ask any more questions! We had the best time, and love to share.

You bring it all back! We rented a car when we went a couple of years ago, and it was fabulous to be on our own schedule. Navigating wasn't that difficult and when we did take a few wrong turns, it just made for better stories when we got back. My favorite part, so far, is the western part of the country. We started in dublin and like it ok, but it was like so many other big cities. Galway spoke to me! I loved the feel of the town and the people were great. Will definitely go back there. We spent some time in Northern Ireland doing some genealogy research and that was fun. Got to see the church where hubby's ggparents got married, and met some cousins and saw lots of cemetery sites of family members. Very interesting.

The food in the pubs is great. We'd have the huge breakfasts and then grab some pub grub in late afternoon and hardly need to eat again. And the music...you are so right. It gets into your system!

My biggest problem planning another trip is caring for my mother...82 and ornery! But I will work something out in the next year. Also having another grandchild this year, but I have a feeling she'll do just fine whether I'm there or not! You are so right...take the opportunity when it arises, cause you may miss your chance if you don't.

For this year, we're heading on another cruise next month, so Ireland will wait til next year.