Orla C
|
Right now it's lovely and sunny.
Friendly people, but a bit expensive - but shop around for accommodation, you will probably get some very good deals this summer. Likewise for food, try pubs and cafes instead of really pricey restaurants.
The infrastructure leaves much to be desired, however. Not a whole lot in the way of motorways, so you can forget about driving 100 miles in 100 minutes - not going happen. If you are lucky, you can do 100 miles in 2 hours, if the traffic isn't too heavy and you have a good road.
Naturally there is public transport - mainly in the cities, and with a bus service that connects the main towns and some smaller places also. The trains only go to the main cities and some of the touristy towns. The way it goes is this: if you intend to stay in Dublin, use the public transport, it's a lot cheaper. If you want to see the more rural west, south and north-west and central part, you will need to hire a car. Yes, expensive and you will have to be over 25 (I believe), but you get to go off the beaten track and find hidden places that only locals know about.
Everything you've heard about the weather is true. It can be glorious - and when the sun shines, there is no country more beautiful. But when it rains .... it can be very miserable. And apparently the Irish language has something like 15 different words for rain, all of which describe the type of rain that's falling or drifting or drumming its way into your bones. If you want guaranteed sunshine, go someplace else. Pack good rainproof shoes and warm socks, even in summer there can be a chill. And bring layers, and a good rain jacket.
Because you're never more than 80 miles away from the sea, it's popular for seaside holidays - but being the North Atlantic, it's not that warm ... although some beaches in the south-west of the country enjoy a very nice Mediterranean feel to them, as they are smack bang in the middle of the Gulf Stream. However, surfing is popular, particularly on the long beaches in the west where you get those great big waves, and there is boating, fishing, dolphins. Just be aware that the currents are treacherous in places, listen to the locals if they tell you it isn't safe - they know. |
Englishman
 |
I have had two long holidays in Ireland. What stood out most of all was the very friendly people, great pubs and the music in them. When walking along the street people would just stop and talk.If you are old enough to remember, as England was fifty/sixty years ago. Go, though it does rain a lot. |
Travel
Forum 
Ireland 
No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
