Czech mate

[Boddie]

My Czech friend Hana, who I holidayed (is that a word? It is now) with in Scotland, and the Orkneys, this year has now confirmed we will do Ireland next year. I am really looking forward to this trip and if anyone has any suggestions they would be gratefully received. Probably looking at some time in Sept

[lewisa]

Its worth making Wexford your base for a day or two, while the town is not exactly picturesque Ireland, you can take a boat to the Saltee Islands which are unpopulated and a bird reserve, and also Ballyteige Bay. I'm afraid I dont know what you will find there specifically, but the area is bigged up as a major area for birding.

The Burren (nr Galway) is an absolute must, I could spend a lifetime walking there. Never-ending limestone pavements and the associted flora, probably the finest example of that geology anywhere in the world.

A few days doing the Ring of Kerry is also highly recommended (preferrably on a motorbike, but a car will suffice ). If you made your base Killarny or Cahersiveen you will have more bird reserves within a 30 mile radius that you can shake a stick at (the ones near Cahersiveen are mostly a boat ride away to uninhabited islands - Great and Little Skellig, Puffin Island).

Id check before going whether boat services will be running when you are there to avoid dissapointment - even then though, the weather will often mess you about.

[Wild-Woman]

The Burren (nr Galway) is an absolute must, I could spend a lifetime walking there. Never-ending limestone pavements and the associted flora, probably the finest example of that geology anywhere in the world.


Yep-I'd defo agree on this one. I went to a talk about the area recently and it's full of rarities(butterflies/flowers) and as I know you like structure in your photos, it would be ideal because of the rock formation and ancient settlements. There's also beautiful coastal scenery.
It also depends on what your companions have on their mind of course.

Jules

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by Boddie

My Czech friend Hana, who I holidayed (is that a word? It is now) with in Scotland, and the Orkneys, this year has now confirmed we will do Ireland next year. I am really looking forward to this trip and if anyone has any suggestions they would be gratefully received. Probably looking at some time in Sept

I have one.Just stay well away from the Blarney Stone

[Imaginos]

The burren is a must-a unique ecosystem (near enough).

I'd also recommend Roaringwater bay. The ferry from Baltimore to Cape Clear gives you a good chance of shearwaters, skuas and petrels at close quarters and the scenery is great. Sherkin Island is a pretty friendly place too-look out for the volunteer ecologists getting liquored up in the Jolly Roger.

[Boddie]

Its worth making Wexford your base for a day or two, while the town is not exactly picturesque Ireland, you can take a boat to the Saltee Islands which are unpopulated and a bird reserve, and also Ballyteige Bay. I'm afraid I dont know what you will find there specifically, but the area is bigged up as a major area for birding.

The Burren (nr Galway) is an absolute must, I could spend a lifetime walking there. Never-ending limestone pavements and the associted flora, probably the finest example of that geology anywhere in the world.

A few days doing the Ring of Kerry is also highly recommended (preferrably on a motorbike, but a car will suffice ). If you made your base Killarny or Cahersiveen you will have more bird reserves within a 30 mile radius that you can shake a stick at (the ones near Cahersiveen are mostly a boat ride away to uninhabited islands - Great and Little Skellig, Puffin Island).

Id check before going whether boat services will be running when you are there to avoid dissapointment - even then though, the weather will often mess you about.

Some great suggestions there. I like the motorcycle bit too but only have scooter license. Hana is well into boat trips and spends alot of time at sea off Croatia so she will be interested in this I know.

The Burren (nr Galway) is an absolute must, I could spend a lifetime walking there. Never-ending limestone pavements and the associted flora, probably the finest example of that geology anywhere in the world.


Yep-I'd defo agree on this one. I went to a talk about the area recently and it's full of rarities(butterflies/flowers) and as I know you like structure in your photos, it would be ideal because of the rock formation and ancient settlements. There's also beautiful coastal scenery.
It also depends on what your companions have on their mind of course.

Sounds like a must see.

I have one. Just stay well away from the Blarney Stone

Yeah, what is this about?

[Wild-Woman]

Found this for you.
The Burren - Shannon - Ireland Travel Information Guide


jules

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Yeah, what is this about?

He he well for one thing you have to sit with your back against it and get someone to hold on to you while you hang backwards over a big hole.Well if you did that after a few sherberts.............no more Boddie.
The legend is:
You too can acquire the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone.
I think you have enough of the old blarney already

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Found this for you.
The Burren - Shannon - Ireland Travel Information Guide


jules

Ooh. That looks a bit nice.

[Beryl]

There are handles on th Blaeney stone and you turn your back on it grab the handles( arms above your head ) bend over backwards holing the handles and kiss the stone (it's very large) Then it is said you get the Gift Of The Gab.

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by cherrybee

He he well for one thing you have to sit with your back against it and get someone to hold on to you while you hang backwards over a big hole.Well if you did that after a few sherberts.............no more Boddie.
The legend is:
You too can acquire the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone.
I think you have enough of the old blarney already

Yop. I dont really have a problem with the spoken or written form. In actual fact I am often complimented on my vocab use within my own website, where my dialect and slang is far more prevalent than on here

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I am really looking forward to this trip and if anyone has any suggestions they would be gratefully received.

drink as much guiness as possible

Originally Posted by boddie

I like the motorcycle bit too but only have scooter license

lie !

but dont combine the two suggestions above

on a serious note if you get down south kilcomman nature reserve in cork is well worth a lookski

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by eeyore

drink as much guiness as possible



lie !

but dont combine the two suggestions above

on a serious note if you get down south kilcomman nature reserve in cork is well worth a lookski

I would not trust myself on anything faster than my Vespa. Could end up messy so I have taken the sensible option

[lewisa]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Sounds like a must see.

The only problem with the Burren is it will cause problems with any future holiday plans because you will want to return again and again. Its probably more addictive than crack

I like the motorcycle bit too but only have scooter license.

Land of BIG horizons ....



Thats me and the view is as seen from the 'Vee', a scenic drive up the Knockmealdown Mountains (about 10 miles South West of Clonmel on the Co. Cork/Co. Wateford border)

[Boddie]

Oh yes that looks lovely. I am sold already

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I have taken the sensible option

thats not like you - I take the "sensible" option involves trying out the mercs road holding on those tight bends.

If you do get a bike watch, out for sheep - no this isnt the prelude to a dodgy joke , a mate of mine once smacked straight into a sheep at 60+ on a ducati, in ireland - made a royal mess of the sheep and the bike , and he went over the handle bars and 30 ft down the hillside ooooooooouch

[Boddie]

Yep that would do it.