Just back from Ireland, Added Photo's

B

bigdog

Senior member
 Walla Walla, Washington
Had a great trip to Ireland. Had a few rain showers but nothing that slowed us down. Did the Ring of Kerry the first day. Wonderful scenery. But. Holy cow. What a rough road. No pot holes to speak of. It's as if the Irish road crews just paved over the country side without having smoothed it out first.

The next day we went to Blarney castle. The gardens surrounding the castle are great. BUT. I will try to say this without being coarse. I imagine that prior to going to the castle. One would normally look it up on the web to see what kissing the stone is all about. If not. There are many pictures at the entrance indicating what one must do to "kiss the stone"
Yet. In line fore and aft of us. There were many young ladies in very short mini skirts. Hey! I'm a guy. If a gal insists on showing what God gave her. Then I'll not be bashful about watching the show. The gal in front of us not only wore a very mini skirt. She also choose to wear knickers that were about as opaque as Swarovski crystal. Yikes! :o Let's just say the lumberjack had clear cut the forest. Geez! Don't women these days have any modesty any more. It's kind of like not bothering to wrap the Xmas gift before they go under the tree.

The last day we went to the cliffs of Mohre. Very nice. It would have been a little more impressive had there not been such calm seas. Would be nice to see big Atlantic breakers crashing on those rocks.

Everyone we met in Ireland was very welcoming and friendly. Everything was reasonably priced too. :thumbsup: Didn't have a bad meal the whole time and never paid more than about 15 Euro per meal either. All the B&B's while not luxurious were very comfy. The host family's were outstanding. Especially at the Coonagh Lodge B&B in Limerick. Tom & Bergie Carroll are some of the nicest folk. The Carroll's eldest daughter happens to be married to the guitarist of the Cranberries. The most we paid for any B&B on our trip was 85 Euro with a full Irish breakfast included. The Killarny area was my favorite.

Muckross house, Killarney

Grounds of Muckross house

Torq falls near Muckross house

Cliffs of Mohre. If memory serves. The tower in the distance is about 40FT tall. That's quite a drop to the sea.
 
Sounds great, would love to take the zed over.

When it comes to girls (not all), working in night clubs most of my life nothing shocks me!
 
My parents live in Kerry, such a beautiful place. I haven't had a chance to take the Z over yet, but am planning to next summer.

The "ring of Kerry" really isn't a great road and is clogged up full of coaches (70 a day tour the ring), but there are some great roads around the mountain passes. I haven't got any photos of the best roads, but these give an idea what they are like. Most are narrow but very well sighted and incredibly quiet (some stretches you won't see another car for 10-20 miles). The roads, being so quiet, are incredibly smooth in most places.







...and if the weather holds out the beaches are pretty decent too:



Maybe a forum trip to Kerry could be arranged?
 
I worked in Ireland for 3 years but would not want to take my Z there though. I had a Lexus there which was completely knackered by the time I had finished as the roads are not great (understatement).

Good thing was that their speed checks are so obvious that you won't get caught if you pay attention (which you have to do on the roads there anyway as you can find anything and anyone around the next bend ...).
 
pvr said:
I worked in Ireland for 3 years but would not want to take my Z there though. I had a Lexus there which was completely knackered by the time I had finished as the roads are not great (understatement).

Good thing was that their speed checks are so obvious that you won't get caught if you pay attention (which you have to do on the roads there anyway as you can find anything and anyone around the next bend ...).
Click to expand...

I came round several corners only to find sheep stood in the middle of the road. :o I'd be as nervous as a cat in a dog pound driving the Zed on most of the Irish roads. Best get a sporty(ish) hire car and buy the full insurance. Then drive it like you stole it.
 
bigdog said:
pvr said:
I worked in Ireland for 3 years but would not want to take my Z there though. I had a Lexus there which was completely knackered by the time I had finished as the roads are not great (understatement).

Good thing was that their speed checks are so obvious that you won't get caught if you pay attention (which you have to do on the roads there anyway as you can find anything and anyone around the next bend ...).
Click to expand...

I came round several corners only to find sheep stood in the middle of the road. :o I'd be as nervous as a cat in a dog pound driving the Zed on most of the Irish roads. Best get a sporty(ish) hire car and buy the full insurance. Then drive it like you stole it.
Click to expand...

Whilst I agree there are many roads unsuitable for spirited driving, me and my dad have spent many hours driving his Cayman around South West Ireland. There are some great roads (free of sheep and bumpy tarmac).

Next time I'm out there, I'll document the best routes for everybody. :thumbsup:
 
StevenH72 said:
bigdog said:
pvr said:
I worked in Ireland for 3 years but would not want to take my Z there though. I had a Lexus there which was completely knackered by the time I had finished as the roads are not great (understatement).

Good thing was that their speed checks are so obvious that you won't get caught if you pay attention (which you have to do on the roads there anyway as you can find anything and anyone around the next bend ...).
Click to expand...

I came round several corners only to find sheep stood in the middle of the road. :o I'd be as nervous as a cat in a dog pound driving the Zed on most of the Irish roads. Best get a sporty(ish) hire car and buy the full insurance. Then drive it like you stole it.
Click to expand...

Whilst I agree there are many roads unsuitable for spirited driving, me and my dad have spent many hours driving his Cayman around South West Ireland. There are some great roads (free of sheep and bumpy tarmac).

Next time I'm out there, I'll document the best routes for everybody. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks. That would be excellent info to have. :happyclap:
 
To get to the South West, you have to go through the South East and the car won't have any paint left (or mirrors for that matter) by the time you get to the "this road has been paid for by the European Union" signs when it finally gets drivable :D
 
pvr said:
To get to the South West, you have to go through the South East and the car won't have any paint left (or mirrors for that matter) by the time you get to the "this road has been paid for by the European Union" signs when it finally gets drivable :D
Click to expand...

Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, take the M7 and N21 pretty much the whole way....I think It'll be OK :wink:

I've driven over many times....and none of my cars have ever suffered for it. Mountain out of a mole hill really. :driving:
 
We are going for a week tomorrow rented a 7 sweater. Two nights in Dublin then going south for 4 nights mainly want ford, cork and Killarney. Children want to see the puffins and the friendly dolphin.

Any suggestions welcome though all is booked now!
 
shawna said:
We are going for a week tomorrow rented a 7 sweater. Two nights in Dublin then going south for 4 nights mainly want ford, cork and Killarney. Children want to see the puffins and the friendly dolphin.

Any suggestions welcome though all is booked now!
Click to expand...

I presume you're looking for Fungi then in Dingle bay. You'll have a great time.

No real advice it's a beautiful part of the world, just enjoy it!
 
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