R O Ireland july 09

[©-©]

Ok,

You're heading into West Cork and have got as far as Rosscarbery.
At the cross, take the left, the road signposted to Glandore. Enjoy, but as ever watch out for tractors and cow left behinds.

From Glandore carry on along the coast road, take the left across the Pulgorn Bridge to head towards Union Hall.

In Union Hall stop for a pint of Murphy's.Then, when properly relaxed, 'phone this number - 33137 - and politely ask for Mary O'Driscoll or her son Ted, then mention that Graham in Malta suggested you should Visit the O'Driscoll's. The O'D's are great people for whom I have the highest regard.

The O'D's will give you directions for the short'sh distance from Union Hall up to their farm on the headland overlooking the sea and islands.

Real Ireland.

©

[FatFergie]

"Must do's" Drink Guinness
"Must See's" Guinness Brewery

I wouldn't bother with that must see. The bull**** is incredible. It's also not the only stout in the world (or Ireland) though you'd find that hard to believe in when you're in the place.

Frad, If you're a bit more specific on your interests I can give you more advice. I'm not into the touristy things but I can help out with the lesser seen side of the country. I think the route you've chosen is ideal.
I'm on that other site as Fergus btw, give any of us a PM there if you want to meet up.

[Frad]

C, thanks for that we will be going to that part of West Cork so we may well go and visit the O'Driscolls


Fergie, We are not in to touristy things either, Just want to se the countryside, beaches, cliffs etc good pubs and food and beer in the evenings obligatory

Any off the beaten track places are what we mainly want, dont want to spend my time arguing with tourist coaches

But if there are some places that we HAVE to see then an exception could be made

Thanks again

[Snaphappy]

Oh so many fantastic tips
I might have to book a few weeks holidays if next years Run For The Sun comes true which will end at GarraunPoint nr Dingle

[FatFergie]

Right Frad,
Sorry to take so long to reply, been a little tied up.
Food: A bugbear of mine in this little country, we have some of the best produce in the world and it's still hard to find. Junk everywhere if you want it. A bit of effort looking does pay off. I probably make it sound worse than it is but don't be afraid to complain about poor quality food whatever kind you're into. The one recommendation I'll make is Café Paradiso in Cork, expensive vegetarian but very, very good, seasonal, mostly local food and very nice unusual wines.
B&Bs: I don't tend to use these, no particular reason other than we have relatives and friends all over the country, we camp and the hotel chains seem to have an over supply of beds at the moment making them quite cheap if you bargain. Limerick and Killarney especially I'm told but that might change by the time you get here. A hostel near Baltimore called Rolf's has a good rep.
Pubs: I'm not a big drinker (honest) but The Long valley and HI B in Cork are real pubs, TBH you'll know yourself which are the fakes and which are worth staying in. The Well Franciscan (Franciscan Well?) in Cork is one of the few Micro breweries in Ireland and the beer is good. There's also a nice pub in Baltimore looking over the harbour (can't remember the name but you'll know it when you see it).
Beaches, cliffs, mountains, scenery and roads: Military road, Wicklow, an unclassified just south of Laragh well worth going on, you can get there via Sally gap from Dublin/ Dún Laoghaire on your way down to Arklow.
Some of the biggest beaches are down the Wexford coast where private ryan was filmed but TBH they're not that interesting.
Hook head lighthouse is well worth a visit if you like lighthouses, this one a bit different to the usual.
Plenty to see around Cork and not a bad place to be based but for scenery etc. go to west Cork and Kerry. Either of the five peninsulas of the south west has enough to keep you busy for a full day or more, Dingle in particular has the most fantastic beaches, Inch, which was mentioned here already if you can plan to get there just as the tide is almost out will give you a legal sand road, there's even speed limit signs as you go onto the beach. You'll share with surfers and swimmers and maybe even a few amateur drifters but it's very good natured. Stay away from the soft sand, it's illegal and the lifeguarded area.
Iveragh if you stay off the main "ring" which is tourbus hell, has the most spectacular mountains and ChrisH is probably the man to ask for details here.
Limerick is not a bad place for food and drink and has some nice hinterland in Clare, Tipp and Limerick but TBH, you'll probably find more to do in the south west. The one exception is the flying boat museum dedicated to the first european transatlantic airport in Foynes.
I hope that's of some use to you, Hopefully we'll be able to give you more advice when you get here.

[©-©]

De Barras. Clonakilty, Co.Cork, pub for music of all sorts.
An Sugan fish restaurant has a reputation.

Callahan Walsh. Top fish restaurant, Rosscarbery, Co.Cork (you need to book. Open weekends only).

McCarthy's Bar (is the one over looking the harbour), Baltimore, Co.Cork.
La Jolie Brie restaurant, next door'ish, aint bad.

Busy Bee (chippy), Skibbereen, Co.Cork, for consistently Good Haddock & Chips.
Dear Old Skibbereen, awash with bars and 4x4's and boy racers in souped up cars ...

[chrisb]

Hope nobody minds a plug in here for my friend's company but if anyone wants to come see Ireland on 2 wheels and it's a bit far to take your own motorcycle then try the following: www.celticrider.ie My good friends Paul and Siobhan live nearby me here and have this fantastic motorcycle rental company. They even have a few Transalps to rent so make you feel right at home. Let me know if anyone on the forum wants a real good deal and I will organise it. I'll even organise a cup of tea on arrival Enjoy their site.
Chris

[Frad]

What can I say .................. but a big thank you again

I am going to get my map out and mark it up with your tips thanks guys ......................... then I will have more questions

Chris been on the rental site and checked out the ride reports on there some good photos etc


Roll on July

[©-©]

Any of youse in Ireland, don't miss the opportunity to see Two Time Polka

Hi all,

Here are our gigs for May.

Sunday May 3rd. The Anchor Bar, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Kick off 6pm. Outdoors, weather permitting, indoor otherwise. Tel: 058 41249.

Friday May 15th. Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. This is a fundraiser for the first Crosshaven Folk Festival. www.crosshavenfolkclub.com <http://www.crosshavenfolkclub.com>
The event starts at 9pm and the line up so far is Hank Wedel, Lee Valley String Band, Loudest Whisper, Prestor John Blues Band, Noel Shine & Mary Greene and Ger Wolfe. Raffle on the night. 1st. prize E150. Adm E20. Tel: 0876610005.

Saturday May 30th. The Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin. Doors 9pm. Adm E10. Tel: 01 8721799. Check out their site www.myspace.com/thecobblestone <http://www.myspace.com/thecobblestone>
A rare visit by us to play a night time Dublin gig, so looking forward to seeing some of you there !

Sunday May 31st. Open air - Mainstage on Custom House Quay at the Dublin Docklands Maritime Festival. Kick off 4pm www.dublindocklands.ie/maritimefestival <http://www.dublindocklands.ie/maritimefestival>



Regards and thanks,
Ray & TTP
www.twotimepolka.com <http://www.twotimepolka.com>

[Savak]

Must do?

A2 Antrim Coast Road


Graeme