NATURE
Ireland is known for its wide expanses of lush green fields. In fact its nickname is the Emerald Isle: interalia because you can identify 40 shades of green in the landscape. But there are also areas of rugged, rocky landscape. Don’t forget that about 15000 years ago Ireland was completely covered by thick glaciers. Anyhow you will be thrilled by the spectacle of nature.
COLOURED
I stayed with an image of place where, when the light’s just right, the hillsides and farmland glow even greener, contrasting with the neon primary yellow of the furze that flowers year-round.
SPECIAL SCENERY
The Cliffs of Moher appear at the top of many lists that promote Ireland’s natural scenery.
Famous for its blanket bog landscape Connemara is famous also for its marble. That marble is prized because the green minerals that result in its unique color also make it a very durable and more hard wearing stone.
CASUAL WEAR
The Irish are not big on formal wear and only pull it out on specific occasions. Don’t be surprised if people watch you with surprise if you are just a bit elegantly dressed. People there are not really very sophisticated including for food and clothes. They are anyhow quite nice including when you go to restaurants and hotels.
THE ROUNDS SYSTEM
Irish people drink a lot and offer you drinks. Dont forget to offer your turn before they finish their glasss and even if yours is still full. They still have the trauma of a time when pubs were closing very early. Therefore the idea was and still is to drink as much and as fast as possible.
FOOD
People will talk to you about Irish breakfast which is quite the only meal rather decent. It contains bacon, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and sometimes potatoes. For lunch on your way in the country side do not expect to find something that you would call restaurants. Restaurants is something people do for lunch only on special occasions. You can of course find restaurants for diner in most of the towns.
EXPENSIVE
Although Ireland used to be poor it has became an expensive country for many things ( housing in particular). In Dublin you may see a lot of poor people queeing up for free food.
In Ireland the number of people living in poverty is steadily increasing. Since the beginning of the recession in 2008 the number has risen due to situational factors such as unemployment and poor health, and exacerbated structural economic inequalities.
Dublin accounts for 70% of homeless people in the country. Due to decline of Dublin’s fashionnable streets rich citizens move to the suburbs.
TO DO !
The best way to explore Ireland is by car. This is especially true because what makes Ireland so exceptional is, above all, its scenery. Renting a car is expensive but essential. The roads are beautiful, unique, sometimes narrow, and always full of surprises. Don’t expect to drive fast, but do expect to see fabulous scenery. Parking is impossible in Dublin and difficult in other cities.
STAYING IN DUBLIN
There’s no need to stay in Dublin for too long. You’ll enjoy St. Stephen’s Green, and you can visit the Irish Emigration Museum. You’ll admire the Jeanie Johnston ship as a reminder of the Great Famine of the 19th century and see how the Irish fled the country. Shopping can be fun at George’s Street Arcade. The interior is unique and quite beautiful. There are a variety of shops: jewelry, vintage, music, trinkets… Stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel: reasonably priced, quite chic, and not far from the famous and beautiful Georgian streets and houses. There is parking. You can also visit the Guinness Warehouse and have a pint at the Shelbourne Hotel: decent, good classic food.
TRAVELLING TO GALWAY
A tour of Ireland must include Galway, Connemara, the countryside, and the west coast. I recommend booking hotels and charming little castles converted into hotels in advance. There are really a lot of tourists during peak season. In Galway, stay at the G Hotel and Spa: it features an interesting collection by local milliner Philip Tracy. Good food and friendly staff. For drinks, head to Eyre Square.
CONNEMARA
It’s one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. Plus, we stayed at a charming little hotel run by two brothers. Great atmosphere and food. Remember Nevins Newfield Inn! We were served by a sort of robot. Very entertaining and the pride of the place. It was charmingly quaint and Irish. Go to Connemara National Park and visit Kylemore Abbey, Roundstone, and Clifden.
HOTELS
You’ll cross the river and see dolphins, and you’ll also reach Spanish Point, known for its beaches and the memory of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. You can also admire the coastline, which unfortunately is full of tourists just like you!
TRUMP PLACE
There is a large resort owned by former President Trump. A luxurious and beautiful spot for golfers. We were warmly welcomed there, and I bought a T-shirt. It’s also worth noting that the place has a magnificent view: rugged landscape, the ocean unleashing enormous waves—simply splendid.
