Three nights in Dublin
Arriving direct from the US west coast, our first day including nothing more than a brief walk, stocking up on provisions, a nice dinner at Oscar’s, and an early music session at the Cobblestone.
Day two included the National Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin Cemetery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the wives going to Dublinia while the menfolk ducked into The Brazen Head for an early trad session. After joining back up at pub, we had dinner, and walked home via the Cobblestone for more music.
Day three saw us in the car for an outing to Newgrange, Monasterboice, The Battle of the Boyne Museum, and Hills of Tara. Followed by dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and brief stop at the Cobblestone.
Clonmel, Tipperary
Driving from Dublin, we stopped at HolyCross Abbey, followed by the Rock of Cashel, lunch in Cashel, then Cahir Castle, and arriving at Fennesey’s Hotel for the night. Enjoyed a music-less visit to Bennigan’s Pub.
Clonakilty, Cork
From Clonmel, we visited Carey Castle, St. Patrick’s Well, and then Charles Fort before arriving at An Sugan. Surprisingly, we found no music in Clonakilty, but had a good dinner at An Sugan.
Cahirciveen, Kerry
Visiting Drombeg Stone Circle, lunch at The Atlantic in Kenmare, onto the Ring of Kerry, stopping at the Kerry Cliffs before arriving in Iveragh Gardens. Walked to Quinlan & Cooke Seafood for dinner
Killarney, Kerry
After a wonderful Landing Tour on Skellig Michael, we headed for Ross Castle before arriving at The Gardens. Had a good dinner at Mac’s followed by Sheehan’s for music.
Ennis, Clare
After spending some time doing laundry, we visited Lough Gur Wedge Tomb, the Lough Gur Stones, a brief stop at the visitor’s center, then to Gray Gables. After dinner at Alexander Knox’s, we stayed for music.
Kilronan, Inish Mor, Galway
After a brief stop at Ballygriffy Castle, on to the Rossaveal ferry to Inish Mor, arriving at Clai Ban in Kilronan. Lunch at Rua Cafe, long walk to Teampall Bheanain, back to T. Joe Watty’s for dinner and non-trad music.
Galway, Galway
The next morning we bicycled out to Dun Aonghasa, lunch at Teach Nan Phaidi, then the Black Fort, sweater shopping, then back on the ferry to Rossaveal, for the quick drive to Galway and Prague House B&B. Dinner at John Keogh’s Gastropub, followed by Brazillian trad music at Bierhaus, an early trad session at Carroll’s, then a later session at The Crane.
Athlone, Westmeath
Visited Dungaire Castle, Poulnabroune Dolman, lunch at Cassidy’s in Carron, a short hike at Slieve Carron in the Burren, then on to Clonacnoise Monastery and Arch House Apts. After dinner at the Dark Horse, on to Sean’s Bar.
Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon
Short walk to Athlone Castle, then the Derryglad Folk Museum, Roscommon Castle, lunch at The Open Table in Boyle, Carrowkeel Passage Tombs, to Carrick Plaza. Dinner at the Oarsman followed by semi-trad music at Flynn’s Corner House.
Dublin, Dublin
Self-induced car troubles blew the day, so we arrived at Customs House Square Apt, then dinner and music at The Celt. Next morning, we split up at the airport and went on to a brief stay in Iceland while our friends went to Amsterdam.
Our favorite stops of the trip were Carey Castle (only visitors), Skellig Michael (Puffins), and Carrowkeel (off beaten track).
The full length blog of the trip with photos can be found in the Ireland forum. If it's been deleted (since it's an off-site link) contact me somehow.