If you know your way around the Irish countryside, and roundabouts and driving on the left doesn't intimidate you, you may choose to rent a car. However, time and circumstances may leave you standing on the shore as your ship pulls out later in the day. As a result you may want to seriously think about booking a ship excursion where you are certain to have a professional guide point out all the sights as you travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus... and not miss your ship's departure.
Some of the things that you will not want to miss doing while in Ireland:
Meander the Irish countryside along small narrow roads passing rural communities with neat houses and colorful gardens.
Drive by scenic harbors.
Meet up with some of the jovial regulars at a Irish pub for a Guinness, a sip of "the water of life" (Irish whiskey), or a cup of (Irish) coffee with Irish appetizers.
Listen to a repertoire
of Irish songs with a performance by young dancers performing colorful
traditional routines while you have a wonderful meal of Irish Stew or corned
beef and cabbage.
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle--if you dare! You must climb the long, narrow, claustrophobic stone spiral staircase, packed with visitors and long, long lines. After a while you reach the top and you are standing on the high, narrow ledge of the castle as the wind blows across your face. Gripping the handrail you wait in line to approach the Stone, and then you learn that you will have to…lie down, flat on your back; allow a stranger to hang onto your legs so you won’t fall over the side; hang upside down over the edge of the castle — all this just to reach an old, slobber-coated stone.
Legend has it that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are given the gift of gaining more eloquent speech— a gift any writer would do well to be in possession of. But as to the Stone’s powers, versus the rigorous endeavors to get there...I'm not sure. I have made that journey! Trust me...blow the Stone a kiss from the grounds and get on with your shopping! You can take some gorgeous photos of the castle from the grounds. (see Cork)
Then--Shop 'til you drop for
beautiful Irish knitwear, woolen goods and Waterford Crystal in
Blarney Village
Map of Blarney Village Woolen Mill Shop
Some other things that you will not want to miss seeing while in Ireland:
The Titanic Memorial and Lusitania Memorials in Cobh.
The beautiful St. Coleman's Cathedral in Cobh, with its Gothic details and huge marble pillars, stained glass windows, carved oak and mosaic tiles and a carillon with bell tones.
Charles Fort, a star-shaped fort with five bastions near Kinsale.
In Cork, there is the Merchants Quay, St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade and South Mall, English Market and Finbarrs' Cathedral. Along with University college Cork--all worthy of a visit.
