"First trip abroad -- over the pond" Ireland by kaloz

Ireland Travel Guide: 15,539 reviews and 34,427 photos

Ah! Glorious youth

I made this trip while a young man of 21. My grandmother had passed away, and when the estate was settled, mother announced that the whole family was going to Ireland, birthplace of her mother. I was just establishing myself as an adult, and living elsewhere. The idea of a family vacation held no interest, but this was an opporturnity. There plan was to rent an Irish cottage and day trip in a rented car. Along for the ride would be: mom, dad, sis, her husband, and their two kids, all in a rented Fiat!! No thanks.
I said I would go, but have my own adventure, and meet them at the reletives after a fortnight. So I packed my bicycle, and joined them.

Rotten Kid

Picturesque Village

What I did was not very nice, but I can not change it now. So we arrived in Shannon, and I assembled my bicycle while the crew went off to get the rental car. Then we parted ways. I had a wonderful time bicycling Ireland. It is a beautiful country. Even though you have been told about green Ireland, it doesn't prepare you for all the green. I can't describe it. You have to go and see for yourself.

Roots

Top o' the morn

After two weeks on my bike, it was time to meet the relatives in Bell Mullet. We spent a week meeting my grandmother's family and had a wonderful time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly, colorful folk, in an eyecatching setting
Cons:I don't recall any cons
In a nutshell:Go there, Ireland is a must see!!

Last visit to Ireland: Jul 1983
Intro Written Nov 11, 2002
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Reviews (32)

Bring Shoes -- I forgot mine!! What to Pack (1)

I packed all my gear in my panniers, which double as bags. I forgot to bring walking shoes, and had to buy a pair while... more travel advice

Glen Colm Kille Off The Beaten Path (1)

I fell in love with this place. The photo is taken from the hostel. I was so taken, that I planned on living here after... more travel advice

See the Cliffs of Moher Things to Do (4)

The Cliffs are awesome!! They are not too far from Shannon Airport, I saw them on my first day and I was on a bicycle.... more travel advice

Irish Fire Escapes Things to Do (4)

Keep your eyes open, I was struck by this scene, which I call "Irish Fire Escapes", but I am sure that they were... more travel advice

Favorites (5)
See All Meet other Travelers
Warnings and Dangers (4)
See All Beware. Cliffie
Local Customs (3)
See All Children at play
Nightlife (2)
See All Another Pub

Restaurants (2)
See All Fish 'n' Chips
Transportation (5)
See All Take a train
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Ocean fishing
Hotels (3)
See All Like staying with relatives

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (31)

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volopolo Jan 26, 2009 at 5:16 AM

Ireland, a beautiful country
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mustertal Sep 6, 2004 at 4:08 AM

I must return again soon,it's been 40 years since I last went to Ireland.
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Wolverine_13 Feb 8, 2004 at 11:47 AM

I love the cliffs of mohor!!! and I will never say no to swiss girls!!!!
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ettenaj Jan 22, 2004 at 12:39 PM

Paddy's or mineral water? No contest
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SUSAMY Dec 10, 2003 at 5:24 PM

GREAT pictures!
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Quinevere Oct 13, 2003 at 7:49 AM

Excellent page! Beautiful and interesting place. :)
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Rhondaj Sep 20, 2003 at 4:54 AM

isn't it fun to post an excursion from long ago..a nice little trip down memory lane!
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Vintom Sep 6, 2003 at 4:39 PM

Nice pages with a good sense of humour.
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acemj Aug 6, 2003 at 12:05 PM

Great page and interesting people you met along the way . . . there's nothing like a little Irish back alley puking!
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herzog63 Jul 30, 2003 at 11:28 PM

How did you pack that toilet seat??