"IRELAND" Ireland by Vintom

Ireland Travel Guide: 19,023 reviews and 33,550 photos

The Maher Brood 1964

Land of my Parents

I suppose it is only right that I should create a few pages on Ireland, a place I have visited on many occasions. Not really a holiday destination for me, more a home comming. I Spent the first four years of my life in Ireland along with my 2 brothers and 4 sisters suffering the hardships that were all around in the late 50's and early 60's.( Which one am I in the Picture?)
A lot of people were leaving Ireland at the time in search of bigger and better things across the sea in England and across the sea the other way in America. My mother and Father took us to live in England back in 1964 and this is where I and the rest of my family have been ever since.
On the odd occasion I have returned for the odd wedding, or funeral. My Father, being one of fourteen children, still has a very large family base there and I suppose so do I, what with the uncles, aunts, cousins and cousins children e.t.c.
In the last few years I have taken to exploring the country and seeing what all the counties have to offer.

I will list places and things I have seen, most on the well beaten tourist path, but a few not so well known.

It's not all Guinness and Rain!

It's good for You!

Ireland has a green country landscape like no other, which, as you know, needs lot's of watering to keep it looking this way ..Luckily God is a good man and keen gardener, and usually helps out in this department by turning the old garden hose on it most days.

This of course, has an added effect whereby the water from God's rain runs into the rivers and resevoirs, which in turn are then used to make Guinness! They say that the Guinness served in Ireland is like no other Guinness anywhere else in the world. This they put down to the quality of the water in Ireland! Well, it has to be good, God sends them fresh stuff every day. So you see! it ain't all bad now is it!

Rain and Guinness aside, Ireland is a very forward thinking and progressive country, with many iniatives and ground breaking ideas. Having joined the single European currency has in general, done the Irish economy the world of good, but has pushed up the price of many basic items, which of course has had a knock on affect to other goods and utilities.

Why you should visit

Tullys pub, Rush hour Kinvarna

Well why should you visit Ireland?
If you like a fast and frentic way of life that is always revolving at 100 mph, then Ireland is not the place for you! If on the other hand you like a nice easy going approach, you are a little laid back, friendly, approachable, and have a good sense of humour, then this is the place for you! All you have to do is hope the sun shines while you are here. And hey, so what if it does rain, you can always go in a pub where you'll have just as good a time! Enjoy the craic!!

Pros and Cons

Pros:It's everything that is good about this world with a very laid back approach.
Cons:The rain and lot's of it!
In a nutshell:Has become an expensive destination, but worth it!

Last visit to Ireland: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Apr 2, 2007
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Reviews (41)

The Lakes of Kilarney Things to Do (25)

forming part of the Kilarney National Park, the lakes are a great place to spend some time. You can follow the well... more travel advice

Ryans Daughter - The School house - Ireland

The Old School house "Ryans Daughter" Off The Beaten Path (3)

A couple of years ago I was in Ireland with some of my family. My Sister was very keen to see any places that had been... more travel advice

Jaunting Car rides Things to Do (25)

Jaunting cars can be hired in kilarney town centre, or around the Muckross House area, Where you can go for rides around... more travel advice

Ross Castle - Kilarney Things to Do (25)

Standing on the edge of Lough Leane is this rather impressive looking old castle, which was built around 1420 and was... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Exotic foods in Temple Bar
Local Customs (2)
See All God Fearing People
Hotels (3)
See All Rent by the Sea
Nightlife (1)
Experience the Irish Pub Life

Comments (23)

LynnetteLotterer Dec 12, 2009 at 11:21 PM Report Abuse

We also stayed here. They were very nice and extremely accommodating. Nora makes a great breakfast at the time of your choosing. She even had breakfast for us at 5:00am since we had a plane to catch at 8:00am. We will definitely stay there again :)
galy Jul 18, 2007 at 12:12 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed your page very much. Pictures are beautifull and the information is very good
sourbugger Mar 27, 2007 at 8:43 AM Report Abuse

found a few more gems in here, this time
blumia Jul 11, 2006 at 12:00 PM Report Abuse

Hi, nice to see your pics from Ireland. I like your homepage and your excellent pictures. Greatings from Germany Gabi
flying_dolphin7 Nov 28, 2005 at 11:53 PM Report Abuse

HI, very nice tips and beautiful photos, i'd enjoy reading it. Think i might plans for my next trip.. who knows? Greeting fr S'pore, Christine
ronaldbarr Mar 17, 2005 at 10:48 AM Report Abuse

St. Patrick's Day greetings to you from the North. Love your VT work here. It's ridiculously good. Keep up the great work. Sink a drop of the dark stuff this evenin! ronaldbarr
HORSCHECK Aug 31, 2004 at 2:42 PM Report Abuse

Vince, fantastic page with brilliant photos of Ireland. It was great to meet you in Zagreb .... :o)
Tolik Feb 28, 2004 at 6:51 PM Report Abuse

Nice Irish page with fantastic pictures and lovely perconal touch
gosiaPL Dec 13, 2003 at 4:26 PM Report Abuse

Forgot to say the intro page photo is SO CUTE!
ultchuk Dec 3, 2003 at 2:37 AM Report Abuse

When I see your great pics of Ireland I only want to go back again. Mmm, the rain, I remember that quite well!