DVF’ers are constantly traveling for work and play, and the latest stop on our travel agenda is Ireland…

Go…In April and May or late September and October. Let’s be honest, you are not going to Ireland to soak up the sun, so avoid the summer tourists and go during these slightly blustery months for a true Irish experience.

See…The Irish countryside!  The best way to see Ireland is with a rental car.  Drive the many narrow and rugged country roads untouched by tourist buses to see the true Ireland. Check out the Connemara region in County Galway.  Hike the Twelve Bens in Connemara State Park, take a cruise on the only fjord in Ireland, and check out one of the great architectural establishments, Kylemore Abbey.

Shop…Brown Thomas in Dublin and Galway.  Ireland is chock full of DVF enthusiasts, so check out the ready-to-wear and handbag collections at Ireland’s premier department store.  For a more authentic purchase, stop by any of the abundant woolen mills in County Clare, just a short ferry ride from where the chunky sweater is a way of life, the Aran Islands. After some retail therapy, get back to sight-seeing and head to the Cliffs of Moher–they are breathtaking and definitely worth the trip to County Clare!

Stay…For a more regal experience check in to the Ashford Castle on the edge of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland.  Take a horseback ride around the expansive property, once owned by the Guinness family, and try your best shot with clay pigeon shooting, and after all the activities, relax with afternoon tea and a manicure in the spa.  If you are looking for more low-key lodging, try Gregan’s Castle in the Burren.  Your lodging could not get any more authentic at this quaint, family-owned country house overlooking Galway Bay. Be sure to spend some time with the family donkeys, Bubble and Thomas.

Eat…In a country known for their pubs, it’s important to frequent as many as possible, but don’t ignore the emerging culinary talents here, especially in Dublin.  L’Gueuleton , a French bistro outside the trendy Temple Bar area, offers amazing french food and a very well edited wine list.

Drink…First stop in this drinking-heavy country should be an educational experience to prepare yourself for the rest of the trip. Head to the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to pour your own pint. Sip (or chug!)your ale and take in the views of the city and the hills beyond in the Gravity Bar, one of the highest points in Dublin.  If you’d prefer your pint from a cute Irishmen, check out some of the famous pubs across the country: Tig C’il­, in Galway offers a great drink with some traditional Irish music (check out the police badges on the wall from all the Irish-American policeman that have visited from the states).

KEYWORDS: Ireland Just Back TRAVEL