Posted on 08/24/2006 1:26:05 AM PDT by Stoat
You are a DEAR. You know how much I'd like to see Sligo again, one of the premier beauty spots of a wondrous isle.
Ptooey on the "demonstrators"... there was none of that when I was there in 1979. Just the usual who shouted "Up the 'RA" when it got late at the pub . . .
Thank you! :)
I love Sligo meself - Ben Bulbin, Knocknarea, Lough Gill, Strandhill, Rosses Point - the list goes on!
Ptooey on the "demonstrators"... there was none of that when I was there in 1979.
It was just a minority, one local government politician spoke out against the protests saying that Bloomberg's visit has no bearing whatsoever on the Iraq War.
Just the usual who shouted "Up the 'RA" when it got late at the pub . . .
Yes... those loudmouths, my local pub is particularly bad with those barstool republicans, I'm glad I don't drink anymore.....
When I visited in 1984, I found Ireland to be an absolutely beautiful and majestic country filled with friendly, kind and delightful people. In Dublin, the clean streets, courteous, helpful and personable people and the feeling of safety were all in stark contrast to my impressions of Paris, with it's filthy streets and buildings, breathtakingly rude and low-class people, the overpowering sewer stench , utterly insane drivers and it's threatening mood ( I was accosted by pimps trying to sell their chattel three times in one night, and this was in a 'good' part of town), not to mention the legendary French distaste for modern plumbing and hygiene which is no myth. Even if the French had since that time proven themselves to be upstanding members of the international community, I would still refuse to go there ever again because of what I experienced not only in Paris but throughout France, which I saw in some depth. Since they have instead continued to eagerly embrace the very worst of all societal evils they can all rest assured that this stoat will never knowingly give them another dime of his hard earned money or make any effort to visit the basket-case that they call a 'country".
Ireland, by contrast, is a country that I would enthusiastically visit again and would spend as much time there as I possibly could. Friendly, thoughtful and gracious people abound as does the grandeur of the land and it's fascinating history which is everywhere to be seen. Since Ireland has, unfortunately, had a very violent and oftentimes painful history, most of the towns that I visited had a castle of some sort and there are endless opportunities to learn about not only the history of Ireland but of Western civilization in general. No matter what your areas of personal interest, you will find a multitude of ways to enhance your knowledge base, and you will leave only under duress, as the magic of Ireland will cast a spell over you that will make you insist on returning one day. You will remember Ireland as one of the finest vacation opportunities that you have ever availed yourself of and you will consider every dollar expended there to be very well spent.
My recommendations? Shun the big hotels and stay in the bed-and breakfast inns and houses which are available in far greater numbers than in the USA, and are a great way to learn about the community and the local culture....your hosts will be a fount of knowledge and helpful tips. Rent a car and tour the countryside; rent a bicycle and do the same. If bringing a digital camera, be sure to bring along SEVERAL, LARGE-CAPACITY memory cards as you will find innumerable photo subjects. Be sure to stay awhile....you won't have a meaningful experience if you only visit for a few days.
Ping!
Patrick Cleburne, the best divisional commander in the Army of Tennessee.
Angel of Marye's Heights
http://www.brotherswar.com/Fredericksburg-6.htm
I agree with you completely. My trip to Ireland last year was the most memorable of my life. It was breathtakingly beautiful and the people were so friendly. I took so many photographs and wish I had taken more. I will most defintely go back.
I'm delighted to hear that you had such a great time! I want to go back to visit again also...it's been far too long.
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