Doris Lehman - Dublin Off-Season and On: A Guide to Special Pleasures, Better Rates, and Shorter Lines

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Contents

This book is dedicated to my granddaughters,

Carly and Lindsay Lehman. They already have

the love of travel, and I hope to take them to see

beautiful Ireland someday soon.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the following people who helped to make this book a success.

To my editor, Julia Pastore, who worked diligently with me and whose enthusiasm and love for Ireland equals mine.

To my good friends Nuala Arnold and Tom Thunder from Ireland, who generously took me sightseeing, to the theater, lunch, dinner, the Kerrygold Horse Show at the RDS, the mountains, lakes, cities, golf clubs, and seasides. Tom also read the manuscript and made many valuable additions. I could not have done this book without them.

To Odile Murphy, who took me on my first walking tour of Dublin on my first trip and first morning there years ago. We walked for five hours in between the raindrops.

To John McGeehan, who took me sightseeing to the southside villages of Dublin, along the coast, and to the little villages for lunch.

To Robert Fisher, who helps me as an adviser and friend when writing these books. I dont know what I would do without him. He is a great travel writer and editor.

To Jennifer Elwood, who taught me everything I know about cutting and pasting, and everything else I needed to know about the computer.

To Greta Tedoff, who read the manuscript before anyone else and gave me her valuable advice.

To Amy Lehman, my daughter, travel companion, illustrator, and friend. To Amys husband, Johnathan Anders, who accompanied Amy and me on a trip to Dublin. I got to see things through a younger persons eyes on that trip.

To Michael Lehman, my son, my lawyer, and a wonderful kid. To his wife, Heidi, who is always so enthusiastic, encouraging, and excited about my projects.

Special thanks to my husband, Mike, who loves my work as much as I do, loves to travel, drives me everyplace I need to go, stops when I need to look at something even if he doesnt find it interesting, and is just helpful all the time. Thanks everyone.

Introduction

Irelands spectacular scenery and rich history have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Its comprised of the independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The Emerald Isle is filled with ancient ruins, unspoiled villages, and some of the friendliest people youll ever meet. Although Northern Irelands troubles are far from over, the recent referendum is an encouraging sign of continued peace. Meanwhile, as a member of the European Community the Republic of Ireland has steadily built a strong tech-based economy and is enjoying a period of prosperity never before seen in its history.

As the Republics capital and its most cosmopolitan city, Dublin is a wonderful introduction to the country. Filled with fine museums, hotels, restaurants, shops, theaters, and pubs, it is as beautiful and welcoming as youve always heard. The River Liffey bisects the city and many sights and attractions are described by their location either north or south of the river. Overall, Dublin is charmingly compact and easily navigable on foot.

* * *

I have sprinkled this book with Irish proverbs and blessings because they are so much a part of Ireland and its people, and also because they have a lot of wisdom and truth to them. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do.

I am Ireland:

I am older than the Old Woman of Beare.

Great my glory:

I that bore Cuchulainn the valiant.

PATRICK PEARSE, I AM IRELAND

WHY OFF-SEASON?

Many travelers have discovered the joy of traveling during the off-season, and for good reason. Dublin especially has become a favorite off-season destination because of its mild year-round climate and easy accessibility. While the hordes flock to the island during the busiest tourist months of June through August, you will find that traveling during the rest of the year is just as enjoyablemore so since you will not have to fight the crowds for a table, hotel room, or tee time. Everything cultural is in full swing all year, so youll be able to enjoy the theaters, golf courses, horse races, hiking trails, fishing, and anything else you have in mind no matter what the month.

Traveling off-season has many economic advantages. Rates for air and hotels are greatly reduced. Airlines usually offer off-season packages, though some agents dont always tell you about specials so you must ask.

Aer Lingus, Irelands international airline, has some excellent off-season packages such as the Ireland for Two Package, round-trip air for two for $499 if purchased and used by a certain date. It fit perfectly into our travel plans and I was able to take advantage of it. The flight leaves JFK or Newark and arrives at Dublin, Shannon, Cork, or Belfast. It required a Saturday night stay. Dublin and Shannon are nonstop flights; Cork and Belfast require a stop, but not a change of plane. Other specials are Fly/Drive, Weekend Gems, and Irish Heritage. Packages change with the seasons and on occasion are changed or dropped, so call the airline for exact information. Aer Lingus: 800-IRISH-AIR or Web site: www.aerlingus.ie

Most hotels also offer excellent off-season rates. Just remember to always ask if tax, service, and breakfast are included in the rate you are quoted. Generally, they are. Ireland is wonderful because there are so many lodging options. From deluxe suites to youth hostels, to beautiful bed and breakfasts and castle hotels and everything in-between, you are sure to find something that fits your personality and your wallet.

Web Sites For Travel Information

Web sites are a great way to start planning a trip. Try these for tour information, hotel descriptions, and other useful advice:

www.paddy.net

www.dublins-fair-city.com

www.visit.ie/Dublin

www.iol.ie

www.irelandvacations.com

FUN IRISH WEB SITES

These are sure to pique your interest in everything Irish.

WWW.SHOPSHAMROCK.COM has just about anything you might be interested in that has to do with Ireland. It is a terrific source of information on genealogy, marriage records, gifts, posters, books, music, pottery, and much more. It also has a currency converter and links to other Irish Web sites.

WWW.IRELANDSEYE.COM is a fact- and fun-filled Web site with practical information such as B&B listings, weather, plus lots of fun links including instructions for knitting an Aran sweater and recipes for Limerick ham, Porter cake, boxty, Irish stew, and beef in Guinness. Also included are greeting cards that can be printed or e-mailed.

WWW.IRISHSHOP.COM is a great site in which to purchase all Irish products, from clothing to jewelry to art.

WWW.OSTLAN.NET has more than 250 restaurants and pubs in the Dublin area.