TRAINER'S TRAVELS | RICK STEVES BEST OF IRELAND IN 14 DAYS
  • FAILTE
  • DUBLIN
  • KINSALE
  • DINGLE
  • GALWAY
  • WESTPORT
  • PORTRUSH
  • BELFAST
  • THE CRAIC

"You are what you eat, so don't be fast, cheap, easy or fake."
​~Fishy Fishy Cafe

Full of colorful sailboats arrived for Kinsale's Annual Regatta, this charming natural Harbor belies its historical import in Ireland's story. It was here in 1601 that, despite Spanish support, the English crown routed the Irish. Power tilted in Europe and ushered in the plantation of Ulster Scots.

MEET ELIZABETH AND DAVE

Our favorite thing about the Rick Steves Ireland Tour
I thought quite a bit about our favorite memories in Ireland. While there was breathtaking scenery, lovely Irish dancing and music, and tragic and uplifting history, what impressed us was the delicious food. This may seem a bit odd, but I was expecting what has been the reputation of Irish food here in the states - boiled cabbage, potatoes, and mutton meat. Uck. It was a wonderful surprise to learn that about 15 years ago the country's chefs decided to change the reputation of Ireland's food scene and showcase the region's agricultural and fishing bounty. A true "farm to fork" dining experience. We ate delicious salmon, mussels in garlic, wine, and butter, Guinness and beef stew, fresh vegetables and soups, breads, pastries, butter, and desserts with apples and cream or mounds of chocolate, and cream and more cream. And, of course, potatoes! So many varieties not seen here in the states. Potatoes prepared in every possible way. Huge portions!

​Travel Pro-Tip: Kristi seconds Elizabeth's assessment - Portions all over Ireland tended to be "generous" (read: huge). We soon learned that splitting entrees was economical and practical.

Our #1 Best Travel Tip: Follow the Rick Steves packing guidelines. Don't over pack! Lugging a heavy suitcase along narrow streets and up stairs is a chore. 

Thou shalt have a fishy
on a little dishy
Thou shalt have a fishy
when the boys come in.


On the wall by the photographs of the Kinsale Fishermen who bring in Martin Shanahans daily catch of fresh fish at Fishy Fishy Cafe.


​CRACK ON
  • We managed to visit during Kinsale Regatta Festival and were treated to a town bursting with visitors and fun activities including a "Monster Fireworks Display", "Trad" Music in the square (we enjoyed the Cork-based comedy folk band, the Irish Weavers) and of course, a sailing Regatta!
  • Don and Barry's Historic Kinsale Stroll with Don Herlihy - one word: Excellent!
  • Charles Fort
MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU

KNACKERED OUT | Friar's Lodge (two nights) - basic, clean and very quiet. Bonus: Sherry served in the evenings. Slainte!

TUCK IN | Kinsale is known as a foody town. Do your research, secure a reservation and make a memory!
  • Man Friday
  • The Spaniard
  • Fishy Fishy Cafe (See Rick Steves' 1:30 minute "Fresh Fishy Fishy" video clip. Listen to Chef-Owner Martin Shanahan ​gab about the food scene in Kinsale and Ireland on Rick Steves' Europe Audio App "Irish Cuisine".)

In Ireland, music is obviously woven into the warp and woof of life.
Enjoying the local scene with dancing (everybody knows the steps) at the Kinsale Regatta.

Tour Day 4. Kinsale and Charles Fort

PHRASE OF THE DAY | Handy to know in any language!

le do thoil | please

MEET BRENDA AND MIKE
​
Hailing from Arizona and newly retired, this was Brenda and Mike's first Rick Steves Tour (but they've since taken three more!)

Our Favorite part of Rick Steves Ireland Tour
​
Meeting and hanging out with our new travel companions. Of the (now four) tours we have taken, this was by far the most cohesive, fun group! And Joe was a terrific, fun guide -- reading us tall tales, poems and limericks on the bus was great fun!

Of the actual itinerary, the Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Belfast Experience were our two favorite places. They were very unique to Ireland.

Our #1 Best Travel Tip . . . About 2-3 months before your trip begins, look for events and exhibits in the cities where the trip will take you. Buy tickets online ahead of time (it's easier to buy and print from home!) In London? See a show like Hamilton! In Paris? See if your favorite artist has an exhibit at one of the museums! In Sydney? Attend a concert at the Sydney Opera House!
Picture
Brenda cuddles a Border Collie puppy at Kissane Sheep Farm in County Kerry.
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This was Brenda and Mike's first Rick Steves Tour, but they followed Ireland with Rick Steves 7 days in Paris!

CRACK ON TO DINGLE
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  • FAILTE
  • DUBLIN
  • KINSALE
  • DINGLE
  • GALWAY
  • WESTPORT
  • PORTRUSH
  • BELFAST
  • THE CRAIC