Finally! A Trip To Beautiful Ireland: Part One

On a number of occasions in the last couple of years we’ve tentatively planned a visit to Ireland but each time we thought we were going, we had to change our plans. Awhile back in one of our Good Life Report columns we included a piece on Aer Lingus, Ireland’s highly regarded national airline. We announced the introduction of long overdue non-stop service between Dublin and San Francisco. And that was great news for the hundreds of our Silicon Valley high tech company executives doing business in Ireland. During these first few months Aer Lingus is offering some incredible introductory fares and special packages.

We began to once again consider taking the trip. Sure it was winter and we were a tad worried about the weather but the timing was right so off we went. And we were delighted we did. The weather was mild with only one day of light rain during our 8 day stay. In all of our travels throughout Europe we’ve never encountered such universally friendly, courteous, humorous and helpful people. Could we have been just plain lucky? We don’t think so! Bad attitudes experienced? Zero! Humorous enjoyable blarney encountered? Plenty! Other Europeans need to take lessons from the Irish on how to treat tourists. Of course we might be a bit prejudiced as we both have a bit of Irish heritage.

Ireland, like most of Europe, is much more expensive than in years past and the U.S. dollar has taken a beating against the Euro. But Aer Lingus continues to offer some unbelievable bargain packages and air fares from SFO. With the constant uncertainties of our fluctuating world economies, these introductory specials may be short lived. Our suggestion is to check out their web site at: www.aerlingus.com Just click on their ‘Vacation Store’ link on a frequent basis to view all their current good deals at your leisure. Package possibilities usually include fly and self drives, golf excursions, castle stays, all inclusive tours and a wide variety of other options.

A further reliable resource for travel to Ireland is the official web site of the country’s national tourism department, Tourism Ireland at: www.discoverireland.com Tons of information can be found on this web site but we found the site easy to navigate and the vacation packages offered should satisfy most any interest and budget. In addition the site is a great resource for coming events, attractions, sightseeing highlights and a plethora of activities available to visitors. Another option is to call their toll free number at 800-223-6470 and request their very informative brochures and magazine.

We’ve always been aware of the wonderful B and B’s, mid-level hotels and historic castle lodgings available throughout Ireland but we were often told by fellow travel writers that Ireland lacked genuine upscale 5 star properties. Well, let us assure you, that’s no longer the case. The country has not only been booming economically the past few years in high tech and commercial development but an amazing number of new world class hotels and resorts have arrived. In addition, many older hotels and lodges have been dramatically remodeled and upgraded to 4 and 5 star status. In Dublin, the historic 183 year old Shelbourne (a Renaissance Hotel, an upscale division of Marriott), recently re-opened after a magnificent multi-million dollar refurbishing that maintains its classic heritage and yesteryear charm. It’s an absolutely stunning downtown lodging choice. For reservations, etc: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dubbr-the-shelbourne Another first rate pick is the Dylan Hotel, an older hotel dramatically transformed into a modern upbeat boutique style property where high tech meets stylish décor. This hotel is the perfect choice for the contemporary ‘in crowd’ and for guests who prefer a tucked away location a short distance from the downtown crowds. For detailed information about the Dylan go to: www.dylan.ie Both hotels appear to be very popular with the local after work revelers and tourists as well.

We only spent three days in Dublin and would have enjoyed another day or two. There is so much to see and do. Our first recommendation on arriving in Dublin is to arrange for tickets with Dublin Bus for their guided ‘hop on-hop off’ city tour that stops at all the major attractions. If it’s a clear day, be sure to get off at the Guinness Storehouse. And yes, the beer and tour are great, but the highlight for us was the tremendous vistas of the entire Dublin area and beyond when you reach the top floor. If it’s not a clear day try to return when it is! Other ‘don’t miss hop offs’ include: Trinity College to see the 1000 year old Book of Kells in the college’s magnificent library; Temple Bar Area where more delightful Irish pubs can be found than anywhere on the planet; and St. Stephen’s Green/ Grafton Street area for incredible shopping. For more details go to: www.visitdublin.com

(Editor’s note: Jax and Shannon are a married couple residing in Silicon Valley and have been writing travel columns for nearly 25 years. In the coming months we will be featuring columns on their forthcoming trips to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County Wine Region; San Diego area-Coronado and Mission Bay)