Conference tallis::celt

	G'day to you too Peter !

>>G'day to all ye Paddys,

	My first suggestion for visiting Ireland is to drop that greeting 
	when you get there, otherwise you may discover a side of the Irish 
	that most tourists don't get to see.

	You'll enjoy Dublin in March but bring a raincoat. The best way to
	see the city is to walk around it, it's not too big. It's best to 
	stay on the south side of the city, it's cleaner, nicer and safer !
	I'm afraid I don't know any good night clubs, contact the guys in the
	Dublin office, they'll help you out there.

	As for Guinness, the BEST place for 'black gold' in Dublin has to
	be Mulligans of Poolbeg Street. Not much of a pub but a belter of
	a pint ! O'Donahughes (spell??) Pub in Merrion Row is probably the
	best pub for Irish Music (and it's free) but it's small and usually
	jam-packed.

	Enjoy Yourself (as Kylie Minogue would say !)

	Tony.

Dia Dhuit,

Is that Better Tony !!!

I can't believe that the first reply ( and so far the only ) to my note is 
from an Australian.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. We will definetely visit the pubs in
your reply.

Regards,
Peter

    
    
      There is a pretty good McDonalds in the center of town 8*)
    
                                                            
    paddy

    Hello Peter,
    
    during your three week visit you should visit the west (awake!),
    especially Galway... The galway races should not be missed 
    (the galway plant close down so that they can enjoy themselves)
    The races are on last week July  first week in August.  
    The rose of Tralee festival is another occasion to be partake
    of the black velvet... can't remember when this happens.
    
    May the road rise with you and may the wind be always at
    you back, in other words 'good luck'.
    
    Ann

    
    
    Note 614.* has some great info about touring Ireland.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    keVin

    Hi,
    
    Please keep those suggestions 'ag teacht'.
    
    
    - Peter

      <<a pretty good McDonalds 
    
	That's an oxymoron.

	Pat                                                            

    
         My advice is to be very wary. On my first visit to Dublin (in O'Connell
    St.,) I had just taken my hand out of my pocket to give a shoeless
    little kid (about 6 yrs old) begging for money, 10p, when another  put
    her hand in the same pocket to relieve me of some notes . Luckily a
    passerby spotted this. So watch the beggars.
    
                                   Donal. 

Peter,

	Another few suggestions for a w/e in Dublin's Fair City

	- Take a ride on the DART (train system) down the south coast to
	  D�n Laoghaire. Take a walk around the town and see what an old
	  'English' town used to look like ! It was previously known as
	  Kingstown when the English lived there. Pay particular attention
	  to the pier, that's were a lot of Dubliners take their summer
	  evenings walks.

	- Get back on the train and head down to Dalkey and Killiney. The
	  view of the coast from the train is breath-taking as you come
	  into Killiney. Stay on the train and get out at Bray, a classical
	  'seaside-town'. Get the bus (No. 84 ??) back to the city from Bray.
	  A living nightmare of a bus-ride during rush hour.

	- For Sunday afternoon try a trip to Kilmainham Jail. This is an
	  old English jail in which many Irishmen died. it's going through
	  a restoration at the moment but there are guided tours available
	  for a very small fee. The guides can usually answer ANY question
	  you have and you can get a good idea of the history of Ireland 
	  from the tour. There's also a small museum in the jail.

	- Take a walk around the campus of Trinity College Dublin, right in
	  the heart of the city. A beautiful university which is 400 years
	  old in a couple of years. It has also produced some excellent
	  graduates over the centuries (me for example).

	- Last but not least, go on a tour of Guinness's brewery. I've never
	  been there myself but I'm asured that it's a must for every tourist.
	  Check it out, but I don't think it's open at w/e's.
	  (I think it's free Guinness ).


	Re -8
    
    	There are beggers, thieves, murderers, muggers, rapists etc in
    Dublin. Don't think that it's a small country town. It's a major
    European city with large city problems. Be carefull.                      
    
	Have a good time.

	Tony.                                           

	P.S. You'll have no problem getting McDonalds, they're all over the
	     place.

    
    
    ...Reckon Dublin is not as bad as alot of other cities re crime etc.
    so dont worry too much.
    
    Try The BAGGOT INN, TONERS, AND DOHENEY &NESSBITS bars on Baggot st.
    as well then maybe MCDAIDS off Grafton str...Then down to The STAGS
    HEAD...quick change of Direction to the excellent MULLIGANS in
    Poolbeg str., as Tony was saying. Also maybe try The BRAZEN HEAD near
    Christchurh Cathederal..which is also worth a look at (to get your
    bearings). Then maybe book into a Clinic for drying out your liver
    for a few days.
    
    .Trinity College is also worth a look.I think you can get access to the
    old library during certain hours. If Its closed when you get there you
    could pass the time maybe in the BUTTERY BAR or maybe the PALACE or
    maybe....                                    
    
    Anyway have a good time and hope it goes well 

< Note 712.6 by TRUCKS::KHOURY_P >

<<Please keep those suggestions 'ag teacht'.
    
I concur with Peter, I'll be in Dublin and Cork in the Spring of '91
and the info that has been entered in this topic are well appreciated.

Pat

    	I would also recommend that you spend a few days in Galway. I 
    see that Mick "I've got a driving license, but don't know how to 
    use it "Keyes has made out an itinery for sight seeing in Dublin! I will
    attempt to do the same for Galway. I'm sure that others can fill in the
    gaps that I leave.

    	As you seem to be fond of the Guinness then the first place I
    suggest you start your tour is Quay St., with naturally the Quays bar,
    followed in quick succession by Naughtans (sp?), Freenys, Murphys,
    Garavans, and if you are feeling adventurous, the Harbour bar. If you
    want to be a bit more up market then I would suggest, the Celler, the
    Skeff, McSwiggins (better known as McSwines), The Kings Head, and
    Laffeys bar. To round off the evening then you have to make your way to
    the best night club in Ireland - The Oasis - located in Lower Salthill.
    Not renowned for its Guineas, but if its a bit of crack your after,
    there's no better place to go!

    	I also believe, (I only lived there for six years!), that the 
    countryside is beautiful! Maybe you could check it out the following 
    day...what better way to cure a hangover...well, maybe just start
    working on  the next day's!

Cathal. 
    
                              

    
    .12  >...Comes from living in Munich...say no more..though more should
    be said. -) -)
    
    ... When are ye Chaps going to Ireland anyway. I'm sure Mr Copas
    can arrange a few guides to share the experience with ye.
    
    
    ...Whats happening in Munich Patricks day (..There must be a few
    places your Not barred out of yet)
    
    
    

    Warning
    
    Keep away from the Harbour Bar. Strange things have happened to
    people in that bar before 9a.m. You may even be accosted by a strange
    Galway man trying to sell you a couple of sheep.
    
    Mbr

     Hello,
    
    First...be extra careful doing a *walkabout* through the streets of
    Dublin...did you know �Michael Caine...that over 1,000 cases of
    tourists being robbed were reported to the Gardai(Police) in the
    Dublin city area last year!!! So WARNING...be careful,carry as little
    cash/valuables etc on your person while walking the street DAY or
    Night...leave the rest in a safe place ie.hotel or bank. Avoid
    traveling alone and don't stick-out like a sore thumb.
    
    
    
    Dublin is a wonderful City are so are its people(their sense of
    humour is second to none in Ireland). Enjoy your stay there and
    a visit to the National Museum is a must...but don't let it be
    spoilt by some snot-nose-gurriers.
    
    
    Re. The Galway recommendations(now I'm on home turf :-)
    
    The way everybody is suggesting Guinness you'd think they had shares
    in it!...now I drink the odd pint myself(like 9,11,13,15 etc) but
    if you are here in the summer time and (God willing sic) the weather
    is hot you might/will find the big G a bit *heavy* during the day
    time. A good alternative is 'Heineken' lager...some of the best
    places for Heineken are Killoran's and Lonergan's both beside each
    other in Salthill. If fact you can't beat sitting out in front of
    Killoran's on a fine summer's evening,sipping a pint of Heineken,
    watching the sun go down on Galway Bay(ya can even see the coast
    of Clare,Kevin :-) and the girlies passing by!
    
    As for the Quays...well it was a fine place over 5 years ago...but
    now sadly it is over-run by yuppy-types,taking up valuable space
    and drowning out the musicians.
    
    Naughtons...you couldn't swing a cat in the place...and if I had
    a cat it would be the last pub I'd bring it to!
    
    Garavan's...nice spot(tell the barman Nicholas I sent ya...second
    thoughts!). But as the sign high on the backwall says "STRICTLY
    NO SINGING"...and initially buy the girlfriend glasses(half pints)
    as our Nick takes a dim view of ladies drinking pints. Its a nice
    pub for a quiet relaxing chat.
    
    Freeney's...bring your own poetry book and anything on Marx and
    Engels...as it is full of arty-farty types...you wouldn't get me
    in there even for after-hours drinks. Hello Tim O'Connor :-) 
    
    Murphy's...another nice pub...but sadly going along the lines
    of the Quays...still has one of the best pints of Guinness in
    town though.
    
    Now who mentioned the Harbour Bar???...now how can I explain...
    your from Oz right?...well remember the pub in the opening stages
    of Crocodile Dundee...its not far off that at times. ROUGH and
    READY. It took me all of 3 months to blend in ;-)
    
    As for the Cellar,The Skeffington Arms(Skeff),Mc Swiggan's,The king's
    Head and Laffey's...they can be very touristy spots and the music
    tends to be somewhat contrived(not all of them cater for traditional
    Irish music).
    
    The Oasis deserves a visit...they have live music up stairs(very
    loud alternate disco down stairs). This place gets very packed
    and you'd need to be there by 11.pm to get in. The Warwick(next
    door) and The Castle are other good night clubs in Salthill.Avoid
    all others like the plague(except Central Park which is located
    in the City.)
    
    Places that I would recommend would be 'Taaffes' bar, it has good
    live traditional Irish/Folk music every night and it is free.
    
    The 'Puc�n'(sp) on Forster Street has live music also every night
    but tends to get very crowded and smoky. The Guinness like the
    bar staff can be very temperamental.
    
    As for sight seeing...well after visiting all the above places
    I suggest you stare into each others eyes as you will be a sight
    for sore eyes :-)
    
    Nah...just rambling about Galway for about half a day should
    cover everything...you can get one of those booklets from the
    Tourist Office(at the bottom of Eyre Square) that will tell
    you all and give simple directions(not that one could get
    lost on Galway).
    
    A day trip to the Aran Islands is also recommended(again info
    from Tourist O)...also trip Connemara and further north into 
    Mayo and visit Louisburg,Westport,Castlebar area.

    To each their own...
    
    - Dave Keating.
    

    
    Here's another perspective:
    
    First, about that American ICON - McDonald's   I must admit I did
    sneak in there once...right off O'Connell Street.  The first shock:
    they charge 3p for each ketchup.  Second:  No Vinegar...a must for
    fries.
    
    Second, the National Museum.  When I went it was closed.  Rumor
    has it they close a lot...without much notice.  I did see the
    impressive lobby and gift area, though.
    
    Dublin Castle is a nice alternative.  They give frequent tours and
    is a short walk from the Trinity campus.
    
    For a nice evening out, try a play at the Abbey Theater.
    
    Finally, regarding safety:  Let's not get carried away here.  Dublin
    is definately one of the safest cities I've ever been in.  We're
    not talking Harlem, West L.A., or even London here!   Just use common
    sense.  Two women at the Hotel were upset because they had some
    jewelry stolen from their room.  Talk about stupid.  They left about
    $500 worth of Gold on top of the night stand!
    
    Don't take out money for beggars.  You're only setting yourself
    up.  If you want to help the poor, donate to one of the many agencies
    that help them.  
    
    Dublin is best seen by foot.  There is no underground.  Buses are
    erratic, and cabs are too expensive (if you can find one)
    
    Follow the rules of any metropolitan area.  Know where your going,
    be alert to your surroundings, don't carry your wallet or valuables
    in your back/outside pockets.  Finally, guard your passport.  To
    some, it is more valuable than cash
         
    Finally, Have a great time!
    
    /Jen
    

    Re: .0
    
    Peter, go west my man...

    	Re .13 
    		If you don't stop crashing the car Mick, you won't be alive
    for Paddys Day :^) but I'm sure we could arrange a session for Munich.
    Although judging by the antics last Saturday night in the Swabinger
    Sebens we should bring some protection with us!!

	Re. 15
    		I agree with you about the Guinness Dave. The only place I
    drink it in Galway is Garavan's. Thats not to say that nowhere else
    serves good Guinness...I'm no expert. True as well, there is no better
    place to be than outside Killoran's or Lonagan's with the sun streaming
    down, supping pints of Bulmers or Carlsberg (can't stand that Heineken
    stuff myself!) and watching the  beautiful white turkey skined legs go
    buy :^)

    		I think though that you have done Quay street a bit of an
    injustice. True, when I was living in Galway I was not a frequent
    traveller down that street, but for somebody coming from outside
    Galway, particularly outside Ireland, then I would definitely recommend
    a trip down there.

    		Other pubs that might be of interest are Miles Lee...more a
    locals type pub, but maybe all the better for that. Mick Taylors in
    Dominic  St., now just called Taylors I think. I haven't been in it
    since it was  done-up..maybe Dave could give an update! Across the road
    is Clogs, which is an unusual place. They sometimes have live music
    there, I don't know about the clientele though :^)
    

    
    Re Dublin.
    
    If you are feeling very brave I will take you on a pub Crawl through
    Stoneybatter and the Smithfield area. It makes a Pub crawl around
    Eyre Sq. In Galway look like a Sunday Stroll.
    
    
    I second Dave about Mayo. This is definitely worth a Week. It is
    in my opinion one of the most beautiful areas of Ireland. A trip
    to Achill is definitely worthwhile. Also all the other places Dave
    mentioned. See if you can find Ballycroy. Cliftem in Galway is a
    good starting point for this tour. If you are there during the Pony
    Fair I think you will really enjoy it. Take a trip out to where
    Alcock and Brown crash landed.
    
    Go north from Mayo to Sligo and then on to Donegal. There are so
    many beautiful places here that I hesitate to single out any. The
    Inishowen peninsula is my favourite however.
    
    Tyrone in N.I. is also worth travelling through. It is somewhat
    similar to Donegal in appearance. I like to stay in Coleraine when
    in this neck of the woods. Derry is also worth a visit. That should
    be enough to keep you going for one or 2 visits.   

    
    	Has no-one ever heard of the "Hole in the Wall" or "The Stage
    Door" - both in Wood Quay in Galway. I think they deserve a visit,
    as well as "PJ's" (Flaherty's) and maybe the "Cottage" in Lower
    Salthill. I think most other good pubs in Galway (except maybe
    Keelaghan's near Bushy Park (west of the city) have been mentioned.
    
    	Also in reply to a previous .2 or .3, the Rose of Tralee is
    certainly worth a visit (if you don't mind crowds) and is on the
    last week of August.
    
    

    The best pub in Galway has not yet been mentioned -> The Crane ;-)

    	
    "an american needs a bit of info, please"
    
    re: 712.6  > "to keep those suggestions 'ag teacht'
    
    I think that this means "to keep those suggestions to "yourself?"
    
    re: 712.12 > "if it's a bit of crack your after"
                                                                     
    I think I know what this means, if reference to a "female"
    
    Please don't flame me.  I'm just curious.
    
    p.s. is it okay to drink 'stout' half-n-half in a irish pub?  
    
    thank you for any info.  Jim McKinnon @seo or ORCAS::mckinnon_ja
    

    
    
    Jim!
    
      Afraid your abit out on your definitions.
    
    "ag teacht" in this context means 'keep the suggestions comming"
    
    
    As for 'a bit of crack'...Well it really means  place where you can
    have a good time..so nice try.
    
    Half-and-half....Not sure what they would say..Is this areference to a 
    half warm and half cold pint????..Down Tipp way I know its understood
    as such. Not sure about galway....
    
    
    Mick
    

	Half and half I think in OZZIE means half a pint of beer and half a
	pint of stout mixed in a pint glass.
	
    	In Glasgow it's known as a 'Black and Tan' (half Guinness half
	heavy), whereas 'half and a half' is a glass of beer and a nip of
	whisky. 
	
	I once worked in a pub where for a while the young trendies drink was
	Guinness and blackcurrent juice - locally known as a purple haze !
	
	John
    	

    Well in Galway 'half and Half'(or commonly called a pint of Mixed) 
    is Guinness and Beer(Smithwicks) mixed. It is quite common with
    the older folk(easier on the constitution) and getting back to one
    of my earlier points...could be a good drink in the summer time.
    
    Myles 'Annie' Lee's is a very nice homely sort of pub...and the
    informal music session n the back is a must.
    
    The Crane sad to say has gone down hill a lot. The new owners didn't
    manage to hold on to the *regular* custom(ers), even the musicians
    have deserted the place!. Though it might pick-up again by summer
    time.
    
    BTW...I was not trying to run down Quay-High-Cross street area(or
    as it has been nicknamed 'little italy'). If fact it is a great
    area to wander around in the afternoon/evening particularly during 
    the street festival.
    
    The pub trade in Galway is very *fickle* indeed...and what is the
    bees-knees one month could end up six months down the road as a
    no hoper! eg Cloggs is now closed...Mick Taylor is no longer with
    us(God rest him :-( and Annie Lee no longer runs Myles Lee's!!!
    
    And no doubt things will have changed again in another six months.
    Thats what I like about Galway watering-holes...suppose if you get
    barred from one you can always go back later when the new staff
    take over :-) :-) :-). Me get barred never...but Stephen Fahy(of
    the hole in the wall) is still looking for that hurley stick!
                                                                 
    I would second the suggestion of Pat's....take a car trip from
    Galway city out to Connemara,through Cliften,Leenane,Louisburgh,
    Westport,Castlebar up to Ballina into Sligo(nice beaches nearby),
    through Donegal and pop into Derry City for a day)...not all in
    the one day mind you!
    
    But don't forget the Aran islands though.
    
    - Dave K.

	<<Guinness and blackcurrent juice - locally known as a purple haze !

	Interesting, in this part of Canada during certain winter festivities
	some people (not me 8*) ) mix whiskey with 'any' cheap red wine to
	produce a 'Purple Jesus'.  Presumably named for the colour and the
	first expression that passes the drinker's lips after quafting the 
	rot-gut!    	

	Pat

    
    
    Guinness and Blackcurrant!
    

         In England they mix it so that the punter does not have to taste
    the afwful Guinness.
    
    regards 
    	brendan
    

    
    Ive tried Guinness with blackcurrant back home in Tipp long time
    ago....its got an unusual taste but certainly its not awful or even
    afwful either! Other variations you might try, Guinness shandy...
    recommend only one else you"ll be burping all night...Guinness and
    Cider...thats if they sell it to you...light and deadly...definitely
    no more than one.  Guinness and Barley Wine is real mind blowing stuff
    ...if you can take that you may as well graduate to neat alcohol...
    theres usually a plentiful supply of that around Kerry as well..know
    what I mean....fresh down from the mountains!! Doubt if you"ll ever 
    give a XXXX for a toob again after that little lot. 
    
    Se�n
    

    
    
    Guiness and barley wine!!!!!!!......Ive heard of concoctions before
    but thats one of the best...Has to be tried...What part of Tipp did
    that one originate....That has to be from up the 'mines mountains!
    
    "Black russians" using Guiness instaed of Coke is another good one
    
    Saw a good one in the Canadian notes file..Whiskey and red wine..they
    call it a Purple Jesus!!
    
    Mick

    Now for my two p worth:
    
    RE: .16  I second his inputs, spot on, especially about using common
             sense traveling in any city.
    
    Dublin:
    
    - When on Grafton St and facing McDonald's, just turn and walk
      down the road toward Trinity and you'll find Bewley's (Cafe) on your
      left.  Great coffee, snacks, sambos and atmosphere.
    
    - National Gallery for Art and food.  Their restaurant is ecellent,
      reasonbly priced, relaxing with Grand piano music in the
      background.
    
    - Alot of great pubs have already been mentioned, except Ryan's on
      the Liffey.  If you make it to the Park House (our Digital Dublin
      office) then it's right around the corner from here.  Nice pub 
      with a a few snugs for the misses or ms Kerry.
    
    
    - Galway Arts festival is usually held around the 1st 2 weeks in Aug.
      Lots of concerts and plays.  Check if the Druid are running a play
      and if so go see it you won't be disappointed.  Very impressive
      actors in a very intimate theater.
      (are they still building a new theater next to Spanish Arch?)
    
    - Garravan's is a nice pub, but the thing that always bugged me in
      there was the TV.  Everytime I've been in there it's been on and very
      loud.  It kills the chat for me.
    
    - 2nds on au Pucan, Quays, Crane (has it really gone down hill), King's
      Head, Taylors, Swiggens, Malt house (pub and rest), Skef, Freeneys,
      Tribesman. (is this now Taaffes or is it the old women's sweater shop?)
    
    - Outside the city:
      - south 9 miles on the Limerick road, Moran's the Weir Oyster Cottage.
        a must for Guinness, smoked salmon with Kitty's brown bread,
        the view and oysters if you like.
      - Abbey Rest 5 miles NW on the Tuam Rd.  Always a fabulous meal
        and a great pub after your meal.
        (Did I hear that the cook and propriator, Jimmy Donovan died?)
    
    - If you make it to Mayo, Westport is one of the nicest towns there.
      with the Railway Hotel/Bar and a few others.  Try to find the 
      wooly backed skate.  The only one known to man.
    
    
    Well that's my 2p worth.  I haven't been back since June of 88, so 
    some of my info might be outdated.
    
    BUT I'll coming back with family for 3 weeks in May/June of this year.
    Can't wait!
    
    Cheers,
    Paul 
    
                                                            

    T ake it from one who knows.
    	The Tribesman was originally Taafes until it changed hands,and was
    	called the Tribesman,after a local rowing club.
    	It reverted to Taafes when it was taken over by the original owners
    	of The Crane.Hence the music and staff that was in the Crane four
    	years ago are up in Taafes now.
    	TAAFES,the clothes shop has no connection outside of the name,
    	The recommendations are that you can't go too far wrong with pubs
    	in Galway.
    		Galway-man on temp in MRO1 and missing Galway very much.
    				John Dooley.
    

    re .31
    
    Paul,
    
    Glad to here you'll be coming back for awhile.  If you and the family
    need a place to crash, the Beno house is always open.
    
    Cheers,
    Frank

    <<Saw a good one in the Canadian notes file..Whiskey and red wine..they
    <<call it a Purple Jesus!!
    
    Mick, you didn't have to go into the Canada Notesfile just look at .26

    Another from Canada is Moose Milk, half and half of milk and vodka.

    Pat
    

      Pat!
    
    ..Moose Milk
    
    ..Lord help us but that must be the worst Ive ever heard. An insult
    to the bovine species!!!..HAs to be tried though!
    
     Mick
    

    re .0
    
    Are you bringing a Car over to Ireland. If so come by Rosslaire.
    I have just realised that noone has described that beautiful area
    around the sunny south east.
    
    Wexford town is always a good stop. It has little narrow streets
    and superb pubs. 
    
    Instead of heading direct towards Dublin head for New Ross. Then
    take a drive up along the Barrow valley. It is very beautiful and
    there are NO tourists.
    
    When you get up as far as Graignamanagh head back towards the
    Blackstairs mts and into Bunclody. This is another beautiful village.
    You are now on the southern end of the Wicklow mts so you can wend
    your way up through them. Lovely scenery!
    
    As an alternative from New Ross head over through South Kilkenny
    to Clonmel. Again great scenery and no tourists. You may consider
    going north as far as Kilkenny which is probably the besk kept city
    in Ireland. Clonmel has great scenery. Take a trip out also to the
    Glen of Aherlow.
    
    That should keep you going for the weekend. You dont need to go
    near either Galway or Kerry. You will find too many tourists and
    Digital people in those places -)
    
    Regards
    
    Martin B

    Hi Guys,
    
    Thanks for all your help. I have been away on holidays visiting my
    family back in Australia.
    
    I have come back to find all these great suggestions. 
    
    Thank you very much to all of you that contributed.
    
    By the way I have just started a project and believe it or not I am
    spending 6-8 weeks in the Irish town of Clonmel. In fact I am writing
    this note on a 'little green workstation' in Tiperarry.
    
    Ireland is certainly gorgeous and the people are great. If anyone is in
    transit across the country please drop in for a few drinks.
    
    Cheers---
    Peter