Roundstone Harbour to Innisheer with Padraic

I live in Ireland on the East Coast, about 50 miles south of Dublin, there are just as many lovely places here on the east coast as there are on the west, lovely beaches that go for miles, some of them hardly ever used. Lovely Glendalough, in Co, Wicklow, Glendalough has got a monastic settlement with Round tower and old Churches,needs to be seen to be appreciated, Military Road that goes through parts of the Wicklow Mountains, I am English by the way, but have lived in Ireland for over 40 years and I love it here, I wouldn't go back to live in England again, although I do love England, but not to live in any more. Parts of Ireland are still not spoilt by being over populated and no ugly modern buildings. You don't have to mind the weather, we do have lovely weather here any way, but also a lot of rain, but Ireland wouldn't be green if we didn't have the rain. If you want hot sunshine and no rain then go to Spain or places like that, but if you want to see beautiful places like Ireland then come to see the beauty, the lovely lakes, beaches, woodlands, you name it Ireland has it, even lively night spots if that is what you want, Dublin has plenty of those. Come to Ireland and enjoy.

I am writing a bit more, I will tell you about the place where I live, I live in a smallish seaside town Called Arklow, Co, Wicklow,(about 12,000 people) Arklow was once a fishing town with a big fishing fleet, but alsa no more, it has a great sea faring tradition, boat building, Gipsy Moth, Sir Francis Chichester's yacht was built here in Arklow. It is situated at the southern end of Wicklow, close to the Wexford border, half way between Dublin and Rosslare. it is a great place to stay if you want to explore Co Wicklow, we are handy for the Wicklow hills, Lovely Brittas Bay, a long sandy beach that usually wins a blue flag every year. there are several beaches along the east coast. But back to Arklow, we have got a lovely new shopping centre, for any one who loves to shop, we have a great festival every July called " The Seabreeze Festival" it is run over four days, when the Main street in the town is closed off to traffic, there are pipe bands competition, pig racing, yes live pigs run races up the main street, very funny to watch and you can bet on your favourite pig, there are live bands in different parts of the street, so many things going on over the four days, the craic is great, it all finishes up on Sunday night with a firework display. We have got leisure centre's, swimming pools, and lots more. Arklow is so handy for places to go to like Dublin, Wexford, there are buses running nearly every hour of the day or night to these places. There is so much more that I could tell you about this area of Ireland. I love it here. Come to Ireland and enjoy yourselves.

Ist gud enuf

Tips for trip to galway- try and book a house or apartment in Salthill area- especially if you are going to stay for a few weeks. Buy your groceries in one of the main supermarkets (Joyces, Dunnes etc) which are very inexpensive. Hire some bicycles and relax! Loads to do and see. Hire a car and go out to Clifton/Westport and Connemara generally. Go down to Clare and that area. All of this can be done inexpensively. Its really a city to enjoy the buzz and atmosphere and have a good laugh! A night out in O'Gradys seafood restauarant in Barna and afternoon pint of beer in Naughtons on Cross Street are a must.

I'm from Galway and have travelled a lot of the world but there is nowhere as beautiful and spiritual as Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Went on a couple of trips to Inis Oirr with my buddies in the Army. What a fab place. It has a beach to compare with the Bahamas, Blue water and white sand. Only three pubs (last time we were there) so u can do a pub crawl no problem. Great food and craic in Rory`s. Hope to go there again soon with my wife so i will have to be a bit better behaved.

I have been to Ireland twice and fell in love with it. Last year we flew into Shannon and stayed in a tiny village called Corofin, just on the edge of the "Ring of Beara". We visited loads, blown away by the Cliffs of Moher. We spent a day in Limerick and the surrounding area. Also were fortunate enough to catch a flight to the Aran Islands from Galway. Only 7 min flight, but the longest 7 mins of my life. There is nothing I could say is wrong with Ireland apart from a bit wet. People are lovely and really friendly, the food is good and of course the Guiness is even better. You can't really say you have experienced true Ireland until you have stayed in one of the small communities and experienced their way of life. Hoping to return next year.

The Aran Islands are so amazing - I got married out there in April and went back out again last weekend. I am addicted to the place! Only the locals have cars so you have to cycle to get around (its great fun cycling home after the pubs close!) The scenery is truely beautiful - the craic agus ceoil is here.