No, this is not a dupe: I'M LEAVING FOR IRELAND TODAY!

[Phillycat]

Yes, now that I've made my triumphant return, I'll be leaving you all again immediately. That's just the kind of gal I am.

I hate to steal the thunder of whomever is posting about Ireland below, but I am leaving this evening and I wanted specific suggestions for what to do that doesn't involve drinking, but is social. I already have all the museums, sightseeing stuff, etc, planned. That's not an issue. No need to give me suggestions on that stuff.

We will be in Dublin and Newcastle. We are stopping at Newgrange on the way in between. Is there any culture in Ireland that doesn't involve drinking? Theater, dancing, etc? As you can see, the trip wasn't my idea. :)

Thanks in advance! :hi:

[Magrittes Pipe]

1. There are (I've heard) some exquisite fine dining establishments in Dublin

With the money you save by not drinking, you can afford to eat like a queen. :thumbsup:

[Phillycat]

2. Hey, good point!

I didn't think Ireland was exactly...known for its cuisine. ;-) But perhaps it's gotten better since I formed that opinion. I will look forward to being pleasantly surprised. :hi:

[Magrittes Pipe]

4. Traditional Irish cuisine isn't exactly world-renowned.

Though I do love a good shepherd's pie now and then. But Dublin has become a true world city, and has begun to attract some of the best chefs from all over Europe.

Have fun!

[Arugula Latte]

26. I've heard the seafood is great there (wild salmon, etc.)

They also do great stuff with leeks ... Yum -- I'm a big leek fan :9

[Phillycat]

30. I love leeks too. :)

Anything onion-y, really. And I adore seafood. :)

[AllegroRondo]

3. You dont need to drink to visit a pub

some of the most interesting people I met in Ireland were old people at pubs, who would tell you all kinds of stories about the local area.

[Phillycat]

5. Hmm. That does sound nice, but...

I don't really like hanging out in bars. Do they have coffee shops/cafes there?

[AllegroRondo]

19. An Irish pub is not like an American bar

OK, the ones in the larger cities are similar, but they have coffee shops and cafes there also.

In the smaller towns, pubs are where everyone goes to meet and talk. they also have coffee, sodas, sandwiches, chips, meat pies, sausages, etc.

[Phillycat]

20. We'll be in Dublin most of the time.

I'm happy to hear they have some coffe shops, etc. :)

You might ask, why would someone who doesn't drink and doesn't like hanging out in bars even go to Ireland? My boyfriend is Irish and has family there, that's why. I'm sure I'll find something to do. Thanks! :hi:

[progmom]

6. Have a fantastic time

:hi:

[Phillycat]

8. Thank ya!

:hi:

[asthmaticeog]

7. Have a safe trip!

:hi:

[Phillycat]

9. See ya in 9 days!

Thanks :hi:

[FarLeftRage]

10. I'll be going to Italy in 3 weeks

just to visit family and see the place...

Good luck on your trip.

[Phillycat]

11. Oh, now, see THAT'S my kind of trip!

Still waiting to go to Italy (been waiting a lifetime) but Ireland is a nice intro to international travel - English speaking, friendly people, and I'm pretty non-invested in whatever we decide to see. I'm pretty laid-back about it, whereas if I was going to say, Florence, I'd be on a minute-by-minute schedule for everything I had to see, fitting it all in. Which wouldn't be fun for my traveling partner. :)

Have a wonderful time! Where in Italy are you going? I am so jealous...

[FarLeftRage]

12. Where?

My cousin has promised to take me to Capri, Ishia, Amalfi, Lake Como and Naples for starters...

I'd like to see a bit more than that since I will be there for 2 weeks... So, it wiil be a bit laid-back as far as time goes.

I have another cousin in Florence I might see, so I may get to see it all.

[Arugula Latte]

35. Okay. I officially hate you.

;)

... Not really, but I am soooo jealous!!

[LostinVA]

13. I hate you!!! And yes, there's a strong early Celt/druid culture

Lots of stuff to see, especially in the West. Lots of very interesting early Xian stuff, too.

They have lots of pubs in the West, too...

[Phillycat]

16. I am looking forward to seeing Newgrange, I hear it's really cool

I love old things, and this is my first trip to Europe. Whee! :hi:

[bigwillq]

14. Have fun!

Have a safe trip! :hi:

[Phillycat]

17. Thank you!

I'll try! :hi:

[billyskank]

15. Already??

Have a nice time, janesez! :hi:

[Phillycat]

18. Thanks! Be back in 9 days!

:hi:

[greatauntoftriplets]

21. Go to Bewley's Cafe....

http://www.bewleyscafe.com/

[Phillycat]

22. That place looks great!

Thanks for the suggestion. :hi:

[Magrittes Pipe]

23. Mackerel

Now THAT looks like a damn fine restaurant.

[SiobhanClancy]

32. Bewley's has totally changed since I was last there...

Which was in 2003. It looks really nice...hope to go over and check it out soon. I used to love hanging out in the James Joyce room,drinking tea and watching the people down on Grafton Street. Sometimes there were musicians outside,too...and you could sit there as long as you liked. It was a grand way to start the day:)

[greatauntoftriplets]

33. I kinda liked Bewley's the way it was....

Ireland is getting all yuppity. :cry:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. Sheesh!

We're just getting acquainted, and now off you go!

Hey, have a ball!

When my family and I went abroad the first time, we also picked an English-speaking country....

It does make things a lot easier!

I know you'll have a wonderful time! Take lots of pics so we can drool over them when you return, OK?

:hi:

[Phillycat]

28. I will take tons of pics!

The digital camera is already packed, and a last-minute trip to CVS for batteries is on the agenda...

I'll be back in 9 days to tell you all about it! :hi:

[Sugar Smack]

25. Lucky!!

Have a great time and take lots of pictures!:woohoo:

[Phillycat]

29. Will do!

Thanks!! :bounce:

[tigereye]

27. Have a great trip!

you can tell us all the cool things to see when the rest of us go! (been on my list for a while)

It's much more cosmopolitan than the old stereotypes.

[Phillycat]

31. Glad to hear that!

I'm a city girl at heart so I'm much more comfortable in a place that functions in an urban way. :)

I'll post when I get back in 9 days and tell you all the cool stuff. :hi:

[Phillycat]

34. Going now!

Everybody have a great week! See you when I get back. :hi: