Big fan of places like Dromoland and Ashford! They are definitely in my google map that’s in the description of the video. I guess we figured those were popular spots already and we’re trying to give some different, maybe lesser known, options. Thanks for the views and comments - very kind of you 😁

Great question! First, not worth it to rent while in Dublin - it’s a hassle. However, if you’re taking day trips from there you can just do day rentals. They have rental car spots at the airport and then one on south circular road which is a good spot that isn’t congested to get out of dublin from. If we are talking Cork though, it’s a little more simple as it’s mainly traffic on the quays (pronounced keys) which are the roads that run along the river - they are just one ways though like dublin which can suck if you miss a turn - but adventure, right? lol. my advice is, get the absolute smallest car you can get away with, trust me. i’m a very confident driver, and with that said, it still gets hairy at times given that you are on other side of car and road compared to US. Also, aside from main roads, most roads are the equivalent of 1.5 lanes and not 2 lanes like we have here in US. So, you could be faced with passing VERY closely to something like a tourist bus coming head on. It’s completely doable, but if it’s your first, you will be glad you got the compact car! next, do not, repeat, do not book through kayak etc. book direct with the particular rental car company. if you have booking problems, wreck, etc you will be glad you booked directly. plus, even if guest services are bad they will be that much worse if you have an OTA layer to deal with on top of that (travel zoo, kayak, travelocity and the like). they will each blame each other and pass you off and you will be stuck in the middle. don’t risk your journey, not worth it. another tip, get a diesel! more torque for the hills, bettet fuel mileage and the diesel cost at stations is cheaper than petrol. if you can manage, meaning REALLY confident, get a manual transmission as well - ever so slightly cheaper. in short, out of dublin get a car. in dublin, no car. smallest diesel possible, GET the insurance, and manual tranny (that’s not big concern though). also, use your phone for gps, don’t let them up sell you on that and always fill up the car before you return. don’t let them do the “bring it back empty and we will fill it up for you”. they charge big bucks for the convenience.

btw, this all might be easier over a zoom call or something. if you guys need more planning help, detailed info etc we should just set up a call. let me know, happy to help!

Haha! so very true! I put it in at the end as an honorable mention because inherently people will ask “What about Adare Manor!?!” 😂 We have guests that stay there often, I’m friendly with much of the staff there and have visited several times - never overnighted though. The other alternative I give here at the end of the video is The Dunraven (formerly Dunraven Arms) which is, probably as you know, directly across the street! Hugh and Louie have done an excellent job managing, and refurbishing this property. It’s on my list of favorite manor style properties for sure!

Yes, money no object, Adare Manor is my fav!!! My pocket book doesn’t work like that though 😂 I normally will stay at Dunraven if in Adare. They just did a refurb and it’s great! We use Mount Falcon for work actually!! Love it there as well. There are just so many good places around the island.

This is excellent!! I have a WWII video in the works, although I am way behind, and some of these items I did not know, so I really appreciate your views and comments here 😁 I’m gonna dig in a little further on the Uboats off Derry’s coast now for sure. Thanks again!

@@EmilyandGarrett If you want an itinerary of the best WWII locations across Europe for a future tour, lemme know. You could do them in maybe 3 weeks. Stretch from France to Poland. Some are not very well known. Ireland wise, The Curragh camp in Kildare was a POW camp. There are about 36 Pill boxes on the River Boyne, built to hold off a British re-invasion of the south in WWII. It's a very pleasant canal and river walk now. From Drogheda to Newgrange. Most of the defences are still there. This is also where they filmed the river scenes for Vikings tv show. The parliament in Belfast was RAF HQ during the war.

Yes!! I know some of these well, however when I get ready to do my WWII video I’d love to collaborate with you to get it done. My WWII knowledge is really based in mainland Europe, and as much as my job in tourism bases around Ireland, my WWII knowledge of the Ireland landscape is limited. Maybe shoot me an email so I have your contact info if you’re interested?

indeed, he is.

Hey Larry, I’m just the same! I have found working in Ireland for a while now that there isn’t another place like it in terms of hospitality. Much of their economy is built on great service, friendliness and being inviting to all types. Now, I’m not suggesting showing up to dinner in shorts and sandals, but especially among the 4* Castles and Manors (many which are family owned) you would be in good company. The Irish are great outdoors men and women and hike, swim climb, hunt etc in all types of weather - and many, depending on time of the year, would vacation in these types of places with family and loved ones. You’ll find at some places, that they offer guided hikes or trail rides on horse back or offer maps of the best places to go and do those types of things. All to say, if you treat their stuff like your stuff you’ll fit in just fine there! :) Some places, mainly a little on the higher end, may have some dress codes for dinner, but even in those spots they will have bar restaurants that feel more like a pub than a restaurant where it’s more relaxed than not. Does that help? Let me know if you have more questions OR if you want some great recommendations for hikes wherever you are staying. Thanks for the views and comments. -G

@@EmilyandGarrett perfect response. Thanks for the info. We've been 7 times now and stays at manors and castles has always been a bit daunting for us when we come in soaked and a bit muddy from a day hiking and exploring. You've set my mind at ease, honestly. We'll be back in October this year, so now I'll be looking to expand our accommodation horizons. Cheers, sir!

That’s great!! You both sound like seasoned travelers, especially to Ireland, but let me know if I can point you in a direction or if you need any other recommendations. I’m normally over several times in beginning and of the year and end of year - maybe I’ll see you there in October 😉