Looking for design inspiration? Browse our curated collections!
Discussion
9 Years Ago
I had to cancel my trip to Ireland last year, but today re-booked. 6 days in Ireland, and 3 in London in early May.
-- mary ellen anderson
Reply Order
9 Years Ago
My cousin went to Ireland last year and she has beautiful pictures of fantastic scenery. One of the coolest places was Skellig Michael, old monastery ruins on an island.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael
9 Years Ago
Going for a month in March-April, but going to escape the city for a bit and head to Budapest, Prague, Zagreb and Vienna hopefully. Fights are stupid cheap out of London once you're there. Can't wait for all the picture taking.
9 Years Ago
Mary Ellen...that is my dream! Lucky girl!! I had to cancel a trip to London years ago, and have never gotten to 'cross the great pond' since. I want to go to England, Ireland and Scotland...for starters! lol Those are all the places of my ancestors. Have a WONDERFUL trip!! We'll all want a full report and images, too! :)
9 Years Ago
Hope that you have a wonderful trip. I am sure we will see a few beautiful paintings as a result of it.
9 Years Ago
Mary Ellen, I loved England and Ireland. In Dublin though, we had a hard time finding people who were from Ireland. Most that we ran into were tourists just like us. We toured the Guinness brewery and ran into a tour guide who was from Maryland.
When we first arrived, there was a wonderful Irish bus driver who took us from the airport to our hotel. We did not get off at our stop, we didn't quite understand what he was saying. So rather than making us walk, he told us to stay on board to the end and he would take us to the hotel. He was not happy, but he felt obligated I guess. We passed by the statue of Molly Malone and I started singing the song I had learned in elementary school. His whole demeanor changed. He started singing with me, and then proceeded on taking us on a private tour. He told us where to go and what to avoid. He even pointed out the good shops.
9 Years Ago
Have a great time Mary Ellen, it can be expensive but also alot of museums and galleries are free, an ethos of art and education for the people, but donations should be made, the parks are really beautiful in May, and if u like walking, theres loads to see, from hyde park corner (go see the gardens nearby in the park, walk back up through green park to Buckingham Palace, through St James Park by the lake to Horse Guards, around to Parliament square to see the houses of Parliament and Westminster abbey, through Whitehall past 10 Downing st and other government buildings up to trafalgar sq. National gallery is here. i think this is free like the national history, Victoria and Albert, science, Tate modern. Then go Up through covent garden, see free street performances and quality market, get a souvenir, then Soho for its gay night life bars, and finally dinner in China Town or anywhere as there are 100s, 1000s of restaurants ( alot not that expensive if you check prices). Theres alot of competition. High end is expensive. The shows cost a bit but are always an incredible experience, go on seetickets and check out a musical, theres loads of outstanding musicals, recently ive seen the commitments, memphis and miss saigon, all really superb.
For another day, The south bank of the Thames is a great walk too from hungerford bridge down to past Tower bridge, has great views, great walk in sunshine, not in rain, riverside pubs ( bit crowded though) and u pass Shakespeare's globe ( u can see plays performed) and other sites and loads of things to do like entertainment, arts centres etc, the path can via off at a few points but get back on the river following the signs, u can carry on under tower bridge along the river front or over towerbridge and around the Tower of London ( feel the ~1000 y/o history) then see st Kathryn docks to chill out at the Starbucks surrounded by yachts. These walks are quite long and take many hrs. in fact a whole day each to relax and enjoy the sites and venues.
A trip over the Thames by cable car at Greenwich is cheap and great fun. take a boat ride to greenwich on the river taxi. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic park and stadia is wonderful to get lost in, as is the shopping mall next to it. On the other hand theres lots of those hop on hop off buses that take u everywhere! Then there is of course Camden Market and most young people seem to hang out in hoxton these days but im not sure what happens down there besides bars n cafes. Tonnes of other places as u prob know. Like Hampton court palace, greenwich maritime museum, for amazing history.... etc. Canary wharf is the new business centre of banks but has great new architecture and interesting vibe. of business lol. have fun. i should write the tourist guide . Maybe not. have a great holiday!
9 Years Ago
Mary Ellen,
Try the Irish sausage. Much better than what we get over here. Blood pudding if you want to be more daring.
This coffee shop chain in Dublin is a set of landmarks.
http://bewleys.com/
pronounced "bule lees"
I have a lot of family in Ireland. Been there many times.
Have a great time,
Dave
9 Years Ago
Ireland is one of the countries I would return over and over again. Its gave me a lot of fantastic pictures and unforgettable impression.. A true paradise for the artists and photographers. Good luck on your amazing trip Mary Ellen!
My Irish gallery (mostly nature):
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jenny-rainbow.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=156115
9 Years Ago
We're going the first few weeks of May. I just booked 'Harry Potter' tour - lol. I'm such a kid when I slip the leash;)
-- mary ellen anderson
Edit: Abbie, someone stole my avatar again.
9 Years Ago
Oh, Mary Ellen, I so envy you! Please tell us about your trip when you return! And have a great time!
9 Years Ago
Have a safe and memorable trip, wow, I wish I were going. My family, first cousins on my deceased Grandfather side of the family still operate one of the largest farms in Southern Ireland, the Needham family in Roscrea, Ireland. Take lots of photos, my sister informed me the pubs are a hoot, she had a blast. A well deserved break.
Cheers and Happy Mardi Gras, Michael Hoard, Actor, Artist and Photographer......
9 Years Ago
We had a close call today. The day we arrive is May Day and was looking like everything would be closed... but then I noticed the brewery and pub tours were still running. Booked them all. So we're good;)
--mary ellen anderson
9 Years Ago
Photographed friends' wedding in Clerkenwell - reception was at the Artisan pub (http://www.theartisanofclerkenwell.com), right next to the pub is the Zetter Hotel - very cool boutique type place. About a 5 minute walk to Farringdon tube station, or Barbican.
http://www.thezetter.com/
9 Years Ago
If you want to save some money and don't mind a typical hotel there are a few in Stratford that are fine - holiday inn express is right next to my house, Ibis & Premier Inn down the road. Can't beat the tube connections in Stratford. Hop on the Jubilee line to Westminster, Central to the middle of the city, DLR, Overground all stem from there.
9 Years Ago
why don't you try bed and breakfasts? the uk has some excellent ones and its a cheaper way to stay in london. http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/london-england.html
or if you have pots of money, stay at the langham hotel. my favourite hotel in london with an amazing history.
9 Years Ago
Hey Mary, my name is Robin and I am new to Fine Art America. I see that you are going to Ireland soon. I have to tell you I am jealous! I went in 2008 and I Love it! IF I had the money I would have me a home there! We flew in to Shannon from there to Dunloe Castle Hotel. We traveled to several different places that were just absolutely beautiful! We were in Dublin for 3 days and I loved the whole trip.. I know you will really enjoy the trip! I slept little and took pictures as much as I could! Enjoy!
9 Years Ago
In London town there is a hotel known as "Hotel Costa Plenty". Heard about it from Mo and Curley.
9 Years Ago
We're only in London for 3 days and staying at bed n breakfast and castles when in Ireland. So wanted english hotel, the Langham looks perfect.
Do you pre-book the eye, and what ever? Recommendations?
We're going to miss the Sherlock Holmes Anniversary (a play I think) as end couple weeks before we're there. What cool cultural biggies should I book? There May 10 - 13.
-- mary ellen anderson
9 Years Ago
You save money if you book stuff like the eye online.
Look into getting a London Pass if you want to see the typical places like the Tower, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court... etc.
9 Years Ago
Lots of free stuff - National Portrait Gallery is amazing, British Museum, Natural History Museum (go just to see the buildings architecture, its worth that alone), The Tate, Tate Modern, walk across Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge...
Since you'll be in the area you could see a show in one of the theatres - you can get last minute tickets to anything just hit the Tottenham Court Rd station and you'll see plenty of ticket vendors.
9 Years Ago
How to get from point A to point B: http://tfl.gov.uk/
Get yourself a visitor Oyster card and top it up with 20 quid - that should cover you for 3 days of traveling.
http://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card
9 Years Ago
I am Irish and can give advice on places to see. tell me what you are interested in. newgrange, Hill of Tara, Monsterboice High cross and so on ?
9 Years Ago
Hi Andrew,
My daughter has been working on the itinerary. Looks like as soon as we get there we're doing a taste test comparison of Guinness and Jameson;)
Then it says (not sure what this means exactly)
1. Drogheda
2. Blarney
3. Bunrathy
4. Cliffs of Moher
5. Waterford Crystal Experience.
Some of these are hotels or tours or shopping, but perhaps give you idea of what we're around. I've rented a car, and if understanding right we have a network of bed n breakfast we can choose from each night.
It just all looks so beautiful, can hardly wait.
-- mary ellen anderson
8 Years Ago
Well my bags are packed... not really, but getting there. Been absolutely crazy but I'm still off to Ireland next week. Really need a recharge.
Any last suggestions or advice?
-- mary ellen anderson
8 Years Ago
Ireland is so beautiful! I spent 2 weeks driving around the entire coast and wished I stayed longer. Driving on the wrong side of the road was interesting, but must say love those roundabouts. Since you're going to Blarney, I presume you'll be staying in or near Cohb which has a beautiful old Cathedral worth seeing. Blarney is a good day affair if you want to walk the gardens and spend time exploring the entire castle. The view from on top is spectacular. Weather stopped my plans for the Cliffs of Mohr sadly, but I hope to return one day to spend more time in Ireland.
Too bad you're not traveling the southwestern coast though. There is so much to see: Killarney (Muckross Estate with carriage rides, Ladies View, and Ross Castle to name a few), Dingle Penninsula (especially beautiful to drive) and more. Killarney is only about an hour further than Bunratty and an hour from Cork.
Be sure to read up on restrictions for photography at the places you visit. Some places don't allow any use to sell just for personal album, others charge, some forbid commercial use, etc.
The food was wonderful throughout Ireland and the people amazing. I was there in December and didn't prepare for record cold. I'd suggest packing very warm outfits just in case as it can get quite nippy along the coast. Ireland often charges for heat or A/C and doesn't turn either on before certain times of the year unless you pay for it. Many a night I spent freezing and came home absolutely chilled to the bone, cuz I wasn't prepared for the unseasonal snow and bitter cold.
Have a blast!
~ Charly
Imagery by Charly
8 Years Ago
Almost forgot.... It's been 4 yrs. since I have been to Ireland, but I did get a special International Driving Permit before going. I cannot remember exactly where I got it nor if it was recommended or required to have. You might want to check into it, as it is required in some countries to drive in and/or obtain car insurance there and some local police won't recognize your US DL. Oh and be sure to have your US DL along with you too. :)
~ Charly
Imagery by Charly
8 Years Ago
Good tips form Dave Bridburg above.
In Ireland from an art point of view I'd suggest you check out two items
Caravaggio
http://www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Collection/Irelands_Favourite_Painting/Caravaggio.aspx
and
Francis Bacon's Studio http://www.hughlane.ie/history-of-studio-relocation
as well as teh more traditional tourist points and arts.
8 Years Ago
Have a great time, just don't kiss the Blarney Stone, the local kids do nasty things to it.
8 Years Ago
Charley,
I'm actually spending 5 days just in the southwest arm, and have marked all your suggestions on my travel map. My ancestry is Limerick.
I'm actually intentionally dressing light (but lots of layers). Figure if I'm going to the country that makes the best coats and sweaters I just buy there. Then ship it home. It's probably cheaper than international baggage fare, and lots more fun. lol
Thanks, everyone, for all the suggestions. I'll try and do us proud.
-- mary ellen anderson
8 Years Ago
Lots of layers for sure. After two really lovely warm weeks, we're back to hail, sleet and snow here in Scotland, and I know other parts are having it wetter and colder too.
8 Years Ago
Liz, I'm starting in Dublin and plan to restock wardrobe shortages there. Suggestion on where to shop?
--mary ellen anderson