REAL DEALS
Seattle Air/Hotel, From $340
This bargain three-night getaway checks you in to a stylish hotel at Pike Place Market. So what if it's a little rainy?
I'm afraid I usually deal with visitors and don't know that much about moving to Ireland to live. The Relocation Bureau is a company who handles moves to Ireland. I don't know them well enough to recommend them or not. The Irish employment website has some good, detailed advice about relocating. The official website has more legal info. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
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Corpus Christi, Tex.: We made a quick stop in Cork (off our cruise ship) and traveled by bus to Waterford. We want to return to see ALL of Ireland. What is the best way to do this? Where is the best town to base ourselves from? What time of year is the weather best? Thanks.
Anto Howard: A few question and I'll take them in order.
• Best way to see Ireland in a short time is in a car. But even though the country is small don't rush about and try to see everything. Pick a few places and spend a bit of time in each so you can get into the slower pace of the country areas.
• I would base myself in Dublin for a couple of days to see the Capital and to do half day visits to the historical and natural wonders of Meath and Wicklow.
Then I'd head west and base myself in a small town in Connemara (Clifden perhaps, or Leenane) and from here I'd spend a few days exploring this most beautiful and mysterious part of Ireland. You could do a few hikes here, or get bikes and cycle through the mountain passes.
If you have time I'd head down south to West Cork and Kerry. I'd base myself in Schull in West Cork or on the Dingle Peninsula and I'd drive around the peninsulae of the Southwest.
The warmest months are July and Aug, but the best weather is in June and September because they are dryer and still warm.
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Wilmington, Del.: I have traveled to Ireland to play golf a number of times. With the joy(?) of the weakened dollar, I'd like some suggestions of golf to play, especially links courses, that won't break the bank, if my son and I fly into Shannon over the summer. I think we'd like to rent a car and do B&B for overnights.
Anto Howard: You are right, if you're are going to play golf in Ireland it has to be links. A lot of the top links courses are ridiculously over priced and a bit of a rip-off.