75 Comments

• sirpeter | Mar 14, 2012, 05:52 PM EDT

  Bythebay.I don't know what kind of a crap hole hotels you have been staying in.But I have never experienced what you have said in your comment below.Hotels are graded in Ireland.Where were you staying?A homeless shelter?American standards go from very good to very crap like anywhere else.As for the Irish not doing hotel work.Try and use your brain a bit.There is no future in doing this minimum wage work for Irish people.Eastern Europeans get €9 an hour but they send as much of the money home as they can where it is worth 4 times the value there.Do you get it now?

• johnh33 | Jun 19, 2011, 10:12 AM EDT

  ok so you're pissed because dublin bus has no instructions for first time travelers ok have you ever been on a bus in new york it works the same way put your money in coin box beside driver take your seat press bell when u want to get off whats so hard about that

• downunder | Apr 06, 2011, 08:32 PM EDT

  alas THIS COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

• ellenfromcork | Apr 06, 2011, 07:38 PM EDT

  70 comments so far!!! God, I love it when everyone gets their Irish up!!!! Wouldn't it be grand to meet all all of yous in a pub to discuss this. The craic would be mighty.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 31, 2011, 06:38 PM EDT

  alygirl: "P.S ditch the phone"? Why? The Irish are always jabbering into their phones. Why should he be different? And as for the foreign migrants, looks like they are all issued a free phone when they come in at Dublin Airport.

• alygirl | Mar 31, 2011, 08:38 AM EDT

  I see Mr. Morrison, you are quite the American paperman (or internet man). Who would read you and your comments if you only said nice things? Good things don't sell papers or in your case internet space. Why didn't you laugh when you couldn't figure out the lights? I laughed at you, it was an experience and instead of enjoying it...you blew it. Enjoy getting lost in Ireland, you may meet some of the most fascinating people. Actually, except for that business man, it doesn't look like alot of folks want you to come back. I do, I want you to come with no expectations, and extra time for getting lost, and take a bus or a train you have no idea where it goes to and stay the night. P.S ditch the phone...talk to people instead of who ever isnt with you. If you can't do these things, then why do you travel?

• BallinaLass | Mar 30, 2011, 09:52 AM EDT

  As a reasonably well-traveled American, I can vouch that Ireland is a feckin' paradise for travelers. This Simon fella should try dealing with customer service standards in Italy, he'd never leave home again. However, I do agree with him that the Dublin bus system is impenetrable to the outsider.

• Cranleigh | Mar 29, 2011, 06:15 PM EDT

  Re: card-operated hotel lights, isn't this fairly common in American hotels as well e.g. the Sheraton and Delta chains? My biggest problem in Ireland last time was the lack of a smartphone so I was unable to plan ahead. The cell phone I rented at Dublin Airport ran out of minutes in two days. On my way home, I booked a room in the Burlington at the Dublin Airport Tourist Office and took the bus shuttle down. Of course, it was the last stop. We took at least half an hour to get from Ballsbridge down Anglesea Road. When I finally got there, I was told quite abruptly by the young Irish manager at reception that there was no record of my booking despite my receipt, good day sir. Raising my voice did not help matters. I had to go BACK to Ballsbridge with my bags and book in at Jury's. It was only when I returned to Canada that I got all the details together and found out that the Burlington, not the booking people at Dublin Airport, had made the mistake. Of course, this kind of thing can happen anywhere. Next time, I'm bringing my new Galaxy phone. I would echo some of the points already made. Downtown Dublin is interesting but full of foreigners and poor value for money as well. The most authentically Irish experiences are to be had in small town BandBs down the the country. Roundabouts and standard cars are driving facts in Europe that you should prepare for. I was extremely impressed by the Luas line. Dublin needs more of that when we get some money again.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 29, 2011, 03:36 PM EDT

  ancavker: Thanks for your kind words. I can give as good as I get---better, in the case of some of the clowns who attack me with their foul and abusive language. This appears to be the norm for both public and private discourse in Ireland right now. But I'll continue to post about how Ireland has deteriorated in recent decades. We know the Irish are touchy for they have a lot to be ashamed about. Hence they try to stifle objective analysis and intimidate free comment. Won't work. Was it Harry Truman who said: "I never gave anybody hell ... I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell." I'm not giving you hell, Irish, I'm just telling the truth about the mess you made of an ancient country and culture. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. You have let down the generations who went before you.

• ancavker | Mar 29, 2011, 02:12 PM EDT

  sirpeter: What is this fascination with Dillon and its Norman origin?? Silly silly stuff indeed.

• ancavker | Mar 29, 2011, 02:10 PM EDT

  George Dillon: I do not always agree with everything you post. But we can at least be civil and agree to disagree. And in many cases I agree with many of the things that you post. especially the Irish that snivel and ape anything that is English. Your treatment here at times is horrific,a nd I am sorry you have to endure that. You see the Irish love to criticize others, especially Irish-Americans, but when it is thrown back in their faces they get very defensive. Don't let them scare you away.

• longislander1940 | Mar 29, 2011, 12:14 PM EDT

  WOW! You sound like the typical pain in the ass American. You were in a foreign country, not your backyard. I've been there quite a few times travelling alone and have no complaints. The country still speaks english. As far as the airlines there are earlier flights that get you in after 6:30am in the morning. What will you do if they decide to speak only Irish????

• Weezie | Mar 29, 2011, 11:17 AM EDT

  We think this dude is just a cranky old grouch. !! We loved everything and everyone in Ireland. I brought my daughter and my ten year old grandaughter. My ten yr old was never tired nor fussy, She had the time of her life while on "The Trip of a Lifetime" We loved the Lodges; castles and etc. in which we stayed. And even though I am not "Mama Bear" I loved your porridge and the Orange marmalade. !!!! I can assure you; we will be back hopefully by 2012, !! Love Ireland and those Irish people. Weezie

• ellenred | Mar 29, 2011, 10:09 AM EDT

  I had a key like that at a B & B in Kinsale. The owner explained it. Of course, being a guy : you DIDN'T ask about the key. You showed a sense of "entitlement" in the restaurant, so things slowed down. As to the signs, again RESEARCH......learn what to look for on the roat.....what numbers .....duh

• sirpeter | Mar 29, 2011, 08:52 AM EDT

  I like this so much I'm going to post it again.Fat Georgy Dillon appears to have some Irish blood. But his name is old English/Norman of real origin.It's a Norman family name de Leon from Normandy France.The Dillon Family Motto is: Dum Spiro, Spero (While I breathe, I'm a dope)

• sirpeter | Mar 29, 2011, 08:43 AM EDT

  JessNiLeacai..You must have had the wrong Corkmen ;))

• hancock | Mar 29, 2011, 08:15 AM EDT

  Simon go the Bahamas next time , you whiner.

• antoman | Mar 29, 2011, 07:01 AM EDT

  He mutters as gaeilge like it was klingon.Its agat not agatsa...nurse Ratchett!?

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 29, 2011, 03:36 AM EDT

  More stupid ignorant bigotry from the poster jessnileaci, though from a source I hadn't noticed before. You may not "want" my country, but hundreds of thousands of Irish would love to come live here,because they've made such a mess of their own country. One of the multiple ways they have screwed up their country is by electing a corrupt Fianna fail government which introduced a policy of settling the country with foreigners. And the problem is, that policy went parallel with forcing their own citizens to become permanent welfare leeches. And some of them do come here, breaking our immigration laws. I don't take abuse from racists like you, nileacai. I don't support illegal alien Irish skulking around Woodside or the Bronx. And how stupid you are--you attack the United States, then you quote (is this the extent of your reading and education?) an American cartoon! Then you try to intimidate me off this site. I'm more Irish than 99% of the Irish-born posters here, people like you, oleacai, with your dumb Coronation Street and Manchester United. You've nothing to offer in terms of Irish culture. I even went to the trouble of learning Irish, when the lazy feckless Irish insist on blabbering in Leprechaun English. An bhfuil oiread agus focal amhain Gaeilge agatsa, a oinsigh aimaideach?

• dukmarshal@aol.com | Mar 29, 2011, 12:28 AM EDT

  What Simon was saying in his original post as well as the follow up were just based on his observations and not a slam of Ireland or the Irish. I am not well traveled except with the US Navy in the 60's, yet my first trip after retiring was to Ireland. Staying in B&Bs is much better than hotels. There was many a roundabout I circled twice and a few three times picking the right sign pointer to follow. Then whilst in Tarbert looking for a house address, unsuccessfully, I found the pier overlooking the Shannon. I asked an older woman who was walking her dog if she knew how to get to the said address. She replied, "You go in to town and turn right and then stay to the right and sure you'll find it." So I walked out on the pier digesting her directions. I decided to verify and asked a fisherman. He said, "You go in to town and turn right and then stay to the right and when you come to the school it'll be, pause, five houses on your right." Of course they were both right.

• Trealach | Mar 28, 2011, 09:38 PM EDT

  As I said earlier - IF in doubt, ASK! no one will shoot you - not even a cop. When visiting a foreign country EXPECT things to be DIFFERENT. If you are driving around a foreign country - Buy a MAP ( a folded piece of paper with lines depicting roads showing the various towns and cities AND how to get there). If there are multiple switches in a room - Turn them ALL ON, then decide which ones to turn off. It's quite simple really, but requires a huge amount of common sense. We employ 'foreigners' here so get over it and used to it. I can bet the house that if I go to America I won't meet an 'American' - what I will meet are foreigners who "claim" to be American - Italian/American, French/American, Irish/American - but not a single "American" will I meet. Ireland is an open economy and multi-cultural/national country. The day of the old thatched cottage, leprechauns, and comely maidens dancing at the cross-roads are over.

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 08:52 PM EDT

  PolinDeB...There is no sense of humour on this site. This place is a comedian's nightmare. I get your joke. The fun of been in a car screaming.. any other way but the way the sign is pointing...Just expect the grammar police to respond to your post.

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 08:38 PM EDT

  SirPeter don't be giving these women false hopes about Corkmen!As a corkwoman myself I had to go northwards for such orgasmic pleasures hahah

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 08:30 PM EDT

  Deidra47..Sorry about the French couple helping you kiss the Blarney Stone.That's just plain wrong. I live 3 miles away from the Blarney Stone. You should have refused to let them hold you while kissing it. God Damn!! Is nothing sacred anymore.It's the strong Irish arms holding you while you kiss the stone.It's all connected.You would have felt the magic then course through your body. I helped one American girl years ago kiss the stone,living so close all my life she felt it would be better. She got the gift of eloquence alright. She wrote a 40 page letter back telling me she also became Multi-Orgasmic as well. I wrote back and told her that wasn't the stone. But she could think of me if she wants. ;))

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 08:04 PM EDT

  btw, I think the word you were looking for was 'Geez' Geese are in a flock...

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 08:02 PM EDT

  yes PolinDeB, Geese. hahaha See sense of humour. The writer,however, bless his poor American well paid journalist heart has none!

• PolinDeB | Mar 28, 2011, 07:49 PM EDT

  Geese people really need to get a touch of reality... My Australian friend had a great time in Ireland and still tells the story of how every time we saw a sign for the M50 carpark I screamed at her to go the other way .. any other way!!! After spending an hour and a half on it going 4 miles to a wedding reception she understood why.. it's stil her favourite story though... bad stories are part of travel and the truth is everything they guy said is true... the guys in dublin who are bringing tourists for a pint on arrival know that... ;) sense of humour please!!

• PolinDeB | Mar 28, 2011, 07:45 PM EDT

  Don't worry about it.. it's a left over from the Celtic Tiger mentality... Why aren't we great? We ignored tourists needs by destroying the stuff they really like and then behaved like boors when people pointed out they have malls and motorways in Germany and the USA... It's Tiger guilt, we sold our soul for false prosperity and now feel really bad because we really liked the old us and we got nothing from the new us. hopefully people will get over it and just start fixing the problems..

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 07:35 PM EDT

  @ellenfromcork..ha ha...The Dillon Motto: "Dum" Spiro, Spero (While I breathe, I hope). Changed to (While I breathe, I'm a dope)Come on Ellen. If you were born and bred in Cork,you should have got that one.lol

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 07:28 PM EDT

  @ellenfromcork re Sirpeter -he was joking, girl

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 07:26 PM EDT

  For George Dillon, I don't want your country.I lived there before and you can keep it. You can be as ignorant as you want, I am sure you moan about all the foreigners taking your jobs in your wonderful country.I will refer to a South Park episode full of rednecks (probably like yourself)- 'They're taking our jobs!' I'm not racist either for the record, my god daughter is Nigerian so stick that in your pipe. I just don't tolerate moany whiny people who have nothing good to say because they aren't catered to hand and foot. You would really want to just sign yourself off this Irish site because perhaps your irish by descent but you're a boastful yank any other way.

• ellenfromcork | Mar 28, 2011, 06:50 PM EDT

  @SirPeter, your Latin translation is a wee bit off.

• Deidra47 | Mar 28, 2011, 06:07 PM EDT

  When I went to Ireland a few years back.....road signs not being there was a problem. I asked an Irish Lass....how do you all get around/there are no signs to I.D. the streets, or house numbers/road signs. She said with a laugh - we ask for directions and us Irish don't give good directions. Some of us don't know Ireland and signs are needed to keep from getting lost. I was told as well, out in the middle of no where....if you see a road sign, don't count on it being accurate as the kids have been known to turn them around. It's not racist to want to see and have the Irish working in Irish establishments. I want to meet the Irish and talk with them. If I wanted to learn about the Polish people, I would have gone there. In kissing the "blarney" stone....little disappointed it was a French couple who helped you do this and took the picture.

• antoman | Mar 28, 2011, 05:26 PM EDT

  It appears that during the day georgyboy is briefly able to get access to nurse Ratchets laptop.

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 05:12 PM EDT

  Fat Georgy Dillon appears to have some Irish blood. But his name is old english/norman of real origin.It's a Norman family name de Leon from Normandy France.The Dillon Motto is: Dum Spiro, Spero (While I breathe, I'm a dope)

• irishcara | Mar 28, 2011, 04:51 PM EDT

  During both our visits to Ireland we ran into problems.Flat tires, trunk that leaked, being locked out of our cottage, getting lost, hard to read road signs. They all just made out trips that much more fun. Looking forward to having "more problems" on our next visit.

• sham1977 | Mar 28, 2011, 04:49 PM EDT

  I have to say that alot of people are overreacting to this - both sides, both the people who agree with Simon and those who don't. Having said that, out of all the comments, I find GeorgeDillon's the worst!!! Do you really want to start slinging the mud??? There are alot of things I could say in retalliation about ignorant Americans, but, I'm not going to stoop that low and be as negative as you were!! It seems like this was your golden opportunity to bash the Irish!! The question that has to be asked is: Why the hell are you even part of Irish Central if you dislike Irish people so much???? For the record, I know of plenty American people who "slyly and unlawfully" moved to Ireland to be with a boyfriend/girlfriend.

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 04:19 PM EDT

  I don't think we are been hypersensitive. I found his criticism laughable. If he said I got food poisoning and spent two days on the toilet.Then went for a walk and got pick pocketed of €400.Rented a car and it broke down and nobody would help him.Then they made him pay for the break down.When a bearing shattered in the rear wheel,which I refused to pay till the cops took his passport 5 mins before his plane took off for home.So he had to pay.THEN Simon would have something to criticize. All of the above happened to me on one vacation and I said to myself..Well that was a bit of a nightmare..But I didn't blame the country. I blamed my wife for choosing the place.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 28, 2011, 04:01 PM EDT

  Angelwoman: You say that the migrant workers are there because of the EU. But since when is Angola, India, bangla Desh, Seychelles part of the EU? Don't you even know what countries are in the EU? Just how ignorant are the Irish people--is this what countless hours of English soap operas and soccer games does to you? I met migrant workers from all those countries on my last trip to Ireland. Now as far as I am concerned the Irish can follow lunatic policies if they wish, but why the hell do they slyly & unlawfully try to get into MY country when there's lots of jobs for them in their own? Keep out--Irish, if you're too lazy to work in your own country.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 28, 2011, 03:54 PM EDT

  Simon: I think you are owed an apology by some of the racists who screamed at you. One was the guy who styles himself DrTrelawney, another was the wacist who just posted under the name of McSpartacus. These fools ought to apologize for their stupid insulting abusive language. But I suspect they won't. They're the same ones who'll be whining about unemployment and emigration in other posts. They're the same old thickos which Ireland seems to produce byh the million. Listen DrTrelawney, McSpaartacus and fellow racists--don't bother trying to emigrate to the USA--we don't want bigoted fools like you.

• McSpartacus | Mar 28, 2011, 03:41 PM EDT

  Hotel lights: This is an energy/carbon saving scheme to prevent you from actually using them. Foreign workers: We don't have to listen to your xenophobic rants. Politeness: What the hell is your problem, you bloody foreigner? Road signs: Why do you want to know? If you really belonged here you'd know where you are. The overnight flight: We had to clear the day flights for those fellows going to Syria in Orange jumpsuits. Dublin Bus: (See road signs)

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 03:32 PM EDT

  and macenri, theres criticism and then theres stupidity. If you can't turn on a light or ask how to do something, you should just stay at home. eejits

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 28, 2011, 03:30 PM EDT

  Simon, you obviously can't take criticism whether it be constructive or not which shows lack of humour on your part. You go on about the DART and the LUAS- well how hard can it be to turn around and look at the machines behind you to pay or walk up to the information desk at the DART?! I lived in Dublin for 5years and believe me you, I found a way to pay or faced a fine! Your points are ridiculous and petty at the least. I mean come on, you wanted to meet Irish people in a hotel? I don't even do that when I go to other cities in Ireland! If I want to meet locals, I go to the pub or to an event/festival. But of course with your attitude, who would want to entertain you? I have met tourists like yourself before and people in Ireland will greet you with the same attitude you greet them with. You can't expect people to roll out a carpet of Cead Mile Failte if you're going to be a thick whiny such and such!! Stay in America please, Ireland has its own shower of eejits already!

• maceinri | Mar 28, 2011, 03:24 PM EDT

  Relax Simon - the Irish are the world's greatest begrudgers, permanently obsessed with themselves and other people's opinion them, hypersensitive to all criticism. I didn't like or agree with everything you said, but it didn't upset me that much and I thought most of your comments were fair and true.

• jfoynyc | Mar 28, 2011, 03:05 PM EDT

  "Well traveled" but little to show for it. Never encountered entry card-controlled lights before! Do you meet Americans at service desks in America most of the time? Don't ask Simon but there are 3.8 litres is equivalent to a U.S. gallon!! Simon Morrisson, you portrayed yourself, as an uneducated traveller and one not suited to writing about other places. Where was the Editor, Niall? What could be a good website is falling short of its potential

• angelwoman | Mar 28, 2011, 02:41 PM EDT

  I think every one is getting hot in the collar over an article that was written about how the writer enjoyed Ireland except for ten things, which you would find on any trip/vacation, etc. The signs wround the country has always been commented on and I think the the signs for travel has been improved upon since I was a little child traveling to Ireland with my parents. I have been to Ireland quite frequently and have driven around with no problem. I have stayed in hotels where there are Irish born employees and have also used rooms where the lights are controlled by the key card, but the staff had informed us at the desk. The Irish are known for their hospitality, but it is sad to say former hopsitality - but it is probably the minority that I have recently encountered. Alot of foreigners do work in Ireland now especially since Ireland is part of the European Union. They, like here, are filling jobs that no one else wants. Ireland was always glad to see the American Dollar when I was growing up. The Tourist dollar as well. So buck up and fixed the little problems.

• edmundburke | Mar 28, 2011, 02:32 PM EDT

  All this talk on conserving electrical costs through the hotels' automatic turn off system reminds me of this anecdote regarding the electrification of Kerry after the "National Emergency" in the 1940s. A Kerry meter reader became concerned about the low usage of electricity by an elderly woman in the country, so he paid her a visit. He asked: "Mrs. Kelleher, are you usin' the new electricity much at all?" To which she replied: "Why indeed sir I do -- I use it every day! Indeed, I turn on the light when the sun goes down so I can find me candle!"

• feliciamaisey | Mar 28, 2011, 02:24 PM EDT

  Simon--Having been to Ireland bi-annually over the last ten years, I can see where your comments carry some truth to them, but your original comments were rather offensive in that they neither held humor, nor showed you as a rather savvy traveler, or a person who had done any leg work prior to travel. New travelers either get angered or laugh aloud at the situation with the few places that conserve energy by using a card system, and yes, you are correct, it is a rare note form staff that theirs is such a place. However, many of the other things you describe seemed like a slap, considering that almost every travel book or article could have addressed these issues--I hope you have a better feel for the trip upon second visit, but I also hope you will keep any negative commentary to yourself, unless of course youo present it with humor, thus eliminating its bite.

• fromGort | Mar 28, 2011, 01:43 PM EDT

  I have only stayed in one hotel that used the key-card as a master switch. I almost (almost) wish more used the system. Took a bit of getting used to, but I could understand the why of it. If you've left anything on in the room by accident (TV, curling iron) when you leave it gets turned off and electricity isn't wasted and an accident is prevented. It was a bit annoying when I had to run back into the room for something and had to put the card in to turn on the bathroom light so I could see, but it wasn't a problem.

• expatrick | Mar 28, 2011, 01:35 PM EDT

  Well traveled ,NOT. The light switches are designed to stop wasteful people leaving the lights or aircon on. i have seen these used in many countries around the world even CUBA. oh sorry your not allowed to go there. i went to Florida last year to be served by a Spanish speaker.shock and horror.multiculturalism . shouldn't be allowed. send them back. I don't think all 40 million of you plastic paddies will fit on The Auld Sod.

• edmundburke | Mar 28, 2011, 01:29 PM EDT

  It's been five years since this experience, but I might mention it. Many Irish have inexpensive cell phone call plans. That means the caller pays. I made the mistake of calling my cousin on his cell from my Dublin hotel room phone. Charge on my hotel bill for that 20 min call -- $50!! Hotel agreed to reduce as a courtesy to me being a dumb Yank. Take away: use Irish hotel phones sparingly.

• mamaginnty | Mar 28, 2011, 01:11 PM EDT

  I read it Sirpeter, but take it as it was intended..I hope. Our country roads, thats the real Ireland, meet someone at the crossroads, have a chat from our cars, tractors whatever, 3 or 4 cars waiting behind, no complaints to move on, might even invite the drivers behind to come join us at the local, no hurry...no worry. Enjoy Ireland.

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 12:56 PM EDT

  In all fairness..Will ye get a grip on what he is complaining about.It took him a few minutes to figure out he needed his card to turn on the lights..BIG DEAL. If he got a pre-paid bus pass he could jump on and off Dublin bus any time he wants and not have to worry about paying.HIS MISTAKE.So he meets some foreigners who don't speak English very well.VERY WELL TRAVELLED..NOT!!.The overnight flight!!!ASK!! I'm sure for the airline they have a good reason.Getting lost in Ireland the size of a postage stamp means you didn't plan your route on a map from town to town.You can't get lost on the main roads unless you can't read English. This is all basic stuff when traveling.If Simon has problems in an English speaking country how would he cope with the other nine-tenths of the world who don't speak English.

• Canadian | Mar 28, 2011, 12:38 PM EDT

  One week in Dublin is too short. Two weeks is too long. About day 10 you start noticing the dog poop on O'Connell Street, the beggars, smoking, price gouging in Temple Bar, foul language, plumbing, phone system. And I don't think I have to explain any.

• acmelvin | Mar 28, 2011, 11:52 AM EDT

  Paying for the DART and LUAS is quite self-explanatory....makes me wonder what type of preparation you do for any project. As to the road sign, try NJ..I traveled internationally, but they definitely take the prize for road signs.

• joan1954 | Mar 28, 2011, 11:18 AM EDT

  I have a blast when I visit Ireland only because I stay away from the East Coast. The west cost is more fun and it and the midlands is the Ireland of the Irish. I am in San Antonio and I find many people asking me to help them plan trips to Ireland. The first thing I tell them is to call Tourism Ireland and get vacation guides and when they have them I sit down and show interesting routes. Most get B&B guides as well as a hotel book and we take it from there. A first-timers trip to Ireland is only as good as the preparation work done before hand, that way glitches are fewer.

• jamieLM | Mar 28, 2011, 11:10 AM EDT

  That would be "foreign" country. My Irish relatives wanted to see the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone when they were here on a visit. We had to convince them that although it was only 6 inches on the map, they didn't have enough time to get there and back to catch their flight home. They very reluctantly took our advice. They didn't like our tea, either. We took none of their minor complaints personally and we, including them, had a good laugh over all the things that were better in Ireland. Good to have a sense of humor. Btw: they've come back 3 times.

• jamieLM | Mar 28, 2011, 10:56 AM EDT

  First time travelers, who are on their own, should see how necessary it is to get maps and to do some reading and studying (so many good advice books available) on how best to travel in Ireland or any forgeign country before they go. There are advice books on how to do Disneyworld, so it's certainly a good idea to prepare ahead of time for a trip to a forgeign country. If someone from Ireland had made a similar list about the U.S., it wouldn't upset me. I'd want to give them tips on what they should have done and where they should have gone and advise them next time to consult a good travel agent. My first trip to Ireland was with a tour group and was fabulous. My 2nd trip with friends was great, but there were some glitches - nothing too serious. The 3rd trip went much more smoothly because I was more experienced and knew what to expect. The 4th trip was even better. Practice does make perfect!

• | Mar 28, 2011, 10:52 AM EDT

  Before you visit Ireland again, please do some research in advance. The restaurants and hotels cannot discriminate against Nigerians, etc., who go to Ireland looking for employment. Stay away from Dublin and the other cities. There are lots of foreigners working in the hotels and restaurants. Visit small towns and villages, and you will meet lots of Irish people. Of course, these people may already have heard about you and you might not receive the welcome you would like to receive.

• Waitingis1 | Mar 28, 2011, 10:49 AM EDT

  Feedback is a very good thing! And this is good feedback. It's a pity some people decide to take it as a personal affront when only designed to make things better. Don't be so sensitive.

• Taraskryne | Mar 28, 2011, 10:30 AM EDT

  Actually I agree with you - on everything. Road signs- extremely bad all over the country, public transport a joke. Political correctness that dosnt allow you to call a spade a spade is truly nonsense.Visitors want to be served by staff who speak English at the very least. Ever tried to get directions at a petrol station? I could write a list a lot longer than yours on why the Irish tourist industry is on its knees. Hope you have a better experience next time.

• trspit80 | Mar 28, 2011, 10:30 AM EDT

  If you've got to write more than one explanatory article, you're screwed, buddy. Drop it and move on. Oh and a change of name may be advisable for your return in September. Just sayin'. ~:o)

• coyotelady58 | Mar 28, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT

  Frankly, I see nothing wrong with his comments, as a traveler of the USA, I know from experience that the first time I have traveled to a destination, it usually is a learning experience and thats what makes it memorable! So that the second time I travel there, I know exactly what to do & not to do!! To read someones comments on traveling to a particular place can really help folks who have never been there. It's always good to study up a bit! Bottom line: I found your "annoying" tidbits very helpful since I would love to visit Ireland,(home of my ancestors,O'Flynns), someday soon! Thank you for the tips on what to expect. I don't consider them to be a "Put-down" as much as I consider them helpful! I'll look forward to your next post to see that your next experience there will be much more enjoyable now that you know the Ropes! GodSpeed! Wendre

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 10:26 AM EDT

  @antoman..LOL.. Jesus look-a-likes would be killed stone dead if he got out of his car in Limerick.*Wonders why everyone is getting really upset with confused Simon.

• mayoman | Mar 28, 2011, 10:22 AM EDT

  The Irish Tourism Board should be grateful to Simon Morrison for his candid constructive criticism. His article is one of the means by which tourism problems can be addressed and remedied.

• Helen Ferone | Mar 28, 2011, 10:14 AM EDT

  Dublin has a mixed culture so what made you think you would meet all Irish? Go outside Dublin, visit the countryside, go to Connemara, etc. and see the real Ireland.

• sirpeter | Mar 28, 2011, 10:11 AM EDT

  Simon I can now understand your confusion with the lighting.But I wouldn't put down as an annoyance.It's just you didn't know.Now you do!! Better warn ya about the electronic bar in the cooler.Lift a bottle of wine to look at the label and ding!! You brought it and it's put on your bill even if you put it back lol. This I found out years ago when my four year old decided to take every bottle out.But all was sorted when they check it out. You can hardly expect the staff to say!! Have a nice stay and by the way just in case you are from Hicksville or you are Crocodile Dundee your card turns on the lights. I agree totally with the foreign workers.Cheap labour you see.But the good news is employers are getting rid of them because they don't do small talk with the customers. How you can get lost from Dingle to Limerick is amazing.You are out on a narrow peninsula.It has one main road out to Tralee till you have to make a choice weather you are going north to Limerick via Tralee or south to Killarney.If you take a little side road to nowhere.THERE is two main signs everywhere in Ireland that tell you,you are off track.1/The road is not suitable for a small truck 2/There is grass in the middle of the road.There is thousands of tiny roads all over Kerry interlocking with other tiny roads everywhere.Every half a mile you could have a small junction or crossroads. How many thousands and thousands of roads signs are they suppose to put up. Feck sake some Americans couldn't find Canada if you told them keep going north if they were in the United States.Simple as this buy an Ordinance Survey map of Kerry.It will show you Main roads,Secondary roads,Small roads,and Goat tracks.Road signs are only for women to make sure they get home in time to make the dinner. Isn't that right MamaGinty? *Runs like hell.

• Jane V. Kelly | Mar 28, 2011, 10:06 AM EDT

  I think you should put down the 10 things you liked most. Don't even think about going back.

• onlyatheart | Mar 28, 2011, 09:49 AM EDT

  I agree, please don't write again. It would have been possible to share your experiences and offer helpful advice without had you not opted to use the whiny, accusative tone that came across so offensively. Had it been offered with some humor, possibly your words would have been palatable. This was badly done.

• Ray1Gordon | Mar 28, 2011, 09:41 AM EDT

  My wife and I have visited Ireland every year for the last 8 years for 3 weeks at a time. We love the beautiful golf courses, the pubs with live Irish music, the wonderful scenery like Dingle, Wicklow, the west , but most of all, we enjoy the Irish people, the friendliest that we have ever encountered. Often, we meet Irish people at golf and in pubs who we spend time with, including a Catholic priest that we met at golf and still correspond with.

• DLW12183 | Mar 28, 2011, 09:35 AM EDT

  Please don't write again. Your opinions are meaningless to those of us who love our vacations to Ireland and have taken the time to understand the country and her people.

• irelandvacations | Mar 28, 2011, 09:34 AM EDT

  Well if you want to get a flavor of the real Ireland you need to not stay at hotels but rather bed and breakfast properties. But then again if you booked your trip through a certified Ireland travel agent they would have told you this. Without a travel agent you are on your own.

• DLW12183 | Mar 28, 2011, 09:31 AM EDT

  Please do not write again. Your opinions are meaningless to those of us who love our vacations to Ireland.

• antoman | Mar 28, 2011, 08:57 AM EDT

  Also..I can see from the photo your confusion with buses.The bus you needed is much shorter.And there's no fare to pay for the short bus I believe.

• antoman | Mar 28, 2011, 08:39 AM EDT

  They eat long haired hippies alive in Limerick.Its not known as stabcity for nothing ya know.So for Simons safety we had all the signs pointing to Limerick removed.