10 Things We Didn't Expect in Ireland!
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2023
- From navigating the roads (and dodging sheep!) to environmentalism to earlier bar closing times, to the ever-changing (but not hideous) weather, we'll share the things we didn't expect to find in and about the Emerald Isle, both north and south of the border. We hiked quite a way to the natural sights, found coffee surprisingly plentiful in these tea-drinking countries, learned a bit about the uses of peat, and found some helpful tips to pass along for those seeing the sights who might have mobility issues. We also talked with locals about where THEY travel to on vacation!
Find links below to some of the things we shared in this video, including two other CZcamsrs who vlog about travels in Ireland that you might like if you enjoy our episodes!
And by the way, if you DO enjoy our episodes but haven't subscribed, click on the pink square in the lower right of any of our videos, or click on the subscribe button on our main channel page! It encourages that pesky algorithm to share our videos with even more lovely people like you!
THINGS THAT SURPRISED US IN IRELAND - links
Roundabouts
www.theaa.ie/blog/roundabout-...
Safety and roundabouts
www.canin.com/benefits-modern...
EU more concerned about climate
www.eib.org/en/infographics/e...
Natural sights are a hike
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visi...
Peat cutting video
• Peat cutting and Turf ...
Ferry routes to and from Ireland
ferrygogo.com/ireland/
Eurostar Chunnel video
• Eurostar London to Par...
Don’s Travels and Rants
/ @donstravelsandrants .
The Wandering Irishman
/ @thewanderingirishman
The sheep at the side of the road are counting cars to help them go to sleep. 😁
@feargal2433. 😂😂Thank you for that comment! I’m going to be laughing the rest of the day!!
It instantly reminded me of a cartoonist named Greg Larson (The Far Side) from the early nineties. Check it out. Hope you get a few laughs out of it.
Thanks for watching and sharing! 😀👍
😊@@thissecondhalfadventure
@@carlacampbell3725 Thank you 😀
Glad you left a comment! Hope you keep watching. 😀👍✌
The plastic bag tax ban started in ireland as did the smoking ban indoors.....
@Dilydaydream1 Thank you for watching and sharing your comments. Love to hear from viewers!! It’s funny in the U.S.where most pubs/restaurants ban indoor smoking but, depending on the state or the county more than a few places still allow it! Children are not allowed at those establishments. Plastic bags are over abundant!
Correction: In order to travel by sea to France and other European countries, we do not have to travel to the UK first and then from there to France and the rest of Europe. There are many direct ferry crossings from Ireland to various European countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands. So glad you enjoyed your trip to Ireland. 👍☘💚
@helenaville5939. Thank you for sharing that info!
I did notice some sites on our maps showing ferry trips to Europe from Ireland but didn’t know enough about them to bring them up.
This is why we enjoy the comments we receive from our viewers! We try to be as accurate as we can and you all help us fill in the blanks!
👍😀🇺🇸🇮🇪
Thank god for that.
@@donalfinn4205 😀Thanks for watching!
We always like to reply to comments from our viewers. Maybe you could clarify yours so we can respond properly! Hope you keep on watching! 👍😀
I am a Dominican living in Ireland for 13 years now I was happy to see foreigner speaking about their tourist experience in the land I now call home. Next time you should come to the Southeast Waterford Wexford area. Nature truly blessed this part of Ireland. In regard to the rental car, I had similar experience but with the hotel where I booked a Hilton hotel and took a taxi to the wrong Hilton. 😂😂😂😂
@luisOctubre64. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! We appreciate your suggestion. 😀
I can say we will be traveling in that area . It does sound great with a lot of sights!
Great attitude 👍. Thanks for sharing that story! Sometimes all you can do is laugh. Hope you keep watching. 👍😀✌
We have very street wise sheep in Ireland
First of all, thanks for watching and commenting! Secondly, thank you for making us laugh out loud!!! 😂😂
Hope you keep watching our videos!
American or other non-Irish viewers might like to know what 'Peat' (or 'Turf' as it's called when burned as fuel) actually is?
Although it looks just like moist 'bricks' of dirt or earth when cut from the ground (or 'Bog') it's actually centuries/millenia old compressed dead trees... When you dry it out, it becomes a compressed wood fuel. (It burns really warmly and has quite a lovely aroma or smell from the smoke...)
For many years, it was a staple fuel in Ireland, used to fire regular homes but also in Power Stations that generated electricty. (There was a Government Company called 'Bord Na Mona' ('The Peat Company') who regulated its use, harvested it commercially on a large scale and even developed more 'compressed' ways ('Briquittes') of using it as domestic fuel.) Basically, it was used much as coal was in the United Kingdom and the USA. It's almost EVERYWHERE in Ireland and easily harvested. (There are practically LIMITLESS supplies of this stuff!!!) Importantly, if you had your own land or even access to common 'bogland' it was totally free to harvest. (Professional 'turf cutters' existed.)
Unfortunately, like coal, 'Turf' is not 'Environmentally Friendly' in this day and age. (Some people still use it domestically, but Industrial Usage doesn't exist anymore.) 'Bord Na Mona' still exists as a state company, but, despite its name, doesn't AT ALL process peat/turf anymore. (They explore and exploit 'non toxic' alternative energy creation, Wind Farms and the like.)
All that said, the SMELL of a turf fire really is the smell of an Ireland that really doesn't exist anymore. (It's hard to describe, but like a mix of Cedarwood, Sandalwood and something 'other', dark and musky, that is uniquely Irish. Incidentally, because of this aroma, turf can be difficult to use on a 'cooking fire'... Though, as it burns to red-hot embers, the scent vanishes and it doesn't 'smoke'... Then you can cook on it!)
For Irish people of a certain age, (I'm 61) the smell of a turf fire can and will transport you to memories of a long gone time. (You will NEVER smell a turf fire in big cities now, but you will in more rural areas...) If you are lucky!
xx SF
Thanks so much for helping to fill in the gaps in our knowledge about this - it's been fascinating learning about it! You clearly have a connection to the experience. It's an amazing area of neuroscience, the intertwining of scent with memories and emotion!. We speculated that based on this, there could be a market for turf -scented incense! 😂
I am sad to learn that turf is no longer commercially available, i am the same age as yourself and i grew up loving the smell and cosyness of a turf fire, although Briquettes do render a decent enough aroma if you would like to sample it. I can remember playing with Briquettes as a child, we would strap them onto our feet and make 'platform' shoes from them!
It’s just County Derry! Not Londonderry!
@corkboy4523. 👍 We’ve had many comments regarding our County Derry references. We really appreciate all of them. We try to learn something from each one.
Thank you for joining in the conversation! 😀
Do`nt worry you were spot on its county Londonderry and always will be.....yer man is living in a fantasy world.@@thissecondhalfadventure
It's Derry if you are South of the border and always will be.
@@ShamFraeTheToon we might let you still call it that after a successful border poll…if ye behave😆
@@julibeswick-valentine3690 We really appreciate you commenting!
We tried to be neutral since we were visiting and all of the maps had the “stroke” between the names. Hope you keep watching!
If your not happy about the weather in Ireland, wait 10 mins.
@1tommymulligan. 😀 We have always said that “10 minutes “ where we live as well. I think it’s a more accurate statement in Ireland than here!
Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
It's hard to compare a country like Ireland that goes back thousands of years with young America. You can travel much faster on our dual carriageway roads doing speed of 100 km (60 mph) & on some you can do 120 km (75 mph). Sheep are kept in fields. It's only in some more isolated areas that you might see them on the side of the road. I've only ever seen them in fields. The Irish in general travel a lot worldwide & flights go to many places from Dublin, Shannon, Cork & Belfast. Many countries on our doorstep. It's NOT true to say it rains all the time. Thank God for our climate as we don't have extreme heat in summer or really severe cold in winter. Just now & then. There is a lot of Irish stereotyping about us and our culture. I hope you have a great holiday in Ireland. 👍
Thanks so much for watching and for your comments @ClaireQuinn566! We loved our time in Ireland, and did choose to visit places more off the beaten path- less urban and less “touristy” overall. We were very fortunate with the weather. Our visit certainly dispelled some of our misconceptions about your lovely country. Hopefully our video will help do the same😊♥️
The vast majority of sheep in ireland are in isolated areas.Donegal has half a million sheep similar numbers in mayo donegal wicklow ,galway and kerry mostly on commonage land that is unfenced.They are lowland sheep kept in fields ,but the majority are free ranging upland sheep and even in some lowland areas like the curragh in county kildare sheep graze on commonage land
Claire my answer to the rain problem is to tell tourists it does not rain all the time it is about 50/50. The problem is in Ireland it rains unexpectedly!!
@@raymonddixon7603 😀 That’s why we believe the saying “ If you don’t like the weather, wait “ Thanks for your comment and for watching! 👍
We don't call it peat. We call it turf. The uk calls it peat. Most rural areas are still cutting turf. I'm going to guess you're not from new England as there are plenty of round abouts in Boston.. They call them a rotary. Lived there for years. I'm from Co. Mayo. Glad you enjoyed your holiday here. I lived in Chicago for 10 years. Edison Park. Northwest side.... Go cubs
@mrgrape2166. Thanks for the clarification! I had only heard the word peat until some of our viewers started saying turf instead.
We’re in Indiana, and Indiana has a large amount of roundabouts compared to other states here.
At one time I lived in Chicago near Wrigley Field. Nothing better than sitting in the bleachers on a sunny afternoon!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you watch more! 👍😀🇺🇸🇮🇪
Mayo for Sam
@anniemayne-xe6ft Now that's some high class trolling😂
Definitely deive the Slea Head Loop of the Dingle Peninsula. It's a beautiful drive to Dingle and then the Slea Head drive is just spectacular.
@schex9. Thanks again 👍👍 We really hope to make that drive 😀 We haven’t seen yet how the roads are around Slea Head. Just curious!
In 1978, I took a train from Dublin to Hook von Holland, which included two ferries. In 2022, it rained, actual rain, three times in two weeks, during the day. Most of the rain was at night. It also misted several times but it didn't inconvenience me at all.
@donovanfoto3263. That sounds like a great adventure! You definitely need to be ready for rain!
Great attitude 😀👍
Coffee. It is about 50/50 with coffee in Ireland with regards to consumption. In hotels at breakfast they generally ask you if you want your tea or coffee before or with your breakfast. Most people say with breakfast while they have their cereal an juice first. For American tourists you should ask for an Americano, that is what Irish people call an ordinary coffee, as distinct from, latte, cappuchino, etc. Bars close officially at 12.30. You will find that is not always the case. Some instantly becomes Speakeasy's after 12.30.
Thanks for watching and commenting Raymond! So, are you a coffee or tea drinker, and if tea, which brand? We hear people there are split between Barry’s, Lyon’s and Bewley’s…
@@thissecondhalfadventure Unfortunately, I drink both. If you pushed me I would say coffee. There are hundreds of small cafes selling their own coffee, which I love sampling. Most younger people would probably drink coffee. Barrys or Bewleys. Bewleys were always renowned for their coffee. One of the oldest coffee houses in Ireland. I am trying to replace sugar with honey, just a dash!!!!
Re cliffs of moher. Prior to 2007 I think , there were no long walks to see the cliffs. You could drive right up to them and if you were brave, lean over the edge and look down and along the cliffs. IE there was no walls or paths, much more authentic. It was then developed to include shops and dining and the introduction of expensive car parks to cater for tourists. And to make more money!
Great to know that! If you walk from Doolin are there walls?
hi from ireland............ you have given a pretty good report on our beautiful country....thanks😁
Hi back from the states! We loved our time in Ireland, and are planning to go back next year to see the southern half of your stunning country. Any suggestions for little-known places we might like? Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comments😊♥️🇮🇪🇺🇸
Thanks so much for the shout out guys. I return the favour in my 3rd episode of the Donegal trip, keep an eye out for it! 😊
Thanks so much David! We’ll watch for it!😊🇮🇪🇺🇸♥️
@@thissecondhalfadventure Came over from @TheWanderingIrishman , enjoyed your video, I see you had a wet day in Athlone, lots of them this Summer.
Smiley, We got very lucky with the weather most days on our trip. We loved Athlone! Great to see some of David's subscribers popping over; we're great fans of his channel! Thanks so much for watching, hope you'll view some more! 😊🇮🇪🇺🇸❤️
Been to Ireland twice. I love it. Most of my time was south of Dublin/Galway. I did get to Mullingar for a few hours, less than 24. I did not see too many Americans in May/June of last year. The first language I heard last year was SPANISH, which surprised me. I also saw lots of Ukrainian women and children, which is to be expected. I also found a Mexican restaurant where the woman was from Mexico City. I also found a young lady at Supermac in Galway who was from Barcelona, Spain.
It only seems to rain for 20 - 30 minutes at a time. I was lucky to have it rain in the daytime only three times, in three weeks. Most of the rain was at night.
We hope to get back to Ireland next year. The plan is to visit the southern half but we’re still talking about sites that we missed in the north.
We met travelers from a dozen European countries, Canada and Asia. We met dozens of Americans in Dublin. Most were there to see Garth Brooks’ shows that weekend.
We got SO lucky with weather. Rain showers were short. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Visit Macroom for REAL Mozzarella cheese, Drimoleague for the "World's Most Expensive Birdhouse - Castle Donovan", some spectacular beaches, the Observatory Castle in Cork, Cobh - last port of call for the Titanic in Europe and Flota for the house and park.
Donovan thanks so much for the suggestions! We've added them to to our list to investigate! Thanks for watching and commenting!😊❤️
What usually happens with the rain is that you get a shower for 30 minutes - then it turns to constant rain 🙂
@@okelydokely9984 I was there May and June of 2022. It rained three times in the daytime. Most of the rain was at night when I was sleeping. I was very fortunate.
Great video. I grew up working on peat bogs every summer. Start about 6am every morning and finish at 5 or 6pm in the evening. Great work for a 15year old. However, we are destroying our peat bogs so, I for one, am very glad that there's a ban.
@cdrago462. Thank you for your comment and for watching!
That sounds like an honest day’s work! Reminds me of my summer jobs😀 Usually hard work like that keeps a young man out of trouble 😂
We’ve gotten several comments like yours. They understand the need to preserve the ‘turf’ , but are very nostalgic about the smell of the fire during the colder seasons.
Thanks again! 👍✌
In Ireland we have motorways with overpasses you can tell by the signs are coloured blue!
@MindTheGap1. Thanks for watching! Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember seeing an overpass or two on the M6! Similar to our interstates. Thanks for jogging my memory!😀
Hope you keep watching. 👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
@@thissecondhalfadventure no problem
The roaming sheep are on commanage. Land owned
by a number of tenants.
Markings on the sheep denotes a particular farmer’s herd ownership.
@norawhite6612. Thank you for watching! We don’t see it that much in the Midwest U.S. Might be more prevalent out in the western U.S.
We had questions about the sheep so we did some research. If you get time try to watch our video Mt. Errigal/ Paintball Sheep (silly name) and let us know how we did!
Really appreciate the comment! 👍😀
There is a saying in Ireland that if you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes.
@raybo64. We have always said the same thing about Indiana but I’ll admit the saying is more true in Ireland than in Indiana. Thanks for the comment and for watching! 😀👍
Yes people here fly to Europe a lot and ya it’s not far. There’s also a ferry from Rosslare to sherbough France . There’s a car ferry from Cahirciveen to Valentia in County Kerry. U can also drive all the way around from Cahirciveen to Valentia. There’s more ferries from Tarbert to County Claire.
Yes we get a lot of rain here. We are looking forward to the summer here and can’t wait for sunshine . I go kayaking here every summer and it’s great fun.
@bella-donnaosullivan5660. I guess we never thought about the flight times to the mainland from Ireland. Then we met travelers from Portugal and Denmark and learned the distances they flew were relatively short.
We knew ferries crossed to England but didn’t realize they also crossed over to the mainland.
I guess we need to get out a little more 😂
We are anxious for warmer weather. Had a few nice days but expect a few inches of snow.
The kayaking sounds great!
Thanks again for your comments.
As somone who owns a Peat bog turf/peat cutting is not banned but can only be used domestically.
Good to know! We’ve had quite a bit of interest/comments on the subject. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your knowledge!😊
There are no roundabouts on motorways. Motorways are designated with M - M50, M11. Signs are in blue. National routes N designation eg N11, signs are in green. You will get roundabouts on N roads, as well as Regional (R) and Local (L) roads.
@aisling1551. 👍 Thanks for watching and for commenting! Yeah, I should have clarified that a little better. The “M” roads were great for getting from point A to point B quickly. Very similar to the U.S. interstate system. No roundabouts.
I was actually referring to the “N” roads.😀
One more clarification: We did not see sheep while driving on “M” roads or “N” Primary roads!😀.
Hope you keep on watching our videos!🇺🇸🇮🇪
Hi Guys, I'm so glad you enjoyed you trip, Cead Mile Failte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes) Drop by Dingle next time, Lots to see n do around here 👍
@barryscales949. A big thank you for your comment ! 😀 We appreciate your recommendation.
Dingle is on our list. It looks like a good fit for us!
Thanks for putting a smile on our faces! 👍😀
@@thissecondhalfadventure a trip over to the Blasket island is a must, lovely walk around the island too, 30min boat trip from dingle,
@@barryscales949 Thanks for that cool tip !
We’re going to look at that and see how it works out . I hadn’t heard of Blasket Island. Thanks, we love hearing about different spots! 👍😀
Motorways have blue signage and have a top speed limit of 120km they don't have roundabouts. I think you are talking about is at the end of a motorway there are signs indicating that the motorway ends in ~~~meters and then you may find a roundabout and the signage changes too green and the speed limit reduces to 100km.
@louiswhelan8410. That’s a great comment! You are correct about that. I was “generalizing “ roads when I said that. I should have said N roads since motorways are M roads. Roundabouts will occur on N roads, not on M roads. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍😀 Hope you keep on watching and commenting!
Now I know! Thanks for the information, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for watching Bel!😘
In the States Meijers has had their own cloth bags for years.
@peggygraham6129 yes, we have a Meijer near us, and a lot of stores offer reuseable ones for sale, but the continued use of plastic by far outweighs them over here. And thanks so much for watching and commenting!😊
It’s called Turf. Turf comes from bogs. There was machine turf and hand turf cutting. There’s loads of bogs in County Kerry.
@bella-donnaosullivan5660. We’ve gotten more educated regarding ‘turf’. Some of the education came from research but the best info came from our viewers. Most viewers understand the need for the ban . Some told us turf logs were being shipped to Ireland from Brazil and Germany. We found that interesting!
Thanks for the info about the bogs in Kerry 😀👍✌️
For those hotel keycard power units, alot of times a similar size card works, so i can put in my travel card or old bank card in the slot and i have power for the person staying behind and get to bring my room keycard out and about. Doesn't work for all but always worth a shot. Great observations btw, hope you really enjoyed your trip.
Why not just leave the 2nd card in the slot and take the other 1 with you? Each room gets 2 cards
@@ocodeskamcdbsm Yeah of course you can do that too, but sometimes it's handy for when two people sharing can take a key each but have the power on after they leave the room for air con or charging something
@@MsCj109 that defeats the purpose of the card's. The point of the cards are to not waste unnecessary electricity
@MsCj109. So glad you enjoyed the video. I thought the substitute card idea was a brilliant way around a minor issue! Especially if the person leaving the room takes both entry keys. Oops!
The bottom line is that it’s a great way to conserve energy.
Hope you watch some of our other videos! 👍😀
@@ocodeskamcdbsm Thank you for joining the conversation! I think everyone can agree this is a good way to conserve energy. It should save the consumer some money as well because all hotel expenses will be passed on to the guests. 💡💵💶💷
Hope you keep watching. 👍
You just needed to say you wanted your coffee first while you wait for your meal. They have no issue doing that and myself and my husband (both Irish born and raised) always do that and our kids get their drinks first too
I think Irish mainly have coffee after their meals well for dinner anyway. My local cafe/ restaurant do the other way which is give the drinks first but then you're waiting ages for the food..I think it's so you'll order another . Lol. I'm a cinic
@@Marie.b I'm Irish and myself and a lot of people I know get drinks first, whether it is coffee or something else. I didn't just decide to do this, it was just the norm in my area and didn't seem out of place to do 🤷♀️
@@lellyt2372 it does seem to be the norm now but I always ask them to do what suits me. And everyone should. Having a drink with the meal and a coffee/ tea after and desert was normal and like the family meal , having drinks before with some snacks is more like an apartif . Lol if I knew it was and had to wait for an hour for the food, I would have got a cocktail, not a glass of fizzy : 😂
Great to know! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!😊
In the states if it's coffee, tea or a soft drink it's usually free refills, so they don't make any more ...😂
Glad you enjoyed your trip! I see you were in Athlone - I moved to Athlone from Dublin around 12 years ago, and love it!
@renniks1975. 👍 Our goal that day was to get from Dublin to Galway with a stop in Athlone to see Sean’s. The staff at Sean’s was great and took us around the bar and told a few stories. The castle and the Shannon River was nearby. Wished we had more time to see more!
Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you’re enjoying Athlone. 😀
Londonderry. The only word in the English language, with 6 silent letters.
@BillyIrish304. That, my friend, was very clever!! Thanks for watching and making us laugh! Hoping you watch more!
😂👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
Coffee houses have been, around in the UK since the 1650s and in Ireland since the 1680s.
I was happy to see good coffee readily available- especially since we keep long hours on vacation! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!☕️😊♥️
The peat issue is about economics more so than tradition.As a result of huge increases in oil and gas many people were forced to go on to the bogs.With turf as we call it heating the home costs around 500 euros or less whereas oil would be more than 2000 euros.As a rural politician said its like having an oil well in your back garden.Its worth re emphasising its not about tradition its about life or death for many people in rural areas.
Thanks so much for your comments today! It’s always good to hear from you and you always bring an authentic local perspective. We can see what all the controversy is about now, given the economic factors. We weren’t able to reply to your previous comments as we had to make a small change in the video and we could no longer reply to the original video’s comments, but rest assured that we read it and appreciated your input as always gallowglass2😊
Turf home today, thank God.
Commercial turf harvesting has ceased, but as said, families have their own sections of bog that they can cut to heat their homes.
Commercial cut turf was used to fuel some power stations, and also pressed into bricks or 'briquettes' for sale to the public who don't have their own bog to cut turf from.
Funny thing is that the Government banned turf-cutting. Green / Environmental policy and all that. Then they turned around and brought a ship load of wood pellets from Brazil into Foynes (Co. Limerick) and trucked it to a power plant (which had been supplied with turf in the past) in the Midlands.
Turf-cutting was basically done for personal use (apart from the industrial cutting for power plants).
My uncles used to 'buy' (rent) an area of bog every couple of years, which could be 5-6 miles from their home, and cut the turf with a thing called a slean. That cut one piece of turf. It was painstaking work, and they would spend perhaps 5-6 days cutting, then another few days 'footing' (stacking) it so that the air could go through and dry it, and then another few days bringing it by donkey and cart when dry to their home.
@@okelydokely9984 Very Environmentally friendly bring wood pellets from the otherside of the world from a rain forest yeah that makes sense.
You can put any type of card into one of those slots.
@eamonxofarrell. 😀👍 That might be the second or third comment we’ve gotten like that. We just might try that. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍😀
Sheep on the roads and mountains is actually normal. Loads of them in Kerry . There’s fences around sheep but the sheep get threw the fences here. In Kerry you can adopt a sheep.
@bella-donnaosullivan5660. Thanks for sharing! Where we grew up, if we saw a cow or sheep outside the farm fencing, we would go to the farmers house and let him know so he could round them up.😂 We have a video regarding the paint splotches on sheep which was fun to research.
It’s good to know we can adopt a sheep 😀
Enjoy your comments! Thanks
In Northern Ireland there is no roundabouts on Motorways
but on a duel carriageways we do , in ROI is the same if roundabouts are on that road is a n class road the A1 in Northern Ireland changes to tbe N1 in ROI
@harry9392. Ya know, I don’t remember that many roundabouts in Northern Ireland. Maybe I just got more comfortable driving on the left 😀 Good info, thanks!
As I recall the A1/N1 is the main route between Belfast and Dublin. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Reguarding hotel cards you can also use a debit or credit or store card. That way the electric stays on all the time and you can take the hotel card to just unlock the door and the room lights will already be on when you enter the room cos ya credit card is in the slot. It pushes down something within the slot to activate the lights so any card will work.
Thanks so much for the tip, and thanks for watching and commenting!😊
@@thissecondhalfadventure your welcome
In relation to the key card slot in the hotel room, if you stick a peace of paper in the slot it keeps everything working😉 it has nothing to to with your room key card😂
@Maya_Daily.3. That’s funny 😂. I didn’t know about the paper slip working! When this video came out we got several comments explaining that any card would work fine. I guess we need to get out more 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting 😀👍✌️
A lot of our country roads were from generations earlier when the horse or donkey made pathways. As my father used to tell me, the animals would always find the sure ground and we have a lot of bogs and soft ground, so the roads were made by the animals first (at least in my area of the country) and then over the generations and the introduction of motor vehicles, they were paved etc. They were the routes everyone knew and used so they evolved that way.
As the roads were changed and moved, a lot of work was put in to filling in bogs and could take many days and tons of lime and large poles to fill it in. As a result we have a lot of roads that are constantly being repaired because they are sinking very slowly and cracking
@lellyt2372. Thanks for watching and joining in!
One of the locals told me many of the smaller local roads were wavy because they were installed right over the bog. Loved your father’s story about the animals!! 😀
In many cases the roads are twisty because the local (english) landlords would only allow a public road to run on the periphery of their land.
Blasted landlords! Isn’t that just like them?! Ah, well, we enjoyed the scenery nonetheless! Thanks so much for watching and joining the conversation Seamus!♥️
In Ireland mid-Oct. I was surprised by how many Americans were around me, particularly in Dublin. Also, there were many menus that I found listing french fries being served with lasagna. ? As notorious as we Americans are for our not great and super-sized diets, that’s not a combo I’ve ever seen in the US.
We have to admit, we haven’t ever seen that one either! Maybe they just combined two things that they knew Americans liked??🤷🏻♀️ Thanks so much for watching and commenting Cynthia! We hope to hear from you again!😊♥️
Yes because Ireland 2 big. It takes 4 to 5 hours to drive from Kerry to Dublin for example. Most Americans I find , love castles here.
@bella-donnaosullivan5660. 👍 Ireland (the island) is roughly the same size as Indiana. We split up our trip with that in mind.
You’re right about the castles. The US is relatively young compared to Ireland. The age and history of these castles is fascinating! Not to mention some of the background stories that go with these sites.
Thanks again!
Re. Hotel keycards, if the room is for 2 you get 2 keycards - one to manage power in the room and one for either individual who may need to pop out briefly while their partner remains in the room. Both people have cards when exiting the room as no need to leave power on when room is vacant. Cant see whats the problem with that arrangement?
Works great unless “someone” happens to inadvertently leave with both keys…😂 Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Hope you’ll watch some more of our adventures!❤
Sadly peat is exceptionally unhealthy and gives off dangerous levels of particulate matter from an open fire. Yes, on your own land, you can still dig and burn, just not sell it on. It's best used in a closed stove. The ecological issues of harvesting peat are not the fault of families with their own plots, it's commercial harvesting. Glad you enjoyed yourself! I would hate to see our national monuments sanitised with roads and interpretive centres everywhere, but YES accessibility for everyone should be addressed. So true.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting @kyarichards2894😊 We’ve learned so much about peat and the environmental and economic factors from our viewers. We appreciate your input.😊🇮🇪🇺🇸
Was in Ireland last month and had rain, wind, cold every day for 6 days😢. Nice weather was the week prior to our arrival, go figure! Loved the sights and I like your videos! You are a cute couple. BTW, I “subscribed “! Look forward to more travel videos from you.
So sorry about your bad weather!☹️Thank you so much for the kind comments and for subscribing!😊♥️
😂 it rains every day in Ireland, we never leave the house without a coat even in summer if you'd call it that
@@thissecondhalfadventureThere is no such thing as bad weather in Ireland.
Just the wrong clothing.
@@tonycropper4387 😀 We are always reminded that all of the rain is what makes Ireland so green! 😀 Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@gerardflynn7382 👍👍
A lot of Americans actually go to Dublin only and then go back to the states.
@bella-donnaosullivan5660. Thanks for watching and commenting 😀 That’s true! We really liked Dublin but we wanted to see as much of the island as we could while we were there. Some take day trips from Dublin (tour, bus or train) rather than driving.
Hope you keep watching!👍😀
Ireland has 4 seasons not in a year but often in the same day! 😂😂
@efitz3397 we come from an area of the states that is much the same. No wonder we feel so at home in your country! We have learned that layers (and waterproof ones) are the key to dressing for your fickle weather! Thanks so much for joining in the conversation! 😃💚❤🇺🇸🇮🇪
U should visit the twin towns of killaloe and ballina in the southwest
@AtomicHD. Thank for that suggestion! It’s going on our list for next years visit. I did a quick search and it looks like the twin towns have a lot of the things we like! 👍👍
I’m sure I’ll find a golf course nearby!
We appreciate your participation in the conversation. 😀
@@thissecondhalfadventure yep theres east clare golf course near by Ude love it
@@AtomicHD Thank you for the response! We love the suggestions we get from our viewers! I’m adding East Clare to my list.
😀👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
Ha n ireland we call it Derry, only the english call it londenderry
@maryc2264. Thanks for your comment. I think we’re beginning to figure that out. 😀
Hope you keep watching our channel! 🇺🇸🇮🇪
We in the Republic are not governed by the UK in any way! Also to go to mainland Europe we do NOT need to go through the UK. We can either fly direct or take a ferry from Cork or Rosslare. The you comment about coffee was rude. You were coming to a modern European country with ancient culture not going to an antiquated place.
@jop1642 part of the reason for our video was to help dispel misconceptions that Americans may have about Ireland, ourselves included. Perhaps you missed the video section from 13:33-14:10, where we not only said that you can fly from Dublin to multiple cities in Europe, we show them and the ferries on maps at 13:46 and 13:55. Your description of Ireland as a modern country with ancient culture was perfectly worded, and our comments about coffee were not a reflection of your country, but of our misconceptions. Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion. We hope you’ll try some of our other episodes. 😊
Even the romans when arrived here in Ireland turned around an went back to England because of our wet weather yearly. Ha.
@user-cy6yc6tb3t Very funny 👍
Ya definitely need to have some rain gear😀
Hot water boost = electric immersion heater
@freshglutenfree. Thanks for your input! 😀
Wasn’t sure how it (hot water boost) worked until now! Thank you for the info! 👍👍
Hmmm, we were in a pub in County Donnegal and they were burning peat in the fireplace
Chris thought he smelled peat burning when he was on the golf course in northern County Donegal… When we asked in this video we received a comment (see below) from a regular viewer who’s a local, explaining the economic realities of peat as fuel.
Shhhhh. The turf gestapo will be heading there now....
lol@@mikekelly5869
The Peat ban (turf ban) is replacimg cutting Irish Turf with German briiquettes (dried turf) in every shop and garage but not as good as Irish Turf briiquettes
Good to know! Not as kind on the pocketbook I’m sure, and maybe just shifting the carbon damage to another country… These environmental issues are complicated for sure!
I can't get any peat briquettes german or not.I buy briquettes made from willow which are very good but i miss the peat briquettes
Try Woodies. They definitely had the German briquettes last year. Gas isn't it - close down out own industry under the 'Green' banner, and then import them using ships / trucks from Germany '
@@okelydokely9984 Thanks but my nearest woodies is 40 minutes away which i could do an odd time but hardly enough for the winter.Yes its daft,but what you expect from the greens the people who want to introduce wolves, lettuce grown on window sills and 10 cars per village.The wood briquettes i burn and am burning at the minute.will probably be banned to because they say that biomass is bad aswell.
The plastic bag tax is an Irish government tax, nothing to do with the EU
Thanks for setting us straight- the EU did not set policy on that until 2018- 16 years after Ireland did. We stand corrected! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!😊🇺🇸🇮🇪
@@thissecondhalfadventure No problem. Facts are so much better than conjecture
Its not that we can't burn peat, we're not allowed cut anymore peat the government want to preserve what's left of the bogs
Thanks so much for your comment- it sent us back to doing more research! Seems like the peat situation is complex and multifaceted, with issues involving carbon emissions, health risks, biodiversity, economics, history and culture among them. We so appreciate our viewers in Ireland for helping fill in the gaps in our knowledge. Thanks for your input! We hope you’ll keep watching 😊♥️
Why have you a section of the map of Ireland in a different color?
If you’re asking about the map on the upper left of the 10-1 countdown pages at 0:58 time stamp, we use prepared maps available to us and this particular map used color to distinguish Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. Thanks for your question and for watching!😊♥️
Ask for 2 room keys
We did, and it works great unless SOMEONE (who shall remain nameless) takes BOTH keys… 🙄😂🤣
I'm Irish and we take a coat with us in summer
@tonycropper4387. We packed clothes we could wear in layers and that worked great for us. The hiking/walking shorts never came out of the suitcase. 😂Hope you keep watching 👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
All you do is ask for a second key, it's common all throughout Europe.
@ShoJ369. Thanks for watching! 😀 We did receive two card keys at check in. The problem was with me (Chris) , I took both cards with me! I quickly learned not to do that!
Thanks for commenting.👍😀
@@thissecondhalfadventure 😊😊😊
Donegal is pronounced as Dunny gawl
@gerardflynn3899. 👍You’re right, we definitely need to work on our pronunciation 😀Not sure what we can do about our accents though😂.
Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍👍
If your driving at 80k an hr. Pullover and let the locals pass. Ye annoy the locals hogging the rd.
@paulbolton5990. Good point to bring up! We probably didn’t mention that enough in the “Driving” video. We used the pullover spots when necessary and drove at the posted speed limit. Thanks for watching and commenting! Hoping you weren’t one of the drivers we annoyed while there. 👍😀
Hmm that might be what we call here a "little boy racer" with little patience who likes to speed along 🚘😅 Glad you visited our country and the vast majority of locals don't mind tourists on our roads. Nice video 💚
@@canesacahar We read/watched info like etiquette for driving in Ireland. Usually follow the flow of traffic.We found out about the lay by(pullover). Used them when we had two cars behind.
Thanks so much for the positive vibe!
Hope you’ve watched a couple of our other videos.😀👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
This speed difference happens even with native Irish in strange locations or on holidays or free time just wandering about. There is a world of difference between someone in their local area on business or doing a job of work and someone just cruising along enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace. It is good manners to pull over from time to time if a large number of cars is piling up behind you on the often narrow and windy roads of Ireland.
Many people are totally unaware of the delays they cause when on the road and not able or willing to drive at a reasonable pace. Even native Irish drivers are guilty of this practice of holding other drivers up, not just tourists. @@thissecondhalfadventure
@@jgdooley2003 😀I really enjoyed your comments! We even got held up behind a slower driver (probably tourists) on one day.
Tried to keep up with the speed limit and not hit anything or anyone. We succeeded!
We’re both more prepared for our next visit.
Thanks for watching! 👍😀
Bars close early here because of laws made.
Never heard of someone using cream in tea?
My research unveiled a few references in blogs and books to “milk or cream” with tea in Ireland, but some of the sources were British- perhaps it’s done in NI?? I’d love to hear from some of our viewers from that area about it… Thanks so much for watching and commenting @yvonnec6449!😊
No cream in tea, not even in Britain. Americans call (I think) full fat milk cream. We call all milk, milk. Cream is much thicker again. Also Irish/British don't refer to anything as creamer, that's another American expression. People here have got so used to US visitors using these terms they will generally know what you mean, but they are not Irish expressions.@@thissecondhalfadventure
@Salix631 Thanks so much for setting me straight ! As I said in the video, I’m very much a coffee drinker. How do you take your own tea? My coffee is with a little milk or cream…
It’s Derry and not a county.
What's Derry and not a county?
@bridmw- We try very hard to get things right, and in situations where we're wrong we are quick to admit it. This, however, is not one of those situations.
Derry/Londonderry is both a city and the county that the city lies in. This is according to Encyclopedia Britannica, the Northern Ireland government website and countless other sites that we checked. From 1585 to 1613 it was part of County Coleraine but has been County Londonderry (also called County Derry) since then. Nonetheless, we appreciate your comments and are glad to have you as a viewer. We look forward to hearing from you again! 😊❤️
What ? You know you are wrong about the county part, right ? You also know the city is known as both Derry and Londonderry right ?
@@thissecondhalfadventure it's a tough one. Anything regarding "The North" ie You'll offend nationalist/Catholics by saying Londonderry and you offend unionists/protestants if you say Derry( not everyone I'm sure(I hope) ) . And I'll offend someone by just saying this. It's political and sectarian. My dad if from that part of the country and he and his family always called it just Derry, Derry city but don't get offended to hear the other version. He got out and stayed out when ' the troubles' began.
@Marie.b when we were there we met lovely people on both sides of the border. Though we didn't bring up political or religious topics, it seemed every time we talked with someone in a pub THEY brought it up. We listened and tried to learn. It seemed to us to be somewhat generational - more folks over fifty seemed to have stronger opinions one way or the other. Most people in their 20's and 30's that we talked to just wanted to move forward from that era.
Do come back again. They love your dollars here
@kerrysupporter. 😀 We can’t wait to come back and spend a few more!!
Thanks for watching and for the comment. 👍
Donegal pronounced Dunny gawl, not Donnygal
@mairin744. 👍We appreciate hearing how locals pronounce the locations we mention! We try say names/words the best we can . Is that an Ireland wide pronunciation or a local one?
Thanks for commenting and for watching our videos! 😀👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
Irish people call it Derry not londonderry
@cathalodiubhain5739. 👍Over the last couple of months, we’ve learned that. 😀
Glad you watched and commented! Hope you watch more videos!! 😀👍🇺🇸🇮🇪
@@thissecondhalfadventure you're welcome and of course I will watch more videos..
@@cathalodiubhain5739 Thanks for your reply and thanks for subscribing! 👍😀🇮🇪🇺🇸
The lack of Americans in certain places is surely a bonus. Who wants to go abroad and meet people from your own country.
@philipmccarthy. 😀 I agree! We really enjoy getting away from our surroundings. When we go overseas we try to learn as much from our conversations with people as we can. We have a few that we’ll always remember. Nothing against our fellow US travelers but I’d rather talk to the locals if we’re traveling to their country.
Thanks for watching! Thanks for commenting!
Hope you watch our upcoming US videos!
👍😀
Milk in tea is only in Ireland and the uk only. Tea is black in Europe like the USA.
Milk in tea in Ireland must be a local or regional thing- we've hardly found anyone from there who takes it that way... When we were growing up, tea and toast were what your mom gave you if you were home sick from school, or tea with lemon/honey is popular for a sore throat here. Iced tea is very popular here in warm weather. Our son lived in the southeastern US for a while and developed a taste for "sweet tea" - iced tea with an unbelievable amount of sugar added! In restaurants in the south, you need to specify "sweet" or "unsweet" tea. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 😃❤
Peat harvesting and burning is awful. My relatives have all stopped doing that. We need to protect our bogs, they are crucial ecosystems and carbon sinks. Recycling and composting is the norm, I was shocked when I visited NY and saw my relatives throw glass in the rubbish. A lot of environmental measures were pioneered by Ireland, like plastic bags, national non-smoking measures, not by the EU or UK, they adopted our measures. Roundabouts are irritating at times but more intelligent. Why wait at a red light when there’s no counter traffic? I hadn’t thought of the reduction in idling, great observation. Walking is a huge part of Irish culture, people walk to shops, work, etc. when they can. It’s a very sociable way to get around. But yes, accessibility is important. The map of Ireland is deceptive, most distances are longer than they seem on the map unless you are motoring at 120km per hour on a motorway. The Irish routine is quite early, my Spanish friends were shocked by this. Ireland is very connected. You can ferry to Scotland, England, Wales, France, Spain easily from Dublin, Cork, Larne, or Rosslare or fly anywhere from Dublin and other airports. Spot on about the weather. Sláinte agus Grma, just subscribed 😊
@peteymax. 👍 Thank you for subscribing, watching and commenting on our video!
We really enjoy reading comments from a local perspective. We’re playing catch up on recycling and roundabouts here.
While driving on “L” roads in County Donegal we saw people walking distances from home to village I assumed. Laughed at “ Spanish friends were shocked “ . We’re early risers here as well.
😀🇺🇸🇮🇪
yeah it's County Derry get simple facts right please and nothing comes out of the UK except bile and hatred
@tempodread6348. One simple fact is that we were non-partisan visitors and weren’t aware of the historical disputes over the two names. I can’t think of one map that didn’t have a stroke between the two names. We’ve got a few maps! Maybe new maps are in order! We appreciate the discussion but we will remain non partisan. 😀 Hopefully you’ll watch some of our other videos!
fair enought@@thissecondhalfadventure
Derry not London derry..ireland is not English or London
@3158dave. 👍Thanks for watching and commenting! Over the course of our videos we’ve heard several clarifications like yours. 😀
Before we started publishing videos all we knew was there was a stroke between the two names! I know ignorance is not a good excuse but it’s all we had at the time. 😀
Hope you keep watching and comment when you get the urge. 👍😀🇺🇸🇮🇪
Too many errors
@peggygraham6129. Thank you for your comment and for watching this video👍. If you point out a few or a couple of errors, maybe we could explain our thought process for this video. We love to receive constructive criticism. Everyone is welcome to point out errors, it helps us. Let us know what the errors are, so we , and others, are better informed!
We also have several other videos. Hope you give us a fair shake!😀👍.