Staycation Ireland.. Anyone doing it

Muahahaha

Deleted User wrote: »

Staying in the Roe Park Resort. It seems to have a few things there that you can do. Will head to the Giants Causeway one of the days

If you're up in NI in August on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday dont forget the Eat Out to Help Out scheme- basically spend £20 in a participating restaurant and your bill will be £10. Max discount is £10 per person so a family of four could order £80 of food and end up paying £40 at the till.

On the Causeway if the day you plan to go is in any way sunny Id advise going as late in the day as possible. By that I mean about 1.5 hours before sunset, this is because the sun setting in the west lights up the stone cliffs in a beautiful hue of orange. And also because you should have the entire site to yourself at that time, when we went at sunset we were literally the only people there so it was pretty special. Its very different during the day when its busy with crowds. Also by going late you dont have to pay for the visitor car park,its free after the attendant knocks off work, probably about 6pm or so.

alchemist33

Almost finished a Kerry trip. If anyone loves driving, there's no better time to do it, with no buses and numbers being so low.
The Ballaghbeama gap is a one-car wide road like a trip to Jurassic World, and better even than the Gap of Dunloe. The Ring of Kerry and Dingle peninsula also easy to get round.

harpstilidie

alchemist33 wrote: »

Almost finished a Kerry trip. If anyone loves driving, there's no better time to do it, with no buses and numbers being so low.
The Ballaghbeama gap is a one-car wide road like a trip to Jurassic World, and better even than the Gap of Dunloe. The Ring of Kerry and Dingle peninsula also easy to get round.

We were in Kerry last week and the weather was unbelievable. Shorts and t-shirt weather every day.

We did the Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe and Slea Head drives, was absolutely brilliant with zero tour buses and not a lot of traffic to be honest. Only problem we had traffic wise was getting down to Derrynane beach which was a nightmare. Seen a poor girl hit her car twice trying to reverse to make way for other cars!

Stayed in Killarney and the town itself was busy during peak times but I'd imagine quieter than normal for this time of year.

jonnny68

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/cases-up-nationwide-as-staycation-spots-are-hit-by-covid-39464109.html

alchemist33

Yeah, Derrynane was very busy for us too - it seemed to be mostly locals going to the beach. And the Muckross part of the national park was busy too, but overall pretty quiet.

joe40

soap1978 wrote: »

staycation why not just say a holiday in your own country,I cringe at this

Yeah the term is a bit silly.
Strictly speaking a staycation originally meant staying at home and taking day trips.

Having a holiday in Ireland is just that.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staycation#:~:text=A%20staycation%20(a%20portmanteau%20of,does%20not%20require%20overnight%20accommodation.

maestroamado

They are all at it Clifden...

beggars_bush

Off to the west for a few more days holidays. Let's hope we're not blown out of it.

quokula

joe40 wrote: »

Yeah the term is a bit silly.
Strictly speaking a staycation originally meant staying at home and taking day trips.

Having a holiday in Ireland is just that.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staycation#:~:text=A%20staycation%20(a%20portmanteau%20of,does%20not%20require%20overnight%20accommodation.

From the article you linked:

in British English the term became associated with taking a holiday in one's own country as opposed to travelling abroad

A large proportion of Americans don't leave their country when they go on regular holidays to begin with - calling a trip from Seattle to Florida a staycation would be ludicrous, so of course it means staying at home in the context of the US.

It makes much more sense as a term for a holiday in your own country here, where people would normally go to Spain or wherever. It's clearly been a pretty standard and widely used term here for some time and everybody understands what it means, and that's how language works, so you can't really dispute its validity.

podgeandrodge

Was looking at going to Dingle Cottages (part of Dingle Skellig Hotel) - they must be doing ok, as their prices are currently higher than their official 2020 rates.

jos28

Just back from Dungarvan/Kilmore Quay and had a great time. Hired bikes and did the Greenway, stayed in Dungarvan. Drove the Copper Coast and got the East Passage ferry over to Ballyhack, took in Hook lighthouse and then onto Kilmore Quay. Great spot with lots of lovely food.
It's not a part of the country I'm familiar with but definitely worth the trip

podgeandrodge

podgeandrodge wrote: »

Was looking at going to Dingle Cottages (part of Dingle Skellig Hotel) - they must be doing ok, as their prices are currently higher than their official 2020 rates.

There was never a doubt “staycation” wouldn’t be used as a further excuse to gouge.

finbarrk

We went to Ballyliffin last week, on the Inishowen peninsula. Plenty to see around that area, and also took the ferry to NI from Greencastle and drove to the Giants Causeway. Ballyliffin hotel was perfect, €90 per room per night b&b, for both of us was excellent value. Great bar food in the evenings too, and a good pint.

fletch

Never Again

opinionated3

Have a few days booked off in September ( partially from my cancelled holiday to Portugal..... Thanks Irish government) but between the pissing rain, the excessive expense, no wet pub's open and the total lack of spontaneity, I've no intention of booking anything. I'll keep my money and hopefully, all going ok, book two trips to the Algarve in 2021..

Brock Turnpike

opinionated3 wrote: »

Have a few days booked off in September ( partially from my cancelled holiday to Portugal..... Thanks Irish government) but between the pissing rain, the excessive expense, no wet pub's open and the total lack of spontaneity, I've no intention of booking anything. I'll keep my money and hopefully, all going ok, book two trips to the Algarve in 2021..

Why not try somewhere other than the Algarve?

pc7

We did a few hotel breaks with the kids over the summer, they were grand, kids enjoyed it. Next summer will take 4 weeks off and go to whatever green list sunny country is going!!

opinionated3

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Why not try somewhere other than the Algarve?

Just love it there tbh. Locals are very friendly. Weather is generally fantastic. Food and drink are reasonably priced. I like parts of Spain too, but just prefer Portugal..

bigpink

Can't imagine how expensive a staycation here is with kids

fits

bigpink wrote: »

Can't imagine how expensive a staycation here is with kids

Depends on how you do it tbh.

bladespin

bigpink wrote: »

Can't imagine how expensive a staycation here is with kids

Works out about one and a half times the price from my experience, not quite as crazy as you’d imagine but can’t help feeling hard done by when it’s wet.

JustAThought

I onow a few who have done it - eyewatering prices to rent self contained houses up boreens in the middle of nowhere with no local shops or facilities or amenities - they might as well have stayed at hime andnirdered reataurant food in 3 times a day and gotna cleaner - much cheaper & no travelling!

A friend bioked a family room inna hotel out weat - 5 of them sleeping in one room for 3 nights and basically a mortgage payment for it and the food bills for 5 involved,”. Not allowed sit in the bat or lounge (closed) and had to sut in their room or go outside ( raining) to be away from the room. Bit of an expensive disaster it seems - and a 5 hour drive in a car each way :0

Ryanair is there and a huge commercial success for a reason! Next year...

no.8

JustAThought wrote:

I onow a few who have done it - eyewatering prices to rent self contained houses up boreens in the middle of nowhere with no local shops or facilities or amenities - they might as well have stayed at hime andnirdered reataurant food in 3 times a day and gotna cleaner - much cheaper & no travelling!

JustAThought wrote:

A friend bioked a family room inna hotel out weat - 5 of them sleeping in one room for 3 nights and basically a mortgage payment for it and the food bills for 5 involved,â€. Not allowed sit in the bat or lounge (closed) and had to sut in their room or go outside ( raining) to be away from the room. Bit of an expensive disaster it seems - and a 5 hour drive in a car each way :0

JustAThought wrote:

Ryanair is there and a huge commercial success for a reason! Next year...

Yet they knew exactly what they were getting themselves in for and you conveniently forget to add that travelling to most crowded resorts in Europe takes well over 5 hours door to door.

no.8

fletch wrote:

Never Again

opinionated3 wrote:

Have a few days booked off in September ( partially from my cancelled holiday to Portugal..... Thanks Irish government) but between the pissing rain, the excessive expense, no wet pub's open and the total lack of spontaneity, I've no intention of booking anything. I'll keep my money and hopefully, all going ok, book two trips to the Algarve in 2021..

'Thanks Irish Government'? A dig sty your federal employers or some message about restrictions?

opinionated3

no.8 wrote: »

'Thanks Irish Government'? A dig sty your federal employers or some message about restrictions?

A dig at the so called green list. I've a better chance of picking up the virus in Limerick or Dublin then I do sitting by the pool in Portugal. And didn't receive any refund either........
I believe we need to live as close to normal as possible beside this virus. That includes holidays IMO. But it is what it is. I'm fully aware mine is a first world problem. But if I'm allowed I fully intend to make up for it next year. I just find Ireland is too expensive for a staycation, not to mention the crappy weather ( another rainfall warning today). So I guess I'm writing off 2020.... And I reckon there's a lot more like me. ......

zerosugarbuzz

opinionated3 wrote: »

A dig at the so called green list. I've a better chance of picking up the virus in Limerick or Dublin then I do sitting by the pool in Portugal. And didn't receive any refund either........
I believe we need to live as close to normal as possible beside this virus. That includes holidays IMO. But it is what it is. I'm fully aware mine is a first world problem. But if I'm allowed I fully intend to make up for it next year. I just find Ireland is too expensive for a staycation, not to mention the crappy weather ( another rainfall warning today). So I guess I'm writing off 2020.... And I reckon there's a lot more like me. ......

Exactly this, the travel restrictions we have are draconian compared to the rest of Europe and are there because of our crappie health service.

JimmyVik

I wont be doing a holiday in Ireland ever again tbh.
Ive said that a few times now
But sometimes you have no choice. Like when there is a pandemic.
Otherwise its the holiday abroad for me from here on in

Banana Republic.

opinionated3 wrote: »

I hear what you're saying. I was just making the point that I drove through Derry on my way to limavady and the flags were everywhere. It was just the start of the uncomfortable feeling that I felt there for the weekend. I totally realise some people can brush that off and ignore it, but personally I didn't feel very welcome up there. I was even cautious of where I parked my car. But best of luck to the person who is travelling there, I hope they really enjoy it and see the sights they've been looking forward to.

Absolutely everyone’s feeling is personal to themselves.

Brock Turnpike

opinionated3 wrote: »

Just love it there tbh. Locals are very friendly. Weather is generally fantastic. Food and drink are reasonably priced. I like parts of Spain too, but just prefer Portugal..

Fair enough. I think you're missing out by limiting yourself to the same place, but each to their own.

BrentMused

We did a week in the west at the end of July/start of August.

The weather was fantastic so we were very lucky. Only one day was a wash out which ended up being a day we were a bit too tired to do much anyway and the rest was shorts and t-shirt weather for the most part.

We started off in Doolin - visited Father Ted's house, took a boat trip for a day trip to Inish Mor and did the Cliffs of Moher. We then went down to Dingle and did the Fungi boat trip and Slea Head drive with plenty of stops which was spectacular especially with the weather and we basically had the entire road to ourselves. Next was down to west Cork (Clonakility) with a stop in Killarney along the way. We also visited Baltimore, Rosscarbery and Kinsale.

Covered about 1,500km all in.

We went the Air BnB route and got some relatively decent deals although all-in the whole holiday probably cost us about 1.5 times what we would have spent for the same abroad.

One thing I really missed was the inability to call in anywhere off the cuff for just a pint or two especially on those sunny days which was disappointing as we had booked our dates specifcally because they linked with the proposed re-opening of the pubs. Instead, because of the restrictions still being in place it felt a bit regimented at times for food and drinks but that can't be helped given the current circumstances.

If we had the option to go abroad we never would have holidayed in Ireland this year but overall we enjoyed it although I do appreciate we got lucky with weather and it would have been a bit of a write off if we had gone say last week instead.

jos28

BrentMused wrote: »

One thing I really missed was the inability to call in anywhere off the cuff for just a pint or two especially on those sunny days which was disappointing as we had booked our dates specifcally because they linked with the proposed re-opening of the pubs. Instead, because of the restrictions still being in place it felt a bit regimented at times for food and drinks but that can't be helped given the current circumstances.

Have to admit that I've enjoyed my breaks and getting to see parts of the country I hadn't seen before. Although, like yourself I really missed the spontaneity - just popping in for a pint on the way home after a day out or having a drink somewhere before going out for dinner. I wouldn't have thought I miss pubs but in those circumstances I really do. Sitting outdoors on a sunny evening, having a drink and chatting to others is a very nice way to spend your time.

nc6000

jos28 wrote: »

Just back from Dungarvan/Kilmore Quay and had a great time. Hired bikes and did the Greenway, stayed in Dungarvan. Drove the Copper Coast and got the East Passage ferry over to Ballyhack, took in Hook lighthouse and then onto Kilmore Quay. Great spot with lots of lovely food.
It's not a part of the country I'm familiar with but definitely worth the trip

We're just back from a very similar trip ourselves having stayed three nights in Dungarvan. We took in a trip into Cork one of the days and stopped in Ardmore on the way and did that walk past the Cliff House Hotel which was very nice. We went into Cobh on the way back which was also nice. Had a lovely dinner in The Tannery in Dungarvan that evening. We did part of the Greenway the next day and the weather was great for that - I ended up a bit sunburnt. We drove home via part of the Copper Coast, stopping in Tramore and Dunmore East for lunch then got the Passage East ferry and made our way down to Hook lighthouse and home via the newly extended M11.

Weather was a bit hit and miss but the food we had everywhere was very good. Still not sure I'd do a holiday here over a week or two in the sun but I do like being able to load up the car and just head off and I didn't miss the airport queues.

lisasimpson

I like the sound of the waterforrd trips for a few days. Nice to hear alternatives to the west coast.
Not a big drinker myself. Was in Dingle for a couple of nights in July and missed been able to go for one or 2 after dinner at the end of the day. Was sad to see the town dead after 9pm.

JustAThought

+1 for this.

Also feel terribly guilty rocking up for a table in a cafe to have a coffee & bit if cake & seeing the desperation as they try to upsell you a full meal - the guilts not worth it.

Looking out at the lashing rain today really realise how lucky we were with our rare long hot summer - you really need a good stretch of heat every year to be able to put up with the rest.

Kerry25x

JustAThought wrote: »

Also feel terribly guilty rocking up for a table in a cafe to have a coffee & bit if cake & seeing the desperation as they try to upsell you a full meal - the guilts not worth it.

Think you're overthinking things a bit there...there's no bothers going for some coffee and cake anywhere.

bladespin

Right, all done and back to work and school again, thought I'd just share a little of our experience here - warning long post.

Before I start I'll give a little background: I'm pro travel and on the release of the green list had booked a break to Greece, for various reasons (mostly school) we decided it was likely Greece wouldn't stay on the green list while we were there (little did we know lol), so chickened out and rescheduled the flights etc to next year. I spend most of my working life driving around Ireland, staying in hotels etc so find it doesn't feel like I'm on holiday while here, I just can't do the phone off thing, BUT it does mean I know a fair few good places around our little country and how great it can be.

We've been mad to do the Titanic experience in Belfast for some time, so with a little help from a co-worker who lives there we booked the Ivanhoe hotel in Carryduff for a night (£120) and off we went, it's lovely hotel with an amazing bar/restaurant, the weather was great and they had firepits in the outdoor area, it was like something on the med, brilliant. The Titanic experience didn't disappoint either, it's not a full day thing but kept us involved for our stay, kids included, the building itself is breathtaking.

Later in the week we visited the Carrickdale hotel (near Carlingford), not too far away from home and I'd heard good things, it was a little expensive at €249 for a family room but we felt it was worth it, the gardens are amazing, there's a great leisure centre, pool, jacuzzi, sauna etc - We all enjoyed it - heavenly!

Back home for a few days then off again to Cork, had to pull a few favours to get a family room, but eventually got one for €120 per night (was happy enough with that). Unfortunately the weather turned against us, literally on the way, we had booked Fota park for the next day (quick note: they're only booking 7 days in advance - don't assume it's sold out). The hotel was ok, it was bigger and busier than the others so there were big queues for breakfast etc.
It was pretty damp when we visited Fota though we all still had a good time, the playgrounds are closed but there's still a good bit to do though you are limited to 3 hours in the park (not sure how strict - we were out inside that anyway). The heavens literally opened on our way to the car, we took a drive over to Cobh which was in the process of being washed away so never got out of the car we just went back to the hotel and to the pool there, fun still had.
The next day we did a little drive around, visited Cobh again, all the Spike trips were sold out so we walked around for a while then went home.

The last part of the hol was a night away without the kids to a 'nice' hotel in Cavan, we rarely get away as a couple so I wanted it to be a bit special for mrs spin, upgraded room to what was described as master King at €235 including dinner, the pictures on the website were impressive, the hotel itself was lovely, we were both pretty upbeat until we got to the room, which was just a standard room! I questioned this and was told it was definitely the master King, asked to speak with the manager, they did try to argue the point but showed them a picture of their standard room and they had to agree there was little if any difference (maybe a few sq feet or maybe inches), all the plush furnishings, coffee machine etc etc that set the room apart had been removed leaving - just a normal room, they agreed to drop the upgrade charge and threw in a few drinks at dinner but couldn't help feeling a bit let down and surprised at the cheek too, apart from that all was nice, good food, few drinks and a nice time.
Already feels like ages ago lol, despite wanting to travel we did have a good time, it wouldn't be one of the most memorable holidays we've had but definitely wasn't that bad, it felt expensive but hotels etc are generally a little better here, whether you want it or not, I'm still hoping for a bit of good weather.
Crete next year, booked and paid for, after this hell nor high water will stop us going on a sun holiday.

mickey15ie

harpstilidie wrote: »

We were in Kerry last week and the weather was unbelievable. Shorts and t-shirt weather every day.

We did the Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe and Slea Head drives, was absolutely brilliant with zero tour buses and not a lot of traffic to be honest. Only problem we had traffic wise was getting down to Derrynane beach which was a nightmare. Seen a poor girl hit her car twice trying to reverse to make way for other cars!

Stayed in Killarney and the town itself was busy during peak times but I'd imagine quieter than normal for this time of year.

Any good recommendation for reasonably priced accommodation for accomodation around dingle penninsula?

I did a two night break in Cabra Castle (Cavan) a couple of weeks back, stayed in a courtyard room and really enjoyed it. Beautiful big room, and the castle was very atmospheric with two quiet visitors' lounge where I spent a short while reading. Took walks in the grounds and in nearby Dùn na Rí Forest Park, but the rain was pouring most of the time. The hotel has two lovely Irish Wolfhounds and my first encounter was when the smaller young skittish one suddenly pinched on my shoulders from the rear-thought I was being mugged for a moment!

Driving from Dublin and back home again I made sure to stop off at some nice and interesting places: Hill of Tara, Bective Abbey, the only inland lighthouse in Ireland at Kells, the high crosses there, beautiful Moynalty village, and the riverside walk at Navan.

When checking out the hotel gave me a voucher if €50 to be used for any two or more nights (From September to December) at one of the Original Hotels of Ireland, so next week I am booked into a hotel in Kilkenny for two nights which is in their listing. I have a follow-up night, €135, at the Mount Wolseley BB & 4 course dinner. In Kilkenny I booked for the Medieval Mile Museum & Reptile Zoo, and will visit the Rothe House, St Canice's Cathedral & Kilkenny Castle. In Carlow I hope to visit some of the following: Altamont Gardens, Brownshill Dolmen, Duckett's Grove, Borris, Delta Sensory Garden, Arboretum Garden Centre at Leighlinbridge, Oldleighlin cathedral, Rathwood Garden Centre.

One of my ways of finding out about what I might like to explore along the way is by typing into the search box on Google Maps: "Attractions", "Historic", "Garden" "Demesne" "Castle" "Museum" etc. I develop a route with my chosen places as waypoints where I might stop for a while or just a photo and look around.

jos28

nc6000 wrote: »

We're just back from a very similar trip ourselves having stayed three nights in Dungarvan. We took in a trip into Cork one of the days and stopped in Ardmore on the way and did that walk past the Cliff House Hotel which was very nice. We went into Cobh on the way back which was also nice. Had a lovely dinner in The Tannery in Dungarvan that evening. We did part of the Greenway the next day and the weather was great for that - I ended up a bit sunburnt. We drove home via part of the Copper Coast, stopping in Tramore and Dunmore East for lunch then got the Passage East ferry and made our way down to Hook lighthouse and home via the newly extended M11.

Weather was a bit hit and miss but the food we had everywhere was very good. Still not sure I'd do a holiday here over a week or two in the sun but I do like being able to load up the car and just head off and I didn't miss the airport queues.

We ate in The Tannery too, really enjoyed it. I'd definitely go back.

crisco10

Would usually go abroad ourselves (in fact had a family trip to Japan cancelled in April. :-( ) but had a gorgeous week in Waterford the week before last (even with Storm Ellen striking while we were there. :eek: )

We got a huge 4 bed house on Airbnb for the week (€940), cooked in/takeaway each night (€350 for the week), went to a different beach everyday (€0), did the Greenway for a day (€40) and generally had a gorgeous week just chilling.
We have the use of a house near Bordeaux for free, and even with that there is no way we would get a holiday there for the guts of €1300 in August.

I think we got incredibly lucky to get the holiday for the price we did, but when we were looking in May time, there was lots of accommodation in Waterford Greenway area at that price point.

The Greenway is so picturesque and such an amenity. The kids loved the tunnel too! would highly recommend.

quokula

Had a great staycation last week in the south west having never done it before, easy to see why so many people visit Ireland from all over the world in a normal year. Excellent hospitality, great food, beautiful scenery, even the weather gave us a few hours of sunshine every day, though there were rainy periods too.

The ease of just throwing our gear into our own car and taking it with us was a bonus too. Would definitely do it again in future.

Banana Republic.

Off to Achill Island for 3 days camping tomorrow (Tuesday) can’t wait, the camping park looks class. Long ass drive but well worth it I’d say.

beggars_bush

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Off to Achill Island for 3 days camping tomorrow (Tuesday) can’t wait, the camping park looks class. Long ass drive but well worth it I’d say.

Keel beach?

Brock Turnpike

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I did a two night break in Cabra Castle (Cavan) a couple of weeks back, stayed in a courtyard room and really enjoyed it. Beautiful big room, and the castle was very atmospheric with two quiet visitors' lounge where I spent a short while reading. Took walks in the grounds and in nearby Dùn na Rí Forest Park, but the rain was pouring most of the time. The hotel has two lovely Irish Wolfhounds and my first encounter was when the smaller young skittish one suddenly pinched on my shoulders from the rear-thought I was being mugged for a moment!

Driving from Dublin and back home again I made sure to stop off at some nice and interesting places: Hill of Tara, Bective Abbey, the only inland lighthouse in Ireland at Kells, the high crosses there, beautiful Moynalty village, and the riverside walk at Navan.

When checking out the hotel gave me a voucher if €50 to be used for any two or more nights (From September to December) at one of the Original Hotels of Ireland, so next week I am booked into a hotel in Kilkenny for two nights which is in their listing. I have a follow-up night, €135, at the Mount Wolseley BB & 4 course dinner. In Kilkenny I booked for the Medieval Mile Museum & Reptile Zoo, and will visit the Rothe House, St Canice's Cathedral & Kilkenny Castle. In Carlow I hope to visit some of the following: Altamont Gardens, Brownshill Dolmen, Duckett's Grove, Borris, Delta Sensory Garden, Arboretum Garden Centre at Leighlinbridge, Oldleighlin cathedral, Rathwood Garden Centre.

One of my ways of finding out about what I might like to explore along the way is by typing into the search box on Google Maps: "Attractions", "Historic", "Garden" "Demesne" "Castle" "Museum" etc. I develop a route with my chosen places as waypoints where I might stop for a while or just a photo and look around.

Just another tip for Kilkenny based on what you seem to be interested in seeing. Check out the Butler Gallery. Only recently opened to the public, beautifully restored, and they have a cafe and courtyard area also.

https://www.butlergallery.ie/

harpstilidie

mickey15ie wrote: »

Any good recommendation for reasonably priced accommodation for accomodation around dingle penninsula?

Not a clue to be honest, sorry. We stayed in the Killarney Oaks Hotel and based ourselves there for the 4 days. It was about an hour drive to Dingle and we spent the entire day driving around the Peninsula and back to Killarney for dinner.

josip

Stayed in Meadowlands for a weekend a couple of weeks ago.
Happy enough with it.
Nothing exceptional, but decent value.
Slightly closer than Killarney to the Dingle peninsula

fits

mickey15ie wrote: »

Any good recommendation for reasonably priced accommodation for accomodation around dingle penninsula?

Should be lots of airbnbs available now.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts

bladespin wrote: »

Works out about one and a half times the price from my experience, not quite as crazy as you’d imagine but can’t help feeling hard done by when it’s wet.

That's the issue.

I did four lake swims this summer as I was determined to get some non-swimming pool water action happening this year. Well four attempted swims. One was successful. It was 20 degrees and very pleasant but completely overcast.

The other three. Well. One day was sunny but very cool and with a stiff breeze so was not pleasant. The other two, sun was promised but did not materialise. Dank and dreary.

I know I've lived in Ireland almost my whole life and should be used to the weather, but it really would drive you to despair how little we can depend on it.

The Barcelona and Los Angeles Olympics both held their swim meets in an outdoor pool. Imagine living in a country with so reliable a climate that you can make plans like that? One can but dream.

fits

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

That's the issue.

I did four lake swims this summer as I was determined to get some non-swimming pool water action happening this year. Well four attempted swims. One was successful. It was 20 degrees and very pleasant but completely overcast.

The other three. Well. One day was sunny but very cool and with a stiff breeze so was not pleasant. The other two, sun was promised but did not materialise. Dank and dreary.

I know I've lived in Ireland almost my whole life and should be used to the weather, but it really would drive you to despair how little we can depend on it.

The Barcelona and Los Angeles Olympics both held their swim meets in an outdoor pool. Imagine living in a country with so reliable a climate that you can make plans like that? One can but dream.

I was swimming every day in Kerry and it was so amazing. I really miss it.

I think its funny how Irish people are constantly disappointed that we dont have mediterranean weather Lived in Finland for a few years, midsummer and winter are fine but October-December and April-May are absolutely shocking. Id pick Irish weather any time.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts

JustAThought wrote: »

+1 for this.

Also feel terribly guilty rocking up for a table in a cafe to have a coffee & bit if cake & seeing the desperation as they try to upsell you a full meal - the guilts not worth it.

Looking out at the lashing rain today really realise how lucky we were with our rare long hot summer - you really need a good stretch of heat every year to be able to put up with the rest.

Which summer was that?