As a counterpoint to that negative and depressing thread about shitholes, how about we nominate the nicest towns in Ireland? I think we have far more nice towns than shitholes.
I'll open the betting with a couple off the top of my head.
Adare, County Limerick. A lovely small town, loads of character. Beautiful golf course as well.
Kinsale, County Cork. A bigger town, but still has small town feel with the tight streets and colourful shops. Perched on the inlet with all the small sailing and fishing boats that brings.
Kenmare, County Kerry. More along the lines of Adare, but a beautiful scenic town with a lot of colour and life.
Dunmore East, County Waterford. Another seaside town/village. A lovely cove.
Birr, County Offaly. Another bigger town, but one that's really vibrant and has loads of interesting and historical buildings.
Carlingford, County Louth. The north eastern version of a smaller Kinsale.
Westport, County Mayo. A really nice bigger town, with the river running through it and good pubs and restaurants.
Kinvara, County Galway. Another seaside/coastal town or village that is very good at taking advantage of it's location.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 18, 2018, 09:09:04 AM
As a counterpoint to that negative and depressing thread about shitholes, how about we nominate the nicest towns in Ireland? I think we have far more nice towns than shitholes.
I'll open the betting with a couple off the top of my head.
Adare, County Limerick. A lovely small town, loads of character. Beautiful golf course as well.
Kinsale, County Cork. A bigger town, but still has small town feel with the tight streets and colourful shops. Perched on the inlet with all the small sailing and fishing boats that brings.
Kenmare, County Kerry. More along the lines of Adare, but a beautiful scenic town with a lot of colour and life.
Dunmore East, County Waterford. Another seaside town/village. A lovely cove.
Birr, County Offaly. Another bigger town, but one that's really vibrant and has loads of interesting and historical buildings.
Carlingford, County Louth. The north eastern version of a smaller Kinsale.
Westport, County Mayo. A really nice bigger town, with the river running through it and good pubs and restaurants.
Kinvara, County Galway. Another seaside/coastal town or village that is very good at taking advantage of it's location.
Always liked Trim. Thought it was a nice part of the country. Just a pity there was so many Meath people about it.
Plumbridge, very friendly people and lovely scenery
Westport.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 18, 2018, 09:09:04 AM
As a counterpoint to that negative and depressing thread about shitholes, how about we nominate the nicest towns in Ireland? I think we have far more nice towns than shitholes.
I'll open the betting with a couple off the top of my head.
Adare, County Limerick. A lovely small town, loads of character. Beautiful golf course as well.
Kinsale, County Cork. A bigger town, but still has small town feel with the tight streets and colourful shops. Perched on the inlet with all the small sailing and fishing boats that brings.
Kenmare, County Kerry. More along the lines of Adare, but a beautiful scenic town with a lot of colour and life.
Dunmore East, County Waterford. Another seaside town/village. A lovely cove.
Birr, County Offaly. Another bigger town, but one that's really vibrant and has loads of interesting and historical buildings.
Carlingford, County Louth. The north eastern version of a smaller Kinsale.
Westport, County Mayo. A really nice bigger town, with the river running through it and good pubs and restaurants.
Kinvara, County Galway. Another seaside/coastal town or village that is very good at taking advantage of it's location.
Birr is lovely
Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim
Glengarrif, Co Cork, just up the road from Neidin, which is a much nicer name than Kenmare
Nenagh in Tipp is interesting
Cashel, Co Tipp
Killaloe, Co Clare, is on the Shannon
Dungarvan, Co Waterford
Clifden, Co Galway
The hurling villages in Down
Dingle, Co Kerry
Midleton, Co Cork
Ballina Co Mayo - smoked salmon, not far from the sea, great people and the Moy is beautiful
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Good call on Killaloe/Ballina Seafoid. I forgot about them and I live 6 miles or so away! :) I never thought about Nenagh in that way, but yes I suppose it is. It's a far nicer town to go shopping in than some of the bigger towns around.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 18, 2018, 10:07:07 AM
Good call on Killaloe/Ballina Seafoid. I forgot about them and I live 6 miles or so away! :) I never thought about Nenagh in that way, but yes I suppose it is. It's a far nicer town to go shopping in than some of the bigger towns around.
Any town where you can talk hurling has something special imo
Nenagh has some very good shops as well. It has less of the chainstore feel
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
You're describing as a kip a beautiful seaside town, nestled in mountains, with proper heritage and at least half a planning policy, good amenities, proper food and drink options, and only 15 minutes from the motorway. What chance does anywhere else have?
Passed through Wexford town last summer. Looked a lovely wee spot. Reminded me of Derry a little.
Would agree with Nenagh, Clifden, Dingle and Ballina.
Hillsborough is a lovely village with nice restaurants and the castle at the top.
Moira isn't too bad either as long as the nice butcher's apron flags aren't flying too wildly.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 18, 2018, 09:09:04 AM
As a counterpoint to that negative and depressing thread about shitholes, how about we nominate the nicest towns in Ireland? I think we have far more nice towns than shitholes.
I'll open the betting with a couple off the top of my head.
Adare, County Limerick. A lovely small town, loads of character. Beautiful golf course as well.
Kinsale, County Cork. A bigger town, but still has small town feel with the tight streets and colourful shops. Perched on the inlet with all the small sailing and fishing boats that brings.
Kenmare, County Kerry. More along the lines of Adare, but a beautiful scenic town with a lot of colour and life.
Dunmore East, County Waterford. Another seaside town/village. A lovely cove.
Birr, County Offaly. Another bigger town, but one that's really vibrant and has loads of interesting and historical buildings.
Carlingford, County Louth. The north eastern version of a smaller Kinsale.
Westport, County Mayo. A really nice bigger town, with the river running through it and good pubs and restaurants.
Kinvara, County Galway. Another seaside/coastal town or village that is very good at taking advantage of it's location.
I see what you did there - very sneaky. :P
Carlingford
Dingle
Westport
Spiddal
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
loads of those like carlingford, Carrick on shannon, wesport end up fitting the shithole description from 5pm friday to 5pm Sunday when the stags and hens influx appears. the towns bars and restaurants depend on them to exist but it doesnt make them nice places for 48 hrs every week
Kilkenny is a nice place.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
Never been on a stag do? If you owned a shop, bar, cafe or restaurant, you'd be hoping they make your place a target...
Broughshane recently won channel 4's best village award. To be honest its always clean and has lots of flowers on display in the summer but other than that is extremely ordinary.
Coalisland. As you approach the town from the Dungannon side you immediately get the impression you are hurtling towards an experience you'll never forget. The warmth of the once-bustling mining village hits you before you even set eyes on the burning Datsun Sunny estate on the Lineside.
Car parking is never a problem. You just park your car. Landi's do a great deal on cowboy suppers every day of the week and Springisland on takeaway Sunday dinners on a Friday.
The people are almost overly friendly and will want to know why you are there and when you'll be leaving.
Although the barracks have long gone, you can still smell the mortar and reminisce.
Good call on Dingle too. I forgot about it completely.
Quote from: ONeill on April 18, 2018, 11:09:58 AM
Coalisland. As you approach the town from the Dungannon side you immediately get the impression you are hurtling towards an experience you'll never forget. The warmth of the once-bustling mining village hits you before you even set eyes on the burning Datsun Sunny estate on the Lineside.
Car parking is never a problem. You just park your car. Landi's do a great deal on cowboy suppers every day of the week and Springisland on takeaway Sunday dinners on a Friday.
The people are almost overly friendly and will want to know why you are there and when you'll be leaving.
Although the barracks have long gone, you can still smell the mortar and reminisce.
:)
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 18, 2018, 11:09:33 AM
Broughshane recently won channel 4's best village award. To be honest its always clean and has lots of flowers on display in the summer but other than that is extremely ordinary.
And extremely black
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 18, 2018, 11:09:33 AM
Broughshane recently won channel 4's best village award. To be honest its always clean and has lots of flowers on display in the summer but other than that is extremely ordinary.
Used to have a great butcher's. Changed hands a few years ago so not sure how it is now. Nice local shops. Decent pub/restaurant. Always well kept, lots of hanging baskets. BUT as always let down by the "bunting".
The Moy has a bit going for it.
Quote from: Armamike on April 18, 2018, 11:29:07 AM
The Moy has a bit going for it.
The fact there is four ways to get out of it, being one.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:57:22 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
Never been on a stag do? If you owned a shop, bar, cafe or restaurant, you'd be hoping they make your place a target...
I have, but they have morphed into an abomination, where people behave nothing like they would on a normal night out. Pubs, hotels etc encourage them, but a lot of people abandon their local towns in heg/stag season.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 18, 2018, 11:34:58 AM
Quote from: Armamike on April 18, 2018, 11:29:07 AM
The Moy has a bit going for it.
The fact there is four ways to get out of it, being one.
Harsh. It's won lots of awards over the years.
Going to be a bit of a homer here but have to nominate Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Nestled between the iconic Knocknarea (final resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht) and the North Atlantic it's just a fantastic place to relax and unwind with plenty of pursuits to suit all levels of activeness. Excellent food, pubs, surfing, walks/trails, seaweed baths and on the doorstep of arguably the most significant archaeological sites in Europe - Carrowmore Megalithic tombs.
It's no wonder Sligo was as world's top holiday destination in Vogue magazine recently. Of course I'm biased but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 11:39:55 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:57:22 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
Never been on a stag do? If you owned a shop, bar, cafe or restaurant, you'd be hoping they make your place a target...
I have, but they have morphed into an abomination, where people behave nothing like they would on a normal night out. Pubs, hotels etc encourage them, but a lot of people abandon their local towns in heg/stag season.
Yeah, I get that, I would have went to Carlingford a lot but once the stags set up shop there, it has changed dramatically. But having been at a great stag there not so long ago and having made complete tits of ourselves, I understand that people who live there (not bar owners ) would find the place just about bearable! So we are going to Spain for the next one!!
Quote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2018, 10:19:28 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
You're describing as a kip a beautiful seaside town, nestled in mountains, with proper heritage and at least half a planning policy, good amenities, proper food and drink options, and only 15 minutes from the motorway. What chance does anywhere else have?
It's picture postcard perfect until you get out of the car, the entire village has been regenerated on the back of hens and stags. Half a planning policy that allows gaudy pubs and a sky park, but it's almost impossible to build a house there, ask Rob Kearney. You'll only hear a local voice in any of the restaurants from Tuesday to Thursday. Dans Cafe is closing at the end of the month, no doubt it'll be replaced by another over priced bistro full of hairy faced liberals with their latte macchiatos and lentil soup.
There are of course exceptions, the wonderful Ghan House being one, but they are becoming rarer and rarer. Even Lilly Finnegan's is now infected with them, Longs too, when it opens.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 11:39:55 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:57:22 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
Never been on a stag do? If you owned a shop, bar, cafe or restaurant, you'd be hoping they make your place a target...
I have, but they have morphed into an abomination, where people behave nothing like they would on a normal night out. Pubs, hotels etc encourage them, but a lot of people abandon their local towns in heg/stag season.
Yeah, I get that, I would have went to Carlingford a lot but once the stags set up shop there, it has changed dramatically. But having been at a great stag there not so long ago and having made complete tits of ourselves, I understand that people who live there (not bar owners ) would find the place just about bearable! So we are going to Spain for the next one!!
what did you do - show them your gaaboard posts 8) ;D
*sits back from laptop, smiles smugly*
Cant include Moira. Traffic is a complete joke. Would hate to live in it.
Quote from: lurganblue on April 18, 2018, 12:08:32 PM
Cant include Moira. Traffic is a complete joke. Would hate to live in it.
Drove through it last night when coming the back road from Lurgan about 9pm and it was fine. ;D
It has some nice restaurants and a well-kept main street though.
The same argument could apply to Adare.
Quote from: ned on April 18, 2018, 11:21:33 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 18, 2018, 11:09:33 AM
Broughshane recently won channel 4's best village award. To be honest its always clean and has lots of flowers on display in the summer but other than that is extremely ordinary.
Used to have a great butcher's. Changed hands a few years ago so not sure how it is now. Nice local shops. Decent pub/restaurant. Always well kept, lots of hanging baskets. BUT as always let down by the "bunting".
Yeah my mate swears by the butchers, said it's great
Quote from: Armamike on April 18, 2018, 11:29:07 AM
The Moy has a bit going for it.
I assume you're talking about the river?
Echo seanie's call on Strandhill. Lovely place. Has any Donegal town been mentioned on here yet?
dont think so farrandeelin but a town i love visiting
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 18, 2018, 11:47:45 AM
Going to be a bit of a homer here but have to nominate Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Nestled between the iconic Knocknarea (final resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht) and the North Atlantic it's just a fantastic place to relax and unwind with plenty of pursuits to suit all levels of activeness. Excellent food, pubs, surfing, walks/trails, seaweed baths and on the doorstep of arguably the most significant archaeological sites in Europe - Carrowmore Megalithic tombs.
It's no wonder Sligo was as world's top holiday destination in Vogue magazine recently. Of course I'm biased but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.
Top tip for food in Strandhill Seanie?
Will be there on a Saturday in a few weeks with the missus.
Greystones in Wicklow is a nice spot too.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on April 18, 2018, 12:07:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 11:39:55 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:57:22 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on April 18, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Carlingford is an awful kip. A once lovely town infested by Stags and Hens, you can't move from Friday to Monday for them on a normal weekend, never mind a bank holiday and it's like Andytown in July. Fat women in 4 inch heels and too much make up getting airlifted off the mountain. Locals can't afford houses, they are all on Airbnb now. People in Omeath are now advertising their houses as being in Carlingford. For those who don't know it, Omeath is like Tenko with added inbreeding and slightly more despondency, with a bit of luck Brexit will bring a hard border and no one will ever pass Davey's Pub again.
€15 for a one way trip on the Scenic Carlingford Ferry over to Greencastle. I'll repeat that €15 and we complain about prices for the national league. At least there's a chance when they get as far as Greencastle they won't be back, they'll never get out of Kilkeel alive.
Hens and Stags do have a lot to answer for. A f**king scourge to all, except the breweries.
Never been on a stag do? If you owned a shop, bar, cafe or restaurant, you'd be hoping they make your place a target...
I have, but they have morphed into an abomination, where people behave nothing like they would on a normal night out. Pubs, hotels etc encourage them, but a lot of people abandon their local towns in heg/stag season.
Yeah, I get that, I would have went to Carlingford a lot but once the stags set up shop there, it has changed dramatically. But having been at a great stag there not so long ago and having made complete tits of ourselves, I understand that people who live there (not bar owners ) would find the place just about bearable! So we are going to Spain for the next one!!
what did you do - show them your gaaboard posts 8) ;D
*sits back from laptop, smiles smugly*
;D
Quote from: galwayman on April 18, 2018, 01:08:24 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 18, 2018, 11:47:45 AM
Going to be a bit of a homer here but have to nominate Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Nestled between the iconic Knocknarea (final resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht) and the North Atlantic it's just a fantastic place to relax and unwind with plenty of pursuits to suit all levels of activeness. Excellent food, pubs, surfing, walks/trails, seaweed baths and on the doorstep of arguably the most significant archaeological sites in Europe - Carrowmore Megalithic tombs.
It's no wonder Sligo was as world's top holiday destination in Vogue magazine recently. Of course I'm biased but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.
Top tip for food in Strandhill Seanie?
Will be there on a Saturday in a few weeks with the missus.
OK - it's difficult to go wrong because there's a lovely selection of restaurants in such a small village you'll be surprised.
Shells http://www.shellscafe.com/ (http://www.shellscafe.com/)- a definite for breakfast but get there early. Even on week days it's absolutely mobbed. If I go I'd be going before 9.30am usually and I'm an Eggs Benedict fan. They also serve lunch and dinner which is also good I hear but I haven't been myself.
The Strand http://www.thestrandbar.ie/great_food (http://www.thestrandbar.ie/great_food) - Pub itself does a really nice bar menu which is excellent and very reasonably priced. They do stone baked pizzas until 11pm as well which are really nice. Upstairs there are two restaurants - Jade Garden Chinese restaurant and the new Stoked Restaurant. Jade Garden (Contact: + 353 (0)71 9168935) is there years and is very good. Stoked is new and has got some good reviews but I have not yet been to it.
The Venue (top road) http://www.venuestrandhill.ie/ (http://www.venuestrandhill.ie/) - very popular and has been for a long time. Good steaks and seafood options. We would go there pretty regularly. Very consistent good quality.
The Draft House https://www.thedrafthouse.ie/?pagid=home (https://www.thedrafthouse.ie/?pagid=home) classifies itself as a gastro pub and does a slightly more out of the ordinary bar food menu and specialises in craft beers. I've had several nice meals there also.
So plenty of choice within the village. The Venue is about 1 km from the sea front but all the others are within 150-200 metres of each other. Each is different from the next.....it's not really possible to go wrong. Enjoy.
Love Ballina, Westport and Enniscrone (when it's not crowded).
Great call on Dungarvan in Waterford. Some great wee villages and rural pubs round about Portlaw and Carrols Cross area. Might have been my youth or the great weather but I have great memories of the area.
Headed to Dunfanaghy this summer when I'm back, have a wee spot booked right on the beach. Donegal has some gems.
Quote from: The Iceman on April 18, 2018, 01:54:27 PM
Love Ballina, Westport and Enniscrone (when it's not crowded).
Great call on Dungarvan in Waterford. Some great wee villages and rural pubs round about Portlaw and Carrols Cross area. Might have been my youth or the great weather but I have great memories of the area.
Headed to Dunfanaghy this summer when I'm back, have a wee spot booked right on the beach. Donegal has some gems.
I was going to say Dunfanaghy. I have great memories from there as a young leader at summer camps. Take a walk up around Horn Head for some great views. Also there is a hidden beach about a mile or two accross the dunes from the football pitch which was pretty cool.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Though a village rather than a town, Roundstone is lovely, though a victim now to too many tourists.
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Places I'd happily spend a few days in. Most of them are villages rather than towns, and have nothing to do but take a dander, look at cold water and drink stout.
Dunmore East in Waterford
Mulranny in Mayo
Mullaghmore in Sligo
Rostrevor in Down
Adare in Limerick
Dun Laoghaire and its feeder villages
Sligo Town in general
Gorey in Wexford
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 02:30:22 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Hiudai Beag's used to be a fantastic spot.
Drink pints till they come out of your ears and have the craic with anyone that comes in.
Havent been back to it in years.
Was there a nightclub called Seaview or similar?
I've stayed in the Grand Malahide a few times. Always found it a nice place to walk about in and eat/drink..
Dungarvan , Lismore . In fact west Waterford is fabulous .
Killaloe
Rostrevor
Sneem
Quote from: Taylor on April 18, 2018, 02:42:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 02:30:22 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Hiudai Beag's used to be a fantastic spot.
Drink pints till they come out of your ears and have the craic with anyone that comes in.
Havent been back to it in years.
Was there a nightclub called Seaview or similar?
There's meant to be a big trad festival on there around New Years each year. I was told it was a bit like Blues on the Bay in Warrenpoint, if that's true the pubs probably take enough in a few days to keep them going for the next twelve months!
Quote from: Taylor on April 18, 2018, 02:42:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 02:30:22 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Hiudai Beag's used to be a fantastic spot.
Drink pints till they come out of your ears and have the craic with anyone that comes in.
Havent been back to it in years.
Was there a nightclub called Seaview or similar?
Aye, was there one year (24 years ago! feck I'm old) for New years! great craic altogether
Quote from: TheOptimist on April 18, 2018, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on April 18, 2018, 01:54:27 PM
Love Ballina, Westport and Enniscrone (when it's not crowded).
Great call on Dungarvan in Waterford. Some great wee villages and rural pubs round about Portlaw and Carrols Cross area. Might have been my youth or the great weather but I have great memories of the area.
Headed to Dunfanaghy this summer when I'm back, have a wee spot booked right on the beach. Donegal has some gems.
I was going to say Dunfanaghy. I have great memories from there as a young leader at summer camps. Take a walk up around Horn Head for some great views. Also there is a hidden beach about a mile or two accross the dunes from the football pitch which was pretty cool.
Tramore beach. Beautiful place to walk and see Tory changing shape the further along you go. Rarely run into anybody else. Spent many a day there before heading to pub at top of village for gorgeous pints of stout
Quote from: red hander on April 18, 2018, 03:22:02 PM
Quote from: TheOptimist on April 18, 2018, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on April 18, 2018, 01:54:27 PM
Love Ballina, Westport and Enniscrone (when it's not crowded).
Great call on Dungarvan in Waterford. Some great wee villages and rural pubs round about Portlaw and Carrols Cross area. Might have been my youth or the great weather but I have great memories of the area.
Headed to Dunfanaghy this summer when I'm back, have a wee spot booked right on the beach. Donegal has some gems.
I was going to say Dunfanaghy. I have great memories from there as a young leader at summer camps. Take a walk up around Horn Head for some great views. Also there is a hidden beach about a mile or two accross the dunes from the football pitch which was pretty cool.
Tramore. Beautiful place to walk and see Tory changing shape the further along you go. Rarely run into anybody else. Spent many a day there before heading to pub at top of village for gorgeous pints of stout
Yes many a childhood in Tramore, took the kids there one time, had great fun
Quote from: Rois on April 18, 2018, 12:13:03 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on April 18, 2018, 12:08:32 PM
Cant include Moira. Traffic is a complete joke. Would hate to live in it.
Drove through it last night when coming the back road from Lurgan about 9pm and it was fine. ;D
It has some nice restaurants and a well-kept main street though.
The same argument could apply to Adare.
The traffic from 3-7pm ish is terrible. Worth it though for a visit to Wine and Brine, McCartneys or The Meat Merchant.
Quote from: hardstation on April 18, 2018, 03:49:26 PM
Quote from: Taylor on April 18, 2018, 02:42:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 02:30:22 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Hiudai Beag's used to be a fantastic spot.
Drink pints till they come out of your ears and have the craic with anyone that comes in.
Havent been back to it in years.
Was there a nightclub called Seaview or similar?
There was a nightclub at the Seaview hotel. Closed now.
Thought so. Was some cattle mart
Leenane wouldn't be big enough to qualify as a town but the location is spectacular.
Quote from: Tubberman on April 18, 2018, 12:22:36 PM
Quote from: Armamike on April 18, 2018, 11:29:07 AM
The Moy has a bit going for it.
I assume you're talking about the river?
Aye, the Blackwater separated us fom themmuns. It was great. Then they built a bridge!
Aye, forgot about Leenane, nice spot.
And Mullaghmore, nice place to spend a relaxing day.
Enniskerry in Wicklow nice spot too.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 18, 2018, 06:29:04 PM
Would agree with who said earlier about Plumbridge. I'd actually extend that to the Glenelly Valley as a whole.
Portstewart IMO tends to be underrated, nice tidy town, it benefits from being somewhat a student town even when the students aren't there, the Strand is a great beach and has little of the sectarian blight that is otherwise afflicted in nearby Coleraine & Portrush.
A little surprised that some parts of North Antrim haven't been mentioned, Cushendall and Waterfoot/Glenariff have looked like great spots any time I've gone through them.
Enniskillen has it's location going for it and again it's a tidy enough town, though for whatever reason I've always found the natives there a bit cold and unwelcoming, while the traffic in the town centre gets easily chocked at peak times.
Truthfully and honestly I've never been further south of Birr, nor have I ever been in Galway or Mayo with the exception of Charlestown, so I'll defer to those in the know about the southern half a lot better than I do.
Yes Cushendall Cushendun and Waterfoot have a lot going for them.. plenty of great scenery and walks.. Cushendall having some nice places to eat have a pint and a bet!! The natives are grand though a good crowd of Belfast ones have moved in part time ;)
It wouldn't be an incredibly pretty/picturesque town and so probably wouldn't qualify for the 'nicest towns in Ireland' list, but Lahinch in Clare is a great place to spend the weekend or even a week.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 18, 2018, 06:29:04 PM
Would agree with who said earlier about Plumbridge. I'd actually extend that to the Glenelly Valley as a whole.
Portstewart IMO tends to be underrated, nice tidy town, it benefits from being somewhat a student town even when the students aren't there, the Strand is a great beach and has little of the sectarian blight that is otherwise afflicted in nearby Coleraine & Portrush.
A little surprised that some parts of North Antrim haven't been mentioned, Cushendall and Waterfoot/Glenariff have looked like great spots any time I've gone through them.
Enniskillen has it's location going for it and again it's a tidy enough town, though for whatever reason I've always found the natives there a bit cold and unwelcoming, while the traffic in the town centre gets easily chocked at peak times.
Truthfully and honestly I've never been further south of Birr, nor have I ever been in Galway or Mayo with the exception of Charlestown, so I'll defer to those in the know about the southern half a lot better than I do.
You are correct ;)
If one could include villages, Straide - Co. Mayo deserves a notable mention.
Quote from: Minder on April 18, 2018, 06:45:40 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 18, 2018, 06:29:04 PM
Would agree with who said earlier about Plumbridge. I'd actually extend that to the Glenelly Valley as a whole.
Portstewart IMO tends to be underrated, nice tidy town, it benefits from being somewhat a student town even when the students aren't there, the Strand is a great beach and has little of the sectarian blight that is otherwise afflicted in nearby Coleraine & Portrush.
A little surprised that some parts of North Antrim haven't been mentioned, Cushendall and Waterfoot/Glenariff have looked like great spots any time I've gone through them.
Enniskillen has it's location going for it and again it's a tidy enough town, though for whatever reason I've always found the natives there a bit cold and unwelcoming, while the traffic in the town centre gets easily chocked at peak times.
Truthfully and honestly I've never been further south of Birr, nor have I ever been in Galway or Mayo with the exception of Charlestown, so I'll defer to those in the know about the southern half a lot better than I do.
You are correct ;)
I was once told waterfoot was the ghetto of Glenariff ;D
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 18, 2018, 07:51:02 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 18, 2018, 06:45:40 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 18, 2018, 06:29:04 PM
Would agree with who said earlier about Plumbridge. I'd actually extend that to the Glenelly Valley as a whole.
Portstewart IMO tends to be underrated, nice tidy town, it benefits from being somewhat a student town even when the students aren't there, the Strand is a great beach and has little of the sectarian blight that is otherwise afflicted in nearby Coleraine & Portrush.
A little surprised that some parts of North Antrim haven't been mentioned, Cushendall and Waterfoot/Glenariff have looked like great spots any time I've gone through them.
Enniskillen has it's location going for it and again it's a tidy enough town, though for whatever reason I've always found the natives there a bit cold and unwelcoming, while the traffic in the town centre gets easily chocked at peak times.
Truthfully and honestly I've never been further south of Birr, nor have I ever been in Galway or Mayo with the exception of Charlestown, so I'll defer to those in the know about the southern half a lot better than I do.
You are correct ;)
I was once told waterfoot was the ghetto of Glenariff ;D
Christ !
The person who said it was from Glenariff lol.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 18, 2018, 09:43:27 PM
The person who said it was from Glenariff lol.
You can PM me the guilty party ;D
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 18, 2018, 07:51:02 PM
Quote from: Minder on April 18, 2018, 06:45:40 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 18, 2018, 06:29:04 PM
Would agree with who said earlier about Plumbridge. I'd actually extend that to the Glenelly Valley as a whole.
Portstewart IMO tends to be underrated, nice tidy town, it benefits from being somewhat a student town even when the students aren't there, the Strand is a great beach and has little of the sectarian blight that is otherwise afflicted in nearby Coleraine & Portrush.
A little surprised that some parts of North Antrim haven't been mentioned, Cushendall and Waterfoot/Glenariff have looked like great spots any time I've gone through them.
Enniskillen has it's location going for it and again it's a tidy enough town, though for whatever reason I've always found the natives there a bit cold and unwelcoming, while the traffic in the town centre gets easily chocked at peak times.
Truthfully and honestly I've never been further south of Birr, nor have I ever been in Galway or Mayo with the exception of Charlestown, so I'll defer to those in the know about the southern half a lot better than I do.
You are correct ;)
I was once told waterfoot was the ghetto of Glenariff ;D
Spent many a day "bunking off" in Waterfoot. Not exactly the best place to hide out! Cushendall was always better for a night out and a fight between the hurling factions.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2018, 07:08:07 PM
If one could include villages, Straide - Co. Mayo deserves a notable mention.
Why? Not trying to be smart, but there's nothing there? The parents now live nearby, all I've ever done is driven through it, takes about 15 seconds
The museum isn't great
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Shannonbridge in Offaly has a fantastic pub beside a canal and is close to Clonmacnoise. It is like an antidote to Dublin. Clifden is like that as well.
Is it a town to spend a day or two, or to live in??
Dromod, Leitrim is a lovely little village, beside the Shannon
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 19, 2018, 07:56:23 AM
Is it a town to spend a day or two, or to live in??
Dromod, Leitrim is a lovely little village, beside the Shannon
Anyone ever hire a cruiser to do the Lough Erne, Shannon run?
I'd love to do it some time, but the kids are too young ATM.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 19, 2018, 08:34:54 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 19, 2018, 07:56:23 AM
Is it a town to spend a day or two, or to live in??
Dromod, Leitrim is a lovely little village, beside the Shannon
Anyone ever hire a cruiser to do the Lough Erne, Shannon run?
I'd love to do it some time, but the kids are too young ATM.
I used to work as a pilot for Carrick Craft out of Banagher, giving the intro to tourists taking the boats out, and showing them how to drive, park, etc. Later on I took a couple of boats out for long weekends. It's lovely, especially if you like a bit of fishing, and if the weather is anyway dry. Kids need to be closely watched though, and in life vests ALL THE TIME.
I remember a lovely summers morning cruising along outside Athlone, with the sun shining and a fry on the back deck of the boat. Great stuff.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 19, 2018, 08:34:54 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 19, 2018, 07:56:23 AM
Is it a town to spend a day or two, or to live in??
Dromod, Leitrim is a lovely little village, beside the Shannon
Anyone ever hire a cruiser to do the Lough Erne, Shannon run?
I'd love to do it some time, but the kids are too young ATM.
Have done boat from Carrick (using Carrick Craft AZ!) to Lanesborough and back a couple of times. Great craic, with a gang of lads, wouldn't dream of bringing young kids on it though, way too much that could go wrong.
It's a great way to spend a long weekend, see the country from a different perspective, and there are good deals to be had.
Dromod is a lovely little village - not much in it, but a lovely spot to stop off in, have a drink and bite to eat in Cox's.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 18, 2018, 04:43:21 PM
Aye, forgot about Leenane, nice spot.
And Mullaghmore, nice place to spend a relaxing day.
Enniskerry in Wicklow nice spot too.
Oddly despite being from the county, I don't think I've ever set foot in the place.
Quote from: seafoid on April 19, 2018, 06:27:33 AM
Shannonbridge in Offaly has a fantastic pub beside a canal and is close to Clonmacnoise. It is like an antidote to Dublin. Clifden is like that as well.
Went back to clonmacnoise a couple of years ago and was fairly disappointed by it
Quote from: stephenite on April 19, 2018, 02:42:54 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 18, 2018, 07:08:07 PM
If one could include villages, Straide - Co. Mayo deserves a notable mention.
Why? Not trying to be smart, but there's nothing there? The parents now live nearby, all I've ever done is driven through it, takes about 15 seconds
The museum isn't great
I agree. There's the Copper Beech pub and museum and that's about it.
Quote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2018, 02:38:34 PM
Places I'd happily spend a few days in. Most of them are villages rather than towns, and have nothing to do but take a dander, look at cold water and drink stout.
Dunmore East in Waterford
Mulranny in Mayo
Mullaghmore in Sligo
Rostrevor in Down
Adare in Limerick
Dun Laoghaire and its feeder villages
Sligo Town in general
Gorey in Wexford
They all sound perfect. Wobbler. . I would agree with Rostrevor. Warrenpoint close by also. Gelnbeigh in Kerry is beautiful also. Cushendall I enjoyed also
Quote from: Taylor on April 18, 2018, 04:05:44 PM
Quote from: hardstation on April 18, 2018, 03:49:26 PM
Quote from: Taylor on April 18, 2018, 02:42:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 02:30:22 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 18, 2018, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2018, 10:53:22 AM
Bunbeg, its been a while but I would have went often enough, and with the National park beside it you've got one of the best areas to walk around
Good call, although I think the recession has hit it hard.
Must get back to it then, stayed at the harbour hotel twice and then further up the road at Teac Jacks a couple of times
Hiudai Beag's used to be a fantastic spot.
Drink pints till they come out of your ears and have the craic with anyone that comes in.
Havent been back to it in years.
Was there a nightclub called Seaview or similar?
There was a nightclub at the Seaview hotel. Closed now.
Thought so. Was some cattle mart
It was called Dodge City ... very apt.
Quote from: hardstation on April 19, 2018, 04:11:43 PM
The Dodge was a different nightclub on the road down to Gaoth Dobhair GAA club in Magheragallon. It was Dodgy.
Long hair fellas with check shirts on and Lee jeans!
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Jaysis, I only went through it the once, but there was some big wooden structure like a bridge going across the street festooned with union jacks and pictures of the royal family. Didn't stop!
Quote from: Tubberman on April 19, 2018, 04:40:49 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Jaysis, I only went through it the once, but there was some big wooden structure like a bridge going across the street festooned with union jacks and pictures of the royal family. Didn't stop!
Aye, that's Ardara for you!
Oh wait...
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
I always thought it was linked to the Black Perceptory.
Nice to live beside a town that has been mentioned a few times. In fact it could have been listed in the previous thread as well!!
A couple of my own favourite smaller villages.
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Easkey, Co. Sligo. Surfing, fishing and a wondeful area to walk and cycle. Loads of space for camper vans along the shore. Pints for 3.50 and 4.00.
Both are underdeveloped - but that is not a bad thing imo.
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
Someone I know from Cavan wouldn't drink Lyons tea because it was a black Protestant tea.
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
Funny thing about the use of that word. When Protestants are giving out about the cops they call them "black b******s." Damned if I know where that comes from.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on April 19, 2018, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
Funny thing about the use of that word. When Protestants are giving out about the cops they call them "black b******s." Damned if I know where that comes from.
Presumably from the black and tans.
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Nice to live beside a town that has been mentioned a few times. In fact it could have been listed in the previous thread as well!!
A couple of my own favourite smaller villages.
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Easkey, Co. Sligo. Surfing, fishing and a wondeful area to walk and cycle. Loads of space for camper vans along the shore. Pints for 3.50 and 4.00.
Both are underdeveloped - but that is not a bad thing imo.
Ballycastle in Co. Antrim was voted one of the best places to live.
Spent a night in Carnlough a couple of weeks ago. Very nice spot.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on April 19, 2018, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 19, 2018, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2018, 05:31:26 AM
Ardara, Co. Donegal.
Hillsborough, Co. Down, black as it may be is a lovely, well kept town with some great spots for food and drink.
Presumably the use of the word 'black' is a pejorative term. What would the equivalent to this be on the opposite side of the coin?
I've absolutely no idea.
I'm sure you know full well that "black" being used in that particular context simply refers to a location as being overwhelmingly unionist or Protestant. A historically cold house for people of my ilk. Whether that's pejorative or not is a different question altogether.
Funny thing about the use of that word. When Protestants are giving out about the cops they call them "black b******s." Damned if I know where that comes from.
You regularly hear "black enamel bastards" too, for particularly strident loyalists
I've always wondered whats the prod equivalent of "black bastard". It is just "fenian bastard"?
Quote from: trileacman on April 19, 2018, 09:52:04 PM
I've always wondered whats the prod equivalent of "black b**tard". It is just "fenian b**tard"?
Probably, although folk on here probably think the former is just harmless banter. Similary, referring to a black hole seems to be absolutely grand.
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Nice to live beside a town that has been mentioned a few times. In fact it could have been listed in the previous thread as well!!
A couple of my own favourite smaller villages.
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Easkey, Co. Sligo. Surfing, fishing and a wondeful area to walk and cycle. Loads of space for camper vans along the shore. Pints for 3.50 and 4.00.
Both are underdeveloped - but that is not a bad thing imo.
I think some of the smaller towns and villages came out of the recession better than the larger towns. Places like Balla and Lahardane and Turlough seem to have really progressed, while places Castlebar and Kiltimagh have gone backwards
I love Enniscrone and visit every year Im home, but someone in the know was telling me Easkey was even better. I havent been to Ballycastle (kids scared of heights) but Mulranny now is a great little spot
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
I love wandering around Howth peninsula, probably rich and full of pretentious wankers but it's a lovely place of a good day. Never rated Dun Laoghire as highly though I've always liked Killiney.
Garrison in Fermanagh is pleasant. Have never really rated Plumbridge but obviously some do. North Antrim is class but the Game of Thrones crowd have kinda spoiled it.
I'd rather we excluded tourist/hen/stag towns, they have an obvious advantage as regards investment, trying to look good etc. Carrick on Shannon, Westport, Kilkenny and Carlingford are great spots.
Tallanstown in Louth is a lovely spot.
Quote from: trileacman on April 19, 2018, 10:13:04 PM
I love wandering around Howth peninsula, probably rich and full of pretentious w**kers but it's a lovely place of a good day. Never rated Dun Laoghire as highly though I've always liked Killiney.
Garrison in Fermanagh is pleasant. Have never really rated Plumbridge but obviously some do. North Antrim is class but the Game of Thrones crowd have kinda spoiled it.
I'd rather we excluded tourist/hen/stag towns, they have an obvious advantage as regards investment, trying to look good etc. Carrick on Shannon, Westport, Kilkenny and Carlingford are great spots.
Tallanstown in Louth is a lovely spot.
I dont know if it still applies, but Westport went out of their way to discourage stags and hens years ago. They get a fair amount if English visitors due to Knock Airport.....I have family in Liverpool who can have tgeir breakfast in England and their lunch in Westport
I always assumed 'Black' was in reference to the Royal Black Perceptory.
Black is a racist remark.. probably it came from that
Strabane is a beautiful town in the sunshine. For the first-time visitor, I recommend that your first stop to be to the Visitors Centre. There are so many things to do in this small town you really need a plan to get you started. The Visitors Centre offers several brochures and maps of local attractions and festivals in the area. For a quid you can also purchase a map that gives a brief description of each of the shops and cafes. The map also gives the location and description of the delightful pubs and bed and breakfasts in the area. The Visitors Centre also offers several gift items and souvenirs, such as postcards and books written about the town's rich history. Several different types of tours of the town are offered, including a horse drawn carriage ride throughout the town. Individual or group tours are also available at varying rates. An individual tour can cost between ten to twelve pounds per person and a large group tour cost as high as three hundred pounds per person.
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 19, 2018, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
Ah yeah. There are no jobs there. Secondary school closed down 20 yrs ago as well. When you take kids out of a small town, you take the soul out of a community. Garda station, I suspect, is gone too. The football clubs are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Ballycastle had Tom Langan on the Team of the Millennium. Unreal to see his portrait on the wall in their tiny dressing rooms. They also had a player on the 36 AI team. The whole of rural North Mayo is football heartland but with depopulation it is very difficult to keep the show on the road. Amalgamations the only way but that is never without issues as well.
The area is spectacular though. Anytime I'm ever around Downpatrick Head (I try to visit regularly to do same bird pics.), there are always numbers of people there. One time a lad was running a mobile chipper there.
As regards tourism, I think there are people locally looking at ways to get people to stay around North Mayo for a few days.
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 11:11:06 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 19, 2018, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
Ah yeah. There are no jobs there. Secondary school closed down 20 yrs ago as well. When you take kids out of a town, you take the soul out of a community. Garda station, I suspect, is gone too. The football clubs are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Ballycastle had Tom Langan on the Team of the Millennium. Unreal to see his portrait on the wall in their tiny dressing rooms. They also had a player on the 36 AI team. The whole of rural North Mayo is football heartland but with depopulation it is very difficult to keep the show on the road. Amalgamations the only way but that is never without issues as well.
The area is spectacular though. Anytime I'm ever around Downpatrick Head (I try to visit regularly to do same bird pics.), there are always numbers of people there. One time a lad was running a mobile chipper there.
As regards tourism, I think there are people locally looking at ways to get people to stay around North Mayo for a few days.
Yeah, have brought a few people up around there and they've been amazed that they'd never heard anything about the area beforehand, it's a beautiful part of the country
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 11:11:06 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 19, 2018, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
Ah yeah. There are no jobs there. Secondary school closed down 20 yrs ago as well. When you take kids out of a town, you take the soul out of a community. Garda station, I suspect, is gone too. The football clubs are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Ballycastle had Tom Langan on the Team of the Millennium. Unreal to see his portrait on the wall in their tiny dressing rooms. They also had a player on the 36 AI team. The whole of rural North Mayo is football heartland but with depopulation it is very difficult to keep the show on the road. Amalgamations the only way but that is never without issues as well.
The area is spectacular though. Anytime I'm ever around Downpatrick Head (I try to visit regularly to do same bird pics.), there are always numbers of people there. One time a lad was running a mobile chipper there.
As regards tourism, I think there are people locally looking at ways to get people to stay around North Mayo for a few days.
What do you do about that though? You cant force them to stay.
Quote from: trileacman on April 19, 2018, 10:13:04 PM
I love wandering around Howth peninsula, probably rich and full of pretentious w**kers but it's a lovely place of a good day. Never rated Dun Laoghire as highly though I've always liked Killiney.
Dun Laoghaire itself is an absolute kip.
Quote from: trileacman on April 19, 2018, 11:18:31 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 11:11:06 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 19, 2018, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
Ah yeah. There are no jobs there. Secondary school closed down 20 yrs ago as well. When you take kids out of a town, you take the soul out of a community. Garda station, I suspect, is gone too. The football clubs are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Ballycastle had Tom Langan on the Team of the Millennium. Unreal to see his portrait on the wall in their tiny dressing rooms. They also had a player on the 36 AI team. The whole of rural North Mayo is football heartland but with depopulation it is very difficult to keep the show on the road. Amalgamations the only way but that is never without issues as well.
The area is spectacular though. Anytime I'm ever around Downpatrick Head (I try to visit regularly to do same bird pics.), there are always numbers of people there. One time a lad was running a mobile chipper there.
As regards tourism, I think there are people locally looking at ways to get people to stay around North Mayo for a few days.
What do you do about that though? You cant force them to stay.
I meant the kids were bussed out and educated elsewhere because the local school was considered inefficient due to falling numbers. Schools in Mayo have been educating kids for migration/emigration forever. It's nice for a rural town to have them about for a while though. Once the school shut the tumbleweed effect kicked in.
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 11:28:38 PM
Quote from: trileacman on April 19, 2018, 11:18:31 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 11:11:06 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 19, 2018, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 19, 2018, 06:43:06 PM
Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Beach, cliffs, archaeology, birdwatching, walking, whalewatching and a wonderful café at the bottom of the hill.
Not many jobs up there unfortunately though. A friend of mine living in killala has a young son (~10) who plays with Naomh Eoin (or Pádraig)? Anyway, it's an underage amalgamation of 3-4 clubs, doesn't bode well for those clubs in north Mayo
Ah yeah. There are no jobs there. Secondary school closed down 20 yrs ago as well. When you take kids out of a town, you take the soul out of a community. Garda station, I suspect, is gone too. The football clubs are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Ballycastle had Tom Langan on the Team of the Millennium. Unreal to see his portrait on the wall in their tiny dressing rooms. They also had a player on the 36 AI team. The whole of rural North Mayo is football heartland but with depopulation it is very difficult to keep the show on the road. Amalgamations the only way but that is never without issues as well.
The area is spectacular though. Anytime I'm ever around Downpatrick Head (I try to visit regularly to do same bird pics.), there are always numbers of people there. One time a lad was running a mobile chipper there.
As regards tourism, I think there are people locally looking at ways to get people to stay around North Mayo for a few days.
What do you do about that though? You cant force them to stay.
I meant the kids were bussed out and educated elsewhere because the local school was considered inefficient due to falling numbers. Schools in Mayo have been educating kids for migration/emigration forever. It's nice for a rural town to have them about for a while though. Once the school shut the tumbleweed effect kicked in.
Did the school.close after Asahi left?
When you called someone a "Black Bastid" it was because they kicked with the other foot (Protestant) and it did come from the Royal Black Institution and had nothing to do with ones skin colour...
Courttown Harbour is a lovely we spot in Wexford
Quote from: illdecide on April 20, 2018, 09:49:51 AM
and had nothing to do with ones skin colour...
Nobody was suggesting it had.
Quote from: illdecide on April 20, 2018, 09:49:51 AM
When you called someone a "Black Bastid" it was because they kicked with the other foot (Protestant) and it did come from the Royal Black Institution and had nothing to do with ones skin colour...
yeah some peole love to play the race card at every opputunity . makes them feel good about them selves as being morally superior to the rest of us .
its a good decent sectarian remark and cant we leave it at that
They say that Naas is an awful place
Abbeyleix is just as bad
Longford town would get you down
but f**k me Kinnegad
The historic old town of Moygashel is absolutely gorgeous and has been the centre of cultural life in Tyrone since the 1800s . Just put on your walking shoes (it's mainly cobbled streets) and go exploring. The town was untouched by the Troubles, a beacon of neutrality, and is now on the UNESCO Heritage list. If you enter from the south you'll see Linen Green, one of the world's leading designer shopping villages. Stroll through the old town and you'll find lots of interesting murals, the Independent Methodist Church, and in the centre of the square you'll find the Cloth Hall monument, commemorating the town's rich linen history. The centre is surrounded by rows of terrorist houses with lots of fields and hedges. Linen Green sells everything from food to souvenirs and local crafts.
Moygashel is clean, has a peaceful atmosphere, and appeared very safe for walking around. No cars are allowed in the centre though there are taxis within a few miles.
Quote from: ONeill on April 20, 2018, 07:25:09 PM
The historic old town of Moygashel is absolutely gorgeous and has been the centre of cultural life in Tyrone since the 1800s . Just put on your walking shoes (it's mainly cobbled streets) and go exploring. The town was untouched by the Troubles, a beacon of neutrality, and is now on the UNESCO Heritage list. If you enter from the south you'll see Linen Green, one of the world's leading designer shopping villages. Stroll through the old town and you'll find lots of interesting murals, the Independent Methodist Church, and in the centre of the square you'll find the Cloth Hall monument, commemorating the town's rich linen history. The centre is surrounded by rows of terrorist houses with lots of fields and hedges. Linen Green sells everything from food to souvenirs and local crafts.
Moygashel is clean, has a peaceful atmosphere, and appeared very safe for walking around. No cars are allowed in the centre though there are taxis within a few miles.
"The centre of cultural life in Tyrone " may be a pejorative term.
Classic O Neill. Nicest town in Ireland......"surrounded by terrorist houses" lol. Biggest laugh I've had in while!!!
Though nice area to be fair.
Again more of a village than a town but Strangford Co Down is lovely.
Quote from: illdecide on April 20, 2018, 09:49:51 AM
When you called someone a "Black Bastid" it was because they kicked with the other foot (Protestant) and it did come from the Royal Black Institution and had nothing to do with ones skin colour...
I would reserve the term 'black' for a bigoted, sectarian Protestant, rather than calling someone that simply because they are Protestant. Equal term I would use for a bigoted, sectarian Catholic would probably be 'idiot'.