The decision

After months of being stuck in the house with my broken leg, dislocated knee, surgery in France, then 4 months later, knee replacement and slow recovery complicated by earlier damage and adhesions, I'm finally just going to DO it, and plan a trip.

Ireland was not my first choice, but my kids started me on it with the idea of going to Star Wars Force Awakens site on Skellig Michael (in County Kerry) to take photos (of ourselves in Star Wars costumes). Then a relative got me back looking at genealogy - my father's ancestors are ½ from County Mayo and 1/4 from County Kerry and 1/4 from Roscommon and unknown counties.

Finally late one night when I couldn't sleep, the decision was made. This fall's trip will be Ireland, whether the kids finally decide to do it or not. Next decision was when and how long. I am not a fan of "if it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" type of travel, and don't want to just hit the highlights quickly. Also, since my husband just doesn't want to retire, and I just don't want to wait until we are totally unable to travel - he has to take time off for travel since I'm agreeing to him still working.

SO - it's Ireland. Here goes some discussion on that. First of all, family, I'm NOT planning another Backroads bike trip at this point - it will be too much biking for me so the cost is not worth it.

I'm starting by concentrating in County Kerry first because of the location of Skellig Michael.

North Kerry - location that our McElligott and Lawlor ancestors lived in. I believe I've found the townlands they came from and want to see that along with the local sites - scenery, towns, pubs, ruins. Starting to think I could spend three weeks just in North Kerry!

So - to help me decide and show anyone else who is interested, here are some ideas.

Ballybunion and north Kerry - 

Ecotrek Ballybunion - a tour company led by a local historian recommended to me by a U.S. fellow genealogist with family from the area. They offer walking and cycling tours in the area.
http://ecotrekballybunion.com

Listowel Castle -
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/shannon-region/listowelcastle/. - only open until Sept 6 but might open for groups after that

North Kerry Museum and Ratoo Round Tower
http://www.northkerrymuseum.com

Carrigafoyle Castle
http://www.archaeology.ie/monument-of-the-month/archive/carrigafoyle-castle-co-kerry

Ballybunion Golf Course - for those inclined - a famous course
http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie

Ballybunion Beach and Ballyheigue Beach


South Kerry