Legends and lore: Durty Nelly's Irish
Pub
A visit to Bunratty would not be complete without a
visit to Durty Nelly's Irish Pub. Nestled in the shadow of Bunratty
castle, this famous watering hole was erected in the early 1600s and
was said to be the drinking establishment of choice for the castle
guards. But who was Durty Nelly?
Legend has it she was the
beautiful keeper of the toll bridge over the Owengarney River and
took many forms of "payment" for those seeking to cross the bridge,
especially from the male persuasion. After crying herself to sleep
one night upon discovering one of her visitors had stolen the few
gold pieces she owned, an unusual recipe appeared to her in her
sleep. She promptly set up a primitive distillery among the trees
and made what came to be called Poteen.
 Nelly didn't know the power of her concoction until she
fed it to a sickly wolfhound. When the near-death animal
miraculously recovered, word soon spread that Nelly had discovered
the gift of life. People came in droves seeking a cure for their
lame horses, slow greyhounds and even their own pain. They found it
at the little house by the bridge, which to this day remains a house
for refreshment and comfort. Today, visitors still enjoy the warmth
of Durty Nelly's with its little nooks and crannies, dimly lit
lanterns and open fireplaces. Although Poteen is no longer a legal
drink in Ireland, a pint of Guinness is always within reach.
Irish Souvenirs 
Everyone wants to bring back something special from his or her
journey to Ireland. Here are four items we wouldn't come home
without:
Claddagh rings: Handed down from mother to
daughter, the Claddagh ring has been the traditional Irish wedding
ring since the 17th century.
Waterford crystal:
Waterford and crystal are practically synonymous. A visit to Ireland
wouldn't be complete without a visit to this factory and not
bringing a special piece home would be a travesty.
Belleek China: With each brushstroke applied by hand,
no two pieces are alike.
Aran knitted sweaters: An
Irish tradition, these wool sweaters are made with some of the
lanolin still in the wool, giving it both water-resistant and
insulating properties.
 What are the political
differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Although technically Ireland is divided into four provinces,
politically, it is divided into two: The Republic of Ireland, simply
referred to as Ireland, and Northern Ireland, which along with Great
Britain forms the United Kingdom. When Ireland won its independence
from Britain in 1921, it was decided the island would be divided
into these two sections, the division being primarily based on
religion. The 26 counties that make up the Republic of Ireland were
predominantly Catholic. The six counties in the Ulster province that
make up Northern Ireland were mainly Protestant, and would therefore
remain under the rule of Britain. After the division, two
conflicting groups emerged in Northern Ireland: Unionists, a
Protestant majority who want to remain a part of the United Kingdom,
and Nationalists, the Catholic minority who wish Ireland to be one
united nation. The fighting between the two groups gave birth to the
Irish Republican Army, a violent paramilitary Nationalist group, as
well as another half-dozen paramilitary groups on both opposing
sides. Since their inception, violence between the two has ensued.
In 1998, the majority of Northern Ireland voted for change
and The Belfast agreement, also known as the Good Friday Agreement,
put the political future of Northern Ireland back into its own
hands. It has not been an easy transition, but the peace process
continues to move forward. Although these have been turbulent times
for the people of Northern Ireland, they have not affected the
visitors to this part of the country nearly as much. The majority of
Northern Irish people don't belong to any paramilitary group and are
as welcoming and friendly as their neighbors to the south. In fact,
the Ulster province is actually an idyllic, charming and serene
place to visit.
Currency & Travel
If you are in the
process of planning your vacation and need information on currency
exchange rates, click here to
access our currency converter tool. While you're on vacation you
will need spending money for meals and entrance fees not already
included, beverages, excursions, gratuities and shopping.
Currency Converter
|
