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.
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