Page 48 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – September 2019

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rippling streams where fly-fishermen cast their lures in quest of pike and other fish. One of the most scenic drives in Ireland is the 120-mile-long Ring of Kerry, which takes travelers past verdant mountains, lakes and a magnificent stretch of Ireland’s rugged coastline.
North of the Ring of Kerry, along the coast of County Clare, lies the famous Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The history of these cliffs is brought to life at the Atlantic Edge exhibition. Then travel onward to mystical Bunratty Castle. Visitors to this 16th-century castle can join in a sumptuous feast in the castle’s grand banquet hall while enjoying the Renaissance chorale melodies of the Bunratty Castle Singers.
For a taste of royalty, stay at Dromoland Castle in County Clare. This castle is now a five-star hotel with a golf course and restaurant and it is a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide. It has been reported that many famous guests have stayed at the castle, including former U.S. President George W. Bush and business magnate Richard Branson.
A few miles outside of Cork lies the famous 66-year-old Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney stone. The Blarney Woollen Mills, which features quality Irish-made goods for sale, is another point of interest.
In County Waterford, situated along the coast of Ireland’s Ancient East, explore miles of stunning coastline and Ireland’s oldest city – Waterford, founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. Some of the city’s most fascinating treasures can be found at the Waterford Treasures, a trio
of museums in the city center. Another visitor highlight is the Waterford Crystal factory, where you can tour the main crystal factory complex to observe skilled artisans blowing the molten crystal or browse a collection of crystal pieces. There is much to explore and experience in beautiful Ireland, so be sure also to drop into some of its many local pubs, where Guinness ale and the playful banter of patrons
Ring of Kerry
Dromoland Castle
flow freely. It’s here that you’ll find Ireland’s exceptional appeal – its people.
TRACING CULTURAL ROOTS
For some 40 million Americans who trace their ancestry to Ireland, a trip to the isle often takes on the aura of a pilgrimage. Each year, thousands of Americans visit in search of their roots.
The Irish presence in America began with the infamous potato famine of the 1840s that drove four million immigrants, half the island’s population, to
the United States. For many American-born Irish descendants, the journey into the past begins with a record search at the Genealogical Office at the National Library in Dublin or the Public Record Office in Belfast. Some lay this task in the hands of professionals,
turning to Hibernian Genealogy Research, which has many years’ experience with searches being conducted for people across Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S.
Judie Karhan is a freelance writer from California.
For travel planning assistance, visit your AAA store or AAA.com/travel.
Ask about AAA’s 2020 Member Appreciation Tour to Ireland: Enchanting Emerald Isle
46 | AAA MAGAZINE
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