Hello Listers, I've thoroughly enjoyed all the comments about traveling in Ireland, and since I'll be making another trip there in a few weeks, thought it was about time to add my two-euros worth (and my prior experiences)! First, about driving. It is intimidating, but doable. In fact, I have driven (and will drive again in late September through October) by myself on trips to Donegal. There are all the issues as mentioned (sheep and cattle on the roads, no shoulders just bogs, few lights or line markers, no street signs, fast drivers, blah, blah, blah) -- and you will drive standard shift on the left-hand side -- but this Ireland and driving is one of the great experiences that you will remember. It is also the most sensible way to get around because there aren't many taxis around. For the timid, there is a McGinley's bus service that locals as well as tourists can use safely between cities. Next, the airport. I have flown into/out of Carrickfinn twice and will again in less than a month. I find this to be the best option, rather than driving from Dublin, which I've also done on several occasions. (Can't face some of those "mountain" crossings without guard rails!) The airfares are inexpensive right now, the flight is quick, and everything is fine except for the fact that you are limited to 20 kilos (about 44 pounds) in total! (That means, no matter whether you have one or two bags, you can only have 44 pounds of "stuff".) Now, maybe some of you travel lighter than I do, but my genealogy files alone must weigh 10 pounds, and the chocolates I bring as hostess gifts must weigh another 10. I have been charged excess baggage rates by Aer Arann on two occasions, and on one of them I actually could have bought another seat on the flight for less money than the overage costs! Cabin baggage is also very, very limited -- both in size because it's a small plane, and in weight (7 lbs.). So, my word to the wise: think light. I think I'll repeat that to myself a few times in anticipation of my trip. I have also booked through Avis at the airport and on all occasions the cars were in very good condition. No problems there except I couldn't figure out how to find reverse. (I asked some young folks who were near a pub. It's actually tricky on the Opel Astra; you pulll up a small rubber circle that is underneath the knob/gear on the shift.) That said, Ireland is so wonderful, and while I wouldn't say I love to drive there, I love to be there so I'll drive. With good wishes to Pat for a wonderful trip. Roseann (hot on the trail of the Colls, Currans and McFaddens in County Donegal)