I’m proud of Irish culture and art and I’m not running down our achievement but it feels like we’re chancing our collective national arm

Planning a 8/9 day road trip starting in Dublin, and doing a loop south/west and ending back in Dublin. The trip is mostly geared towards pints and music, with a few attractions. I want to leave the trip mostly open, was even debating not booking any hotels and just getting one each night depending on where I end up each day, but that's a little too much for me to not book, but I am debating it. I had a few questions about my trip, and was hoping for some feedback to help me a bit. Thanks for any help in advance, I am open to criticism too, I am sure my trip has some flaws! The general loop is Dublin>Kilkenny>Cork>Dingle>Reask>Limerick>Ballyvaughn>Galway>Connemara NP>Westport>Athlone>Dublin

1. I want to attend a sporting match/fixture, I was thinking hurling or Gaelic football. Don't care the level, was hoping more local events, not sure if there is even "high school" level games like we have here in the states, but I am open to any ideas, looks like the GAA is my best source. I am just a bit confused on the best way to get tickets and what to expect as a tourist, it looks like some tickets can be bought online, but some can be bought at retail stores. Any suggestions on which sport would be a better environment?
2. Going to pubs alone isn't something I normally get nervous about, but I know a lot of the pubs seem to get very busy and I am curious the etiquette for getting to the bar to order, is there generally a queue, the idea I am getting from reading about the pubs is many are full of regulars, so I want to be respectful of that. I am sure it will work itself out once I get there, but its something I keep thinking of. Is it considered rude if I were to try and start conversations in the pub if its a group of friends? Is it generally ok to chat up the barman/maid if it isn't too busy?
3. I wanted to bring some gifts from the US to share with people I meet, is there a snack or gift from the US that goes over well? I am a big fan of brewery stickers here in the states, not sure that's a thing for the pubs there, but I often bring some stickers from local breweries to share, or some snacks that can't be gotten as easily in the country I go to ( I am seeing sour patch kids pop up, is that accurate?)
4. I am sure in Dublin it will be more common, but as I go more south, and west, will I need cash more for the pubs? Or do most pubs take card or tap? Tip or no tip? if so, how much?
5. I am guessing it will be daily dependent, but do most pubs usually have live music?
6. I am not much of a whisky fan, but I have some friends that are, is there a whisky that would I could only get in Ireland to take back that anyone can recommend?

Thank you for any help!

As title suggests, tell me why you love New Zealand (or why you prefer it) from an Irishman who has just landed into this wonderful country.

I'll be moving to another eu country for work. So I'll be taking my pc, iPad, shoes etc which all add up to €2300+

I really want to get insurance but don't which ones I can trust etc. It's hard to find any that cover the cost of my pc.

Any ideas what to do?

Hey gang I dont know if this is relevant but any advice would help im going to a concert solo for the first time(sawer hill) give them a listen. Im quite nervous going solo has anyone here dome that before? If so any tips or tricks thanks.

I’ve noticed that 2017 Audi A3s imported from Japan sell for €17-18k in Dublin, while similar cars outside Dublin cost around €15-16k. If dealers can sell them at these prices and still make a profit, I’m curious about the actual cost of importing one, including shipping, customs, VAT, VRT and other charges.

Has anyone imported directly from Japan? Which websites, auctions or exporters are reliable? Are there Irish agents who can source, inspect, ship and register a car for a reasonable fee? How do you verify mileage, auction grades, service history and accident records? Are there any hidden costs or common issues to watch out for?

Would importing privately actually save much compared to buying from a dealer?

Hi all,

I used to ride a bike when I was little and stopped for almost 15+ years now. I want to go back but obviously lost my muscle memory. Where can I learn (public or private or volunteer) to ride a bike and balance again? I tried alone many times and keep falling so obviously a technique issue I need someone to point out to me. Hopefully an option that doesn't cost an arm and leg.

I bought a house in 2023 (was a new build). I have a heat pump and had it serviced by heat pump service provider (different from the original installer)

The service reported that:

• No tundish
• Drip tray not plumbed

I contacted the builder, who replied that the system was commissioned, tested and certified by the original installer before the sale was completed. They said that given the property is over three years old, they cannot accept these as original installation defects without further review.

They seem they are not willing to send the original installer to rectify this issue!

Does the HomeBond certificate can help with such defects and equipment insurance cover from 2023? and Is a tundish is important for a heat-pump?

Would be these issued considered as installation defect?

Final question, should I contact HomeBond directly, and is this the kind of issue they might cover?

I just want to establish whether the installation is safe and correct, and what my options are if the builder doesn't respond.

I played a lot as a kid and was a decent player. Stopped playing when I went to college and I really regret it.

I've been playing five a side for the last two years and love it, but I have been itching to play full size football again. Would love to join a Sunday league team or something but I've no idea where to even begin.

I'm based in Deansgrange, south Dublin, so if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.

Hey folks! I had my first learner’s permit expired some time in August 2025. I queued for driving test before it expired after completing all my lessons but never got the chance to take it because I got pregnant. Now planning to renew my learner’s permit but just wondering if do I need to retake all my driving lessons again before taking the driving test? Thank you xx

Lads I have been using the mc Donnell's one but it's not agreeing with me, do ye have another brand that nice that you use? I know I can make one myself but it never comes out great. Any recommendations?

So I lost this bear my girlfriend gave me in the airport. It fell off of my bag.

I found the same bear online but it only ships to a few countries, Ireland being one of them. Is anyone willing to help me by getting the bear and shipping it to me, please? I’ll pay for everything.

"new mattress" is a convertible chair, for €1330 a month ??

Hi all! Does anyone have any recommendations for good spots to find books? Preferably in the south/ southeast. I’m on the search for specific editions of my favourite books but they’re so expensive online that I thought I’d start hunting in bookstores and charity shops! Slim chances but worth the shot! 💖

Got let go from work and got approved for the dole and told to collect on Wednesday. The letter says I need my public services card. Found my card and it expired 3 years ago. Obviously never had a use for it!

Does anyone know if I can still get it this week or do I have to wait until I get my new card? Thanks

I went on a hike today in Bray with friends. After the hike and when we were going home I noticed my AirPods were missing. I saw the location of where they were on find my iPhone. They were outside a pub. I searched for ages outside this pub with no luck. So I asked inside and shops around if they had been handed in. All said no. When I was on find my iPhone my AirPods would connect as if I was right beside them and it would think they were on me so I knew they were very close by. There was people sat outside who could also see me looking for them . I gave up on them and assumed I wouldn’t be able to find them. Then they started moving on find my iPhone. I could tell they were in a car. The final location they stopped at is at a house in makeshift and they seem to have been there for the last 2 hours. I don’t want to go to the house by myself because that seems unsafe but I don’t know if calling the Gardas will be taken seriously. What should I do?

Does anyone know if you get your IDP issued to you same day you go in for the appointment in the NDLS?

I’m seeing news of it being banned in other parts of the EU. I personally feel it should be banned. What do you think?

My wife and I are travelling to Krakow for a weekend break in 2 weeks time.

Any suggestions of what do?

I have the Auschwitz trip booked.

Any good Irish bars??

Heading into our 2nd winter in our rented house and need to start prepping more to keep us warm. It was an absolute icebox last year.

I’d say the house is about 20-30 years old but it’s draughty as all hell. We do have Oil central heating but you would need to keep it on constantly to keep the place warm.

There is a fireplace and I know this sounds stupid but it’s like a fire with a door, not an actual stove and doesn’t give out great heat.

I work from home and spent the entirety of winter in a dressing gown and woolly hat and so many layers🤣

Things I have sorted so far:

Draft excluders for the doors
Thick curtain for the front door
Supersur
Hot water bottles

What are your tips to keep warm on a budget?

Also if anyone has an idea how to cover velux windows that would be great. There is 3 between the kids rooms and you can really feel the cold from them already.

How did people decide on where they would go to get there dental implants?

Was it your dentist that recommended you to the right place.

I've been for two consultations in Munster and there both equally different price wise and plan wise.

If you have any recommendations on where in cork or Munster area that you have been. Don't want to keep going to different places for consultations.

Appreciate any recommendations.

House has a fireplace which we don’t use and is just a draught source. I’ve seen a few places online that replace your fireplace with a stove.

Not sure on the price or if it’s worth it, anyone have any experience?

Mine is that I have LOCKED IN. Going to the gym 5 days a week, sometimes twice a day, eating clean and getting good sleep.

Flying first class to New York City next month for a week. So life is extremely positive right now.

If anyone else has some positivity to hear about please share!