by David McGuffin | Aug 6, 2012 | Destinations, Essential Travel Resources
I’ve dedicated the last seven days (about 70 hours) to improve the appearance and appeal of my web presence. I am a self-taught web builder, but over the years, I’ve picked up a lot relating to website design and content. So, now that I am at the end of my allocated time, I’ve decided to roll out the new web appearance a few pages at a time. So, if you get a chance, take a look at https://davidmcguffin.com and let me know what you think!
P.S. you may need to refresh your browser with CTL-F5.
-David
by David McGuffin | Jun 21, 2012 | Culture & Customs
Recently, while traveling in the UK, I decided to take an informal survey on tipping/gratuity customs in the 21st century. My research is based on interviews with restaurant and pub patrons as well as the wait staff, bartenders, and pub owners. To get a perspective on the entire UK, I surveyed folks in London, Bristol, Bath (England) and Edinburgh, Oban, and St. Andrews (Scotland). The results were quite a surprise and have prompted me to modify the information I give to my tour members. Here is how it all stacks up:
A tip is not really expected at pubs or restaurants. If you feel the service has been exceptional, then a small tip will certainly be appreciated.
Personally, I tip about 10% in restaurants. Nothing when having a drink in the pubs.
I’ve not done the research in Northern Ireland, but will have an opportunity in a few weeks.
by David McGuffin | Jun 20, 2012 | Culture & Customs
IRELAND has changed a lot in the last fifteen years. Recently, while traveling in Ireland, I decided to take an informal survey on tipping/gratuity customs in the 21st century. My research is based on interviews with restaurant and pub patrons as well as the wait staff, bartenders, and pub owners. To get a perspective on the entire Republic/Country, I surveyed folks in Dublin, Dingle, Doolin, and Galway. The results were quite a surprise and have prompted me to modify the information I give to my tour members. Here is how it all stacks up:
The “old Irish people” never tip. They count their pennies to the tee.
Modern and younger Irish people (under 35 years), usually tip when ordering food. Seldom when they just have “the drink.”
City Pubs – If you are simply served a drink by the guy/gal behind the bar – no tip is expected.
Country Pubs – If it is not busy and the bartender “chats you up” (strikes up a conversation), then leave a 15% tip with each drink or at the end of your drinking session. If the bartender is the proprietor, then no gratuity is expected, however, it does not hurt to offer to buy him/her a drink.
Restaurants and Pubs that serve food – A 15% tip is standard for good service. Up to 20% if exceptional service and extra “chatting up.”
To wrap it all up, restaurant and pub staff are more and more giving good service and hoping for the tip. My advice is to do the right thing and chip in to help the sluggish Irish economy.
by David McGuffin | May 18, 2012 | Destinations, Uncategorized
When we Americans conjure up images of Ireland we often think of rolling green hills, rock walls, sheep, and soaring cliffs plunging into the wild Atlantic. That’s exactly what you can expect from the west coast of Ireland. From north to south, the Counties of Antrim, Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, and Kerry offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the Emerald Isle. So, to whet your appitite, I’ve included a visual photo tour of some of my favorite Irish scenes.
Sláinte!
by David McGuffin | May 15, 2012 | Destinations
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A few days ago I left a very warm Florida bound for the Emerald Isle. After a short overnight flight, I was jostled awake by the flight attendant bringing my breakfast. Raising my window and letting the dawning sun shine in, I was treated to a magnificent view of Western Ireland and its forty shades green. As always, it reminds me of a patchwork quilt, done up in endless shades of green, a concept which is inconceivable without the actual experience.
Landing in Dublin, there was a welcomed climate change from that I experienced in Florida, just a short six hours before. The ninety-degree “spring” heat in Florida, was replaced with perfect blue skies and temperatures in the mid-fifties. Ireland is known for its moderate climate, the thermometer rarely dips below freezing or above the mid-sixties. The trade-off, however, is lots of rain, and sometimes blustery weather.
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This climate is ideal for creating those “forty shades of green” we so often hear about. It is not just a cliché, those forty shades of green, often dotted with little white puffs of sheep, are a true attraction of Ireland. The image is best appreciated from the air, so be sure to look out your window when flying over Ireland. You can also catch a glimpse of this effect from mountaintops, hills, and the seaside. Be on the watch when visiting County Kerry, Wicklow, or the Connemara area.
Sláinte!
