Last month, three Abilene couples trekked 85 miles amid cool daytime temperatures, rolling green hills — and rain.
Obviously, they were not in Texas. Nor, in fact, were they even in the country.
Tom and Sandra Milholland, Mike and Phyllis Bolin, and Tony and Barbara Ash — longtime friends ranging in age from 62 to 79 — took part in a nine-day walk across Ireland.
The couples left Abilene on July 1, and within a few hours the searing heat of West Texas was far behind them. During their extended hike, the travelers carried hooded raincoats and heavier jackets.
"The weather in Ireland was cool with some rain, and that is what makes Ireland green," Tom Milholland said.
"The weather was from 60 to 65 degrees during the day," Tony Ash said.
Temperatures were about 50 degrees at night, Tom Milholland added.
The couples, all strong believers in staying healthy, often stayed in bed-and-breakfasts in towns including Bunclody and Tinahely in the Wicklow Mountains. Some nights were spent at Irish farms.
The group prepared for the trip by walking in Abilene — either in gyms or outside. They sometime would walk for five to eight miles at a time.
"If a person is going to take this kind of walk, they need to be ready mentally," Tom Milholland said.
He said it was not like climbing a mountain, but "it is not a stroll either, so people need to be in shape."
Sandra Milholland said she had never been to Ireland before, but "it was on my list."
"We sometimes walked eight miles on Saturdays in preparation for the trip," she said.
Sandra Milholland said she and her husband are in an exercise group that works out several days each week. She said they also try to eat healthy foods.
Tony Ash said he walks or exercises nearly every day.
"I have walked about 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail (an estimated 2,180 miles)," he said. "It has taken me 17 years, but I plan to finish the walk.
Ireland's summer has been the coldest for almost 50 years – and it ain't going to get any better! Weather forecasters have confirmed that temperatures in August are already colder than they have been for two decades. After promising the country a BBQ
"The weather in Ireland was cool with some rain, and that is what makes Ireland green," Tom Milholland said. "The weather was from 60 to 65 degrees during the day," Tony Ash said. Temperatures were about 50 degrees at night, Tom Milholland added.

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I just wrote this article that has some tips that you might be able to use.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1955654/ireland_travel_guide.html?cat=16
I’m not sure what you mean by money? Its usually better to just use your ATM/debit card then actually exchange cash.
Prepare for almost everything weather wise. It might be pretty warm in August, but more like Seattle warm (although this year doesn’t apply its been pretty hot there this year) but it can rain a lot too. I’ve been in November and it was sunny and cool every day. I’d say bring things you can layer and prepare for rain.
Give your answer to this question below!
Ireland uses the same 3pin plug as the UK, and runs on a 240v AC current. Adaptor plugs are freely available in many pharmacies in the dublin metro area.
The weather can be unpredictable, however, Ireland has a relatively mild climate, winters never really drop below -5c in the depths of winter. Rainwear though is a given, as sudden down pours are not uncommon.
Essentially you can dress as you would at home. Clothing would ideally be a couple of pairs of jeans/cargo pants, maybe some shorts (just incase the weather does improve). A lightweight waterproof jacket, tshirts, sweatshirts, maybe a light fleece top or two.
The currency is the Euro, and Ireland (and particularly Dublin) can be expensive. You’ll find several familiar brands in the shops, and papers like USA today are available in certain outlets in Dublin.
In terms of personal saftey, Dublin and Ireland on the whole is a safe city and country. I recommend you follow the same personal security measures you’d follow at home.
Ireland drives on the left, therefore when crossing the road be aware of traffic approaching from the right.
If you’re in dublin you can buy weekly and monthly bus passes that may prove cheaper than commuting everyday.
Dublin weather is Very cloudy 12°C at 10:00 am () #weather #dublin
@ Lmfao yea Dublin Ireland... They have weather like this alp the time lol
Dublin weather is Very cloudy 16°C at 10:00 am () #weather #dublin
@ not easy, grey skies in dublin also, Ireland would be fab if located in the meds somewhere! #weather
@ summers in ireland/dublin are just generally shit, the weather and all :L