Googled Iceland volcano. Found an article that mentioned that the airlines had put contingency plans in place in 2011 after the 2010 debacle! Didn't expound on what they were or give any details. Do you suppose "Murphy's Law" has anything to do with volcanos? (In light of our upcoming Oct 1st trip?). Also made me think of the 3 bonus days we had in Dublin thanks to hurricane Sandy! Deja vu??? Guess I wouldn't mind being stranded in Ireland a few extra days again! . However, I Would hate to be delayed getting there or have to cancel the trip
Dan
Murphy's law hit us in April 2010 and that trip was cancelled! I'm praying it doesn't happen again this year. We leave 18 days from today. The son of one of our firm's owners is leaving for a semester abroad at University College Cork on 9/1. He too is hoping the volcano holds out...
I keep going back and fourth - should I or shouldn't I purchase the insurance. If the trip is cancelled because of an "act of God" grounding air traffic, United told me they will refund our nonrefundable tickets. I can't see paying $115-200 to purchase the insurance since our only other truly nonrefundable expense in the Park Inn at Shannon the night before we leave. I am, however, thinking the insurance might be worth it if something happened and we can't return as planned. I agree, a few extra days in Ireland would be quite nice, but there is that unexpected cost of food or lodging for a few days...oh decisions...decisions...
I was under the impression that you had to buy trip insurance within 10 days of putting down the first money for that trip (usually airline tickets-which is the biggie!). I am pretty sure that is the case for covering pre-existing conditions. I do know you can add additional coverage amounts as you do more pre-paid expenses. Check the details and fine print to make sure...would like to know what you find out! Dan
Just checked the latest volcano updates. Although they say an eruption is imminent, they are saying it is unlikely that there will be a disruption of Irish air travel. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! It can do what it wishes once we're safely on Irish sod!
That cliff/coast path will be a little more daunting than the Rope (steel) bridge if they complete any length of it. Pity it wasn't done a few years ago.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
What MIGHT concern travelers to Ireland is the LAST line of the article: "The company also announced today that it is selling its entertainment service Blinkbox and Tesco Broadband to TalkTalk."
I wonder how, or if, that will affect the Mobile Phone and SIM deals that we've come to rely on when visiting?????
-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Friday 9th of January 2015 06:18:03 PM
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Tesco entertainment UK is a totally different set up to their Irish set up, we cant get Blinkbox and Talk Talk don't cover Ireland. I would guess that Broadband would stay with 02 ie who are now owned by "3" so nothing to worry about on that score.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
The Euro closed today (10 Jan 2015) at 1 Euro = $1.1844. Last May, it was at $1.393 !
That means you would 'Save' almost $20 on every 100 Euros you spend and nearly $200 for ever 1000 Euro. Certainly NOT enough for a Free trip, but, it COULD 'pay' for an extra day or two!
As my MIL always used to say, "That's better than a kick in the head!"
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Loop Head, the desolately beautiful Co. Clare peninsula, is going from strength to strength. A new, 76km cycling loop set to open this May bank holiday weekend. Yet another reason to visit!"
AND: From Donegal
"Aer Lingus Regional will be taking over Flybes direct flights from Donegal to Glasgow and Dublin as of February 1st. The flights are available from 34.99 each way. The airport also offers Fly Breaks on its website ( http://www.donegalairport.ie/ ) I've just learned, including flights from Dublin and two nights B&B from 159pp. Did you know Donegal also has the most sea stacks in Ireland?"
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Not totally sure Eddy Stobbart taking over from Flybe is a good idea? I have to question why they think Donegal to Glasgow is viable when they have pulled all Scotland flights from Shannon? The problems with Donegal airport are location and lack of car hire options.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Not sure I like the idea of a roof over High Street. Will it be retractable? If it is retractable that would be good, but I think it would spoil the ambience of the Killarney town centre. But, then again I don't live there so have no vote on the subject.
I will have to email my Kerry cousins to see what they think.
-- Edited by Judy on Thursday 29th of January 2015 10:04:52 AM
Judy -- From what I understand, they are retractable. In fact, it is NOT really a roof, but rather a series of inverted, canvas 'umbrellas' that catch and divert the rain away from the street.
The idea is to keep the main tourist shopping area clear of rain, but that is also the area they close off to traffic during events and for musical performances.
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Just received an email reply from my Kerry cousin. He said that my email was the first he heard of the roof over High Street, so I will send him the link. He is not living in Killarney any more, but visits there often. We'll see what he says about it.