2007 Preliminary Plans

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

2007 Preliminary Plans

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Too bad you can't do the Northern Ireland portion of your trip first. But you need to be with family and friends on certain dates so that won't work. Did you know that Aer Arann flies from Edinburgh to Cork? Or is the train/ferry journey booked already?

I guess your first decision is whether to overnight in Dublin or continue on to Cork. Do you have family events to attend the next day and do you need to be there at a certain time? Arriving in Cork at 11:30 is a bit late. It probably depends on your stamina. What does your wife think? From a woman's point of view, after a full travel day, I think I would opt to spend the night in Dublin.

June 20-24:
We will visit friends/relatives near Midleton, Drimoleague, Millstreet and Killarney AND 'drop in' to the O'Driscoll Clan Gathering in Baltimore and possibly meet up with JOHNOD from the FODORS Board? Only SPECIFIC plan is for my wife to attend Mass in Millstreet on the morning of the 24th, as that would have been her Grandfather's 127th birthday. We were there for the 120th, and had her father and mother in tow. * This sounds like a special time with family and friends. Will you be staying with them or looking for lodgings in a certain place?

June 24 PM- 26: Make our way to Donegal Town. Would LIKE to leave Millstreet about noon and drive to, or slightly past Galway city, toward Oughtergard. * Doable. Oughterard is a nice place to overnight. Then, on the 25th, I would be positioned to drive via Lenane and Louisburg to Newport and out onto the Mullet to visit Mullaroghe, before finding a place to stay as close to Ballina as possible. * Sounds like a full day. It can be slow going in that area. There is not a whole lot out there. Now I am curious about your interests in Bellmullet. Golfing perhaps?

June 26-7: Stay in Donegal Town and use time there to visit Killybegs, the Cliffs at Slieve League and Glenncolumkill. * Sounds good.

June 28th: Stay in Letterkenney after a long, ambling driving tour through Northern Donegal. Possibly meet up with caterine from www.welovedonegal.com ? * Are you going to drive the coastline? It is fantastic and will make you want to return for longer next time. It will be a fun day if the weather is good.

June 29-30: Drive via Derry to Ballycastle area and spend two nights. Tour some of the assorted sights. * Fine. Besides the usual sightseeing try to see the Dark Hedges (near Armoy) while in the area. Perhaps your little taste of No. Ireland will entice you back again. There is so much more to No. Ireland than the Antrim coast.

July 1: Drive via Carrickfergus and the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda and spend the night. * Good.

July 2: Check out Newgrange, Tara and some of the Boyne Valley, enroute to Dublin. Possibly arrainge a GTG with some of my Dublin travel board acquaintences???? * Head to Newgrange first thing and get on the wait list to visit the tombs. After that you can meander through Co. Meath and on to Dublin.

Since you are a veteran traveler to Ireland, you know what you are doing. I think it sounds fine. Let's hear what the other forum members think.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele:

In answer to your questions and by way of explaination:

A flight from EDI to Cork WOULD be MUCH quicker AND CHEAPER, but my wife is REALLY looking forward to the whole RailandSail experience. She HATES flying and REALLY, REALLY hates flying in SMALL planes. Pushing through to Cork instead of over nighting in Dublin, would give us six to eight hours more time to actually visit with her family, as opposed to driving, or even taking a next day train...

* This sounds like a special time with family and friends. Will you be staying with them or looking for lodgings in a certain place?

We'll probably spend Sat night (and possibly Friday) in Millstreet area and the rest in Watergrasshill.

June 24 PM- 26: Oughterard is a nice place to overnight.

I'm open to suggestions here, both to lodgings AND location -- I mentioned Oughtergard as I want to get far enough along to make the NEXT day's itinerary feasable ...

Then, on the 25th:

Sounds like a full day. It can be slow going in that area. There is not a whole lot out there. Now I am curious about your interests in Bellmullet. Golfing perhaps?

Although I HAVE golfed, I'm NOT a golfer...
My sole purpose is just to lay eyes on Mullaroghe (and possibly Clougher and Tiraun). If you have a copy of THE GREAT HUNGER BY Cecil Woodham Smith, you can read the reference on pages 319-320 -- a few, chilling paragraphs that I find haunt me still. I dunno what I expect to find there. Worse case, the area will be filled up with holiday homes, owned ande occupied by 'blow-ins'. Best case, I might sight the weathered remains of three small, stone cottages ....

June 26-7: Stay in Donegal Town and use time there to visit Killybegs, the Cliffs at Slieve League and Glenncolumkill. * Sounds good.

June 28th: Are you going to drive the coastline? It is fantastic and will make you want to return for longer next time. It will be a fun day if the weather is good.

I'll probably play it by ear, based on weather and circumstances at the time, but definitely plan to see SOME of the coast, for sure.

June 29-30: Perhaps your little taste of No. Ireland will entice you back again. There is so much more to No. Ireland than the Antrim coast.

I have NO doubt that I'll want to go back for more. This just seems like the LEAST PAINFUL compromise, given my time restraints.

I could use some recommendations for all of the nights after Muillstreet, if anyone has some. Would like to be 'close in' in Donnegal Town and Letterkenney, but otherwise, all listed towns (Oughtergard, Ballina, BallyCastle, Drogheda) are for reference only and I'm not tied to any of them. Just looking for something in the general area. We prefer small, homey B&B's, clean and unpretentious. Gourmet food and comfortable beds are PLUSES...

I realize that's probably BLASPHENOUS, but a picturesque location and amiable people will more than offset a too-soft mattress and we eat too much on these trips, as it is

Bob

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Bob,

I read your post yesterday, and the mention of Mullaroghe and Cloger intrigued me, so I tried to look it up on the internet. Only found a reference to it on http://www.ucc.ie/chronicon/smith.htm. Then I had to get my "The Great Famine" by Smith out, and read the pages again. It all makes one's heart cry with man's inhumanity to man. So heartbreaking.

We will be in Belmullet, Clogher area in first week of June. Staying at The Bervie on Achill Island for three days, so hope to also visit the area.

Your itinerary sounds great, as usual for you. Think I have asked you about Millstreet on Fodors. I will be in Inchigeelagh in May, for our usual Joe Creedon visit (at Creedon's Hotel). Being an O'Leary, I always stop there.

Glad to see you on Michele's website!

Helen

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Glad to be here, Helen.
I had been 'dropping in' for quite some time now, when I started noticing how many familiar names kept cropping up. Thought I might as well join in the fun as well.
Yes, we HAVE chatted about Millstreet , Creedon's and the O'Learys ... Do you think you'll get the chance to spend a bit of time in Millstreet? If so, drop into the tiny Museum in the City Hall (across from the Catholic Church). If you get the chance to meet up with Sean Radley, he'll have a million things to say about the O'Leary connection AND, I PROMISE that visiting with him will be every bit as memorable as an afternoon with Joe Creedon (they sound very much alike!).
You could stop by Nibbles for tea and pastries, or have a full meal at The Wallis Arms ( I think Jerry O'Connor is still the chef there). The food in EITHER is worth the detour!
Turbrid Holy Well is a tranquil and pleasant stop.
A bit further afield, but not far, is Coomatrush Falls and Lake and, of course, Knocknakilla. Millstreet Country Park and Saint John's Holy Well are atop nearby Mushera, as well.

There's a map posted on a display board, practically in front of the Wallis Arms that will show you the way.

You could spend a very pleasant day in Millstreet, if you like. It would be a very EASY daytrip from Inchigeelagh.

www.millstreet.ie has links and info on all this and more. It is a 'Considerable' town, and an undiscovered gem.

Hope I have the TIME to make it to Mullaroghe. I hope you do, too.
Pleasant journeys....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 12:15, 2007-04-02

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Bob,
Hopefully We will have enough time while in Killarney to get to Millstreet. We have 4 nights in Killarney, doing Gap of Dunloe (DerosTours), one day; Interior of the ROK with a 2 hr. Michael Skellig boat trip (understand one goes out from The Skellig Centre, do you have any info?) another day; and then Inchigeelagh for a day. We hope to renew our wedding vows at the church, or perhaps--Gougane Barra. Perhaps on the way back to our B&B, Millstreet can be a stop.

Lucky you, eight Ireland trips in nine years. It is taking me 15 years to do 7 trips! But--I am not complaining! Just so I get there.

Helen

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Dunno if I'm LUCKY, or just PIG-HEADED DETERMINED......

Re-newing your vows? Congratulations. My wife and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary in Ireland, then went back for our 35th. I don't think I would ask her for a re-newal -- she might say, "NO", this time......

Have never been to Skellig Michael, I'm ashamed to say. In fact, I've only actually driven the Ring of Kerry ONCE --- and that was on our first trip, in 1998!! So MUCH to see and do, and so LITTLE time in which to do it ....

Here are some info links that I found, though. I hope they are of some help.

http://www.irishfamilyrun.com/skelligs.htm

http://www.sneem.com/skelligs/skelligsmain.html

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

I hate flying on small planes too. I hope the weather is good for your ferry crossing. That is quite a bit of time to be gained by proceeding to Cork on the same day. I sense you leaning in that direction.

In Oughterard I recommend Fough East (walking distance to town), Railway Lodge & Waterfall Lodge. The last two are not in walking distance but a short drive.

As soon as I have a moment I am going to have to break out my old copy of The Great Hunger and look that up. It has been many decades since I read it. Last time I was out on the Mullet it was pretty deserted. But that was before the Celtic Tiger economy. You will have to let us know if they have ruined it with holiday homes.

Donegal Manor is about a three minute drive to Donegal town, but since it is on a busy road I wouldn't suggest walking it. The other personal recommendations I have are not as close.

In Ballycastle: Crockatinny, Hillsea, Fragrens. The last two are walking distance to town. Crockatinny is a few miles from town but has rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean.

Unfortunatley, I don't have personal recommendations for Balllina or Drogheda. The two I had in Drogheda recently retired. Too bad because they were excellent. A few miles away is Beach Lodge in Bettystown or Highfield House in Trim.

Take a look at my "Lodgings" page for links, etc.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

The boats that go from the Skellig Center just circle the islands but do not land on them: http://www.skelligexperience.com/sea_cruise.html Did you want to land on Skellig Michael and climb to the top? Bill has recently done that. If you go over to the Trip Reports you will find it (Wojazz3).

Michele

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Bob and Michele,

A few years ago, Husband nd I were booked for a Des Lavelle Boat Trip, and the weather was bad, so we couldn't go out. This time DH has a problem with his legs, so don't think he could jump to the rock-boarding area on Skellig Michael! I would go in a second, but hate to leave him for a whole day. So, am thinking we could at least get out there and boat around the Islands. It looks like The Skellig Experience does do the 2 hr. trip in good weather. I shall call when we reach Earls Court House ( Michele, I am booking here and changing from Ross Castle Lodge. It sounds very nice, I see it is in your book).

Thanks for your reliable input!

Helen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

Earl's Court is beautiful. It is worth staying there just for the breakfast. If you like porridge you must try Earl's Court special porridge with dates, cream and honey. If you get one of the rooms in the new wing they are very luxurious with plasma TVs, Jacuzzi tubs and separate shower. I was totally spoiled last time but fortunately it was at the end of my trip. Otherwise it would have ruined every other place I stayed! Plus it is within walking distance of town. Tell Ray and Emer I sent you and they will take special care of you.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

OK....

It's OFFICIAL! Bought the airline tickets this afternoon. Was going to wait, but a spot check of the available seats showed only ONE row (of two seats) remaining on the return flight!!!

There WERE still numerous other seats, but two together would have been in a three seat row and a flight from DUB to ATL is entirely TOO LONG to be pressed up onto a NEW BEST FRIEND!

So we are out of GNV on 16 June, via ATL, arriving into EDI at 9AM on the 17th. Only a 2 3/4 hour layover, if we make the scheduled 3:30 departure and about an hour, if weather (or ASA) delays us onto the 5:25 PM flight. That time of year, it's good to have the 'cushion'.

Return is 3 July @ 11:30 AM from DUB, direct to ATL. Back into GNV @ 7:43 PM. Paid $50 extra per person, to cut the ATL layover from 5.5 down to 2.5. Think I'll get a REFUND if weather or other delays put me onto the later flight?????

Looking at booking my two night lodging in Edinburg, ASAP.

Then, it's time to get serious.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 19:20, 2007-04-07

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Congrats on getting your airfares! Are you going on Delta? They certainly are busy this year with full and oversold flights. I guess it will be a good tourist season in Ireland for 2007.

When you return to the US be sure to scurry through Atlanta. The delays can be impressive if a bunch of flights arrive at the same time. Plus you have to go through security again after getting off the plane.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Yes, Delta it is. 767-300ER ( a 2-3-2 seating set up). $1100 per ticket

but we're 'picking up' Edinburgh AND flying ex-GNV. Figured the airport parking would have been about $100 in JAX and well over that at MCO. Could have gotten a Continental flight out of JAX for about $900, but it wouldn't have included Edinburgh and it was a 757, (3 and 3 seats). Also, I have to work the 16th, so flying out of JAX or MCO, factoring the drive to get there, meant that we wouldn't be able to leave until Sunday....

If it sounds like I'm rationalizing ....

Found what looks like a great deal on a Guesthouse in Edinburgh. Dbl Room, ensuite, B&B two blocks North of Princes Street for 120 GBP, TOTAL, for two nights. Place is called Elder York Guesthouse on 38 Elder Street. Booked it through www.visitscotland.com

So, now I'm looking at exit from Edinburgh and getting to Cork. Flight via Aer Arrann is 78GBP for TWO EDI-ORK OR, 84GBP for TWO, for BHD-ORK (if we do the RAILSAIL and THEN fly).
Doubtless, there would be some 'EXTRA LUGGAGE' fees, plus transfer to EDI from City Center (or transfer from Stena's Terminal to George Best Belfast City Airport).

RAILSAIL Edinburgh Waverley to Belfast Harbor is 38GBP
Enterprise Rail, Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly is 48GBP
Dublin Heuston to Cork City is 113 Euro

Doesn't include transfers/ taxis in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

Guess I need to see just HOW bad my wife wants that Ferry ride....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 08:57, 2007-04-08

YaYa · Guru

Dear Bob,

I'm very excited for you and look forward to one of your wonderful trip reports.

How are those little grandchildren doing?

My Best to you, Joan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Both the grandchildren are doing fantastic. Thank you for asking. Had the grand-daughter here for a few days this past week and BOTH, together back at the first of the month. Hard to believe they will be TWO in June! Dunno where the time goes...

That's HALF the reason why this year's trip is so pricey -- can't leave the country before their birthdays! We'd NEVER be forgiven.

The word is FINAL --- There is NO question about doing the RailSail --- My wife has said that part of the trip is NON negotiable! She wants to experience the whole 'Ireland by boat' thing.

This is why we mull over our plans ....

And why I, at least, have to start the process MONTHS in advance.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

You have to make your wife happy. What's a few extra dollars? You can't take it with you anyway so might as well spend it in Ireland. I can see you are a number's man from your previous posting. After just finishing my taxes and writing a nice check to the government I don't want to see a bunch of numbers till next year!

Maybe in a few years you can take the grandkids with you to Ireland.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I'm REALLY not that obscessive about the $$'s as I sound. I'm just a working stiff, though (and my wife's a teacher - which in Florida means 'Those of NEGLIGABLE Income'). I sweat the details and look for bargains pre-trip so that I don't have to give it a second thought once I've planted my feet onto the turf. I often go in April, when most of the costs are only about half of what they are shaping up to be for this trip. And, like everyone else, I'll pay whatever I HAVE to, but I'm certainly HAPPY to pay less.....

Interestingly, I did a detailed cost accounting of my LAST trip, to answer co-worker's questions. If anyone is interested:
http://p104.ezboard.com/feuropetogofrm13.showMessage?topicID=112.topic

I also have some Trip Reports posted elsewhere, which are probably pretty indicative of my traveling "STYLE" and mindset:
June 2004:
http://p099.ezboard.com/feuropetogofrm16.showMessage?topicID=131.topic

April 2006:
http://p099.ezboard.com/feuropetogofrm16.showMessage?topicID=151.topic

Oh, yeah the Granchildren. They were both born early. GD came 35 days ahead of schedule and GS was two weeks early. My wife and I were, of course, in Ireland! Still paying for THAT faux pas!

June 2005:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34679685

I've told the kids "NO Nappys!", but would LOVE to see the wee ones climbing the rock walls and cavorting in the green fields.

We took my daughter and son-in-law in June of '04. I showed them where they are to scatter my ashes, when the time comes.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

I hear you. I must also squeeze my pennies and budget like mad to be able to afford a couple of trips to Ireland every year. I am from a frugal working-class background myself. But there is always a time for a bit of a splurge. I am still waiting for a castle stay but I'm sure I will break down and do it sooner or later. Probably later.

As soon as I have time I'm goint to check out your past Trip Reports. I'm sure it will be good reading ahead!

Michele

P.S. So where will your ashes reside (hopefully many, many decades from now)?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

When the time comes, 1/2 go into the air at Knocknakilla, back to the standing stone, facing north and slightly west, facing toward Millstreet.

The other 1/2 go into a field from off the top of a particular boulder -- also facing north -- from the ridgeline overlooking the valley of Coomleigh. Access is from Drimoleague to the south, up the bohreen past Castle Donovan. OSI Discovery Series Map #85. Hope the landowner doesn't mind ...

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Sounds lovely. Does the Millstreet location overlook The Paps?

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Not so as to be recognizable, as such.

But, now that you mention the PAPS, those are only TENATIVE plans...

I'm witholding FINAL assignment until I FINALLY locate An Shrone. And, of course, I HAVEN'T made it to Mullaroghe or Donegal or NI, yet ...

I COULD end up being spread pretty thin ....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 21:08, 2007-04-09

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Perhaps your last tour of Ireland will be the Green Blur Tour?

Michele

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Bob and Michele,

My oh my, this thread should be titled "Preliminary Plans".!! It's so funny, 'cause I have told my sons my tombstone SHALL read "Helen's Not Here, She's in Ireland!" I did agree that 1/2 shall go Ireland--over Carrignacurra, the O'Leary castle (tower house) in Inchigeelagh, County Cork; they can have the other half. My two sons just roll their eyes, think I am a little weird, and let it go at that! I may be French, German, Irish--but am genetically ( is that even a word?) 100% pure Irish!

Helen

Dude · Guru

My daughter is to bring a small amount of me to spread over the Hill of Tara.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dear Friends,

For that is what we are when we can talk about something such as this, It is good to know that I am not the only "Crazy" american who wants to be scattered on the Isle. For me, it is Inis Mor, off the point behind Man of Aran Cottage, with a bit scattered over Rathlin, for that is the last piece of Ireland my ancestors saw as they headed to Scotland.

Slan Beo,

Bit

YaYa · Guru

Bob and Bit,

I've told my children to take my ashes to The Burren and for them to stay and enjoy Ireland for a week. I love other parts of Ireland also, but thought it'd be so easy for them near Shannon.

Joan

Michele Erdvig · Host

It sounds like we are all eventually going to end up in Ireland...permanently!! At least we won't have to worry about the exchange rate or weather then.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

That's ONE GTG that I'm NOT all that eager to attend.

Y'all can feel free to start without me .....

Bob

daffydill · Member

Hi all,
I was wondering what the benefits would be in becoming an Irish citizen? Is it difficult to live in Ireland, on a permanent basis, if you are not a citizen? I would also like to know if this would affect my own US citizenship since afriend says that the US doesn't recognize dual citizenship? Thanks for any help on this issue.