PLANS SHAPING UP

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

PLANS SHAPING UP

Dude · Guru

Looks good to me, Bob, but then any trip to Ireland looks good right now. Those of us who are Left Behind will have to keep each other's spirits up until the flock returns and we get some trip reports. Poor Bit, not going this year. She'll have to live vicariously through the rest of us fortunate ones.

We are looking at a Passat ourselves for 3 women plus luggage and shopping bags so will await your opinion of the suitability for us when you return.

Deep breaths. Maybe they are out to get you, but you are too smart for them!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Judy,

It does seem quite odd not be getting ready to go this summer. I thought I was okay with it until I received a newsletter from the Summer Session at which I usually teach and saw that they had even listed me for this year as a workshop leader! hmm

I have let them know I am not coming. They keep trying to get me over to teach. It is quite flattering but also depressing.

I am glad that I can at least help all of the rest of you have the best summer in Ireland you could possibly have. You and your sisters will have a fabulous time. I am quite sure that Bob creates fun where ever he goes! The YES crew meeting up in Dingle should be a scream, although I think somebody should warn Murphy's of the invasion.

I think what I enjoy most about Bob's trip is the genealogical connections that he wll be revisiting. I look forward to his report back. I am beginning to consider myself faery blessed, as I have never **knocking on wood** had any flight changes on all of my trips over. I hope you enjoy your Ferry ride over from Stranraer. I will be interested to hear your report on Edinburgh, as my experience there was frustrating at best.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Bit: There is the possibility that one/some of the Cousins will meet us IN Edinburgh, and the REMOTE possibility that one or more may join us on our Donegal - Derry - Antrim portion, as well. I/we REALLY do enjoy our time with them and they SEEM to enjoy our company, as well.
I'm sure that Murphy's will PROBABLY survive the impending onslaught of over a dozen, rabid YES folk ... biggrin

Since this year is out, how does Spring of '08 look???? biggrin

Dude: My son owns a Passat, so I'm fairly familiar with the vehicle. If y'all don't pack TOO heavy, and don't mind the manual trans, I think you'ld be pretty happy with it as a 'compromise' vehicle --roomy, but not TOO big. We used a Nissan Primera a few years back that was VERY nice.

And, I dunno about being too smart, since they seem to "GET" me, every time.... furious

I just keep my eye on the prize (the trip) and just keep reminding myself that I can tolerate a LOT, if it will still get me in Ireland.

One month and counting.

Bob

Dude · Guru

As to the packing and the vehicle, our B&B at midtrip has laundry facilities so we are planning to take half as many clothes as we ordinarily would. Lazy as I am, I would prefer the automatic, but for the difference in price I'll just shift a few gears.

I'm already looking forward to your trip report!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

The plan sounds good. I know the agony about trying to return the car empty. It's impossible but with the new car computers it will tell you how many more kilometers you can drive. Except if you go up or down a hill or are not level the computer tells you different things! hmm

My favorite room at Ocean View is on the groundfloor near the foyer. It doesn't have an ocean view but is decorated and laid out very nicely. It is the one pictured on this page: http://www.oceanviewhouse.info/new_page_1.htm I just did Glengesh and will try to post a photo in the next few days.

In Letterkenny I would recommend Glenrowan (a few miles from town on the Ballybofey Road) or Ballyraine. I believe I have both of them linked on my "Lodgings" page.

I'm sure you will hit all the high spots on the Antrim Coast like Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. If you have the time follow all signs for the various beaches and coves as they are quite picturesque. You can also drive on many of the beaches. For something beautiful but more offbeat try to find The Dark Hedges near Armoy (or if interested ask me and I will post directions). I also highly recommend Torr Road (signposted from Ballycastle). Hope you get a balcony room at Crockatinny.

For an excellent B&B close to the airport I like Beechwood Country House in Malahide. It is very elegant and comfortable.

I can't believe how much your phone calls cost. I use a dial-around service with cheap rates rather than use my regular long distance carrier.

Have you tried calling Delta about your seats? Sometimes humans can help where computers can't.

Michele

susan · Senior Member

Bob-your trip looks great,we went the same period last June and the weather was perfect(one day of light rain)hope you will have the same.

You helped with our trip planning on Fodors last year and would love to meet up for a pint .We are planning for the 3rd and 4th week in June 08. We are planning a week in the southwest and a week in Leitrim(family).

Michele- the Beechwood Country House in Malahide looks very nice.Do you know the nightly rate,I hate when it is not listed on the web site. My SIL has been holding your book hostage,I am a little lost without it.

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Beechwood was having problems with their webmaster updating their site, which is why I think they have left off the rates. This way they don't have to update every year. Their rates are 50 euro per person, sharing in 2007. If staying more than two days ask about a bit of a discount.

Michele

Merle · Senior Member

Hi Bob,
I'll be anxiously awaiting your trip report. My husband & I are going to the same areas in September as you are on your trip in June. We are staying Sep 10, 11 at Ocean View in Killybegs, Sep 12, 13 at Ballyraine in Letterkenny, and Sep 17, 18, 19 at Crockatinny in Ballycastle. We are staying the 3 nights in NI to spend more time looking over the area where my ancestors lived prior to emigrating to America. Our last 2 nights we are staying at Beechwood in Malahide. I prefer to use Michele's recommendations for B&Bs. She has the same tastes that I do and it takes the guesswork out for me.

I think it's great that you are attending mass at the same church where your wife's great grandparents were married AND on the date her grandfather was born. WOW.

Merlene

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele: I've used a "10-10" dial around since 1998, but when we added the cable phone it included unlimited domestic long distance and I got forgetful (fat and lazy?). hmm

Didn't even think it would be SO outrageous ... furious

RAVE:: Received an email, this PM from one of the cousins. She and her sister (If you've read my Trip Reports, both of them from the INFAMOUS Birthday Bashes of 2004 and 2005) have booked flights to meet us in Edinburgh. They will, however FLY home to Cork, where we will remeet then on the 20th. They are also intending to join us at the Opening Ceremonies of the Clan Gathering in Baltimore, on the 22nd. biggrin

Somehow, in THAT light, getting gouged for a few phone calls seems so trivial an irritation ... yawn

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 16:05, 2007-05-23

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

That fine print will get you every time! How wonderful that your cousins will meet you in Edinburgh. That only doubles the fun.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

An Update, to the Update:

Delta now shows my original flight and seat choices -- intact!!! confused

I'm waiting to hear back from four or five people that wehope to meet, or meet up with, during our trip ...

I'm going to have to leave the Galway-Mayo plans open (subject to dropping Doo Lough and Belmullet), until we see how everything else shapes up. cry

As much as everyone leaving for Ireland bummed me out, their trip reports and pictures now have me stoked for my visit! biggrin

I'll try to post a semi-finalized itinerary as my relies come back in.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Delta recently changed schedules yet again. They are now in their summer mode with more flights. How confusing for us all! The flights from Atlanta to Shannon are now all coach planes. The ones going to Dublin have business and coach. I guess they figure that business people are only going to Dublin and the cheap tourists are headed to Shannon. weirdface

I am not quite sure where I fit in on that list.

Yeah, it was pretty quiet around here with everyone off to Ireland. Now we will probably have the autumn planners checking in. It is fun to read all the trip reports though.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Bob, you are visiting an exciting and dizzying range of places, and are managing to visit almost all places that I have never been! So please do share a delightful trip report with us upon your return! I hope to see County Donegal on our next trip.

The only places you mention where I have been are the Belfast area and nearby. But you don't have much time there. I love the old Belfast Crown Liquor Saloon dating from 1885...it is gorgeous and full of friendly ghosts. With your short time in the Belfast area it is doubtful you can fit these things in but besides the Crown Liquor Saloon, I loved the Belfast Botanic Gardens with the Palm House, dating from 1827. (My irish grandmother lived nearby so I am rather subjective about this!) Also my whole family loved the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which is in Cultra, east of Belfast. Again, I'm not sure you have the time to see any of that. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum includes a fascinating section on the Titanic including some original drawings, etc.

Now it's you who is leaving us behind! weirdface

Have fun! Soak up the history and regal us with tales! (Is regal a word?)