The GAME Is A-Foot!!!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

The GAME Is A-Foot!!!

WCOMALLEY · Veteran Member

Bob,That's a great thing, being able to stay with family over there. Unfortunately for free accommodations, all my Irish relatives live over here in the States. We didn't do much in the Cork area when we were there in October (just Blarney Castle and the Midleton Distillery), so I'll be very interested to find out what you decide to visit on the upcoming trip. The juicy little details make it fun: Which restaurant you ate in, which pub you heard the best trad music in,etc. WC

yesiree · Guru

Sounds like a great holiday. It is great having a place to stay...definitely take advantage of the offer.

It pains me to look at the currency rate right now...alas, I won't let something I don't have any control over - take control of my working holiday this summer. Good times are to be had...with or without dollars and euros.

Cheers,
Corey

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Here I took a few days off to complete my taxes (hate it!) and the game has been afoot without me! It sounds wonderful, especially the part with the relatives. I took a look at the self-catering and it looks lovely. You must have paid extra for the harbor view, cause the "parking lot view" was 299.

I feel you pain with the low dollar. I will just grin and bear it too. Over the past 35 years it has been a roller-coaster ride with different rules, different exchange rates and different currencies. When I first went the pound notes were so large they didn't fit in an American wallet. Now I see them framed on people's walls as artwork. Guess I should have saved a few. Instead I spent them.

You could fit in Strokestown on the drive from Westport to Dublin. It is on the way. Have you been to the Museum of Country Life outside Castlebar? It is very interesting. At first I didn't think it looked especially interesting. Then I took my time reading the exhibits and struck up a conversation with the curator. Turned into a very interesting experience. There is a round tower nearby.

How about Achill Island? Have you seen it yet? If not get back to me and I will tell you what I like to do.

And, of course, you could always climb Croagh Patrick!!

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Bill: Will be spending very LITTLE time with the relatives, sadly, as most of THEM are off to Italy, just a few short days after we arrive ...

We were actually invited to join them, but the logistics (and expense) were just too difficult to overcome. The cousin who has offered us the use of a "spare' house in East Cork and her "weekend" place in West Cork, owns some business property (and a thriving business) in Midelton. We've been there NUMEROUS times, yet have never done the Distillery Tour! May have to correct that, one of these trips ...

Corey -- We just hosted the cousins (well, actualy, only 5 of them) in early March, as they came to help celebrate my Father-in-Law's 90th birthday, so my pangs of guilt at accepting their generosity are pretty easily squealched ( biggrin

). Even THEN, the West Cork house is less than 20 miles from Baltimore, Bantry and Skib, and just down the mountain from Coomleigh and the Mealagh Valley...
Not your typical tourist destination, by any stretch of the imagination. Perhaps, that's why I can't resist going back every year. biggrin

Michele -- Didn't mean to make my plans without you, but I know how it is to wrestle with the Tax man. hmm

My vaguely formed plans for Westport include Doo Lough, Achill, Belmullet and Castlebar, particularly the museum. May try to do Castlebar in conjunction with Strokestown, either as a daytrip from Westport, or enroute there. I want to pretty much 'dash' to Dub on Friday, with minimal stops. Don't think I'll have time for Clare Island, but it's on my list of 'as time permits'. Will definitely VISIT Croagh Patrick, but I have NO intention of actually climbing it ...

I don't think that I'm Catholic enough for that -- My impromptu Knock 'Baptism' notwithstanding, I'm thinking that's too much like WORK, for my taste.

I'd love to hear suggestions for Achill -- 'Must Sees' and 'Don't Miss' -- Given the amount of daylight, do you think it's possible to incorporate Achill into my "search" for Mullaghroe? I will probably only spend about a half hour or so THERE, on the Mullet, as it's more about the GOING ... cry

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 23:44, 2008-04-07

Dude · Guru

Bob, I'm here at work (shhh) so don't have my maps or journals, but the beach, either Keel or Keem, at the far southwest end of Achill Island is not to be missed. Just beautiful and so peaceful when we were there. The deserted village is worth the short drive up there. And of course I can't remember the name of the "mountain" but it can't be hard to figure out. It was cloudy the day we drove up so didn't have the views that must be magnificent on a clear day. Stop in at the tourist office and get a map. The beach on which the Bervie sits is also a lovely walk.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

I don't know about doing the Mullet and Achill Island in one day. It is pretty slow going in that part of the country. I would want a whole day for Achill to do it properly. But perhaps with the long daylight hours in June you can pull it off. You might just be near Achill Cliff House for dinner. They won my Emerald Award this year for their restaurant. Fantastic homemade banoffe.

As Dude mentioned if you can drive out to Keem Bay at the tip of the island it is very deserted and beautiful. In the right light the bay almost looks like the Caribbean. The road out there is a bit breathtaking for the passenger in the car as it is right alongside a cliff and steep drop off. They used to fish for basking sharks there.

Atlantic Drive is the first thing you will do. When crossing the bridge it is signposted on the left. Beautiful, rugged scenery. If you get fine weather you will swear Tir na Nog is just offshore. Fairytale beautiful.

Minaun Mountain has wonderful views as long as it is not socked in with fog or rain. If it is don't bother.

I second a walk on the beaches. The one in back of the Bervie is lovely.

I already sense another trip in the making.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Brining this back up, to say that the COUNT-DOWN has begun!

Departing Friday, 13 June. Will add some details over the next few days, seeking last-minute advice and info ...

Been away, for a while, dealing with birthdays for the 'Abandoned' Grandchildren -- They of 2005's infamous, 'GUILY PLEASURES TOUR'
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34679685

IT'S TIME TO START GETTING SERIOUS! biggrin

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 01:01, 2008-06-02

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

OK -- Here's my 'Dirty Details': biggrin

13 June (FRIDAY The THIRTEENTH !!): Depart GNV via ASA @ 12:47, arrive ATL 2:10 PM. Depart ATL via DELTA @ 5:15 PM for overnight to AMS.

14 - 16 June: Arrive AMS @8:10 AM, Train into city. Purchase 72 hour IAMSTERDAM Cards. Drop off luggage @ Tulip Inn Amsterdam Center. Visit Museums, take Canal Tour, Brown Cafes and ...

Departing AMS via Aer Lingus @ 20:40, arriving Cork City (ORK) @ 21:20 and pick up rental car. Drive to Watergrasshill.

17-19 June: Visit family and try to stay out, from under foot, as they ALL prepare for their 21 & 22 June departure to Northern Italy. Morning of the 19th, drive West to Drimoleague. Spend the afternoon visiting with The Laird O' Coomleagh, up in the Melaugh (I butchered the spelling, I know) Valley. We're hoping to entice him DOWN off the mountain, to maybe have dinner, in Bantry. If so, it will be a FIRST, for us.

20 June -- Haven't a CLUE -- May stay in either the Millstreet/Killarney area, or MAY opt to find a place around Lough Derg (Ballina/Killaloe), to 'pick up' some previously missed sites .... ???

21-22 June: Have booked two nights at Carraroe House B&B, in Carraroe, Co. Galway. Hope to do a day trip to Inis Mor via the Rossaveel Ferry, on Sunday.

23- 27 June: Drive via Clifden, and Doo Lough, to our two bedroom apartment at Westport Quay. Day trips to include Croagh Patrick -- my wife informs me that we ARE going to climb, "At least SOME of the way up!" -- Sigh .... hmm

---Achill Island, Mullaroghue and the Museum, in Castlebar.

27 June: Mad DASH to Dublin, with a BRIEF stop in Strokestown. Check in to Staunton's On The Green. May/May NOT keep the rental car -- parking and the extra day's rental fee are still LESS than round-trip taxi fare to the airport .... confused

28 June: FINALLY meet SiobhanP, from Fodors and TravelersToGo, for the drink I've owed her, these many moons. Also, to celebrate her recent wedding, her birthday, on 27 June (I know HOW OLD, but I'm NOT telling!!! biggrin

)

29 June: Depart DUB via Delta @ 11:20 AM, arriving ATL @ 3:10 PM. Depart ATL via ASA @6:30 PM, arriving GNV @ 8:01 PM

4 July: (If haven't already) Begin planning NEXT YEAR'S TRIP ..... biggrin

Bob

PS: Just got off the phone for the FIRST of many "Paranoia" phone calls -- talked to 1 800 MCASSIST ( 1 800 622 7747 )to VERIFY that MY World MasterCard STILL covers Ireland -- (it DOES). I KNEW that it did, but ..... hmm

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 09:17, 2008-06-02

Carrie K · Veteran Member

Bob, that sounds like a fantastic plan! We'll be in the Galway area and the Dublin airport on the same days.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

I know all about confirming details. Even though I know I am covered by my business MasterCard, I call each time. They are supposed to send something in the mail if they change the rules...but who knows? Don't forget to call your credit cards and bank (ATM).

Climbing Croagh Patrick!! You are more adventurous than I am. My greatest feat in Ireland was climbing Knocknarea. Once I saw Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge no way was I going across. Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.

Do you have some lodgings in mind for either Killarney or Lough Derg? If you need some, let me know. And don't forget the good deal that Loch Lein is offering my readers.

Just a note: lots of construction on the M50 and around the airport. Find out in advance how to get to your car rental return lot. Give yourself extra time if you drop it on departure day. If you make a wrong turn you could be waiting in traffic for a while.

Once you are back get ready for sticker shock when you look at your credit card invoice. Ouch!

Better yet, just pay then and don't look at the details.

Michele

P.S. Sounds like you owe Siobhan a few drinks.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bob,

Strokestown will take at least a morning or an afternoon to do it properly. There is the museum tour, which is self-guided, the house tour which is guided and then the wonderful gardens. Just to give you a heads up. Its about 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours into Dublin from Roscommon town. Perhaps then, less than that from Strokestown.

On Achill, I will second the vote for the Deserted village. You come a way with a better sense of understanding once you visit there. It was definitely a hard scramble life. On the Atlantic Drive, make sure you stop at the Tower at Kildavnet, once used by Granuaile. I know shopping will not be of major importance, but stop into the Beehive Craftshop in Keel or , if you like Pottery, the Alt na Croi pottery shop, also in Keel. Gielty's pub. in Clew Bay is a favorite watering hole.They have nightly trad session in season, as well as a coffee shop and a restaurant.

Give Siobhan my best. I haven't been on Fodors in while. Michele keeps me happy and busy enough here. biggrin

You might warn her that I am coming over in October. No wait, lets not, they mightn't let me in! biggrin

Slan Beo, Bit

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Carrie K: I thought you were flying IN to Dub and OUT of Shannon, but it SOUNDS like it is now OUT of Dub if our Galway and Dub times overlap???

If you ARE departing Dub on 29 June, what time? Perhaps we could meet for a cuppa, whilst awaiting Immigration.

Michele -- I probably won't even decide where to be Friday night, until sometime Friday! wink

Still waiting for Final word on whether Ciaran Wynne will be in Killarney, Kildare, Amsterdam -- or Montreal weirdface

Made the CC and Debit card call, this afternoon. aww

Will be emailing the booked accommodation folks early to middle of Next week. Oh, yeah the car rental folks, too, since one company 'FORGOT' my arrival time -- back in 2005! furious

You have NO idea how many drinks I probably owe Siobhan -- but I'm pretty much a Light Weight, so one or two will have to do. biggrin

Bit -- I MAY need to try to squeeze in Strokestown PRIOR to my Dublin 'Dash' -- otherwise, I may have to forgo touring the House and Garden, this trip. hmm

However -- Gives me a GOOD excuse to go back, though -- Doesn't it????? yawn

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Do we really need any excuses to return to Ireland? By now it is an old habit.

Michele

YaYa · Guru

Bob,

Have a wonderful trip. I'll look forward to one of your great trip reports. I hope the 2005 grands are doing well. Goodness, that makes them 3 now.

Best Wishes, Joan

Carrie K · Veteran Member

Bob, we are flying out of Shannon, only to land in Dublin and have a couple hours to kill before leaving for D.C. A cuppa might be good! Is there anything I need to know about the transfer from the Shannon-Dublin flight to Dublin/DC? Where will I go through immigration? (Sorry to ask questions about my own trip in your thread!)

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Wow, I haven't done the SNN-DUB since 1999, so I'm DEFINITELY the wrong one to ask ... confused

If memory serves, you'll do Immigration, etc. at SNN. I THINK that they'll let you into the Departures Hall with that much ground time, but I'm really not sure.

Our flight is on Delta, destined for Atlanta, with a scheduled departure time of 11:20 AM, so we will probable need to pass through Immigration by 10:30, at the latest. I expect that we will be in the Departures Hall by about 9:30, assuming that we get through check-in and security in no more than an hour.

So, if you DO happen to be around, keep an eye out for me (see my Avatar). Feel free to say Hello. yawn

Perhaps as the time gets closer, I'll know which Pier and Gate I'm going to be on. DUB isn't my regular airport, but returning on the 29th, my choice was a 757 out of Shannon, or the 767, out of DUB -- and flying 'Cattle Class', non-stop to Atlanta, I don't wanna sit in a FULL, three-seat row with some stranger, for THAT long ... hmm

So, here's looking forward to a possible meet --- or not -- depending upon how the logistics work out.
Either way, ENJOY -- I think you're gonna LOVE it!

I know I do.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob & Carrie,

Hope you two get to meet up in Dublin.

Michele

Carrie K · Veteran Member

I'll definitely keep my eye out for you! I'm sure I'll be sad to be leaving. I think the only thing that will motivate me on to the plane home is how much I'll be missing my dogs by then. But whether we meet up or not, I hope you have a fantastic trip! I know I can't wait for mine! Counting down the days - 12 to go!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Carrie,

Wishing you a wonderful trip too! Please let us know how it goes and whether you meet up with Bob.

Bon voyage!

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele and all --

It is Sunday Am as I wite this -- lots of hectic, last-minute tasks in the works. We're having a new roof installed (the started Friday and expect to finish Monday PM / Tues AM. Have to work Tues - Thursday. Am attending a nephew's B-Day party this afternoon (was one yesterday, as well). Also will need to do some last-minute shopping and etc. for wife's elderly parents (82 & 90 -- don't drive anymore). Wife's sister arrives about 18th to 'take over' -- a brother will be 'on-call', during the interim. I think it was easier, when we had kids, but then, we had neither the time, nor the finances, to make these trips.

Will definitely keep my eye out for Carrie K, but DUB is a HECTIC airport -- will have my Irish Cell, though, so I could be reached at 087 949 2207, as a local call -- my wife might appreciate the diversion, as she's NOT a happy flyer ... hmm

Last weekend was the 2005 Grands' Birthday celebrations. YES, they are THREE ! Or, in the case of G-Daughter, going on 13!!!! biggrin

For all their EARLY travails, they are in better than excellent health. G-Daughter's Dr. could not believe how healthy, precocious and robust she was at her annual check up.

Will TRY to check in, periodically, but can't make any promises.

However, I'll leave the light on for y'all --

Bob

Merle · Senior Member

Bob,

Have fun and keep us in mind. Looking forward to a great trip report.

Merle

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

You need a vacation!!

Michele