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Post Info TOPIC: August 2009
Roy


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August 2009


I haven't posted for a while as we took this past summer to go the Disney World. This August we are planning a two week trip to Ireland. For the first week, we are looking at spending the first week in Westport and doing day trips. There will be three- my wife, 17 year old daughter, and myself. I have a reasonable quote for six nights for a family roonm at Coel a Mara B&B. My question- does anyone have any experience there?

The second week we will be staying with my sister-in-law in Longford. My mother-in-law is turning 90 this year and a party is being planned 13 August. I know the midlands is not a tourist destination, but are there any suggested day trips/activities? I might need an escape plan from a week in Longford!

Roy

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Roy


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Roy,

Great news about your upcoming trip to Ireland this summer. Have you thought about self-catering in Westport? Or perhaps that is not your wife's idea of a vacation? I don't have any knowledge of Coel na Mara. I usually stay at Cilcomman Lodge or Boffin Lodge. I remember that Melissa stayed at the Boulevard and liked it. It is right in town but no private parking.

For Longford:

Strokestown Park House, Gardes and Famine Museum
Clonmacnoise (south of Athlone)
Roscommon Castle
Roscommon Abbey
Arigna Mining Experience
Cruachan Ai Heritage Center (Tulusk)
Boyle Abbey
King House
Lough Key Forest Park
Clonalis House

You may have to stay in Longford longer to see everything! Congrats to your MIL.

Michele



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Roy


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Hi Michele,

Thanks for your quick reply. You are correct that self-catering does not fit my wife's definition of a vacation. Self-catering rates in August are still pretty high. Bringing the seventeen year old also puts us on a tighter budget. Airfare alone seems high. An offer of 400 euro for a family room for six nights seems very reasonable.

Thanks for your suggestions for Lonffoed- so much for my wife's perception there's nothing to do at her sisters!

Roy

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Roy


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Hey Roy,

There is quite a bit to do in the Longford area, as Michele pointed out. I am not sure if you will be in the area during the Castlerea International Rose Festival. If you are, it is worth a visit, as well. Here is an article on this year's festival. There is also the Harp & Music festival in Keadue.

As for the rate in Westport, though I haven't stayed at that particular B&B, that sounds like a decent rate for the three of you for a full week. Make sure that you book in with the B&B fairly soon, as the Westport music Festival is happening during the time you should be there. 

Slan Beo,

Bit 



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Roy


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Bit,

I know about the music fesival, that's why I'm booking now. I don't think there are any festivals in Longford other than the Abbeyshrule Fly In. The party for my mother-in-law will actually be in Roosky, Co. Roscommon. I'm excited about the festival. My wife said she knew Ray Lynam many years ago as they are both from Co. Westmeath.

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Roy


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Roy,

There are other things to do in Longford too. Go to the local tourist office and get some advice and brochures from them. It doesn't matter what part of Ireland you are in. There is always something interesting to do and see. If you get a very nice day you might even do a day trip to Birr Castle Gardens. Lovely.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Hi Roy,
I don't have any experience with Ceol na Mara B&B in Westport. You probably realize it is not right in town but in the nice Quay area at the harbour. In May we spent a few days at the Boulevard Guesthouse and really enjoyed it. The location is perfect and parking on the street presented no problems. Looks like you have a great trip planned.
Stewart

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Roy


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Stewart,

We do indeed realize we'll be in the Ouay area. It's a short walk into town which is fine with us. We see this as an advantage during the Westport Music Festival this summer.

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Roy


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Roy,

Sounds like a fun time to be in Westport.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Roy


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Our current plans are to spend our first night in Ballyvaughan (August 2) before driving to Westport for six nights (August 3-8). On August 9 we will drive to my sister-in-laws house in Longford. The MIL birthday bash will be on August 12 in Rooskey. We will stay in Rooskey that night. On August 14 we will stay in Bunratty and fly out on August 15. My wife and I are hoping for a train trip to Dublin for one or two days while we are in Longford.

One of my SIL has compiled a list of MIL's favorite songs and hymns for a singalong. My wife and I had a great time researching and downloading the songs we didn't already have (especially the hymns) while my wife relived some of her better childhood memories through the hymns and songs.

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Roy


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Roy,

It sounds like a wonderful trip. I have a couple of good recommended lodgings in Ballyvaughan and Bunratty if you need them. Let me know. I can tell you are looking forward to the trip and the grand celebration.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

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