NEWS ASSORTMENT

Michele Erdvig · Host

RE: NEWS ASSORTMENT

Michele Erdvig · Host

US Consulate General in Northern Ireland issues warning:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/us-warns-its-citizens-in-northern-ireland-to-be-on-alert-as-protest-looms-29787644.html

Common sense would tell tourists not to attend parades, loyalist gatherings, etc. Seems like a CYA move and more alarmist press. I've seen it many times before. But everyone must determine their own reaction to determine what they are comfortable with if visiting Northern Ireland.

CowboyCraic · Guru

It is more smoke and mirrors... 2 incidents ...well apart from one another....

Interesting that it all happened just after the British Government was put in the hot seat in regards to their own brutality in the six counties

Interesting that there have been no arrest...nor as anyone laid claim to it...

Those are six beautiful counties...painfully under visited because of unnecessary fears... One of my clients asked me the other day... "is it safe enough that you would take your own mother there?"... She asked as I am working on a trip for her and her own mum... an 80th birthday present

My answer..."Absolutely! We will be in Armagh in late May or early June."

They will be spending her mother's 80th at the Adelphi... and if I can track it down... walking the homestead that her maternal grandfather left when he was 16 the next day

i encourage people to...with those same caveats... remember you are a tourist...don't get drawn in to political conversations...

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Saw THIS today: http://www.independent.ie/business/ryanair-plans-10-flights-to-the-us-when-service-launches-30041321.html

I wonder how much Mr. Ryan will charge extra, for a SEAT? biggrin biggrin

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

And, Semi-humorous: http://www.irelandcalling.ie/blog/it-is-possible-to-cross-dublin-without-passing-a-pub

Judy · Guru

For the Ryanair $10 flight, forget the extra $ for a seat, how much extra for a pilot?? confuse

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Roy · Guru

It will be interesting when Ryan Air starts crossing the Atlantic. Of current interest is Norwegian Air, now an Irish Carrier.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Contest! : http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/campaign/normal-campaign/2013/12/tele-comp

Trip along The Wild Atlantic Way -- 5 Nights for 2 Adults!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Another Interesting Item: http://www.cheapair.com/blog/travel-tips/when-should-you-buy-your-airline-ticket-heres-what-our-data-has-to-say/

Roy · Guru

I saw that Bob, but not sure I agree with the 54 day rule when it comes to Ireland.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Actually, at the very end they say something like 151 for "Popular Foreign Destinations" . . .

I would certainly place Ireland in THAT category! biggrin biggrin

Roy · Guru

I was very to that number- 137 days, though it seems to vary a few weeks from year to year.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Interesting news! Since the North is part of the UK and the Republic is NOT, this could mean that Tony will have to amend his screen name! biggrin biggrin

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/the-numbers-up-europe-votes-to-end-roaming-charges-30152284.html

tony2phones · Guru

No, I will still need a UK number for the kids to ring using their inclusive minutes on their UK contracts. whilst the cost of making calls will be the same,, What about the charges for receiving calls??

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Some refreshing aww aww news -- for a change: http://www.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/top-of-coom-pub-to-rise-from-ashes-30046610.html

There are LOTS of 'Oldest Pub In Ireland' claimants, but there is only ONE, 'Highest Pub In All Of Ireland' -- and IT is reopening, after a fire in 2012 that totally destroyed the original!

Another destination to add to your lists if you are visiting West Cork and Kerry.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Interesting News! Tourism is UP and 'New' sites are being 'Discovered! biggrin

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/travel/revealing-the-hidden-charms-of-our-ancient-land-30245758.html

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

A short video 'Tour' of Cork City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhlvsBd_9-Q

Christmas in Dublin just got a BOOST: http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/dublin-to-get-christmas-market-in-20m-boost-for-traders-30274164.html

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Cork Traffic Update:

As I mentioned some time back, the South Ring Road around Cork city has been under-going the construction of 'Fly-Overs' that allow through traffic to avoid the Roundabouts. As of March, they have (mostly) completed the work at Bandon Road Roundabout and at the Sarsfield Road Roundabout.

Details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N40_road_(Ireland) -- FYI -- Seems they are in the PLANNING STAGES to redo the NORTH Ring Road, as well!

Visual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nED0PphoboE

While this GREATLY improves traffic flow for those of us that are just trying to 'Get Past' Cork, it SEEMS to be causing some problems for those trying to get INTO Cork:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/south-ring-flyovers-see-citys-suburbs-swamped-262704.html

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

If you are planning to be in Ireland in July -- http://www.munsterfleadh.ie/#/programme/4522345051

To quote their website: "Welcome to the homepage of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2014 which will be held for the first time in the stunning settings of Killarney, Co. Kerry. The Fleadh will be jointly hosted by five local branches Killarney, Glenflesk, Fossa Two Mile, Sliabh Luachra and Killcummin who are coming together to organise the Fleadh.

We look forward to seeing you all in Killarney next July 14th-20th for what promises to be a most memorable Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2014."

It should be QUITE the event! Sadly, we are departing on 3 July . . . hmm hmm

Michele Erdvig · Host

New Smithwick's Brewery experience opening in July 2014: http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/smithwicks_experience_opening__in_summer_2014

Greeted by a 7' tall holograph of a monk? Sounds very Disney-esque. blankstare

Michele Erdvig · Host

This takes the cake. The new minister for the Irish language cannot speak Irish! http://tinyurl.com/mrjvf2m confuse

Michele Erdvig · Host

Virgin Atlantic: Orlando to Belfast flights in 2015.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

For those of you planning to be 'Over Home' in late September: http://www.limerickpost.ie/2014/08/11/van-morrison-to-play-limerick/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

We saw Van The Man in Sligo, in October of 2012. It would be WELL worth your time/money, if you are a fan of music! biggrin

wckc · Guru

Bummer...we fly out early on the 26th...

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

hmm hmm hmm SO close!

WAIT! -- Van is performing on the night of 25 Sept -- In Limerick -- and you are flying out of Shannon the FOLLOWING morning.

So, It could be tiring and it could be pricey ---

But it IS doable!

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 11th of August 2014 07:56:37 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

M4 Facing Two-Day Road Closure -- 15-16 September ! http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/bump-in-the-road-to-cause-miles-of-motorway-mayhem-30512501.html

wckc · Guru

Oh Bob...we're old folks and need out rest...

We will be dropping the car at the airport the afternoon of the 25th and will be staying at the Park Inn so we just walk over to the airport, so Van will have to wait for another day.

As for the M4 having road closures, thankfully we won't be up that way this trip!

-wc

Judy · Guru

Another Iceland volcano could threaten air travel. cry

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/20/world/europe/iceland-volcano/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Uh oh! I had my trip canceled a few years back because of those pesky Icelandic volcanoes. Maybe the airlines have learned some new tricks by now so they can fly around the ash cloud. I guess mother earth must vent on occasion. hmm