Dan -

Murphy's law hit us in April 2010 and that trip was cancelled! I'm praying it doesn't happen again this year. We leave 18 days from today. The son of one of our firm's owners is leaving for a semester abroad at University College Cork on 9/1. He too is hoping the volcano holds out...

I keep going back and fourth - should I or shouldn't I purchase the insurance. If the trip is cancelled because of an "act of God" grounding air traffic, United told me they will refund our nonrefundable tickets. I can't see paying $115-200 to purchase the insurance since our only other truly nonrefundable expense in the Park Inn at Shannon the night before we leave. I am, however, thinking the insurance might be worth it if something happened and we can't return as planned. I agree, a few extra days in Ireland would be quite nice, but there is that unexpected cost of food or lodging for a few days...oh decisions...decisions...

Keith & Wendy,

I was under the impression that you had to buy trip insurance within 10 days of putting down the first money for that trip (usually airline tickets-which is the biggie!). I am pretty sure that is the case for covering pre-existing conditions. I do know you can add additional coverage amounts as you do more pre-paid expenses. Check the details and fine print to make sure...would like to know what you find out!
Dan

thanks Tony

Latest:  http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/planes-on-alert-as-volcano-erupts-640012.html

Arial views of West Cork:  http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/fun-times/video-west-cork-has-never-looked-so-good-287079.html

The Gobbins Cliff Path in Northern Ireland gets a bridge to rival Carrick-a-Rede: http://tinyurl.com/lpe2dk7

Some additional links for the 'New' Bridge:

http://www.nitb.com/NewsMedia/LatestNews/tabid/180/EntryId/781/NITB-Welcomes-Gobbins-Restoration.aspx

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/islandmagee/

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-22698028

"Visitors will required to wear safety equipment" ... sounds a wee bit ominous!       

Some news out of the "Holiday World" Show in Dublin: 

http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/holiday-world-2015-opens-with-a-roar-and-here-are-its-best-tips-deals-and-destinations-30931566.html

Specifically --- "The Wild Atlantic Way

Loop Head, the desolately beautiful Co. Clare peninsula, is going from strength to strength. A new, 76km cycling loop set to open this May bank holiday weekend. Yet another reason to visit!" 

AND:  From Donegal

"Aer Lingus Regional will be taking over Flybes direct flights from Donegal to Glasgow and Dublin as of February 1st. The flights are available from 34.99 each way. The airport also offers Fly Breaks on its website ( http://www.donegalairport.ie/ ) I've just learned, including flights from Dublin and two nights B&B from 159pp. Did you know Donegal also has the most sea stacks in Ireland?"

This is an idea that's time may have come!   Roofing over High Street!   At only 50,000 Euro, it SEEMS worth-while to me!

http://www.killarneytoday.com/wet-killarney-covers-its-options/

Not sure I like the idea of a roof over High Street. Will it be retractable? If it is retractable that would be good, but I think it would spoil the ambience of the Killarney town centre. But, then again I don't live there so have no vote on the subject.

I will have to email my Kerry cousins to see what they think.

tony2phones wrote:

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Isn't an inverted umbrella a Bucket? wouldn't want to be under there when they "open" it.

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You don't have to wait very long to get an inverted umbrella in Ireland.