Neolithic Spring Trip

taiga101 · Member

Neolithic Spring Trip

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

There is no reason why you can't do both, with two weeks -- PROVIDED that you accept that you can't possibly visit ALL neolithic sites, everywhere and concentrate on one or two areas. confuse

Having connected with family, I will say that doing so can be a bit Time Consuming -- but UTTERLY worth-while! biggrin

Since your family links are in the SW, you are doubly fortunate, as there are many, many sites within reasonable striking distance of Glengarriff.

Some useful links:

Mythical Ireland

Megalitic Ireland

The Boyne Valley

Ancient Ireland

Ancient Sites In Ireland

Irish Archaeology On The Internet

The Stone Circle Web Ring

You could POSSIBLY cover THREE areas -- SW, Dublin and Clare, perhaps.

Hope that helps to get you started. biggrin

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 6th of September 2010 12:54:12 PM

taiga101 · Member

Bob, Thanks so much for the links and the advice. My main source for the neolithic portion of my trip is a book entitled ANCIENT IRELAND: AN EXPLORE'S GUIDE. The links you provided will be a welcome addition to this book, I'm sure.

As you suggest, I will limit my travel , I think to the southwest and west. I cannot pass up on staying a night or two on the Aran Islands. As a child we stayed one night at Ashford Castle where I had an unexpected adventure. I would love to stay a night there as an adult, although I do NOT need to repeat the adventure! So I think I will spend all my time, this trip at least, in the West and Southwest. I hate to miss the Boyne Valley and Tara, but hopefully there will be additional trips in the future.

The family thing is either going to be a hit or miss, no telling at this point. As far as the neolithic sites are concerned, I have a question you may or may not be able to answer, and of course anyone else's ideas are welcome- Many of these neolithic sites are located in very secluded and/or remote areas. Would it be dangerous to be a lone female scrambling around in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere? Obviously, common sense must prevail, but in general, is this an unheard of thing for a woman alone to be doing? I'm not too concerned about weather, bulls, and environment so much as I'm concerned about nefarious human beings. This has been the only issue that really concerns me. Although driving on the opposite side of the road, traveling alone for the very first time, and having a very poor sense of direction will be slight obstacles, I'm prepared for them. However, I know that being alone in remote areas makes me uniquely vulnerable.

Any thoughts are appreciated =)

CowboyCraic · Guru

You will have time enough between now and when you go to establish whether or not there is Family in the area.

Speaking as a lone female who has scrambled about the wilderness of Ireland on many occassions, you will be fine whereever you are off to. My only caveat is to be mindful of private property and ask, when possible, before hiking through someone's fields.

With two weeks, you could easily take the first two days in Dublin, using the first to adjust to the time change and exploring Dublin on teh Hop-on/off bus tour and then on the second day grab one of Mary Gibbons' Newgrange tours. You will have a better chance of getting into the chambers on one of Mary's tours. Her tour takes you to Tara and the Boyne Valley, as well.

From Dublin then, you could head to Doolin or Rossaveal and grab the Ferry to Inis Mor for a couple of nights. Man of Aran Cottage is on the NW edge of Inis Mor, within hiking distance of both Dún Aonghasa and Na Seacht dTeampaill (The Seven Churches). It is removed from the port town of Kilronan by some distance. You would need to hire a ride in for a night at Joe Watty's. There is also a Hostel in Kilronan which is quite nice. From Kilronan, you can hike to Dúchathair (The Black Fort). Two nights should give you plenty of time.

Once back on the mainland, you can take the coastal route south to Dingle, stopping at the Poll na mBrón Dolmen in the Burren. Stay two nights in Dingle, try the Blooming Wildflower Cottage in Dingle town. There are some great ancient sites there.

That is only six days so far...and a lot of ground easily covered biggrin

That puts you into Kenmare on day seven...two days there to explore the dolmens and stone circles and you are on to the Glengariff and the rich neolithic region of the Beara peninsula. Even if you don't find family, you will still be able to walk the ground where your father grew up. The Beara peninsula has over 600 Neolithic sites.

You might look at letting a small cottage for a week either in Glengariff or Kenmare and then you can day trip to the many varied neolithic sites in the area. If you might be interested, I have some I could recommend. There is also a hostel in Glengarriff that is a good deal.

Slan Beo,

Bit

taiga101 · Member

Bit, Thanks for your ideas, the Burren was on my long, long list of sites to visit! I was planning to stay at least 2-3 nights in a single B&B, and explore the surrounding areas from that particular base. I'm hoping that in each location I can rent a bike and do a lot of short distance travel via bike, so if you have any recommendations about that, it would be helpful as well.
I had planned on flying into and out of Shannon, since this puts me smack in the middle of my desired location, plus I really didnt want to deal w/ Dublin traffic. I'm basically attempting to avoid most heavily populated cities, not only for the driving issue, but also because much of this trip is about escaping into solitude. Small villages and towns are fine, but Cork and Dublin are on the no go list, and even Galway is questionable.
I had thought about renting a cottage near Glengarriff and the idea is still a possibility, but since most of my travel adventures will be solo, I thought I might enjoy the occasional company of strangers and hosts at B&B's. Also if the host has been in the vicinity a long time, they may be a source of information regarding my long lost relatives.
But the Hostel's are a great idea that I am also thinking about. So many choices. I would be open to any of your recommendations and appreciate your help. This forum really is a fantastic resource and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it! Thanks to you all!
Ramona

-- Edited by taiga101 on Tuesday 7th of September 2010 03:18:08 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ramona,

Welcome to my forum. You are in good hands with Bob and Bit's suggestions. You will also want to look at my Lodgings page for some recommended places to stay.

For the Burren Doolin or Ballyvaughan would be good bases. Of course you will want to stay in Glengariff, which is a small village. B&Bs are good places for a single woman as the hosts tend to look out for you.

Let us know how we can help as your trip progresses.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ramona,

I am glad I could be of some help. From where would you be flying into Ireland? Very few flights originating in the States offer the Shannon Option any more, sadly so. If you can fly in/out of Shannon that would be even better! It would give you more time to explore the areas more thoroughly. I had only suggested Dublin for a stay, as you had mentioned wanting to visit Newgrange. I am not one for the cities either.

I have done a mixture of both, B&Bs & Self-catering, traveling solo. I have gotten excellent local site advice from the hosts of both. I have also found some marvelous off-the-beaten track sites during conversations at farmers markets, grocers and whilst dropping off my laundry.

You might consider a mixture of B&Bs and hostel during your first week and then a week in a small self-catering cottage in Glengarriff for the second week. Depending on when you are looking to go over, some self-catering cottages offer up 3-day breaks, which could also be a viable option.

With two weeks and in/out of Shannon, you would vastly open up your possibilities! Ballyvaughan for three nights would give you time to explore the Burren thoroughly. From there, you could head to Rossaveal, leave your car and take the Ferry over to Inis Mor for a few nights. On returning to Rossaveal, you could then head south to Dingle, staying there three nights, then head to Kenmare and on to Glengarriff. Last year's adventure had me staying my last two nights at Bunratty lodge. It was a great base from which to explore the monastic ruins and neolithic sites in and around Lough Derg. It was also a quick hop to the airport on the morning of my departure.

You could also opt to head North from Rossaveal and explore the ancient sites on Achill Island and along the Connemara coast. I could spend a week on Inishbofin exploring and soaking up the energy there. biggrin However, you could do a goo dportion of it on a day trip.

Slan Beo,

Bit

taiga101 · Member

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the warm welcome! I will absolutley check out your lodging page as soon as I find it, this forum is HUGE! Such a tremendous amount of information offered up freely by generous people. I have been delving a little deeper daily and learning tons of helpful stuff. How in the world do you keep up? A tip of my hat to you and the others who make this forum so unique and helpful!

I was wondering how to go about obtaining travel insurance if I make all my own airfare, lodging, and car rental arrangements by myself- is it even possible? I have contemplated using a travel agent for this single purpose, but I like to do my own thing, since planning can be half the fun (and half the headache!). However, I did have a trip to London and Paris fall through this past spring, although luckily I had made no deposits, so was out no money. But these things (Volcanoes, anyone?) can and do happen, sooo... Travel Insurance is something I would like to investigate, for sure.

Bit,
I was planning on flying out of Tampa, connecting in Newark or New York, then to Shannon. I was doing a little fare investigating last night and found a Tampa/JFK/Shannon night flight for around $825, which seems doable, and has a 2-3 hour layover in NY for plane/airline changes. I have distinct memories of being five years old and looking out the plane window as we descended into Shannon to see cows and sheep grazing placidly in rock rimmed fields. Although I was too young at the time to articulate it, everything felt familiar and like home. My father never spoke of his life in Ireland, so I have no idea why I had such an intense reaction to the place. I had a similar feeling when I was driving up Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.

I think I will follow your suggestion and do a combination of B&B's and Hostels. While doing a little online research, I ran across a B&B that sounds like it's right up my alley- It's in Glengarriff, called Magannagan Farm. As the name suggests, its a working farm, which also happens to be a B&B. Have you heard of it or had any feedback? I really would prefer to stay at places that are owned and operated by people rooted in the area. I know when the Celtic Tiger whipped through Ireland, a lot of foreigners bought property and set up resorts/B&B's/spas, etc. Nothing personal against this, but I really would like to give my business to people with connections to the area I'm staying in.

My dad didnt come from Glengarriff itself, but a small area called Ardaturrish Beg, where he was born and raised, until he decided to jump off the rock at age 16. (My fathers main mission in life was "assimilation"- He lost the "O" in front of Donoghue somewhere along the way and never would have ever returned to Ireland except my mother insisted on meeting her inlaws!) When I was a kid the farm was run by one of my dad's brother's and his whole brood. They had built my granny and grandad a little bungalow a few pastures over and this is where we stayed when visiting. The property ran all along the sea, and I remember one of my cousins scrambling up and down the cliffs like a mountain goat! I have thought about going back as an adult many times, but was afraid that I would find all the changes made in that little corner of the universe dissapointing, and my wonderful memories of the place would be history.

But now I have changed my mind! Imagine that! lol! Any and all info is appreciated, as is all the time you all must spend on this site assisting newbies like me plan a trip of a lifetime!

Thanks again to you all for your help =)
Ramona

murphy · Guru

Ramona,

I just purchased travel insurance for our trip to Ireland next March. I started out through the websight: insuremytrip.com. They featured numerous insurance packages from several companies. I finally called 1-800-487-4722, and the helpful person at insuremytrip helped me find exactly what I was looking for. Due to computer problems, I was unable to secure the $49.00/ticket trip cancelation policy with Delta, and waited too long (past 2 weeks after booking airfare) and the price went up to about $70.00/ticket. Since I was going to purchase additional coverage for medical, evacuation, etc (which we did in 2009 for $49/2 people), I asked for a package deal to put everything under 1 umbrella. She came up with "Seven Corners Rountrip" plan, using underwriter: "Nationwide Insurance Company" which covered everything I wanted, and only had a 60 day waiting period. (Many plans need to be booked within 2 weeks of starting the whole trip-booking-process in order to get the lower number of days of waiting period....some waiting periods are 6 months)

We insured the trip out-of-pocket costs, in the price range of $1500-$2000 which covered our airfare, plus an addition $500 of other misc. prepaid expenses, and of course lost baggage, trip cancelation, trip interuption, $350,000.00 emergency medical evacuation, travel delay, accidental death, and emergency medical and dental. It seems to be a pretty comprehesive package, and it only cost $60 more than the $98.00 Delta insurance plan. Our total cost was $160 for covereage for both of us. I think this may be better....you would only have to deal with one insurance company if you need to file a claim.

Hope this helps! Sounds like your planning is on the right track....esp using irelandyes.com and all the helpful folks that stop by here frequently for their "Ireland Web Fix"!! Dan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ramona,

It looks like Dan has given you an insurance option. Also, when you book your flight, you will be given an option of purchasing trip insurance. At least most major airlines offer that during the payment transistion.

What dates are you looking to be in Ireland? You indicated a Spring time visit. $825 seems a tad high, especially for May. I would keep an eye out for Fare sales, as there should be some great ones coming up for the Holidays.

You are an O'Donahue (O'Donohue)! You will find both spellings in the Glengarriff area. You definitely must stop in for a Pint at O'Donohue's Pub in Castletownbere. It could very well be the best spot for finding your family ties in the area. In fact, Paddy O'Donohue should still have a butcher shop in Glengarriff or perhaps his sons are running it now. There is an art gallery in Glengarriff where I spied some lovely works by a Hughie O'Donohue back in 2007.

My Aunt by marriage is an O'Donahue, as well. Hence my interest.

I wholeheartedly understand how you felt that first time flying in to Shannon. I had tears in my eyes as we landed on my first trip. My seat mate asked if I was all right. I replied that it was good to be home.

I've not stayed at Magannagan's. I am an admirer of the Art which Bridget O'Shea creates.

Once you suss out your itinerary and have fixed teh towns in which you wish to stay, I can better make lodging suggestions. If you've not found Michele's lodgings page yet, it can be found under the Ireland Guide section. biggrin

Slan Beo,

Bit

taiga101 · Member

Murphy,
Thanks for the excellent info, I will be sure to check out this website soon. I had no idea one could get this type of insurance quite that easy, and I believe it will be totally worth it, if only for peace of mind.

Bit,
I have a pretty rough itinerary planned out now that I have limited myself to the SW area. 2 nights in the Burren area, 2 nights on the Aran Isles, 3 nights on or near the Dingle Peninsula, 4 nights in or near Glengarriff, 2 nights in or near Muckross, last night in Bunratty (as you suggested for the short hop to the airport). There seems to plenty of opportunity in these areas for outdoor exploring, or if the weather is horrendous, the town areas will have shops, museums and other things to keep me occupied. I have a great hankering to get to Skellig Michael, weather permitting. Also, one of the Glengarriff days will be set aside for locating my father's birth certificate, presumably to be found in some governmental public records department in Glengarriff. I just found out I could apply for dual citizenship, and who knows where that will lead to?

Anyway, thanks to you and Murphy for your suggestions, they are much appreciated.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ramona,

It looks like a good plan you've sussed out.

You might have to go to Cork City for your father's birth certificate. I could take a look to see what I can pull up beforehand, if you would like. You could also check here as a starting point.

As to the Burren, I would highly recommend either Rusheen Lodge or Slieve Elva Farmhouse. I think that you would find either would suit your needs well.

On Inis Mor, I would recommend Man of Aran Cottage, if you want to be up on the North end close to Dun Aoghasa & the Seven Churches sites. I would recommend Kelly House B&B, if you wanted to be in Kilronan, the harbour port.

As to Dingle, I would recommend Blooming Wildflower Cottage. It is hands down my favorite spot to stay whilst in Dingle town. It has character and is close to everything in town.

In Glengarriff, are you looking at Mannagan's? It looks like a great place to stay. Another suggestion would be Beechwood House. Johana takes good care of her guests.

Why Muckross enroute to Bunratty? I would suggest Cahir or Cashel as an alternative.

As to your stay in Bunratty, check out Bunratty Lodge. Mary is the best!

I hope this gives you some help.

Slan Beo,

Bit

taiga101 · Member

Bit,
thanks for your help, which is always spot on. I will register at the link you provided and see what I can dig up. I really hope I dont have to go into Cork City to research this. I was talking to a coworker of mine who was born in Ireland and as a child he and his family moved to the US, then back to Ireland, then a million other places all over the globe. He visits pretty regularly and has most of the remaining members of his siblings there. He suggested I look into the local church for birth records, but who knows if the church is even still standing? This is why I think I may not find anything out until I actually get to the Glengarriff area.

As for Muckross, I remember visiting Ross Castle as a child on one of our family trips. At the time it was in ruins, but my mother sagely predicted that someone would eventually scoop it up and renovate it, which is exactly what happened. Ross Castle is supposedly the seat of the O'Donoghue family, plus its located in a beautiful area where I can rent a bike and tool around. But nothing is written in stone and I will have another look at Cashel (which we also visited when I was a kid). If only I had an endless amount of time and money! I havent decided on Magannagan's as of yet, still weighing options.

Is it possible to "Pull Up" info and birth certificates on line? I must still be living in the Dark Ages! I once last year did try to research online and ended up going around in circles until I got so frustrated I called it a day. One of the main problems is that my Father was not very verbose about his life as a child in Ireland. I hate to say it, but when he "came over," most people had certain preconceived ideas about the Irish, and I think he felt the sting of that acutely. He was the polar opposite of the stereotypical "Irishman." He did all he could to "Americanize" himself. He had no trace of a brogue, which he dropped somewhere along the way with the "O" in front of his last name. He never had too much good to say about the "motherland" and I distinctly remember in the 70's when the IRA violence was at its height, he would be watching the news and if some IRA news was broadcast he's make a sneer of disgust, shake his head, get off the couch, light another cigarette, and go get another cup of coffee! When we visited family there, he refused to go to Mass, which made some pretty big, if silent, waves with the locals and his family. So, I dont even know the name of the church! so, enough of that- the point is I dont have much info to work with other than his DOB and location.

Anyway, the bottom line is I may be going on a wild goose chase, and who's to say that even if I do find any relations, they will be intersted in meeting me? So thanks for all your suggestions, this forum has been, and will continue to be I'm sure, a great help in my little adventure over the great pond!

As far as airfare, I think I will wait until closer to the holidays, as you suggested, to book since there may be better deals to be had. I couldnt find anything cheaper than around $800.

Much Thanks,
Ramona

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ramona,

If you don't mind, send me a private message with what information you have regarding your father's birth. If you know his parents' names, that would be brill! I will have a go and see what I can locate for you. You will be surprise how interested in meeting you some relatives might be. I met my Gran's relations at ten past ten in the dark of night. What a grand time we had that night!

To visit Muckross, you would be staying in Killarney, which would shorten your drive rather than Cahir or Cashel. You have time to mull it over and decide if that is what you want to do. Ross Castle is part of Killarney National Park now. They offer castle tours.

To send a private message, just click on my user name in the upper right corner biggrin

Slan Beo,

Bit

taiga101 · Member

Bit, I sent you the info you requested. I heard that Ross Castle was now offering tours but one had to preregister for this, which I plan on doing if possible.

Thanks again for all your help, and thanks to everyone on the forum. Once again, this is such a great and unique site, and as I read through all the posts here, I can begin to see my trip coalescing into a fantastic experience!!

Ramona

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

When we secured the Birth Certificate for my wife's Grandmother (born 1880), we did so from an office at the Hospital in Skibbereen, though she hailed from a Townland just outside of Drimoleague. You can read about it HERE. (Look for April 23rd)

There is a Hospital located in Bantry, South and East from the Square. I believe that you can obtain your father's birth Cert from there. In Skib, the Registrar only was available during certain hours, so it might require some research to determine. You will want to secure a CERTIFIED, Offical LONG-FORM Birth Cert, if you wish to apply for Dual-Citizenship. (you will also need a legal proof of your parent's marraige and your Birth Certificate) You can see the details HERE.

It will make it easier if you go armed with as much information as possible, such as full name, date of birth, names of parents and location -- particularly the Townland name, if known. The is some info HERE about what all that means .... Look for 7/23/09

The Tour of Ross Castle is one of the best that I have taken. As far as I know, it does NOT have to be Pre-booked, per se --but they DO limit the Tour SIZE, so there could be a delay, to wait for the next available Tour.

Bob

taiga101 · Member

Bob,
Thanks for the information. I think I will have a look see in Bantry first and see what I can dig up. I'm planning to save this exercise in patience for a rainy day when bombing around outside would be unpleasant. I may up spending more that four days in the Glengarrif area, which is okay by me as the area is a great hub for daytripping.

Happy to hear the Ross Castle tour was great, I was afraid it might have become another Blarney Castle type attraction. I will definitely put this on my must do list. I found some reviews on line which said the best time to beat the "crowds" is either early in the AM or at sunset in the PM. Plus, I'm planning on travelling the last two weeks in May, so hopefully will beat the onslaught of summer tourists.

Because of all the great info on this forum, I went ahead and apllied for a Platinum MC so I can waive the car rental insurance, which will save me a lot of time and money. The Dan Dooley site doesnt have any info for 2011 available as of yet, but I'm sure as the end of the year draws near they will make next years reservations available. Here's a DUMB question: I had a manual P/U for 13 years and am quite comfortable with a stick, but since I will be shifting with my left hand, (which I think I can manage), is the clutch, gas, and brake the same configuration as here? I am SO tempted to get an Auto, but the price difference is crazy! If the posters on this forum think it's advisable, I will go ahead and suck it up and pay for an automatic. Thanks again for your input!

Ramona

Judy · Guru

Romona,

Everyone that has posted has given you great information. I would only add that you should not wait until setset to tour Ross Castle. The last tour starts at 4 PM, which is 45 minutes before it closes for the night. I agree with Bob, Ross Castle is also a favorite of mine.
As a side note, reading through your postings, my first trip to Ireland was also as a 5 year old. Ireland will capture your heart at any age and keep calling you back. I am also planning another trip back home to Ireland next year.
Enjoy the planning and have a grand time back home in Ireland.

Judy M.

stewh · Guru

Ramona,
Everything (footwork etc.) is the same with manual transmission as in North America except you will be shifting with your left hand. I had not driven a standard for a number of years before traveling to Ireland a few years ago. I was surprised at how easy it was. The left hand thing became natural almost immediately. Now, five trips later my wife still reminds me, `We are in Ireland and in Ireland we drive on the left`....not a bad idea.

Stewart

taiga101 · Member

Stewart,
Thanks for your input, I think I will go ahead and wing it with a manual transmission. It's so much cheaper I think it is worth the initial hassle of adapting. This leaves more money for shopping and other adventures, and who can argue with that logic? =)

Ramona

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

taiga101 --

Was just re-reading your post and saw the name of your father's Townland.

I found a property listing on www.daft.ie that is located there, that you should check out.

http://www.daft.ie/searchsale.daft?id=324786

And, while you may NOT have a bit over 1/2 Million dollars to spend on this particular house, NOR the inclination to DO so ....

At the bottom of the listing is a Google map of the LOCATION and if you 'Click' on the box at the top of the map labeled "Street View" you can explore the roads in GLORIOUS 360 Degree, Full Color!

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 4th of October 2010 09:38:19 AM

taiga101 · Member

Bob,
I have seen this house advertised before, when I did a search for Ardaturrish Beg on Google, same as you seem to have done. The street view is cool but I don't recognize it, which really means nothing as its been at least 30 years since I've been there. I DO remember turning off N71 and going fairly steeply down a gravel/dirt road to my granny and grandads cottage and if that same track was followed, it would eventually terminate at the old farmhouse that my uncle lived in with his family, which was a two story and seemed to me as a child very large.

I know topograpy can change drastically, but I dont think in this case it would have because the track descended into a valley or bowl type configuration and at the direct opposite of the entrance to the valley/dip, the hills rose steadily until abruptly they became cliffs along the sea. It was quite a large farm and very few houses in that particular area at the time. I remember some tension with a neighbor named O'Herlihey or something, due to the neighbors cattle continually invading my uncle pastures. the neighbors pastures were higher up and quite rocky, while my uncles patures lay low in the bowl and were quite verdant. One of the few things my father told me about his childhood was spending hours in the fields w/ my grandad clearing rocks and stacking them into dividing walls. it's quite possible and maybe even probable the farm was sold off bit by bit and now is crammed with homes. Even as a kid, the scenery took my breath away so it would definately be a desirable location for homes.

Interestingly, the ONLY reason I remember the name of the area my dad came from was because on my second trip over with my parents, i think i was 11, my mother bought two paintings by a local artist named "Battle." One was a watercolor of Ross Castle in it's state of ruin and the other was an oil painting of a rowboat beached along a shore and it was entitled "Ardaturrish Beg." my mother bought both paintings because of the family connection and I remember her saying "this is where your father comes from" in regards to Ardaturrish beg. I still have the Ross Castle watercolor, which I BEGGED her to take with me when I first moved out and into my first apartment many moons ago.

Anyway, sorry about being so long winded with that story. On google earth it's easy to spot the area and I remember horseback riding along the cliffs and being able to see Whiddy lsland. Unfortunatly, I cant get a close enough on google earth to see if the area is all built up or not.

I am steadily saving and planning my trip and when i finally get there, my little mystery will be answered. thanks for your input, I have located and gotten a copy of my parents marriage certificate and I will take it with me along w/ my birth certificate when i go hunting to try to locate my dads birth record. Im still investigating where exactley to stay and will shortly be making some final decisions and then will slowly start finalizing payment, dates, etc. I check in here regularlly and will update my trip as things are finalized. Hope you too are planning your next trip!

Much thanks,
Ramona

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ramona, a chara,

I haven't forgotten about you. I am still on the hunt for your father's birth record. It will be an easier hunt if you have it in hand..at least a copy of it...

Slan Beo,

Bit

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Ramona --

I actually HAUNT the daft website (and HAVE -- for quite some time) as I am trying to convince my wife to buy a part-time retirement place, over Home.

You won't need the marriage and birth cert to get a copy of the Birth Record. You only need it to file for Citizenship. You could actually obtain the Birth Cert BEFORE leaving for Ireland, through:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/birth-family-relationships/registrar_birth_marr_death

From that page, you can download any forms needed to reguest a copy of the Birth Cert. If the ultimate goal is to acquire Irish Citizenship, then you would need a certified copy. The General Office is in Roscommon, but ALL records are available from them (or any local Registrar's Office, as well).

We've already booked OUR next visit for 29 March - 5 April - Self-Catering in Adare. We are also hoping to return, again, for about two weeks, in June. The FOLLOWING April, (2012) we'll go back for Trip #15 -- and a family wedding!

No problem with helping out -- We Florida Folk (my wife and I live in Gainesville) have to stick together.

Bob

taiga101 · Member

Bit,
I didnt think for one minute that you had forgot! smile

I have a feeling you are not the type to give up easily and I'm in no rush at all. Thanks for continuing to have at it on my behalf.

Bob,
I will certainly check out the link you provided. I do intend to appy for citizenship when I finally track down and obtain my dad's birth record. Happy to hear you have trips on the burner and much to look forward to in Ireland! If you keep working on your wife, she may cave in and agree on that retirement place and this could be a good time to buy.

Thanks to you both, I will be here, reading about everyones trips and adventures and soon I hope to share some of my own. My biggest expense in this whole endevor will be boarding my two BIG dogs while I am gone...I think it might be almost equal to the airfare ! disbelief

Ramona

taiga101 · Member

Hi Michelle and All,
this is a little off topic for me, but as I was reading some of the older posts on packing, I had an idea that might be good for some of your readers. I knew a good raincoat was de rigeur, as well as some good light waterproof hiking boots, but I was kind of stumped about the bottom half. I live in Florida and usually live in capris in summer and jeans I'm winter. Ireland in may in capris just doesn't seem warm enough. jeans are heavy to pack even heavier when wet, like Ireland can be anytime of the year.

After looking at ll bean, eddie bauer, and the like, i just couldnt see paying THAT much money for pants (call me cheap). But then I stumbled across 511 tac-lite pants. basically they are light weight cargo pants made of durable quickdry ripstop taclon usually seen on police officers, paramedics and emt's. they have different cuts for men and women w/ a plethora of pockets (some not visible to casual observers). they come in several colors and inseam lengths.

while they are maybe not on everyone's list they should be a consideration because they are so light and quick drying, as well as being water resistant! I've gotten them on sale for 39.99, and they wash and wear great. for me they will work because I'm very low maintenance and plan most of time being spent outdoors. plus if wear a dark pair and throw on a snazzy top half, there's no reason one can't go to a nice dinner because, MOST important, the military look is SO in right now :)

Ramona