Family reunion in Ireland?

murphy · Guru

Family reunion in Ireland?

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dan,

Quite the endeavour you have here! Your family comes from the Mallow area, I see. You might consider staying at Springfort Hall just outside of Mallow. I believe they have enough rooms to accommodate a Family reunion of your size. There are also the Hibernian and the Longueville House. The Hibernian is actually at town centre in Mallow, which would be convenient for all group members.

Looking forward to following along as your reunion plans progress.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

I suppose the first thing to do is to put out feelers to your relatives to see how many are interested. It would be good to have a ball park figure of how many people and rooms would be needed. One guesthouse in Killarney that comes to mind is Earl's Court House. It has 30 rooms and a lift for those who can't handle the stairs. Park Place Apartments would be self-catering apartments that could accommodate the crowd. If you get even more people going you might have to branch out to hotels. Look for ones close to or in town so people can walk everywhere.

You will have to think of logistics such as transportation, etc. You may have people coming from all over the US to Ireland at different times and on different dates. They will need to get from either Dublin or Shannon to Killarney.

You have your work cut out for you in March!

Michele

murphy · Guru

Michele,

That will be our first order of business, to put out an email to all family members. We will do a short survey to see what the majority might want to do while there. The options would be B&B/Guesthouse accomodations vrs total self catering.

I am working with the company in Seattle that we arranged our rental car thru in March, in fact that is how I found out that they specialize in family reunions in Ireland, and that is what spawned the idea.

They will do a core package deal for "x" number of nights lodging, airport coach transfers the day before it starts and the day after it is over. They will also take care of the transportaion for the day trips or excursions. Of course, this will add "x" amount of dollars per day trip to the package price. They would also try to do a 1 week custom made pkg add on for those who want to come a week early, or stay an extra week at the end. Or, family members can do that on their own. (Of course, I will let them all know a good Ireland forum to look at for advice smile

) They offer transportation options ranging from 2 people up to 50. They also offer trip insurance, and sup. medical as an add on, and highly advise it. Everyone will be own their own to get to Dunlin or Shannon and back home.

If I was a little more brave, I would maybe try to put this all together privately, but, when family members are involved, it would be better for someone else to handle the down payment, final payments etc. The tour company would more than likely be able to get a better deal on lodging and transportation rather than from an individual.

My brother is the comunication guru of our family, and has offered to help with this. We will send a direct email to our Dad and all 9 brothers and sisters. We will also select 1 cousin from each of those 10 families to be the e-mail go to person, to distribute the information to all their siblings. This is the way it was done for our last family reunion 4 years ago, and it seemed to work out quite well.

So, the feelers will go in the next couple of weeks, and then we will wait and see what the response is.

Thanks Bit for the Mallow suggestions. We will be in Mallow for geneology research, so will check those 2 out.

Thanks Michele for the Killarney lodging suggestions. The tour company in Seattle will be suggesting some too, and I will share these options when they come in.

Any other advice is appreciated. Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

We will look forward to hearing more as the reunion progresses. If you are firm on Killarney it would probably be best for everyone to come into Dublin since they can then get a train there. If they came into Shannon it would mean a bus or limo.

If you check out Earl's Court House in March be sure to take the lift. I think you will get a kick out of the elevator with the Irish brogue!

Michele

murphy · Guru

Michele,

It sounds like our tour company will try to arrange bus/coach transfers from Dublin and/or Shannon as part of the basic land/lodging package. However, for those not able to meet a time schedule, or decided to come early or stay later, they will need to seek other options.

Can anyone on the forum give me a ball-park-figure on the cost of a bus or train ticket (internet price) from Dublin to Killarney? Does the bus or train offer airport transfers to the train/bus station that goes to Killarney, or would that be a separate booking process? I am not too good at figuring out the booking sights for train or bus since we have always rented a car.

As of this morning, I have my Sis and Brother on board with the planning. They have suggested the possibility of a pre-trip get together in the Blackhills near Rapid City South Dakota for those going AND for those who are unable to go. Then a large group can depart Rapid, and much to my surprise there are fairly good (1-stop) connections thru Chicago to Dublin for comparable price. Shannon from Rapid would cost about $200 more, and would have 2 stops/layovers. My impression is that a pre-reunion get together would add about $400-500 to the cost of the whole trip (transportation/lodging/meals), for those of us who are not located within easy driving distance of Rapid City! My thought is to use the Rapid City location for a fall-back reunion sight in case the Ireland reunion doesn't happen for lack of money, time, or interest etc.

Thanks Dan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

http://www.irishrail.ie/your_ticket/fares_enquiries.asp#webfares

Irish rail runs Internet Specials Dublin Heuston to Killarney (or Mallow, or Millstreet) for 10 Euro ONE-WAY (20 euro Round-Trip -- called 'RETURN' --- There are SOME Rules and Exclusions, though ... We've used them from both Millstreet AND Mallow to Day-trip to Dublin.

You MUST purchace the Tickets On-Line (but you can do so the night before!).

You MUST travel 'Off-Peak' -- meaning an 8 AM or Later-- departure TO Dublin.

The line from Mallow to Killarney ceases operation EARLIER than the LAST few Dublin to Mallow runs.

There is NO direct Dublin Airport to Heuston Station that I'm aware of, but the is undoubtably a Busarus or Dublin City Bus that connects via the Main Bus Depot.

http://flythroughdublin.com/dublinairportbus.html

A taxi for 4 with luggage would probably run about 40 Euro for a direct, Airport-to-Heuston routing.

Hope this helps

Bob

murphy · Guru

Thanks Bob!

Since my brother has requested hotlinks, to forward to people in a letter, to determine interest in doing this reunion, I will forward these two. Will also ask him to forward the new longer version from discoverireland.com that Michele mentions on another post. If that doesn't get people excited about Ireland, I don't know what will! I thought that it was very well put together with music etc. Of coures, when the subject matter is so awesome, that makes it easier!

I've been watching the news on Egypt and the price of oil....and wonder what this all may do to our future travel plans.....

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

As the Irish say "Don't borrow trouble". 99% of the things we worry about never happen. So worrying about something is basically useless. We may all have to go around Ireland by donkey cart...but think of the adventure! biggrin

Michele

murphy · Guru

An update on the progress of the proposed Murphy family reunion in Ireland in 2012. We pondered the best way of getting the word out to over 200 family members, and the concensus of the "younger" cousins was to go the FaceBook route! With the help of our youngest son (our computer guru) my brother and I got a crash course that brought us up to date on facebook, and how this social networking tool might work for us. I'll have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised! My brother, sister and I bounced an email letter back and forth between Wyoming and Washington, until we got it tweaked just right and to say what we wanted it to say and still fit on an "event" segment on facebook. Our son volunteered to be the "administrator" He is the only one that can change offical information, and will tabulate the results. The "event" notice allowed for the possiblility to instantly (or later) select: yes, maybe, and no, in regard to attending the event. Also it will allow everyone to make instant comments, questions, or suggestions.

It had been posted only about 15 minutes, and we already had 4-yes, 1-maybe, and 1-no. smile

So, with a March 15 deadline to respond, and the request going out for family members to contact any other immediate family members who are not on facebook, it will be interesting to see what transpires. biggrin

Will keep you posted. Again, if anyone has any experience with this type of gathering in Ireland....I'm all ears! Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

What a great idea. Just keep in mind that what is on Facebook is public, unless you choose the settings carefully. We look forward to seeing how things progress.

Michele

murphy · Guru

An update is in order regarding this project. Spent all day in Killarney in April, and was pleased with this town as a choice for the reunion. After a couple of phone conversations with an aunt and uncle, I was advised to go ahead and make the decisions and plans based on the experience I have had during 3 trips to Ireland in 5 years. As I said Killarney seemed to be a perfect fit, and we determined that a B&B/guesthouse including breakfast would be preferable over self catering, primarily due to location.

Conn at Journey through Ireland put together a 7 night proposal for us June 20-27, 2012. It includes a 49 seat luxury motorcoach transfer from Shannon and back, since Killarney is so much closer to that airport than Dub. Our group would also have access to the bus and driver for the following proposed day trips: 1. Dromtarrife Parish for a Mass and picnic/group meal. 2. Ring of Kerry. 3. Dingle peninsula. 4. Cork English mkt, Blarney castle, and Jamison Distillery. 4. Southwest cork county including Bantry/Bearra or Bantry/Kinsale/Cobh. (not sure a 49 seat coach could handle the narrow roads from Dursey Island to Kenmare on the north shore of the Ring of Bearra) 5. Killarney Nat'l park.

The final day will find us heading toward Shannon, with the last night planned at Bunratty and includes the medieval castle banquet. For those who want to add days on at the beginning it would be a matter of renting a car, then drop it at SNN and join the incoming group headed for Killarney. On the other hand, if any one wanted to add days on to the end, they could pick up their car @ SNN at the end of the week & continue on with the rest of their Irish vacation. Of course open jaw would be an option for those who could add on extra days, and would like to do Dublin and eastern Ireland.

I was happy with the price proposal....it came in lower than I expected for 4star accom. We have 19 people so far on the "interested" list, so had Conn base his proposal on 20 and 24 people. Of course the more we have (up to 49), will allow us to all share in the bus/driver expenses and drop the per person price accordingly. It looks like the deposit would need to go in Aug 1, and the final payment on Dec 31, which would get a 10 percent discount.

Everyone will be on their own for admission fees, lunch, and dinner and evening entertainment. Those who decide not to do some of the day trips, but instead hang out in Killarney can do so, and it won't effect the rest of the group concerning price.

I will forward the tour information itinerary file and also the price proposal file via email this weekend to family members to see if people are ready to comitt.

Will keep you posted! Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Friday 27th of May 2011 12:07:05 AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Thanks for the update. I agree that Killarney has something for everyone. If you are staying within walking distance of town then those that prefer a quiet day instead of the sightseeing will have the option of staying around town.

What accommodation did you decide on?

It is important to get all the deposits in on time. So keep emailing everyone to encourage their participation.

Michele

murphy · Guru

Michele,

It looks like the proposal listed Killarney Lodge. I didn't view that one, but am confident it is ok, if Conn says it is! Will check some reviews on TA. It is a 4 star, 14 room guesthouse within a 5 minute easy walk of all the down town activities.

Yes, I will keep after the family members, to get the deposits in on time. Like the old saying goes: "Show me the money!" biggrin I would like to see the group size grow to 30. If we outgrow our guesthouse, the stragglers will have to B&B nearby. Our coach is a 39 passenger, rather than a 49 passenger which I reported earlier. It sounds like that it is capable of doing Beara....was just there and I want to go right back! Awesome!

Dan

tony2phones · Guru

Acording to the review by francismathew on TA its a 5 minute walk from Murphy's pub so that has to get it points plus I trust his reviews. Booking a whole guesthouse might be a problem though.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Killarney Lodge is an excellent guesthouse. Catherine is a great host and breakfast is a treat. If you find you need a larger one try Earl's Court. They can hold all of you if you fill up.

Michele

murphy · Guru

It's time for an update on the proposed Murphy family trip to Ireland. As near as we can determine at this time, we will number about 15 people....young adults thru seniors in their upper 70's.

We have decided not to plan an excursion for every day, due to the age differences. Here is the itinerary as it has finally taken shape, complete with bids from 2 travel agencies for a basic ground package.

Day 1: Overnignt flight out of US.

Day 2: Arrive SNN The group will meet at the terminal and depart on a motor coach to Killarney, with a lunch stop in Adare and a brief walking tour of the village. Arrive at Murphy's B&B in downtown Killarney, our home away from home, for the next 6 nights.

Day 3: An unwind, relax, and combat jet lag day. For the younger set, or anyone who wants to be on the go every day, Killarney offers 3-4 tour companies for Day-trip excursions. Some options for the 3 leisure days include: Killarney Nat'l Park, Muckross House, gardens, and farm, Moll's gap, pony trap rides, or hiking the Nat'l Park. Another options would be day trips to Ring of Kerry, or Dingle Penninsula, or Ring of Beara.

Day 4: A day trip for the whole group via Motor Coach, as part of the ground package: to Blarney Castle, Blarney Woolen Mills gift shop, on to Cork City for a light lunch at the English Mkt, then on to Midleton to tour the Jamison Distillery, returning to Killarney in the evening

Day 5: Leisure Day or choose a day trip, everybody on their own.

Day 6: This would be Sunday, as the dates currently stand, and the group would take the Motor Coach to Dromtariffe Parish for Sunday Mass, then visit the old cemetary a few miles SE of the Church. From there we would head out to the 2 plots of ground which we located last March that were believed to be the lease holdings for at least 2 years, for the Denis Murphy family prior leaving Ireland for the US. This is located about 10 K SE of Dromtariffe, out along the Black Water River, near the the small village of Banteer. A light lunch stop would be in order for Millstreet or the Banteer Hotel Restaurant. We would return to Killarney that evening.

Day 7: A leisure day, or more day-trip touring everybody on their own.

Day 8: We depart Killarney via Motor Coach with a stop at Cliffs of Moher. From there, on to Bunratty Castle participating in the Medieval Banquet, all included in the ground package. A side trip to Bunratty Folk Park, before the banquet if time allows, and a night cap at Durty Nelly's to round out the final night in Ireland. We will stay in a Guest House in Bunratty.

Day 9: Motor Coach transfers to SNN for our transatlantic flight back home.

I have encouraged family members to consider going a week early, OR staying an extra week at the end if they so choose....even considering an open-jaw into SNN, out of DUB if they add on a week, or into DUB out of SNN if they arrive a week early. A car be be picked up at one airport, and dropped at the other, and in either case, they could join up the tour group if going before, or split away from the tour group and get a car if staying longer. I know that Joyce and I will do one or the other, since a one week trip to Ireland is just not enough time for us...esp if you try to justify the cost of the transcontinental, and tranatlantic airline flights. Might as well stay longer and get more bang for your travel dollars!

We have encouraged a commitment by Nov 1....we need a minimum of 15 to make it a viable group package. Of course if there is more than 15, (we have quotes for 20 and 25) it will drop the per person double occupancy price of the ground package. Have received a quote for a single supplement also.

If this comes to pass...great....we will have a blast exploring Ireland with family members. And of course if it fizzles...I do have plan "B" biggrin

Plan B would involve a 3 week trip to Northern Ireland/Scotland...with the couple that went with us last March. Derry to Belfast, in NI, then over to Scotland. Don't know exactly how we would split the 21 days between the 2 areas...any ideas out there? If 10 days is too much time for just Northern Ireland, I wouldn't mind spending more time in the Donegal area and on up north to Ardara on the N56 Loup then to Dunfanaghy, back to Letterkenny prior to Derry, since we only had 1 day there in 2009. or...should we spend the extra time in Scotland? Right now, we plan to spend 10 days in NI and 10 in Scotland. Seems strange to have 2 trips to Ireland in the works at one time! confuse

Only a couple of weeks, and we should have a better idea of how our Ireland travel plans will shape up for spring or summer of 2012.

Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Tuesday 18th of October 2011 12:01:33 AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Sounds like the plan is coming along nicely. Good idea to have a firm plan every other day and a free day in between. You should know in just a couple of weeks what is happening. Be sure to let us know.

I've been to Scotland a number of times myself but not recently. I would do a week in No. Ireland and two weeks in Scotland. It is always good to have a Plan B. Sometimes my husband has plans a through z!

Michele

murphy · Guru

Michele,

Is there a "Scotland" Guru similar to you, out there on the www to get good information on touring Scotland?

Dan

tony2phones · Guru

There are a few on TA and I have spent a fair bit of time up there myself for work and pleasure. We have friends over this weekend who are regulars up in the Highlands for long weekends and my cousin splits his time between there and Kenya for a Deer Stalking/Safari tour operator.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

I don't know of one specific "guru" for Scotland such a I am for Ireland. However, do a search and perhaps TA as Tony suggested. I can highly recommend the Isle of Skye.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

http://www.scotland.com/forums/travel/

http://www.aboutscotland.com/advice/advice2a.html

http://www.scotland-flavour.co.uk/travel-scotland.html

murphy · Guru

Tony2phones; Thanks for the info on Scotland. A lot of useful information on those 3 links. Dan