I'm new to the forum and have many questions.

Wellsley

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Date: 1:33 PM, 04/29/11

RE: I'm new to the forum and have many questions.	Permalink

Tony, Thanks for the advice I'll try to remember to get rid of all my coins. Frank __________________

Roy

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I keep coins on hand as well for future journeys. __________________ Roy

Wellsley

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Date: 6:45 AM, 05/06/11

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Hello everyone my time is getting near. This month is a busy one. When in Ireland we plan a little side trip to loop head to visit Carrigaholt Castle. It says that access is through a field. What I was wondering can you see the castle from the road (R488)? On another note when in Galway (two days) we may take a day trip to Connemara and take the Sky rd.in Clifden any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you.

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Friday 6th of May 2011 07:09:41 AM

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murphy

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Frank,

My thoughts about Connemara and the Sky-Road....DO IT!!!! It is a breath-taking ride, but be warned....on a very narrow winding road. Allow plenty of time, go slow, and take any and all of the way-bys (scenic parking areas on the side of the road) and enjoy! We took a picnic lunch, since it was that time of day, and while it was too windy to eat outside, we did enjoy the scenic view thru the windscreen, from up there as we nibbled on our lunch. Not able to help you on the castle.

Dan

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tony2phones

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Date: 10:39 AM, 05/06/11

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A review of the castle on TA by a trusted friend

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowUserReviews-g186595-d210154-r15252290-Carrigaholt_Castle-County_Clare.html#REVIEWS

The best way to drive the Sky road is taking the left turn onto the lower sky road under the coastguard station along the bay and onto the higher road (right turn) just after the viewing point (the western end of the low road is steep and single track so be careful) back to Clifden. Driving the whole upper route takes you round some pretty uninspiring coast after the viewing point onto the Westport road. The views from the Sky road itself are better heading back east to Clifden. I also like the Old Bog road that runs parallel to the N59 taking the Roundstone road and turning right over the bog.

possible route

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=215571892271980732006.00048b58de1579d7b7c81&ll=53.348297,-9.396744&spn=0.100834,0.220757&z=12

-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 6th of May 2011 10:41:41 AM

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Wellsley

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Date: 3:15 PM, 05/06/11

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Dan, That good!! Well I will try to convince my daughter to tear herself away from Galway city for a day. Thank you. Frank __________________

Wellsley

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Date: 3:21 PM, 05/06/11

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Tony, Thank you for the route and mapping it out for me, I hope I get to try it. Frank __________________

Michele Erdvig

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Frank, Looks like everything is well in hand for your trip. Hope you have a safe journey. Michele __________________ "Ireland Expert" Michele Erdvig Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

Wellsley

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Date: 5:22 PM, 05/07/11

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Michele, Thank you this forum is the best the info I've got here has been just what I needed to fine tune my trip. I just don't know what I'm going to for the next week. LOL I look forward to writing a report when we get back. Frank __________________

Michele Erdvig

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Date: 12:23 PM, 05/08/11

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Frank, You will be too busy enjoying Ireland to have any forum withdrawal. We will all be here waiting till you return and looking forward to you trip report. Have fun! Michele __________________ "Ireland Expert" Michele Erdvig Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

Wellsley

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Date: 6:25 PM, 05/09/11

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It seems that Queen Elizabeth and Barack Obama may well be visiting Ireland at the same time as I. I hope this doesn't cause any problems getting around and seeing things. Frank __________________

Itallian Chauffeur

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Date: 7:39 PM, 05/09/11

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Frank -- Try to enjoy yourself -- in SPITE of the distractions ... Bob __________________ Bob Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!

Michele Erdvig

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Frank,

Seems like Ireland is very popular with heads of state at the moment. No matter when they go, they are sure to disrupt something. But security is important. It wouldn't do to have an international incident.

Michele

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Wellsley

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Date: 6:51 PM, 05/10/11

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Bob and Michele, I know I'll make the best of what ever is thrown at me. If Obama's in Dublin when I am I will just have to spend more time in the pubs sampling the irish beer instead of visiting the sites. Besides what's not to like about Ireland. Frank __________________

Wellsley

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Date: 6:53 PM, 05/12/11

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It looks like I might be in Blarney when the Queen is in Cork. Does anyone think that will effect my traveling around Blarney? http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cork-steps-up-security-measures-for-queens-visit-154244.html __________________

Itallian Chauffeur

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Date: 9:36 PM, 05/12/11

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Due to traffic re-direction, travel anywherearound the city will doubtless be slow-moving and heavy. Beyond THAT logistics concern, though, Blarney is not on her schedule and should see no noticable impact.

You should, however, carefully consider the route you take to get there. Where will you be coming from?

Bob

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Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!

Wellsley

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Date: 5:42 AM, 05/13/11

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Bob, I'm glad to hear she won't be going to Blarney. We will be leaving Dublin and stopping to see the Rock of Cashel then on to Blarney. I did hear she will be stopping to see the Rock of Cashel if that is going to be a problem we will skip it and go straight to Blarney. Thanks for the reply. Frank __________________

tony2phones

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Date: 6:34 AM, 05/13/11

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The Garda are holding a Press conference tomorrow with respect to traffic restrictions during the visits and a couple of major sporting events. Hopefully I wont have to make any major detours heading through Dublin late on Tuesday for the 2.15 ferry to UK. __________________ Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour

Wellsley

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Date: 7:59 AM, 05/13/11

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Tony, Thank you for the reply, could you keep us up dated on the press conference? It looks like being in Blarney won't effect me but Dublin might. Frank __________________

tony2phones

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Latest info http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=7368&Lang=1 __________________ Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour

Wellsley

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Date: 7:22 PM, 05/14/11

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Thank you Tony for the up date. Dublin should be interesting. I'm not driving in the city we will be walking or using public transport. So it shouldn't have to much of an effect. ( I hope ) Frank __________________

stewh

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I do believe the Queen is planning on kissing the Blarney Stone. Hopefully this will not have an adverse effect on your plans!!! __________________

Wellsley

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Stewh,

I heard she will be going to Cork but not Blarney. But if she does and it is the same day I'm screwed. But I'm not sure when and where she is going to be anywhere. The 17 to the 20th she is suppose to be in the Dublin area. I'm hoping she will be just ahead of me and gone by the time I get to where she has been.

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Sunday 15th of May 2011 07:02:53 AM

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tony2phones

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Our Liz is off to the "English" Market in Cork so will probably be well away from Blarney which would have been closed by now as is the Rock. http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/campaigns/royal-visit-2011/itinerary/?WT.mc_id=gb_edm_120511_ez_May_queenitinerary __________________ Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour

Wellsley

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Date: 7:24 AM, 05/15/11

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Tony, Another great link. Thank you. Dublin and the Rock of Cashel will be the only conflicts. Since the Queen is getting to Ireland just before me I'm hoping she will be a day ahead of me and I won't have any problems. Frank __________________

Wellsley

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Date: 7:54 PM, 05/15/11

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I don't think Obama will be a problem, I will have left Dublin by the time he arrives. He is going to Moneygall and we won't be anywhere near there. Here is the latest news that I have found. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0512/breaking5.html Frank __________________

tony2phones

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More info from the locals http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056268629 __________________ Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour

Wellsley

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Date: 11:59 AM, 05/16/11

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Tony, I see that Parnell st is closed all week. Is that because that is where the Queen is staying? If so we are just a couple of blocks south. The HOHO bus takes Parnell st. so I guess it will have to be detoured. I still think we'll be OK in Dublin we're on foot or taking the HOHO. Thanks for the link. Frank __________________

Wellsley

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Date: 9:10 PM, 05/18/11

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I like to thank all that contributed and replied to any of my questions. It really helped fine tuning our plans. I will do my best to give you all a good report when I get back. Thanks again. Frank __________________

Michele Erdvig

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Date: 12:57 PM, 05/19/11

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Frank, We were delighted to help with your trip. Have a wonderful time. Bon voyage! Michele __________________ "Ireland Expert" Michele Erdvig Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.