Thanks Michele

Bill has always said Waterford Crystal was the only must see in Ireland so that's easily sorted. The religious stuff is for his young lady (72) who likes that type of thing. Probably be Mass in Ennis on the Sunday morning for her and Chris.

Had thought about Kells on the way down to Mullinavat but it will probably be a bit late if we eat in Kilkenny (few more options than the Rising Sun).  You might have gathered that my wallet is as important as my taste buds when it comes to Dinning so the café Sol is off my radar. 

I have been into Mitchells but didn't get any further than the menu, I have a cheese allergy and not too keen on fish so it is a regular occurrence. Probably another reason I usually opt for good pub food.  (Have to keep an eye out for Melissa and another couple on the 18th in Clifden.)

We will most likely have lunch in Shannon (Oakwood Arms?) rather than Bunratty as I will be dropping them off around 3pm and it will be a nice way to send them off.

All the planning has been done and redone, now they just have to get in on Wednesday and hope the weather is kind.

Trip report from last week..

Wednesday September 14th 2011 , pick up from Shannon at ¼ to 4 on Wednesday and head home to the Cottage for evening meal and the night.

Thursday, Visit Chris and Jackie for a warm welcome and hot whiskeys before heading into Portumna Town. To the Ferry Inn for Home made Soup lunch and to Portumna Castle. Had walk round the castle and walled garden, then back home for 3Bird roast as the evening meal.

Friday, Take the dog to Galway Kennels (Ardrahan). Down to Loughrea for the bank, then set off via Birr and Roscrea and a coffee in the Roscrea shopping centre. Got into Kilkenny about 4pm, Tour of the Castle and look at St Canices Cathedral (Closed at 5pm) and some of the town. Evening meal (not that great) at our accommodation the Rising Sun, Mullinavat, then a couple of drinks in the bar.

Saturday, Bills 81st, Great start to the day! get someone out to retrieve the car keys from the boot!! Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre Tour, wonderful just like the old place. Call into Katty Barrys Bar for a quick drink. Next stop Cashel decided against the guided tour of the Rock but called into town and had coffee in Feehans on Main Street . Across to Ennis, check into Grey Gables. Food at Brogans (great as usual), call into Diamonds and The Old Ground too much Irish coffee consumed by the ladies who regretted the caffeine input that night.

Sunday, Good breakfast at the B&B then head out across to Doolin. Really windy out on the coast but followed through Fanore and Ballyvaughan to Kinvara for Lunch at the Quay Café. Called into Galway for a wander down Shop St, before heading over the N59 to Clifden. Check into the Dun Rí guesthouse and find out whats on, food in Mannions was ok but expensive with having soup to start. Met Eillen and Bill looking for and finding tony2phones. Been a bit of a long day so early to bed after a look at Griffins for a bit of Trad music.

Monday, Drive out to the viewing point on the Sky Road then to Kylemore Abbey. Drove through the Connamara stopping for a quick lunch (coffee and cake) in Molly Bloomes Cong (bumped into Eillen again). Knock Shrine and the Basilica before returning via Westport (raining so didnt stop). Meal in JJ Conneelys and stayed for music with Fergal Scahill, Derek Mullen and of course Mick McNamara.

Tuesday, Make our way back to the cottage starting with a trip over the Old Bog road and the River run up to the N59 at Ballinafad. Nice steady drive home calling to pick up some shopping and Lamb for the Evening meal at home.

Wednesday, Visit Jim and Maeve for the goodbyes, tea and bread and a good chat. Drive down to Gort and the motorway but called at the Auburn Lodge in Ennis for lunch before heading to Shannon at 2 oclock and the flight back to Liverpool.

Has been a long week with lots of driving (800 miles) managed to dodge the showers for the most part and a good time was had by all. Just wait now for a repeat visit next summer.

We had Rainbow weather through the week sunshine and showers but dodged the worst. Bill and Pat had a great time despite all the driving, it was a bit too much trying to fit in 3 must do in just 4 days. Waterford is more compact but still has all the features and the tour was well worth the money especially with the 2 for 1 discount. Clifden was quiet compared to recent years but the Pro Am Golf has been moved back a couple of weeks due to the lack of accommodation last year. Still lots going on in town for all tastes and we invested in a couple of CD's.

I did venture through the door at Mitchells as they were advertising an early bird option. I was told rather snootily that the early bird was the menu outside and that was the price all night. Not a wise tone of voice on their part because we would have eaten off their Lunch menu on the Tuesday.

I decided to run through Cong to get to Knock, it was my first and probably last visit. what do people see in a small Irish village with a river crossing, pricey Petrol station, good café, gift shop, oh and a castle?? We had driven over the Quiet Man bridge by Oughterard. and that winding drag along the lough side was wicked, not in a good way.

The 3 B&B's were fine, food was good if a little pricey at times and The Diamond Bar in Ennis is the new holder of the best Irish coffee award.

Anyway it was a good holiday for all of us, just taken a couple of days for the cfs to let go and I am getting back to being my normal annoying self.

Mitchelles....We were just heading to Mannions for the first evening meal, I had looked at the lunch menu which was reasonable and at the bottom of the a la cart menu it said early bird available. I went in and just asked to see the earlybird menu, no problem I wouldn't have thought. I was handed a copy of the a la cart, curious I asked what time the early bird was on? the response was "Thats the price. Thats the price all night. Thats the price you have to Pay" so I said thank you, smiled at the people at the only occupied table and wandered out.

I did enjoy being a tourist again despite everything being a bit rushed, the weather could have been better but we had a great time. It makes all the difference being in company and not just day tripping. I will have to take it easier next time, hopefully in summer and probably head down to the South west or have them fly into Derry and have a week in the North.