A Gathering of Friends 2013

tony2phones · Guru

A Gathering of Friends 2013

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dia Duit, Mo Chairde

2013 is the year of The Gathering in Ireland. A year-long celebration of all things Irish and a calling home of all in the diaspora. I have heeded that siren's call many times over. In May of 2013, I will once again give in to the Faery whispers and head for her shores. Lest those new to traveling in Ireland think that they are the only ones who struggle with choices, let me assure you that even well seasoned travellers to her shores suffer from the "spoilt for choice" fever.

Though only November, I am already laying out my route and have booked my first two nights. My sweetie and I will be joining a gathering of friends in Dublin on May 6 & 7. Temple Bar may well never be the same afterwards. I have booked us in to my one of my favourite spots on the edge of Temple Bar, Eliza Lodge. With only 18 rooms, she fills up fast and I was lucky to get on of the two rooms with a balcony and a view over the Liff.

On May 8th, we will all head our separate ways. Some will head North, others West and a few will go south. A few will return to their own homes in Dublin and surrounding areas.

Here is where the spoilt for choice begins. I think that the more trips back one makes, the more choices there are to be had. As you become more familiar, you begin to have a longer list of favourite places and a growing knowledge that you cannot see them all "the next time".

I know that we have to be in Doolin May 10 & 11, as that is when we are doing a small memorial service for FLANO's brother who just passed away at the end of April after a year-long struggle with ALS. We will be staying at the Rambler's Rest B&B, as they are kin to FLANO's father. I have never stayed there so I will give full report on our return.

From Doolin, we will spend the 11th of May on Inis Mor at Man of Aran Cottages and then be on our way to Ardara in Donegal on May 12th. We will spend two nights in Ardara before winding our way to Downpatrick for an overnight visit with friends. Three nights in Tassagh in Co Armagh at Dundrum House will round out our North time before we grab a Ferry from Belfast to Glasgow and a long overdue visit with a second cousin on my Grandfather's side.

Our week in Scotland will be chasing roots. Both mine in Glasgow and on Skye and FLANO's in Edinburgh. Then on Friday, it is back to Belfast to pick up the car and down in to Dublin for our last night.

The "Spoilt for choices" occurs May 8 & 9, as my "next time" list pulls me in three directions:

South to the Beara ~ West to Dingle ~ Midlands to Roscommon

I am leaning towards Roscommon, as I can meander that direction and allow for some drop-in visits which I owe to friends~ This sort of meander is not for the faint of heart or the newbie, as my drop-in meander will take me in to Ballybrittas, Abbeylix, Birr and Portumna before eventually winding up in Roscommon Town for two nights at Gleeson's, my Roscommon home-away-from-home.

There ya are now

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

What delightful decisions you have to make for your upcoming trip. Have fun dreaming about where the fairies might lead you this time. Let us know if you need any suggestions.

Michele

susan · Senior Member

I am very sorry to hear about FLANO's brother,I remember your last trip together(what a gift that was for all,I'm sure)

We will also be returning April 23-May 7 ending in Dublin,I will look for cowboy hats :).Enjoy your planning and I will enjoy reading about it as I always do!

Susan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Go rabh mil maith agat, Tony,

We had thought to leave the car parked at the Ferry terminal in Belfast or even oat our friend's home in Downpatrick. We are also considering a flight out to Glasgow. I do have to agree that it would save money turning in the car as we will be renting another in Glasgow.

Ya had to throw a cuppa in to the mix, didn't ya now...That is another point in favour of the midlands...The West and South may very well have to wait...until "next time"

Green Dragon · Guru

It could, possibly, perhaps, be that our summer trip will be in May this year. It all depends on when Kim's vacation is approved for. We won't find out until March, but she put in for May, June and August time. If it is May, we will definitely try to hook up!

It's always a hard choice. I always remember that I can go back another time, otherwise I'd be heartbroken at each option given up!>

Maggie117 · Guru

Hi Michele and Friends, '

Bit, I also booked one of the balcony rooms at Eliza Lodge in Dublin. I'm currently in room 400 (a corner room). Are you familar with that one? I'm curious what it's like... :)

We're going in march 2013 and cannot wait!

What are the hidden gems in the area???

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hidden gems in Dublin?

Maggie117 · Guru

Yes Michele (or was that a rhetorical question). :) We've never been to Temple bar so we will go there, but we've done (what we think) are the major Dublin attraction. I don't know how we missed Temple bar area...Besides what we'll see as normal tourist are there any hidden gems in this specific area that we should check out...(even across the river). Does that makes sense? (I'm so excited my thoughts are everywhere)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Glasnevin Cemetery
Casino Marino
Farmleigh
Dublin Zoo
St. Michan's mummies
Chester Beatty Library
Mount Jerome Cemetery

Also, stop into the tourist office and ask. There's no telling what they might point you to.

Maggie117 · Guru

I just read about Glasnevin Cemetary too. There's so much to do in Dublin. :)

Thank you so very much Michele. Mom and I will probably have more questions the closer we get and I'll start a new thread. So, so excited! Can't believe it's three months away.

Merry Christmas!
Maggie

Michele Erdvig · Host

You could always DART to Malahide for Malahide Castle. Lovely little town too.

Maggie117 · Guru

Another option, thank you. We've taken the DART before and it's quite easy. I'll check that place out.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I am well familiar with 400, mo chara...that is the room which I always try to book for myself... It has some of the best views...You won't be disappointed ... I will leave it at that...

One of my favorite "hidden" eateries is the Port House on South William street. If you've a love for Basque food...and are not adversed to setting down for a meal with other diners, find your way here for a Splurge meal. It looks lieke a hole in the wall...typical cafe'...but it is like stepping into a travel portal and ending up in the Basque region of Spain.

South Wall and Poolbeg Lighthouse would rate up there with things most rarely visit. Built in 1820

You could always catch a DART down to Howth and venture out to Ireland's Eye. A wonderfully uninhabited island where seabirds and ruins are right at home..even just spending time in Howth is a pleasure

WhiteFriar Street Carmelite Church holds the Relics of St Valentine and an exceptional carved wooden statue of teh Blessed Virgin

That shoudl do ya...for now

Maggie117 · Guru

Ooh...I like those "hole in the walls" that surprise you! You've also given me a lot to consider! Thank you. Seriously, can not wait!!! (Who ever can!)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ahhhh...Anticipation! biggrin

Maggie117 · Guru

It's so much fun returning to familiar foreign lands. I wish no one would put off trips like those we all go on. One never knows what life has in their future. Just wish more family members could afford to go.

CowboyCraic · Guru

And it is a sad day indeed....for the Gathering will be postponed until 2014 cry

Legal matters that should have long been handled....have been postponed and rescheduled for right in the middle of our scheduled Ireland time cry

That means a longer trip in June 2014.... biggrin biggrin biggrin and more time to save $$$

But still makes me furious furious

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

So sorry your trip is postponed. When you do get there it will be all the sweeter for the wait.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

The door is always open.. just give a little notice so I havn't eaten all the scones when you knock on the door..