Conference tallis::celt

    RE .0
    
    	My normal EMAIL address is DWOVAX::ROSENBERG, but the node was
    down - so I used SML1DR::ROSENBERG.  Also, feel free to call my voicemail 
    at DTN 338-5672, or outside (302) 323-5672.  Or reply to the
    notesfile, and I'll call you back.
    
        Thanks again in advance, for any responses.
    
    Ken

	Hello, here are a few quick comments on your questions:
	
	Cars: you can probably get one when you get there, but will be
	more restricted for choice, as you'll have to take what you can
	get - should be OK at this time of the year though.
	
	B&Bs: a lot of them have some 'ensuite' rooms (bedroom with a
	shower included), if this will do you, as well as a communal
	bathroom. I doubt anywhere will have a private bath except a
	hotel.
	
	Events: most 'events' in October are at the holiday weekend at
	the end of the month, which is not much good for you.
	
	Places other than the ones you've already mentioned:
		
	- Clifden: try Mannion's bar for music.
	
	- Westport: visit Matt Molloy's pub, and also Hoban's.
	
	- Clonakilty: a good spot for music, though I'm not sure I can
	  remember the pub names. De Beara's ? Fiddler's Green ?
	
	- An Rinn (Waterford Gaeltacht): also a good music spot - can't
	  remember any pub names.

	Personal opinion: I'd give Tralee a miss, however, you can see
	for yourself as it's on the way to Dingle. 
    
        Maps: there are some excellent maps you can get of the Burren and
        Connemara, by a guy whose name I forget (Robinson ?). He lives in
        Roundstone. Also, there's a little book you can get in the bookshop
        in Dingle, for about two quid, which shows all the archeological
    	sites around the peninsula. This is really useful as you would miss
        most of the sites otherwise (though in the past couple of years
        they have become a bit better signposted).
		
	At this time of year, most small places will often have music
	at weekends only. I would visit the places with loads of music
	(Galway, Ennis, Doolin, Westport) during the week and vist the
	more out of the way places at weekends.
	
	John

    
    Hi,
    
    I stayed at Breda's B&B on College Road in late July!  She was
    wonderful and the B&B is super.  It is just a short walk to downtown
    Galway (Short = 5-10 minutes).
    
    I didn't see any mention of the Burren on your list.  I took a day tour
    out there and enjoyed/learned a lot!
    
    Have a great trip! :)
    
    /jen
    

    
    I afraid that you find Lisdoonvarna very quiet in October.
    
    
    September was the month to be there ...   ;-)
    
    
    Spend a night in Doolin or Ballyvaughan.
    
    
    The Burren is THE place to visit for Botanical wonders.
    
    
    I hear the weather IN the pubs is wonderful this time of year !!
    
    
    keVin
    

    Stayed in An Faoilain B&B in Bearna in Jne �14.00 per person - toilet
    and shower ensuite, tea and biscuits on arrival AND a view of the sea.
    
    Therese

    No shortage of B and B's this time of year, why not try:-
    
               John and Margaret Dooley,
    		"Sundown House",
    		  Galway Coast Road,
    			Oranmore,
    			 Co. Galway.
                   Tel. (091) 94102.
    
    Oranmore is only 5 miles east of Galway City and is an ideal base for
    exploring the South Galway/North Clare region.
    
    Tell my parents I sent you........
    
    Rates are IR� 13.00 per person sharing per night for a room with shower
    and toilet ensuite.
    Have a good time in Ireland.
    BTW dawn occurs sometime before 7.30 am and dusk falls around 7.00pm in
    October in Ireland. Although some light ground frost can occur, the
    weather will not be as cold as it would be in New England. It will be 
    wetter......
    

    RE .2 - .6
    
    	Thanks for all your replys so far (and EMAIL messages).  I'm
    nostalgic, and haven't even been there yet!!!
    
    	I'm digesting your information in my evenings, so I thank you in
    advance for what you have suggested.
    
    	Erin go WOW
    
    Ken

    
    The Snake can usually be found in Hughes' bar on Wood Quay in Galway.
    He is still as talkative as ever.
    
    MBr

    RE: .8  
    
    Speaking of Snakes, one of the note in this file (250.1) mentioned
    about "staying out of the Wood Quay section, it's loaded with snakes."
    
    Was this an inside joke about Mr. Hughes, or is there truth to this?  I
    thought that there was some legendary person who drove out all the
    snake from Ireland.  Or perhaps I just started it...   And will they
    bite someone who has partaken of poteen?
    
    Confused,
    
    K.R.
    
    
    

    
    Yes the snakes were all banished...only this chap Hughes has invited
    them back in again..drop of poteen and they appear..2 'drops' and they
    sing.
    
    Nice to see galway win something this tyear (u-21) they should still be
    celebrating when your over.. Good week..galway win and o'malley gone.
    -)
    
    Mick
    

    
 Just a couple of quick bullets to add to your grab bag;
    
-   Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan, 1 mile off the main Galway-Shannon
    road and about 9 miles south of Galway centre.
    You mentioned the oysters as the main drawn.  I disagree.  I would
    say the main draw is the best presented Smoked Salmon you'll ever have
    and atmosphere.  It is located in a very scenic bay inlet.
    I'd recommend the Smoke Salmon and prawns with a side order of crab 
    claws.  Have this with either a nice dry white wine or a pint of
    Guinness, whichever is your taste.
    Then order the cheese cake for dessert.  It is nothing like
    American/German cheese cakes.  It has a mousse consistency and taste a
    bit lemony with some pinapple in it as well.  It is topped with a
    keywee and some fresh cream.  (God this brings back memories...)
    I used to live next door at Fox Cottage, so say hello to all for me.
    Also the main barman, Gerry Grealish, won this year's World's fastest
    Oyster opener, at the Galway Oyster festival, so tell him you heard
    all about his feat in America.  He'd love the attention.

-   My Aunt and another Uncle have B&Bs in Salthill, seacost suburb of
    Galway.
    Tara House, 38 Lower Salthill Road, Salthill, Galway  (Hannah Morgan)
    Fairly new and rooms all have bath/shower ensuite.
    Inishmore House, 9 Father Griffin Rd, Salthill, Galway (Joe & Kay
    Stephens).  Again all rooms have bath/shower ensuite.
    
-   Good session pubs in Galway:
    T' Naughtons, Quays, Sunday 12:30pm Jazz used to be at the King's Head.
    real Louisiana Jazz (Summertime, Bourbon St. etc.)
    
-   On the Outerard-Clifton Road...."Sweeneys"
    A great place to stay, eat or just stop by for a cup of tea and scones.
    
    
    Good Luck,
    Paul
                                               

>	  o Taste Guinness in its natural habitat (often).  Accompanied by 
>		Salmon, oysters, mussels, etc., and of course, stimulating
>		conversation with the Irish.
    Related to this - if you get to Cork tour the Jameson Heritage center
    in Midleton and learn how real whiskey is made.
    
>	  o Botanical wonders (Joe and Sue are landscapers)
    Kerry is where you want to go for these -> you'll see Palm trees
    growing there and other odd varieties of plant life.
    
>	  o Relax. (Did I say that?)
    You'll have no choice on this one.
    
>Car rental: Are there any small, sturdy cars (i.e. Volvo) for 4?
>	    Does anyone know if Shannon has Avis at a DEC discount?
>	    Can we arrange the car when we get there, or should I make plans to
>		call now and reserve a car?  
    Small is the operative word here.  Have a car reserved before you get
    there.  Knowing the price of this rental, shop around when you get to
    the airport.  I got the best deal at Budget.
    
>	    Can traveller's checks be exchanged in most towns, or would it be
>		best to get as many Punts as possible in Shannon Airport?
    Skip the traveller's checks and just use your credit cards.  Checks are
    a hassle.  Buy a few hundred pounds before you go though...
    
>	    What would be good gifts to bring to the Irish from the United 
>	    States?  Things that we could give our B&B hosts.  Example: 
>	    Philadelphia Cheesesteak (but less messy for travel reasons).
    T-shirts, Baseball caps, coins, etc...
    
>   More of Galway area
>	Coast to Barna and Spiddle to Moycullen
>        Kylemore Abbey beside Clifteon
>	Connemara
    Good man.
    
>Arin Islands
>	(The ladies have requested this)
    Good for a day trip - leave from Rosveal (sp?).
    
>Cobh
>        Zoo
    Cobh (a.k.a. Queenstown) is a neat city on a huge hill.
    
>Clare
>        The Burren: Wilflower area.
>        Milltownmalbay - festivals
    Kevin Burns will have to help you here...


>Doolin
    Good for the craic...
    
>Galway  
    I second McSwiggans.  Real neat restaurant...
    There several good bookstores in Galway too.
    
>Lehinch
    If you a golfer... Great for a quick stop to look around...
    
    
    You'll be very lucky to fit this all in.  I would recommend a less
    busy schedule to give you a chance to smell the air and appreciate
    the people (the real treasure of ireland)...  You'll want to save some
    sites for your next visit too ;v)...

    O.K.  we're off.
    
    I'll give you a trip report when I return.
    
    Thanks for all your guidance.
    
    Ken
    

    OK so where's the trip report. Was it really that bad?
    
    Joe.

	Calling Kevin Burns (or anyone else who happens to know): Do you
	have the phone number for information on the holiday cottages at
	Ballyvaughan ?
	
	I could have found out the other month when I was in
	Ballyvaughan, but was too lazy to bother. 
	
	thanks in advance
	
	John

    
    
    	Ballyvaughan Holiday Cottages
    
    
    	(061) 330289
    
    
    
	From the 1991  "06" area phone book
    
    
    

	Thanks Kevin !
	
	A couple of up to date recommendations for visitors while I'm in
	here:
	
	- The Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna: music every night up till
	the end of October. If you're a visiting musician here they treat
	you like a prince; free pints all night and they keep them coming
	nice and regular. Good sessions too; the regular musicians are
	older fellows and very hospitable.
	
	- Hoban's in Westport on Tuesday nights: Great lively sessions;
	the night I was there there were twelve musicians in the session,
	which isn't bad for the middle of the week in October. The music
	was good too, no rubbish; no free drink but otherwise great. 
	
	John

	>>From the 1991  "06" area phone book
    
    keVin!!  Still stealing telephone books from Telefon Eireann?!
    
    Korff

    
    
    Pat: I only "Borrowed" the phone book ....  :-) 
    
    
    	 I have every intention of returning it on the next visit !!
    
    
    
    
    	keVin
    

    HUMBLE APPLOGIES!.  Here is your humble .0 author, who promised a trip
    report in October, finally (partially responding) in February.   I've
    been on an extended assignment which is a 2.5 hour commute each way,
    and my lifestyle has been basically placed on "PAUSE", until I can
    mentally adjust, which I haven't.  But I blame myself for not at least
    saying:
    
    	T H A N K   Y O U
        T H A N K   Y O U
        T H A N K   Y O O O O O O O O U !!!!
    
    I have been to many places, including Hawaii, France, Carribean several
    times, Canada, Disneyworld, but I must say that IRELAND instantly went
    to the top of the list.  Its beauty, its people, its pubs, its culture,
    its lakes, its food, its pubs (oh, I said that :-)), its music, and on
    and on.  I even liked the currency --- Pigs and Horses with an
    occasional Queen thrown in...
    
    In a nutshell (which I will attempt to expound upon later), in 7 days
    we did slightly too much.  Some relaxation, but 3 counties:  Clare,
    Limerick, and Kerry.  The good news is that via this Whitman Sampler
    tour, we have a good idea on what to concentrate on for the first of
    our next series of vacations here.  Joe was ready to move to Bally
    Vaughan. (sp.)  
    
    Im going from slightly faded memory, but we:
    	- Flew in Shanon, got to Doolin for a great evening of Pub food &
    	  music / Travelled to Bally Vaughan, the Burren, Lisdoonvarna
    	  (big Smoke salmon order), quick stop in Galway (sorry you lost 
    	  the semi-final, up the Gaelic coast to Clifden / Kylemoor / one
    	  mammoth night drive from Clifden to Dingle Penninsula (missed the 
    	  Ferry Boat).  Then Dingle for a day - beautiful (could have made 
    	  this a week itself).  Finally did the Ring of Kerry with few 
    	  tourbuses in our way since it was October.
    	  Stayed at mostly $40 (Us) B&Bs, ate mostly at pubs / I even sat
          in with an Irish band one evening -- played the spoons (Must have
          been good - I noticed some Irish women getting the hots -- for a 
          spoon player ... I LOVE IT! / Forgot our rental car deal and got a
          cheaper deal with Bunratty / Proud to say we did very little 
          blatant-touristy things, and instead focused on small towns, pubs 
    	  (Ended up with a preference towards Murphys), and of course, the
    	  warm, friendly Irish People...  Tears welling up in me eyes now.
    
    To any one who ever had any doubts or second thoughts about going to
    Ireland, I can only say:  GO.
    
         We were extremely lucky with weather - it had been raining many
    weeks before our arrival, but we only say 2 hours of rain the entire 7
    days.
    
    
    	It's very late right now, and I promise to do a better update, but
    for now, once again, let me say THANK YOU to all of you who responded
    to my first note, and all of you who have contributed to this file. Our
    vacation was supreme!
    
    
    Ken