Good News - Bad News

[ehancock]

For a long time we have wanted to go to Ireland - this year is the year; but for a series of complicated reasons, the trip will take place over the Labor Day holiday. Therefore we have two CCR registrations available for sale at $129 each. We also have reservations at the resort for 8 nights (8/27 - 9/4) at $89 per night. I will hold the reservations at Tan-Tar-A for a while before canceling them. See you all next year.

Earle & Sheila

[Bheckel169]

Earle,
Good choice. I know Ireland will always be there and we can only ride our bikes for so long, but it truly is a magical place. It's hard to imagine, but about 6 years ago my younger daughter approached me and asked if she could attend a summer camp in some exotic locale in colorado. The price was unbelievable. I responded almost without thinking and said, "for the same money, I could take you to the island where your grandmother came from". She said immediately, "ok". That was it. A few months later, I spent a little time trying to locate special places that had some relevancy to our family and points of interest, and then just like that we went over. Immediately, realizing at the airport that a rental car with stick shift was way beyond my capabilities, we opted for the automatic. Stayed one night in Malahide and thereafter traveled a circuitous route around Ireland with neither itinerary or thought. Stayed in Bed and Breakfasts which are prolific and had the time of our lives. In fact, to meet the most original Irish folk I recommend the Bed and Breakfasts. You never know who you'll meet. I missed some spots because of my daughter; I always wanted to visit the Guiness plant, but hey, we had a ball, and as my daughter has grown, she has visited Dublin many times with a backpack and incredible memories. To end this story, she looks Irish. But the Black Irish kind. Black hair, white complexion. She fit in perfectly. I love this place and if I won the lottery, I'd have a cottage in Glendaloch to retire.
Sorry, but this brought back so many memories. I guess, It's not always about our bikes, heh?
Bruce

[brianbeemer]

I thoroughly recommend the B&B's too - inexpensive, quality, and you'll meet real Irish instead of other tourists! I've spent a lot of time over there and there is so much to see and do, but you mustn't miss Moran's by the Weir south of Galway - best oysters and smoked salmon in the whole country. Don't park near the sea wall if there's a spring tide running, or you may have to stay longer than you thought while you wait for the tide to go out so you can get to your car :)

[ehancock]

Thanks guys. We were thinking of a bus tour around the coast. I was not too thriled about that - now I know to go the B&B route and travel "as we will".

Earle

[Steve_R]

Hey folks, you've gone way off topic here. If you want to discuss a trip to Ireland you might want to move to Ride Tales or Chit Chat.

Thanks,

[KYLT05]

Ed, Rick Bigler and I will miss Sheila........(and you) this year. I guess you could take Rick and I with you to keep you guys company! The offer is still open for a place for you to stay on Cincinnati/Northern KY on your next ride.

[DakotaDude]

At the risk of angering the "topic police", thanks to the other member replies for the info on Ireland. I have heard great reviews of the country and its citizens and have always wanted to visit.