Gaz mentioned a visit to Ireland for early November.

With that in mind a mention was made of a meet up in Dublin Saturday 7th November. I am on for this. We met Bill up at Foster Place and it is very central.

Also since he is provisionally planning Rosslare to Cork to Blarney how about a few Cork based Eccentrics meet up? I could recommend him Jameson distillery in Midleton but there are many other places that would be of interest to them both.

Gaz, feel free to post comments in here too.

Olaf

Hi to all you Irish inmates.

You will have noticed that while some people plan their trips many months in advance, I'm not one of them. It's probably better to do it well in advance but I always seem to get the idea of when I'll try to go somewhere and then only fill in the details close to the event.

I'm thinking we will come over on the ferry to Rosslare probably Monday or Tuesday 2/3 November and travel clockwise through Cork, Kerry towards Dublin with maybe Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights 5/6/7 November in Dublin and ferry back to UK on Sunday.

Open to meeting up with any members along the way. We very much appreciate your interest in catching up with us while we are in your part of the world. I plan on getting a local (UK & Ireland) SIM card while over there so will communicate that by PM as required at the time.

Cheers

Gaz

In rough terms the ferry to Rosslare is approx 2.30am or 2.20pm from UK, Fishguard or Pembroke depending on which ferry company you travel with. Nothing much to choose between them, prices tend to be identical and both ships are fine.

We would love to catch up and as you will be in Cork we will try to catch you here. I spend quite a lot of time in Blarney [that's why Comberjohn cant keep me quiet] so will not be so far away.

Saturday 7th in Dublin is a good day to catch up so we can mark that in and see how weather goes.

Olaf.

Some of my colleagues here who probably think I'm a chatterbox now are no doubt getting worried about what I'll be like if I get to plant a kiss on that Blarney Stone.

You will just have to change your forum name to Upside Down Eccentric or something like that. The Blarney Stone has been known to have that effect all right.

I have put in the diary meet up on the Saturday morning but see how things work out after you have booked hotel.

If you want any advice re hotels let us know your preferences as there are lots in the city centre and lots more in some rather scenic places outside the city centre especially if you widen your range out to Wicklow. www.booking.com www.hotels.com  It's completely off season and no school breaks so you don't need to book anything in advance except for getting deals.

Access to Dublin from south via N11 is extremely good. Also, its motorway the entire way between Cork and Belfast, drive time at motorway speed is just over 4 hours plus stop time. Tolls will be €8.70.

Galway to Dublin is M4 motorway all the way too, just about 2 hours. This would give you an option of taking coast road from Kerry up towards Galway via the Burren.

For local weather you can look up www.met.ie or consult Comberjohn's weather stone.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:You will just have to change your forum name to Upside Down Eccentric or something like that. The Blarney Stone has been known to have that effect all right.

Once kissed... the effects are believed to be irreversible   

...there's nothing anyone can do
       

...the condition can only be treated one way

....(temporary) silence CAN be bought

I'm stuffed again for that - actually, I'm stuffed for most early Saturday meets. I'm not on standby that weekend (at least, I don't think so) but the problem is that my hours of work are 15.30-00.00, getting home at about 00.40. A ride to Dublin on about four hours sleep just doesn't have any appeal at all.

Hi All, we're coming over from the UK on the afternoon ferry into Rosslare on Monday 2nd November and staying in Wexford that night.

Will be in Cork overnight Tuesday and will PM hotel details to members who might want to catch up there. Have booked accomodation in Dublin for Thursday, Friday & Saturday. On the ferry out of Dublin on Sunday morning so looking forward to catching up with anyone who is free around those times.

BAE, we will probably be driving over to Bath on Saturday afternoon and staying there Sunday so from what Google maps tells me that is passing your neck of the woods. We might be able to share a cuppa or something stronger.

Cheers

sounds great gaz ...have fun mate

sounds like a top way to finish the year of K adventures Gaz , I'm sure you'll enjoy the Kompany over there , especially as Dave and Bill have instilled some Aussie vocabulary into the Irish Kommunity.  Have fun . Can you be sure as to be sure "Pog " has signed the sKroll.

Friends are travelling along the Rhine and already have frozen fingers, toes and noses. Take your woollies, Gaz. 

Enjoy, though. 

Bill

Gaz80 wrote:Hi All, we're coming over from the UK on the afternoon ferry into Rosslare on Monday 2nd November and staying in Wexford that night.

Will be in Cork overnight Tuesday and will PM hotel details to members who might want to catch up there. Have booked accomodation in Dublin for Thursday, Friday & Saturday. On the ferry out of Dublin on Sunday morning so looking forward to catching up with anyone who is free around those times.

BAE, we will probably be driving over to Bath on Saturday afternoon and staying there Sunday so from what Google maps tells me that is passing your neck of the woods. We might be able to share a cuppa or something stronger.

Cheers

Hi Gaz,

Still haven't managed to blag the Dublin weekend off yet - think my daughters object to the idea of me going off and having fun while they go to their mothers. A meet up while you're in Bath would definitely work though - PM me with your details.

I would be up for a meeting in Dublin on Saturday.

Good one Curley, I'll leave it to the Eccentrics to organise amongst yourselves and will be there, wherever "there" is.

Cheers

Gaz80 wrote:Hi All, we're coming over from the UK on the afternoon ferry into Rosslare on Monday 2nd November and staying in Wexford that night.

Will be in Cork overnight Tuesday and will PM hotel details to members who might want to catch up there. Have booked accomodation in Dublin for Thursday, Friday & Saturday. On the ferry out of Dublin on Sunday morning so looking forward to catching up with anyone who is free around those times.

BAE, we will probably be driving over to Bath on Saturday afternoon and staying there Sunday so from what Google maps tells me that is passing your neck of the woods. We might be able to share a cuppa or something stronger.

Cheers

Gaz

That's a very civilised travel arrangement.
Wexford is a short distance from Rosslare but as we will be going to Winter Time on October 31st you will have darkness off the ferry so no scenic routes.
Tuesday morning you can always go wandering in Wexford. The direct route from Wexford to Cork is N25 about 2 1/2 hours/200km so you have time for a little doodling along the way. https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/us/ is about 30km east of Cork, on the N25. Of course you could try something different.... http://www.lismorecastle.com/location-castle-for-rent Lismore is a nice scenic village off the N25.
If you want a place with a difference on Tuesday night if you are not staying in Blarney [ http://www.blarneywoollenmillshotel.com is in the village and a short walk to Blarney Castle] a little further is possibly Cobh http://www.commodorehotel.ie/ overlooks the sea front and is a short walk to the Titanic Centre if that interests you. Another option is Kinsale http://tridenthotel.com/ and again on the seafront. R600 from Cork to Kinsale and a nice bike trip...start of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Will suss out some Eccentrics for Tuesday/Wednesday depending on how your gathering at Blarney is working out.
Look forward to seeing you both!
Do feel free to send a PM.

Had a PM from Gaz.......

Staying at Red Cow on Thursday 5th/Friday 6th/Saturday 7th November.

Jumping the gun a little to see what will work for the day. Is a meet up at the Red Cow for a breakfast a runner?

Good parking and easy to access and a trip to town on the loose Luas might be an option.
How would this be for eating?

https://www.groupon.ie/deals/platform-61-1?p=1&nlp=&CID=IE_CRM_1_0_0_286&a=1220&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&sid=b2f687a4-97d4-4030-8601-62ae9cebbd3c&division=dublin&eh=9bbb584a4e58555ea7b36f9be574a906961e6f6676b706b74383f9c9ccf85c48&date=20151310&sender=rm&s=body&c=button&d=deal-page&utm_campaign=platform-61-1-76459579


Watch this space....

Tuesday 3rd November. Any Cork based Eccentrics on for a meet up, they are staying in Cork Tuesday night.

We will be happy to be led astray in Dublin by local inmates on the days or evenings that we are booked into the Red Cow.

Also happy to drive out of the city to meeting places that suit the locals. We tend to travel with very loose arrangements and make it up as we go along.

This is probably my last post before leaving about lunch time tomorrow to go to Sydney for our flight. Only thing I have left to do is pack but it's too late in the evening (10:45pm) to do that now so I'll attack it in the morning.

See you Eccentrics in a couple of weeks!

Cheers

Hi Gaz

Keep in touch if you have my mobile number.

We will keep eye out on weather so maybe the Saturday 7th might have a meeting point a little away from the Red Cow but no more than an hour drive. Trust us on that, you won't be disappointed.

We will see you in Cork on the Tuesday but Trapper [Alyn] is in Wexford and would meet up with you on Monday at Wexford. I have his contact details so I will lay messenger.

Safe travels and looking forward to seeing you.

Olaf

Hi all, as those who have experienced it before well know there is nothing complimentary to say about a 22 hour flight other than it's done.
We are on the ground in the UK, so far so good.

Cheers

woohoo !!!  ...have fun Gaz ....for when you recover

How does a 22 hour flight compare with a 22 hour outing on a K?

Glad to see you have arrived.....

Good to see you have arrived Gaz.  The worst part about travelling is ..... flying.  And don't forget to mention the rugby whilst in merry old England. 

Enjoy the hospitality of the Irish and just be warned that it rains every day   

I would not be in a hurry to kiss the Blarney Stone as I understand that the locals like to use it as a urinal.  But then again, as it rains every day it must be clean. 

The Eccentrics turned on great weather for my visit. I hope they do the same for you. 

Totally agree about the flying, though Gaz. Perhaps business class may be better, but I've never tried it. 

Enjoy the trip, Gaz and Ruth. The occasional post would be nice, but don't feel obligated, especially not to the point of resenting 'having' to post. 

Bill

indian036 wrote:The Eccentrics turned on great weather for my visit. ....

I think you brought it with you Bill, Gaz has done the same!

Yesterday was a busy work day.......

7.30am 3 hours on K to a meeting. 200km
2.30pm. 1 1/2 hours on K to look at another project. 126km
Time out to visit family friend.
9pm 3 1/4 hours on K to travel home. 290km

One shower about 20km from home.....otherwise a lovely day.

So, often the K stays perked up at the weekend......

Looks like Gaz did bring some good weather...

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:How does a 22 hour flight compare with a 22 hour outing on a K?

Glad to see you have arrived.....

22 hours on a k is far more enjoyable

believe me !!!

Nice to see Gaz up here, looking forward to meeting up.

Next we have Rossko down for March or thereabouts......

Indian036 is already booked in for a return trip.

Wondering now is Ed sounding out a trip up.....love to see him make it.

Of course we would love to have Crazy Frog stop by on one of his trips across to France....

Its good to have things to look forward to up here!!!.

Hey Tackler, on the rugby front, the game against Scotland was on during our flight. When we had our 1 hour plane change at Singapore the game was on in the departure lounge at about 60th minute. Australia scored their try and then the Scottish intercept try happened in that brief window before we boarded so I thought Australia were gonners.
In London the immigration guy (who was obviously English) cheerfully told us about the controversy at the end and the Australian win.

Cheers

In preparation for our arduous tour of duty around Ireland, Ruth and I are resting up and fortifying ourselves with suitable beverages in the harsh surrounds of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

You all know the old story " ........... someone has to do it!"



Cheers

Oh, the suffering!

Bill

Is that a strip club I see in the background?

Gaz80 wrote:In preparation for our arduous tour of duty around Ireland, Ruth and I are resting up and fortifying ourselves with suitable beverages in the harsh surrounds of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

You all know the old story " ........... someone has to do it!"

Mate I really feel for you, I know how much you were looking forward to it and now it has come to this.  Oh well I suppose one consolation is that the Irish blokes will have some lifesaving Guiness on hand.

Olaf, that sounds like you have more local knowledge than I have managed to gather.

Cheers

No local knowledge at all. Never been to the Canaries. My kids go to all these places, Pompeii, Rome, Paris, Mexico, New York etc. I used to get a lovely trip every time I got my credit card bill thinking of all the places I have been to in spirit. My son asked me to take a day off work Friday and go to Dublin with him so that's nice. He is paying for the juice.

Too much flying for work, prefer my holidays in places I can sail to or ride/drive to. A few friends a few years ago decided to do what is a fairly regular transatlantic trip from Ireland to US. Heard nothing for weeks then a card from them in Timbuctu. Clearly their navigational skills were excellently influenced by the Guinness.

Anyway we are looking forward to seeing you here in Cork on Tuesday......[no strip clubs in Cork].

Thoughts on Saturday in Dublin? Could easily take a venture into Dublin from Red Cow.

I am off on the Thursday and Friday, so may well be able to lead Gaz astray before Saturday.

Hi Ringfad, just got your PM and will reply shortly.

Just to show that we are not just sitting around drinking all of the time I thought I might show a few photos of the area we visited in the centre of the island.

This is the 3,718 metre high Teide volcano (still active) in the centre of the island. We were able to access up to 2,356 metres by road & my granddaughter and son-in-law ventured up to 3,555 metres by cable car. Gentlemen like myself with previous heart issues were prevented from going up due to thin atmosphere. The summit was covered in snow last Friday but I wasn't quick enough to get a photo as clouds closed in. There was still snow on the ground at the top of the cable car run when the family went up.


The following photos are interesting rock formations down in the lava field in the caldera.



The dark patches in this last photo are the last lava flow zone.

I also found this medicinal supplement in one of the villages in the hills.


Cheers

You need to make sure you take your meds. Very important.

Need to put it in your checked bags coming back......or carry it internally, preferably inserted over a few days. Ringfad will find you more. Just in case you feel a need to stay up in those hills.

Sounds like you are enjoying it.

For Saturday 7th November

I had a discussion with 88KE this morning and some thoughts....

Perhaps a brunch meeting say 11am, either at Red Cow or at Stradbally Fayre as its so easy to get to from Red Cow and a nice route.

This later time might suit Dai too. Also as Gaz is travelling by car maybe Dai and Comberjohn might use 4 wheels instead of 2.

For Stradbally Fayre at 11am  this would mean a depart from Cork about 8,30am and depart Cashel about 9.45am.
For Red Cow at 11am this would mean a depart from Cork about 7.30am and depart Cashel about 8.45am and pick up Magda at Monasterevin Mayfield Services J14 on way, about 9.50am.

Any thoughts on which?

88KE on for either.
CluainSi in.
Tom O'Leary hopefully.
JediGril in.
Curley.
Ringfad.
92KK Olaf.

Check .....Either/Or for me.... 


If Stradbally maybe a few K outriders For Gaz and his lady to escort them to Stradbally?  -o:

Sounds good everyone. From reading the posts from your part of the world over the last couple of years it sounds as if Stradbally Fayre is a favourite spot for you lot and naturally would be fine with us.

If we go for Stradbally Fayre at 11am maybe a meet up at Red Kow about 9.45am a quick Kow Tow and head off.

[Down M7 to Portlaoise then take exit for Carlow I think its 17, about 10km down there is Stradbally, Stradbally Fayre on the left before SuperValu and petrol station].

Travel time about 1 hour.

Of course you might end up with some Eccentrics taking you a different route up the Furry Glen.......

We've torn ourselves away from the Canary Islands arriving back at Gatwick just before midnight last night greeted by a coolish drizzly rain just to remind us of where we are in the world. Bit of a sleep in today and a lazy day in preparation for setting off to Bath tomorrow afternoon and will be in contact with BAE while in his neck of the woods.
May have to listen to the Rugby World Cup final on the car radio.
Cheers

Gaz,

I arranged the damp weather for today so that it would be gone by the time you get to Bath. Forecast for the weekend is good - warm (for the time of year) and maybe even some sunshine. 

Waiting for your call to arrange a rendezvous - I've arranged cheap accommodation for myself in Bath for Saturday night, so will be free to have a few bevies and maybe a bite to eat without having to worry about driving, trains or taxis. Don't know what time you will be arriving, but I am planning to be in town in time to watch the RWC final in one of the sports bars thereabouts. I expect it will be busy! 

Ready to do as much or little as you wish. Your holiday - your pace!

Looking forward to meeting you and Ruth tomorrow.

BAE you are as bad as Comberjohn with the darn weather.

Maybe you arranged to get good weather for tomorrow but that damp weather, wind and rain pissed on us oiver here today too. 5 1/2 years on a K and never a wet foot. Until today. Darn flood I didn't see.

A bit like last years Norn Iron trip and Comberjohn took it to arrange a glorious weekend for it by parking the rain clouds over us freestaters. I can picture him with that weather stone sending smiling as he was basking in sunshine while we waded through floods and gridlocked motorway M50.

Sounds like you guys are made up with plans for the rugby and happy to say Gaz is in good company on that one.

I bought loads of Guinness today. Seems Christmas Puddings must be made!!!!!! Stradbally Fayre and Christmas Brunch must be arranged.

Pleased to report that we found BAE at the nominated bar in Bath last night, helped by him wearing his Eccentrics shirt. We set about selecting a suitable table where we could watch the Rugby World Cup final and sip on a Guinness or few. Sadly the Aussies couldn't manage the win this time but nevertheless a good time was had and we three shared dinner and wine after the game. BAE kindly saw us back to our lodgings in case my navigation had gone astray during the evening. Thanks mate!

Gaz - Really great to meet up with you and Ruth last night. I'm so pleased that we were able to get together for the evening - thoroughly enjoyable, even if the game didn't quite have the result that you would have perhaps preferred. Next time you're here, we'll get you out on a K rather than just talking about them!

Hope you had a suitably relaxing day today and are looking forward to meeting a few more Forum members over on yon Emerald Isle.

Have a safe trip. I look forward to a return match in the Hunter Valley one day soon.

Sorry lads, just back from an unexpected, unjustifiable and exhausting family trip. Is Tuesday night in Cork still on? I fly back to Berlin Wednesday morning for another while so I'll have to miss the Saturday fun but Tuesday is an option.

Bjorn

Tuesday night is still on. Looking at Scoozi so not too far from you....I will have K in town. Will check with Fintan by phone sms.

Olaf

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Bjorn

Tuesday night is still on. Looking at Scoozi so not too far from you....I will have K in town. Will check with Fintan by phone sms.

Olaf

Thanks. Scoozi is OK, aim 20:15 but I'll be there at 20:30 the latest.

Am going to head over to Lancaster Lodge as they may well make it to Cork much earlier. Will check with Fintan and Pat O'D and Sagi.

Olaf