Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: alanww Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:15 PM Guru: Thanks for the offer of a lift but it looks as though the timing is a bit wrong and it would be very inconvenient on the return journey. In fact, according to the local bus timetable I should be able to get to Portaferry at about 17.00, even though I will have a 1 hr wait at the City Airport. So I think I'll go for that option - it'll also prepare me for the connections for the return journey. Looking forward to seeing you again after the Straw Bear Festival. "The sun went down beyond the hill ...!" Alan |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: My guru always said Date: 25 Feb 03 - 06:39 PM Claymore: Take every moment & look after your memories, take care :-) We'll raise a glass! |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: GUEST,Claymore Date: 25 Feb 03 - 04:33 PM I envy you all... I leave on Friday to take my daughter and grandson to my fathers bedside in Jacksonville, FL. I know the weather will be colder in Ireland, but I bet the friendships made and remembered will be warm. God bless you all... |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Eric the Viking Date: 25 Feb 03 - 04:32 PM Sorry, Morti to hear you are not going to be there, and you as well Andy. Will have a tune in honour for you and other absent friends. Well, that's breakfast booked, only packing to sort out now. Hope there's plenty of hot water for coffee! and somewhere to get fresh milk or else it's the plastic stuff! Wednesday tomorrow!! |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: MudGuard Date: 25 Feb 03 - 04:24 PM Morticia, Noreen, Richard: thanks for your work for my friends' coin collections! Giok, get well soon! Tracheaostomy sounds awful (just searched the internet to know what it is...) I wish I could be with you all! Enjoy the weekend! MudGuard/Andy |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Catherine Jayne Date: 25 Feb 03 - 02:12 PM Looking forward to it......counting the days, hours and minutes!!! Chance...I will thank you for the kiss in advance!!!....Hope to meet you in October at the Getaway so you can give me it in person!!!! Cat |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: My guru always said Date: 25 Feb 03 - 01:39 PM Fear not Alan: I have spare seats if all else fails! Am coming in to Belfast International at 15.40 & it looks straightforward getting to Belfast City Airport. It would mean a bit of a wait though (maybe there is a bar - I'll check the airport layout tomorrow) & I could get a bit lost *g* Thoughts? Felipa: Could you get to Belfast City Airport if I go to pick up Alan there? Would that help you? Fibula: You're a Star! All this organising & Lunch on Saturday too, you definitely get a gold star for this :-) Giok: This is dreadful news! I'm so sorry that you're not coming & that they've been practising on you with their short swords! I hope you get fully sorted out soon, recover well!!!! I'd hoped to chat to you about music in Scotland. I'll be at Loch Awe in May & didn't find much last year. Catch you another time all being well :-) Fibula's Mum: Welcome to the Mudcat! Noreen: Richard needs glue??? |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Morticia Date: 25 Feb 03 - 01:04 PM I hope you all have a wonderful time, I am going to miss being there dreadfully....that being the case, anyone feeling inclined to drink a small libation or two on my behalf will be warmly thanked unless you deliver the hangover to me at a later date. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: alanww Date: 25 Feb 03 - 12:52 PM With Giok withdrawing, I've just lost my lift from City Airport (I'm arriving at 13.45 on Friday). Any ideas? I have a public transport fallback if there are no takers, so no real sweat, but if there is a car passing that way ...! "Come ye young men, come along ...!" Alan |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: GUEST Date: 25 Feb 03 - 12:45 PM I really wish I could be there with you all, I know you will have a great time. I have been home in Belfast 3 times during the past 4 years and unfortunately just can't swing it this time. My thoughts will be with you all anyway. Have a super get-together Jimmy (eating his heart out in Ontario) |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: alanww Date: 25 Feb 03 - 11:51 AM oh dear poor you Giok! Get well soon! |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: John MacKenzie Date: 25 Feb 03 - 11:44 AM Thanks mo chride, its yerself I'll be missing most of course. Giok |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Fibula Mattock Date: 25 Feb 03 - 11:29 AM Giok - sorry to hear that.A pain in the neck is never a good thing. Get well soon, and the rest of us will have a pint or two for you. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: John MacKenzie Date: 25 Feb 03 - 11:22 AM Shit, and I've just had to cancel. The small neck op last Friday, has left me with an unscheduled hole in me neck. In other words they've given me a bloody [pun intended] tracheaostomy, and I can drink a cup o' tay, and whistle Dixie, at the same time temporarily. However foreign travel, and copious libations on top of painkillers are not allowed, so I can't bloody well make it. I'M SO F****N' PISSED OFF.I've been looking forward so much to this one. Anyway have a good time y'all. Bet you can't fart out your neck........Giok |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Fortunato Date: 25 Feb 03 - 10:42 AM Sounds like great fun. Will someone please squeeze the Micca and give catsphiddle a big wet kiss on the face for me? (Tell her who it's from!) Post pictures please and have way too much fun. Chance. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Fibula Mattock Date: 25 Feb 03 - 09:30 AM My guru... - I might drop down at Barholm some point beforehand, yes! I wouldn't mind borrowing one of their big cooking pots if they'd be kind enough to trust me with it. By the way - for lunch on Saturday I'm making a big pot of Irish stew, and a big pot of pea soup (vegan-friendly). There'll be homemade wheaten bread as well, hopefully. I'm getting very excited. My ma has been on Mudcat too, following the thread. She's been spreading the word and there's musicianer types other than Catters who'll also be making their way to Portaferry, all being well. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: My guru always said Date: 25 Feb 03 - 09:21 AM Just been chatting with 'Mine Host Linda' and as she's going to be off-site from mid-evening Friday, it might be a good idea if anyone who wants cooked breakfasts for them to phone & book them with Linda before the weekend so they've an idea what to expect. I'm definitely going for it *g* I've warned her that some of us will probably turn up after she's gone on the Friday evening - she reckons 2 hours (ish) drive from Beflast International, so the Cats on my flight are on the borderline of meeting her. Fibula: If I recall it right from the old thread you'll be in Portaferry before us - I'm sure you'll be nipping in to chat to Linda about the weekend! Any chance you could persuade her to come & enjoy the music at some point, preferably during a 'conservatory session' as she's a young son & won't be going into the pubs? Can't wait....... |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Declan Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:28 AM I hope you all have a great week-end. For various reasons I'm not going to be able to get up there for this, but maybe the next one! Enjoy yourselves. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Noreen Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:25 AM And thanks Mick- we were looking forward to US representation, but maybe another time. We'll be thinking of you all. |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Noreen Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:18 AM Thanks Richard, and are you able to bring the glue???? :0) |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Big Mick Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:13 AM I am absolutely miserable at not being able to join you all for this weekend. Please know that my good thoughts are with you all. Mick |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: mooman Date: 25 Feb 03 - 07:09 AM Dear Noreen and Andy, Since I'm coming up via Dublin, I'll see if I can pick up the three remaining coins on the way. Looking forward to Friday and the weekend. Richard |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Noreen Date: 25 Feb 03 - 06:05 AM MudGuard, I have in my possession (or in my handbag) one full set of Irish Euros, presented to me at the weekend by Morticia for forwarding to you. There is also a selection of other coins; in order to make three full sets all we need is a 20cent coin and two 2Euro coins. Can anyone else help please, since all the donkey work has been done by Morticia? (Not calling you a donkey, my dear!) You haven't been forgotten, Andy :0) |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: MudGuard Date: 25 Feb 03 - 02:58 AM As only Morticia has reacted to my request (and is now not going) I repeat it: Three friends of mine are still missing the Irish Euro coins in their Euro Coin collection. Could someone please PLEASE bring 3 sets of Irish Euro coins to Portaferry? Could someone, who is going there AND to Groningen (Richard, Noreen, ...), please PLEASE buy these coins there and sell them to me in Groningen? Thanks in advance, MudGuard (who wishes he could come to Portaferry and who wishes all of you a FINE weekend!) |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: ard mhacha Date: 24 Feb 03 - 04:33 PM On Sunday get along to a Hurling match, great game.Ard Mhacha |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Eric the Viking Date: 24 Feb 03 - 03:09 PM I can only say-bloody excellent, can't wait! is it only Monday!!!!! |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: JudeL Date: 24 Feb 03 - 02:24 PM Incase you want to view the previous thread here's a link but be warned it has over 200 posts and may take a while to load: previous thread on irish gathering |
Subject: RE: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: JudeL Date: 24 Feb 03 - 02:19 PM & although philipa is on home ground if anyone has a spare place in a car down from belfast she'd like to hear from you |
Subject: N. Ireland gathering 2003 - THIS WEEKEND From: Fibula Mattock Date: 24 Feb 03 - 01:57 PM Hi folks - an information thread tying together all the things you might want to know before this weekend!
Date:Friday 28 February - 3 March 2003
Hostel information:Barholm Budget Self-catering Accommodationhttp://www.barholmportaferry.co.uk/ 11 The Strand, Portaferry, Co Down, N. Ireland, BT22 lPF Telephone & +44 (0)28 427 29598 Fax +44 (0)28 427 29784 Email Reservations & Inquiries: info@barholmportaferry.co.uk £12.00 GBP per person per night
Room 2 - sleeps 3/4 (3 single beds, visitor bed if required)
Information from the previous thread: Map:multimap To: Ireland from: USA, Europe, rest of the world. Fly to Dublin or Belfast via London - Belfast City airport 30 miles (48Km) Belfast International 50 miles (80Km) from Portaferry. Both airports have regularly bus services into Belfast city centre. To: Portaferry from: Belfast Follow the A20 through Newtownards, Grayabbey, Kircubbin then Portaferry. To: Portaferry from: Dublin Follow signs for The North/Newry, then through Downpatrick to Strangford - a 5 minute ferry crossing then takes you to Portaferry. Ferry Crossings from Strangford - a half-hourly service runs every day, except Christmas Day - only very extreme weather conditions affect crossings. Times are as follows: - for departures from Portaferry ADD 15 minutes. First Sailing - Mon-Fri 07:30 Sat 08:00 Sun 09:30 Last Sailing - Mon-Fri 22:30 Sat 23:00 Sun 22:30 Airlines:Buzz British Airways Easyjet aer arann British European Ryanair BMI (Bristish Midlands) BMI Baby Go Aer Lingus Sceptre Tours - as Claymore mentioned Ferries:Irish Ferries Stena Ferrybooker - an online ferry booking company The area:Strangford Lough Strangford Lough (more of a tourism twist) Some Portaferry info Accommodation:Barholm hostel The Narrows (upmarket guest house) Fiddlers Green - my local drinking spot, and they do B&B GoIreland's page
BusesTranslink, the main (or rather, the only) transport company in N.I. runs Ulsterbus, the N.I. bus company. Ulsterbus timetables Belfast has 2 main bus stations: Europa (Glengall Street) and Laganside (Donegall Quay). To the best of my knowledge, Laganside is still the one that serves Portaferry. There aren't any trains. N.I. has about 2 train tracks. Neither go anywhere near the Ards Peninsula. The best bus route is probably the Belfast - Netwownards - Portaferry bus route, the one which goes via Kircubbin (NOT the one via Portavogie as that takes you right over to the other side of the peninsula). As I posted in the other thread: There's a good bus service from Belfast International to Belfast itself. Belfast City airport is only 10 minutes from the city centre. The bus service to Portaferry is less good. Much less good. But there are buses, and that's the main thing. It takes about an hour or more to go the 30 miles from Belfast by the direct route. I think it's probably 1hr15 mins, and more than likely 1hr30mins given the state of the roads once past Kircubbin (local village where tarmac seems to stop). The indirect route (serves the other side of the peninsula) takes a good bit longer. As far as I know, these buses leave Belfast from Laganside bus station on Donegall Quay (NOT Europa bus station on Glengall Street). From Dublin, it's probably easier to get to Belfast first, and then go to Portaferry, although it's theoretically possible to go Dublin --> Newry --> Newcastle (where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea) --> Downpatrick --> Strangford --> ferry boat (takes 10 mins) to Portaferry. The hardest part there is probably the very poor Downpatrick to Strangford bus service. The big long thread I posted above with all the links in it has a link for Ulsterbus timetables. Price is probably around 4 quid for a single ticket from Belfast - Portaferry. Additional bus posting
DrivingFor those thinking of hiring a car and driving to Portaferry, here's some directions from the AA.(Note - where it says "Kircubbin. 7.2 miles at roundabout take first exit" that refers to the roundabout as you reach Portaferry - it's a one way system in the town, and it starts at a roundabout which is actually a white dot in the road, just as you enter Portaferry. There's no roundabout near Kircubbin - it's just a road straight through. You'll know you're going the right way if you follow signs for the ferry from Newtownards onwards. If you're staying at Barholm hostel, it's just opposite the ferry slip. )
Message from CatsPHiddle about instruments:EVERYONE WHO IS FLYING!!!......I have just got off the phone to easyjet to enquire abou their policy on instruments been taken into the cabin and not put in the hold with the other luggage.....Some airlines have different policies. Good news...they have a new policy and instruments can be taken on board BUT the must fit into the over head luggage bins ...the measurements are......40cm x 127cm x 48cm. They prefer you to leave a 10cm gap all round. So measure up you cases guys!!! My large fiddle case will fit in easy with a lot of room to spare!!!
Food and drinkOkay, lunch on the Saturday - I'm going to cook soup or stew and bake a load of bread, and maybe some potatoes or salad, and bring them down to Barholm for us all to eat - I figure it'll be easier than everyone trying to squeeze into Chez Devlin's (my parent's place). Foodwise, for those self--catering - there are several grocery shops in Portaferry, one of which is on The Square, and another near The Square at the bottom of High Street. Pubwise, I imagine we'll spend most time in Fiddlers Green and Dumigans. Avoid The Quiet Man - if you're over 18 you're too old for it!
Big list by JudeLWho, Where, Arrive, Dept
Micca, Catsphiddle: Bfast Intnl 9.25 Fri, 8.55 Mon
Jude, Paul, Robert: Bfast Intnl 15.40 Fri, 17.40 Mon
My guru: Bfast Intnl 15.40 Fri, 17.40 Mon
Leadfingers: Bfast Intnl 15.40 Fri, 12.30 Mon
Cllr Bfast Intnl Fri, 17.40 Mon
Noreen: Bfast Intnl 21.40 Fri, 19.55 Sun
Giok: Bfast City 13.15 Fri, 13.45 Mon
Alanww: Bfast City 13.45 Fri, 10.55 Mon
Fibula Mattock: there before and after as well (more or less)
Philippa: on home ground
Clan Mcmoo (3): Dublin Fri pm, Monday
John Moulden: Saturday only
Possibles:
Events!I'll probably be in Fiddlers from Friday lunchtime (drinking orange and soda water, lest you think I'm some kind of lush!).I'll say that I'll definitely be there at a given time... say 3pm? I'll be wearing my Mudcat t-shirt. I might even stick a badge on (it'll be a poxy sticker rather than a finely crafted pin!). Friday Saturday Sunday
So there you go - the weekend is what we make it. And very laid back and open to all sorts of suggestions (the weekend, not me... Well, maybe if there was drink involved...). ;) See you there! |
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