N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 03:17 PM

£202 Belfast- Stranraer return for car +4 adults.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 02:46 PM

Would love to, Ed, if we could get a car & 4 to split the cost.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 02:37 PM

I've not been to a mudcat gathering yet, but this one tempts me...

(sorry Fibula, I've completely not answered your question...)

Maybe us Manchester people could sort something 'group booking' wise? I have a car, but it can't swim

Ed.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 02:29 PM

Ah well, not quite so cheap when taxes & charges are included, but could still do it, at reasonable times, for £30 or less.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 01:22 PM

I was advised that easyjet are doing £25 return Liverpool/Belfast. It would appear that a return flight is available from as little as £4.50 if you go at silly times...!

Suppose if I get an early enough flight on the Friday I might be able to pick up a lift from Belfast to Portaferry, and similarly if I
fly back late on the Monday?

Tempted....

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 01:09 PM

OK Christmas is over, plans for the new year? :0)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 03:00 AM

Resistance is futile!

Joe, please come!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 09:37 PM

Dang, this sounds good! The temptation is weighting heavy, but I think I have to resist.

-Joe Offer, compulsive traveler-

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 07:37 PM

Mick, have a look at the EasyJet and Ryannair sites. If you can find a cheapish deal to London, you might find an onward flight to Dublin or Belfast for 50 dollars or less. Then again, without knocking Portaferry at all, when you're coming so far it might be better to wait for something in a more spectacular location, or latched on to the side of some existing festival - Fiddlers' Green at Rostrevor, maybe? And a slightly more clement time of year might make sense, though that's obviously relative in Ireland.

I'm glad Fib's gone into all that detail about road directions, by the way. I was overlooking that people who don't know the roads are going to find it amazingly easy to get lost.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: momnopp
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 02:19 PM

Mick (and other crazy Americans trying to make it over the pond),

I'm also trying to figure out how to make this possible for me and Dylan. We would probably fly in to Dublin on Feb. 22 and stay through March 2.

I'm trying to work with my company's international travel dept. -- they have suggested trying www.priceline.com as well as www.hotwire.com. Sometimes you can wangle a better deal if you're flexible on dates, or time of day, or nearby airport, or number of connections you're willing to put up with.

I've also only found R/T fares about as low as $450 each, thus far, but I'm not giving up yet!!!!!

May we all meet on the other side... :-)

JudyO

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 11:46 AM

Actually, my friend, I was going to stay over for a few days and run out to see some friends in Derry, as well as down to Dublin to have a visit at NPU.

I will check on other options. It was the $198/roundtrip that made it doable.

And who ever told you that I wasn't a bit mad, is leading you astray..........LOL.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 11:27 AM

Well Mick, it might work out reasonably to get a flight to Britain and connecting flight to Belfast.

Travelling that distance and time zones for just three days is rather mad anyway!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 09:30 AM

Bad news, I am afraid. I just went to Aer Lingus and they have no seats available for that time frame. One of the pre req's was that we could get the $198 round trip flights. But they are not available on that date. The alternative would be to purchase the $458 round trip tix. That puts it out of our range for what amounts to a 3 day weekend.

If anyone has a suggestion, I would love to hear it. We were excited about doing this.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 08:45 AM

It is looking pretty good for this one. I now have to check for flight availability, but it looks like the 5 of us (4 lads and a lass who plays a helluva fiddle) will be making this one. I will probably stick around for a couple of days so I can run down to Dublin to visit NPU.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From:
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 06:44 AM

good oh, Micca, thanks.......

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:42 AM

YEAHHHH!!!!! I is coming!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Micca
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:34 AM

We have booked at Barholm!!!!!!!!1, and are definite, and Morti too( her own room, of course) so thats 3,

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:30 AM

I've booked my flights!
I'll be there.

For 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. )

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 10:02 PM

Overseas visitors, if you want to phone the Fiddler's Green re b&b, the number from outside the UK is 44 (for the UK) followed by 28 4272 8393 - ie without the "0" which they include on the site at the end of Fib's link.

Even though I have a pet hate of cars, and I champion public transport at every opportunity, I've got to say I wouldn't recommend the public transport to Portaferry for anyone who's just come across the Atlantic. You'll be knackered before the fun's begun.

Hiring a small car might be 100 dollars, which ain't much if you can split it two or three ways, and you're going to get infinitely more out of the visit. You might even get to Downpatrick to see that fake grave. Try Dan Dooley's for an instant online quote/reservation, or hunt around for others.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 09:37 PM

Eric, are you not arriving at Belfast international till 2130? If so, you wouldn't make it to Portaferry that night, unless you cadge a lift or get a taxi. If there are two or three of you, hire a car - some firms have pretty cheap rates (search the web).

If you're landing around 1730 as you said earlier, you would be right to think you'd be at Portaferry around 2130: airport bus to Belfast Europa bus station (or get off as Laganside bus station if that comes first, as I think it does); then 1940 bus to Newtownards (1950 from Laganside), arrives N'ards 2020, then 2025 bus to Portaferry.

At other times of day it can be a bit easier than this, but whatever you do, don't even think about the ard mhacha route! It's not even really St Pat's grave at Downpatrick (though Thomas Russell's seems to be the genuine article).

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: brid widder
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 07:35 PM

well if anyone apart from me is coming from Hull....or any point reasonably easily reached from here I would certainly be glad to be counted in... so far the best I can come up with is 6am train from Hull to Liverpool and a £25 flight to Belfast international airport.... then there's the journey onward to Portaferry... I'm not Hull to Portaferry could be done in a day without a car!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 07:33 PM

Got a seat in Morticias wagon so Call me a definate. I promise not to bring the banjo.Or at least not all of them.I'll try and book the hostel direct.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 02:47 PM

How's about a convoy of minibuses (+Alfa Romeo fanny magnet?) setting off from the center of the UK Mudcat universe (Hull9) and picking up stragglers on the journey westwards to the ferry??

Noreen
#1 straggler

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 02:19 PM

Erik, have a good run, it's only about 28 miles from Belfast - just a bit more than a Marathon... ;-)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 02:02 PM

well, still working on it BUT problem number one!

Can't arrive until about 21.30 from Belfast In'nl. So how'd me n skip go on from there? 2nd prob- geting back on Sunday to the airport.

Further suggestions please.

Ta

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 02:21 PM

Chris, please consider one of the seats booked.
And thanks for the offer!
If possible not the smallest seat (I am 1.94m or 6'4" ;-)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: ard mhacha
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 12:23 PM

Fibula, I have to agree your bus route is more convenient, but I have used the Downpatrick route about 10 years ago and it wasn`t a problem. Good Luck. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 11:35 AM

Only good thing (apart from being sorted out at last) is that I will be on some class of pain killers - YAY! and last time the anaesthetic was bloomin marvelous!

Say hallooo to your mam and dad for me - would have been nice to see them again.

Cheers

E x

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 11:25 AM

Just a quick mention that easyjet are doing flights for 25 quid RETURN (!) to Belfast International airport from some airports in England.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 05:54 AM

Ellllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!
So you got yer op date. I hope it goes really well and completely painless...
That's such a pity you won't be able to make it. My parents were asking after you, and asking if you'd be over.
Good luck girl!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 05:34 AM

Hiya K I'ts S!


I won't be able to come! I will be in hospital in London during then - having an op done! double double double darn - and various words like that only stronger!

But I opes you all have fun - it sounds good!!

:-(

Ella

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 05:31 AM

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.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: ard mhacha
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 05:01 AM

And a taxi from Downpatrick to Strangford with 4 sharing wouldn`tbe too expensive. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Forty two
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 04:41 AM

anyone who wants a lift down contact me via PM.

First come first served!

Chris

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: brid widder
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 06:39 PM

If I can get the time off I'd like to come.... I've been to Portaferry before... and hed a few really good evenings with Frank in the Fiddlers Green....I don't drive so think I'll be on the Irish ferries from Holy head to Dublin.... if anyone is coming from the North of England (I'm in Hull) and has a spare seat I could use that might be another option... PM me with details... I could probably come early & go late if necessary.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: WyoWoman
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 06:21 PM

Well, Biggus Mickus --
You did spark my interest. Would you be leaving from Chicago? What airline did you say had the $98 one-way tix? How many days will you be staying? And will there be any spare guitars for those of us who ain't into schlepping their gear across an ocean?

I'm not saying I actually CAN get away to do this, but I'm not ruling it out, either. Let's click our heels together three times and ... ohp.. sorry. Since I moved to Kansas, I've been taking this ruby slippers thing very seriously.

Love,
la Wyo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:14 PM

Checked out Ulterbus, the service to Downpatrick from Belfast, Monday to Friday, Buses leaving from Europa Hotel area, on the hour from 10am until 2pm, and from 4.05pn and 5.30pm, the journey is approx, 45 minutes.
On arrival at Downpatrick you will have another 40 mins journey to Strangford, the problem with the bus service to Strangford is, there is only one at 4.05pm, monday to Friday.
The Ferry Service to Portaferry is very frequent, usually about 15 minutes.
If you have a couple of hours to spend in Downpatrick, visit the Cathedral and view Saint Patricks grave in the Cemetry close by, also the grave of Thomas Russell, ["the man from god-knows -where"] who was hanged at Downpatrick Jail in 1803 for being a leader of the United Irishmen. The poem and song have been discussed on a mudcat thread.
The journey is a doddle, don`t be put off by what looks like, but isn`t, a complicated route. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 04:33 PM

ow much is da bus fare? How long do it take an when do the buses run? Might be landing at B'fst intn'l about 17.50 ish.

ta for any help.

Can book hostel from here if all goes ahead.

Cheers

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 04:27 PM

Looking possible for me, skipjack and Bill sables-How do we get from the airport to Porta thingmy bob? without a car?

Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 12:25 PM

If it were moved on any other weekend, it would end my chance of making it. Gigs, and all.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 12:19 PM

Fib....we have phoned the Hostel to make a booking and they are going to confirm it on thursday!!!......See you in february!!!

We are looking forward to it!!

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,fiosrach
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

Chris, how do we contact you?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:55 AM

Unfortunately Paddy's day might be a bit of a logistical nightmare, and it took that long to come up with these dates that I think I might stick to them, nice idea as a St. Patrick's meet is. Besides I think the chaep fares from the US that Claymore mentioned run out about the 9th March.

Thanks for volunteering for transport duties Chris - you may live to regret trying to round up musicians from a lively pub...!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,forty two
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:37 AM

As there seems to be a lot of interest in this gathering, in particular from the US could I make a small suggestion. What about moving it back a couple of weeks from the end of February to around the 17th March - St Patrick's Day which falls on a Monday which gives us a longer week-end!!

Anyway whatever the date, I have a 7 seater and can do a pick up from the ferry in Belfast or as I suggested a while ago, meet up at the John Hewitt's Bar in Donegall Street for a session first!

So as a local I can be counted in.

HAPPY DAYS

Chris

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: InOBU
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 09:02 AM

Any folks want to run down to Ardbo with Genie and I to see Brian O'Hannon after the session?
Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 06:57 AM

Rather than me trying to co-ordinate payments for deposits and arrange rooms etc., it would be better if those wishing to stay in Barholm could book directly with the hostel. All the relevant information is below.

Date:
Friday 28 February - 3 March 2003

Hostel information:
Barholm Budget Self-catering Accommodation
http://www.barholmportaferry.co.uk/

11 The Strand, Portaferry, Co Down, N. Ireland, BT22 lPF
Telephone & [phone] Fax [phone]
Email Reservations & Inquiries: [e-mail]

£12.00 GBP per person per night
Self-catering with fully-equipped kitchen, or meals can also be booked with the caterers for an extra charge.

Room 2 - sleeps 3/4 (3 single beds, visitor bed if required)
Room 3 - sleeps 2 (double bed, visitor bed if required)
Room 4 - sleeps 1 (single bed)
Room 5 - sleeps 4/5 (two single beds, set of bunk beds, visitor bed if required)
Room 6 - sleeps 1 (single bed)
Room 7 - sleeps 2/3 (one double bed and one single bed if required)
Room 8 - sleeps 3 (one double bed and one single bed)
Room 9 - sleeps 3 (one double bed and one single bed)
Room 10 - sleeps 1 (one single bed)
Room 11 - sleeps 7/9 (three single beds, two sets of bunk beds and two visitor beds if required)
Room 12 - sleeps 5/7 (three single beds, one set of bunk beds and two visitor beds if required)
Room 13 - sleeps 4 (one double bed, two single beds, visitor bed if required)
Room 14 - sleeps 4 (two single beds, one set of bunk beds)

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

Buses:
Translink, 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 area:
Strangford Lough
Starngford 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

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 06:03 AM

hello, hello - I've just got back on here after a week of hectic work and Mudcat being down every time I got a spare moment.

I'm glad there's still so much interest. I'm beginning to think maybe it would be easiest if I posted all the hostel info (configuration of rooms etc.) and people booked for themselves. This might be easiest since we're probably not going to fill the whole hostel.

I'll get back to you all with information. To those of you who PM'd me - sorry for the delay in replying, but I'll get back to you!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:41 AM

There seems to be more response from abroad than from within Ireland – at least 5 people (I think it's more) are very seriously considering travelling all the way from N America. Well, I suppose that the Mudcatters in Ireland don't need to plan so much in advance. I wonder is 'Fibula' getting many personal messages about the proposed weekend?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: momnopp
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 11:37 PM

Well, now you all have gone and done it -- you've got me thinking (always a dangerous thing) and as I consider it, I can't possibly leave Dylan (age 13) at home! He and I will have to learn about schools in the area so he can meet people his own age -- maybe even go to school for a couple of days. From what I see, he'll get more "learning" from a week of wandering in Ireland than he probably gets in a year in a "classroom" anyway.

Any other brave souls carting along a young person?

I guess I had better look into things like passports...sheesh!

~grinning from ear to ear~

JudyO

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: momnopp
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 08:14 PM

OK, so now I have to figure out whether to take Dylan out of school for a week or figure out how to have him hang around and get taken care of...are people more likely to come early or stay late? If I'm coming, I'm not just coming for a weekend...