N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

Subject: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:44 AM

Some of us have been discussing a Mudcat Gethering in Portaferry, Co. Down, N. Ireland at the end of February 2003: Mudcat Gathering, N. Ireland, 2003?

I've contacted Barholm hostel and they've sent out some info. It looks like the weekend of Fri 28 February - 3 March 2003 is available (but liable to be booked up soon). Barholm can sleep up to 50 people in an assortment of single, double, family and group rooms. It's 12 quid per night per person, but there's a 10 per cent discount for groups of 15 or more. The conference room is 20 quid per day on top of that. The house can be booked in entirety - 750 quid for two days (pricey!!).

Anyway, they'd prefer it if a block booking was made. I can book for people, but I can't provide the deposit (being a poor broke student and all that). They want a 20 per cent non-refundable deposit with the balance paid on arrival.

Also, I've found out that the Market House in the Square can be booked at quite a resaonable price and is a good place for a bit of dancing!

So, I need to work out a plan, find out who's going, who wants accommodation, and how we can work all this out...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 11:02 AM

Thanks for the dates confirmation Fibula...I will now consult the almanack and cheapo fares sites and get back to you!

All the best

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 02:28 PM

Hi Moo, when you get fare information, drop me an email at [e-mail], Genie and I may be going, I could drop over to Ardbo for a flying visit to see Brian O'Hannon and Co., and then down to Kerry for a quick hello... Cheers, hope to see ya's Larry

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 02:29 PM

Hello Fibula,

I want to come, I'd like to get a bed in the hostel.
Payment from Germany is also a bit of a trouble, banks tend to take a lot here for foreign currency transactions (as well as for Euro transactions outside Germany)...
So I'd prefer to pay when I am there - but if necessary I will of course pay before that.

MudGuard

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 03:44 PM

Fibs, I'm yer man on this,I'll definitely come. MudGuard I'll sort your deposit out for you if it's a problem, we can square up later. I want to take my car, so it may be cheaper for some of us to meet UK side, and all cross in one vehicle, I'll look at prices on the Stranraer ferry site.

Singing already......Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 04:12 PM

Giok, thanks for the offer! You should be prepared for me taking it! ;-)
It is just that I want to avoid putting lots of money into the banks...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 04:30 PM

Wecome Wolfgang!"!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 04:56 PM

Fibula, Fair play to you, and to anyone who has never been to this lovely wee town, you will be pleasantly surprised, by the scenery and the people. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Áine
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 06:52 PM

Hope I'm not throwing a spanner in the works; but, I won't know until the end of next week if I'll have the (insert your favorite currency here) to come. I will enquire further of Dear Hubby when he arrives at Moon on the Hill this evening about monetary arrangements -- I've gotta say he's really being a champ about my wanting to go back 'home' all by myself (again). What a fella! ;-)

-- Áine

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: diesel
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 07:15 PM

Hi Fibula

Now you have a date - I'll go ask the permission from she who must be obeyed, Back to you within few days to confirm.

When I confirm - I'll post here and then send PM for details of either address for bank draft or bank details for EFT transaction ( this will show up on your record as sent by name...easy to track.)

Euro or Stg ?

rgds

Diesel

PS thanks for this....

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 11:02 PM

I am going to do everything in my power to make it. It depends on the airfare, but I am very serious about this. And there is a very good chance that the other 4 in my band will come as well. Now that you have settled on a date, I will go to work on it and get back to you soon.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 07:06 AM

This is beginning to sound exciting......Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 07:35 AM

Giok, what GB points will you be passing en route to Stranraer? I'd be interested in buying a seat in your motor, though it's possible I will have to go over earlier than you (24 Feb).

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:30 AM

Fionn, I live in the highlands, so will be approaching from t'north. What I was meaning particularly was even if we only met quayside, several people in the same car may travel more cheaply.
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: InOBU
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 07:21 PM

Jeeze I haven't been on the Larne Stranraer ferry since 78! It was two quid then, I believe, of course a pint was something like sixty p!
Larry

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha.
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 07:25 AM

Larry I used that crossing in the 50s and you had to shove the cattle over to make room.
It`s all different now the cattle travel 3rd class. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 09:46 AM

Dear Giok,

I might fly into Glasgow-Prestwick as I can get a good cheap deal on that route.

Any chance I might be able to rent a seat in your car or would that be out of the way for you?

Very best regards,

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 12:48 PM

Dear Fibula,

Lady McMoo (of Tyrone origins) is also interested now as well as myself so if we can work out the travel that would be a double room in the hostel for the two of us. I'll confirm as soon as I can.

Best regards,

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 12:53 PM

Yep Prestwick would not be out of the question.
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 02:49 PM

I plan on being there, and expect I will be driving...I think cat and Micca have two of the spare seats so that leaves one for comfort or two for extra friendly people available.Fibs, if you PM me your address, I can send you some dosh to cover the deposit.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 12:34 PM

I'm at work and will write more later, but get an email address or web site for each of the hotels. If I can't contact them directly and give them a credit card number, then I can send you or them a check to hold the room(s). Like Big Mick, I'm set on coming...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 01:45 PM

Oh, and by the way, could you give us 'mericans a hint of the weather to be expected... so Mick and I can pick out the most appropriate T-shirts to wear...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 03:59 PM

Wear what T shirts you like 3 or 4 at a time. It will be more Connecticut than California.
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 04:34 PM

Well that was a bit of a help... but if someone could give us an idea of the weather, ie: Does anyone know what the climate will be in fahrenheit? Amount of rain at that time of year? Blood alcohol content necessary to ward off chills? What is the snow situation (needed only for driving information.)

My plan is to land at Dublin and rent a car to drive north. I am still deciding whether to come a few days earlier or stay a few days later, but I will ensure that I'm there for the weekend. I will advise more as I figure it out...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 05:47 PM

Count Paul and I in. Please pm me the phone number/address of the hostel so that we can book 2 places. Don't yet know if we'll be flying from gatwick/stanstead or driving and taking the ferry.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 07:58 PM

Why don't you good folks just post the hostel info. I am trying to talk Wyo Woman into coming. Hey Jeri,.............how bout it? This would be a great ramble and the rates are right.

Jed...........give it some thought, bud.

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 08:07 PM

Like the Idea . Will check on the details but (I think you cab pencel me in for a bed etc.

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...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,fiosrach
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

Chris, how do we contact you?

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 05:54 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: 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: 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