N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:42 AM

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

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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: MudGuard
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 03:00 AM

Resistance is futile!

Joe, please come!

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: 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 - 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: 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 - 02:46 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: 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: InOBU
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 10:58 AM

Oh, my, sad to say, like Mick, there is a huge diff between $200 and 450, especialy when travelling with the fair Genie, who is a good deal boarder Scott (Dumfries)as well as red haired Cavan girl (from the foot of Mt. Nuegent or some other place, as the song goes) and we all know that the combination of Scott's thrift added to red haird Ulster girl temper, makes it a dangerous proposal for me to increase the buget some $500 semolians.
Devistated...
Larry
PS Her Quebecois side from Trois Rivere (Gascony in the 1560s) would be willing if I plied her with enough red wine, but then I could not be responcible for the damage she may unwittingly cause about the town... no offence to our Quebecois members... but you all know what I mean! For those who don't listen to a few La Boutene Souriant CDs and call me in the morning...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:20 PM

Looks like the air option is possible, either for £30 ish by easyJet from Liverpool to Belfast Int or for £65 by FlyBe from Birmingham Int (which is nearer for me) to Belfast Harbour (which I think is closer to Portaferry, isn't it?) - not counting the car mileage and parking cost!

But then what? For flexibility, I could hire a car (would need to share as it will cost some £25 per day minimum, ie £75 or £100 for the 3 or 3.5 days) or I could go by bus/coach. Is there an easy website I can search for bus times/cost, prior to finally booking the flights?

Also, given I don't have to worry about getting back to work, the obvious option would be to travel out on Friday 28 Feb and back on Monday 3 March. But is there any reason to stay longer, eg a great music or song session in Belfast or Newtownards on a Thursday or Monday evening, which shouldn't be missed?

"For I am free to go abroard or take again my homeward road ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 08:55 PM

It is not possible for us to make this one. But we are all agreed that we are going to do it when the rates kick in again in the fall. I will use this thread and hopefully we can get a gathering going. I will ask for help from the lot of you when the time comes. Please tip a pint towards the West on my behalf.

Pictures, don't forget the pictures.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Morticia
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 01:26 PM

sorry to hear you won't be there Mick but I will gladly raise a pint of the black and vile to you, in hopes you will make it next time.I can make my last hug last that long I think :)

I have changed my mind re driving as it is simply unwieldy from this far south and east,but I've booked on Easyjet for 25 quid return so I am all set.....whoopeeee!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 04:01 PM

I've discovered that I can fly (in a plane ¦¬]), Glasgow to Belfast return for £12:00 e.w. Crazy thing is that the taxes come to about £38:00, which is more than the flights. Anyway I've given up on the ferry option, in favour of this.
See you there.....Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 05:47 PM

We got the 25 quid offer too!!!! See you at the airport Morty!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 03:52 PM

Sadly not within our budget but hope you all have a great time.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 04:57 PM

Awaiting confirmation from the hostel at the moment (I think it's been shut over the holidays).

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 05:26 PM

yes I've been trying too, will try again on monday

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 01:42 PM

Okey dokey!

Booked up at Barholm for the three Clan McMoo and we managed to get flights at Euro 7 each return (plus airport tax which is much more!).

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:31 PM

Yes, Me and skipjack is on our way. Booked with easyjet at 15.00 return + airport taxes!!!!! Looking at car hire for the weekend. anyone want to share? (Need room for 'struments!)

Need to book the hostel now!!!
We land B'fst @ 21.40 Friday

leave @ 19.55 on the Sunday
Cheers eric n skip

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:37 PM

so is anyone else coming from within Ireland?!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:41 PM

Wot ho Richard. Pm's not working? looking forward to seeing you and family.

Have just sent booking request through this instant. Anyone know how booked the hostel is yet?

Just booked flights for Holland as well!!!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:55 PM

So, on present information:

Definites:
catsPHiddle –
Clan McMoo (three)
Eric the Viking
Fibula Mattock (the lovely)
Forty –two
Giok
JudeL & Paul
Leadfingers
micca
morticia
MudGuard
Philippa
Skipjack K8

Possibles:
Ard Macha?
alanww?
Bill Sables?
Claymore?
Diesel?
Fionn?
Momnopp & Dylan?
Noreen...?

Unless YOU know different...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 03:14 PM

I am SO excited now!!!...Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 05:46 PM

Yes, me too, Cat: move my name to the definites list; I've just booked my flight and e-mailed about accommodation.

:0)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:12 PM

See you there Noreen!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:22 PM

ahhhhhhh Noreen, Greg's silver tongue?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 09:09 PM

Eric, what HAS he been telling you? *blush*

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: sian, west wales
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:02 AM

I'd love to come but 1 March is St. David's Day and, with any luck, I'll be helping out with the celebrations in town here.

Enjoy!

sian

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:46 AM

Hey hey hey - this is getting exciting!
Nearer the time we can pick a spot to meet up on the Friday.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:49 AM

Watch out for the nobbly bits in the hire car with those two, Noreen!

"Where 'as tha bin since I saw thee ...!"
Alan

(PS I mean the multitude of instrument cases, of course!)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 07:52 AM

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!!!

See you all in Ireland.

Cat