MY "ADVENTURES N IRELAND" TRIP REPORT; JUNE 2011 (w/pics & video)

[knewton64]

I am beginning to budget for my ABD Emerald isle vacation for next year.


If I am understanding it right, the conversion rate is approx 1.4 US = 1 Euro.

And I would like to have - say 2-3 yards of Guiness with my evening meal and don't have an issue with spending the money to have a nice meal.

So, with meals (that are not included) and my Guiness spending money and any other misc purchases, fair to say budget $1600 US ??

Q: Did you find yourself converting US to Euros (at you local bank) BEFORE you went, after or was it a mixture of both?? Which was easier for you??


Q: What other things did you purchase while over there?? Fair to say you had to delcare it coming back? yes, I would like to make some small purchases while there (pull over shirts, caps, etc).

Q: Can you take your laptop with you on the plane??
Q: Anyone play any dart games while over there?? In the bars I mean.

Let me stop for know. Thank you all of ya for your patience here .

 

[redzinner]

Maybe I can help with some of your questions ... I'll give it a try anyway!

If I am understanding it right, the conversion rate is approx 1.4 US = 1 Euro.

That's about right but of course it could change by the time you travel.

And I would like to have - say 2-3 yards of Guiness with my evening meal and don't have an issue with spending the money to have a nice meal.

I don't think 'yards' are sold in Ireland at least I don't remember any of the long glasses. The brews were sold by glass (half-pint) at €3.50 and pint at €6.10. Cheaper by the pint. That was the most common price we came across in May at the traditional pubs. The hotel lounges were more expensive.

So, with meals (that are not included) and my Guiness spending money and any other misc purchases, fair to say budget $1600 US ??

I think that would do just fine depending on the cost of your other purchases.

Q: Did you find yourself converting US to Euros (at you local bank) BEFORE you went, after or was it a mixture of both?? Which was easier for you??

Used an ATM once we arrived at the Westin in Dublin.

Q: What other things did you purchase while over there?? Fair to say you had to delcare it coming back? yes, I would like to make some small purchases while there (pull over shirts, caps, etc).

I only purchased small items and yes you do have to claim it on the Custom Form coming back into the States. You don't need to list individual small items just give a total amount spent.

Q: Can you take your laptop with you on the plane??

Yes

Q: Anyone play any dart games while over there?? In the bars I mean.

We didn't play and actually I think I only saw one or two places that had them but then again I wasn't looking for them.

 

[knewton64]

Maybe I can help with some of your questions ... I'll give it a try anyway!


That's about right but of course it could change by the time you travel.


I don't think 'yards' are sold in Ireland at least I don't remember any of the long glasses. The brews were sold by glass (half-pint) at €3.50 and pint at €6.10. Cheaper by the pint. That was the most common price we came across in May at the traditional pubs. The hotel lounges were more expensive.

I think that would do just fine depending on the cost of your other purchases.

Used an ATM once we arrived at the Westin in Dublin.




I only purchased small items and yes you do have to claim it on the Custom Form coming back into the States. You don't need to list individual small items just give a total amount spent.

Yes

We didn't play and actually I think I only saw one or two places that had them but then again I wasn't looking for them.

after all....planning is 1/2 the fun.

1) Sounds like my quest for a good (Irish pub) game of darts will fall on my pre-day. Love to play darts and really enjoy playing the dart game 301 or 501. So, between darts and people watching, oughta be a pretty fun pre-day; along with checking out some of the sights.


2)Guiness cheaper by the pint eh? a huge thank you for the tip.

3) I had a few TSA guests come on by my job today (evualating local airports) - so as I was working, I asked them a few questions about airplanes & good suggestions as what to bring onboard to pass the time, etc.


Anywho - I figure to be refering back to this thread from time to time as I get closer to my date of departure (2010).

Going to the land of the Shamrock since I am 1/2 Irish.

Thanks!

 

[clarabelle]

Hello! Just back!
I think for our family of 4 we spent more than 1600 US

We bought some Guinness stuff -a shirt and hat and a few other things
I also bought some earrings (Celtic Crosses and harps)
I got a Claddagh ring. Most of the jewelry was around 15 -30 euros for silver stuff in the gift shops. Gold was much more.

In Dubln we went to Marks and Spencer and got some teas and cookies. Not really Irish -but stuff you don't see here.

In the restaurants -you rarely saw and item on the menu for less that 10 euros.
Hope this helps

 

[knewton64]

Hello! Just back!
I think for our family of 4 we spent more than 1600 US

We bought some Guinness stuff -a shirt and hat and a few other things
I also bought some earrings (Celtic Crosses and harps)
I got a Claddagh ring. Most of the jewelry was around 15 -30 euros for silver stuff in the gift shops. Gold was much more.

In Dubln we went to Marks and Spencer and got some teas and cookies. Not really Irish -but stuff you don't see here.

In the restaurants -you rarely saw and item on the menu for less that 10 euros.
Hope this helps

....is that a grocery store??? I looked up M & S on the internet and up popped up them being listed as a grocery store. Tea & cookies does sound good though - a huge thank you for the tip.

Laundry......... on what part of the trip (beginning, middle, end) did you take care of any laundry needs?? Where?

Flight over to Ireland.....ok?? did you feel a need to bring some things to keep you occupied??

ok....I have purchased a soduku had held game, Tetris hand held game, deck of cards, a book ----- about what??? Disboards screen name "Redzinner" would love this one ---------- it's a book called, "STREET GANG," the history behind Sesame Street / Muppets (I am refering to his comment about You Tube Muppet's video of "Danny Boy").
so......tempted to bring a portble dvd player but....gotta ask - what are the rules about luggage?? Isn't it something like only 1 luggage (under 50 lbs) and only 1 carry on (under 11 lbs)??

Anywho - a huge thanks for tips /suggestions as obviously you can tell this will be my very 1st overseas airplane trip but I am 1/2 Irish...I have been recently watching a music video about the Ireland landscape (bought at Walmart) and from what I have seen of it so far --- W-O-W. Green everywhere! The landscape is just breathtaking and can't wait to see it in person.


The 1600 US I have down - but gotta ask....suggest I do 1/2 now in euros and then 1/2 when I am over there or no?? need guidance on this one please. The $1600 for incidentals I know is for me as I budget seperately for tips.

Clothing? Will do 2 pair pants and 2 shorts, etc.

Cider?? OMG - I LOVE CIDER!!!! WHERE???????? (U can tell I read your blog about Ireland)....

From time to time I will be refering back to this thread as my go to for information about all things Ireland so please people, feel free to jump in and give your input as I can't wait for August 1st 2009 at 10am Central Standard time....for I will be on that phone to ABD making that phone call and reserving this trip - .

 

[tigger_ttfn]

Laundry - didn't have it done as I had heard it was really expensive at the hotel and not sure where to go otherwise.

Flight - It was good. We had two legs with the longest being a little over 7 hours. It wasn't bad on Aerlingus. The plane back to JFK had personal screens where you could watch movies.

Scenery - It is amazing!

Money - we pulled money from the ATM right outside of the Westin Dublin. The guides said that the ATM was the best exchange rate. There is also one across from the Killarney Plaza.

Spending - We are a family of two and spent just about $1000 including tips. We didn't buy a ton of things and we had water at most meals.

Clothes - It was unseasonably warm for us. I was wishing I had brought some short sleeves and shorts some days. However, early in the trip it was partly cloudy and cool. My jeans and thin sweaters were perfect.

 

[clarabelle]

....is that a grocery store??? I looked up M & S on the internet and up popped up them being listed as a grocery store. Tea & cookies does sound good though - a huge thank you for the tip.

Laundry......... on what part of the trip (beginning, middle, end) did you take care of any laundry needs?? Where?

Flight over to Ireland.....ok?? did you feel a need to bring some things to keep you occupied??

ok....I have purchased a soduku had held game, Tetris hand held game, deck of cards, a book ----- about what??? Disboards screen name "Redliner" would love this one ---------- it's a book called, "STREET GANG," the history behind Sesame Street / Muppets (I am refering to his comment about You Tube Muppet's video of "Danny Boy").
so......tempted to bring a portble dvd player but....gotta ask - what are the rules about luggage?? Isn't it something like only 1 luggage (under 50 lbs) and only 1 carry on (under 11 lbs)??

Anywho - a huge thanks for tips /suggestions as obviously you can tell this will be my very 1st overseas airplane trip but I am 1/2 Irish...I have been recently watching a music video about the Ireland landscape (bought at Walmart) and from what I have seen of it so far --- W-O-W. Green everywhere! The landscape is just breathtaking and can't wait to see it in person.


The 1600 US I have down - but gotta ask....suggest I do 1/2 now in euros and then 1/2 when I am over there or no?? need guidance on this one please. The $1600 for incidentals I know is for me as I budget seperately for tips.

Clothing? Will do 2 pair pants and 2 shorts, etc.

Cider?? OMG - I LOVE CIDER!!!! WHERE???????? (U can tell I read your blog about Ireland)....

From time to time I will be refering back to this thread as my go to for information about all things Ireland so please people, feel free to jump in and give your input as I can't wait for August 1st 2009 at 10am Central Standard time....for I will be on that phone to ABD making that phone call and reserving this trip - .

1) Marks and Spencer is an English department store with a grocery in it. So the stuff I bought wasn't really Irish -just different that what you could get here. There is a M&S within walking distance of the Dublin Westin.

2)We did NO laundry. Like Tigger TTFN we had heard how pricey it was. We just brought lots of clothes and rewore things like jeans. I brought lots of underwear with me.

3)For the Flight -we brought our I-Pods. We had downloaded podcasts and movies and books on tape. (We are Pod people ) Also the flight over had seat back entertainment and I watch some movies and TV shows on that.

4)The luggage requirments depend on your airline. But ABD allows one suitcase per person. We had large ones (I have a thread floating around here somewhere about my massive luggage). We did not go overweight.

5) I brought about 5 pairs of pants and two capris and a skirt. We had an extra day in Dublin. Lots of tops some short sleeved and some long. I wished I had more short -but I understand we unusually warm weather the last two days.

6)Most of the Pubs will have cider in bottles -they don't all have it on draft. The big name in Ireland right now seems to be Bulmers. It comes in Apple or Pear and they serve it with Ice. I don't think it has much alchohol in it at all -as I rarely felt it and I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking.

You won't regret booking the Ireland trip

 

[slg]

I was totally fine with what I had packed and then I woke up this morning in a panic. Somehow I only thought there was one fancy dinner, and only packed one nice outfit. I also didn't pack anything for my kids other than their jeans, shorts, runners and sandals.

Question: Of the 4 dinners, is it crazy just to have one nice outfit? I have now decided to pack another pair of shoes so I can have something nice/casual to wear on my feet other than runners and keens. And what about the kids? I didn't even think about them?

I'm just worried I haven't packed enought stuff. We are so limited as we are trying to get a family of 5 in 4 carry-ons (max weight each is 22 pounds) and one medium suitcase (maximum weight allowed is 33 pounds), plus leave some room for anything we may choose to buy in Ireland. Right now, without adding anything else we have about 8 pounds of space left to bring back stuff. If I add shoes and outfits that will drastically reduce it. Sigh.

This packing business is driving me nuts!

Is the water fine to drink? We don't drink pop in our family and usually have water with our meals (my dh doesn't drink any alcohol, but I occasionally might have a glass of wine or a beer in a social setting. Not the norm thought). My kids are used to drinking water everywhere, so that's not a problem. Anyone had problems with the water?

Thanks for your answers!

 

[clarabelle]

We didn't really dress for dinner. Some people got a little more dressed up for the adults only meal and the last night-but you saw a little bit of everything.
One "nice" outfit should be fine. Nice meaning not jeans. But if you only wanted to pack jeans and nothing else -that would be ok too.

The "Irish night" (next to the last night) was really casual.

The kids wore all kinds of stuff. Really -don't sweat it -you will see a bit of everything.

We had no problems with the water.

 

[slg]

Thanks so much. I usually don't agonize so much, but this trip has got me all in a flap! I have had no problem with my 3 disney cruises, or the other 4 bus tours (not ABD) I have done, plus the many, many other trips we have taken, but somehow, this trip I'm completely indecisive!

I appreciate the feedback, I now feel better about my clothes choices

I wish I was going right to Ireland and not to Portugal. I'm so excited about this trip that I will just be thinking about it every minute until we go and I don't know if I will be able to truely relax! Since we are flying ryan air, my next big fear is that they will cancel our flights last minute. EEk!

 

[knewton64]

.....gonna get in my practice visiting Ragland Road (Dwntown Disney in Orlando Florida Oct 28th-Nov 4th) while dreaming of..........................



IRELAND......... JUNE 2011!!


I FINALLY BOOKED IT!




P.S. (I am sooooo glad I bought enough Euros for this when they were 1 to 1.19 via the conversion chart a few weeks back).
But....some things I am having to adjust to:

1) washing my clothes in the sink (already bought my Rick Steves Clothes line "rope.")
2) choosing to not have a pre-day since it's a long trip.
(jet lag?)

3) learning the Euro money system as I will be in a few pubs (at night) playing darts and such.

4) the long air flight up & back
(but I got my tetris and soduku games, portable dvd player, etc)


LET THE FUN BEGIN!

 

[allforpooh]

knewton64,
We are also ready to book Ireland Summer 2011, looking at end of June or beginning of July. We are planning on going to London either before or after this trip. Trying to decide right now if we should go ahead and book or wait to see if there are any discounts coming out.
Denise

 

[knewton64]

Protests in the Dublin streets about the euro...., etc.


and I have a vacation set for Ireland June 11th for 9 days.


Hope they get their act together financially but ouch! No other country wants to help them....


This oughta be/get interesting

anywho -

thank you all who have posted their trip reports on Ireland (had fun reading them) as I plan on shying away from a glass of coca cola during meal time and enstead opt for a pint (almost the same cost).

and I just ordered the theme song from the Disney movie, "Darby O'gill and the Little People."



T.T.F.N.

 

[allforpooh]

Protests in the Dublin streets about the euro...., etc.


and I have a vacation set for Ireland June 11th for 9 days.


Hope they get their act together financially but ouch! No other country wants to help them....


This oughta be/get interesting


T.T.F.N.

We are also keeping our eye on current issues and the Euro and Pound, trying not to worry....there always seems to be something new in the news. We are booked for Ireland Jun 25, with a week before in London...can't wait... I'm with you on the Pint....

Denise

 

[knewton64]

We are also keeping our eye on current issues and the Euro and Pound, trying not to worry....there always seems to be something new in the news. We are booked for Ireland Jun 25, with a week before in London...can't wait... I'm with you on the Pint....

Denise

It wud be wonderful if ya can let all of us in on your experiences in jolly ol London!


A trip report perhaps??



Q: What sights/ attractions do ya plan on seeing?
reason why I ask is I am mulling over next either a 7nght stay in San Fran OR a 7nghter in London and am looking for information.


T.T.F.N.

 

[rpbert1]

Hope you have a great time in Dublin, why not visit Belfast when there, its about 1hr 30 mins on the train,or bus or hire a car and drive up and spend a few days sightseeing up here

 

[allforpooh]

It wud be wonderful if ya can let all of us in on your experiences in jolly ol London!


A trip report perhaps??



Q: What sights/ attractions do ya plan on seeing?
reason why I ask is I am mulling over next either a 7nght stay in San Fran OR a 7nghter in London and am looking for information.


T.T.F.N.

Right now I have a huge list of things to do in and around London. We are trying to sort through it and decided what we want to see this trip. We are trying not to pack to much into this trip, so we can relax and enjoy it.

Thing's we want to see:
Tower of London
Imperial War Museum/or British War Museum
Portobello Road Market
Bike or Walking Tour

Bovington Museum

Denise

 

[allforpooh]

Hope you have a great time in Dublin, why not visit Belfast when there, its about 1hr 30 mins on the train,or bus or hire a car and drive up and spend a few days sightseeing up here

Hi,
We will have to save that for our next trip, we will be on the ABD tour while in Ireland and will not have time to visit Belfast.

Denise

 

[knewton64]

Hope you have a great time in Dublin, why not visit Belfast when there, its about 1hr 30 mins on the train,or bus or hire a car and drive up and spend a few days sightseeing up here

Funny you say cuz this is one place I really wanted to see but I can't be away from my job that long (Gen Mgr only allows me a max of 10 days away from home at a time).

So car rental is out of the question (I am also on a group tour).

But -

If I had 14 days at one time - I would see the WWII tour of all the famous landmarks that made it what it is including Normandy.(different tour company).



Anywho -

Hope your water situation up in your area is slowly getting better (Belfast). Have you heard if they going to have to make repairs?


Countin' down the days until I leave for the Emerald Aisle (157 more days) -

 

[knewton64]

(photo shot while at the Disney Archives; April 2010)


Well, a lot has gone on since my last posting as I now have 3 vacations underway (in various planning stages) so should I appear to be a little scatter brained - please be patient as the first order of rule is:


**** I gotta go back on my diet ****

Why u ask??

Well - it mainly has to do with two issues:

1) tasting Guiness (and what not) over in Ireland doesn't contain zero calories.
2). I don't wanna appear on the next episode on cable tv's program of, "What not to Wear" while on vacation.


Coming off on my last vacation (Oct 28th-Nov 4th 2010), I only incurred a two pound weight gain so hopefully no issues here for my very first adventure across the pond.
Will be posting here and there my weight loss as a motivational not only myself but to others since I desire to lose about 15 pounds (before I leave for Ireland).


But about Irish food and other items- hmmmmmm........I can tell that there is a lot to chose from when it comes to International food. Promise to take plenty of food pics as u r talking to a foodie.

Anywho -


I am beginning now to empty my travel suitcase (from my vacation to Orlando) and am now beginning to fill it with a few necessary items for Ireland:

1). a pair of binoculars (for areas in & around the Ring of Kerry tour).
2). pen/pencil and notepad (to take notes while on the various tours as to not incurr info overload nor be confused with what I am looking at)
3). ac adapter/converter
4). airline travel pillow,small blanket, earplugs, sleep mask (for long flight over to Ireland, etc).
5). "Celtic Woman," "Ellery Queen" and other various dvd's for the long airplane ride.
6). portable dvd player for the long airplane ride
7). I-pod and headphones.
That and I have recenly purchased a cd of the Dubliners music. IMO, great Ipod music if ya like Pub sing alongs and such.

Now I do have one song from the Irish Rovers on my Ipod and it's called "The Unicorn". That was the only song I could find from them that I liked since to they come across as a 50's be-bop kind of group.


8). umbrella.
9). extra pair of tenny-shoes.
10).
11).
12).






Been watching recently the Rick Steve's dvd of the best of Ireland - can tell there is a lot to see and do. Am looking forward to it.


Promise to take plenty of pictures and video, be vveerryy respectful of the Cliffs of Mohor and above all - to enjoy seeing the other half of my heritage.




UP NEXT:
Doing to double digit dance, finalizing hotel ressies for "Ladybug" and a response from one of the hotels where I will be staying at concerning the soft drink "Dr Pepper" that will just leave u in stitches (esp if you are from Texas reading this).



T.T.F.N.