Ireland 2024

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Ireland May 2024  I’m putting this out to determine interest in a trip to Ireland in May 2024. The focus would be on day hikes,biking, kayaking, Irish music and city walking tours with a local guide as we do a driving tour of Ireland. I’m considering two options: #1 an 18 day trip which includes flying into Dublin and out of the Shannon airport and will be mostly concentrated in the north including the Belfast, the Giants Causeway, Glenveagh National Park, StJohn’s Point, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Galway and the west coast coastline to Shannon and the flight home. Option 2 for those who can continue on another week, altogether 25 days, is to visit the southwest of Ireland including Dingle, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Cork, returning to Dublin for the flight home. I can also envision the freedom and flexibility of those who want to join the group in activities but prefer maybe hiring their own car and making their own lodging accommodations. That way they can determine length of stay to less or more days.

I tend to travel inexpensively, often staying in youth hostels, pubs that let out rooms, inexpensive hotels, B&Bs to keep costs as low as possible. I enjoy picking up the makings of breakfast, lunch dinner at farmers markets for picnics along the way.

My thoughts are to rent either a 9 person van, or if enough people sign up two 7 person vans. So trip is limited to maximum of 14 people. I would need 2 designated drivers who would be comfortable driving on left side of road. Before Covid I took a group to England and Scotland and I drove. I’m willing to do it again.

I have put together many trips, all over the world, in the past and feel confident that I can make a trip that is comfortable, safe, fun, active and adventurous. There will always be options if you choose to opt out of any activities. 

My plan is that, since  I have plenty of time to prepare, I would put together an initial itinerary, with estimated costs in the next month or two.

If interested in possibly going please sign up. There will also be a wait list if necessary. In a month I will have a meeting to further discuss my ideas, answer questions and get feedback. 

At this point it’s an idea/dream and can and will be modified as planning proceeds and I get input from everyone who’s interested.

If you have questions I’m available at: ebirk072@gmail.com or 757 642 4557

Elaine 

Interested List:

Elaine Birk, Phyllis Neumann, Kathy Potts, Christine Woods, Carolyn Sanford, Sherri McQueen, Richard Wambold, Cecil & Sharon Salyer, Sandra Canepa, Marrian Nichael, Mark Connolly

Wait List: Brenda Butler, Bob & Evelyn Adkisson, Margaret Julian