Leaving for Ireland in 3 weeks!

Eileen · 09-21-2010, 11:03 AM

Going back to the old sod for a much needed visit. A friend and I have rented a house in Galway for one week, and then the other week that we are there we will be staying in western Co. Clare, which is where my family is from. I am both looking forward to the trip and a bit terrified too, as it is always ten times the amount of work to be in a less than perfect environment in terms of things like bathrooms, showers, and even bed height. I already purchased one of those oversized Dunkin Donuts plastic cups, which will serve as the all important "pee cup." Strange how even after all these years I find it amazing that something like that takes precendent over other things on my list of "must take with me" items. The house we rented is in the Renvyle Pennisular, overlooking the ocean with the mountains of Galway and Mayo rising up as far as the eye can see. I am dreading the flight. Last time I did this I pretty much knocked myself out with some heavy duty Vicodin, and think I will do the same this time since it is an overnight flight and the thoughts of sitting in the lousy airplane seats for that long is enough to make me feel anticipatory pain. At least my seat is pre-booked and we got the side seats with just two in the row, meaning I can ask my friend to get up so I can stretch occasionally into her seat, although that is minimally effective. Still, I am willing to endure a lot to go back to the place I call my other home, so it will all be worth it.

lynnifer · 09-21-2010, 11:41 AM

Take lots of pictures! Seems everyone is going on vacation!

Chris Chappell · 09-21-2010, 11:56 AM

Have a great trip Eileen

, and thanks for the couple of highlights you've already posted about the sights, etc. My gf and I are beginning to start our Spring / early summer travel plans and Ireland is #1 or 2. I'd love to hear your feedback about general accessibility etc. when you get back. I know very little about Ireland but am anxious to go..

Safe travels,

Chris

mr_coffee · 09-21-2010, 12:00 PM

Thats really great! Its been one of my goals to visit Ireland! Please let us know all the issues you ran into and all the good places to visit if you're in a wheelchair.

I know your fears as well, kind of makes vacations not as fun but once your there I think you'll feel better. Did you ever think about wearing a legbag? I guess that doesn't work as well if you're a female and not a male but yah if I didn't have a leg bag my vacations would extra stressful.

LindaT · 09-21-2010, 03:05 PM

I think knocking yourself out with the Vicodin is a good idea!

Will you see any relatives or visit anyone who knows ancestors while you are there?
I think it sounds scary and exciting all at once.

rfbdorf · 09-21-2010, 03:28 PM

You'll have a wonderful time!
Knock back a Guinness and smell a peat fire for me while you're there!
- Richard

carbar · 09-21-2010, 03:40 PM

It'll be lovely. We spent our childhood summers in Connemara and often went to Renvyle - in those days it was very quiet and wild with the Atlantic waves pounding the coast. I'm sure there has been some change but I find that even still the countryside is beautiful. I was in West Cork in May and just adored it - gorse everywhere, so colourful.
Have a great time.

Le Type Français · 09-21-2010, 05:11 PM

Eileen,

I'd truly love to see some nice photos of Ireland. Celtic blood flows through my veins.

Have a great trip!

Buck503 · 09-21-2010, 05:22 PM

Have a great time.

Eileen · 09-21-2010, 05:35 PM

Thanks everyone! The gorse should still be in bloom, and the heather too. There may even be some hardy roses still in bloom since the temps in Ireland never drop as much as one would believe looking at how far north it is. I will keep a diary while I am there so I will be able to share accessibility issues and what I find along the way. Who knows, if there is an internet cafe somewhere nearby I may even get to log on for a short time. I know the beaches are spectacular in the area I am visiting, with white sand that goes on forever. Since it would be too cold to swim anyway I guess I can just enjoy the view with some fish and chips and not worry about access to the water. I will definitely toast you all with some Guinness, which is about the only time I even taste the stuff.

09-21-2010, 12:00 PM	#4
mr_coffee Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,026	Thats really great! Its been one of my goals to visit Ireland! Please let us know all the issues you ran into and all the good places to visit if you're in a wheelchair. I know your fears as well, kind of makes vacations not as fun but once your there I think you'll feel better. Did you ever think about wearing a legbag? I guess that doesn't work as well if you're a female and not a male but yah if I didn't have a leg bag my vacations would extra stressful. __________________ Injured:10-16-04 C7/C8, T1 incomplete; For stalkers convenience: Blog: http://www.ordealsonwheels.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/coryssanchez Progress: http://photobucket.com/albums/b290/swooty/ My drawings: http://kanvases.com/sites/corysanchez/home

09-21-2010, 03:40 PM	#7
carbar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: France Posts: 2,438	It'll be lovely. We spent our childhood summers in Connemara and often went to Renvyle - in those days it was very quiet and wild with the Atlantic waves pounding the coast. I'm sure there has been some change but I find that even still the countryside is beautiful. I was in West Cork in May and just adored it - gorse everywhere, so colourful. Have a great time. __________________ Think Tall! www.stepnow.org http://www.irishstemcellfoundation.org

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09-21-2010, 11:03 AM	#1
Eileen Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: last house on the left Posts: 9,796	Leaving for Ireland in 3 weeks! Going back to the old sod for a much needed visit. A friend and I have rented a house in Galway for one week, and then the other week that we are there we will be staying in western Co. Clare, which is where my family is from. I am both looking forward to the trip and a bit terrified too, as it is always ten times the amount of work to be in a less than perfect environment in terms of things like bathrooms, showers, and even bed height. I already purchased one of those oversized Dunkin Donuts plastic cups, which will serve as the all important "pee cup." Strange how even after all these years I find it amazing that something like that takes precendent over other things on my list of "must take with me" items. The house we rented is in the Renvyle Pennisular, overlooking the ocean with the mountains of Galway and Mayo rising up as far as the eye can see. I am dreading the flight. Last time I did this I pretty much knocked myself out with some heavy duty Vicodin, and think I will do the same this time since it is an overnight flight and the thoughts of sitting in the lousy airplane seats for that long is enough to make me feel anticipatory pain. At least my seat is pre-booked and we got the side seats with just two in the row, meaning I can ask my friend to get up so I can stretch occasionally into her seat, although that is minimally effective. Still, I am willing to endure a lot to go back to the place I call my other home, so it will all be worth it.

09-21-2010, 11:41 AM	#2
lynnifer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Windsor ON Canada Posts: 15,435	Take lots of pictures! Seems everyone is going on vacation!

09-21-2010, 11:56 AM	#3
Chris Chappell Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 7,035	Have a great trip Eileen , and thanks for the couple of highlights you've already posted about the sights, etc. My gf and I are beginning to start our Spring / early summer travel plans and Ireland is #1 or 2. I'd love to hear your feedback about general accessibility etc. when you get back. I know very little about Ireland but am anxious to go.. Safe travels, Chris

09-21-2010, 03:05 PM	#5
LindaT Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: MN Posts: 7,807	I think knocking yourself out with the Vicodin is a good idea! Will you see any relatives or visit anyone who knows ancestors while you are there? I think it sounds scary and exciting all at once.

09-21-2010, 03:28 PM	#6
rfbdorf Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,717	You'll have a wonderful time! Knock back a Guinness and smell a peat fire for me while you're there! - Richard

09-21-2010, 05:11 PM	#8
Le Type Français Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 25,910	Eileen, I'd truly love to see some nice photos of Ireland. Celtic blood flows through my veins. Have a great trip!

09-21-2010, 05:22 PM	#9
Buck503 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PNW Posts: 6,318	Have a great time.

09-21-2010, 05:35 PM	#10
Eileen Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: last house on the left Posts: 9,796	Thanks everyone! The gorse should still be in bloom, and the heather too. There may even be some hardy roses still in bloom since the temps in Ireland never drop as much as one would believe looking at how far north it is. I will keep a diary while I am there so I will be able to share accessibility issues and what I find along the way. Who knows, if there is an internet cafe somewhere nearby I may even get to log on for a short time. I know the beaches are spectacular in the area I am visiting, with white sand that goes on forever. Since it would be too cold to swim anyway I guess I can just enjoy the view with some fish and chips and not worry about access to the water. I will definitely toast you all with some Guinness, which is about the only time I even taste the stuff.