It is 5 more days until I leave for Eire. I'm ever so excited and scared all at once. I'm still afraid that people will dislike me for my Irish accent, which I really can't help when surrounded by others who have one, but it helped that you all told me not to worry on it too much.

Any last minute advice about anything is much appreciated ...?

If anyone is possibly interested in meeting me when I'm there just let me know.



Beir bua agus beannacht.

Have I missed an earlier post with your planned itinerary? Go n-éirí go geal leat. You'll enjoy your trip if you get good weather.

A Riona, a chara,

You're going to have a grand time. Don't worry about anything! The Irish people are going to love you!

quote:

You'll enjoy your trip if you get good weather.

There's a saying in Ireland that goes something like this:

"If you can't see that island not that far offshore, it's raining. If you can see the island, it's going to start raining soon."

In other words, you may want to pack a raincoat.

I’m so jealous Riona even though I’ll be home in October. The best of luck to you. Stay in contact and let us know how it goes.

Looking for a festival to take part in while you’re there?
Try http://entertainment.ie/festivals/
Also http://www.irishtourism.com/festivals.htm

If you’re heading into the west…
Also in Galway: 1-14 September Inis Mór Ragús The Show
It’s hard to get to but God it’s worth it if you get the weather.
Spend a day or more there if you can. You’re in the Gaeltacht for sure here.
If you leave from Ros a Mhíl you’re also in the Gaeltacht and in rural Ireland!
I love Carraroe most (not too far from Ros a Mhíl) and even if you stop into the hotel or a pub there, the main thing is not to be shy. Tell them you want to hear Irish and to speak Irish.
Local songster, Tomás Mac Eoin was a great man for a song and a chat and was often in the hotel. I wonder if he’s still around. Anyway, people do tend to go into English when they see strangers but persist and I hope you get a chance to hear and speak lots of Gaeilge.
Also in the Galway area
4 – 6 September Galway Races Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit,
5-7 September Clarinbridge Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Family Events
And in Clare
Matchmaking Festival Lisdoonvarna, Co.Clare http://www.matchmakerireland.com/ Set Dancing Labasheeda, http://pages.zdnet.com/junior4t/labasheeda/id9.html
Burren Festival & Kick Fada, Carron,
Carrigaholt Oyster Festival (065) 9058108 Mrs Lyons

This should get you in the mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLGEvwDzDFk


Have a great time for all of us,

Tomás Mac Eoin? fear spraoi? is saincháilíocht é, 's amhránaí maith (an-bhreá, cumasach). wish i'd had the chance to meet him.

Don't be shy with your Irish! Be bold! Make mistakes! We expect lots of wonderful stories when you get back. =D I'll email you soon, a chara.

A Riona

As others have said, be prepared for the weather. As they say in West Kerry, It only rains here twice a week - once for three days and then for four days.

Bain taithneamh as do turas!

Go raibh maith agaibh for all the advice a chairde.

For Taidhgin,
Dublin, An Daingean, Galway, Inis Mor, Clifden, Limerick (for the last night so we'll be closish to the airport).

I go to Inis Mor on the 14 of Sept and stay the night so it looks I'll be there just in time for the last Ragus, I'm so very glad I'll get to see it, I'd be shamefully upset if I missed it by a day.

GRMA a Chaitriona for all those nice links and your time that was certainly put in to them. I won't be in Clare but if I were I'd most definitely make an appearance at that matchmaking festival, since I could use some matching up, not getting anywhare so far in that department, :), that's alright though, I can be patient, I think.

All of your kindness and advice is greatfully appreciated.

I leave on Thurs. and I get back to Meiricea on the 18th. I won't be able to write here at all while I'm there but I'll write until I leave and I'll write when I get back here.

Beir bua agus beannacht

A Riona, a chara,

You'll find that Ireland is chock full of Internet cafés, which was a pleasant surprise to me, since here on the East Coast of the States, it's only the big cities that have them. Just an idea if you'd like to keep in touch with family and folks back here.


Go n-éirí an bothar leat!

A Riona, a chara:

Bain sult as!

I don't know how long you'll be in Galway, but you could pay a visit to Conradh na Gaeilge's office to find out what's going on. And...they used to have a bulletin board on the ground floor with all kinds of activities as Gaeilge, both CnaG activities and other activities. Also, they have a pub (which lately seems to have all kinds of stuff going on there -- sean nós dance lessons, etc).

I especially like the music and the vibe at Tí Chóilí in Galway as well.

All of this info may be dated: I haven't been to Galway since Sept 2004.

Also, pick up a copy of the Galway Advertiser -- or visit their website:
www.galwayadvertiser.ie.

Tá éad mór orm!

Le gach dea-ghuí,
Paul

A chairde,

This shall be my last post before I go. Go raibh maith agat for all of the kindness that everyone here shows me. I leave tomorrow early and I'll be back on the 18th. I wish you all very much happiness.

Beir bua agus beannacht

Bain sult as do thuras, a Ríona!
(Enjoy your trip!)

We'll be waiting to hear all about it...

Abigail