PCH

Hello- I am going to London May 18th for 10 days and due to work have planned nothing except for a ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show (5/23). I'd like to get to Dublin but I am not sure whether to fly or take a train or ferry? Also, I'd like to try and get some information on family history in Northern Ireland. I've only previously been to IRL on a CIE tour as a teenager and that was totally in the South. What can I expect as a young woman travelling alone, all I know is not to loudly proclaim my Catholicism and political opinions on the peace process. And B&B recommendations and can I seriously expect to drive?

Cathy

Patricia, <BR>Are you planning to visit both Dublin and the North or just one of them. <BR> <BR>I would suggest getting a cheap flight over to Dublin with Ryanair (check their web site) It is easier than driving through England and sailing over - you have more comfort and less hassle taking a car out of the UK could be problematic with the car hire company. If you don't want to fly with Ryanair (cheap no frills etc) then check out British Midlands (flights from London to Belfast and Dublin) or Aer Lingus. Both have web sites. Touring Dublin can be done by foot and public transport and exploring Dublin without a car is hassle free and cheap (Traffic is murder at the moment in the city). <BR> <BR>I have answered previous posts today on hotels in Dublin. As a single female on her own I would suggest a B&B hotel on the outer edge of the city centre - Ballsbridge, Sandymount, Donnybrook - easy reach of the city centre yet very safe for single females travelling on their own. Number 31 in Leeson Close is one which is a favourite with travellers (email [email protected] prices in the region of #65 +) but very centre city and walkable to everything. <BR> <BR>Re travelling in Northern Ireland the peace process is still ongoing and you should have no problem - watch the newspapers etc though as the Northern assembly is to be unsuspended on May 22nd. ie all the politicans get their jobs back as Ministers etc www.ireland.com is a good site for Irish news. I would suggest that you take a train to Belfast and have a hire car waiting for you in Belfast as opposed to bringing a southern registered car north of the border (I am being extra cautious here). <BR> <BR>You should have no problem driving in N Ireland as the roads are generally excellent, as you said stay off the topics of religion and the peace process - you never heard of either ! <BR> <BR>Re researching your family tree check out the irish Tourist Board with links to N Ireland (www.ireland.travel.ie). Have a good trip and post if you have any more questions, <BR> <BR>Cathy

pch

Many thanks Cathy, I will look into the areas outside fo Dublin. When I was there on a previous trip I did think I would rather be somewhere greener. I appreciate the advice!

Cathy

Patricia, <BR>The places I recommended are not outside Dublin but on the outer edges of the city centre - suburbs really. If you want outside Dublin with greenery then head for the Wicklow area - up in the mountains - but that will require a rental car and a journey (1 hour) into the city. Try Tinakilly House, Mitchelles Laragh, Highfield House B&B Woodenbridge, various price ranges from expensive to average. <BR> <BR>Alternatively and closer to Dublin try St Patrick's College Maynooth for accommodaion and beautiful grounds with a bus and train link in to the city. They have some excellent suites for rent and are a short journey away from the National Gardens and the National Stub. (www.maynooth.ie I( think). <BR> <BR>Have a good time <BR> <BR>Cathy

elvira

Do take the Ryanair flight from London to Dublin; we did, picked up a car in Dublin and drove over the border (4 women) with no problem. <BR> <BR>The only signs of the Troubles were the British guards and the unmanned towers at the borders, a few flyers posted on lampposts, and some graffiti on roadside walls. <BR> <BR>Since religion and politics are never polite subjects to discuss with strangers (and not all that good with friends), you won't have to make any extra effort to avoid these topics. The only discussion we had was with a waitress who wanted to know all about 4 American women who chose to visit the Six Counties, and to dispel some myths and rumors. <BR> <BR>Oh, and we were there right after the truce was broken. <BR> <BR>For Bed and Breakfasts, I contacted the tourist bureau and was sent a whole booklet of private homes that took in guests. We booked ahead, and just loved every place we stayed (the houses reminded me of my grandmother's). <BR> <BR>Do contact the tourist bureau for information; they'll send you gorgeous brochures and invaluable info. The website is: http://www.ni-tourism.com/index.asp <BR> <BR>There is info on that site about tracing your geneology. <BR>

Cathy

Patrica, <BR>Elvira is right you shon't have any problems, however things are more tense now than when she visited just after the truce - the Unionists are considering an IRA offer to have their arms sites inspected (the vote is on May 20th) and there are extremists/radicals on both sides so just take that extra bit of care and try and get a Northern registered car - Southern registered cars are unusual up North at the moment due to the strength of the pound. <BR> <BR>Check out this site for your ancestor tracing attempt - http://scripts.ireland.com/ancestor/. It is also accessable at www.ireland.com, <BR> <BR>Have a good time