Leaving for Ireland this week
 

We leave for Ireland on Wednesday. Any last minute things we should know? If looks like the weather is going to be overcast and cool. Still trying to figure out clothing and shoes to bring with me. This is always my hardest decision. Have all our B&B's lined up and confirmed. The rental car is confirmed through Dan Dooley. Flying to Chicago and then on Aer Lingus to Dublin. Anything else that you all can think of that I am forgetting?

Face cloths? Cell phone? Up to date plastic (sounds daft but I got stuck in Killarney in Feb 07 because my card ran out the end of Jan)

Got my cell phone set to go. Hadn't thought about face cloths, but good suggestion. Will check dates on my credit cards. Have notified the company that we will be out of the country so they don't shut them down on us!

Comfortable shoes that don't mind getting wet and covered in mud. It's raining "stair-rods" in the Uk, Wales is flooded so I can only assume the Green Island is very mucky right now.

A hat, to keep off the rain and any sun.

I'm afraid the forecast looks pretty wet while we are scheduled to be there. Hopefully it will have rained itself out in a few days

The rain in Ireland must be taken as part of the trip..This year has been brutal on travellers..Out of 40 days in Spain in April/May there were only 4 days without and the rain in spain did not stay mainly on the plain. It was cold!!Wet!! but wonderful although it cost 2 unbrellas as the winds ripped 'em up!!!

Umbrella, longer jacket with hood that is rainproof, and a 2nd pair of shoes to use while 1st ones are drying. Don't worry, it'll still be fun. You can always dry off in pubs...that's half the trip there.
Ask around when you get to a new village--any trad music tonight?

When we went in April the forecast said rain every day. The worst we got was two days of on and off showers in Donegal.

What's that old saying? Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!

Just headed off to Portumna for a quick shop (12 miles road, 6 by crow). Sun out, clear sky's washing on the line. Looking across over Athenry (10 by crow) from the top of the lane I commented it looked stormy. Just before Tumna the heavens were really giving out. Did the shop and drove back into the sunshine. Only in Ireland.

When I was in Scotland a couple years ago it rained every day so I expect it. I just want a little time to get some wonderful photos of the coastlines, etc. Maybe my best shots will be in the pubs? I have a good raincoat and am bringing fleece and my leather hiking boots. Will bring an extra pair of shoes for sure. It was in the 90's here yesterday and the cooler temps in Ireland sound nice right about now.

ASnd don't forget to give us a trip report when you get back! Please!

Sure will - I am going to take notes while I am there so I can remember!