Local Irish Performances

To beat the coming winter blahs and get a taste of the music we will be experiencing, check out upcoming performances at One Longfellow Square in Portland. In particular, on January 11th, Dennis Cahill and Martin Hayes will certainly help to satisfy our growing Celtic moods!

Heritage Card and Heritage Sites

A member or our group, Charlene, has done her homework! She offered to investigate the Ireland Heritage Card. If you choose to explore more than a few historic sites while on your trip, perhaps you would benefit by purchasing a heritage card when we arrive. To discover heritage site options, visit the Heritage Ireland website. (The areas we will be visiting are Co. Kerry ~ South-West and Dublin, so you can click on those links to check out the possibilities. Several are in the Killarney region!)

Items for Your Christmas List

To fully appreciate your trip to Ireland, learn more about the land and it's people through books! Know anyone who shops on Amazon.com? Point the way to this site for books on Ireland. Or, stock up on them yourself!

Explore, Plan, Dream, Etc.!

To further explore the area where we will primarily be staying, check out this website: www.discoverireland.ie/southwest/kerry.aspx

Money Saving Tip

Ah, Christmas is coming...

This year, how about giving your loved ones a homemade "Ireland 4-Month Raincheck Certificate," with the forecast of a great gift coming soon from Ireland? While there, rather than buying cheap little souvenirs, you can really go all out: and it counts for 2 gift-giving events. BONUS!

Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Experience

While staying in Killarney, you may choose to tour the spectacular Ring of Kerry and The Skellig Experience. The Ring of Kerry can be explored by either public transportation (Bus Eireann), which would give you the freedom to stop in the towns you wish to explore; or by private bus or van tours.

Money-Saving Tip

Cut back on phone bill expenses by dropping your local long-distance service. Instead, talk for free through the internet (www.skype.com) or purchase phone time (only 2.9 cents a minute) through www.onesuite.com.

Clontarf Castle

Ever stayed in a medieval castle before? While in Dublin, our group may have the opportunity to stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel. A century before the castle was built in 1172, the area was made significant in Irish history by Brian Boru's victory at the Battle of Clontarf.

Money-Saving Tip

Christmas shopping on www.amazon.com can save you much money, and eases the stress of the holidays! Shipping is free if you purchase more than $25 worth of products. Due to high competition, the prices of items are often much less than you can find in any store!

Kiss the Blarney Stone

Ever heard of the Blarney Stone? Legend has it that those who kiss the blue rock, obtain "the gift of gab." The Blarney Stone, part of the Blarney Castle, is 8km outside of Cork; and only 2 hours' drive from Killarney, one of our home bases. Try these links for more information and to see photos of Blarney Castle:
www.blarneycastle.ie/pages/stone
www.blarneycastle.ie/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blarney_Stone
www.lookintoireland.com/blagal1.htm

Money Saving Strategy:

Rather than go to the theater and spend $16 for two (not including the exorbitantly-priced refreshments and transportation costs), order from the tremendous selection of movies on Netflix. For $4.99/month, you can order 8-9 movies every month and they are delivered directly to your mailbox. Microwave popcorn, anyone?

Specacular Dingle

YouTube has several videos that capture the beauty of Dingle. On our trip this April, we will be spending two days here; exploring and experiencing the majestic Dingle peninsula. Click here to view several YouTube videos that attempt to capture the essence of Dingle. (School staff members: you will need to view this at home, as YouTube is blocked in school buildings.)

Money Saving Tip:

Are you planning on visiting a major U.S. city this fall or winter? Currently, hotel rates in New York City are very high: for a decent place (where you don't have to worry about bedbugs), the cost of a room is $350+. If you skip an urban weekend getaway this year, the total amount saved will completely cover the cost of 7 nights' accommodation in Ireland for you and a partner!

Money-Saving Idea:

Toast, oatmeal and cereal are inexpensive. Fuel up on these in the morning during the next several months and put aside the saved money for the trip, which will include famous delicious IRISH BREAKFASTS (click on link to see one!).

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park and its historical sites, only blocks away from our B&B, can be explored in several ways: by pony and trap, from a rowboat, on foot, or by bike. To preview the park, check out the official webpage: http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/muckross/index.htm

Money-Saving Idea:

Make iced coffee and lattes at home: this will help you save several dollars every day.

Breathtaking Dingle

Learn more about the spectacularly beautiful Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle Peninsula) at these websites:
www.dingle-peninsula.ie & wikitravel.org/en/Dingle_Peninsula