Thursday, March 30, 2006

Maddens-in-Ireland

It's official! I've got my flights booked to Ireland! I'm on the same plane as Christy - leaving JFK at 7:40 PM on Wednesday October 25 and arriving Shannon Thursday morning at 7AM. and the return is leaving Dublin at rpm on November 1, arriving JFK at 6:30 PM.

AND..... I've got flights booked from Washington to NY so I can get on that flight. So it looks like I'm all set. Who's next?
Kathleen

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Thanks Maureen!

This is a lot of work for you!! Thank you so much for taking it on and doing it so well.

Love, Jeanne

details

I am sending a packet of info this week to all on the list. It will detail a lot of things but I will cover them here as well.
This is OUR tour-- no others will be on it unless we don't have the required 20(or more). There are no restrictions on kids ages.
the time on the bus is very minimal other than to get us here and there. For example, the drive from Shannon airport to Galway is 57 miles. It isn't one of those drive by bus tours where you get to wave to the monument and go on. we have OUR own driver. He is supposed to be fabulous from what I hear. He will stay in touch with the hotels and make sure we are able to check in early if possible. We have customized the sites based on the info I was given by Aunt Margaret, Kathleen, Laura, Jennifer, Mary and others who have been to Ireland.
Carolyn and Christy have booked flights; I am about to book as is Kathleen.
Monies need to be sent to me for the tour itself. Send your deposit and insurance payment first; $319. They should be made out to me. I then turn it all over to CIE when the time is right.
Be on the look out for a large envelope. It will include the itinerary, costs, envelopes to mail to me, map with mileage of our various destinations and other info like cel phone use, etc.

FLIGHTS

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to let you know I booked my flights. I leave JFK on Wednesday at 7:40 pm, arriving into Shannon Thursday morning at 7:00 am. The return from Dublin leaves at 4:00 pm on the 1st and arrives back into JFK at 6:30 pm. This is Aer Lingus - total fare is $370. I heard from Carolyn and she got a similar deal out of Boston. I don't know if prices will change, but you may want to take advantage now!

I also spread the word to a few more friends and will let you know if there is any interest. Talk to you all soon.

-Christy

Monday, March 27, 2006

Little Daniel wants to come

Hey everyone --

We are so excited that the Tynanwood clan is going to come! We are now thinking of bringing Daniel with us on the trip. I talked to cousin Kathleen about it and we determined that the first day of the tour might be tough. How long is that first bus ride -- does anyone know? And does a 3-year-old have to pay full freight for the tour? In any case, we were thinking that there might be a few sisters and cousins willing to hold Daniel on their laps during bus rides -- and maybe some teenagers (Maureen's?) who might want to make a couple of bucks babysitting in the hotel room after dinner while we grownups drink and talk and such.
Daniel doesn't have a passport, so I'll have to get working on that. Maureen, let me know if there are any other complications that come to mind.

Love to all -- Jeanne O'Connor

Friday, March 24, 2006

so far.....

This is the group so far:
Maureen Houtz
Phil Houtz
Emma Houtz
Norah Houtz
Kathleen McLaughlin
Laura Vahle
Jennifer Garrett
Mary Duffy
Jim Duffy
Christy O'Connor
Jeanne O'Connor
David Atkatz
Carolyn Fortin
Dan Tynan
Christina Wood
Cole Tynan Wood
Ava Tynan Wood
Kathy Garrity
Amy O'Donnell
Tony O'Donnell
If all these folks are a go, we have 20 but we can have more! 20 is the amount we need for our own bus, Let me know if I have forgotten anyone or if any of you have guests. Maureen

Thursday, March 23, 2006

address

Hi Maureen,
My brother's address is
Jimmy Duffy
40 Idlebrook Lane
Aberdeen. N.J. 07747

subscribing

Christina Tynan Wood posted an RSS feed on this yesterday so you can get stuff delivered to your email--or msn home page or whatever you want--automatically. Just click on the link "Subscribe to..." under "links" and follow the directions.Maureen

Address

Maureen,

Meaghan has made plans to go to Ireland around the same time, but not the same dates. She will be in Dublin when we are and will probably meet us with us during the race, and maybe for dinner. Amy's home address is:

Amy and Tony O'Donnell
PO Box 689
West Hyannisport, MA 02672
Hello everyone! I'm here. This is a great way to communicate. Just read the itinerary and it sounds great!!! Maureen, thanks for doing all of this leg work. Are we going to have a bus or a van or separate cars? I guess this will depend on how many people definitely commit. The only big concern that I have is picking up my number on Sunday, but looks like we will arrive in Dublin in time to do that. I pulled this right from the marathon website:

Race number & chip collection is at The Main Hall, R.D.S. Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, and runs from 12:00 to 18:00 hrs on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October.

Not sure how big Dublin is or where the Main Hall is in relation to the hotel we are going to stay at - this may be something we can ask Jill. Hopefully we can find a good place to eat that Sunday night as well. Do they have pasta in Ireland?? We need to keep in mind that the city may be crowded because of the race.

Looking forward to this trip! The itinerary makes it so real! Hope everyone is doing well. Love, Christy

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

itinerary is here

I am posting the itinerary here and mailing to each of you via snail mail.
October 25- November 1, 2006

madden Ireland tour PRIVATE

Wed, Oct. 25 UNITED STATES TO SHANNON PRIVATE

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Thu, Oct. 26 SHANNON ARRIVAL & GALWAYPRIVATE

After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland. Drive north through the Clare countryside, via Ennis and Gort, and around Galway Bay to Galway City. A drive around will take you to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. Check into your hotel and in the afternoon spend some time around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played.

This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Padraicin’s restaurant, which is situated on the shores of Galway Bay and boasts panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere.

OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, GALWAY
Fri, Oct. 27 CONNEMARA & WILLIAMSTOWN

Today’s itinerary takes you through the Connemara region known for its constantly changing skies and subtle colors. Drive past the gentle hills of the Maamturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens. You'll see patches of bog where people cut peat for their own use and sheep graze freely. Stop in Williamstown for some free time before returning to Galway. This evening join the rest of your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, GALWAY
Sat, Oct. 28 CLIFFS OF MOHER & KILLARNEY

Leaving Galway travel south through the Burren country, an area of limestone hills which supports a wide range of flora. View the impressive Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the open Atlantic swells and extend five miles along the coast. Then enjoy a short ferry ride across the wide estuary of the River Shannon to Kerry and on to Killarney, settled beside three lakes in the shadow of Ireland's highest mountains. Check into your hotel and the rest of the afternoon is completely at leisure for you to browse, shop and sightsee independently. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire; the Franciscan Friary with superb stained glass windows; and the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars.

This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which is picturesquely situated at the entrance to what must be the most beautiful glaciated valley in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe. The Irish night consists of a superb meal and traditional entertainment, which includes songs and musicians playing a wide array of instruments along with costumed dancers doing the jig and other traditional sets.

OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL, KILLARNEY Sun, Oct. 29 BLARNEY CASTLE & DUBLINPRIVATE

Leaving Killarney drive into the rich farming country of Cork. At Blarney, stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types. They will ship and insure goods such as Waterford Crystal for you. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Then depart Blarney and drive north towards Dublin. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and the majestic Rock of Cashel. Pass through many marketing towns, each with its own characteristics and see the different types of farming which is the principal livelihood of the Irish people. Arrive in Dublin and check into your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Mon, Oct. 30 DUBLIN AT LEISUREPRIVATE

Enjoy some leisure time in Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. If you wish, you may participate in the Dublin city marathon. Alternatively, there are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or the Writers Museum. There are also plenty of shops along Nassau Street and the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street and you may like to explore Temple Bar or visit some of the traditional pubs. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants, theaters and pubs that Dublin has to offer.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Tue, Oct. 31 DUBLIN - CAPITAL CITYPRIVATE

This morning enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Dublin, an elegant and artistic city with spacious Georgian squares. Tour Dublin Castle to see the State Apartments where many state functions are held in the richly decorated chambers. In Trinity College view the 8th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. The afternoon is at leisure so that you can browse, shop and sightsee independently.

In the evening drive to Rathfarnham to Taylor’s Three Rock. After dinner is served enjoy the lively show of Irish songs and music.
OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Wed, Nov. 1 RETURN TO THE UNITED STATESPRIVATE

All too soon, your vacation in Ireland has come to the end. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight, clear security and claim your VAT refund. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and fly west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
Maureen

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

green envelopes

I still have green envelopes to deliver....... you will soon discover if you didn't know it already that I am impatient. So, will the following folks post addresses or let me know if these folks are declining:
Jim Duffy
Carolyn for Kathy Garrity
Christy for friends Amy and M Mccarthy
Laura for Leigh Vahle
If you are wanting more specifics they will arrive later this week in more green mail.
for example,
land cost is about $945 per person- covers most meals, lodging and transport around Ireland.
air fare one way to Shannon is about$ 220
air fare one way from Dublin is about $350.( from LAX)
Maureen

PS a reminder.....sign your posts!!

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Addresses

i could still use the following home addresses:
Leigh Vahle
Amy ODonnell
M Mccarthy
Jim Duffy
Kathy Garrity
Anyone can help me if you know them. thanks.
Maureen

Maddens-in-Ireland

Maddens-in-Ireland
I meant to say Great idea - guess I had a little too much fun at a local St. Pat's parade yesterday!

Maddens-in-Ireland

Maddens-in-Ireland
Thanks for setting this up! It's a graet idea!

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Christy

Hey Maureen and all --

Chirsty's address as as follows:

Chirsty O'Connor
1735 York Avenue Apartment 10D
New York, NY 10128

Phone number is 212-828-5409

Thanks for the info!

Love, Jeanne

for jeanne

Sorry for not being clear. The tour group we are using is CIE-- it is highly recommended. The dates are October 24-November 1. the plan is to fly into Shannon and make our way the first night to Galway and then we'll head south to various sights and end up in Dublin in time for the marathon. We'll fly out of Dubllin. Our tour is ours only and we will have our own driver. the first itinerary I got didn't include Galway so Jill( tour person from CIE) is reworking the itinerary. We will have most dinners included and all breakfasts. As soon as I know more specifics I will pass them on. Hope this helps. I am sure there will be many questions. I have sent a bit of information via snail mail. Look for the green envelope. I am recommending each person make their own air arrangements so as to arrive in Shannon on the 24th in the a.m. More to come. So glad you and David will be there!!

Friday, March 17, 2006

Suddenly, I'm blogging

Hello everyone --

Thanks, Dan, I'm glad to get on the blog bandwagon.

I know Maureen is compiling detailed info on the itinerary and such. Maureen, you have been working overtime on this and Marty's lovely memorial site. But could someone refresh me on the basic info -- i.e. the dates of the formal "tour," and where it starts and where it finishes? Or has all this been explained somewhere on the evite and I have somehow missed it? David did get his sabbatical, which makes it likely that we can go.

I made IRISH STEW tonight to mark the holiday. (My supermarket happens to make good soda bread, so we bought that.) I used a Joy of Cooking recipe that called for boneless stew meat from the lamb shoulder or neck. My supermarket only had the boned variety, so that's what I used, although I could have had them cut up a boneless leg of lamb. It was O.K. and David and Jon liked it, but the bones were a little inconvenient, not to mention inelegant. I was trying to remember Nanny's Irish stew -- can't remember whether there were bones in the meat, but I do remember it being pretty basic -- a piece of meat, a carrot, and a potato in broth, right? I remember the stew, the roast chicken on Sundays with lumpy gravy, and the tuna salad with apples. Someone told me that Nanny learned the apple trick while working in a fancy household in Boston.

Anyway, Happy St. Patty's Day to one and all.


Love, Jeanne
This could be the answer to communicating. I need addresses for:
Jim Duffy
Christy O'Connor
Martin Madden
AmyODonnel
Kathy Garrity
MM Mccarthy
Leigh vahle


Maureen
Look for a green envelope in the mail
Dan, This is WAY cool! Thanks for doing this! love, Kathleen

Let's Go Here, eh?

You can also post images to blogger, if you want. This is one of a bar in Dublin. Can't you just taste the Guinness? Yummmmm.

Welcome to the Maddens in Ireland blog

This site is set up exclusively for the purpose of planning the October 2006 trip to Ireland for the Madden clan (and associated friends and relations). Anyone with any news to share can post here, following the simple instructions I've emailed to you all. Shall we give this a shot?