Ireland - August 2017

quentin.sands's picture

At the AGM in Warwick, Ireland was suggested as a possible destination for a MacGregor visit. I said I would investigate and help coordinate such an event if it became a 'goer'. The first thing I did was contact Tom O'Brien, a MacGregor sailor based in Ireland. He contributes to the Newsletter quite regularly and if you search 'Ireland' in the forum you can read his 2014 plans for sailing the Irish waterways from Enniskillen down to Limerick.

For our purposes, his suggestion was either launch at Hodson's Bay for Loch Ree or at Dromineer for Loch Derg; both allow free launching and parking. Having looked a little more into this I can see there are many possibilities in both Lochs for a week's sailing and probably two. There is also the Shannon river navigation between the two Lochs - about 25 miles - which might form part of the plan. There are lots of non-sailing activities and I think this would be a family-friendly event. The intention would be that we meet up with, at some point, Irish Mac owners.

In issue 25 of the Newsletter, from 2001, there is an inspiring article, newspaper report and even some poetry from a visit to Loch Ree in late May/June. At one point there were 12 British and Irish Macs gathered. http://macgregorowners.org.uk/drupal/system/files/newsletters/MacGregorS...

Personally, I am thinking a of a 7-day visit (possibly a day or so longer), 2 days travelling, 5/6 days on the Loch(s). Dublin is the most likely port of entry and then it is 2 hours drive or so to Dromineer, a little less to Hodson's Bay.

I have just been looking at the ferry prices - quite expensive. Unless I am doing something wrong in terms of dimensions of boat and vehicle I am being quoted between £400 and £500 for ferries leaving on the 1st August, returning on the 8th for two persons. I will need to check that but that could be prohibitive.

Dates for this week (or so) are flexible but early to mid- August seems to fit in with other MacGregor planning. There is also a MacGregor proposal to join the Dartmouth Regatta and that would probably start the week beginning 21/8 or thereabouts. At the meeting some members were thinking they would do one or the other?

For the benefit of persons organising the Dartmouth week and for the benefit of making a proper assessment of interest in Ireland, perhaps it is time for members to stick their necks out and declare an interest in one or the other, or both. It only takes a couple of boats to make it worthwhile and once the ball is rolling and plans firmed up, interest might grow.

The article in the Newsletter that I mentioned above is written by someone who, like many of us, was unsure of what he was getting into, joining a rally with people he'd never met before and, as is nearly always the case, the outcome was very positive. If you own a Mac, the chances are you will get on fine with someone else who has one.

Let me know if you are interested and if a few of you are we can take it to the next stage of planning.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

60 Comments

rick.jones's picture

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Thanks for your detailed research, I am very interested in doing this trip in early August. I agree with your pricing on the ferries, it looks like around £500 return. However, that's no worse than taking Brittany ferries to France, which is also a popular MOA destination. I'm not averse to spending that for a nice week (or more) sailing somewhere different.

I was also interested in Dartmouth, but I would prefer Ireland - Dartmouth can wait for another time!

Travelling up from the Isle of Wight it's a much shorter trip to Pembroke/Fishguard, then take the crossing to Rosslare. Loch Derg is then a lot closer than Loch Ree, so from a personal point of view, that would be my preferred launching point. I'm not fixated on that route though, in many respects it would be nice if everyone going were to travel on the same ferry - start the party early!

Anyway, put me down for it. I hope some others will want to join.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

Well that's a positive move

Well that's a positive move from Rick.

I have had more text communication with Tom in Ireland and I am hoping to speak to him this weekend so that I can firm up some ideas soon. He says a lot of the Irish Macs that were around for the rally in 2001 are still operational.

Watch this space for a developing plan.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

I have spoken to Tom O'Brien

I have spoken to Tom O'Brien and he is keen to support a visit from some Uk Macs this Summer. If you have read the report from the last visit in 2001 you will note the hospitality and guidance that was provided then. Times have moved on but there are still a number of Macs in the area and Tom is fairly sure that there will be a warm welcome for any of us who make the journey and plenty of local knowledge and expertise to fall back on.

In an earlier text, Tom had suggested Lough Ree as the focus for week's visit and I was keen to know 'why not Lough Derg'. I think his view is that Lough Ree is a little quieter and perhaps more peaceful than Lough Derg and a shorter drive from Dublin - but he said there really isn't a lot in it. I have google mapped/street viewed the life out of both Loughs and both look to have a range of mooring/marina/anchoring/socialising possibilities. Lough Derg is bigger but I am sure Lough Ree has plenty to offer a week's sail.

I'd say it is finely balanced between the two but for me Loch Ree probably gets the nod. In terms of a date, I am going to suggest arriving and launching? on Sunday 30th July, recovering Saturday 6th August for a departure on Sunday August 7th.

At the moment it is just Rick and I showing quite strong interest. Is anyone else thinking about this one? I'm not quite ready to fully commit but I do have a good feeling about the Shannon Loughs and having visited Ireland a number of times before, I've never not had a good time there. Although the ferries will be expensive (up to £600 return) Tom tells me that car/trailer parking and launching is free with cheap mooring on the Lough. I don't think there is any boat registration requirement for us.

This might be a good gathering for any new owners looking for more sheltered, inland waters with shorter distances between ports - although I do believe 'blowing a hoolie' is of Irish derivation. I think the Mac gathering in May, 2001 got some wind - and rain too I imagine. In the August of '91 I circumnavigated the Emerald Isle on my bicycle and I'd say 75% of the time it was fine and sunny. It's a highly stimulating place to visit - and the Guinness definitely tastes better.

Let us know on this forum if you are interested - or if you have any Irish experience that might be helpful.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones's picture

Thanks Quentin, lots more

Thanks Quentin, lots more useful info.

However, 30th July is too early for me as I'm already booked that weekend. The earliest I'll be able to leave is 1st August, or if it's to be Sun-Sun then 6 - 13 August, probably travelling on 5th.

Personally I'm just as happy with mid-week, ferry prices might well be cheaper too, I haven't checked. I also have to take a ferry from the Isle of Wight!

I think Liz & Dave were interested, esp. as Holyhead is only a short hop for them. Liz - is Tenacity up for this one?

It would certainly be nice to have a good contingent from the UK!

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

Hi Rick

Hi Rick

Leaving later works for us. I have the whole of the school holiday to work with, more or less. Should we shift provisional dates to arrive/launch Wednesday 3rd to depart Wednesday 9th? I think Tom is around for the w/e of the 9/10/11 but not the following w/e. Personally, I'd like to make two weeks of it and do both Loughs but not sure I can swing that one.

if you follow the link below and look in the hotel 'gallery' some nice pics of the launching area, which is public

https://www.hodsonbayhotel.com/

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

sorry got my dates mixed up 

sorry got my dates mixed up

arrive on wed 2nd

depart wed 9th

tom available w/e 4/5/6

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Yes!! Tenacity very

Yes!! Tenacity very interested! Proposed dates would suit, Holyhead would be our preferred port.

quentin.sands's picture

Excellent. That's three

Excellent. That's three strong contenders. Any more?

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Susan and I would like to express an interest in the Ireland Rally. Both the Ireland and Dartmouth rallies sound attractive but if there is enough interest then I think Ireland would be the one to go for. I haven't seen this level of interest in other years and the chance may not come again for a while. I think that we would look to spend a week + to make it worthwhile.

Regards

Jim and Susan

PS Are we going to see you on Windermere this season?

J

quentin.sands's picture

Hi Jim - and Susan of course

Hi Jim - and Susan of course

Good to hear from you and pleased you are interested. I think if you were definitely up for it we probably have enough boats to make it happen and, in any case, I'd go if you go. But we are just one week, most probably.

What do others think? Are we ready to get this going? Should I/we look into ferry crossings from Holyhead to Dublin and propose a particular crossing on the outgoing date agreed. Or, should we just leave it to our own timetables but agree to meet up on the start date? Your views welcome and then I will press the go button - or not.

Back to Jim - I might well be at the boat for a few days early April and then odd trips in between. So, yes let's talk soon and see if we can at least have a pint or two in The Hole in the Wall, at the very least and hopefully more.

Q

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

I’ve just noticed that a post

I’ve just noticed that a post that I thought I had submitted hasn’t appeared – I must have forgotten to press the “go” button”?

Unfortunately we have commitments at the early part of August so must bow out. We wish everyone a good trip to Ireland – it should be a great event as usual for Mac events

Regards

Mike and Bobbie

rick.jones's picture

That's a shame Mike, but if

That's a shame Mike, but if Jim & Susan join we'll have 4 boats which is quite a good contingent.

I think I might want to stay for more than a week to make the most of the trip, just trying to work out when I'd need to be back.

Of course the more the merrier, so is anyone else interested?

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

Hi Jim - and Susan of course

Hi Jim - and Susan of course

Good to hear from you and pleased you are interested. I think if you were definitely up for it we probably have enough boats to make it happen and, in any case, I'd go if you go. But we are just one week, most probably.

What do others think? Are we ready to get this going? Should I/we look into ferry crossings from Holyhead to Dublin and propose a particular crossing on the outgoing date agreed. Or, should we just leave it to our own timetables but agree to meet up on the start date? Your views welcome and then I will press the go button - or not.

Back to Jim - I might well be at the boat for a few days early April and then odd trips in between. So, yes let's talk soon and see if we can at least have a pint or two in The Hole in the Wall, at the very least and hopefully more.

Q

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Susan and I are fairly flexible re dates so happy to follow the crowd. Just a thought though: is Liverpool not a shorter trail than Holyhead?

Re Hole in the wall: mine's a pint of Pride of Pendle, Susan will have her usual pint of Drambuie shandy.

Let the summer commence!

Regards

Jim and Susan.

quentin.sands's picture

Adrian Lockwood has made

Adrian Lockwood has made contact with me. He went to Lough Derg in 2008 and joined up with the Irish guys. His account is in the Newsletter 61:

http://macgregorowners.org.uk/drupal/system/files/newsletters/MacGregorS...

It sounds like a lot of fun. I guess if we aim to do Lough Ree, those of you who wish to make two weeks of it have plenty to go at down stream on Lough Derg.

Regarding Liverpool Jim, I think it probably is quicker but it is also more expensive, I think. When I have a bit more time on my hands I will make more detailed enquiries, unless in retirement you have time on your hands to weigh up the pros and cons yourself?

Let's keep the discussion lively and aim to make a booking soon.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

We could well be interested

We could well be interested in Ireland, but would probably come in from the top as we are up here. I have not looked at any prices so could be wrong about that.

If any one is thinking of going to the Dartmouth regatta, its a great event but you do need to give serious consideration to where you can moor for the night, its very busy, last time we did it we ended up poaching naval buoys and trying not to get noticed! We also broke all the Macks during the course of the week - only option being able to water ski on the last day, but that's another story.

Are the minutes of the AGM somewhere, have not managed to find them on a previous visit to the site?

David

Humbug

rick.jones's picture

Hi David

Hi David

Would be great to see you Ireland, hope you can make it.

The AGM minutes are under the Members Area in the top menu bar. You must be logged in to see them.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

I have been investigating

I have been investigating crossings from Holyhead and Liverpool to Dublin departing Wed 2nd Aug, returning Wed 9th Aug. Using the online booking system, I am inputting that I have an 8m trailer and it is up to 4m high, and that my car is 2.3m high, 4.5m long (Defender 110), 2 passengers

Stena have a dep 0855 - 1210, ret 0820 - 1150 flexi ticket at 538

Irish Ferries have a dep 0800 - 1130, ret 0845 - 1045 at 486

P&O have a Liverpool crossing dep 930- arr 1730!!, ret 0900 - 1700 ticket at 416

The Irish Ferries crossing looks a favourite for me. I will call the ferry company before booking just to make sure my dimensions work.

How do you state the length of a 26c on a trailer? I have never measured it but assuming the engine is on the back, I imagine it is 9/10m from tow bar to tip.

Not booking just yet but getting close.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones's picture

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Thanks for the research. Re. trailer length, I used to reckon my X was 9.5m. So with a 4.5m tow vehicle, the overall length is 14m. When booking, it's the overall length that matters, and different ferry companies do it differently. E.g. on my local ferry, you book a car, which is anything up to 5.5m, then they ask for the trailer length. You get charged for a total length of trailer + 5.5, even if your car is shorter! So I book the trailer as 1m shorter than it is, and the total comes out right. The ticket itself only specifies the overall length anyway.

if you're going to phone, they should be able to explain how they do it, so you don't pay too much.

I will have to drive up the day before the crossing and stay overnight near Holyhead. It's actually a shorter journey for me to go via Pembroke, but it would be nice to all be on the same crossing. Also, the road journey in Ireland looks more complicated from Rosslare.

Is everyone else going for the Irish Ferries option?

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

We could do Irish Ferries

We could do Irish Ferries from Holyhead. Haven't really looked at booking yet. Anyone welcome to stay over at ours, 33 miles from Holyhead. Never had a 26 along our track before ! but 19's do it easily.

rick.jones's picture

Hi Liz

Hi Liz

Thanks for the offer of a stopover, might take you up on it. OTOH, as we've got the van we may spend the night in Holyhead if there's a cheap campsite or such, will give us an extra hour in bed!

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Re your excellent research on ferries: from your email only Stena seem to be offering a flexi ticket.

It would probably suit us not to be tied into a fixed return date. Could you factor that into your enquiries? Also thanks for putting the work in.

Regards

Jim and Susan

rick.jones's picture

Just been looking at the

Just been looking at the ferry booking sites. Both Irish & Stena offer flexi fares, in both cases it's £10 each way extra, allowing you to amend at no charge (other than possibly different fare for a different crossing), otherwise the amendment fee is £20. So you pay £10 to save a possible £20. You can book regular one way and flexi the other.

But flexi fares are also good for possible cancellation (e.g. if your boat's suddenly out of action a few days before the event!). Here there's a big difference. Stena will give 100% refund up to 24hrs before departure. You only get 100% back from Irish if you cancel 42 days before, on which basis I strongly favour Stena. Irish are cheaper because their fares are currently on sale at about £100 off per return trip.

Overall I think I'd prefer Stena, even though it's a bit more expensive, because a) the cancellation deal is much better, and b) the departure of 8:55 is somewhat more civilised than 8:00! (Both require check-in min. 30 mins in advance).

I might well want to stay more than a week, esp. as 2nd - 9th is only Thursday - Tuesday on the water. I'd also book an afternoon return crossing, allowing time to pack up and drive to Dublin in the morning.

As a member of the Camping & Caravan club I can get a discount of over 10% on Stena, and running through their booking form so can anyone else! Non-members just pay a £20 booking fee, but that's a lot less than the discount, so you're still better off. There's no standard/flexi option, but their info page says all their fares on that route are flexi. I've just sent a query to confirm that.

You can book at https://booking.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/travel?mode=carefree. The pages are a bit weird, but you get there in the end!

I'll let you know when I've confimed the flexi query.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

rick.jones's picture

Just to add that the CC club

Just to add that the CC club have confirmed their discount fares on Stena Holyhead-Dublin include the flexi T&Cs.

I'll be booking mine soon - does anyone else want to stay beyond 9th, if so how long?

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

rick.jones's picture

Just wondering if anyone's

Just wondering if anyone's decided how long they want to stay yet (I assume Quentin is limited to 1 week)?

I'm inclined to book 2 weeks there anyway, and maybe spend the last few days cruising around in the camper van. Friday and Saturday crossings are expensive, but Sunday is OK.

I know it's over 4 months away, but it's peak season and ferry prices can increase as they get booked up, so I always like to get my booking in early!

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

Yes we would stay a bit

Yes we would stay a bit longer - can't do a full extra week because of exam results day - may be head back the Monday or Tuesday of week 2.

quentin.sands's picture

I am most likely to be

I am most likely to be Wednesday to Wednesday and will be booking the ferry in the next week or so. I am thinking Stena line 9am departure on the 2nd Just awaiting the go ahead from in laws re house sitting etc

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

I have done the deed and

I have done the deed and booked a flexi ticket on the Stena crossing at 855am on Wednesday 2nd August, returning Wednesday 9th August at 820 am. I have booked the flexi ticket and ticked the vehicle over 4m long, over 2m high and the caravan/trailer over 8m long. It was £478. I am hoping 5 full days for us will work out ok but I would have preferred 5 weeks. I hope others will now also join the Irish jaunt but wont take it personally if you do not.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones's picture

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Great to hear. I was trying to book mine on Friday via the CCC, but there was something wrong with their system, it wouldn't go through to Stena. I'll try again tomorrow, I'll have to phone them if it still doesn't work. The discount's too good to miss!

I'll be getting the 8:55 on 2nd too, but staying for 2 weeks. Looking forward to it.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

rick.jones's picture

Finally got the booking to

Finally got the booking to work - see you on the 08:55! I'll be getting the afternoon crossing back on 16th.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

Hi Rick and Quentin

Hi Rick and Quentin

Susan and I have done the deed and booked for 02/08 08:55 returning 16/08 so look forward to seeing you on the day and anyone else who turns up. Do we have any charts, maps or other info as to marinas, moorings, safe/unsafe water etc.

Regards

Jim and Susan Pen Gwyn.

quentin.sands's picture

Well done Jim and Susan.

Well done Jim and Susan. There is an excellent website ireland waterways or similar and it has all you'd need. There are also a lot of shannon boat hire operators who have good info on their websites. Nearer the time we'll hatch a plan. I am hoping some of the Irish mac people will have ideas. As we only have 5 days on the water lough ree will offer plenty. I imagine you who have longer will head to lough derg. I am goung to the boat tmrw till friday...thursday i am walking with friends...and friday will probably leave early afternoon...but hope to be back up easterish.....

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

Tom O'Brien from Irish Mac

Tom O'Brien from Irish Mac owners is aware of our arrival date and will spread the word regarding our visit. He will be at the Loch Ree arrival point to greet us and he reckons the weekend will attract others. So if there any of you out there who are pondering this visit, I think I can be sure there will be some fun.to be had as well as some well orchestrated sailing. So far there are three boats confirmed on the 0855 crossing on Wed 2 august. I am returning one week later, others are staying up to a week longer.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

UPDATE

UPDATE

I spoke to Tom yesterday. He has just returned from a weekend on Lough Ree. He is now of the view that we should consider Lough Derg as the starting point for the visit. He thinks the options will be greater: the facilities, the sailing, the socialising. He suggests Dromineer as the starting point. My view is that I think this is a good idea. Tom hopes to be with us for as much of the week as possible and thinks other Macs will turn up at various times. Lough Derg offers more non-sailing options too. Can we make Lough Derg our choice of starting point? I guess, for those staying longer, Lough Derg will offer enough to fill two weeks or you can move up to Lough Ree for thr second week. Tom reckons most moorings will be free and that cars and trailers can be left free of charge, and safely, at Dromineer.

Any more interested?

Regards

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

We have just booked our ferry

We have just booked our ferry - the 0855 Stena from Holyhead, returning on the 15th. Yes - we'll go to Dromineer - wherever that is!!

Thanks for that - yes we have

Thanks for that - yes we have found out where it is - and, by some magic, the details and all instructions are now ready on my telephone!! including things like 'drive onto the ferry' and 'prepare to park your car'

quentin.sands's picture

Greetings

Greetings

I notice that in an earlier post on this forum I wrote that the 2008 foray to Lough Derg was recorded in Newsletter 61, in fact it is in newsletter 60. This link might take you there. https://macgregorowners.org.uk/system/files/newsletters/MacGregorSailor6...

Adrian Lockwood's account is interesting and I hope inspiring. I didn't know there was a Mac 25.

For our August visit, we are up to 5 UK boats, if, as I read in John's excellent debut Newsletter, David Robbens is coming too.

Still time to book your passage on the Stena crossing from Holyhead, 0855, 02/08/17

Although the crossing is pricey my understanding is that mooring fees etc on the Lough are minimal - but that's just hearsay.

Hoping the boating is good, wherever you are.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Dear All

Dear All

Tom has sent me some ideas about our sojourn in the Emerald Isle copied here:

Hi Liz It's now getting near enough for us to start looking forward to your visit. I will put a few ideas together for consideration and If you have anything that you would like to have included please forward to me . If possible I'd like to have the whole of Lough Derg covered . Taking in local events like Scarriff Harbour festival Music at Larkins Pub Garrykennedy Mountshannon and Holy Island. Killaloe Portumna and Terryglass There are also other attractions that might be of interest. ... Irish Music Festival on the streets of Ennis. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Ardnacrusha Hydro Stations visitors Open days and Limerick City What ever the group wants we will look at including if possible. Pass around to the boat owners that are coming and try get ideas of what they would like to get in as the week could pass very quickely if weather is in our favour. Looking forward to meeting you all. Tom DUSTY 26X

I replied that we would love to do the Ardnacrusha locks but Tom has replied that it is a long way to do all of the loch and that it might take more than a day to get through the Ard locks and back again. Maybe if anyone staying a bit longer than a week might get there?

Also I replied that anything involving some live music and a pub would be right up our street!

What does anyone else fancy??

Liz

P.S. !!!

P.S. !!!

Arachnoquake is currently showing on the so-called Horror Channel, 70, featuring swimming, exploding, giant spiders - and also in about perhaps an hour, featuring a Mac!! 26X

Hi Liz, Tom, Rick, Quentin et

Hi Liz, Tom, Rick, Quentin et al

We will be touring Ireland during August in our camper van and would love to meet up with fellow Mac owners at Lough Derg. Our boat 'Scarat' a 26x is undergoing an electrical wiring re-fit at the moment based at Towy boat club in Llansteffan so haven't been able to get it into the water this season yet and we still have a lot to learn so would be great to melt up and chat over a drop of the old 'black gold' and some of that fantastic Irish hospitality.

We are leaving Swansea from Pembroke this Sunday so will have plenty of time for acclimatisation!!

When and where exactly will everyone be meeting up? If someone could give me a ring (07770272902) when they get there then we would love to help push the boat out!

Cheers

Robin

The four boats should be

The four boats should be arriving in Dublin at 1210 and then making our way to Dromineer. Google maps says about 2 hours to Dromineer so call that three hours and it may be about mid afternoon we may arrive to launch. Got your number anyway. Ours is 07811394339. Not researched yet using mobiles in Ireland. Liz

Thanks Liz,

Thanks Liz,

Just nipping out to get some factor 60 sun tan cream.

Robin

quentin.sands's picture

Hello all, good news from my

Hello all, good news from my point of viw is that I think I have fixed my outboard problem. My neighbour, who races motor bikes, adjusted the tick over screw/valve and miraculously, within minutes, everything works fine. I tested it on the water yesterday and it's never started so well, cold or warm. It begs many questions of the expensive service I had at Easter.

Anyway, confidence is high and I am taking Mrs Mac off the water this weekend to prepare for the Ireland saga. I am going with no fixed plans beyond getting there, and home, safely. What goes on in between can be negotiated between ourselves and with Tom's good guidance. I will ring him next week and see what he thinks about the first day or two and how we might all gather with the Irish.

I think we will drive to Holyhead directly from Yorkshire on Wednesday morning - or, (and I will investigate this myself) does anyone know of a 'holding area' near the port where we could park up on the Tuesday night?

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

mike.floutier's picture

Great news Quentin, you must

Great news Quentin, you must be tickled; well done for persevering!

MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit -  Suzuki DF50

Rick mentioned perhaps

Rick mentioned perhaps finding a nearby campsite for the night before (there are lots) or I think loitering in a layby might be another option. I also offered our driveway (33 miles from Holyhead) all very welcome though we've never tried a 26 up our track and we also have a wiggly quite steep hill so it might be a bit too stressful to be finding out if you can get out with a ferry to catch!

Liz

rick.jones's picture

I've booked into the Pen-y

I've booked into the Pen-y-Bont campsite which is about 15 mins from the ferry (also on the way back). My journey starts with a ferry from the Isle of Wight, so I have to allow a full day just to get to Holyhead!

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

Tom wants to know how many of

Tom wants to know how many of us there will be, there will be 2 in Tenacity, 2 in Pen Gwyn, how many in the others??

Does anyone want a tour of the Ardnacrucha Hydro Station?? (It might be a long trek for those not staying so long?)

rick.jones's picture

There'll be 2 in White

There'll be 2 in White Lightning.

I'm easy about the hydro station, don't necessarily want a long trek if that's the only place of interest.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

tom.obrien's picture

Test new comment from Tom

Greetings

Now that I have managed to join in on the forum I will try to answer any questions that you might have . If there is anything that I can help with please do ask .

I plan to be at Dromineer to meet you on arrival. My mobile phone 086 4189192. The public slipway is on front of the old Castle in Dromineer.

It was suggested a trip down river (canal)through Ardnacrusha Locks . This trip one way is a 4 hour trip and have to be an over night in Limerick City. This would be ok by me if it is what is wanted.

I have suggested a tour of Ardnacrusha Hydro Station. To do this I would have to book it in advance and is free of charge. Leaving Dromineer by car to get to Ardnacrusha would take approximately 3/4 hour and the tour is appropriate 2 hours.

A week sailing Lough Derg and stopping off at most of the ports taking what it has to offer might be what is wanted weather permitting.

I will go with what ever is preferred and help in what ever way possible . Please look at the Irish Waterways website if you want to see some of the places that are on the Lake.

For those of you that are staying longer if you want to go to Lough Ree it's a full day to get from one Lake to the other with some intresting places to visit along the way.....Masts down.

To go down river to Limerick through Ardnacrusha is still an option .....Mast down

I suggest that after launching a get together in the WHISKEY STILL . There we can look at some options .

Tom O'Brien

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