[MEET] Mayo [25/26th Sept 2010]

[TopCat]

Hi All,

Something I've been thinking about for a while, so may as well get it down in writing and start arranging dates for a meet back in my home area.

2 simple aims for the meet, a nice drive with a couple of photo opportunities, and an overnight which may involve a drink or two.

I have a couple of ideas for a route, one of them is an extension of a drive witcher mentioned before, starting from Castlebar, and going via Pontoon and Ballina on to Enniscrone where we can take the cars onto the beach (could make for good pictures), and there are a few B&B's where we could stay for the night.

Another option is go to via Westport and Newport on to Achill Island, and again do the overnight there.

Anyway, the above is all up for discussion, and can be decided later, what would be useful is to settle on a date first, because I appreciate it will be a good drive for a lot of people.

I'm thinking about a months time, and beginning of September is generally good weather when the kids go back to school.

Any comments or suggestions, feel free to add.

Thanks

Tom

[Bernard]

Sounds good to me, meets that involve convoys, photos & pints are always the best

1. Topcat
2. Bernard

[Danny Kierans]

sorry the car not ready for a meet..

[TopCat]

Sounds good to me, meets that involve convoys, photos & pints are always the best

Agreed!

Sorry, just had to make a small change to the dates, 11th won't suit me, so either side of that would be good.

[Dragonheart]

Yup, I'll be there, just have to check tomorrow when back home if the dates dont clash with golf to see which one suits.

1. Topcat
2. Bernard
3. Dragonheart

[Bernard]

sorry the car not ready for a meet..

You've plenty of time yet, it doesn't have to be pretty... just drivable

[StewyD32]

Bit of a track for someone who's low on funds but i'll try and make it. Good crac at the Carlow meet

1. Topcat
2. Bernard
3. Dragonheart
4. StewyD32 (provisionally)

(Edit: Just remembered my Masters might be starting then but didn't hear back yet)

[Dragonheart]

Unreal, I just checked the fixtures list and I actually have a competition on both those weekends! But the first one is the biggest of the year so must make that whatever happens, even though the last one is the decider for the overall title I'll sacrifice that unless theres another weekend we could pull off?
If not then I voted for the second weekend.

[Aido C]

I'm interested in this but Japfest is on the 5th Sept.

[Sebastian]

I'd be game for a mayo meet , unfortunately the dates don't suit me as Japfest is on the 5th and I'm away the second one

[Bernard]

I'm flexible on dates, but I'd personally take a proper meet over parking at a show any day.

[TopCat]

Hadn't spotted that Japfest was on, so I understand people will want to go to that.
I've added an extra date to the options (seems to have reset the vote, so apologies for that), so might suit more people. I'm reasonable flexible with dates too, so will see if this suits people better.

[TopCat]

Ok, I'm gonna set the date on this one at this stage. 25/26th is it. Can we try and get some confirmed numbers so we can look at accommodation?

1. Topcat (Confirmed)
2. Bernard
3. Dragonheart
4. StewyD32 (provisionally)

[Bernard]

1. Topcat (Confirmed)
2. Bernard (Confirmed)
3. Dragonheart
4. StewyD32 (provisionally)

[Sebastian]

Sorry guys , none of the dates suit me . I'm out for this one

[Dragonheart]

1. Topcat (Confirmed)
2. Bernard (Confirmed)
3. Dragonheart
4. StewyD32 (provisionally)

Should be ok for this.
Whats the craic with accomodation and stuff? Any ideas Tom on wheres a good place to stop over for the night?

[TopCat]

Well was thinking originally of starting in Castlebar and heading to Enniscrone via Pontoon and Ballina. Given that most people are coming from the south, I'm thinking of meeting ye in Galway, and taking the scenic route via Connemara to Castlebar and then on again. Its a good bit of driving, but very good driving roads, and sure we're in no hurry if its an overnighter.

Could stay in either Enniscrone or come back to Castlebar and hit the town. Any preferences?

Plus, are there any +1's so I know for ringing a few places?

[Dragonheart]

Grace'll be coming I'd say all right.

[Bernard]

Any more takers for a proper meet?

I was talking to Tom this evening, we can book a self catering lodge here for €114.
It's two bedrooms & a couch.

Looks like a good option and I'm sure they have plenty of room if we need it given the time of year.

[Dragonheart]

I'll be there all right but Grace wont be able to come.
That lodge looks like a great idea too. Is it near a pub?
Come on lads, surely theres people in Limerick, or Connaught that would be able to come along?

[optical illusion]

Can't make it I'm afraid, 6 weeks without an assistant manager yet means weekends off don't happen for me.

Have a good one.

[TopCat]

Last time you'll be invited to my beautiful county Laura!

Thanks Bernard for posting the link, didn't think I'd get to a computer tonight. Seems like good value to me, to be honest, I was surprised at the price.

And yes, there is a pub very close, but Castlebar is only a short spin in the road, so there's plenty of choice for food and drink, and will probably head there for the evening/night.

[TopCat]

Right, a little bit more info, hopefully convince a few more people.

Proposed Route (and estimated times, will be very flexible though)..



(A) Meeting in Galway, at the Maldron Hotel (~10am)


Head towards Castlebar (B) via Connemara
(not this kind of connemara..


This kind..


Stop off at "Canny's Tyres" for a cuppa and a buscuit if ye're lucky. (B) (~1pm)
(If people can't make it to Galway for 10, they could meet us in Castlebar for 1-2)
Then on to Pontoon (C)...


And then Enniscrone (D) (~3pm)


Can head on back then to our lodging (6-7pm)..


The above times are allowing for stops, photo ops, bites to eat etc, but we can still take more time along the way if needed.
We'll have time back at the hotel anyway and then into the town for grub (plenty of places/styles to choose from)
and leaving just enough time for...



&



(Disclaimer - Weather may not be exactly as advertised!)

[Dragonheart]

Looks like a savage plan Tom! Very tempting writeup there, looking forward to it!

[Dragonheart]

Tom you meeting myself and Bernard in Galway or are you around Limerick or where you based?