Listers The URL http://www.rentacar-uk.com/ allows one to choose a car in advance at most Irish airports inc. Shannon. Manual or automatic types are offered and a selection from several rental agencies is provided. I have used the service several times and would use it again. Liam "A bird in the bush is worth two in the Cat"

Listers, We have also been to Ireland three times, and flew Aer Lingus from BWI, once to Dublin (where we rented an Avis--won't do that again)--and the last two times to Shannon. As someone said, much easier airport to navigate, much nicer connections all around and we rented a Dan Dooley car which was a great experience) All three cars were automatic shift--as you stated, it is hard enough to drive on the "wrong side" without worrying about the stick shift! The scenery was beautiful the entire route. The last two times we stopped overnight on the way to or from Donegal. No reason other than I wanted to see things I couldn't see from a plane. On the way home we have stopped in Kerry--Killarney or Kenmare--because my paternal grandparents were from Kerry. It is equally as beautiful but in a much different way than Donegal. I feel very much "at home" either place, and if it weren't for my children and grandchildren over here, I would move to Donegal in a New York minute. By the way, on my second trip, I lost a hubcap and almost knocked the side mirror off. When we turned the car in and told them about it, they seemed so happy that we were honest about it, that we weren't charged for the damage. A previous renter had turned in a car that had been damaged and they had "repaired" it with nail polish! No joke! We have also found that the best time of year to go over is in September. We had very little rain on those trips, but last year it was absolutely soggy in May! So much for seeing the roses blooming in Tralee! Since I was spending my time slogging around cemeteries looking for those elusive relatives, it wasn't great fun, but the pub was that much more cozy afterwards! Which brings up another thought. The food is absolutely fantastic in Ireland--especially if you like any kind of fish. The only bad meal I had in three trips was in Dublin--although I also had a good meal so I guess it evened out. As everyone said, anytime to go to Ireland is a good time, and you won't want to leave as long as there is an Irish breath in ye. Enjoy. Kae ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 12:17 PM Subject: [DONEGAL] Getting to Donegal and Other Cultural Comments

Listers, Ellen asked about air travel to Donegal, and a few other Digest posters had some comments on "cultural" aspects. Here are my comments on these topics: I have been to Donegal three times, the last being October 2003, and I'm in the process of going again for the month of March. While I am situated on the west coast, here is the route I have taken -- a little more complex than some have already suggested but it works for me: San Francisco to London, Heathrow via United London to Dublin via BMI (British Midlands) or Aer Lingus Dublin to Carrickfinn (in Donegal) via Air Arann Then I rent a car in Carrickfinn and drive the rest of the way to the Falcarragh area. (There are some close connections which can tax a new traveler. Also, generally are only one-to-two flights each day to/from Carrickfinn, so on occasions I have had to stop over in Dublin or London to make connections.) There are also some weight restrictions on luggage on the shorter Aer Lingus and Air Arann flights, and they are enforced with fees. Carry-on space on the smaller planes is also very limited. (This does not apply to the trans-Atlantic Aer Lingus flights.) Now on to driving: I have had no problem driving on the "left" side of the road, but I have lived overseas and driven in a left-hand-side environment for ten years so I am comfortable with the concept. The issue is narrow roads, with no shoulders or margin for error. Sheep on the roadside, as mentioned, who don't move for Americans or anyone else. Big trucks on little roads. People who drive as if the roads were the autobahn. But, the positive side is, beautiful scenery everywhere! I have found Avis to be one of the few companies that have cars in Donegal. Also, be sure to check on insurance, as the costs are very stiff in case of accident... like "pay for the entire car". (And Americans are known for having accidents because of the difference in lanes!) As another lister pointed out, nearly all the cars are stick-shift only, and you'll be driving on the other side of the road, so you need to be constantly alert. Having said that, we have driven all three times and wouldn't consider not driving...gives you the flexibility to stop in small towns and make your schedule match your sightseeing. Last, another lister said the Irish prefer to call their language "Irish" rather than Gaelic. I find this to be true, too, and have been corrected when I have said "Gaelic". Gaelic also can refer to the Scottish language. All said and done, I'd say if anyone is fortunate to travel to Donegal (or anywhere in Ireland) at any time of the year, do it! I love it. Roseann

Dear Ellen, If you are going to Donegal, I would suggest Aer Lingus and Shannon Airport. Although it is a longer drive from Shannon, there is so much to see. The west coast is beautifel. You will be flying all night so you may not want to drive directly from shannon to Donegal (approx 8 hrs.) You will see that it is only abour 200-250 miles but when travelling in Ireland 30mph is the best you can hope for on average. Maybe you want to drive the first day to say Galway and continue your journey the next day. Another thought is that you may lood into derry to see if you can get anything. There is an airport in Donegal, but it has a short runway and flights are limited and i believe leave anly from Dublin.. If youhave any questions e mail me and I will be happy to answer what I can Joe

In 1996 we traveled to Ireland via England so I didn't fly in but given the choice I'd go to Shannon to get to Donegal. And if you reserve ahead car rental is not unreasonable. BUT you do have to reserve ahead because the majority of vehicles are stick shift. (at least then which is only 7.5 years ago). You have to reserve and automatic. It will probably be easier to get on at Shannon than in Dublin where we had a lot of American competition for the few automatic cars. <g> My husband drove all over the place and I hardly got a chance to so it can't be that hard <g>. He wouldn't relinquish the steering wheel and he'd been quite concerned about the left side driving. I will tell you as a passenger sitting on the right side that it was quite "thrilling" when we passed Irish Lorries (trucks) going 60 etc and headed straight towards my side of the car on a little country lane barely wide enough for a cow! And the cows and sheep are quite ignorant...they just wouldn't get out of the way. Seems they thought that dinner was more important than letting the Americans past in their rented car. <LOL> I know you can fly from Shannon to Mayo, maybe you could fly from there to Donegal too. There are bus lines and trains too. But personally I'd rent a car. You will spend more time but the scenery and the smells and the smiles will be well worth it. (and the people you'll meet when you stop for lunch or pictures or to stretch your legs). Beth Cherkowsky http://members.aol.com/cougartoys/alley.html ebay seller id = woadieland -----Original Message----- From: Ellen Merritt [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [DONEGAL] travel to Co. Donegal I may be able to travel to Co. Donegal this summer. If anyone has flown out of the Baltimore, MD or Washington DC airports for that destination, I would appreciate any words of wisdom as far as airlines, land transportation, etc. Do I have to fly from the U.S. into Limerick or is there a better airport? Thanks. Ellen __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== This list is for anyone researching ancestors in County Donegal Ireland. Thank you for joining our forum. Our Ireland website is: http://irelandgenealogyprojects.rootsweb.com/ ============================== Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237

> > There is no family legend of them speaking Irish. Perhaps because it's not a legend :) As some have already pointed out, Irish speakers were in the majority among the native Irish inhabitants of Donegal up until the turn of the century or so. Michael

I flew from Montreal to London, visited parts of England and Wales and went across by ferry into Dublin. Such a beautiful site to see from the water! I took the train to the end of the line, Sligo, and they have this magnificent old hotel right there next to the train station. It has big oak staircases and stairways that go this way and that way. Charming place and not too expensive. We stayed the night and took the bus from there. The scenery was breathtaking. In 95 there were no cabs in a lot of small towns so I asked a gas station attendant to drive me around. Maureen > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ellen Merritt" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:33 AM > Subject: [DONEGAL] travel to Co. Donegal > > > > I may be able to travel to Co. Donegal this summer. > > If anyone has flown out of the Baltimore, MD or > > Washington DC airports for that destination, I would > > appreciate any words of wisdom as far as airlines, > > land transportation, etc. Do I have to fly from the > > U.S. into Limerick or is there a better airport? > > Thanks. Ellen > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! > > http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ > > > > > > ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== > > This list is for anyone researching ancestors in County Donegal Ireland. > Thank you for joining our forum. > > Our Ireland website is: http://irelandgenealogyprojects.rootsweb.com/ > > > > ============================== > > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 > > > > > > ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== > If you have a Donegal website, we can post your URL here so relatives and researchers of your surnames can find you. > Contact Admin: [email protected] > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 > >

More than likely it was, my cousins still talk Irish Lorraine ----- Original Message ----- From: "eile" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:34 AM Subject: [DONEGAL] mother tongue: Irish > In the 1920 American census for two relatives born in Ireland > I found a record in which they listed "Irish" as their mother tongue. > > These two folks were from the Grianan area west of Derry and St. > Johnston, and were born in 1867 and 1884. > > There is no family legend of them speaking Irish. > > What are the chances that they were telling the truth in 1920 when they > said their mother tongue was Irish? > > best, > Paul Carr > > > ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== > Our County Donegal website is: http://www.mindspring.com/~dickod/donegal/index.htm > If you have genealogy data for Donegal, please submit to URL above. > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 >

Ellen I never flew from MD, but Kennedy/Newark either one, I went to Dublin and from there flew up to Donegal, at that time it cost about $90.that was in 2000. I also took a bus from Dublin and that took us over 5 hrs, we stopped for tea, and saw a little , but I would go by plane. Air Leingues to Ireland is the best. Shannon or Dublin, I think they only leave from Dublin to get to Donegal. Letterkenny. Lorraine ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ellen Merritt" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:33 AM Subject: [DONEGAL] travel to Co. Donegal > I may be able to travel to Co. Donegal this summer. > If anyone has flown out of the Baltimore, MD or > Washington DC airports for that destination, I would > appreciate any words of wisdom as far as airlines, > land transportation, etc. Do I have to fly from the > U.S. into Limerick or is there a better airport? > Thanks. Ellen > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! > http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ > > > ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== > This list is for anyone researching ancestors in County Donegal Ireland. Thank you for joining our forum. > Our Ireland website is: http://irelandgenealogyprojects.rootsweb.com/ > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 >

I have an old letter written from Doonan, County Donegal in 1850. The English was perfect and the man was writing to his grandson in Philadelphia, PA. He had been to Scotland to visit and said he had left from Derry and it had taken ten hours to get there. Sailing ship? Nancy [email protected]

Dear Tammy, Just read your message to Ellen about her trip to Donegal. I learned something from your message too, thank you very much. Are there connecting flights to Donegal from Shannon? You said you had family there,. What part? My grandparents were from Carndonagh in Donegal. Born there and came to US in the late 1880's. What names are you searching for there? I am particaulary interested in O'Donnell, and Bradley, but also Doherty, and McGeoghean. Any of those ring any bells with you. Any way thank you for that information. Barbara [email protected]

I am not sure, but I think there is an airport in Donegal it self, you probably will have to make a connection somewhere. Check with a travel agency and see what they suggest. I envy you. I would love to go there. My grandparents were both born there, and since I am doing my Irish genealogy, that would be a dream trip for me. Hopefully some day I will get there. Let me know if you remember to, how the trip went when you get back. Also how you made out with the airline issue. I would be flying out of Logan in Boston, but I imagine I would need to make a connecting flight too. Barbara [email protected]

Dear Paul ~ I would say their chances of speaking Irish as their mother tongue were 100%. We have family still in Donegal, and although English is the language they all speak, they are striving hard to preserve the Irish language through their schools. My husband's people are all of Irish descent. They all spoke Irish, including his grandparents, who immigrated in the early 1920's. By the way, the folks in Ireland we personally know prefer their language to be called Irish, not Gaelic. Sincerely, Tamy in Nevada, USA

Dear Ellen ~ We have flown from BWI to Ireland twice -- once to Dublin and once to Shannon. We prefer Shannon. It's a much smaller airport, easier to get around, has considerably less traffic and is on the west side of the country so more easily accessible to Co. Donegal (where we also have family.) You'll leave BWI in the evening (about 7 p.m.) and be in Shannon by morning.) We traveled Aer Lingus both times (the Irish airlines), but there are US airlines that fly there also. Aer Lingus planes are very comfortable and roomy. You might want to post your questions to this group -- it's great and every one of my questions has been answered in the past: [email protected] Aer Lingus site: http://www.aerlingus.ie/cgi-bin/obel01im1/index.jsp Sincerely, Tamy in Nevada, USA

In the 1920 American census for two relatives born in Ireland I found a record in which they listed "Irish" as their mother tongue. These two folks were from the Grianan area west of Derry and St. Johnston, and were born in 1867 and 1884. There is no family legend of them speaking Irish. What are the chances that they were telling the truth in 1920 when they said their mother tongue was Irish? best, Paul Carr

I may be able to travel to Co. Donegal this summer. If anyone has flown out of the Baltimore, MD or Washington DC airports for that destination, I would appreciate any words of wisdom as far as airlines, land transportation, etc. Do I have to fly from the U.S. into Limerick or is there a better airport? Thanks. Ellen __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/

Today I updated the Parish History Books webpage on my website with another 40 or so books and with more lookup volunteers. Anyone doing Irish genealogical research find these books invaluable to their family history. I didn't know they even existed until my first trip to Ireland in 1999 and accidentally happened on them in Galway Town at Kenny's Bookstore. When I came back from another Ireland trip in 2001 I had collected so many more books that I needed to buy another suitcase at Roche's. Later, I decided to start this website to help those who didn't know about the books or knew about them and could not find any to buy, since many are out of print. When I started the website, I didn't include lookups but did include a form for other researchers to submit books that I didn't know about. Since then, I started getting emails from wonderful people offering to do lookups, so I added Lookup Volunteers. In the beginning, not all counties had many books, but I have since joined all 32 counties of Ireland mailing lists' to reach out to the counties where I am not active so I could include their books. You can access the Parish Books website, by going to the URL under my name. On my homepage, under Ireland, click on Ireland Books. This will take you to the Irish Book Discussion Mailing List webpage. Near the bottom, under Previous Posts, the Parish History Books have four links, listed by county in alpha order. At the bottom of each Parish History Book webpage is a form where you can submit books that are not already listed. I update the site monthly, usually the the first week. If you see a book listed without a lookup volunteer, and you have the book and want to volunteer, email me off list and I will include you with my next update. -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com Professional Genealogy Research All outgoing mail virus free, scanned by Norton 2002

List Members, Have updated my site with Griffith's Evaluation data for surnames beginning with "G". 4480 names have been added to the file. Note that the final "G" page is comprised of surnames that start with "Mc G...". http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~hiflyte/ Bob Cdn.

Hi, my grandmother was born and raised on Gola. No one lives there now, they would like to bring some life to it if they can raise the money. Some of the families were Diver & Sweeney,there are also these names on Tory island. It takes about 1/2 hr or more by fish vessel to get to Gola. Nothing but sheep there now, Was there in 2000& saw what was left of the family house. It's the larger of the islands there off of Bunbeg/Gweedore.. Lorraine ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 1:00 PM Subject: Re: [DONEGAL] Donegal Books > Just wondering how I can purchase Patrick Campbell's Memories of Dungloe? > > Also, what island is the following book about? > Gola: The Life and Last Days of An Island Community > > Brody, H. > > I am particularly interested in information on Inishfree Island, Burtonport & > Cruickamore. > > Thanks, > Maureen Serra > > > ==== IRL-CO-DONEGAL Mailing List ==== > This list is for anyone researching ancestors in County Donegal Ireland. Thank you for joining our forum. > Our Ireland website is: http://irelandgenealogyprojects.rootsweb.com/ > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 >

Just wondering how I can purchase Patrick Campbell's Memories of Dungloe? Also, what island is the following book about? Gola: The Life and Last Days of An Island Community Brody, H. I am particularly interested in information on Inishfree Island, Burtonport & Cruickamore. Thanks, Maureen Serra