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 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"