Kathleen, Actually more people joined our trip than I had ever expected and only around 4 persons couldn't make it. The eldest was 89 and the youngest 36. I rented two self-catering houses at Grenane on the Mansergh Estate near Tipperary town. Both are 4 star accommodations with 3 bedrooms each sleeping up to 6 per house. The houses were lovely with a modern kitchen and beautiful formal dining room with a huge table that could seat 8 (or more as we found out). The houses were very inexspensive and we only paid 250 Euros per week each for the whole house. The other guests stayed at various Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses in and around Tipperary Town and towards the Glen of Aherlow. After getting used to driving it took about 20 minutes to Cashel or Cahir and about 35 to Clonmel from our house. I was recommended the caterer from the proprietor of our house and we had settled the details before I went to Ireland. She had a fantastic slection of menus to choose from and delivered the food to our house with dishes and cutlery etc. It was wonderful food and although we could have ordered a cheaper menu we spoiled everyone and selected one that ended up costing 26 euros per person (including delivery & dishes). The caterer came from the Clonmel area. If you are interested in her e-mail let me know. As for our "house" ... it was great and everyone was very happy. The houses are actually side wings attached to the actual Mansergh House and set in 300 acres of land on a stud farm with a long drive and iron gates. Lots of horses, dogs and cats and beautiful gardens with walking paths throughout. Karen KTRACY1999@aol.com wrote: > >Karen, > >Reading your story brought back so many wonderful memories for me. > >I don't know about anyone else, but I enjoyed your report and would love to >hear more. How many of your family did you invite compared to how many >showed up? Did you make plans with the caterer before you left for Ireland? >Where did you stay and were you happy with the place? Did you all stay at the >same place? Would love to hear more... > >Kathleen~CT. > > > >