Transcription of Document FFDoc-1291.pdf

Wed Jan. 13 1982

Dear Dot (Pelletier) and Jim (Kirwan) -

I believe you both expressed interest in being kept informed of any progress I had in connection with booking an Irish cottage in the west of Ireland this year. It's been drawn out to get information and rates, but I am forwarding copies of the brochure (one of two I received) of Rent-An-Irish Cottage Ltd., along with some speculation about possible total costs and arrangements.

I believe all the cottages sleep at least 6 people; there seem to be 1 double bed, 1 set of bunk beds and one loft room with twin beds, as a minimum in the so-called "C" and "D" cottages. Rates depend on the time of year, with most of June, and the 1st two weeks in Sept quoted at £140.00. From June 26 to Aug 27 the rate rises to £176.00. From Sept 11 to Oct 29 the rate falls to £86.00. These prices are for 1 week, so would have to be doubled for a 2-week stay. As the brochure notes, the rates include appliances (range, refrig), furniture, linens, etc. Heating and electricity costs are extra. And of course, one has to eat, so groceries must be purchased. 

[Margin note] "A" and "B" cottages may be larger.

The Irish Music Club in Boston is quoting (Leaves, returns at Boston) Pan-Am flights from June through September at $398.00 per seat, round trip, leaving and returning on Saturdays. They seem to have the same rate all through the summer, with no "peak season" fare. Thus the only incentive for not picking "peak" season booking is the possible reduction in cottage rates before June 26 and after Aug 27.

A rental car would be needed. The Irish travel agency I wrote to is quoting a Ford Escort or Opel Kadett at £94.50/week (Jul-Sept 30 , high or peak season) (unlimited mileage) and a Ford Cortina or Datsun Bluebird at £112.00/wk. Those were actually '81 rates available through Jan '82. We would probably find actual rates in '82 somewhat higher.

There would be other expenses - gasoline (petrol), misc airport fees & taxes, etc.

Obviously there would be no trouble accomodating the four of us in one cottage w/3 bedrooms and 5 beds (one double). If there were two or 3 more people (how would sleeping arrangements be? And wouldn't we need another car? The brochure says cottages will accomodate a family of 8 people. We could always check with a phone call), to some extent, costs per person would go down, - with 8 and perhaps even with 6 people - although with 6 the need for a second car tends to boost costs.

On a quick calculation basis, assuming peak cottage rates, 4 people, and a Cortina or Datsun, I figure per person costs working out as follows (for 2-week stay, and exchange rate approx £1= $2 - possibly a bit high):

Cottage - 2 weeks @ £176.00 ->   $704.00

Car Rental 2 weeks @ £112.00       448.00

(Gas, groceries extra)

                                           Total   $1152.00

Per Person for above   $288.00

RT AirFare                   398.00

Total per person           $686.00

Are you interested? Are there dates you couldn't go? Any thoughts about other persons.

Let me hear as soon as you can.

If we get set, will need some deposit money

Regards, Frank & Anna

Should we try for the Sept cottage rate, or July-August rate? [Margin note]