Transcription of Document FFDoc-1298.pdf

Tues April 11

Dot (& Jeanne & Frank)

Dot's note was just what was needed to help Anna decide she'd like to take a trip to Ireland! So, if we can just get some income tax refund money back from Uncle Sam in time, I guess we'll go!

I have been looking into flights and other details, since Jeanne didn't provide any "hard-copy" information along these lines, except that the departure was July 8, w/return July 23.

I am therefore enclosing some info from a travel Brochure by Brendan Tours, concerning both auto rentals and guest house/farmhouse accomodations. It appears from the pg 29 data that during the July season the #BO2715 air fare to Shannon, based on Boston departure, will be around $349.00. This agrees with Jeanne's $325 & tax[?] data I have, although the departure date in the brochure is July 15, not July 8. No matter. The Boston Music Club fare listing is $325 for July 9 - July 23. So within around $25 or so, air fare is predictable. Regarding auto rental and nightly accomodations, however, there are interesting comparisons to make.

P. 23  "15 Day Self Drive - ITEI19376" shows high season rates, for a stay at one or more of 425 farmhouses for 14 nights, are $279.00 each for 2 persons, or $229- each for 3 travelling together, w/ 1 twin and 1 single room. Rates include Irish breakfast; and a Ford Escort (v. small, 2 dr. car - 13 cu ft trunk space & 35-40 mpg). Gas is extra.

On P26 the Car Hire Tariffs are shown. Thus a Ford Escort 2 dr (Group 2) car rents for approx $148.00 per week - for 2 weeks, that's $296.00, plus gas. Assuming 3 people travelling in one car, the cost per each is thus approx $99 for 2 weeks (gas extra). In this mode of travelling, guesthouse/farmhouse costs would be up to the individual, but I would assume these would come under the supervision of the Irish Tourist Board.

So the comparison with the previous Land Fare, which includes the farmhouse "vouchers," suggests a net per-person cost for accomodations nightly for two weeks that would be $229 - $99 = $130 (3 travelling together). In round numbers, this nets out at $10 per head per nite - very reasonable by US standards.

Thus the question is - by not booking a farmhouse/car drive combination (which is convenient to do since maps, lists of places to stay, possible sights to see, etc would probably be forthcoming) can one expect to do any better by arranging car rental alone ahead of time, and "playing it by ear" in Ireland each day so far as nightly stays are concerned?

Since Jeanne & Frank have talked to an agent about car rental, & have F's folk's experience on farmhouse stays to judge by, what is their view on this point?

Am enclosing a copy of Brian Daly's school report on his family history, to spark your genealogical interest. His report and diagram are somewhat in error, but overall it's a good job and may furnish a guide for further research before going to Erin.

From time to time expect to send you Xerox items from National Geographic & other mags to keep you appetite peaked.

Enough for now.

Love Frank & Anna