We have organised a Tour of the South of Ireland through Scenic Car Tours who have arranged a number of similar events for other clubs. The proposal is to catch the ferry from Hollyhead on 14th May and drive down to Gorey, a town on the East side of Ireland just North of Waterford. This is a very scenic drive and we should arrive around 7 ready for Dinner. We would be staying there for 3 nights giving a chance to explore this area which includes Wells House, Johnstown Castle and Waterford which has a great museum and of course tours of the Crystal works. If people are interested, I will see if we can arrange something of an event with the team at Wells House. The idea is to offer suggestions but not be proscriptive.
We would then drive along the South Coast road, which is a good A road, to Cork and stay at a hotel which fronts on to the original Cork Motor Race Circuit for 4 nights. The circuit, where a Grand Prix race was held in 1938, was a road circuit of some 9.6km which you are still able to drive where average speeds of 93 – 96 mph were the norm. In the area is the Titanic Experience at Cobh, the last place the ship docked on its famous voyage, Cobh Cathedral designed by Pugin and Foto Park, an amazing wildlife park. Further afield are Kinsale, the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, Baltimore with it newly restored Castle, Garinish Island with its wonderful gardens made possible by the Gulf stream and of course Blarney Castle. We will be returning via Rosslare on 21 May.
The cost is being finalised but the estimate is £1500 each for 2 sharing and £2200 for singles. To make the event work we will need 8-10 cars. You do not have to come in a Bristol, though this is to be encouraged, this is about doing things together as much as anything. Can I ask for expressions of commitment as soon as possible but by 10th March latest so we can secure the hotel bookings. I will then work with those interested to see about any fixed events and secure tickets to some of the venues.
Please contact me at mikehallissey@icloud.com
Mike Hallissey
(Deadline for booking is 10th March)
