Conference tallis::celt

    re .0
    >Also what are the availability of ATM's (Automated Teller Machines)? 
    >Do such exist in Ireland for us to get cash with our Visa cards?
     ========================
    
    Is this a real question ?
    
    I don't wish to sound rude but where do you think you've visiting ?
    What are you expecting ? Neverending countryside ? People living in
    mudhuts ? Leprechauns in the street ?
    
    Of course the country has ATMs. It even has electricity now !!!!
    
    And Yes, you can use your visa card to get cash (they even have their
    own currency now, you don't have to barter anymore).
    
    Ya-all have a nice trip now :-)
    
    Tony.

    But most B&B DON'T take credit cards - they are family run!

    A valid question though.  Credit cards are widely accepted
    in hotels, restaurants, and most shops, even in the rural
    areas.
    
    As Therese mentioned, B&Bs and some pubs aren't likely
    to accept credit cards.
    
    Have a great trip,
    /George

    
    	what about indoor plumbing?
    
    	;-)

    Ah come on guys. I am sure there are nicer ways to educate the 
    uneducated :-)
    
    Slop buckets come with Air-Freshners nowadays thus eliminating the oul
    bog chains :-}
    
    Sl�n
    Tom 
    
    

    
    ATM's are available in all the main cities and town's now. Even some of
    the small rural towns have an ATM. In small country town's your average
    pub probably prefers cash. With regard to B+B's, I believe the Board
    Failte (Irish Tourist Board) registered B+B's cater for credit cards.
    The average B+B again probably prefer cash. It is advisable to have
    some cash on hand to pay for smaller items you may purchase.
    
    I would not change currency at the Airport, I do not think you get a
    good deal. Maybe someone else can advise.
    
    have a nice trip.
    
    regards Peter.

    Thanks to those who took my question seriously.  We're back, I tried
    only one machine outside of a bank in downtown Clifden (WNW of Galway).
    It refused the card, saying invalid PIN and that I should visit inside.
    
    Because we brought plenty of traveler checks, we still managed to have
    a great time.  The US Dollar really stinks.  I now understand why
    USAmerican tourists are staying away from Europe in droves.  Prices for
    items (on menus, pints of Guiness, B&B's) seemed reasonable until you
    realized that the unit of measure was Irish Pounds, not USD, and
    therefore it would cost almost double.
    
    Nevertheless we had a great time.  Rented a car in Dublin and toured
    the west coast in a daily ritual that never got boring --
    
      WHILE money_lasts DO
        wake and eat the B in a B&B, drive along the coast 50-100 miles
        exploring whatever came along,
    
        find another place to stay that met the requirements of having a nice
        B&B and a nearby pub with music,
    
        eat, drink and sing,
    
        sleep
      WHILEND
    
    We stayed in Dublin, Foxford (relatives), Clifden, Doolin, Waterville,
    Dublin and a few places in between.  The highlight was Doolin (WSW of
    Galway).  When we come back, we'll go straight to Doolin.  It had the
    best of everything (rural setting, music, pubs, B&B, Aran Island trips,
    Cliffs of Mohrer (SP), and crack (SP?, the Gaellic kind)).  Plus the
    lady behind the bar carved a shamrock onto the top of the head of my
    pint of Guiness, which when pulled from a tap in its native country is
    by the far the best beer ever made.
    
    Ireland, thanks for the memories.
    
    -- Jim

    Is there an ATM at Shannon?
    

    
    yes.