USA Attendees

February is a great time to visit Ireland. There are very few tourists breathing up the oxygen and the pubs are warm and welcoming to those who brave the somewhat inclement weather to visit one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. If you are coming from anywhere in the Northern US, the weather can be almost tropical and is rarely an impediment to sightseeing and touring. It never rains in the pubs and there is always a roaring fire, cool pints, hot toddies and fierce music sessions to sit in with. Unlike so called Irish sessions in the States, you will be welcomed to join in if you know the tunes and will be called on to play one of your own from time to time. There are sessions within 20 minutes drive of Lisdoonvarna every night of the week. At the present time (Late December) airfare from North Carolina to Shannon (SNN) are around $625 round trip on United. Airfare is similarly inexpensive from other American cities in late February. Rental cars, available through Expedia, are usually a few dollars a day from all the majors including Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc. I will be arriving in Lisdoonvarna earlier in the week and will be staying in Lisdoonvarna, probably at the hostel. I intend to do some sight seeing in the area, including day trips to Galway, a visit to Clareen Banjos and either Irish sessions or possibly a mid week old time jam with some local musicians, prior to the gathering. All the relevant information regarding the Gathering is on the web site. Any questions for overseas travelers can be directed to me at