Galway: "The Great YD O'Tour Detour to the Bog!"

[Mick F]

Originally Posted by Sean

I guess we will be getting the boat from Liverpool

I'd be more tempted to take the A55 to Holyhead & get the ferry from there Sean. The ferries from Liverpool take about 8 hours. I think there is a new fast ferry starting a route, but it still takes about 4 hours!

From Holyhead, you can take your choice of fast (99 mins) or slow (~3.5 hours)

If you, or anyone else for that matter, want details of a UK based agent I have used before for cheap ferry deals, PM me.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Mick F

I'd be more tempted to take the A55 to Holyhead & get the ferry from there Sean. The ferries from Liverpool take about 8 hours. I think there is a new fast ferry starting a route, but it still takes about 4 hours!

From Holyhead, you can take your choice of fast (99 mins) or slow (~3.5 hours)

If you, or anyone else for that matter, want details of a UK based agent I have used before for cheap ferry deals, PM me.

Sounds like a plan thanks Mick. Any information would be good

[Mark Davies]

Sean, when I went this year I did as Mick suggests and took the Seacat from Holyhead. That said, although it is a shorter crossing, you've probably got further to drive to catch the boat.

It was only after I'd booked that they started the fast crossings from Liverpool. Not sure what the price is now, but then they had special introductory offers. Working out my total journey time from my house to Dublin and going via Liverpool would only have taken 30 minutes longer and was half the price!

Once we're up and running I'll sort out the cost of the trip and then post up the travel options for everyone.

At this point it's worth pointing out that the hire kit at the centre looks like top quality. You can get flights into Galway airport, so flying and hiring gear is an option worth considering. Again, I'll be posting full details soon.

[Sean]

Thanks Mark

[Midnight]

And when you get out on this side one of us can meet you at the terminal and lead you out of the conurbation and onto the right road. Depending on timing we could convoy!!? Just dont let Mick navigate!!!

Regards
Midnight

PS go for the Dublin route not the Dun Laoghaire one OK. Will save you about 0.75hr

[HelenP]

Hi,

Really sorry, am going to have to pull out of this one as well .......pesky work I've just realised that one of the exams I have to sit for work is on the 4th April so really should be doing lots of work that weekend rather than having fun with you guys I'm gutted to be missing it though, it looks like a great place to dive. Next time maybe.

Helen

[SimonK]

Mark I'm still up for it

Simon

[Mark Davies]

Okay, got the prices through today. Diving in Ireland isn't cheap!

The daily rates for two boat dives including air fills are €79, which works out at about £55! As I say, a little more than we're used to paying over here. I was told that they'd do us a bit of a deal for group bookings, which might bring it down.

A better option is that they do a five day dive package which will include; 10 boat dives (plus an extra free night dive if you want it) and unlimited shore diving, all tanks and air, accommodation and the ferry over.

The price varies depending on how you travel over (fast or slow ferry) and how many people are in a car. The most expensive option is with two people travelling together in a car on the HSS fast ferry. That comes in at €583, which is about £410. Get more in a car (or van) and with 5 travelling together on the slow boat the cost comes down to about £340.

If we consider that the ferry and accommodation will come in at about £100 each booked independantly then the diving would be costing £40 per day including air, which is more like what we're used to. That seems a bit more manageable and they do all the booking for us, which makes my life easier. I think that's how I'm going to go with it. Still looking at five days around the start of April - I'll get back to you with exact dates shortly. Does it still suit everyone?

Boat One


1) Mark Davies (confirmed x 2)
2) Conor (confirmed x 2)
3) Justin Owen (confirmed x 2)
4) Sean (confirmed)
5) Pete (confirmed)
6) Mick F (confirmed x 2)
7) Mrs Mick F (confirmed x 2)
8) Midnight (confirmed x 2)
9) Simon K (confirmed x 2)
10) Patrick Casey
11) Ian (confirmed)
12) Paul Wynne Jones (confirmed x 2)

Let me know if you're still interested at that price and I'll show you (confirmed x 2) and your place is secured.

Anyone else interested and I'll put you on the second boat. I'll only book it if we fill it. Those already posting an interest get first chance.

Boat Two


1) Fiona
2) Scuba Dub
3) Sean0801
4) Porg
5) Narked @ 50
6) Ian @ 1904 (+2)
7) "
8) "
9)
10)
11)
12)

[Justin Owen]

I'm in, along with PWJ...

We'll probably be two in a car, fast ferry from Holhead if available?

[Mick F]

Mark,

By the sounds of it they're quoting you for two offshore dives (out around Inisturk etc.) at those rates. Two inshore dives should be around €60 including fills.

If this is the case, then it would be better looking at inshore dives. At that time of year, the odds are against getting offshore Atlantic dives, in which case, they will revert to inshore anyway while still charging the full rates for the offshore boats.

Just a thought.