Early Research

Okay, since I started this blog, I have done a ton of research:

• need to get all new passports for the girls (can't renew if their original passports were issued under age 17) - lots of paperwork to do & need to schedule a time that their dad can be available to apply with us in person
• weather in the 3 areas we will be in is amazingly like home (temps within a few degrees of the weather here, rain predicted for the same days). I have Dublin, Limerick, and Galway set on my weather updates :)
• pubs open to minors until 9pm
• drinking age is 18 (one daughter will be happy)
• Google Earth is my friend (took a virtual tour of Dublin around our hotel)
• Ireland is tiny...somehow expected it to be bigger but apparently it is the size of West Virginia.

I have emailed the Chamber to see how much of the trip is expected to be viewing the countryside from the bus window and how much we will actually be allowed out at sites and locations to explore and meet people. Still waiting for their reply on that and my initial question about how much triple-rooms will cost.
Haven't sent in the deposits yet...waiting for the above answers, hoping they will come before the early-bird registration date of 5/15.
More info as I get it...stay tuned :)