Unlocking Ireland - an unprecedented thread no. 6

[CherryValanc]

A sixth thread in Craicnet!!

Who thought that would ever happen!!? Has there even been a sixth page before?

Gorgeous day here today as well. I could've said outside all day with children if I wasn't in a school.
Just back from a run. Feeling good now. Love the bright evenings.

I wish places like Fota could open. Our local parks and beaches are very busy.

I just saw an article that Fota is in trouble financially. Could they not leave in a limited number of people at this stage? I think they did before.

I know they had timeslot booking last summer. Michael McGrath will have to find some money, I'm sure his kids and the Coveney kids love a school tour to Fota

I dont really understand why Foto and Dublin Zoo are closed. They are outdoors and they can limit numbers. Surely some money is better than none for places like that.
I am already excited for next Friday. We're having an Easter egg hunt. Cant wait. I'm such a kid at heart. I love the excitement these things bring the children.

Yes there was a bit of time where you could book a time slot.

It's just crazy isn't it, how badly some businesses are suffering.

That's right, they did. It's time they started that again. I'm sure they do Michael has a few kids!

When I was in second class, we were taken to Fota on our school tour. This was sometime around 1980/81 when it was just opened. Unfortunately, it was so new, there wasn't a single animal to see, only lots of empty green space. We were told about all the fantastic animals that were going to live there, had a picnic and went back on the bus. I know times were hard with the recession and all then, but I remember thinking what a let-down it was!! Kids wouldn't put up with it today!

I agree. There is so much frustration and anger on Twitter, people are cracking up staying within 5km. They need to open up/encourage what can be done safely...family trips to the zoo/fota, forest walks, socially distanced exercise with a friend (this last one is allowed but not every one realised it. Of course the 5km limits it.)

DS is also grumpy this week and normally loves school and was dying to go back in September. Didn't realise we were allowed 10km now. Makes no difference to me really because all I want is to see my mother and her partner, my godmother and my sister and nieces and nephews. We are all scattered across Ireland and I'm really missing the emotional lift I get from time with my family. Sorry to moan, I know everyone is in the same boat.

We're still in 5km Apile!

Yes, it's tough when you have family in other counties. It may as well be another country at this stage!

I think he has seven kids, Michael McGrath. My ds and I saw him in Dunnes this time last year looking confused at the lack of toilet rolls. Simon has three daughters. And the wee Sinn Fein man has a couple of kids. Cork South Central politicians could fill a minibus to Fota.

At least if they go back to travel within your county I could go somewhere different. I know some counties are larger than others but still it's something. This 5km thing had ne baffled from the start. It's okay for a week or two but this has gone on for too long now. Some normality needs to be established and I really need new work trousers. Usually I buy everything on line but for work I like to see them.
Also has anyone actually saved any money over the last year? I have no idea what my money went on but I haven't been any better off, in fact I think I'm spending more money, I just don't know on what

Yes, hard lockdown ok for a few weeks but not 12+ weeks like now!

@IsFuzzyBeagMise

We're still in 5km Apile!

Yes, it's tough when you have family in other counties. It may as well be another country at this stage!

Oh I didn't miss anything so. Yeah, that's how I feel, may as well be in different countries. I've only seen DM and Dsis for about 2 hours in a whole year. Didn't get a chance during the summer due to various things and DS was back at school then and DM is very nervous about it all.

No, you didn't miss anything
Yes, DH hasn't seen his family since last August.
That's very tough. It's time to see the light at the end of this (long extended) tunnel.

Food @Iblinkedandiamold, food is what I've spent all my money on anyway. And drink! I keep meeting my neighbour in the booze section of our local Tesco. We had a great aul chinwag the last time, but then it got a bit awkward as I didn't really want her to see how much what booze I was buying so I was waiting for her to go first. I think she was doing the same!! Anyways yes, my grocery bill has easily doubled over the past year - surely it can't all be down to me just eating more

Yes food and virtual races as well actually now I think about it.

Food, yes!

I'm thinking of going to a different town shopping today. It's slight further away but in the same county. I usually just go to te town I work in but I'm sick of it, I need a change of scenery. So I'm up early, going to watch an episode of Emmerdale and then go. They have an Iceland in this town and a dunnes stores and a dealz. Oh the excitement.

You're losing the run of yourself now @Iblinkedandiamold with your Iceland and Dunnes and Dealz.

@Taytocrisps I know. I'll spend loads of money.

Oh I'm glad to hear it's not just me!
The food budget is blown....I'm on first name terms with the local artisan butcher now.
We've probably had a "nice Sunday roast" every weekend since Christmas, whereas I often wouldn't bother BCv (Before Covid).
Dunnes keep sending me vouchers for €10 off €40. I'm on to the con of it, but I still go in and buy €70-80 just to get my €10 off. [Its a faff for me to get to Dunnes but that tenner gets me in the door].

@Taytocrisps I know. I'll spend loads of money. ON FOOD

Oh god I love a good roast dinner @FionaMacCool but now it does sound like you're getting notions be careful

@eggandonion

I think he has seven kids, Michael McGrath. My ds and I saw him in Dunnes this time last year looking confused at the lack of toilet rolls. Simon has three daughters. And the wee Sinn Fein man has a couple of kids. Cork South Central politicians could fill a minibus to Fota.

This is cracking me up for some reason. I think I’m imagining Simon C down the back singing ‘Oh, they’re all a pack of langers up the front’, school tour style.

Impressed though, that people got taken to even an empty Fota on school tours. We used to get taken to Mount Mellaray, because there’s nothing a bunch of ten year olds wants to see like a bunch of Trappist monks up a mountain. The only good bit was some unfortunate coach driver trying to negotiate hairpin bends as we took it in turns to stand at the front and sing into his microphone.

Well now, Postprandial, I went to Mount Mellaray in third class. The Trappist monks must have made a few bob from school tours!