I really want to attend Willie Clancy Week in 2006, and was just wondering how much money it usually costs to stay there for the week? (if you come from the states). I’m a poor high school senior, so I figure if I start saving now, I should be set come summor '06.
Slán,
Harrison
Hi Harrison,
I’m planning on attending this year. It’s costing me about 1,200 for plane tickets (though if you are near a major airport, it will likely be less. I think that you can get there for about 300 from Chicago). It is 180 for the classes themselves. I’m paying about 600 to stay in a B&B right in town. It’s about 350 for a rental car for 2 weeks - though they have a good transportation system so that a car is not necessary. And then meals and any extra instruments that you may buy 
Best,
Erik
Ireland is the second most expensive country in the European Union and prices don’t exactly go down for the summer. Be prepared to fork out for what you eat and drink, for your bed and everything else.
You can cut costs by staying in a hostel or bringing a tent and roughing it. Erik’s assesment of the transport system we can disagree on: most people would say you’re lost without a car in Ireland but there are busses to a lot of places. Erik’s B&B though, is not right in town but a healthy 2km walk out 
.
I’m in Alaska, Peter. 2K is like a walk to the neighbors
Well, it is here too but ‘right in town’ it isn’t by (just over) a mile.
If camping, you better be prepared for the rain. That means having plans for keeping your pipes, reeds, etc., dry. Tents get very humid. You will also need a Plan B for keeping your pipes secure while you’re not using them (e.g. taking a shower). Leaving them in the tent is not something I’d recommend.
Getting there and back is doable using public transport. Bus Eireann is a State-owned company, so it’s obliged to provide a comprehensive service. However, you can’t book your seat in advance. There are a few buses each day and probably one or two on Sunday and public holidays. However, you’ll have to plan in advance and arrive in good time. If the bus is full, you’ll have to wait for the next one. Your best bet if you’re on a budget is to get yourself to Ennis bus/train station. From there you should have a regular, if not frequent, service to Miltown Malbay. Alternatively, get yourself to a good pub in Ennis and try hook up with some musicians going to MM.
Here’s the bus and train schedules:
http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/
From Shannon, it is easy to bus to Ennis. From Ennis, you could also hitchhike to Miltown Malbay as many are headed that way. Same goes for leaving - people are literally headed off in cars to every corner of Ireland.
Miltown Malbay is great and you’d hardly miss by including Doolin, Galway, or Dingle on your trip.
Sweet Jesus, the most I’ve only ever paid for a B&B is €25 per night… how long are you staying for Erik? Are you staying at the Benbridge (or whatever it’s called) or something? $180 for classes… that’s fair enough. Are you an AAA member Erik? You can get good car rental deals through their website with Hertz., might be worth joining just for the deals?
Have fun,
Patrick.
When were you there last, Patrick? Willie Week is high season with festival conditions. In December, 2004, a B&B single was between 40 and 55 Euro in the country; 55 and up in Dublin.
Cars are more expensive than the simple quote they give over the internet. Include VAT, insurance, and other fees, petrol too. For Willie Week, if you can walk to town, etc, you are better off without a car.
Thanks a lot for the imput guys, this will help me plan for next year.
Slán,
Harrison
Probably better walking home too, particularly if you’re planning on having a jar. Na Gardai are very tough at enforcing Drink Driving laws during festivals - and rightly so. Nothing ruins a good festival quicker than a drink-related fatal car accident.
Nope, just a B&B. The one that I wanted to stay at was all out of single rooms, so I’m paying a little extra for a double room (400 Euro ~ $600). I’ll be there for the week of WCW plus a few days on either side, so that’s about 40 Euros/$60 a day. That’s pretty reasonable. Plus I’m staying in a musical household which will likely make my stay priceless 
Erik
I’m paying a little extra for a double room (400 Euro ~ $600).
Erik[/quote]
Any chance you are looking for a room mate ?
RORY
Rory, I sent you a PM.
Erik
Cool… when put like that it sounds quite good Looks like you might have just halved things too… nice one!
The last Week Willie I was at was 2003… feels like a LOT longer than that! Loads has happened in the last couple of years… thankfully!
PD.
Sure enough.
And it’s not much fun spending a night at the “Gardai B&B”, especially when your belongings are at “Mrs. Conroy’s B&B”, and Mr. Conroy could give a shite WHERE you spent the night, because “you kept a room open when we should have been making a few quid on it, so pay up!”
I agree with the above - catch the bus to Miltown Malbay and enjoy the later hours at the pub. With a jar or without.