Michael McDermott - My Grandfather

Here's a photo of my grandfather. Soon, I will be traveling to County Tyrone, Northern Ireland to see where he was born and raised; visit newly found family and hopefully find information about my grandmother's family in County Cavan. 

Michael McDermott in NYC post 1900

I've begun planning my trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.  After searching air fares, B & B's, hotels, rental cars, etc. I decided to use My Guide Ireland to help with my arrangements, based on a recommendation by my cousins Patrick and Susan who visited Ireland in August 2010.  Can I say how jealous I was that they got to "meet the family" and see the old homestead before I did!

I decided to do a 16 day trip (fourteen full days, two travel days).  I planned to fly to Dublin, spend a couple of days exploring Dublin, hopefully researching and then proceed to Northern Ireland where I would meet some newly-found cousins.  Of course, I hoped to find some evidence about my ancestors.

While I planned to drive in Northern Ireland I had no desire to attempt to drive in the city limits.  Imagine driving a standard shift car, from the right seat and shifting with the left hand, in an unfamiliar city, on the opposite side of the road.  Not!  My Guide Ireland booked three nights at the Davenport Hotel in Merrion Square in Dublin (breakfast included), after which I would collect my rental car and drive north.  I also had vouchers for B&B's good at any one listed in their tour book.

I was to learn Merrion Square was a very convenient location.  From the front of the Davenport, a very famous statue of Oscar Wilde clearly is visible in Merrion Square Park.  Many of the sights in Dublin are "walkable" from the hotel for most people.  

Oscar Wilde statue Merrion Square Park, Dublin

The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union and Euros is the currency while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and still uses Pounds Sterling.  So, I needed to obtain both.