It's getting close. I leave on May 3rd for the Ireland Research Trip. I have nine researchers along with three non-researching companions headed for Dublin and six researchers with three companions continuing on to Belfast. At one time the trip was full (15 researchers) but, you know...COVID. Some of the people who cancelled for May re-booked for October. If you're interested in researching in Ireland in October, I have one spot available for Dublin and six for Belfast. If you would like more information, you can follow my blogs beginning next week to see what we do on a research trip.
You likely know that I've been doing this since 2012 and this year is certainly going to be a bit different. Although the repositories are open, they do require appointments and are limiting the number of people. Whereas I used to take half the group to the Valuation Office in the morning and the other half in the afternoon, I'm now limited to just three people and the hours are limited. Also, most of the repositories are closing at lunch time for two hours. The key this year is patience and flexibility. If you are planning on visiting Ireland this summer and doing some research, just make certain you check for any restrictions.
This week will be busy finalizing the arrangements for the researchers, and my own research plan. I also have two more lectures to record and one syllabus to finalize for the Celtic Connections Conference. Registration is now open.
I won't be writing a blog next Monday (packing), but watch the site for the blogs from Ireland. So much research, so little time!
Happy Hunting and Stay Safe!