Getting to Dundalk
Since our last progress report, Dundalk, which is fifty-five miles away from Dublin, has magically gotten closer to the capital. Previously we would have said that Dundalk was a good hour's drive away. Now it's about 45-50 minutes, but it costs an extra one euro and fifty cent, such is the cost of magic.

Hopefully many of you will be flying into Dublin on Thursday; we not only have an evening's gathering arranged, but it will allow you a bit more time to get to Dundalk.

Getting from the airport into the city centre is rather easy, as well as taxis you have two realistic options:

Aircoach offers service from City Centre and South Dublin City to the airport. Their service runs 24 hours, every day. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver and cost approximately €6.00 (one-way) or €10 (return). This service stops at most of the major hotels around Dublin City.

Dublin Bus offers many routes throughout Dublin to the airport, including an AirLink express bus from Heuston and Connolly Rail Stations. For the latest route details and timetable information click the following www.dublinbus.ie (cheapest)

From Dublin City Centre, the easiest way to Dundalk is the Train. Connolly station is situated on Amiens Street; about 10 minutes' walk from O'Connell Street. The journey can be as little as an hour. Dundalk station is under two miles from the hotel and taxis usually await the train.

The next choice is Bus Eireann. The main bus station, BUSARUS, is situated on Amiens Street, directly across the road from Connolly station. The journey is quite protracted and the buses stop regularly to unload donkeys and the such so really the train across the road would be a better option. The bus stops at The Long Walk, this is next to a shopping centre, and you can get a Taxi from there. Alternatively, if you ask the driver to drop you off as close to Fairways Hotel as possible, you may get within 300 metres of the hotel.

The weekend of the convention is a Bank Holiday in Ireland, and it is very busy on trains, so getting out to Dundalk early is important. The earlier you depart the better; Irish transport authorities do not comprehend overcrowding, and although we don't go as far as the "crowds on the roof" stage (due to overhead wires), you do get people standing in carriages, so get there early.

For those of you driving, it's all rather simple. First off buy a map. Then look for the M1. This is the main road between Belfast and Dublin and at this stage it is all motorway from the outskirts of Dublin to Dundalk. You leave the motorway at Dundalk, and join a dual carriageway. This dual carriageway continues around Dundalk – in bypass fashion – but there is a serious crossroads about a mile from the motorway, where you get the option to go into Dundalk, or head down the old Dublin Road toward Dublin. This is your turn; so turn right, away from Dundalk. 300 metres later on the left-hand side is the hotel.

If you arrive early at the hotel, you can always wander / taxi into Dundalk. There isn't a huge amount to see and do, but it's a nice town all the same. We really want people there by six o'clock for registration, so that at 7pm we get rolling with you all there. As most of you will be aware our opening ceremonies are legend, so don't miss it.