Thanks Belinda. I am going to Ireland on 3rd May - unfortunately it will be a flying visit for only 5 days this time but I'm grateful for the chance to be there at all. I will be going to Donegal first up where my maternal 2xgt grandfather Thomas Kearney emigrated from in 1840; then down to Feakle, Co Clare where my husband's McNamaras are from, then to Dublin where my 4x gt grandmother, Sarah Robinson was transported from in 1800. Her father Patrick was hanged at Kilmainham Gaol so we hope to visit there as well. Of course I hope to return for a longer visit later but this is all the time I can spare at this time. I feel Australians and Irish have a lot in common so I'm looking forward to the trip.