Just back from a weeks break in Youghal.
Stayed in the Quality Hotel - nice apartments.
Great South Eastern aspect over the sea, so I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Jupiter - I won't get to see it from Firhouse what with the Mountains blocking the view. Unfortunately I only got one night where I could use the scope and even that night was quite cloudy. The horizon was packed with cloud and Jupiter was a no-show.
However I set my scope up just off the patio beer garden in the hotel, and had a constant stream of the curious queuing up for views of Saturn (intermittent through cloud). About four people asked was I with the ESA, checking out the Venus Express - they'd just announced it on the news in the bar.
It was nice to have so many interested in what was going on, and many kept coming back for a second and third look.
Unfortunately - no images, it was just too cloudy.

Thats great you got these people interested John!! good stuff

Hi John just goes to show never leave the house without the scope just think about the people you might have got intrested in astronomy which is a good think well done regards Darren

Thanks guys,
Just think of it - open a bar in a dark sky location and you've got it made.
Wait a minute somebody's already done that - Johnny Fox's. Now I bet there'd be good views from their car parks - an ideal spot for sidewalk astronomy, and a few beers and interesting discussion when the clouds roll in. Maybe we'll try something there soon. Must put that on a list of things to do.
Seriously though, it's a great feeling to get others interested in astronomy, and when you can answer the questions, it reminds you of how much you actually know, and sometimes of how little you know. Sometimes the basics are the ones that let you down - one guy asks how far away is that (Saturn), a quick check on Google tells you about 1.2 Billion Kilometers, but I didn't have all the facts to hand that people were asking. Saturn has to be one of the easiest things to garner interest from lay people. It's an amazing sight, easily recognizable for anyone, and awe inspiring. "Wow you can see the rings!!!". I'd encourage any user of this site to get their friends, family, and neighbours involved, it's very rewarding.
So!! Johnny Fox's. Any takers on a Star-B-Q ???

ive showed saturn to my cusin and to a buddy

sounds good to me regards Darren