Madam, - Contrast Liam Roche's experience of expensive Ireland (December 11th) with mine. While visiting Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, last Saturday week to sing in a performance of Messiah, we stopped for a snack in "The Lime Tree", a café comparable in size with Rathfarnham Castle's café. It was closing time, but the proprietor made us feel welcome.
We ordered tea for four, which included two generous chicken salad sandwiches, some cake and extra brown bread (home-made). The cost was €10.85. The staff were courteous and patient and we left satiated and with a real sense of good value. - Yours, etc.,
EILEEN KENNEDY, Woodlawn Park Drive, Dublin 24.
Madam, - On a recent trip to Germany, a mediocre cup of coffee at Dublin Airport cost €2.10, compared with €1 for an excellent cup at Frankfurt Airport. A bottle of Absolut vodka that costs €24.99 in Dublin is available there for €11.99. - Yours, etc.,
BRIGID GREENE, Dalkey, Co Dublin.