From May 11 to 20, 2017, RC10 sponsored a trip to Ireland for its members, planned by Doug Porter and accomplished through Celtic Tours. 34 members and guests discovered the breathtaking scenery and culture of Eire.
With the help of our informative and entertaining guide/bus driver Terry O'Connor, we enjoyed the sights of much of southern Ireland, and stayed in 4 different cities. On the first day, we experienced a ride along Dundalk Bay to the Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford Lough. After a delicious dinner and an Irish breakfast the next morning, we departed for Belfast, which is in Northern Ireland. The highlight for many of us was having a local tour guide explain a bit about the history of the unrest that plagued the city for many years, and what it meant for her to grow up in that war-weary environment. We saw some of the enduring scars that told of the pain this proud city lived through. We saw the walls and barbed wire that separated the citizens, and the murals and artwork that told of their grief. We were impressed to learn that a strong commitment and passion for peace is extending to the next generation through many educational programs. We then toured the Titanic Museum and marveled at the multimedia displays and exhibits.
The next day we went on to Galway, stopping on the way for a visit to St. Brendan's Cathedral. We saw breathtaking examples of stained glass and artwork by various Irish artists. The next day, the group toured the Connemara Marble Factory, Kylemore Abby, and the Celtic Crystal Factory.
Our next tour took us to the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney. We stopped at the Rathbaun Farm, where we saw sheep shearing and watched a sheepdog maneuver the flock back to their pen. We were treated to tea and delicious scones at the farm and viewed the historic part of the home where the owner grew up.
The next day, most of us toured the magnificent coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, and stopped for the best fish and chips we ever tasted. Four of us played golf at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club! Before we left Killarney, many of us took the opportunity to see the Gaelic Roots Show and enjoyed authentic Irish singing and dancing.
The last leg of our trip took us to Dublin, but we stopped on the way at Blarney Castle where some of us made it to the top and kissed the Blarney Stone, while others shopped at the Blarney Woolen Mills. We also saw the Rock of Cashel, an ancient castle fortress of the Kings of Ireland. The next day we were treated to a tour of Guinness Storehouse and a stop to see the Book of Kells. We enjoyed a free afternoon in Dublin.
Along the way, we enjoyed the camaraderie and support of traveling in a group of people who quickly became friends. If you ever have the opportunity to take an RC 10 group tour, it will be something you will never forget. Please enjoy the photo album from our trip which is linked below.
http://rc10.ny.aft.org/rc-10-discovery-ireland-trip-may-11-20-2017