On Sunday 11th April a group of Ballinasloe Active Retirement members set off to Wexford on our spring holiday. We had three wonderful days full of activities and excursions, with nightly sing-songs and a few games of Bridge.
The journey there and back was a little tiring but we stopped on the way for coffee and lunch. Of course the good weather added greatly to our trip and the whole countryside was a mass of colour in the sunny south-east.
We visited the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Arboretum and marvelled at the variety of shrubs and trees. The visit to the Dunbrody famine ship was a sobering experience as we encountered the harrowing experiences of our forefathers. We visited Our Lady’s Island. We were impressed by the stories of the many pilgrims that go there and of the many cures attributed through the intercession of Our Lady. So we lit some candles in the church and got holy water from the holy well there and prayed for the intentions of all our families and our sick members who were unable to be with us.
Hook Head Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Europe, was very interesting and we enjoyed the guided tour. Afterwards we visited the cafe and browsed in the craft shop. The Irish National Heritage Park is where we learned about the history of Ireland and is located 3 miles from Wexford town. The centre recreates the history and heritage of Ireland from the Stone Age to the arrival of the Vikings and Early Normans. The Vikings came to Ireland at the end of the 8th century, first plundering the natives but later coming here to trade and settle. Our trip would not be complete without visiting the National 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy. This is an award-winning centre, located in the shadow of Vinegar Hill, beside the picturesque River Slaney. Ghost-like life-size plaster figures represent the people of 18th century Ireland. A visit to this centre is a must for all visitors.
Our hotel, the Talbot, was situated in the middle of the town of Wexford. Many of the rooms had a view of the sea. The staff were friendly and professional and the food was well-presented and delicious.
To date this was one of our most enjoyable spring holidays.
Bridie Loughman
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