Belarus Knitters 2012

Once again the B,A.R.A. knitters meet and donate to the children of Belarus.

Westport July 2012

Our Visit to Westport Our latest excursion was to the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. 37 members of ARA travelled to Westport on July 4th for a three-day Summer Break. It was most enjoyable. We travelled by train to Athlone and changed there to the Westport train. Westport is an amazing town in Co. Mayo. It is beautifully kept. The people work together and take great pride in their town. It is now at its best, with floral arrangements to be seen all over. They have also just won The Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland competition.

  We visited Knock Shrine from Westport which was just one hour away. It was very prayerful and enjoyable. We also spent a day on Achill Island. The scenery there was breathtaking. The Atlantic Drive was quite beautiful, if somewhat scarey with high cliffs, narrow roads and high mountains.
 We had an excellent coach driver. Personally my visit to Croagh Patrick was my favourite part, having climbed the mountain on three occasions. It brought back many beautiful memories.
  The Famine Ship Monument at Croagh Patrick, unveiled by President Mary Robinson in 1997, reminded us of the different Ireland we have today and how lucky we are to live in this century. And so our trip came to an end all too quickly but it was most enjoyable.
Bridie Loughman