On 26th April 2015, 72 members set off on their 17th Spring break in Ireland. This time 2 coaches headed for the marble city for 5 days/4 nights.
There was so much to see and do in this historic and beautiful city, it was hard for the organisers to pick and choose.
However, the itinerary was interesting and varied and catered for most members tastes.
We had a tour of the 12th century castle followed by a trip on the road train which brought us on a 25 minute tour of the Medieval Kilkenny City.
The weather let us down badly for our guided walking tour of the city. While our tour
guide, Ronan, was excellent, it was hard to concentrate while the cold north wind blew
around our ears as we trailed through the narrow streets and alleyways. However, it was
most enlightening and well worth the effort.
During the next few days we had a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine ship in New Ross.
We got a unique insight into the bravery of Irish people during the Famine years. On our
way to New Ross, we paid a visit to Jerpoint Abbey . an outstanding Cistercian Abbey
founded in the second half of the 12th century.
We had a most enjoyable day in the Castlecomer Discovery Park which housed a coal
mining museum. The craft shops and beautiful hand- made silver jewellery were
irresistible to some!
We travelled home via Newbridge . Newbridge Silverware boxes were much in evidence
as we boarded the bus for a further shopping spree in Kildare Outlet Village.
We finished off the trip with an excellent dinner in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone.
While the weather could have been a little kinder to us, Our visit to Kilkenny city and
county proved to be most enjoyable. The Hotel Kilkenny was perfect and within walking
distance of the city centre. The singers, the swimmers, the card players, the walkers, the
explorers, all had a good time.
We arrived home safely in Ballinasloe tired but happy.
Chris O'Flynn.
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