Carlow
Trip - May 2019
For our
Spring break this year 55 members of our Active Retirement Group
headed south -east to Carlow, famous for its many public gardens.
Once again the weather man was good to us as we enjoyed glorious
sunshine all the way.
After the
usual tea/scones break in Portlaoise we travelled through lush green
countryside and picturesque riverside towns and villages before
arriving at our destination, the luxurious Mount Wolseley Hotel in
Tullow.
After a
lovely breakfast , our first day touring took us to the Aboretum home
and garden haven in Leighlinbridge. This was an excellent place to
browse and enjoy the magnificent display of flowers and garden
furniture and ,of course, the shops .The bathroom sinks were an
amazing piece of art – each one designed in the shape of a flower
in various colours. In the afternoon we had a very interesting
guided tour of Carlow museum.
Next day,
our driver, David, took us through the picturesque Wicklow National
Park to Avoca village in Co Wicklow, famous for its Meeting of the
Waters . The Ballykissangel T.V. series was filmed in the village.
After a tour of the mill, we travelled on to the award -winning
Rathwood garden and shopping centre for some more retail therapy.
On our
third day, it was time for a beer which we were glad to get after a
guided tour of the Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny . We had no worries
about being over the limit as we continued our journey for a visit to
Borris house and gardens. This was the home of the ancient Kings of
Leinster. The present owner, Morgan Kavanagh McMorrough gave us a
very informed guided tour of the house and chapel. We were pleased to
hear his ancestors had a connection (through marriage) with Garbally
College and Lady Cloncarty. They still have weddings in the chapel
and cater for wedding receptions in the big ballroom.
Each
evening, after dinner, some people adjourned to enjoy the music and
sing-song in the bar, while the card players disappeared into some
quiet corner until the early hours ( I believe) to enjoy their game
of bridge.
After our
lovely, enjoyable action- packed four days, it was time to pack our
bags for home. There was yet another treat for us on the way home.
The highlight of my trip was our visit to the Delta Sensory Gardens
in Carlow. It was a haven of peace and tranquility . The tour guide
made it all so interesting and it was nice to see some of the special
needs people happily helping out in the garden.
We stopped
off in Browns Restaurant in Tyrellspass for dinner on our way home. A
lot of weary but happy travellers arrived home safely in Ballinasloe
after another very successful Spring break. Many thanks to Phil and
Bridie for all the organisation.
Chris O’Flynn
(P.R.O) May 2019
Many
thanks to Phil and Bridie for all the organisation.
