Joy Losgar and Irma Annunziato arrived at Rathbaun Farms On Saturday, October 1 st, 19 travelers departed on an Adult Education trip to Ireland. Following a smooth ride, they were met by driver/tour director Michael “Mickey” Dolan. Although a little bleary-eyed from the trip, they were immediately immersed into Mickey’s extraordinary commentary on Ireland, which included history, music, art and information on each area the group would be visiting. This information, and an incredible Irish wit, made for an amazing trip. Everyone enjoyed lively discussions, magnificent scenery, great weather, lots of fun and many, many laughs.

The group, which began the tour in Shannon, then traveled north to Galway with a welcomed stop at Rathbaun Farms, a sheep farm, for tea, coffee and scones. From Galway to the Connemara region, the group passed wonderful Irish villages and cottages. They continued on to the spectacular cliffs of Moher and then to Bunratty Castle, where they enjoyed a fabulous medieval banquet. Blarney Castle was a favorite stop and many kissed the famed stone. A boat ride in Killarney, a trip through the Killarney National Park and a jaunting cart ride made for a great day.

“The group on the Bride” in Cong The awesome beauty of the Ring of Kerry, complete with wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys and rocky mountains, got rave reviews. Leaving the west and heading east to Dublin included rich pasturelands, beautiful countryside and a visit to the mighty Rock at Cashel.

The last stop was Dublin, a fabulous city with friendly people, wonderful museums, the Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity University, parks, restaurants, magnificent Georgian Square and terraces, and the much talked about “doors.” The farewell party was at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub, where everyone enjoyed amazing Irish singers and dancers. The Ireland trip was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

Adult Education will be sponsoring another trip to Ireland in June. For information on this and other destinations, call the Adult Eduction office at 478-1070.

Neil McKeon, John and Arline Wetterhahn, Annette Guerriero, Sue Davis, Jill Mayer and Pat Rice in the village of KinvaraMargaret and Water Kowalewski annd John Guerriero with an Irish accordion player Neil McKeon, Molly Burns, Sue Davis and Jill Mayer at Rock CashelA great way to get around in Cong Irma and Anthony Annunziato at a castle in Cong Joy Losgar and Annette Guerriero in the village of Cong, home of the “Quiet Man” The Cliffs of Moher Garden City travelers begin the tour of the Ring of Kerry Margaret Kowalewski, Joy Losgar, Audrey Raisin, Barbara Rosen and Pat Rice at Three Rock Pub Arline Wetterhahn and Jill Mayer at a sheep farm Blarney Castle Annette and John Guerriero at a cottage near Bunratty Castle Just couldn’t stop shopping! Neil McKeon, Molly Burns, Sue and Joe Davis during the farewell dinner Lough Corrib, Ireland John Witterhahn at the Quiet Man cottage A pre-dinner gathering at the Galway Bay HotelJohn and Annette Guerriero, John and Arline Wetterhahn, Neil McKeon, Carole Dean at the Bunratty Castle Medieval BanquetPat Rice, Rosealeen Savage, Jill Mayer, Walter and Margaret Kowalewski and Carole Dean enjoyed a jaunting cart ride in KillarneyRosealeen Savage, Jill Mayer, John and Annette Guerriero at the Three Rock Pub The Abbey of the Benedictine NunsDinner at the Galway Bay HotelNeil McKeon, Anthony Annunziato, Joy Losgar, Sue Davis, Arline Wetterhahn, Mickey Dolan and Joe Davis Medieval banquet at Bunratty CastleJoe and Sue Davis took in the view of the Derrynasaggart Mountains Carole Dean and Jill Mayer enjoyed the Irish countryside