Of course we had to have Irish coffeesOur bus driver, Frank, sang to us.  A song that was written by Robbie Burns after he visited Ireland. Farewell group drinkMaggie with the stars of the show.

Thursday, May 28: Connemara

Today we discover Connemara, a land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas.  We visited Kylemore Abbey; the architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. We continue on to Moycullen and visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory. This family-run business has been pioneering the incorporation of Celtic Designs and Gaelic Motifs on a unique range of ornate, exquisitely-crafted Irish Crystal for over 39 years. All pieces of Celtic Crystal are hand- cut using the old traditional methods. After dinner, we enjoyed entertainment at Trad on the Prom, celebrating the passion of Ireland’s past with a contemporary production of world class music, song and dance derived from the pulsating energy that has survived from the dawn of Celtic mysticism to become the record breaking phenomenon it is today. We show was amazing. The dancers, singers, the music and the engery was outstaning.

It is coming close to the end of our amazing trip to Ireland.  Many don’t want to leave or they plan to return someday.  We had a group drink and I handed out a small gift so everyone can remember this trip each day they take a look at their gift. :O)

Overnight: Salthill Hotel, Galway