Ireland

THE EMERALD ISLE AT IT'S FINEST
WHEN MANY OF YOU WERE ASKED, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO NEXT?

...there was a strong desire to see Ireland.  Marge and I were there in May and have made many of the preliminary plans for an August 2010 ag-venture to Ireland. It's a fascinating country with an ancient agricultural tradition that is experiencing all the implications of joining the European Union.  They have no hesitation to tell you all about that, as well as an Irish hospitality to show you their farms. We're incorporating many farm stays as well as the historical sites, castles and culture into the tour. Of course, a few days in Dublin will be on the agenda and there will be time for Irish stew and a Guinness or two. From the National Stud Farm to the fishing ports and hedge-lined winding roads, you're sure to enjoy this tour.  Contact us for more details and pricing as we are now in the planning state.  But we wanted you to be the first to know about this summer 2010 treat.

As promised earlier, we are going to Ireland August 4th to 17th . When we visited Ireland in May of 2009 to make some preliminary plans, we found a land that is a wonderful mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality. We visited many places that we would like to share with you

Our trip will start in Dublin, Ireland’s capital. We arrive the week of the Dublin Horse Show which is an institution in this city. As you know the Irish have a great affinity for horses, so this is a major event on their social calendar. As well as providing an arena for show horses and international jumpers, there are trade booths selling everything from antiques to toys. We will be happy to reserve tickets for you if you would like to see the show on August 6th , your free afternoon.

When we leave Dublin we will go to the medieval city of Kilkenny, which will be our base as we visit farms. As well as beef, dairy, horse, and tillage farms we will visit a Bio Fuel plant and tour an animal feed mill. The Kilkenny Arts Festival will be on while we are in Kilkenny and will give us an opportunity to see and hear some of the best music and crafts in the country.

We will continue west to county Clare and Bunratty castle. The Medieval Banquet and a visit to Durty Nelly’s pub will be highlights of your trip. Then we head North and see the Cliffs of Moher and go up the coast to Gort.

We continue to the Midlands and we hope you are as impressed with Newgrange as we were. Built around 3200 B.C.it is one of the most important passage graves in Europe.

Our last full day will again be spent visiting farms and ends with a farewell dinner.

We have designed this trip so you can see a number of the places Ireland is famous for, but also you will have an opportunity to meet with farmers and find out how they feel about their country being in the European Union. Learn how this has affected their farming practices, and income.

We are excited about this trip and hope you will be joining us on this agventure.