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Ireland - Day Five

 

We enjoyed breakfast this morning in the main dining room of the Armada Hotel with sweeping views of Spanish Point.  After breakfast, we departed for the hour and a half drive to Galway.  At the advice of our driver, Sean, we stopped along the way to enjoy some tea and scones and stretch our legs a bit.  

Upon our arrival in Galway, we were met by our local guide (and consummate comedian), Brian. The original plan was for us to embark on a walking tour of the town, but the weather had other plans this morning, so Brian boarded our bus and gave us a fantastic driving tour of Galway.  With this new plan of action, we were able to make a few stops that were not originally on our tour including Brian's alma mater, the University of Galway and the Galway Cathedral.

Officially named the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heavan and St.
Nicholas, this impressive Cathedral was opened in 1965. Brian shared the story of John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit to Ireland when his motorcade drove by the Galway Cathedral while it was still under construction.  After his assassination, a mere five months later, photos of the visit began circulating and shortly thereafter cash donations in honor of JFK poured in from Irish Americans to fund the completion of the Cathedral. There is a beautiful mosaic of JFK featured in the Cathedral.  If you look closely, you may be able to spy the mosaic in the picture.


After a day of sightseeing and shopping, we returned to the Armada and enjoyed a wonderful private reception complete with an impressive spread of snacks provided by Cindy Parola '84 and Esther Chamberlain '68.  Shortly after, we departed our hotel for a festive medieval-style banquet at Bunratty Castle.  Dinner was served in the Great Hall of this 15th century castle and was presided over by two of our own, as Dan '64 and Eileen Kelly were crowned Earl and Lady for the evening. Following dinner, we were treated to a serenade of beautiful Irish music.  

After the banquet concluded, we made our way back to the Armada Hotel to settle in for the night in preparation for an early morning and very busy day tomorrow. 

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