Great Island Historical Society Summer Outing 2018

Membars of the Great Island Historical Society relaxing around the Excalibur movie Memorial in the Cahir Castle Theme Park , on the occasion of their outing to Tipperary on the 28th. July 2018

For their 2018 Summer Outing the Great Island Historical Society decided to visit County Tipperary and take in some of its visitor attractions such as the Glen of Aherlow, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage.

On the morning of Saturday July 28th at the Convent Gates on Bishop’s Road 46 members boarded Butler’s Coach and were warmly greeted by the very capable driver, Barry.
On the outskirts of Galbally, Barry stopped and invited everyone to disembark so they might view the Galty Mountains and the beautiful scenery of the district, it wasn’t long before cameras were clicking.

Then it was on to Cashel where the Coach was parked in the Rock of Cashel car park. Some members climbed on to the Rock and enjoyed the wonderful guided tour plus the splendid view. Others decided to stroll around the town sampling the many fine restaurants for late breakfast and of course the mandatory shopping.

Margaret Jordan , Harbour View , Cobh , tries out a wooden sculpture in the Cahir Castle Theme Park on the occasion of The Great Island Historical Society Outing to Tipperary on July 28th. 2018

The next stop was Cahir, where the Coach parked in the car park adjacent to the Castle. Most members went to the Castle, where they were treated to a wonderfully amusing and informative tour, other members went for a walk in the beautiful theme park behind the Castle. Then it was on to the charming Swiss Cottage, some members decided to walk along the beautiful Suir-side walk, which stretches from Cahir Castle to Swiss Cottage, but most decided to go by Coach. Again, at Swiss Cottage some members took the guided tour, while others decided to walk along the banks of the river Suir, those members who took the guided tour, again were very pleased, especially the ladies in the group .

The next thing on the agenda was, food! A most enjoyable, satisfying, and inexpensive three course meal was had in the beautiful Cahir House Hotel. Promptly served by a very willing, welcoming, and jovial staff. Following the meal members relaxed for awhile relishing the hotel’s ambience. the Butlers, Earls of Ormond built it as a Town Mansion when they became tired of living in Castles. Then it was back on the Coach and returning to the Great Island after a really wonderful trip.

Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh FS.