The Shannonbridge Active Retirement Group had a day visit to Kilkenny City last week. The thirty seater bus was almost full and the group boarded after Mass which was celebrated at 9 pm that morning. Joe Cleary and his guitar joined us at Birr and soon everyone was singing as we journeyed towards Durrow where a stop for tea and scones had been arranged with the Durrow Arms. Back on the bus and Joe struck up the guitar and soon Kilkenny was in sight. The bus parked outside Kilkenny Castle which has the Kilkenny Design Center as its neighbour across the street. A novel double Decker bus with an open top was offering a see the sights trip for ten Euro and about ten of the group availed of this. It had a lady driver who also gave a commentary as the bus travelled around and she told us the history of Kilkenny and pointed out the castle, churches, Smithwicks Brewery , various bridges on The River Nore and the outline of the city walls. A number of important historical buildings were named.

After the tour many had a look around the Design Center and we were pleased to find a display of Shannonbridge Pottery on display. There was a very fine food outlet attached to the center. Some of us went our own way .To see the Kilkenny Castle one had to queue

And so BC and myself had a look around the fine well kept garden and at some extension areas of the Design Center where a number of trades were alive and active.

The group had arranged to meet in Langtons Hotel for dinner at 6pm and we went in search of Langtons early and found it. After a drink in the open air beer garden with smokers in mind we exited through the car park and caught sight of the Catholic Church with its peculiar short square shaped bell tower. The tour guide had pointed it out on the bus trip and told us that there were two tales as to why the pinnacle was not placed on the tower. First was that the foundation was not suitable and the second one was a shortage of funds. We visited the church which has some lovely marble and stone work and statues and a fine set of Stations of The Cross. Beside the entrance door inside is a chapel of perpetual adoration.

Kilkenny is home to Denny Hayes who lived in Shannonbridge while working for the Forestry Department many years ago. Mick and Mary walked out to his house to meet him but he was away in Cork for a few days. The weather was fine and sunny and nobody needed an overcoat or umbrella all day. After a fine meal in Langtons the whole party adjourned to a room where Joe Cleary played a vast range of songs until 10pm.

There was a great sing song and dancing and a number of tourists looked in and one group joined the party.

Back on the bus and more songs and this time it was a direct drive arriving home before the bewitching hour.

There is talk of another trip during the summer and if interested contact Pat Keoghane or Kieran Kelly.