In May we visited Ireland’s newest and, what many assert is the most exciting and finest expression of man’s commitment to exploration and resilience, in the face of overwhelming difficulties.

We arrived in Athy mid-morning and continued straight to the Shackleton Centre where we had refreshments in Ernie’s, their indoor / outdoor café. This was a very welcome start to the day’s events.

This was followed by a self-guided tour of discovery in the Shackleton Heritage Centre over the three-level spectacular centre relating to Shackleton and to many aspects of the Antarctic Continent

We then departed by coach to Kilkea Castle for lunch. Members partook of lunch in the truly delightful drawing room of the castle which dates to 1180 AD. Members then went on a very interesting tour of the castle building, its history, and enjoyed a post-lunch inspection of the castle’s extensive gardens which were really amazing and of great interest to the enthusiastic gardeners among us.

All in all, this was a memorable day and, as always, very much enjoyed by our members.

In May we visited Ireland’s newest and, what many assert is the most exciting and finest expression of man’s commitment to exploration and resilience, in the face of overwhelming difficulties.

We arrived in Athy mid-morning and continued straight to the Shackleton Centre where we had refreshments in Ernie’s, their indoor / outdoor café. This was a very welcome start to the day’s events.

This was followed by a self-guided tour of discovery in the Shackleton Heritage Centre over the three-level spectacular centre relating to Shackleton and to many aspects of the Antarctic Continent

We then departed by coach to Kilkea Castle for lunch. Members partook of lunch in the truly delightful drawing room of the castle which dates to 1180 AD. Members then went on a very interesting tour of the castle building, its history, and enjoyed a post-lunch inspection of the castle’s extensive gardens which were really amazing and of great interest to the enthusiastic gardeners among us.

All in all, this was a memorable day and, as always, very much enjoyed by our members.