Exploring Wicklow with the Migrant Support Group

Yesterday Sunday 13th August was a warm balmy day. We set off at 9.15 with our trusted coach partners O’Neills Coaches. I cannot thank the gents who have chauffeured enough, up and down windy roads in a 53 seater bus is no easy task. O’Neills have been excellent in terms of friendliness and punctuality.

We had 46 people on board yesterday and our first stop was to Avoca Mill, not the shop and café just beyond Bray, but the actual town of Avoca where the Mill started created the wonderful woolen items and continues to this day. Allan our wonderful tour guide was engaging, patient and excellent at sharing his knowledge of the MIll. The attendees enjoyed a wake up coffee in the café and found the tour fascinating, in particular the fact that 20 people run the whole factory and produce such beautiful items. It was very clear to see that Allan has a passionate for the business and the weaving industry which no doubt adds to the success of the factory.

We continued on to our next stop Kilmacurragh National Botanic Gardens. We have an introductory tour given by Maggie from the OPW. We were all delighted to hear that the ruined house is now scheduled for restoration. However, the real treat is always the gardens. The amazing wildflower meadow was still a hive of activity despite most of the flowers having passed, the wonderful giant tree which children and adults can climb and explore was a complete delighted for the 11 children travelling on the tour. The gardens are a real trip around the world as the aim is to be actively involved in plant conservation. Well worth a visit at any time of year. Many of the trip’s participants had also been on the trip to Glendalough in July and were most intrigued to learn that Kilmacurragh was part of the pilgrims route on the way to Glendalough and they enjoyed following ancient footsteps up the arch of yews.

Our last stop of the day was to Powerscourt Warterfall which didn’t dissapoint, there was a glorious sunny haze, the waterfall was strong due to recent rains and the scenery was lush. Everyone enjoyed the free time to wander at leisure and take in the beauty of it all in particular the dragonflies and butterflies that were in abundance.

Many beautiful phots were taken and these can be seen in the past events section.

Thank you to the volunteers who came along with first-aid kits, good cheer and general chaperoning duties is always easier when shared with another.