Peter’s group outside Stormont

Forty members, friends and supporters of the Featherstone Male Voice Choir in West Yorkshire travelled to Ireland at the beginning of May for an eight-day non-singing holiday. “The holiday was booked through Shearings Holidays in Wigan,” says Choir Secretary and Group Holiday Organiser, Peter Malpass. “It was a most wonderful holiday.”

The stay began with a night in Dublin, from where the group travelled north to stay for two nights in Armagh. “Whilst here, we explored the surrounding areas including Belfast, where the highlight was a visit to Stormont,” explains Peter. “We also visited Giants Causeway in County Antrim before spending two nights in Letterkenny, visiting Londonderry on the way and the Glenveagh National Park.”

From here, the group travelled to Gormanston for a night, via the famous Belleek Pottery in County Fermanagh. “The ladies of the group left here with much heavier bags and lighter purses!” laughs Peter. He continues, “The absolute highlight of the tour was a visit to Causey Farm, a typical working Irish family farm in County Meath. We were welcomed by members of the family and learned to play the Bodram drum, took part in Irish dancing, baked Irish soda bread and were treated to freshly made scones hot from the oven along with a welcome cup of tea in the barn. We had such a great and happy time.”

The holiday ended with a final night back in Dublin and Peter sums up, “All the hotels were first class as was the food. The Irish hospitality was second to none and it was so good to visit Northern Ireland, now mostly recovered from the years of conflict and division. It is a beautiful place. We have used Shearings as a group now for over 14 years, which says a lot for the company as we return year after year and are always highly delighted with the service we receive.”