Groves in Ireland, 2008
Ireland--an island of green fields and sheep, tiny villages and large cities filled with vibrant children and families--is the destination for Groves Conference on Marriage and Family. By virtue of the generosity of Irish colleagues and citizens, Groves travelers will explore in this microcosm the effects of globalization on family well-being. Is a rising tide floating all boats? How is daily family life impacted by economic boon attendant with membership in the European Union? What initiatives allow the Irish to care at once for a fragile environment and promote population growth? As a structure for peace is established, how are age-old political and spiritual schisms and the effects of trauma being addressed? In what ways does culture--music, arts, stories--offer meaning to individuals, families, and communities? How do schools--private and public--promote achievement and access to educational opportunity for an increasingly diverse population? Let’s find out together.
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Working Itinerary. |
Photo above, Rural Connemara, near Tir an Fhia |
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Day 1, May 31, Saturday, Limerick, Radisson Hotel Morning ~ Arrival, Transport to Hotel Afternoon ~ Elective Bus Tour, Limerick Evening ~ President’s Welcome Banquet Day 2, June 1, Sunday, Galway, Park Hotel Morning ~ Breakfast, Tour Burren, Cliffs of Moher Afternoon ~ Settle in, traipse around Galway Evening ~ Dinner, Keynote Address Day 3, Monday, Galway Morning ~ Breakfast, Symposium NUI Afternoon ~ Symposium (continued) Evening ~ Dungaire Castle Dinner Day 4, June 3, Tuesday, Galway Morning ~ Breakfast, Visit Muintearas (Tir an Fhia) Afternoon ~ Tour Connemara, Clifton Evening ~ Fireside Chats 1, Supper Day 5, June 4, Wednesday, Belfast, Europa Hotel Morning ~ Breakfast, Time on Own Afternoon ~ Depart, Bog Train Tour, Arrive Belfast Evening ~ Art Exhibit, Reception Day 6, June 5, Thursday, Belfast Morning ~ Breakfast, Peace Forum at Queens Afternoon ~ Black Taxi Tour, Time on Own Evening ~ Fireside Chats 2, Supper Day 7, June 6, Dublin, Brooks Hotel Morning ~ Breakfast, Tour Boyne Valley Afternoon ~ Settle in Dublin Evening ~ Fireside Chats 3, Supper Day 8, June 7, Dublin, Brooks Hotel Morning ~ Breakfast, Visit Fatima Mansions Project Afternoon ~ Time to Ramble Evening ~ President’s Farewell Banquet Day 9, June 8, Sunday, Departure
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Reading The encyclopedia of Ireland edited by Brian Lalor Covering topics as diverse as Aran knitting and aqua culture, as esoteric as field patterns and magdalens, and as humble as potato and potato cookery, this 1218-page volume tells all about people, places, and things in Ireland. Frank McCourt offers a preface that is in and of itself worth the purchase price. Bit o’ Wisdom "Every tide has an ebb save the tide of graces." Fact Since 1700 over 10 million men, women, and children left Ireland. Today the population in Northern Ireland is estimated to be 1.75 million, in the Re-public, 4.25 million. It is estimated that 70 million or more people claim Irish heritage worldwide. Film "The Magdalene Sisters" offers a frank, if discon-certing depiction of young girls’ lives in the Mag-dalen Laundries, institutions for "wayward women", first operated in Ireland in 1767. A trailer provides interviews with former detainees and poignant ac-counts of a harsh life. The last laundry, located in Dublin, closed its doors at the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity in 1996. Selecting Hotel Rooms Registration assumes two persons per room. If you and your traveling companion or another Groves member wish to share a room and have a double bed or two singles, you may. If a traveler wishes, a pri-vate room is available for an additional $699. Please contact Michelle Burris at MBurris@welfareresearch.org and let her know with whom you are rooming or request for roommate and type of hotel room sleeping arrangement needed, no later than November 15. Major air carriers offer morning arrival service to Ireland. The recommendation of Conn O’Scannlain, Travel Director for Groves, is to fly into Shannon and fly out of Dublin. Travelers may make their own reservations or may call R Travel at 888-856-9937 (Pacific time) that will make your reservations, for a fee. Ask for Thea or Ruth for assistance.
Photo Flower in a raised peat bog |
