Hello all, we were up so early it was before the crack of dawn. We headed to Killary Adventure centre where we did a range of activities from climbing, to watersports, to a BOG run, yes BOG run. for our American friends it was a serious culture shock. we had so much fun and we were doing activities and playing games all night as a group.

Friday morning we were taken out to the Aran Islands where a few stomachs were as dodgy as the waves hitting the Ferry. On the island we rented bikes and cycled about and saw the beauty of it. We saw Dún Aonghusa a famous fort on the edge of the cliffs and then faced the last ferry home, where unfortunately again some stomachs turned.

There is no point in talking about the Airport as there were so many tears and it would be unfair to put up those pictures but we would like to thank everyone from parents, teachers, bus driver, and all those who dealt with the group throughout the trip.

Until next year.....

Today was the farewell dinner where we must thank all the parents for their great work and preparation of the fantastic food. We sat and ate as a big group, shared some pictures of the trip both in America and Ireland and then our American guests received a little token of appreciation from the school. a few tears were shed but that was nothing by comparison to the airport.

until tomorrow....

On Monday and Tuesday we went to Dublin, We went to the Guinness Storehouse where we saw how they make and pull the famous pint of Guinness, After that we were taken to see the Book of Kells. After that we went on to see the city centre where we went shopping and also sight seeing. That night we stayed in the hotel where we went to the leisure centre and pool.

Tuesday morning we went to see Croke Park. We got the full tour of the 3rd largest stadium in Europe and then into the Dundrum Shopping centre where some of us shopped till we dropped.

tomorrow is the farewell dinner...so until then

hello all,

Today we went to Blarney where we went onto the grounds of the castle and then kissed the famous Blarney Stone. The bus home went to prove that there definitely is something about the gift of the gab.

After Blarney we went to Cork city where the kids got to go adventuring and seeing the town.

the weekend is all free time so you won't here from us till Monday

have a good weekend....

Hello all,

Today we went to Lahinch to go surfing on the beach, We were cold but thankfully we had our wetsuits. After that we went to one of the most scenic parts of Ireland, We went to see the Cliffs of Moher. Our American friends were amazed at the beauty and sheer height of the cliffs.

tomorrow we're off to bunratty

Today we had a traditional day, we went to see The Model Primary school in Limerick City which is twinned with a local elementary school, Evans Elementary. After that we went to Pallaskenry to meet DJ Daly in his hurley making workshop where we saw how they traditionally made hurleys and some of us even bought them to bring them home.

That evening, Mr. Flannery gave us a hurling workshop in the hall, everyone enjoyed it even the Irish kids who may never played before.

until tomorrow.....

Tuesday saw us in the school for most of the day, the American students shadowed the Irish students and got to see what our classes are like first hand, they also got to see our native language being taught. We did our shout outs home to parents and family members and In the afternoon we were treated to a presentation all about America and it's history, music, culture, food, politics and all the things to do in Pennsylvania.

After lunch we headed to UL where it was soon very obvious that an intense rivalry was about to start. Irish V American was the order of the day where the Americans were the victors in the hockey game but we restored some pride in the soccer game, winning on penalties.

At night we went to Dolans where we were treated to a set dancing class and a trad night. This really showed some of our guests could put Michael Flatley to shame with the moves on show. All in all it was a great night

till tomorrow.....

Monday morning arrived and this is where we introduced our american friends to our school. We were greeted by Mr. Power the principal and we had a welcome breakfast prepared by the lovely staff in the school canteen and we got our exchange tops. After this Mr. Hayes took us on "Mr Hayes' mystery history tour" around the local area of Croom, Manister, Bruff and then to Lough Gur. We all enjoyed listening to Mr. Hayes explain everything with great enthusiasm and humour throughout.

In the Afternoon we were taken to Bunratty Castle in Clare where we were shown a castle built by the founder of Pennsylvania (where our guests are from)  and also how towns were in olden days in Ireland.

till tomorrow.....

Hello all, this is the start of a major adventure for our American guests. They finally arrived after months of waiting and an preparation for their arrival. We were all at the airport at the bright and early time of 5:45waiting for the group to come through the gate, little did we know our sign would be likened to something use for the gathering in 2013. Who knew Coláiste Chiaráin would be to the forefront of international relations. Our beautiful sign didn't last too long though as it was destroyed like the finish line of a race once the first of the Americans was seen coming through the gate. One of us got so excited she nearly caused a major incident as she ran through the gate because "they were coming out too slow".

After the excitement settled and we had arrived home we went to the Limerick V Laois hurling game in Kilmallock, where the group got to see one of the sports that makes this country so famous first hand. before we went for dinner we went to the local abbey to show of some of our beautiful ancient architecture that was actually older than America itself. We then went for dinner in the town and headed home for some much needed rest.

Keep tuned for more of our adventures over the coming days....

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Céad Mile Fáilte to our American Guests on their first morning at Colaiste Chiarain.  

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