A Family Reunion in Ireland

During Lockdown in Ireland 2020 we had a lot of time to consider and reconsider priorities. Reflect on the past, present and future. Realization of what we have power over and new ways we have to live in order to stay safe.

One of my great memories is that we went ahead with a much talked about Family Reunion in July 2019 in the West of Ireland. We chose the West as we spent most of our summers there growing up with our Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. So, Where do you start? trying to arrange a reunion with three generations ranging in age from 2yrs to 75yrs.

We got in touch with Cronins Coaches and their sister company Select Hotels of Ireland– A family run operation who know all about getting family together and looking after their wants and needs. They gave us a selection of 29 Hotels to choose from. An executive decision was made with the family elders and the Falls Hotel Ennistymon Co. Clare was chosen for our get together. Now we had to figure how to get everyone to Clare? as we had a few flying into Dublin Airport for the Reunion a decision was made with the help of Select Hotels to book a private coach or ‘Mini Bus’ for family members travelling from Dublin to Clare. Excellent decision as there was wifi on board !!!!! and much much more of course.

Our driver Tom collected us from 2 designated locations in Dublin, Dunlaoghaire Harbor and Dublin Airport. We had a few pit stops along the way on a very smooth relaxing drive to Co. Clare. We stopped in the following locations:

• Barack Obama’s four courts, coffee, pizza, ice cream
• Bunratty Castle
• Durty Nellies – for a toasty’s and a pint!

There were a few calls from our family members wondering what was keeping us! so we loaded up and arrived at the Falls Hotel at 4pm where we had a drinks reception in the Garden looking out over the most vibrant waterfall in Co. Clare Ennistymon Cascades. We had great fun getting all of us together for a photo but we got it in the end!

At one stage the Head chef was on his way out to encourage us to take our place for the most superb 4 course meal ever. The private room was decorated so nicely and there was so much space for the children to have fun and play and get to know their cousins, there was great fun playing musical chairs and musical statues and of course our famous dance off, the singing and dancing went on till late.

The next morning our driver Tom brought some of us brave cousins to Spanish Point for a 9am morning swim where we met more very brave souls from Snámhaí Sásta check them out on their Facebook page and Instagram. After our morning dip we headed back to the Falls where we met more of the family and Tom brought us to Liscannor so we could part take in the Cliff Walk from Liscannor to the Cliffs of Moher and then onto Doolin a fantastic way to see and experience the Cliffs of Moher. Tom met us in Doolin to bring us back to the Falls Hotel. The family members that hadn’t that energy to walk18 km’s went on different activities such as:

• Falls Hotel leisure Centre
• River Spa based in the Falls Hotel
• Surf Lesson in Lahinch –
• Moher Farm a favourite for the smallies and oldies alike –
• A visit to the Rock shop in Liscannor:
• The River Walk and feed the Donkeys on the grounds of the Falls Hotel
• Leisurely walk around Ennistymon

On the second evening everyone dined at leisure in the Dylan Thomas Bar or the Cascade Restaurant and some went on to test the local hostelries’ in Ennistymon.

After a leisurely breakfast the next morning we all said our goodbyes and we headed off with Tom in our Cronin’s Sprinter. This time we went back to Dublin on the Galway road and we popped into

• Galway Crystal shop and showrooms
• Athlone Castle for a visit and lunch

Got back to Dublin in time for our cousins to catch their flight home and carrying great memories of our Brassil Reunion July 2019.

Tips for booking your Family Reunion

First –  Pick a date

Second –  Contact Select Hotels of Ireland: CLICK HERE

Third – GO and ENJOY