Active Retirement Group Fun Summer Trips

Supporting over 200 members within the Ballinasloe branch, the town’s seniors are some of the most active across the entire island. Since their appointment earlier last Spring, this year’s Social Committee have been responsible for the many activities and well attended breaks throughout the last few months.

The local Branch founded in 2002 is the largest of the 34 strong county wide in Galway for registered members, linking in with the 550 plus units nationwide. 

The season started with 51 Ballinasloe Active Retirement (B.A.R.A.) members embarking on a five-day trip to Arklow and its surrounding countryside by coach. Stopping off in Newbridge for a brief coffee, the tourists eventually made their way into Wicklow for a four-night residency at the sumptuous Arklow Bay Hotel. The following afternoon they visited the splendid Powerscourt House and Gardens, as well as Bray with its famous strolling promenade and Bray Head Walks.

The retirees took guided tours of Wicklow’s world famous sites including Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens and Avoca. The final morning, they returned to Ballinasloe weary and tired but overall satisfied with their sweeping journey.

Among their other breaks for members this season was a pleasant evening in County Clare’s Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Additionally, a full coach travelled East to ferry towards England to Bristol and Bath thereafter. Following a guided tour of Berkeley Castle and a scenic drive of Castle Combe in Cotswolds, they made their way to the country’s smallest city Wells. They were able to take a day of leisure in Bath where they would later explore its stunning abbey.

Finally, they capped off their Summer Season with a visit to Dublin where as well as some City Centre browsing they had a wonderful afternoon at the Dail in Leinster House . Joined by TD Denis Naughten, they availed of every photo opportunity at the House of Oireachtas  including some shots with Tánaiste Michael Martin.

Next on the menu for the BARA members will an outing to Leitrim’s Carrick-on-Shannon, as they glide back to their usual activities. The walking club and ‘keep fit’ regime continue every Tuesday morning on the Dunlo Running Track in Brackernagh at 10:30, while their regular meetups resume in Gullane’s Hotel every Wednesday at 15:00.

New members are always welcome, and those hoping to get involved can contact their Secretary Deirdre Hogan at (086) 382 4556 or visit their website at ballinasloeactiveretirement@gmail.com.

Back: Ml. Staunton, Elsie Begley, Norbert Colbert, Ollie Broe, Maura Rafter, Anne Murray Front: Ina Broe, Kitty Colbert