Friday March 8th

Today we left Creevy Cottages at 9:00 in the morning. We worked our way to Raphoe, which is by Donegal, for the Voices of Older People. Voices of Older people is an organization in Donegal that works as a source of social participation for older adults in the community. At Voices of Older People we discussed the purpose of this organization, decreased funding to the older adult population, lack of police stations and an increase in crime, and the poor economy. After stories, poems, songs, lunch and good conversation, we were on the road for Fintona to visit with Stan Hillard, a man originally from Scotland who moved to Ireland to link back with family ties. We arrived in Armagh at 5:00 and checked into the Youth Hostel. Staying in a hostel was a first experience for many of us. Our largest room held eight beds with one toilet and shower. After catching a nice meal downtown Armagh, a few members from the group proceeded onto a ghost tour. Barbara, the woman who led the group, told many stories dating back 2,000 years. She also said that Armagh is the oldest city in Ireland. We saw no ghosts but may have a picture with hints of spirit present! Others claim they saw a light turn on and off in the abandoned jail when discussing its history. Meanwhile, the other group remained locked out of the hostel for half and hour due to lack of key for the main doors. Good times were had. The night ended with visiting and telling stories before bed. Everyone is excited to be in Dublin tomorrow but has bittersweet feelings of it being our last full day in Ireland. Well goodnight all! Wish us safe travels and luck on our last full day.

Annie Borema and Sarah Antrobus