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Aogan and Frances Farrell are the
owner/operators of the Maudabawn Cultural Centre which provides ongoing adult
education through computer classes and informative coach tours. The day-long
tours focus on themes of unique geographical, economic, and historical
importance. The tour called the Linen Trail, for instance, introduces 50 or so
adults who fill the comfortable coach, to the prime flax region of South
Ulster, including its market towns, mills, bleach greens, and merchant houses.
This is the heart of Cavan /Monaghan's hills, lakes, and pastoral countryside.
The height of the flax era, 1790's-1820's, left a unique tapestry on the
landscape. Aoghan, a school teacher of some twenty-four years and published
scholar, weaves the story over the speaker system with poignancy and humor that
leaves the listener wanting deeper insight into the lives of
families...families who were totally dependent on the flax trade. In many areas
of Ireland, the English had embargoed the export of wool. Flax became a money
crop, but at mid-century with the arrival of cheap cotton from America, the
flax market collapsed. Hardship ensued as mills closed, whole villages
abandoned and families displaced. Troubles came in many guises.
The titles of other tours give hints of
similar depth and richness: By Lough Sheelin's Shores, Footsteps of St. Mogue,
Ring of Guillion, Highlands of Breifne.
Requests for individual and custom group tours focused on preferred
topics or specific areas are welcomed. Tours and lecture content can be
tailored to almost any orientation.
A late model luxury touring coach is the
transport of choice and the cheerfully unflappable driver, Tom Fox, of Foxhound
Travel, has been behind the wheel on the tours for the past 8 years.
How
to Get There:
By car: From Dublin, take N3 to Cavan Town.
From Cavan Town, take R188 to Cootehill. From Cootehill, take 190 East, bear
right onto R191, go 3 miles to left turn at Maudabawn Cultural Centre sign.
By Bus: See www.buseireann.ie
for connections to Cavan Town and Cootehill.
Times
of departure: Coach departs the centre at 9:30 am,
returning by 4 pm or as arranged for custom tour.
Fees:
5-day tour with late morning tea, 80 Euro, lunch not included. Stop for lunch
around 1:30 at upscale buffet/carvery restaurant (10-15 Euro). One day tour, 50 Euro, lunch included.
Address:
Maudabawn Cultural Centre, Cootehill, Co. Cavan
T: 049 555 9504; www.maudabawn.com
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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