Visit to Guinness kicked off young farmers' Irish trip
Twenty-eight Shropshire Young Farmers explored Ireland and Northern Ireland last week for the county chairman’s trip.
Kate Windsor (Whitchurch YFC) reports: “After a smooth crossing, we arrived in Dublin where we had a guided tour around the world famous Guinness Storehouse. We stood in the glass atrium which, if filled, would have held over 14.3 million pints of Guinness.
"We went through seven fantastic storeys of Guinness heritage and history from production and the ingredients, recipe and craft of brewing to transportation to distribution as well as advertising and sponsorship. We ended the tour on a high (literally!) at the gravity bar where we each had a pint of Guinness while admiring the panoramic views over Dublin. In the evening we enjoyed Irish music and dancing in The Temple bar.
"The following day we went on a very interesting tour around McCormack’s family farm, County Meath, which produced baby leaves and fresh herbs. We saw the leaves growing on the fields and watched the production line - it was a chilly three degrees - including weighing, packing and distribution. McCormack’s sell to top retailers in Ireland including Lidl and Tesco.
"Then we travelled north to see the fascinating Giant's Causeway. The coastal sights were truly spectacular with 40,000 or so hexagonal-shaped pillars dated back to volcanic age over 60 million years ago. After lots of pictures, sitting and contemplating, we headed back to Belfast to our quirky hostel where we stayed for the remainder of the trip. We ate at the third best restaurant in Belfast in the evening and sampled Irish steak, stew and potato cakes.
"On the Friday morning, we were up early to go to The Balmoral Show. Chris Potter, Will Dale and Joe Williams were competing in the sheep shearing competition with Chris Potter being in the winning team for the Rest of the World v Northern Ireland test match. There was a good show of cattle, sheep, machinery and tasty food in the food tent. In the evening we went along to the Balmoral Show Young Farmers after-dance and jigged the night away Irish dancing with local Irish Young Farmer clubs.
"The sea was very choppy on the way home. 'We’re going this way, that way, forwards, backwards, over the Irish sea' while reminiscing and laughing about the good times.”
The trip fits in perfectly with the Young Farmers theme at this year’s Shropshire County Show on May 27. Join us to see all of our fantastic Ireland and Island competitions and exhibitions including the float parade and sheep shearing competitions, as well as static entries such as a Travellers Picnic.
Rebecca Green is Shropshire YFC county chairman
