The Inniscarra twinning Association has been welcoming visitors from Plougonven in Brittany to their homes since 1990. Over that period of 33 years many twinning exchanges have taken place with groups of families, friends and musicians travelling back and forth to France, staying in each other’s houses and getting the chance to encounter the culture, language and people of their neighbouring celtic land. These exchanges have proven to be delightful experiences for both young and old. And so, the arrival of a 23 strong group of Bretons on April 22nd of this year was an extra special event, after the original date had to be postponed due to covid and travel restrictions. The Breton group arrived to the traditional warm welcome in The Wayside Inn bar in Cloghroe where old friends greeted each other and new twinners were introduced. No time was wasted as a visit to Blarney Castle was first on the list. Twinners got a chance to view the beautiful gardens, climb to the top of the castle and of course if they dared, kiss The Blarney Stone. This was followed later on in the evening with a dinner for the guests, their hosts and friends and followed by music, song and dance at The Blarney Castle Hotel. A jam-packed programme ensured that the visitors had a very memorable stay in Cork. A trip to Kinsale which included visiting Charles Fort and The Kinsale Head Lusitania Centre was a big hit with the French. The trip to Bantry gave the visitors time to enjoy Bantry House and to visit the Betelgeuse Memorial. The two twinning groups laid a wreath to commemorate all those who lost their lives in 1979. Other highlights were, a fabulous evening of song at Blarney Singers Club, a visit to Crawford Art Gallery where all were treated to a talk on Ireland’s 50 year membership of the EU and a gala sending-off dinner followed once again by music, song and dance at The Muskerry Golf Club. The 2023 Inniscarra – Plougonven twinning was yet again a terrific success, long may it continue!
