The organisers of the Mayo International Choral Festival invite all choir member and friends to join them on Saturday September 3 for a lovely trip on Lough Corrib, when the 2017 Mayo International Choral Festival will be launched. 2017 will be the sixth festival, which takes place at the end of May each year, attracting choirs and audiences from abroad and all over Ireland. This is a two-hour cruise, which includes a 40-minute visit to Inchagoill, the lake's most famous island. Departing from Lisloughrey pier, Cong, at 2.45pm, from where passenger steamers once operated, expect a trip filled with song and lively banter, and a final song when all will be invited to sing together to launch the 2017 festival.
The boat is a twin-decked vessel with seating at tables for 40 passengers indoors and a further 38 outdoors on the open deck, and has toilet facilities. This boat even has its own bar. The cruise, taking in the beautiful vistas on Lough Corrib, arrives at Inchagoill island at 3.30pm for a 40-minute visit. While on the island passengers are taken on a guided tour of St Patrick’s fifth century monastic site. Historic points of interest include: St Patrick's Church (fifth century ), the stone of Lugna (470AD: gravestone of St Patricks navigator ), The Church of the Saints (built in 1180AD by the Augustinian monks of Cong ), and the burial tomb of Muirgeas O’Nioc (Archbishop of Tuam in 1128AD ). After the guided tour, passengers board the vessel for Ashford Castle, arriving there at approximately 5pm. Passengers have the option to disembark at Ashford and take a short walk back to Lisloughrey, or continue on to disembark at Lisloughrey pier.
The two-hour cruise departs from Lisloughrey pier at 2.45pm, Saturday September 3. There is a discounted rate to choir members and friends of €15 (tour is normally €20 ) and choir members can book their place by emailing [email protected] or phoning (094 ) 902 3040. The festival is encouraging all choirs in Mayo and neighbouring counties to be represented by at least two members of their choir to ensure there is a full complement of singers to sing-in the 2017 festival. Tour is subject to weather conditions. For more information contact [email protected]. The festival is supported by Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
