When Lynn Marie West, Kathy Spelker and Linda Pfaff arrived in Ireland last year to honor the decade-long sisterhood between the cities of La Crosse and Bantry, the reception they received made them feel like family.
“They treated us fantastic. I swear the whole town was singing for us,” enthused West, vice president of the La Crosse Bantry Friendship Association. “A lot of townspeople were curious to meet people from their sister city and were so kind. We thought, ‘We have to get more people over here.’”
More people from La Crosse will have the chance to experience that hospitality for themselves next spring, when the LBFA hosts a tour of Ireland full of history, scenic views and daily “world famous” Irish breakfasts. The trip will cover several cities, including Bantry, which became one of La Crosse’s seven sister cities thanks to the efforts of Pfaff, who met with then-mayor of Bantry Patrick Kelly and Deputy Mayor Mary Hegarty in 2004 to broach a relationship. The nonprofit LBFA now has 57 members, who participate in parades, Irishfest and charitable fundraisers along with promoting cooperative efforts in sports, arts, government and business.
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“The cultural exchange is so important for finding commonalities and learning about differences, traditions and every day life, and you really become more immersed in the cultural than you would by just reading about it,” West said. “We have members from Iowa, Minnesota — people really want to support the connection to Ireland.”
The organization includes three Irish natives, including Gwen Brennan, who who was born and raised in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, and relocated to the United States 26 years ago. Brennan, owner of a travel agency, created the itinerary for the Ireland trip, which will take place June 5-14, making sure to include her favorite locations and attractions.
“Cong is beautiful — the west coast is spectacular,” Brennan said of the of the region, which boasts picturesque mountain views and the Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. “And the cliffs of Moher — that whole area is just so beautiful. June is a nice time to visit, when the flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining.”
The excursion will also feature a tour of the Beara Peninsula, a stop on Garnish Island and walking tours led by Irish locals in Cong and Galway, the latter of which West is eagerly anticipating.
“I’ve never seen Galway,” West said. “Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s the most beautiful place in Ireland.”
Ample time will be spent in sister city Bantry as well, a location not easily accessible to tourists due to the absence of public transportation. Brennan and West expect the group will be charmed by the small town of 3,300, which features lush gardens and a bay surrounded by mountains, and by the country in general: “The Emerald Isle is seriously green!” West marveled.
“Ireland is the perfect place to go if you’re traveling overseas for the first time,” West added. “The people are super friendly, there’s no language barrier. We’ll provide a taste of many different sections so you can find something you love.”
“Ireland is the perfect place to go if you’re traveling overseas for the first time. The people are super friendly, there’s no language barrier.” Lynn Marie West