French International Women's Club enjoy visit to Donegal

Twenty-four members of an international women’s club based in south-west France have returned home with lasting memories of County Donegal, after discovering its spectacular Atlantic coastline, rich heritage, renowned tweeds and, above all, the warmth of its people.

Members of the Landes and Pays Basque International Women’s Club (LPBIWC) travelled across Ireland earlier this month, visiting Dublin, Belfast, Fermanagh and Donegal. The trip brought together friendship, culture, history and some memorable encounters with the people who make Ireland so special.

For organiser Sheila Hobbs, a native of the Irish border region, the journey was also an opportunity to share places close to her heart with friends who now live in France.

Discovering Donegal

Donegal offered the group a wonderful introduction to the beauty and character of Ireland’s north-west. At Rossnowlagh Beach, with its long sweep of golden sand and reputation as a favourite surfing destination, members were reminded of the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the French Landes and Basque Country, where they now live. Travelling along a scenic stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, they enjoyed the rugged headlands, wide-open seascapes and unspoilt natural beauty that make this part of Ireland so distinctive.

In Donegal Town, the group had time to explore the shops and traditional pubs, experiencing the town’s friendly atmosphere and lively local character. A highlight for those interested in Irish craftsmanship was a visit to Magee 1866, the celebrated Donegal tweed business. Members browsed the shop and viewed its weaving exhibit, gaining an insight into the skill and tradition behind the distinctive tweeds for which Donegal is famous.

The group also enjoyed the hospitality of the stunning Harvey’s Point, beautifully situated on the shores of Lough Eske. The delicious food and peaceful lakeside setting provided a fitting opportunity to relax, share stories and appreciate the landscape.

A journey made special by its people

Throughout the tour, the welcome received from local people was a recurring theme. The group travelled with Paul McCauley of McCauley Coach Hire, based in Belleek/ Ballyshannon Border, whose good humour, kindness and gentlemanly manner helped make the journey such a success.

Paul quickly became part of the adventure, joining in the lively banter and even enjoying a few French lessons along the way. His patience and easy-going approach helped create a wonderful atmosphere on the coach, where laughter, conversation and shared experiences became as much a part of the trip as the destinations themselves.

Sharing the stories of the border

The journey continued into Fermanagh, where Sheila was keen to introduce the group to the places, traditions and people she had known throughout her life.

One particularly memorable visit was to the home of her longtime friend Margaret Gallagher, who welcomed the group to her approximately 280-year-old cottage near Belcoo. At 84¾ years old, Margaret entertained her visitors with stories, humour and homemade cakes baked on the open hearth. With all 24 visitors squeezed into the cottage, it was an intimate and unforgettable experience of traditional hospitality.

The group also visited Belleek Pottery, learning about its celebrated craft tradition, and enjoyed refreshments at Lilly Ann Café, served in Belleek china. In Kinawley, a stop at Roche’s Bar offered another taste of local life, while a visit to Maguire’s new bar in Derrylin gave members the opportunity to meet Gareth Maguire of the popular Irish band The Tumbling Paddies.

A special final evening was held at Tully Mill, near Florencecourt, where John Roche, Mario and their team served a sumptuous meal featuring produce from the gardens at Florence Court. Traditional Irish music from Jasmine Swift, Blaithín Manley, Kelly McAdam and young harp champion Sarah McKeever added to the occasion.

Ireland’s history, culture and hospitality

Beyond Donegal and Fermanagh, the group explored some of Ireland’s best-known attractions. In Dublin, visits included Trinity College and the Book of Kells, alongside the Guinness Storehouse. In Belfast, members discovered the city’s maritime heritage at Titanic Belfast, explored its complex past on a Black Taxi tour and visited Hillsborough Castle.

Each destination offered a different perspective on Ireland, from its history and craftsmanship to its changing cities, beautiful landscapes and enduring traditions.

For Sheila, the success of the trip lay in much more than visiting famous attractions. It was about bringing people together, discovering the stories behind places and creating opportunities for genuine connections. The warmth of the welcome in Donegal and Fermanagh, in particular, left a lasting impression on the visitors.

As the group made its way home, there was much to remember: the sweep of Rossnowlagh Beach, the beauty of Lough Eske, the heritage of Donegal tweed, music and laughter along the road, and the generosity of everyone who took time to welcome them.

The club returned to France with photographs, stories and friendships to treasure, and with a renewed appreciation of the people and places that make Ireland such a special destination.