Exploring Irish Heritage

Background

For one of the individuals we support, travelling to Ireland was more than just a holiday—it was an opportunity to connect with family heritage. With a mother originally from Ireland, visiting the country had always been a personal aspiration and one year Peter asked if he could be supported to visit Ireland and see where his family was from. Having previously travelled abroad twice, there was already some experience with flying, but making this trip a reality required careful planning and support.

Preparation and Support

The first step in making the trip possible was renewing his passport, as the previous one had long expired. Assistance was provided throughout the application process to ensure everything was completed smoothly and efficiently.

Given the individual's challenges with relationships and care, having the right travel companion was essential. Simon, with over 20 years of experience in care, accompanied Peter, providing reassurance and guidance throughout the journey. Peter trusts Simon and knows that he could embrace his holiday full of choice. This support was invaluable in making the experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Highlights of the Trip

Peter and Simon spent three days in Ireland. Peter chose the location, hotel, flight times and all of the activities whilst he was away. Once he returned, he said his favourite parts of the trip were:

• Exploring Irish Bars – Enjoying Guinness in a variety of authentic Irish pubs, immersing in the local culture and atmosphere.

• Market and Shop Visits – Strolling through bustling markets, second-hand shops, and mobile phone stores, experiencing the everyday life of the locals. Peter has a passion for markets, and was very excited to explore all the different ones.

• Purchasing a Sony Xperia 10 – A special purchase that served as both a souvenir and linked to his passion for mobile phones. It took three days for Peter to find the perfect phone and he was especially pleased with his bargain.

• Big Green Bus Tour – Tickets were purchased for the Big Green Bus, which provided a fantastic way to explore the city. Throughout the stay, this was the main mode of transport, offering a chance to see many famous landmarks, including:

  • Molly Malone Statue

  • Dublin Castle

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral

  • Guinness Factory

  • Dublin Zoo

  • Oscar Wilde Statue

• Guinness Factory Tour – A fascinating self-guided tour learning about the history and production of Ireland’s most famous stout. The experience was made even more special with a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar. Sitting near the curved glass window offered breathtaking views, but due to a dislike of heights, a different seat was chosen for comfort.

• Walking Tour: Myths and Mythologies – An engaging exploration of Irish folklore, discovering the stories and legends that have shaped the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Outcome and Impact

This trip to Ireland was a deeply meaningful experience, fostering a stronger personal connection to family roots while also providing opportunities for independence and confidence-building. The support provided throughout the process ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing the individual to focus on embracing the journey and making lasting memories.

By facilitating travel that is both personally significant and well-supported, this experience highlights the importance of enabling individuals to pursue their dreams while ensuring they feel safe, supported, and empowered.