Retired Teachers' Association of Ireland

The Offaly Branch of the RTAI recently visited the incredible Shackleton Museum in Athy, Co. Kildare. Housed in a stunning 300-year-old Town Hall with a striking iceberg-shaped glass extension, the museum holds the world's largest collection of Sir Ernest Shackleton artefacts.

With the help of a fantastic tour guide, the group gained deep insights into his harrowing expeditions and legendary leadership. Highly recommended for any history or adventure enthusiasts! 🗺️🚢

Have you read our wonderful poetry section in the latest Comhnasc? 📖☀️

This edition features four pages of beautiful, moving poems written by RTAI members. 📝✨ Find it on pages 23-26!

👉 Read the full Summer edition digitally here:https://rtaireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Comhnasc-Summer-2026-Updated.pdf

🍁 Athlone Autumn Trip: Spaces are filling up fast! 🍁

Don't miss out on a wonderful getaway this autumn. There has already been lots of interest, so if you've been meaning to secure your spot, now is the time!

👉 Get in touch directly with the hotel by contacting 090 645 1000.

An unforgettable Swiss adventure! 🏔️✨✈️

Demand for the April getaway to Zurich was so incredible that there were three separate groups of RTAI members who travelled to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland!

Thank you to Marble City Travel for expertly managing all three departures!

💬 Click here to read the amazing feedback from attendees and for the photo gallery ➡️ https://rtaireland.ie/photo-gallery-group-trips-to-zurich/

Applications are now open to apply for a 2026 RTAI Bursary. The nature of a bursary is to assist with the financial costs involved in undertaking the course. There are two categories which you can apply under:

Category 1: Undergraduate/Postgraduate Studies
Category 2: Other courses of study

Please note: Only retired teachers who are currently members of the RTAI will be eligible for consideration.

Full information can be found here - https://rtaireland.ie/rtai-bursaries-2026-applications-are-open/

We are delighted to announce the details for this year's Autumn Break to Athlone! 🍂

📅 October 4th – 7th, 2026
📍 Sheraton Hotel, Athlone

The packages, including Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, are priced as follows:

3 Nights per person sharing €315
3 Nights single €465
4 Nights per person sharing €420
4 nights single €620

📞 please book with the hotel directly by ringing 01 645 1000.

📚 The latest edition of Comhnasc is here! 🗞️

Explore our newest edition, filled with community updates, creative stories, and poetry! 📖

📖 Read it online now: 👉 http://bit.ly/4tqiPgI

Cornmarket has a suite of new savings opportunities for 2026, designed specifically to help new customers reduce their insurance costs.

To take advantage of these limited-time savings, members should contact Cornmarket directly at 0818 601 601. These offers are available for policies taken out before 30.06.26.

Find out more here - https://rtaireland.ie/exclusive-2026-savings-with-cornmarket/

The Tipperary RTAI branch enjoyed a wonderful break in Malta last week! 🇲🇹✨

The group visited Valletta, where they learned a great deal from their guide, Nadine, during an insightful walking tour. 🏛️🚶‍♂️ They spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring the city independently; some members took a boat across to the Three Cities, while others visited St. Mark's Cathedral. ⛴️⛪

The following day, they embarked on a guided bus tour of the island, which included visits to Mdina, the breathtaking Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Grotto, a lovely lunch in Marsaxlokk, and the Mosta Church. 🚌🌊🍽️ That evening, the group dined together at the Qawra Palace and enjoyed a festive sing-song. 🎶🥘

Their final day was dedicated to rest and relaxation, spent exploring the beautiful area around St. Paul's Bay. ☀️🏖️ Overall, it was a truly wonderful trip shared by a fantastic group! 🥂💛

Bealtaine Festival – May 2026 🎉

Celebrate the power of ageing through the arts this May as the 31st annual Bealtaine Festival returns with a vibrant, nationwide programme. With the 2026 theme, “Lust for Life,” the festival invites everyone aged 50 and over to take part, share their stories, and embrace new creative journeys within their communities.

A highlight of this year’s programme is The Big Bealtaine Tea Party: Songs, Words & Welcome. Taking place on Sunday, May 3rd, from 2pm – 4.30pm at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), the afternoon will feature performances by writer Tom Dredge, storyteller Ruth Marshall, and actor Bríd Ní Neachtain, alongside choral music from the Bealtaine Dawn Chorus, Hands in Harmony, and the Terenure College Community Choir. Tickets are €15 and include a light lunch.

Another wonderful aspect of the festival is the National Arts in Nursing Homes Day, which celebrates the creativity of people in nursing homes and care settings and the integral role the arts fulfil in supporting them. This takes place on the third Friday of the month of May.

From vibrant art exhibitions in Westmeath to traditional music sessions in Sligo, the festival truly spans the island, offering both online and in person events that has something for everyone to celebrate. Don't miss out on the celebrations!

View the full nationwide programme in the digital brochure here -https://bealtaine.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/UPDATED-BEALTAINE-BROCHURE-22.04.26.pdf

Bealtaine Festival