BY SHARON SHAW: Special to The Pilot

Ever think about spending next St. Patrick's Day in Ireland? You can do it if you sign on for a 10 day/9 night trip March 8 to 18, 2003 with a group from Sandhills Community College.

Led by Dr. Bob Baker, chair of the SCC Humanities/Social Science Department, and Learning Resources Director, Dr. Luella Teuton, the trip will include a tour of Dublin, including Trinity College, the Kells Heritage Center and Lough Erne; a visit to the Belleek Pottery Factory, Glencolumbcille Folk Village; time in Yeats country and a visit to the poet's grave; travel south to the Holy Well and the town of Knock; tours of Connemara and the Celtic Crystal Factory; stop at the Cliff of Moher and ferry across the River Shannon Estuary; spend St. Patrick's Day at Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone; weave north into County Tipperary to the Rock of Cashel, and much, much more.

Those interested can find out much more about this itinerary by visiting the college web site at http://www.sandhills.edu/ced/ireland.pdf. In addition to an expanded itinerary, there is also a registration form that can be printed out.

The cost of the trip-assuming double occupancy and thirty tour group members-is $2,205. A $1,000 deposit is due by Nov. 8 with the balance due Dec. 2.

This cost includes twin room accommodations, visits and admissions, nine breakfasts and six dinners with gratuities, airfare, luxury touring coach transportation, services of a guide, and more.