Currents
September 2018
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Wicklow County, established in 1606, attracts the rich
and famous, including actors, and, at times, musicians
(Michael Jackson and The Beatles). Local Ardmore Stu-
dios produces films: “Excalibur,” “Braveheart,” and “In the
Name of the Father. In 2012, the town of Wicklow was
deemed the “most livable” in the world.
Avoca, in Wicklow County, holds Ireland's oldest work-
ing woolen mill. Begun in 1723, the mill ground corn, and
powered wool spinning and weaving. Current owners, the
Pratt family, have built Avoca Handweavers into a global
exporter of fine woolen goods, employing 600 in several
locations. Avoca's fabrics were used by King George VI,
designer Elsa Schiaparelli, and by Queen Elizabeth II, for
her babies' blankets. Today's woolen products are in tra-
ditional stone-colored greiges, or in modern bold hues.
[See photo outside Avoca Handweavers.]
Avoca is site of the BBC series, “Ballykissangel.”
Avoca's river, 35 miles long, combines the Avonmore and
Aronbeg rivers. The scenic confluence, “The Middle of the
Waters,” is immortalized in song by Thomas Moore, who
opined: “There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet.”
In spring, Wicklow County's hedgerows bloom with
Tickets are available for the
2018-5779 High Holy Day Services
to be conducted
at Amaturo Theater
Register now for Religious School
Preschool also available
5151 N.E. 14th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334
954-928-0410
Call or visit the Temple for information
on all of our programs
Rabbi David Spey
Website • www.templebatyam.org
We Support Our Troops
A vo ca, Ireland
golden yellow gorse. Some 29 golf
courses augment hiking and moun-
tain trails. Rain and fog are frequent,
keeping Ireland “emerald.” Road
signs are in English and Gaelic. The
euro is used; lodging and meals are
affordable.
Start packing. The world is wait-
ing to meet you.
[The text and photo represent the
actual experience of the writer.]
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