A group of Pontiac residents got a personal tour of Ireland on Saturday, taking in the nation’s capital, the Giant’s Causeway, plus more than a couple drinking establishments, all from the comfort of St. Paul’s Anglican Church’s hall.

That’s because Jim Beatty’s Virtual Tour of Ireland filled the hall that afternoon, where songs and stories accompanied by a slideshow transported guests across the Atlantic, all before they dug into a traditional Irish meal.

Beatty acts as a one-man orchestra of sorts, navigating the island starting right from the flight over. Once on the ground, he narrates a tale where the crowd stops into tourist attractions and hidden gems, does some shopping and sightseeing, meet all kinds of locals, and learn all about the geography, history, and culture of the country.

To bring the adventure to life, he operates the slideshow, tells the stories and performs many songs as he sings, plays guitar and accordion, all the while encouraging the crowd to sing along to the songs they know. While his “choir,” as Beatty referred to them, were slow to join him in singing, there was plenty of toe-tapping to help keep the beat.

The guests, numbering about 100 people, were particularly impressed by sights of huge floral arrangements, which always garnered an audible gasp of awe.

They also enjoyed Beatty’s dry humour punctuating tales and facts at certain locations throughout, as laughs seeped out of guests during these instances.

Chris Judd, a friend of Beatty’s and one of the event’s organizers, said he wanted Shawville to experience the show because it’s a glimpse into real Irish culture. He said the show is always interesting with something new to pick up on each viewing.

But it’s also a chance to hear traditional and real Irish tunes, Judd said laughing, compared to the ones that have been Americanized and are popular in North America.

“For people that don’t like to fly, they don’t have to fly over,” he said, with a smile.

Those that don’t enjoy travelling by plane were especially lucky that afternoon, since the entire experience was grounded by the drifting scents of Irish cooking. In the church hall kitchen, stew and pie awaited for the meal and was the cause of at least a few rumbling stomachs.

The event was put on in support of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, as they’re seeking to raise $18,500 for their heating and air conditioning.

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