40th Anniversary Trip

Celebrating

40

YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP, LEADERHIP, AND IMPACT

For four decades, FFI has been helping youth become the best versions of themselves so they can help their community become the best version of itself.

Celebrate this milestone with us in the place where it all started!

40TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP

September 28th - October 4th, 2026

This special week-long trip will bring together donors, volunteers, alumni, and other friends to celebrate FFI's history, experience the beauty of Northern Ireland, and look ahead to another 40 years.

On September 29th, everyone should meet in Terminal 2 at the large yellow sculpture by 11:30am.

If you’re wondering what to pack, please refer to this packing list. There is a good chance that it will rain on at least one of the days, so please be prepared for cold and rainy weather.

Packing List:

Tops (both long and short sleeve)

2-3 sweaters or fleeces

Pants/jeans

Hawaiian attire (shirt or dress for the 40th reunion)

Comfortable travel clothing

Sleep clothes

Rain jacket and/or umbrella

Lightweight jacket

Scarf and hat

Casual shoes (comfortable for walking around)

Some kind of boot or water resistant shoe

UK Type G plug adapter (can also be purchased at the airport)

Itinerary

Sept 28th

Travel to Ireland

Travel from Boston Logan to Dublin on red-eye flight.

We will depart Portsmouth for Logan Airport at 7pm. Contact Amelia at 860-307-7824 or amelia@ff.international for more details.

Delta Flight 154 departs at 11:30pm.

Sept 29th

Travel to Annalong

After arriving in Dublin, we will travel to Annalong and settle into the FFI Center at Annalong. Everyone should meet in Terminal 2 at the large yellow sculpture by 11:30am. The afternoon includes a tour of Annalong and the Coastal Path before heading to Newcastle for dinner.

Lodging for this night is in the FFI cottages and dormitory.

Sept 30th

A Day at the FFI Center at Annalong

Experience the beauty of the Mournes with morning yoga or meditation, then a hike in the Mourne Mountains or exploring the village. After time to relax at the center, everyone will come together for a community night.

Oct 1st

Exploring Belfast

Spend the day exploring Belfast, including a visit to the Peace Walls and lunch with FFI alumni. The evening brings us to Stormont for a tour followed by the 40th Anniversary Reunion Event, with speeches, celebration, and plenty of time to reconnect with old FFI friends.

Lodging for this night is at a hotel.

Oct 2nd

Visiting Derry/Londonderry

Travel to Derry/Londonderry, one of Northern Ireland's most historically significant cities. Meet local alumni for lunch, explore the city, and finish the day over dinner with members of the FFI family.

Oct 3rd

A Day in Dublin

Head south to Dublin for lunch with alumni and free time to experience the city. In the evening, we will gather for dinner and enjoy one final evening together.

Oct 4th

Final Day

Enjoy a final morning of free time in Dublin before heading to the airport. After an exciting week, we will travel home to Boston.

Cost of the Trip

$1,250 Per Person

This includes van rental, an exclusive driver on call, and hotel accommodations.

Accommodations

Belfast

Europa Belfast

“Superbly located in Belfast, the world-famous Europa is often referred to as the heartbeat of the city. Recognised for 2026 in The Telegraph’s prestigious 250 Best Hotels in the UK, the hotel continues to be celebrated for its iconic location, warm hospitality and enduring place at the centre of Belfast.”

https://www.europahotelbelfast.com/

Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AP

Derry/Londonderry

City Hotel Derry

“Perched on the banks of the River Foyle, within a five-minute walk from the historic Derry Walls, the 4 star City Hotel Derry is ready to welcome you to one of Northern Ireland’s most idyllic locations. Where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route, the City Hotel is located with close proximity to some of the most stunning sightseeing destinations.”

https://www.cityhotelderry.com/

City Hotel, Queens Quay, Derry, County Londonderry, BT48 7AS

Dublin

Marlin Hotel Dublin

“Marlin offers everything you need, from cosy rooms to relax in, to an outdoor terrace for socialising, plus lounge-inspired spaces where you can work or make the most of your time away. It’s the perfect hotel in Dublin city centre, offering a true home-from-home for a work, rest and play experience.”

https://www.marlin.com/dublin/

11 Bow Lane East, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 AY81, Ireland

Our fortieth anniversary brings together the alumni, volunteers, partners and supporters who have shaped FFI since 1986. Join us to reconnect and celebrate the work we have shared.

Thank you for being part of the FFI family!