While the trip started as a way for them to find their roots, it ended with a New York couple saying “I am a New Yorker.” “I do”For the second time, in a small village in Ireland.

As part of “The Extravaganza”,The Gathering“Ireland 2013,” Debbie & Francis “Mac”McFadden was recently in Ireland for eight days and was encouraged to visit other Irish-Americans. “come home to visit.”

Dublin’s bustle. The beautiful scenery where it is believed that St. Patrick fasted on Croagh Patrick Mountain for 40 days. Bunratty Castle, 15th-century, was the venue for a medieval-style banquet with singing ladies and lords.

Together with 78 relatives from the East Islip division of Ancient Order of Hibernians Our Lady of Knock (a fraternal organization that has helped new Irish immigrants adapt to American life) the husband and wife witnessed it all.

“It really did feel like we were home,”Mac, 57 years old, works in a local school district. “Everyone we met, from the CIE Tours International guides to the Irish people, made us feel like we were family.”

The clincher was on the fourth day.

Debbie and Mac made their vows to each other at Knock Shrine, County Mayo village in Knock — a site that is well-known for the appearance of Saint Joseph, Virgin Mary, and John The Baptist on Aug. 21, 1879 — to reaffirm the marriage vows they made on Long Island 30 years ago.

“It was an anniversary we’ll never forget,”Debbie, a 52 year-old nurse. “And both our parents and our daughter were there for it.”

The Gathering is considered in Ireland to be a celebration of the coming together of all things. “the people’s party,”With locals in the US, eager to share the rich culture, traditions and fun of Ireland with the diaspora. Bloomsday in Bruff is a celebration all things James Joyce, the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, National Heritage Week, the Tramore Horseracing Festival and the Cats Laughs Comedy Festival are just a few of the major events this year.

If You Go: CIE Tours International, a well-respected company that has escorted millions to Ireland over the past eighty years, offers many full-inclusive vacations. This includes the McFadden motorcoach tour. Contact your travel agent, call CIE at 1-800-243-88687, or visit www.cie.org for more information. www.cietours.com/gathering.