The Emerald Isle
We can’t go through March without highlighting St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland. If you haven’t been to Ireland, it’s a wonderful place to vacation. Lush green landscapes dotted with castles, a charming and inviting pub culture, and friendly and hospitable people who love to laugh make Ireland a popular and beloved tourist destination. I recently booked an Ireland vacation and it reminded me of how much I loved visiting Ireland and how much more I’d like to see. Below are some highlights.
Distinctly Ireland: Waterford Crystal, whiskey, Guinness, St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Stew and Irish Soda Bread, shamrocks, Aran sweaters, Donegal tweed, Irish Linens and U2.
We had a great time at Jameson’s Distillery in Dublin when we were there.
5 Must do experiences in Ireland:
Brú na Bóinne: This World Heritage site in County Meath is one of the largest and most important Megalithic complexes in the world. The three largest tombs were built approximately 5,000 years ago. Through a guided tour of the largest site at Newgrange, visitors can experience the "passage of light" ritual which signaled the arrival of the Winter Solstice.
Ring of Kerry: Visitors might want to spend a day or two touring the Ring of Kerry, also called the Iveragh Peninsula, which forms the southwest corner of the island. With spectacular views at every turn, the 'land of a million shades of green' is where visitors fall in love with the untouched, natural beauty of Ireland.
Blarney Castle: For the gift of gab and for a tour of some of Ireland's most exotic gardens, head to this 15th-century fortress in the south. Those determined to kiss the famous Blarney Stone will have to venture up the slippery, steep staircases to the top of the castle and hang upside down over a straight drop.
Cliffs of Moher: Stretching for five miles along the Atlantic coast in the west of Ireland, these breathtaking cliffs stand 700 feet tall at their highest point. The 12-mile coastal trail takes adventurous travelers along the majestic cliffs and through the award-winning visitors center.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Visit Trinity College, founded in 1592 and the beautiful library housing the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells contains the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin and dates back to around 800AD. Almost every one of its 680 pages features elaborate imagery of mythical creatures, wild and domestic animals, Christian iconography and Celtic symbols. Both the library and the Book of Kells are a must see.
Movies/TV Shows Filmed (At Least Partly) in Ireland:
The Princess Bride (the Cliffs of Insanity scene was filmed at the Cliffs of Moher)
Braveheart
Saving Private Ryan (the opening scene depicting the Normandy Invasion was filmed at Ballinesker Beach)
Game of Thrones (filmed in Northern Ireland)
Books Set in Ireland:
Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
The Tour (Jean Grainger)
In the Woods (Tana French)
Circle of Friends (Maeve Binchy)
Normal People (Sally Rooney)
Fun Facts:
Ireland is comprised of two countries: Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent country, part of the European Union, and referred to as "Ireland."
The roots of Halloween can be traced 2,000 years back to Samhain, a Celtic festival that celebrated the end of summer.
Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. (It's a harp!)
The country has been the most successful in the wildly popular annual Eurovision Song Content, winning seven times since the contest began in 1956.
Ireland currently touts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with seven more on the tentative list. (Two were added in 2023!)
If you or anyone you know are ready to book your next vacation, please drop me a note using the Contact Me button above.
