Fall in love with Ireland

Ireland is one of those places you have to visit in order to understand and appreciate the beauty and rustic charm of the land, people and culture (this includes the weather).

Often people characterize Ireland as the land of rain and unfavorable weather….. it is true!!  However, those that fall in love with Ireland, such as myself, have learned to dance in the rain.

From county to county, city to city, town to town and village to village, there is a distinct and different feeling and sense of community.  Besides the evident difference in accents, strong rivalries exists between them arising from their undeniable passion for sports and unwavering commitment to their teams; rugby, hurling and soccer (many more I’m sure… even darts;).  However, amongst all of Ireland you will always find that people outright enjoy life and are out for the craic just for the craic!  Irish Pubs are truly one of a kind.  Whether it is a pub, housed with people out for a coffee and some banter, or a pub crowded and packed with people drinking and dancing, nevertheless…. everyone is always having a good time. 

Live music is very popular amongst the Irish pubs and culture.  In Ireland, talented artists and local bands have so much opportunity to just do what they love to do, without all the Hollywood glam and fame, while the fans are all smiling and cheering the same.  The people of Ireland know how to appreciate music and have an extensive knowledge of great music dating back years and ages beyond my time.  Be sure to stay out late in a pub so that you can break out in a sing song…. where groups of carolers or sometimes just one solo brave soul… will belt out songs of old Irish tunes.   There is no shame here and with good reason….. it’s all for the craic!

It’s easy to see why people are born, grow up and live happily in one spot in Ireland.  It’s a place where everyone knows your name.  Everything around you is familiar, comforting and reassuring.  Who you are counts versus what you have or look like.  Your action draws in the respect from those around you and people here do good for the sake of doing good.

I have only scratched a surface of the country, but what I can say from my experience is that it is a country that is plain and simple…. with meaning and beauty beyond extraordinary!