Why I’ve come to love Ireland
Before leading a group in Northern Ireland last June, I spent a week exploring the Republic of Ireland. I’d been in Dublin a number of times, but never had I been out in the countryside.
I absolutely loved it. Here’s why:
Best combination of landscapes
I love green, rolling fields and I love rocky cliffs, with waves splashing at their base. Together with the alps, these are my favorite places. Ireland has a whole lot of rolling pastures and the rocky cliffs lie all around the coast. And while there are no snow-capped alpine peaks, there are higher hills in Ireland than you likely imagine.
Working farms
The pastures of Ireland are dotted with lambs running about, sheep, and cows. It is a working landscape. And don’t forget the border collies that help tend the sheep. Hedgerows divide up the pastures and help keep the animals in place. The views are like a patchwork quilt.
Lovely people
The Irish have a well-earned reputation for friendliness and of course the gift of gab. People always seem to have time to chat and share information about themselves, their towns, and everything in-between.
Pub life
The Irish do indeed head down to the neighborhood pub for a pint. I found the pubs to be wonderful places, and not just because I like beer. A pub is a community. It is where people gather to talk and laugh. It’s a place you can go and always know you’ll find a friend.
Fish and Chips
Speaking of pubs, I need to mention the Fish and Chips. It’s a staple at many establishments and the Irish certainly know how to make it right. The fish isn’t greasy and the fries are done to absolute perfection.
Traditional music
No better way to spend an evening than listening to some traditional Irish music while nursing a pint of Guinness.
Rural life
Much of Ireland still has fewer people than there were in the middle 1800s. Dublin and Belfast obviously are large cities, but the rest of the Emerald Isle is comprised largely of small towns and manageable, small cities. I like small places. It is where I feel at home and why I do indeed feel at home in Ireland.
