So many people come to Ireland to find their heritage. Some actually find it through relatives and research. Others simply find a great tale worth telling. The Irish tend to be grand storytellers. Some say it's because there's no word for "yes" or "no" in the Irish dialect. Others say it's simply a case of a people who have embraced the telling of a ripping good yarn. Whatever the reason, it makes the people warm, friendly, welcoming and definitely worth the trip. Get over your shy genes before you visit and you'll be sure to have a good time.
They say Ireland has 40 shades of green. And a short trip around the countyside will back that claim up. But there's more to the Irish landscape than just green grass and an overabundance of island rain. Ireland claims some of the most spectacular views and severe winds of anywhere in the world. Visit a few of these spots and you'll understand:
Cliffs of Moher -- Spectacular cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic
Giant's Causeway -- Spectacular cliffs of hexagonal-shaped volcanic stone along the Northern coast. Make sure you hear the legend of Finn McCool.
The Burren -- Barren area of windswept stone along the Western coast where it is said Oliver Cromwell tried to push the Irish people off the island into the sea.
The Ring of Kerry -- A ring road well worth driving overlooking Kerry's spectacular peninsula.
The Dingle Penninsula -- Smaller than the Ring of Kerry, but even more rugged and higher winds. Not for feint of heart drivers.
Gap of Dunloe -- A beautiful tourist destination outside of Kilarney. Take a ride in a horse-drawn jaunting car.
Dublin -- Ireland's capital city and home to more stories per square mile than any other town in the world.
Joyce's Tower -- The setting of the opening scenes of James Joyce's Ulysses sits just south of Dublin.
Kilmainham Jail -- Dublin's public jail where many of the rebels from the Easter rebellion of 1916 were locked up or executed.
Guinness Brewery -- Dublin's home to one of the best brewery tours in Christendom.
Bushmills Distillery -- If you prefer whiskey, you may want to visit the North
Quiet Man Cottage -- John Wayne's cottage from the film still stands right here in Co. Mayo.
Croagh Patrick -- The famed mountain in the West where 15,000 pilgrims climb 2,500 feet, many barefoot, every Reek Sunday in July.
Rock of Cashel -- Also known as St. Patrick's rock, the place where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster.
Glendalough -- An ancient monastery in the garden of Ireland, Co. Wicklow.
Mass -- If you make it up into the far northwest of Co. Donegal. Wander into a Saturday night or Sunday morning mass to hear, it said in the Irish language. It's truly a unique treat.
If it's a local recommendation you're after, seriously consider staying in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments around the country. The B&Bs are run by locals, endorsed by the Irish Tourist Board, and they are more than happy to direct you to the most unique, charming and local attractions.
Make sure you try to take in some traditional Irish music during your stay. Look in the local newspaper or get a local recommendation or, better yet, just ask in the pub where you could go for the ballads. If you've never heard it before, it will certainly be a memorable experience.
No matter where you stay and what you do during your Irish trip, you're guaranteed to see people walking, people talking and people telling stories. And that's always good craic.
