Drop into Ireland for Vistas and Craic
Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!
Each year on March 17 we celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While the celebration is a bit quieter in Ireland than it is here in the US, it is still a fun and exciting time to explore the Emerald Isle! A few years ago, I had to opportunity to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with my niece and her high school band when they marched in the annual parade in Cork. It was a fantastic experience, and I did manage to sneak in a few parade steps myself!
Ireland is a great destination for a first trip to Europe. Flights are (typically!) plentiful, it is easy to get around, the people are friendly, and we speak the same language – more or less. With over 10% of the US population claiming Irish descent family history tours are often the spark that ignites a lifelong love of international travel.
Most flights from the US arrive in Dublin, the capital of the Irish Republic. This vibrant city located at the mouth of the River Liffey is the perfect place to spend a couple of days before setting out to explore more of this idyllic island. The middle of the country, the Hidden Heartland, offers opportunities to get to know the country while you hike, paddle or fish. The Ancient East is home to the Rock of Cashel, the Irish National Stud (a breeding facility), County Wexford – the ancestral home of John F. Kennedy and even a Viking trail in Waterford. The Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland’s west coast is breathtaking journey featuring cliffs, villages, and breathtaking countryside. The Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are what we all picture when we think of Ireland. If you want to venture a little bit further (keeping in mind that Ireland is a relatively small island) you will find a bit of the UK in Northern Ireland. Stunning sights like the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge mingle with even more beautiful scenery.
Ireland has a storied history full of tradition and legends. Often when we think of Ireland, our first thought (after green rolling hills, Guinness and leprechauns) is of music or poetry. Whether you are in the smallest village or the largest city, the corner pub is a hub of activity with plenty of music and craic on tap. Castles – intact or in ruins – are spread throughout the country and if you are lucky you just may spot a sheep or two grazing on a hillside.
Whether a friends trip, family trip or your venturous 2021 sabbatical, let us design you the perfect itinerary combining "the must see places" with the "rarely seen gems" curated to your style of travel. Sláinte!
