Travel to Ireland
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, our travel destination of the
month is to be Ireland. This idyllic isle off the coast of
Britain is known for its rolling green hills, friendly faces,
and rich history.
Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is mostly rural in nature and
remains seemingly untouched by modern man outside of the city
centers. The official language of the Irish Republic is Gaelic,
the purest of all the Celtic languages. Gaelige is taught in
most schools but is rarely spoken, being eschewed for English in
most common life. No matter what your taste in life, there's
something for you to do in Ireland.
Ireland is known as a large draw for those that prefer life
outdoors. Beyond its infamous green hills and beautiful
mountains, Ireland offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Over 400 golf courses welcome everyone from the greenest amateur
to the fiercest competitor. Equestrian trails dot the landscape,
allowing people to experience the joy of being on a horse in
addition to the magnificent beauty of the landscape. The Esker
Riada route is one of the most infamous in all of cycling, and
the mountains offer trails for those who yearn to do some
vertical mountain biking. And angling throughout Ireland is
superb, both freshwater and saltwater.
The history of Ireland is vast, and many historical sites remain
today. Irish Castles dot the landscape, beautiful testaments to
early building with wood and earthen materials. Blarney Castle,
the original home to the infamous Blarney Stone, stands witness
to the beauty of its time. Large homes of the aristocracy, like
Castletown in County Kildaire, show the art of the architects of
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Religious sites, both Pagan and Christian, can awe in both their
simplicity and majesty. Pagan and Celtic stone structures stand
testament to the beliefs of early Irishmen, and some even
pre-date the infamous Stone Henge. The Catholic and Protestant
cathedrals of modern times are large and awe-inspiring, while
the abbeys and monasteries from St. Patrick's time show the
beauty of early Christianity in Ireland. Jerpoint Abbey is one
of the most popular, and is believed by many to be one of the
most beautiful.
For those who love food, Irish food is a treat to behold. It's
both delectable and simplistic at the same time. Irish Stew,
comprised of beef, vegetables, and potatoes, can be found in
almost any pub with a pint of Guinness. Butlers, the most
infamous chocolates in Ireland, has opened Butlers Chocolate
Cafes throughout Dublin and Cork City. These cafes showcase the
finest Irish sweets and coffees, a treat for those who enjoy a
bit of chocolate to start or cap off their day.
Whether you prefer to spend your time exploring the splendor of
nature or the history of man, Ireland offers many treats for
your senses. The smell of clover, the sight of the beautiful
countryside, the silence of a quiet glen, and the taste of
corned beef & cabbage followed by a Butlers chocolate await you
in Ireland.