I did my part. I left enough much money in Irish pubs two weeks ago to keep at least one county going for a month. My traveling partners likewise rose to the challenge, but we can only drink...I mean do so much. Now it's your turn. Go to Ireland.
If you've never been, shame on you. If you have, it's been way too long since you've been back. You'll have a great time. You'll learn a lot. You'll find a spiritual connection to your ancestral homeland. And besides, you owe it to the old girl. Think of what Ireland's done for you. If you're part of the worldwide Irish diaspora, Ireland is your home, no matter how many decades or even centuries you've been away. Ireland has given you your name, your freckles, your very identity. How often have you identified yourself as Irish? How often have you expressed your pride at being a product of that wonderful little island? How often have you donned a green afro wig, shamrock-shaped sunglasses and a "Kiss me, I'm Irish" t-shirt while stumbling around Seamus O'Drinky's Pub 'n Eatery ? Ireland wants you to know you're forgiven for that last one.
Even if you're not of Irish descent, there's no better place to go for a vacation you'll never forget. You're going to take a trip somewhere in the next 12 months and tickets to Ireland are very affordable. Why not? Disney World will wait.
As everyone knows, Irish children love their mothers unconditionally and above all else. So be nice to your mother. Go visit.
Posts
7 comments:
According to Frommers.com, Ireland is the #1 planned destination for 2011. Good news. I know we hope to go (but we go semi-annually). My hope is that more people will realize just how great Ireland is for families- even those with small kids. I am actually launching a new project on this soon... My daughters both went for the first time at age 1. It's our favorite family destination.
Well said Dan, I think I'll go for the Christmas!
Nicely put. And I agree!
CTG
Very well said Uncle Bloggy!
The Fest should make a big effort to book bands from Ireland in 2011. This would certainly help out.
Well said Dan! I'm pretty sure i helped the economy too... at least that's what Canadian Customs told me.. Ireland is magical - can't wait to go back for more. Really great to meet all you Kansas City Irish folks!
Dan, my family visited Ireland this Easter and we even took my mother-in-law. We had a great time. We spent quite a bit of it in County Caven visiting the ancestoral home of my wife's side of the family.
All throughout Ireland we saw evidence of my people, the Polish, who helped build and tidy up Ireland during the Celtic Tiger. Polish food, Polish beer, Polish Women (and men) everywhere. Unfortunately, as Ireland's economy has fallen into the Celtic Crapper, many Polish have moved home, where the economy is better.
I have read that at one time, there were more Polish in Ireland than British.
Your blog today reminded me of my discussions with my many new-made Irish friends who were hopeful that their economy was turning the corner. Unfortunately, it may have turned the wrong corner.
One more thing, a highlight was our visit to Connemara. It's beauty was unbelievable!
I encourage everyone to visit Ireland. You owe it to yourself, and your mother's (or in my case mother-in-law's) homeland.
I think Marty Cahill probably beat us all in keeping the publicans in business. He single-handedly did so much for the economy in Ballinasloe that they wanted him to run for Mayor!
Barry
Post a Comment