Saint Patrick & Other Irish Faves

Clover 2Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you!

Susan here – This week most of us will find a way to celebrate the Irish and Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day, whether it's wearing green or heading to the pub (although this year, the brighter idea is to stay home, eat fish and chips, maybe pour a Guinness or a whiskey or some Irish coffee, and watch The Quiet Man or Derry Girls). One of my grandfathers was Irish, the son of an Irish minister from County Cork who brought his young family of four sons, including my grandfather as a wean, through Ellis Island. I have Irish on both maternal and paternal sides (the DNA tests and ongoing genealogy tree indicate that I’m about 47% Irish, in a blend of Scottish, English, French, Italian, and even a smidge of Jewish way back). But this week I’m all about my Irish side, and March 17th is a day to be proudly wearin’ the green while we all celebrate even the slightest degree of Irish blood. And if it’s not in your DNA, it may be in your heart, in your love and attraction for the incomparable, irrepressible, charming, feisty, poetic, the profound and unforgettable Irish and their beautiful land.

Harris st patrick 19th cBeginning as a celebration of St. Patrick’s life, St. Patrick's Day has come a long way. Patrick was a 5th century British son of a noble house, enslaved and brought to Ireland; he escaped, yet returned once he became a priest, bringing Christianity to the pagan Celtic Irish. From that humble start grew the myth of clearing the snakes (pagan beliefs?) out of Ireland, and from there to wearing green, displaying shamrocks, drinking green beer, singing Irish songs in pubs, eating Irish fare, dyeing an entire river green (Chicago) and generally loving all things Irish or even remotely Irish for one fine day. And it has become, it seems, as big a deal in America as it is in Ireland, with the tremendous importance and impact of Irish immigrants and their descendants throughout the history of America.

One of the most powerful aspects of St. Patrick's life and story, I think, is the "Breastplate of Saint Patrick," the prayer he is said to have composed himself in the 5th century–and its style is very much that of ancient Celtic invocations. Part of it reads: 

Book of kells

I bind to myself today

The power of Heaven,
The light of the Sun,
The whiteness of Snow,
The force of Fire,
The flash of Lightning,
The velocity of Wind,
The depth of the Sea,
The stability of the Earth,
The hardness of Rocks…

I haven’t been to Ireland yet, and will get there someday. I feel as drawn to the culture and history of Ireland as I am to Scotland and all the places in the wide Celtic world. My novels are set in Scotland for the most part, and I haven’t yet explored in my writing the deep love and fascination I feel for Ireland and Irishness; that’s another someday as well. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite Irish things, in no particular order …

450px-Hellelil_and_Hildebrand _the_meeting_on_the_turret_stairs _by_Frederic_William_BurtonThe Turret Stair, Frederic William Burton, National Gallery of Ireland—voted Ireland’s favorite painting. Mine too!  

The Book of Kells, ca. 800, Trinity College Library – a stunning illuminated book. Here’s what Thomas Cahill has to say about the Irish and books, in How the Irish Saved Civilization: (one of my personal favorite books, btw) –

Wherever they went the Irish brought with them their books, many unseen in Europe for centuries and tied to their waists as signs of triumph, just as Irish heroes had once tied to their waists their enemies' heads. Where they went they brought their love of learning and their skills in bookmaking. In the bays and valleys of their exile, they reestablished literacy and breathed new life into the exhausted literary culture of Europe. And that is how the Irish saved civilization.

Irish pubs and fish and chips, including local lovely Irish places such as An Poitin Stil near Baltimore, where I sometimes meet Mary Jo to nosh on fish and chips and soda bread (as soon as this Covid thing clears out of our lives, that’s the first place I’m going!). While I’m not a fan of beer, I do love the atmosphere of a good pub.  

–A new favorite, the inflatable Irish pub – I’d love to have one of these in my backyard!  https://inflatable.pub/  

Celtic jewelry – I have many pieces and love each one, silver spirals, knotwork designs, much of it Irish made and as lovely as it gets.  

6a00d8341c84c753ef026bdec3fe79200cTV shows and movies set in Ireland — so many favorites! Here are just a few that capture a sense of Ireland and Irish: The Quiet Man, Waking Ned Devine, The Commitments, and a wonderful TV series, Moone Boy, starring the irrepressible Irish charmer, Chris O’Dowd (of the hilarious IT Crowd, where his Irishness also shines). 

A new favorite is Derry Girls—a smart, funny, endearing comedy series about schoolgirls in Ireland during the troubles of the 1990s. It is frequently flat-out hilarious, quintessentially Irish and charming, and so delightful that we’ve binged it a few times in our house. Here's a trailer. 


Riverdance! I’ve seen it three times onstage, and adore this phenomenal show and its extraordinary music and energy. http://riverdance.com/usa/  

1191px-Long_Room_Interior _Trinity_College_Dublin _Ireland_-_Diliff— Irish music, my favorite being Irish harp. I can listen to it endlessly. I have a Celtic harp of my own, and took enough lessons to be able to pluck away at a few tunes—though mostly what I’ve gained is a better understanding of harp-playing and harpists as research for some of my novels.

Trinity College Library, Dublin – I’ve never seen it, but must step inside one day. Its vast shelves and tiers are truly breathtaking, the stuff of dreams for any bookophile.

This list could be endless, but I’ll end here – I know you all have your own favorite Irish things to add.

What do you love best about Ireland? Have you visited or lived there? Are you of Irish descent, or a fan of all things Irish regardless of your gene pool?


Sláinte!

Susan

120 thoughts on “Saint Patrick & Other Irish Faves”

  1. I have been to scientific conferences in Galway and Dublin. While attending a conference outing in Galway, one of the local profs had his children in tow and on learning that I was from England they immediately hid behind a seat in the coach, peeking out from time to time. I think by the end of the trip I had more or less convinced them that the English don’t have horns! The food and music – especially the Irish harp – was outstanding.
    In Dublin I had a look at the book of Kells. There are lots of medieval religious books to be seen in these islands but this is one of the best. I couldn’t read the words (never studied Latin) but the illustrations were superb. I believe there is a digitized version accessible on the web.
    Apart from the food, the music the theater and the science (Erwin Schrodinger did important work here ), I remember best of all that beautiful creamy draft Irish stout and the friendly atmosphere in the pubs!

    Reply
  2. I have been to scientific conferences in Galway and Dublin. While attending a conference outing in Galway, one of the local profs had his children in tow and on learning that I was from England they immediately hid behind a seat in the coach, peeking out from time to time. I think by the end of the trip I had more or less convinced them that the English don’t have horns! The food and music – especially the Irish harp – was outstanding.
    In Dublin I had a look at the book of Kells. There are lots of medieval religious books to be seen in these islands but this is one of the best. I couldn’t read the words (never studied Latin) but the illustrations were superb. I believe there is a digitized version accessible on the web.
    Apart from the food, the music the theater and the science (Erwin Schrodinger did important work here ), I remember best of all that beautiful creamy draft Irish stout and the friendly atmosphere in the pubs!

    Reply
  3. I have been to scientific conferences in Galway and Dublin. While attending a conference outing in Galway, one of the local profs had his children in tow and on learning that I was from England they immediately hid behind a seat in the coach, peeking out from time to time. I think by the end of the trip I had more or less convinced them that the English don’t have horns! The food and music – especially the Irish harp – was outstanding.
    In Dublin I had a look at the book of Kells. There are lots of medieval religious books to be seen in these islands but this is one of the best. I couldn’t read the words (never studied Latin) but the illustrations were superb. I believe there is a digitized version accessible on the web.
    Apart from the food, the music the theater and the science (Erwin Schrodinger did important work here ), I remember best of all that beautiful creamy draft Irish stout and the friendly atmosphere in the pubs!

    Reply
  4. I have been to scientific conferences in Galway and Dublin. While attending a conference outing in Galway, one of the local profs had his children in tow and on learning that I was from England they immediately hid behind a seat in the coach, peeking out from time to time. I think by the end of the trip I had more or less convinced them that the English don’t have horns! The food and music – especially the Irish harp – was outstanding.
    In Dublin I had a look at the book of Kells. There are lots of medieval religious books to be seen in these islands but this is one of the best. I couldn’t read the words (never studied Latin) but the illustrations were superb. I believe there is a digitized version accessible on the web.
    Apart from the food, the music the theater and the science (Erwin Schrodinger did important work here ), I remember best of all that beautiful creamy draft Irish stout and the friendly atmosphere in the pubs!

    Reply
  5. I have been to scientific conferences in Galway and Dublin. While attending a conference outing in Galway, one of the local profs had his children in tow and on learning that I was from England they immediately hid behind a seat in the coach, peeking out from time to time. I think by the end of the trip I had more or less convinced them that the English don’t have horns! The food and music – especially the Irish harp – was outstanding.
    In Dublin I had a look at the book of Kells. There are lots of medieval religious books to be seen in these islands but this is one of the best. I couldn’t read the words (never studied Latin) but the illustrations were superb. I believe there is a digitized version accessible on the web.
    Apart from the food, the music the theater and the science (Erwin Schrodinger did important work here ), I remember best of all that beautiful creamy draft Irish stout and the friendly atmosphere in the pubs!

    Reply
  6. Derry Girls is great: I’d have been a teenager about a decade before them, but it captures the feeling of being a teenager at that time.
    At that point, at least in my part of Northern Ireland, St Patrick’s Day was not much celebrated – we always sang ‘Be Thou my Vision’ in Assembly, and were vaguely jealous of the Catholic schools because they got the day off. But that was about all.
    I suspect that to some extent we imported the celebrations from America because it looked like they had more fun on the day.

    Reply
  7. Derry Girls is great: I’d have been a teenager about a decade before them, but it captures the feeling of being a teenager at that time.
    At that point, at least in my part of Northern Ireland, St Patrick’s Day was not much celebrated – we always sang ‘Be Thou my Vision’ in Assembly, and were vaguely jealous of the Catholic schools because they got the day off. But that was about all.
    I suspect that to some extent we imported the celebrations from America because it looked like they had more fun on the day.

    Reply
  8. Derry Girls is great: I’d have been a teenager about a decade before them, but it captures the feeling of being a teenager at that time.
    At that point, at least in my part of Northern Ireland, St Patrick’s Day was not much celebrated – we always sang ‘Be Thou my Vision’ in Assembly, and were vaguely jealous of the Catholic schools because they got the day off. But that was about all.
    I suspect that to some extent we imported the celebrations from America because it looked like they had more fun on the day.

    Reply
  9. Derry Girls is great: I’d have been a teenager about a decade before them, but it captures the feeling of being a teenager at that time.
    At that point, at least in my part of Northern Ireland, St Patrick’s Day was not much celebrated – we always sang ‘Be Thou my Vision’ in Assembly, and were vaguely jealous of the Catholic schools because they got the day off. But that was about all.
    I suspect that to some extent we imported the celebrations from America because it looked like they had more fun on the day.

    Reply
  10. Derry Girls is great: I’d have been a teenager about a decade before them, but it captures the feeling of being a teenager at that time.
    At that point, at least in my part of Northern Ireland, St Patrick’s Day was not much celebrated – we always sang ‘Be Thou my Vision’ in Assembly, and were vaguely jealous of the Catholic schools because they got the day off. But that was about all.
    I suspect that to some extent we imported the celebrations from America because it looked like they had more fun on the day.

    Reply
  11. I used to live in Dublin. Great city!
    And: Slieve League – the highest cliffs in Europe (three times higher than the more famous – and over-touristed – Cliffs of Moher). You have to open a farm gate and drive through a herd of sheep to reach them!
    Actually, anywhere County Donegal. Wild and almost completely free of tourists. I’ve stayed in the most remote houses on spectacular patches of the coast.
    And Northern Ireland. I love it in general, but also it’s where my surname is from. 🙂

    Reply
  12. I used to live in Dublin. Great city!
    And: Slieve League – the highest cliffs in Europe (three times higher than the more famous – and over-touristed – Cliffs of Moher). You have to open a farm gate and drive through a herd of sheep to reach them!
    Actually, anywhere County Donegal. Wild and almost completely free of tourists. I’ve stayed in the most remote houses on spectacular patches of the coast.
    And Northern Ireland. I love it in general, but also it’s where my surname is from. 🙂

    Reply
  13. I used to live in Dublin. Great city!
    And: Slieve League – the highest cliffs in Europe (three times higher than the more famous – and over-touristed – Cliffs of Moher). You have to open a farm gate and drive through a herd of sheep to reach them!
    Actually, anywhere County Donegal. Wild and almost completely free of tourists. I’ve stayed in the most remote houses on spectacular patches of the coast.
    And Northern Ireland. I love it in general, but also it’s where my surname is from. 🙂

    Reply
  14. I used to live in Dublin. Great city!
    And: Slieve League – the highest cliffs in Europe (three times higher than the more famous – and over-touristed – Cliffs of Moher). You have to open a farm gate and drive through a herd of sheep to reach them!
    Actually, anywhere County Donegal. Wild and almost completely free of tourists. I’ve stayed in the most remote houses on spectacular patches of the coast.
    And Northern Ireland. I love it in general, but also it’s where my surname is from. 🙂

    Reply
  15. I used to live in Dublin. Great city!
    And: Slieve League – the highest cliffs in Europe (three times higher than the more famous – and over-touristed – Cliffs of Moher). You have to open a farm gate and drive through a herd of sheep to reach them!
    Actually, anywhere County Donegal. Wild and almost completely free of tourists. I’ve stayed in the most remote houses on spectacular patches of the coast.
    And Northern Ireland. I love it in general, but also it’s where my surname is from. 🙂

    Reply
  16. I’ve never been to Ireland but I really want to go there! Love Celtic jewellery and music, and the book of Kells is superb. Would love to see it in person. Really like that painting you mention (Pre-Raphaelite, right?) but am not a fan of beer either, whether it’s green or any other colour 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  17. I’ve never been to Ireland but I really want to go there! Love Celtic jewellery and music, and the book of Kells is superb. Would love to see it in person. Really like that painting you mention (Pre-Raphaelite, right?) but am not a fan of beer either, whether it’s green or any other colour 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  18. I’ve never been to Ireland but I really want to go there! Love Celtic jewellery and music, and the book of Kells is superb. Would love to see it in person. Really like that painting you mention (Pre-Raphaelite, right?) but am not a fan of beer either, whether it’s green or any other colour 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  19. I’ve never been to Ireland but I really want to go there! Love Celtic jewellery and music, and the book of Kells is superb. Would love to see it in person. Really like that painting you mention (Pre-Raphaelite, right?) but am not a fan of beer either, whether it’s green or any other colour 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  20. I’ve never been to Ireland but I really want to go there! Love Celtic jewellery and music, and the book of Kells is superb. Would love to see it in person. Really like that painting you mention (Pre-Raphaelite, right?) but am not a fan of beer either, whether it’s green or any other colour 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  21. As someone who is half Irish by descent, can I express offense at all those simian-looking Leprechauns and the revolting green beer/bagels/soda bread/mashed potatoes/etc.?
    I once saw a 19th century drawing instruction book. It had profiles of various nationalities. The Englishman looked like the old annual New Yorker cover of the guy with the top hat and monocle. The Irishman looked like a monkey.
    I’m still annoyed.

    Reply
  22. As someone who is half Irish by descent, can I express offense at all those simian-looking Leprechauns and the revolting green beer/bagels/soda bread/mashed potatoes/etc.?
    I once saw a 19th century drawing instruction book. It had profiles of various nationalities. The Englishman looked like the old annual New Yorker cover of the guy with the top hat and monocle. The Irishman looked like a monkey.
    I’m still annoyed.

    Reply
  23. As someone who is half Irish by descent, can I express offense at all those simian-looking Leprechauns and the revolting green beer/bagels/soda bread/mashed potatoes/etc.?
    I once saw a 19th century drawing instruction book. It had profiles of various nationalities. The Englishman looked like the old annual New Yorker cover of the guy with the top hat and monocle. The Irishman looked like a monkey.
    I’m still annoyed.

    Reply
  24. As someone who is half Irish by descent, can I express offense at all those simian-looking Leprechauns and the revolting green beer/bagels/soda bread/mashed potatoes/etc.?
    I once saw a 19th century drawing instruction book. It had profiles of various nationalities. The Englishman looked like the old annual New Yorker cover of the guy with the top hat and monocle. The Irishman looked like a monkey.
    I’m still annoyed.

    Reply
  25. As someone who is half Irish by descent, can I express offense at all those simian-looking Leprechauns and the revolting green beer/bagels/soda bread/mashed potatoes/etc.?
    I once saw a 19th century drawing instruction book. It had profiles of various nationalities. The Englishman looked like the old annual New Yorker cover of the guy with the top hat and monocle. The Irishman looked like a monkey.
    I’m still annoyed.

    Reply
  26. One of my immigrant great grandmothers came from Ireland. Beyond that statement she is nearly anonymous. She is said to have been Mary Murphy from County Cork. On thhe only census where I find her she is named Bridget (so I’ve decided that she was either Bridget Mary or Mary Bridget, because there is elusive evidence that she and her husband were buried as William and Mary). Husband is American military, but he is very hard to find also!
    Just another pair of alien ancestors!

    Reply
  27. One of my immigrant great grandmothers came from Ireland. Beyond that statement she is nearly anonymous. She is said to have been Mary Murphy from County Cork. On thhe only census where I find her she is named Bridget (so I’ve decided that she was either Bridget Mary or Mary Bridget, because there is elusive evidence that she and her husband were buried as William and Mary). Husband is American military, but he is very hard to find also!
    Just another pair of alien ancestors!

    Reply
  28. One of my immigrant great grandmothers came from Ireland. Beyond that statement she is nearly anonymous. She is said to have been Mary Murphy from County Cork. On thhe only census where I find her she is named Bridget (so I’ve decided that she was either Bridget Mary or Mary Bridget, because there is elusive evidence that she and her husband were buried as William and Mary). Husband is American military, but he is very hard to find also!
    Just another pair of alien ancestors!

    Reply
  29. One of my immigrant great grandmothers came from Ireland. Beyond that statement she is nearly anonymous. She is said to have been Mary Murphy from County Cork. On thhe only census where I find her she is named Bridget (so I’ve decided that she was either Bridget Mary or Mary Bridget, because there is elusive evidence that she and her husband were buried as William and Mary). Husband is American military, but he is very hard to find also!
    Just another pair of alien ancestors!

    Reply
  30. One of my immigrant great grandmothers came from Ireland. Beyond that statement she is nearly anonymous. She is said to have been Mary Murphy from County Cork. On thhe only census where I find her she is named Bridget (so I’ve decided that she was either Bridget Mary or Mary Bridget, because there is elusive evidence that she and her husband were buried as William and Mary). Husband is American military, but he is very hard to find also!
    Just another pair of alien ancestors!

    Reply
  31. I’m totally not Irish, but I love many things owing to the Emrald Isle, e.g., Riverdance, corned beef and cabbage (courtesy of a mutual friend), shamrock plants, especially the burgundy ones, Irish stew Irish, nachos and many other goodies at An Poitin Stil near Baltimore. And speaking of Irish delicacies – Guinness has a brewery near Baltimore. Once Covid is over, I wouldn’t mind lifting a pint. Dare I say Erin go Bragh? Sláinte! to you, Susan!

    Reply
  32. I’m totally not Irish, but I love many things owing to the Emrald Isle, e.g., Riverdance, corned beef and cabbage (courtesy of a mutual friend), shamrock plants, especially the burgundy ones, Irish stew Irish, nachos and many other goodies at An Poitin Stil near Baltimore. And speaking of Irish delicacies – Guinness has a brewery near Baltimore. Once Covid is over, I wouldn’t mind lifting a pint. Dare I say Erin go Bragh? Sláinte! to you, Susan!

    Reply
  33. I’m totally not Irish, but I love many things owing to the Emrald Isle, e.g., Riverdance, corned beef and cabbage (courtesy of a mutual friend), shamrock plants, especially the burgundy ones, Irish stew Irish, nachos and many other goodies at An Poitin Stil near Baltimore. And speaking of Irish delicacies – Guinness has a brewery near Baltimore. Once Covid is over, I wouldn’t mind lifting a pint. Dare I say Erin go Bragh? Sláinte! to you, Susan!

    Reply
  34. I’m totally not Irish, but I love many things owing to the Emrald Isle, e.g., Riverdance, corned beef and cabbage (courtesy of a mutual friend), shamrock plants, especially the burgundy ones, Irish stew Irish, nachos and many other goodies at An Poitin Stil near Baltimore. And speaking of Irish delicacies – Guinness has a brewery near Baltimore. Once Covid is over, I wouldn’t mind lifting a pint. Dare I say Erin go Bragh? Sláinte! to you, Susan!

    Reply
  35. I’m totally not Irish, but I love many things owing to the Emrald Isle, e.g., Riverdance, corned beef and cabbage (courtesy of a mutual friend), shamrock plants, especially the burgundy ones, Irish stew Irish, nachos and many other goodies at An Poitin Stil near Baltimore. And speaking of Irish delicacies – Guinness has a brewery near Baltimore. Once Covid is over, I wouldn’t mind lifting a pint. Dare I say Erin go Bragh? Sláinte! to you, Susan!

    Reply
  36. What do I love about Ireland? Well, Chris O’Dowd, James Nesbitt, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Edna O’Brien and Maeve Binchy would probably top the list. And I love that the Irish took in many Scots, including my husband’s ancestors, during The Clearances. I prefer my Guinness in a Black Velvet, which I do love, too. And I must admit to being a total sucker for the mushiest of Irish songs: Danny Boy and Molly Malone can bring me to tears, even though both were written by non-Irish. And I can go down an endless rabbit hole on You-Tube watching and listening to renditions of The Galway Girl, written by American Steve Earle – if there was ever a song that can cheer anyone up, that must be it, and its adoption by the Irish shows generosity as well as good taste. When you’re having a bad day (or perhaps a bit of writer’s block?), watch this and try not to dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNs0vKDvs0g
    I’ll join Binnie in saying Sláinte to you all!

    Reply
  37. What do I love about Ireland? Well, Chris O’Dowd, James Nesbitt, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Edna O’Brien and Maeve Binchy would probably top the list. And I love that the Irish took in many Scots, including my husband’s ancestors, during The Clearances. I prefer my Guinness in a Black Velvet, which I do love, too. And I must admit to being a total sucker for the mushiest of Irish songs: Danny Boy and Molly Malone can bring me to tears, even though both were written by non-Irish. And I can go down an endless rabbit hole on You-Tube watching and listening to renditions of The Galway Girl, written by American Steve Earle – if there was ever a song that can cheer anyone up, that must be it, and its adoption by the Irish shows generosity as well as good taste. When you’re having a bad day (or perhaps a bit of writer’s block?), watch this and try not to dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNs0vKDvs0g
    I’ll join Binnie in saying Sláinte to you all!

    Reply
  38. What do I love about Ireland? Well, Chris O’Dowd, James Nesbitt, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Edna O’Brien and Maeve Binchy would probably top the list. And I love that the Irish took in many Scots, including my husband’s ancestors, during The Clearances. I prefer my Guinness in a Black Velvet, which I do love, too. And I must admit to being a total sucker for the mushiest of Irish songs: Danny Boy and Molly Malone can bring me to tears, even though both were written by non-Irish. And I can go down an endless rabbit hole on You-Tube watching and listening to renditions of The Galway Girl, written by American Steve Earle – if there was ever a song that can cheer anyone up, that must be it, and its adoption by the Irish shows generosity as well as good taste. When you’re having a bad day (or perhaps a bit of writer’s block?), watch this and try not to dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNs0vKDvs0g
    I’ll join Binnie in saying Sláinte to you all!

    Reply
  39. What do I love about Ireland? Well, Chris O’Dowd, James Nesbitt, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Edna O’Brien and Maeve Binchy would probably top the list. And I love that the Irish took in many Scots, including my husband’s ancestors, during The Clearances. I prefer my Guinness in a Black Velvet, which I do love, too. And I must admit to being a total sucker for the mushiest of Irish songs: Danny Boy and Molly Malone can bring me to tears, even though both were written by non-Irish. And I can go down an endless rabbit hole on You-Tube watching and listening to renditions of The Galway Girl, written by American Steve Earle – if there was ever a song that can cheer anyone up, that must be it, and its adoption by the Irish shows generosity as well as good taste. When you’re having a bad day (or perhaps a bit of writer’s block?), watch this and try not to dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNs0vKDvs0g
    I’ll join Binnie in saying Sláinte to you all!

    Reply
  40. What do I love about Ireland? Well, Chris O’Dowd, James Nesbitt, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Edna O’Brien and Maeve Binchy would probably top the list. And I love that the Irish took in many Scots, including my husband’s ancestors, during The Clearances. I prefer my Guinness in a Black Velvet, which I do love, too. And I must admit to being a total sucker for the mushiest of Irish songs: Danny Boy and Molly Malone can bring me to tears, even though both were written by non-Irish. And I can go down an endless rabbit hole on You-Tube watching and listening to renditions of The Galway Girl, written by American Steve Earle – if there was ever a song that can cheer anyone up, that must be it, and its adoption by the Irish shows generosity as well as good taste. When you’re having a bad day (or perhaps a bit of writer’s block?), watch this and try not to dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNs0vKDvs0g
    I’ll join Binnie in saying Sláinte to you all!

    Reply
  41. I love EVERYTHING about Ireland! My Claddagh Series books are historicals set in Ireland, and my Wild Geese Series features Irish heroes – and a few Irish heroines.
    I’ve been blessed to have visited Ireland three times – so far – and each time it’s like I’m returning to the true home of my heart (even though my Irish DNA is only 9%).
    I love the harp, too, but my favorite Irish instruments are the fiddle and the tin whistle, preferably played together at a session or a ceilidh. And I absolutely adore Irish music – my entire “writing playlist” consists of Irish tunes. Mostly what I love is the fact that each song tells a story. I was also lucky enough to hear a few stories from a seanachie when I visited Galway in 2018.
    I can’t wait to go back again!
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply
  42. I love EVERYTHING about Ireland! My Claddagh Series books are historicals set in Ireland, and my Wild Geese Series features Irish heroes – and a few Irish heroines.
    I’ve been blessed to have visited Ireland three times – so far – and each time it’s like I’m returning to the true home of my heart (even though my Irish DNA is only 9%).
    I love the harp, too, but my favorite Irish instruments are the fiddle and the tin whistle, preferably played together at a session or a ceilidh. And I absolutely adore Irish music – my entire “writing playlist” consists of Irish tunes. Mostly what I love is the fact that each song tells a story. I was also lucky enough to hear a few stories from a seanachie when I visited Galway in 2018.
    I can’t wait to go back again!
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply
  43. I love EVERYTHING about Ireland! My Claddagh Series books are historicals set in Ireland, and my Wild Geese Series features Irish heroes – and a few Irish heroines.
    I’ve been blessed to have visited Ireland three times – so far – and each time it’s like I’m returning to the true home of my heart (even though my Irish DNA is only 9%).
    I love the harp, too, but my favorite Irish instruments are the fiddle and the tin whistle, preferably played together at a session or a ceilidh. And I absolutely adore Irish music – my entire “writing playlist” consists of Irish tunes. Mostly what I love is the fact that each song tells a story. I was also lucky enough to hear a few stories from a seanachie when I visited Galway in 2018.
    I can’t wait to go back again!
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply
  44. I love EVERYTHING about Ireland! My Claddagh Series books are historicals set in Ireland, and my Wild Geese Series features Irish heroes – and a few Irish heroines.
    I’ve been blessed to have visited Ireland three times – so far – and each time it’s like I’m returning to the true home of my heart (even though my Irish DNA is only 9%).
    I love the harp, too, but my favorite Irish instruments are the fiddle and the tin whistle, preferably played together at a session or a ceilidh. And I absolutely adore Irish music – my entire “writing playlist” consists of Irish tunes. Mostly what I love is the fact that each song tells a story. I was also lucky enough to hear a few stories from a seanachie when I visited Galway in 2018.
    I can’t wait to go back again!
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply
  45. I love EVERYTHING about Ireland! My Claddagh Series books are historicals set in Ireland, and my Wild Geese Series features Irish heroes – and a few Irish heroines.
    I’ve been blessed to have visited Ireland three times – so far – and each time it’s like I’m returning to the true home of my heart (even though my Irish DNA is only 9%).
    I love the harp, too, but my favorite Irish instruments are the fiddle and the tin whistle, preferably played together at a session or a ceilidh. And I absolutely adore Irish music – my entire “writing playlist” consists of Irish tunes. Mostly what I love is the fact that each song tells a story. I was also lucky enough to hear a few stories from a seanachie when I visited Galway in 2018.
    I can’t wait to go back again!
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Reply
  46. I have never been to Ireland. I am a huge fan of their music and musicians. I wear Celtic knot earrings and a few other Celtic pieces.
    I am of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. So, I feel that the things that resonate with me from Wales and Scotland are also a part of what appeals from Ireland.
    Thanks so much for this post. It is lovely.
    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

    Reply
  47. I have never been to Ireland. I am a huge fan of their music and musicians. I wear Celtic knot earrings and a few other Celtic pieces.
    I am of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. So, I feel that the things that resonate with me from Wales and Scotland are also a part of what appeals from Ireland.
    Thanks so much for this post. It is lovely.
    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

    Reply
  48. I have never been to Ireland. I am a huge fan of their music and musicians. I wear Celtic knot earrings and a few other Celtic pieces.
    I am of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. So, I feel that the things that resonate with me from Wales and Scotland are also a part of what appeals from Ireland.
    Thanks so much for this post. It is lovely.
    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

    Reply
  49. I have never been to Ireland. I am a huge fan of their music and musicians. I wear Celtic knot earrings and a few other Celtic pieces.
    I am of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. So, I feel that the things that resonate with me from Wales and Scotland are also a part of what appeals from Ireland.
    Thanks so much for this post. It is lovely.
    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

    Reply
  50. I have never been to Ireland. I am a huge fan of their music and musicians. I wear Celtic knot earrings and a few other Celtic pieces.
    I am of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. So, I feel that the things that resonate with me from Wales and Scotland are also a part of what appeals from Ireland.
    Thanks so much for this post. It is lovely.
    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

    Reply
  51. I’m part Irish & have loved everything Irish since I can remember. Of course, I went to all Catholic Schools, my father was a Policeman & my uncle was a priest. I also play the Celtic (Lever) Harp. LOL. Stereotype! I’ve been to Ireland only once though I certainly mean to get back there again. I don’t like Guinness but Irish Coffee & Irish Whiskey are great. I’ll be wearing green tomorrow too!

    Reply
  52. I’m part Irish & have loved everything Irish since I can remember. Of course, I went to all Catholic Schools, my father was a Policeman & my uncle was a priest. I also play the Celtic (Lever) Harp. LOL. Stereotype! I’ve been to Ireland only once though I certainly mean to get back there again. I don’t like Guinness but Irish Coffee & Irish Whiskey are great. I’ll be wearing green tomorrow too!

    Reply
  53. I’m part Irish & have loved everything Irish since I can remember. Of course, I went to all Catholic Schools, my father was a Policeman & my uncle was a priest. I also play the Celtic (Lever) Harp. LOL. Stereotype! I’ve been to Ireland only once though I certainly mean to get back there again. I don’t like Guinness but Irish Coffee & Irish Whiskey are great. I’ll be wearing green tomorrow too!

    Reply
  54. I’m part Irish & have loved everything Irish since I can remember. Of course, I went to all Catholic Schools, my father was a Policeman & my uncle was a priest. I also play the Celtic (Lever) Harp. LOL. Stereotype! I’ve been to Ireland only once though I certainly mean to get back there again. I don’t like Guinness but Irish Coffee & Irish Whiskey are great. I’ll be wearing green tomorrow too!

    Reply
  55. I’m part Irish & have loved everything Irish since I can remember. Of course, I went to all Catholic Schools, my father was a Policeman & my uncle was a priest. I also play the Celtic (Lever) Harp. LOL. Stereotype! I’ve been to Ireland only once though I certainly mean to get back there again. I don’t like Guinness but Irish Coffee & Irish Whiskey are great. I’ll be wearing green tomorrow too!

    Reply
  56. I am not one bit Irish (that I know of, anyway) – but I am Northern European (Swedish, Scottish, German) – and we do like our strong drink. So I love Irish coffee.
    I used to love corned beef hash until I looked at the sodium content – though I doubt the Irish ate it as we did, with plenty of onions, pepper and ketchup. I liked Irish soda bread as well, but with peanut butter.
    Probably the only truly Irish food left in my diet is Kerry Gold Dubliner Reduced Fat White Cheddar, which makes great toasted cheese sammiches.
    The Irish make interesting movies too – Philomena, Calvary – and TV shows – Jack Taylor (even though he was played by a Scotsman).
    All the photos of Ireland I see show it as green. Really, really green. It looks like a perfect place for cows and people to coexist. The daughter of my college best friend of colorful memory sings in a pub band in Dublin. Someday I must go see her.

    Reply
  57. I am not one bit Irish (that I know of, anyway) – but I am Northern European (Swedish, Scottish, German) – and we do like our strong drink. So I love Irish coffee.
    I used to love corned beef hash until I looked at the sodium content – though I doubt the Irish ate it as we did, with plenty of onions, pepper and ketchup. I liked Irish soda bread as well, but with peanut butter.
    Probably the only truly Irish food left in my diet is Kerry Gold Dubliner Reduced Fat White Cheddar, which makes great toasted cheese sammiches.
    The Irish make interesting movies too – Philomena, Calvary – and TV shows – Jack Taylor (even though he was played by a Scotsman).
    All the photos of Ireland I see show it as green. Really, really green. It looks like a perfect place for cows and people to coexist. The daughter of my college best friend of colorful memory sings in a pub band in Dublin. Someday I must go see her.

    Reply
  58. I am not one bit Irish (that I know of, anyway) – but I am Northern European (Swedish, Scottish, German) – and we do like our strong drink. So I love Irish coffee.
    I used to love corned beef hash until I looked at the sodium content – though I doubt the Irish ate it as we did, with plenty of onions, pepper and ketchup. I liked Irish soda bread as well, but with peanut butter.
    Probably the only truly Irish food left in my diet is Kerry Gold Dubliner Reduced Fat White Cheddar, which makes great toasted cheese sammiches.
    The Irish make interesting movies too – Philomena, Calvary – and TV shows – Jack Taylor (even though he was played by a Scotsman).
    All the photos of Ireland I see show it as green. Really, really green. It looks like a perfect place for cows and people to coexist. The daughter of my college best friend of colorful memory sings in a pub band in Dublin. Someday I must go see her.

    Reply
  59. I am not one bit Irish (that I know of, anyway) – but I am Northern European (Swedish, Scottish, German) – and we do like our strong drink. So I love Irish coffee.
    I used to love corned beef hash until I looked at the sodium content – though I doubt the Irish ate it as we did, with plenty of onions, pepper and ketchup. I liked Irish soda bread as well, but with peanut butter.
    Probably the only truly Irish food left in my diet is Kerry Gold Dubliner Reduced Fat White Cheddar, which makes great toasted cheese sammiches.
    The Irish make interesting movies too – Philomena, Calvary – and TV shows – Jack Taylor (even though he was played by a Scotsman).
    All the photos of Ireland I see show it as green. Really, really green. It looks like a perfect place for cows and people to coexist. The daughter of my college best friend of colorful memory sings in a pub band in Dublin. Someday I must go see her.

    Reply
  60. I am not one bit Irish (that I know of, anyway) – but I am Northern European (Swedish, Scottish, German) – and we do like our strong drink. So I love Irish coffee.
    I used to love corned beef hash until I looked at the sodium content – though I doubt the Irish ate it as we did, with plenty of onions, pepper and ketchup. I liked Irish soda bread as well, but with peanut butter.
    Probably the only truly Irish food left in my diet is Kerry Gold Dubliner Reduced Fat White Cheddar, which makes great toasted cheese sammiches.
    The Irish make interesting movies too – Philomena, Calvary – and TV shows – Jack Taylor (even though he was played by a Scotsman).
    All the photos of Ireland I see show it as green. Really, really green. It looks like a perfect place for cows and people to coexist. The daughter of my college best friend of colorful memory sings in a pub band in Dublin. Someday I must go see her.

    Reply
  61. I love Irish writers and poets, the ones already mentioned, plus Frank McCourt, Flann O’Brien, Edna O’Brien, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. I love Irish humor. And I love an Irish accent, which I find much more understandable than the Scots accent!

    Reply
  62. I love Irish writers and poets, the ones already mentioned, plus Frank McCourt, Flann O’Brien, Edna O’Brien, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. I love Irish humor. And I love an Irish accent, which I find much more understandable than the Scots accent!

    Reply
  63. I love Irish writers and poets, the ones already mentioned, plus Frank McCourt, Flann O’Brien, Edna O’Brien, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. I love Irish humor. And I love an Irish accent, which I find much more understandable than the Scots accent!

    Reply
  64. I love Irish writers and poets, the ones already mentioned, plus Frank McCourt, Flann O’Brien, Edna O’Brien, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. I love Irish humor. And I love an Irish accent, which I find much more understandable than the Scots accent!

    Reply
  65. I love Irish writers and poets, the ones already mentioned, plus Frank McCourt, Flann O’Brien, Edna O’Brien, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. I love Irish humor. And I love an Irish accent, which I find much more understandable than the Scots accent!

    Reply
  66. One of my fondest Irish memories is from my husband’s birthday, which we happened to spend in Ireland on year.
    It fell on Good Friday that year, so we had an absolutely lovely fish dinner complete with white wine.
    After dinner my husband – who likes his single malts – wanted a whiskey. The waiter politely declined the order: “Sir, it is a high religious holiday, today. We cannot serve you alcohol. But I could offer you an Irish coffee.”
    You can imagine our surprise we had had wine and Irish coffee contains whiskey anyway.
    Turned out wine was o.k., because of communion and as for the Irish Coffee: “There is cream on top, so God does not see the whiskey underneath.”
    This for me somehow sums up Ireland nicely: Very friendly, the gift of the garb and there is always a clever way to handle restrictions.

    Reply
  67. One of my fondest Irish memories is from my husband’s birthday, which we happened to spend in Ireland on year.
    It fell on Good Friday that year, so we had an absolutely lovely fish dinner complete with white wine.
    After dinner my husband – who likes his single malts – wanted a whiskey. The waiter politely declined the order: “Sir, it is a high religious holiday, today. We cannot serve you alcohol. But I could offer you an Irish coffee.”
    You can imagine our surprise we had had wine and Irish coffee contains whiskey anyway.
    Turned out wine was o.k., because of communion and as for the Irish Coffee: “There is cream on top, so God does not see the whiskey underneath.”
    This for me somehow sums up Ireland nicely: Very friendly, the gift of the garb and there is always a clever way to handle restrictions.

    Reply
  68. One of my fondest Irish memories is from my husband’s birthday, which we happened to spend in Ireland on year.
    It fell on Good Friday that year, so we had an absolutely lovely fish dinner complete with white wine.
    After dinner my husband – who likes his single malts – wanted a whiskey. The waiter politely declined the order: “Sir, it is a high religious holiday, today. We cannot serve you alcohol. But I could offer you an Irish coffee.”
    You can imagine our surprise we had had wine and Irish coffee contains whiskey anyway.
    Turned out wine was o.k., because of communion and as for the Irish Coffee: “There is cream on top, so God does not see the whiskey underneath.”
    This for me somehow sums up Ireland nicely: Very friendly, the gift of the garb and there is always a clever way to handle restrictions.

    Reply
  69. One of my fondest Irish memories is from my husband’s birthday, which we happened to spend in Ireland on year.
    It fell on Good Friday that year, so we had an absolutely lovely fish dinner complete with white wine.
    After dinner my husband – who likes his single malts – wanted a whiskey. The waiter politely declined the order: “Sir, it is a high religious holiday, today. We cannot serve you alcohol. But I could offer you an Irish coffee.”
    You can imagine our surprise we had had wine and Irish coffee contains whiskey anyway.
    Turned out wine was o.k., because of communion and as for the Irish Coffee: “There is cream on top, so God does not see the whiskey underneath.”
    This for me somehow sums up Ireland nicely: Very friendly, the gift of the garb and there is always a clever way to handle restrictions.

    Reply
  70. One of my fondest Irish memories is from my husband’s birthday, which we happened to spend in Ireland on year.
    It fell on Good Friday that year, so we had an absolutely lovely fish dinner complete with white wine.
    After dinner my husband – who likes his single malts – wanted a whiskey. The waiter politely declined the order: “Sir, it is a high religious holiday, today. We cannot serve you alcohol. But I could offer you an Irish coffee.”
    You can imagine our surprise we had had wine and Irish coffee contains whiskey anyway.
    Turned out wine was o.k., because of communion and as for the Irish Coffee: “There is cream on top, so God does not see the whiskey underneath.”
    This for me somehow sums up Ireland nicely: Very friendly, the gift of the garb and there is always a clever way to handle restrictions.

    Reply
  71. I’m not sure about the accent. But I certainly agree with your list of writers. There are so many wonderful Irish plays / dramatists.

    Reply
  72. I’m not sure about the accent. But I certainly agree with your list of writers. There are so many wonderful Irish plays / dramatists.

    Reply
  73. I’m not sure about the accent. But I certainly agree with your list of writers. There are so many wonderful Irish plays / dramatists.

    Reply
  74. I’m not sure about the accent. But I certainly agree with your list of writers. There are so many wonderful Irish plays / dramatists.

    Reply
  75. I’m not sure about the accent. But I certainly agree with your list of writers. There are so many wonderful Irish plays / dramatists.

    Reply
  76. I live in Ireland Katja and I have never ever heard of anyone being refused alcohols because of a holiday!! That is so totally weird.

    Reply
  77. I live in Ireland Katja and I have never ever heard of anyone being refused alcohols because of a holiday!! That is so totally weird.

    Reply
  78. I live in Ireland Katja and I have never ever heard of anyone being refused alcohols because of a holiday!! That is so totally weird.

    Reply
  79. I live in Ireland Katja and I have never ever heard of anyone being refused alcohols because of a holiday!! That is so totally weird.

    Reply
  80. I live in Ireland Katja and I have never ever heard of anyone being refused alcohols because of a holiday!! That is so totally weird.

    Reply
  81. I was born in England but grew up in Ireland from the age of six.
    My eldest daughter went to college in Trinity. She took me to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The library is awesome. It has a fantastic ‘feeling’ when you walk around it.
    I too love Derry Girl’s. It’s so funny. One of the cast is in Bridgerton at the moment.
    The Quiet Man was always a favorite in our house growing up. I still watch it from time to time.

    Reply
  82. I was born in England but grew up in Ireland from the age of six.
    My eldest daughter went to college in Trinity. She took me to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The library is awesome. It has a fantastic ‘feeling’ when you walk around it.
    I too love Derry Girl’s. It’s so funny. One of the cast is in Bridgerton at the moment.
    The Quiet Man was always a favorite in our house growing up. I still watch it from time to time.

    Reply
  83. I was born in England but grew up in Ireland from the age of six.
    My eldest daughter went to college in Trinity. She took me to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The library is awesome. It has a fantastic ‘feeling’ when you walk around it.
    I too love Derry Girl’s. It’s so funny. One of the cast is in Bridgerton at the moment.
    The Quiet Man was always a favorite in our house growing up. I still watch it from time to time.

    Reply
  84. I was born in England but grew up in Ireland from the age of six.
    My eldest daughter went to college in Trinity. She took me to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The library is awesome. It has a fantastic ‘feeling’ when you walk around it.
    I too love Derry Girl’s. It’s so funny. One of the cast is in Bridgerton at the moment.
    The Quiet Man was always a favorite in our house growing up. I still watch it from time to time.

    Reply
  85. I was born in England but grew up in Ireland from the age of six.
    My eldest daughter went to college in Trinity. She took me to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The library is awesome. It has a fantastic ‘feeling’ when you walk around it.
    I too love Derry Girl’s. It’s so funny. One of the cast is in Bridgerton at the moment.
    The Quiet Man was always a favorite in our house growing up. I still watch it from time to time.

    Reply
  86. My first trip overseas was with my best friend. We met as nurses in NYC and she and her childhood friend had promised to be maid of honor at their weddings. They grew up in Londonderry N Ireland, due to the troubles the wedding was in the Cotswold area in England. My friend asked me to go with her and so we had a great trip together, Her family lived in Belfast and it was different then due to the conflict (1970’s) We travelled as best we could to see sights. My ancestry is German but I always feel a connection to Ireland and Scotland. I love the songs and music, the accent, the poetry and so much more. Before we returned to the USA, we had a chance to celebrate their marriage in Derry where they both still live.
    My best friend passed away 6 years after returning to Ireland. so one day I would like to return to her hometown.
    happy St. Patrick’s day to all

    Reply
  87. My first trip overseas was with my best friend. We met as nurses in NYC and she and her childhood friend had promised to be maid of honor at their weddings. They grew up in Londonderry N Ireland, due to the troubles the wedding was in the Cotswold area in England. My friend asked me to go with her and so we had a great trip together, Her family lived in Belfast and it was different then due to the conflict (1970’s) We travelled as best we could to see sights. My ancestry is German but I always feel a connection to Ireland and Scotland. I love the songs and music, the accent, the poetry and so much more. Before we returned to the USA, we had a chance to celebrate their marriage in Derry where they both still live.
    My best friend passed away 6 years after returning to Ireland. so one day I would like to return to her hometown.
    happy St. Patrick’s day to all

    Reply
  88. My first trip overseas was with my best friend. We met as nurses in NYC and she and her childhood friend had promised to be maid of honor at their weddings. They grew up in Londonderry N Ireland, due to the troubles the wedding was in the Cotswold area in England. My friend asked me to go with her and so we had a great trip together, Her family lived in Belfast and it was different then due to the conflict (1970’s) We travelled as best we could to see sights. My ancestry is German but I always feel a connection to Ireland and Scotland. I love the songs and music, the accent, the poetry and so much more. Before we returned to the USA, we had a chance to celebrate their marriage in Derry where they both still live.
    My best friend passed away 6 years after returning to Ireland. so one day I would like to return to her hometown.
    happy St. Patrick’s day to all

    Reply
  89. My first trip overseas was with my best friend. We met as nurses in NYC and she and her childhood friend had promised to be maid of honor at their weddings. They grew up in Londonderry N Ireland, due to the troubles the wedding was in the Cotswold area in England. My friend asked me to go with her and so we had a great trip together, Her family lived in Belfast and it was different then due to the conflict (1970’s) We travelled as best we could to see sights. My ancestry is German but I always feel a connection to Ireland and Scotland. I love the songs and music, the accent, the poetry and so much more. Before we returned to the USA, we had a chance to celebrate their marriage in Derry where they both still live.
    My best friend passed away 6 years after returning to Ireland. so one day I would like to return to her hometown.
    happy St. Patrick’s day to all

    Reply
  90. My first trip overseas was with my best friend. We met as nurses in NYC and she and her childhood friend had promised to be maid of honor at their weddings. They grew up in Londonderry N Ireland, due to the troubles the wedding was in the Cotswold area in England. My friend asked me to go with her and so we had a great trip together, Her family lived in Belfast and it was different then due to the conflict (1970’s) We travelled as best we could to see sights. My ancestry is German but I always feel a connection to Ireland and Scotland. I love the songs and music, the accent, the poetry and so much more. Before we returned to the USA, we had a chance to celebrate their marriage in Derry where they both still live.
    My best friend passed away 6 years after returning to Ireland. so one day I would like to return to her hometown.
    happy St. Patrick’s day to all

    Reply
  91. Interesting. Maybe they wanted to provide the gullible tourists wuth a story to tell. As I said, it was a charming restaueant, a great evening and remains a fond memory. As soon as we can travel again, I think a trip to Ireland is in the books, to be sure.

    Reply
  92. Interesting. Maybe they wanted to provide the gullible tourists wuth a story to tell. As I said, it was a charming restaueant, a great evening and remains a fond memory. As soon as we can travel again, I think a trip to Ireland is in the books, to be sure.

    Reply
  93. Interesting. Maybe they wanted to provide the gullible tourists wuth a story to tell. As I said, it was a charming restaueant, a great evening and remains a fond memory. As soon as we can travel again, I think a trip to Ireland is in the books, to be sure.

    Reply
  94. Interesting. Maybe they wanted to provide the gullible tourists wuth a story to tell. As I said, it was a charming restaueant, a great evening and remains a fond memory. As soon as we can travel again, I think a trip to Ireland is in the books, to be sure.

    Reply
  95. Interesting. Maybe they wanted to provide the gullible tourists wuth a story to tell. As I said, it was a charming restaueant, a great evening and remains a fond memory. As soon as we can travel again, I think a trip to Ireland is in the books, to be sure.

    Reply
  96. Guinness and Tullamore Dew, but don’t forget the mash and other good food!
    With regards St. Patrick, everyone remembers the snakes, some remember he was kidnapped and enslaved. But he was also a great social liberator and fought for the rights of women, and oppressed people, in general.

    Reply
  97. Guinness and Tullamore Dew, but don’t forget the mash and other good food!
    With regards St. Patrick, everyone remembers the snakes, some remember he was kidnapped and enslaved. But he was also a great social liberator and fought for the rights of women, and oppressed people, in general.

    Reply
  98. Guinness and Tullamore Dew, but don’t forget the mash and other good food!
    With regards St. Patrick, everyone remembers the snakes, some remember he was kidnapped and enslaved. But he was also a great social liberator and fought for the rights of women, and oppressed people, in general.

    Reply
  99. Guinness and Tullamore Dew, but don’t forget the mash and other good food!
    With regards St. Patrick, everyone remembers the snakes, some remember he was kidnapped and enslaved. But he was also a great social liberator and fought for the rights of women, and oppressed people, in general.

    Reply
  100. Guinness and Tullamore Dew, but don’t forget the mash and other good food!
    With regards St. Patrick, everyone remembers the snakes, some remember he was kidnapped and enslaved. But he was also a great social liberator and fought for the rights of women, and oppressed people, in general.

    Reply

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