Seeing Green Ireland

For a first trip abroad, it’s hard to imagine a better locale

Someone once told me that if I had red hair, there must be some Irish in me! I have yet to discover if that is true, but ever since that conversation, I had always wanted to travel to Ireland.

When a close friend was looking for a travel buddy, I was eager to go. We decided Ireland would be an exciting destination, and planned our trip for June 2012. I couldn’t wait to experience the forty shades of green that the people of Ireland lay claim to, and I was not disappointed. It was beautiful beyond belief! We were in awe when we travelled the cities and the countryside. We used just about every mode of transportation possible to see the most we could in 16 days—travelling by railway, city bus, coach and car. We hiked the hills, and walked the streets until we were hungry for Guinness stew or fish and chips at the local pub. Every pub had a quaint exterior, and there was always one within easy view. We heard that the small town of Dingle, a place we thoroughly enjoyed, had 52 pubs! They offered delicious food, big helpings, great company and fun music. The Irish are the friendliest folks ever, and my friend always struck up a conversation, so we met lots of people.

The Aran Islands, off the west coast of Galway, would be on the top of my list for favourite places. We went to see Dun Anoghasa and the cliffs on Inishmore: They were absolutely breathtaking and I will never forget them.

Other beautiful places we visited were the Connemara and the Burren areas, which were a contrast from each other and were well worth the trip. From the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland to Killarney National Park in the south, this Emerald Isle was a treat to explore. The castles and monastic sites were humbling, and the history simply overwhelming. We saw so much, but yet so much was still to be seen.

This was my first trip across the Atlantic, and I am proud to say I chose Ireland to discover. ■