Why I Love Ireland

With all the festivities surrounding St. Paddy’s Day, I got to thinking about my recent trip to Ireland. In my book, Ireland ranks as a ten-out-of-ten travel destination. To achieve ten points on the Heide tally sheet, a place must pass The Egg Test. If I have breakfast at a local joint, in any town, state, or country, the yolk of my egg must be vibrant orange in color. None of that watery yellow muck for me. I want eggs from happy hens roaming the moors, or fields, or meadows that dine on bugs, and worms, and fresh shoots of grass. Ireland passed The Egg Test with flying color and for a few other reasons, too.

Here is my top 10 countdown of why I love Ireland:

#10. A proper Irish breakfast. The fresh farm eggs are just one element of this spectacular way to start a sightseeing day.

#9. “Good morning to you,” is a heartfelt greeting that comes with an authentic smile. It’s just the opposite of running into someone who asks, “How are you?” and before you can answer, walks away.

#8. Green, green, and more green. The countryside truly takes on the hue of an emerald, especially after a good rain, when the sun pops out and makes everything glitter.

#7. Pub grub. Yeah, Guinness is pretty tasty and filling, but man when you have a warm plate of local made sausage and mashed taters on a blustery, rainy day, life is good.

#6. History. The history of Ireland is not only ancient (think Neolithic), and mystical (think Celtic), it is brave, sad, political, and messy. Absolutely fascinating.

#5. Stories galore through literature and lore. From Joyce, Yeats, Wilde, Stoker, Beckett, O’Neill, McCourt, Shaw, and countless others to the exploits of Finn the Giant there is something for everyone, young and old, to listen to or read.

#4. Music. It’s toe-tapping, hand-clapping, tear-jerking stuff.

#3. A good cuppa. I brought some Lyons tea back in my suitcase, but Barry’s is just as strong and robust. It helps immensely when you’re just plain out of sorts.

#2. Rainbows. They are everywhere, accenting churchyards, villages, city skylines, and meadows dotted with grazing sheep. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re chasing a rainbow.

#1. Reverence for living and for dying. Just step foot into an Irish pub and you will see carpe diem in full swing—celebrating the moment with gusto. And yet, memories of those who have passed are not forgotten. Memorials abound in curated churchyards, roadside shrines, community gardens, and many a human heart.

Good food, good song and dance, good literature, good country, good people. Yep, in my book, Ireland is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.