Saturday, March 17, 2012

Free Fall Saturday - Ireland...


I was never one for St. Patrick's Day although I love Ireland. I guess the day itself conjures up frat parties and the less savoury images of a culture as seen through the eyes of expats, descendants and wannabes.
The Ireland I like is gritty, green and gorgeous. It is place where writers are supported by the government and which therefore produces some of the best literature one can hope for.
These photos are from my favorite part of Ireland - the Dingle Peninsula. If you've never been - go - and if you have been, save your pennies to go back. Take one place and get to know the folks there - if you're young and you can afford it - live in Dublin for awhile - it is a town made for youth.
The first novel I wrote, Feckless, is set in Canada, the Dingle and Cuba - I get to visit Ireland and Cuba whenever I work on it - just talked with my sister about getting Feckless out and working a major revision on it - now that I know how. Ten years ago this fall I went to Ireland and it is lodged permanently in my heart.
I won't be drinking green beer or roaring around downtown, but I might lift a jar of Jameson and think of how green those hills really are.

5 comments:

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I have a friend who lives near Sligo. Your pictures bring back the joy of hiking over hills and along cliffs where the sea smashes in glorious plumes--then with cheeks rosy stopping in a pub for a pint and hiking back. Aaah. I really need to go back soon.

Marjorie said...

Ireland is top two of places I want to visit. My heart has always had a special place for Ireland even though my mom's side is mostly Scottish. I think it's mostly because the music is so special.

Liza said...

Ireland is very high on my bucket list...

Miriam Forster said...

Someday I will go to Ireland.

*dreams*

Carol Kilgore said...

You're very fortunate to have traveled to Ireland. It's on my wish list. Beautiful photos.