"Laughter is wine for the soul – laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness – the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.” ~ Sean O’Casey Along with a record heat wave in July 2022, many Irish Americans came “home” to visit Ireland for some much-needed craic. Among them, was Kevin White (Irish America Hall of Fame Inductee … [Read more...] about A Celebratory Family Trip Home
Your Travel Story
Something I Did Not Know I Was Missing
I went to Ireland with my two children in March/April of 2018. This was the first time that I had ever been. I always had the impression that Ireland was similar to the U.K. The trip completely dispelled that myth. I thought Ireland and the Irish people were beautiful and I came away with the belief that Ireland and the U.K. were as different as France and the U.K. Needless … [Read more...] about Something I Did Not Know I Was Missing
The Pain and the Pleasure
Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, when pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick went ahead with far few climbers this year. Fr. Charlie McDonnell, parish priest of Westport, speaking to Patsy McGarry for the Irish Times, explained that the numbers at the mountain were "the smallest attendance of any Sunday this year, estimating that “between 400 to 500 … [Read more...] about The Pain and the Pleasure
Sliabh An Iarainn
Sliabh An Iarainn at 10:30pm in mid June is the most ethereal setting I have ever experienced. This magnificent landscape just down the road from my home in Augnasheelin, Country Leitrim was a staple of my childhood. Sliabh An Iarainn (translates to “the iron mountain") consists of remote scenery that is breathtaking and thrilling. The location makes it a treasure to locals and … [Read more...] about Sliabh An Iarainn
Your Travel Story: Tara Cross
I took this image of Tara cross on the evening of May 26th, 2012, almost 214 years to the day that the Battle of Tara took place. On that occasion the fields of Tara ran red with the blood of Irish rebels who had gathered on the hill to engage the occupying forces of the British empire. Thankfully, on the occasion when I took this image the only thing red was the magnificent … [Read more...] about Your Travel Story: Tara Cross