When I think of Ireland....
What comes to mind as you attempt to finish this sentence?
Last month, as part of our giveaway for My Ireland Box, entrants were asked what crafts come to mind when thinking of Ireland, or simply to tell us what they love about Ireland. The answers posted by readers were beautiful, awe inspiring, and lyrically poetic.
I thought I might share some readers' words today, because they captured so much of what is good about Ireland.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Love Ireland
When you search online for reasons to love Ireland, lists of the usual suspects like pubs, Guinness, shamrocks and leprechauns appear. While these are all valid reasons, I think all of you captured something more spiritual in your answers. So much so, I believe they are deserving of a blog post all of their own.
And so without further ado, here is a selection of your beautiful words:
"When I think of Ireland, I think of comfort food, great scenery, awesome music, pride, and warm people. I think of a homeland that I haven’t stepped foot on, but know my heart is always there."
- Christina
"I love how friendly the people are and how beautiful the country is."
- Beth
"When I think of Ireland, I think of the beautiful green countryside and the wild sea, cozy pubs full of laughter and smoke, foamy stouts, mouth-watering fish and chips, creamy potato soup, and rustic breads."
- Erin
Memories of Ireland
"I studied abroad in Ireland last year, and cherish my memories of walking around Galway enjoying the booths filled with everything from jewelry to knitted garments to fresh food. Now, each time I see an Irish-made good, it fills me with comfort and happiness."
- Emily
"I literally love everything about Ireland. I love the green hills, I love the accents, I love the food, I love the cozy atmosphere of the homes people get to grow up in. I just love it."
- Elizabeth
"When I think of Irish crafts, I think of wooden boats, knitted sweaters, and musical instruments. When I think of Ireland, I think of the beauty of the land and the sea and the people."
- Kari
Ireland Calling
Many readers have never been to Ireland, but yet the feel as if Ireland is calling out to them. They feel they are genetically wired to connect with the land of their ancestors.
"Since discovering Celtic Thunder 2 years ago my love for the Irish and Ireland has grown. I have many Irish friends now and the way they talk of Ireland makes me long for it too. Everything seems magical and beautiful there - the feel of the nature surrounding you! They are a very warm and friendly people. They put a lot of care and love into what they do."
- Elaine
"When I think of Ireland or any craft that may come from there, I think of the purest happiness I have ever found, I found on those shores. The most genuine people, the most precious land and where my heart feels at its most real home."
- Chrissy
"... My heart is Irish and I dream in GREEN!!!!"
- Marie
".... We haven’t found an unpleasant person in Ireland. They have all been very helpful, funny and just so nice."
- Mary
"The beauty of Dingle and the whole peninsula is tough to match. From the Sleeping Giant, Connor’s Pass, Beehive Huts, Inch Beach and further inland the lakes of Killarney, they all take you to a magical place. So much history, kindness that is matched by none, and a richness in heritage, all shape this area. Great products from the sea, brown bread, cheeses, Celtic Cross jewelry, beautiful paintings, pottery, they abound. An isle full of wealth, not necessarily always monetarily, but a sincere pureness."
- Catherine
"I am very proud of my heritage. I come from a line of survivors. Passed down through generations was the love of baking, cooking, writing, reading, crocheting…..all Irish."
- Betty
"When I think of Ireland, I think of my Nana and the stories she told me about the stories and love woven into the items that were knitted. I also wear her cross that has stones from Connemara."
- Carol
I always think of wonderful handknitted sweaters, Irish tweeds, and all shades of green when Ireland is mentioned. I think also of hot scones and strong tea with a splash of milk. Hope that one day I can visit.
- Wendy
"I think of beautiful scenery, emerald green fields, a brisk wind weaving the grasses, the kiss of dew on leaves. The food, the peat fires, the simple life."
- Maile
Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments, and above all for your love of Ireland. And a big thanks to Katharine from My Ireland Box who sponsored our giveaway. Tomorrow I will reveal the lovely surprise contents of the April craft box. Subscribers received it by mail a few days ago, so hopefully I won't need any spoiler alerts.
Feel free to continue this conversation in the comments section below. I love to hear what stands out about Ireland, what makes it different, and special for you.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Why Tourists Love Ireland
- The Best Pubs in Galway
- Turas Éireann - An Irish Tour Company That Goes The Extra Mile
- Best Things to Do in Galway Ireland
- The Wild Atlantic Way
Irish Life
- Ships, Boats And Ferries - A Nostalgic Tribute
- Irish Sheepdogs - Why I Love Border Collies
- A Candle In The Window - An Irish Christmas Tradition
- Old Irish Ways Heritage Museum
Pat F.
Reading all those wonderful comments reminded me of our trip to Ireland . I remember sitting on the porch of a B & B in Clifden up on a hill looking done on the town. I was just taking it all in when all of a sudden I heard a very loud MOOOO. Almost jumped out of my skin. It was there friendly cow, coming to say hello.
I'm enjoying your blog so much, so glad I found you.
Irish American Mom
Pat - I love your story of your friendly Irish cow encounter. You must admit, cows and sheep are everywhere over there. Thanks so much for sharing your little trip down memory lane.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mariana
I liked this one: "I think of a homeland that I haven’t stepped foot on"
Irish American Mom
I liked that one too, Mariana. It really underscores the connection people of Irish heritage feel with the country of their ancestors.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
Katharine Keane - MyIrelandBox Founder
All of the comments make us here at MyIrelandBox feel so proud of being Irish and of our traditions, craft and language.
Thanks to all who shared their stories and thoughts and thanks Mairéad for sharing them.
Best wishes from Ireland
Katharine Keane Barrett
MyIrelandBox.com
Irish American Mom
And a big thanks to you too, Katharine. Have a lovely weekend, and I hope the sun shines in County Kerry.
Mairéad
Martine Brennan
When I think of Ireland, I think of all the generations who worked so hard to get us to here... and I feel so proud. When I volunteer with Ireland Reaching Out, I feel that I honour them.
Irish American Mom
What a wonderful sentiment, Martine. Those that have gone before us have given us a beautiful legacy built on their sacrifices and hard work. Thank you for all you do to recognize that.
All the best,
Mairéad