When I Think Of Ireland

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.

Reasons To Love Ireland
Memories of Ireland
Ireland Calling

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:

irish robin and flower basket in a green framed Irish photo collage — Irish Image Collage

"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

Stew, colcannon, berry tart, and potato cakes in a photo collage of Irish food — Delicious Irish Food

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

Photos Of Ireland In Collage — Scenes of Ireland

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

a sunset, boreen castle and ship in an Irish photo collage — Views of Ireland

"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.