Ireland

I've been fortunate to visit Ireland twice in my life, and over the next few days I'd like to share some pictures of some of the beautiful places I visited my last trip.

Ireland today is one of the most successful and richest in the European Union after Luxembourg. To read how this success came about in less than a generation read this very interesting NY Times opinion article.


When my husband and I visited a few years ago new home construction was booming everywhere, and many new immigrants were living and working in the country.

Many of the old time, quaint and charming, tourist sights still exist in Ireland, however. There are still some thatched roof cottages dotting the scenery, filling the air with a sweet-smelling peat fire that's burning in winter in the fireplace inside.

Above -- My husband and I standing outside an Irish cottage

Look close above to see a rainbow in the sky!

From Discover Ireland: "Ireland has a mild, temperate climate: Summer temperatures generally range from 60ºF/15ºC to 70ºF/20ºC. Spring and autumn are generally 50ºF/10ºC. Winter is between 40ºF/5ºC and 46ºF/8ºC. (Snow is rare, but showers can occur at any time of the year.)" We were visiting in the month of February

Above and two pictures below: Road signs in both official languages of Ireland, English and Gaelic. Language link at Discover Ireland

There are many friendly small towns and villages in the 32 counties of Ireland ...

...and many beautiful vistas of the "40 shades of green"

Next blog I'll show Blarney Castle.