If Ireland was looking for a date on the internet, I think it’s profile would go something like this:
I love adventure – the stormier the better. No cliff is to high to jump off of, no ledge too narrow, and the bigger the waves the more I’m stoked. I like it when the wind howls through my hair making me look rough and rugged. However lest you think I’m too masculine, I have a soft side too. I love my mother and see her often, I take care of millions of sheep, I respect the land, and I run a tidy ship. My mother taught me not to be a slob after all. Green is my favorite color. On a typical night I like to go to my corner pub and throw back some Guinness with my friends and maybe even pick up an accordion and play some music. My favorite song? “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” of course.
After I spent a month in the country – I couldn’t help but fall in love with the Emerald Isle. I absolutely had a crush on Ireland as if I were a silly school girl, and I was ready to bring it home and introduce it to my parents. I fantasized about staying in the country, buying a little house, and becoming part of the landscape and culture, meeting a husband, and raising sheep. I could have called the novel – Under the Irish Clouds.
Ireland’s Good Looks Come From It’s Landscapes
As you’ll see below, Ireland certainly has benefited (and probably broken many hearts) due to it’s good looks. The Ireland landscape is varied and stunning – I let out gasps more than once as I rounded a corner along the Wild Atlantic Way.
My Top 8 Reasons to Fall in Love with Ireland
But even though Ireland was blessed with good looks and Irish landscapes, it had personality too. In fact, I found myself loving the personality even more then it’s views at times.
1. They say F#!ck all the time
Old, young, women, men – you hear it all the time in conversation – but with their accent it sounds more like Feck or Fock. I think they are the only people who use it more than New Yorkers.
2. It’s a country full of late risers
They don’t get up until 8 or 9. Most B&B’s didn’t even start serving breakfast until 8! I got up ‘early’ one day in order to cover more ground. I walked into a gas station at 9:30 to get a coffee and one of the locals who was hanging out having his breakfast and morning paper said “You’re up early, where are you from?”
3. There is an abundance of berry jam in Ireland
Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries – and that makes me very happy because I’ve never been a fan of orange marmalade!
4. They love to smoke
Their food that is…smoked salmon and mackerel is a breakfast staple!
5. The Irish are storytellers
It reminded me of my grandparents and a simpler time. The Irish loved to talk and visit; they are expert storytellers. They aren’t shy, and you have to learn that a conversation takes time – it’s not done in abbreviations – TYVM!
6. They have a big meaty breakfast
Sausage, real bacon, blood sausage, white sausage – all served with 2 eggs, a basket or a half loaf of bread, and a half grilled tomato.
7. Live music is everywhere and there is no cover
I went to a local bar in Donegal with my B&B owner when three older men came in, sat themselves down at a booth, got out instruments, and started playing. Not for money and I’m pretty sure they didn’t even care if anyone listened – they were doing it for themselves. I learned this was a Sunday ritual for these 3 – it had been going on for decades. Music was how they socialized.
8. Every corner, county, and peninsula was a different Ireland landscape
Just when I thought that I had seen it all, I was left speechless by the next completely different landscape. There was a surprise around every corner and also a photograph.
My Top Ireland Landscape Photographs to fall in love with
So as you can see – Ireland has it all – a great personality AND great looks. What’s not to love?
Disclosure: Part of my Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip was sponsored by Failte Ireland. However, all of the opinions here are my own.
By Darlene Foster January 20, 2015 - 11:21 am
We have moved to Spain and there are many Irish people here. They fit right in as the Spanish are not early risers and love to tell stories. You captured the country so well in your photographs.
By Sherry January 20, 2015 - 8:04 pm
Thanks Darlene! You are right the Spanish are late risers too – maybe that’s why I like those countries so much!
By Cindy January 20, 2015 - 7:24 pm
Loving your WAW adventures, Sheryl and what lovely pictures! I’ve been following really religiously because my husband and I are planning for the WaW this Fall! 🙂
Cindy
By Sherry January 20, 2015 - 8:04 pm
Ohhh – you’ll have a great trip! Let me know if I can do anything to help…I still have much more to write about!
By Brittany @ Paws for Beer January 20, 2015 - 11:22 pm
those 8 reasons are reason enough for me! Lovely photos 🙂
By sarottejohn January 21, 2015 - 4:27 am
Nice article. Photographs are very nice to see. Awesome Work.Keep posting. I think Ruidoso Downs is a place to visit. It is very superb place to travel in once a life.
By De'Jav January 21, 2015 - 9:13 am
Great pictures and reasons to love Ireland. I haven’t been yet but have met many Irish. More reasons for me to visit.
By Laura @Travelocafe January 21, 2015 - 11:17 am
Breathtaking… breathtaking indeed…
By Mary January 22, 2015 - 8:30 am
Your stories and pictures are very inspiring =)
Thank you for sharing!
By Sherry January 28, 2015 - 9:31 am
Glad you enjoyed them Mary. Keep reading…I have many more stories in me…:)
By Stephanie - The Travel Chica January 22, 2015 - 7:44 pm
Gorgeous landscapes!
By Adam January 23, 2015 - 11:54 pm
I swear I could feel the sea spray and mist in some of these pics … excellent composition!
By Sherry January 28, 2015 - 9:30 am
Ha! there was plenty of moment of trying to wipe off the sea spray from my camera lens!!
By Lillie - @WorldLillie January 25, 2015 - 9:52 am
This is making me so excited for our Ireland trip next month!
By Sherry January 28, 2015 - 9:30 am
I can’t wait for you!! Are you taking the whole family?
By Mary @ Green Global Travel January 26, 2015 - 7:02 pm
I think the bog photo and the one of Slieve League are my favorites. You make me want to hop over to Ireland immediately!
By Sherry January 28, 2015 - 9:29 am
Wow Mary – most people don’t find beauty in the bog – but I loved it too. It was so different than anything I had seen before and such a part of Irish culture and history.
By BCJ January 28, 2015 - 2:55 am
Ireland is one of my top 5 places to travel this year 🙂 After my hike to Camino de Santiago I will to travel to Ireland. 😀 😀
By Sherry January 28, 2015 - 9:29 am
What a great lineup of travel. As you probably know – I did the Camino de Santiago too – and both are spectacular and very different experiences. If you are planning to do the Camino and Ireland – then what are your other top 3 places you are going this year?!
By BCJ January 28, 2015 - 10:34 pm
Here is my adventure list for this year.
1. Camino de Santiago
2. Ireland
3. PCT (USA)
4. Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)
5. Thailand
By RS January 31, 2015 - 4:28 am
Your wonderful picture making me more excited for Ireland trip.
By Glenda Collins February 5, 2015 - 11:40 pm
You are certainly living & loving life!
I love seeing your pictures and reading about your adventures.
Wish I could have seen Ireland with you but that is only a pipe dream in my case.
Keep on trucking, as they say!
Thank you so much for the pics and descriptions.
By Rebecca February 15, 2015 - 4:27 am
Goal achieved: I’m in love!! 🙂
By Myrna March 19, 2017 - 9:06 pm
I am an amateur photographer who will be traveling Ireland this summer. Your writing and your pictures are pure inspiration for me.
By Sherry March 19, 2017 - 9:17 pm
Thanks Myrna! Ireland is full of such wonderful vistas to photograph. And personally – I loved the moody, rainy days best! Have a great trip!
By George December 31, 2018 - 7:57 am
A wonderful set of images! I still remember Ireland but, alas, I traveled in the pre-digital era there; I only have memories and no photos. I wish I can return there soon -going through your post makes me feel that I have to go back soon! Happy 2019 🙂
By Sherry December 31, 2018 - 10:03 am
I hope you do return! I’m thinking about running another tour there in 2019 – it’s one of my favorite places!
By Ernest Elisha February 1, 2021 - 9:54 am
Nice article! Thanks for sharing
By Mr Aroyó March 7, 2021 - 2:59 am
Absolutely thrilled with this article and I can’t wait to “meet” Ireland ????
By Mollel August 27, 2021 - 9:43 am
This is an old post but I found it very useful, Thanks for sharing!
By Sherry August 29, 2021 - 1:28 pm
Thanks!
By Magdalena Andree February 7, 2022 - 8:24 am
One of the fantastic article! Great one and we thanks you for sharing
By Hung Pham May 21, 2022 - 3:33 am
Very nice post. Thank you very much for sharing very useful information!