Travelers visiting Ireland may need to adjust their expectations. Despite centuries of struggle and loss, Ireland's cultural impact far exceeds its small size, producing numerous famous celebrities and writers. The true essence of Ireland is best experienced through its language and stories.
For 700 years on the small windswept island on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its neighbours attempted to stamp out its independence, history, Catholic religion and Gaelic language.The Irish died in battles and famines or fled overseas. Not much is left behind, and many of the most eye-catching castles and other sights are Norman-Irish or Anglo-Irish. The Irish have, however, talked their way into world renown far beyond the size of their tiny, battered nation.
It takes a while to shake off the ingrained notion that travel is all about seeing important things. I realise that I’m enjoying listening far more when I’m a third of my way through a tour of Ireland with Collette, a company that runs excellent country-intensive journeys that capture the essence of destinations from Poland to Peru.Our small group has arrived in Donegal, a pretty but unassuming little market town.
Lomasney talks of other things that occurred long before the English arrived. He says giants created the causeway of hexagonal-shaped rocks extending into the sea, a highlight of our time in Northern Ireland. Next day we’re heading down the wave-pounded west coast. The skies are grey, the wind howling, but locals assure us the weather is lovely. At Slieve League, the wind nearly topples us from some of Europe’s highest cliffs, but our local guide warms us with stories of his childhood: his father was a lobster fisherman, and he knows every inch of this coast.
Then we’re driving through The Burren, which means “great rock”. Thank goodness I don’t have to concentrate on driving myself. I keep my face to the coach’s windows and soak up the scenery.The eerie, almost lunar landscape of grey limestone slabs is coloured green in the folds of its valleys, where sheep nibble. The rocks are splattered with wildflowers. We stop at the portal tomb of Poulnabrone, nearly 6000 years old, a defiant dolmen that celebrates Ireland’s long history.
IRELAND TRAVEL CULTURAL IMPACT IRISH HISTORY CELEBRITIES
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Not all heritage sites are a ‘must balance heritage with amenity’The so-called “toilet block” at Middle Head Oval in Mosman is much more than that. It is an amenities building housing two change rooms, dedicated sex-specific toilet facilities, umpire rooms, clubrooms, kiosk, covered viewing area and storage underneath.
Read more »
The toilet block plan heritage advocates fear will ‘urbanise’ Middle HeadMosman Council is facing a backlash over plans to upgrade facilities used by soccer and Aussie rules clubs.
Read more »
Race, heritage and bigotry inform Alan Hollinghurst’s latest novelThe British author’s new novel explores the passage of time, race, Brexit and sexuality.
Read more »
From Strictly Ballroom to Sydney’s saviour: how heritage town halls are staging a comebackInner West council has thrown open the doors of seven town halls to arts organisations free of charge as it tries to revive its buildings and address a performing arts crisis
Read more »
Home in Yeronga flood zone fetches $1.6m while Kiwi buyer nabs heritage woolstore apartmentThe five-bedroom Yeronga home was inundated in the 2022 floods, but that did not put off the buyers from Chelmer.
Read more »
Asian Australians including Penny Wong say their heritage has been a barrier to successEven in 2024, there is still a 'bamboo ceiling' in Australia. It's an issue that hit home for many at this year's Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Read more »