Page 14 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - December '19

Page 14, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Ireland: The Emerald Isle

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, Waterford Crystal, the much
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens prized, internationally known
Travel Leaders crystal glassware company.
It has been said that in The southwestern
Ireland there are no strangers, region considers Cork to
only friends you haven’t be Ireland’s “capital” of
met. The sentiment sums up the south. Founded in the
the joy of visiting Ireland. late sixth century, it was
A warm and welcoming later settled by the Vikings
people, the Irish have made and became a thriving port
conversation an art form and at the mouth of the River
the pursuit of it a national Lee. To the north of Cork is
pastime. The pace of life is such that anyone is welcome to Blarney, home of the “stone
join. of eloquence,” which is
The Republic of Ireland shares an island in the North located in the parapet that
Atlantic Ocean with Northern Ireland or Ulster. In 1921, the forms the battlement of the
32 counties that divide the land were split, with 26 becoming castle. Legend has it that
the Republic and six remaining under the control of Great by kissing the stone, one
Britain. The Gaelic name of Éire was given to the republic receives the “gift of gab.”
when Ireland’s constitution was adopted in 1937. However, to perform this
Less than 4.5 million people occupy the Republic’s ritual, it is necessary to hang
portion of the island’s 27,133 square miles. The island is upside-down from the edge
located an average of 50 miles west of Great Britain and is of the tower and properly The Ha’penny Bridge, which crosses the River Liffey in Dublin, at night (blue hour)
bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Celtic Sea, St. George’s position yourself in order to
Channel, the Irish Sea and the North Channel. embrace the exact location on the stone. I found that very endure. Galway contains the widely renowned area of the
Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and has approximately one- few Irishmen have kissed the stone; it seems to be a tradition Connemara stretching northwards from Galway city to
quarter of the nation’s population. Founded by the Vikings more keenly instilled in tourists. Killary Harbor. Galway, the City of Tribes, and the nearby
a thousand years ago, it’s a cosmopolitan city with a strong The 100-mile Ring of Kerry, a circular route from seaside resort of Salthill overlook the famous Galway Bay.
historical flavor, particularly of the 18th century Georgian Killarney, is an amazing mixture of mountains, villages Just north of Galway is the Knock Shrine, where millions
period. It’s a bustling city of elegant hotels, restaurants, pubs and seacapes. The legendary “Lakes of Killarney” are of Catholic pilgrims and invalids visit annually.
and famous shops. Local museums and art galleries unfold the pride of the Ring. Inland lies the rich farmland of A visit to the islands off the west coast is like stepping
Ireland’s complicated history. The Chester Beatty Library the Golden Valley, with the charming village of Adair back in time when the Gaelic-speaking Aran Islanders built
of Oriental Manuscripts in Ballsbridge is world-renowned. and Bunratty Castle, near the city of Limerick. Medieval distinctive stonewall fields. Dun Aengus, a massive Iron
The eighth century Book of Kells is on display in Trinity banquets can be enjoyed in the castle, which has an Age stone fort, is built precariously above a breathtaking
College. Music and drama can be enjoyed at a number of adjoining folk section that displays the lifestyles and cliff on Inishmore, largest of the islands. Traditionally,
theaters throughout this city. culture of the Irish people. the women of these islands have knitted the white wool
The eastern region of Ireland can easily be explored The Cliffs of Moher lie north of Shannon. These sweaters for their fisherman husbands and sons. Each
from Dublin. Wicklow, the “Garden of Ireland,” lies to the sheer cliffs stand firm against the constant pounding of family has selected its own unique pattern. It’s said that
south. Its hills, valleys, mansions and gardens make it a the ocean. The Burren, as the rocky surface is called, is this unique expression of individuality was originally
country of fascinating variety and beauty. The sixth century lunar-like, and a botanist’s paradise. Many monuments developed as a means to identify loved ones lost in the
early Christian settlement at Glendalough is of outstanding from the Neolithic era along with the Aillwee Cave can powerful seas that surround the Aran Islands.
historical interest and great beauty. be explored under the limestone surface.
Wexford was one of the first Viking settlements on The west of Ireland is an area where traditional values Ireland: The Emerald Isle on page 15
the island and Waterford, located on the River Suir, soon
followed. Waterford features the 11th century Reginald’s
Tower as well as medieval churches and is the home of

A statue of Molly Malone that stands beside Dublin’s Grafton
Street

Family owned & operated since 1988

Teachers Gail Ciotti and Michele Walker
enjoying a family and friends cruise
on the Norwegian Cruise Line Sky.
We can help you take a well-deserved break from your job, too.

We are located at 11360 N. Jog Road, Bldg. A, Suite 102-6

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Info@PBGTravel.com
TravelLeaders.com/PBGFL
(561) 694-9696
“We help you see the world . . .”