Visit Ireland: Experience the “Luck of the Irish” on the Emerald Isle
Have you heard of the “luck of the Irish” a saying that originated from St. Patrick according to some sources. Others say it is an American saying originating during the gold and silver rush years in the mid to late 19th century.
During that time a number of the most famous and successful miners were of Irish and Irish American birth. For example, James Flood, James Fair, William O’Brien and John Mackay were collectively known as the “Silver Kings” after they hit the famed >Comstock Lode.
Over time this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression “luck of the Irish.”
There is, however, in their case, a certain tone of derision in the saying “luck of the Irish. It could mean only by sheer luck, as opposed to being smart, could those fools succeed.
In our particular instance, we are referring to Ireland as being one of the best places to live in the world and therefore a great place to visit.
Ireland – A Nice Place to Live
Ireland’s economic freedom score is 80.5, making its economy the 6th freest in the 2019 Index. Ireland is ranked 2nd among 44 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is well above the regional and world averages.
The country (Republic of Ireland) also boasts the highest quality of life in the world. It ranks first in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Quality-of-life index.
Ireland was ranked fourth on the Global Peace Index. It also has high rankings for its education system, political freedom and civil rights, press freedom and economic freedom. It was also ranked fourth from the bottom on the Fragile States Index, being one of the few “sustainable” states in the world.
Ireland is an attractive destination for foreign immigrants. In particular the Republic of Ireland has seen large-scale immigration, with 420,000 foreign nationals as of 2006. They now make up about 10% of the population. The Irish population is the fastest growing in Europe with an annual growth rate of 2.5%. Maybe that’s because of the “luck of the Irish.”
Some Facts about Ireland (the island)
Geopolitically, Ireland is divided into parts. The largest part is the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island. The other part is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
Irish culture has had a significant influence on other cultures, especially in the field of literature. Alongside mainstream Western culture there lies a strong indigenous culture. You can see it expressed through Gaelic games, Irish music and the Irish language. The island’s culture, however, shares many features with that of Great Britain. That includes the English language, sports such as association football, horse racing, rugby and golf.
Ireland: The 3rd largest island in Europe
Location: Western Europe
Area: 84,412 km² (32,591 sq mi)
Highest point: Carrauntoohil (1,038 m (3,406 ft))
Largest city: Dublin
Population: 6,572,728 (2016)
Ireland’s 2019 population is estimated at just over 4.88 million, according to the most recent UN projections. The exact figure is 4,900,351.
According to World Population Review their stats for 2019 indicate:
The most recent Ireland census was taken in 2011, which recorded the total count as 4,588,252. This represented an 8.2% increase from the 2006 numbers. The most recent census was taken in 2016, but the final results are still being tabulated. Preliminary results put the total population at 4,757,976, which is a bit higher than the UN projections.
Ireland actually has two cultures. The historical Gaelic culture and the more recent English-speaking culture which largely replaced it. It can be worth spending some time digging a little deeper before visiting Ireland. You’ll likely discover something about the older world that lies beneath. It’s a world still living, still there, though not always visible.
Consider a Vacation on the Emerald Isle
How would you like to spend eight days in the Emerald Isle and see Ireland in person for your summer vacation? Well, the good news is there are many affordable all-inclusive packages which you can choose from. Here’s an example of what such a package may contain.
What does it cost to vacation in Ireland. Here’s what The World Was Here First estimates.
Depending on your travel style, it is possible to travel to Ireland on a minimal budget. Assuming that you’re not intending to cook all of your meals for yourself and abstain from drinking alcohol for the duration of your trip, it’s safe to assume that your daily trip to Ireland cost will average about €60 – 75 per day.
Top 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL Places in IRELAND | Essential Irish Travel Guide 🇮🇪
by vagabrothers
Published on Youtube on May 26, 2017
Traveling to Ireland or Northern Ireland? From Dublin to Belfast and everything in between, these are the Top 10 Essential Things to Do on the island of Ireland. Alex and Marko the Vagabrothers guide you to the very best of the Emerald Isle.
Now let me warn you now that air fares have been going up in the USA. Actually this is nothing unusual. You can expect any prices mentioned or previously stated is subject to be higher. That plus the decrease in the value of the American Dollar doesn’t help matters.
Together those two factors will likely cause your costs to be higher when you take your trip. Check prices before you make any plans. You don’t want any nasty surprises since airfare is already an expensive expense.
Some Sights You’ll See in Ireland
Among the many sights included are Trinity College, the Irish National Stud, a marble factory, woolen mills, Waterford Crystal factory, and St. Kevins. You may already be writing down what kind of crystal ware you intend to buy. Waterford Crystal, perhaps? Or perhaps you will be visiting shops to acquire hand-made woolen sweaters, Irish linen or jewelry.
Depending on your tour package, assuming you opt for one, some such packages hold a great deal more exciting and historical visits. For example, you may take a drive to Dingle Bay where Ryan’s Daughter was filmed; visit St. John’s Castle and the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.
You may visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and visit a working sheep farm. Depending on your tour you’ll visit the Blarney Stone (You will kiss this magical stone, wont you?). You may see spectacular Cliffs of Moher and view the magnificent view of Clare coast. You might even spend a night at Killarney, a popular resort.
Lush Landscape and Accommodating Weather
With its green rolling hills and lush landscape, you will find the weather to be quite accommodating in Ireland during the summer months.
Overall, Ireland has a mild, but changeable, Oceanic climate with few extremes. Inland areas are warmer in summer and colder in winter. There are usually around 40 days of below freezing temperatures inland but only 10 days in coastal areas.
Irish cuisine consists of traditional dishes such as Irish stew, fish such as prawns and oysters. Without a doubt, the best soda bread found anywhere is in Ireland. Their pubs are lively, the people are friendly, and visiting a few pubs can top off a long and exciting day.
Most pubs feature live music. You can relax and stomp your feet as you enjoy a mug of their famous ale. I’d say a visit to Ireland without going to a pup is almost like not going there.
Gracious People and Lots of Tours
If you have never been to Ireland, this could be the trip of a lifetime. Well almost. I just came back from an African Safari and it gives Ireland a run for the money as the trip of a lifetime.
Aside from the beautiful scenery in Ireland, and the gracious people, the idea of being in the wild and experiencing nature at its finest on an African Safari could be your alternate trip of a lifetime.
Check out the many online sites wherein you can find dozens of package tours that will fit your budget. Also, give your travel agent a call as well. They usually receive discount packages. Travel agents can guide you in booking an affordable and exciting tour. One that offers the most for your money on your visit to Ireland.
30 Travel Tips for Ireland
by Brady Bigalke
Published on Youtube on Jun 25, 2019
Everyone hopes to have some Irish in them. Anyone who has traveled to Ireland simply can’t deny the fact that the people there are some of the kindest in the world. On top of that, you’ll find an immense amount of interesting history and endless beauty around every bend.
My wife and I explored Dublin, Galway, Dingle, Killarney National Park, and much in-between. We stayed in a castle, road horses, learned about falconry, stopped by the Guinness Storehouse, saw the Book of Kells at Trinity College, drove the Dingle Peninsula, and hiked the Cliffs of Moher and the Gap of Dunloe.
Keep in mind these tips are based on my personal itinerary so be sure to add your own advice in the comments below. Happy trails!
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide and especially in Ireland. In 2020 it falls on Tue 17 March 17th. Of course there will be many towns around Ireland which will have parades. In Dublin there will be a 4-day event, details, however, have not yet been announced.
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About the Author
Charles L Harmon has his own unusual personal blog called Yolky. Charles is collecting unusual quotes for his Wanderlust Quotes site. But don’t ask Why.
