What comes to mind when you think of Ireland? Is it the emerald green rolling hills? The iconic scenery of The Quiet Man or more recently Leap Year?
Ireland is one of my favorite European destinations. When I think back on my time spent on the Emerald Isle I’m drawn to my visits to the local pubs and the towns so small that they were barely dots on the map.
It was in these tiny towns that we were able to really interact with the locals. Where my sister-in-law was approached by an elderly Irish man complete with beard and tiny hat, who gleefully asked her “Are ye gettin’ enough Craic*, lassie?” Where we met Mary, the B&B owner who also ran the local pub. Where we played snooker with the locals and you didn’t have to pay for the game, but for the light overhead. This is the Ireland I remember, and would return to in a heartbeat. These are the same Irish men and women who surrounded a table of American tourists, weeks after the tragedy of 9/11 and sang God Bless America.
*Craic – pronounced crack – the closest translation is having a good time, or simply, fun
Sure, the larger towns like Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Waterford are iconic and in some respects not to be missed, but it’s the small towns where you become a traveler instead of a tourist. The same is true across the globe.
Maybe you feel like you’ll blend in easier in a big city, or that you will find it easier to get someone to speak your language, but will you really get to experience the culture? Ultimately, isn’t that why we travel? I shared the sentiment below on social media last week, it’s one that I deeply believe is true.
Do you want to really experience the next destination you visit, rather than simply checking the boxes of sites that were recommended by friends and websites? When you are ready to be a traveler instead of a tourist, click hereand let’s get started.
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