As the plane descends and you break thru the clouds you catch your fi rst glimpse of the land below. And in that breathtaking moment, as the patchwork quilt of green takes shape and rugged coastlines give way to sweeping countryside, you begin to understand or at least the beating of your heart will make you realize, this is a special place. A place where you can relax and let your spirit breathe. Faitle!
Located on the western edge of Europe, Ireland is well known for its evocative beauty and timeless traditions. Indeed its very name conjures up visions of wee folk, ancient spirits and romantic ruins. However, myth and legend are only part of the tale Ireland has to tell.
Stunning scenery and rich history aside the Ireland of today has lots to offer to even the most discriminating of visitors. Blessed with both wide open skies and stealing mists it is a land of contrasts. With a diversity ranging from it’s lively cosmopolitan cities that boast the most sophisticated of shopping and dining delights to top notch golfi ng and fi shing, all served up with that distinctly ‘Irish’ flavor.
But for a truly unforgettable experience get off the beaten track, lace up your boots and take a walk. Even if you’re not the adventurous type walking in Ireland can give you a chance to explore and enjoy a variety of geological and botanical sights. Truly unique, these untouched spots of beauty will guarantee you will never look at the Emerald Isle in the same way again. And as you wend your way along the cliff tops or play amongst the limestone formations, with the spray of the sea as a companion, you’ll realize that you ‘can’ slow the pace of life down just a little. And at the end of the day, with the promise of a ‘pint ‘ and a bit of craic in a pub, you will come away having made new friends and feeling like you’ve made the most of your trip.
So whether it’s North, South, East or West, the Antrim Coast or the Aran Islands, take the time to take the journey. It will be a journey you will thank yourself for later. Just let your feet take you where your heart wants to go and let Irish hospitality do the rest.
Feel like taking the hike? Tour companies such as Southwest Walks Ireland can offer an invaluable service of taking care of all the details for you ahead of time. They offer a variety of packages including stays at guest houses, luggage transfers, breakfast, lunch, and providing friendly knowledgeable guides. Tours of this nature generally run from May to October ranging from fi ve to eight days and offer a variety of terrain and diffi culty levels - (one boot being easy and three boots a little more strenuous). For more information on walking in Ireland check out the web site for South West Walks at
www.southwestwalksireland.com
But just a word of caution, having visited Ireland once you may fi nd yourself wanting to go back time and time again. Perhaps because a part of you will never leave.