The next few months are meant to inspire your thoughts around travel to Europe. Before we know it, we will be back to this continent rich with history, culture, food and beverage, and many wellness and outdoor activities.
Let's work our way across Europe together and learn a bit about many different countries. We will finish our three-part series on travel documents next time, but since we just celebrated St. Patrick's Day, let's go to Ireland!
When it comes to bright and interesting cultural experiences, you will be surrounded by them during your trip to Ireland. Its colorful and fascinating culture includes traditional music, art, food, Gaelic ways, and much more.
One of the best parts of Irish culture is the people. They are friendly, warm, and have a great sense of humor. The Irish love to have a yarn (a good chat), and English and the Celtic language of Irish is spoken. If you get time to chat with a local, you only have to ask once for them to start telling you wild stories of the past. Sit back and enjoy the tales!
Endless Entertainment
Performing arts, including music, dance, poetry, and theatre, is a part of the Irish culture that is inspiring and uplifting. If you get an opportunity to see the musical Riverdance, you surely will be tapping your feet to the tunes long after the impressive show is finished. Ireland has many notable writers and poets throughout history, and people like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Caitlin Maude are engrained in the culture in many ways.
Religion, mythology, and Celtic pagan festivals are incorporated into Irish life through festivals, holidays, and annual events.
Take Saint Patrick's Day for example. This holiday celebrated in Ireland on March 17 with street festivals and parades, traditional music, dancing and drinking, and a bright blanket of green covers everything from the buildings, people, and even the food. Saint Patrick was a 5th-century missionary who later became a bishop. He introduced Christianity to the country and is a patron saint of Ireland. The religious holiday marks the anniversary of his death and is celebrated all over the world.
Must-Try Irish Fare
Irish food is a huge and tasty part of Irish culture, with many traditional dishes that have been passed down for generations! Most dishes are hearty and heavy on meat and potatoes. A few you can't leave Ireland without trying are:
- Boxty - a potato dumpling or pancake made either fried in butter, baked in the oven, or in a pan. They can be paired with pretty much anything but our favorite is with bacon and eggs!
- Coddle - a one-pot dish typically made at home from leftovers like sausage, bacon, potatoes, and onions. Of course, the elevated version in restaurants includes fresh, top-quality sausage and bacon with a side of soda bread on the side.
- Champ - similar to mashed potatoes flavored with spring onions, milk, and butter.
Let's not forget the drinks. As you may know, the Irish love to celebrate with Guinness, whiskey, cider, and beer. If you're looking for something to warm you up, hot Irish coffee is perfect on a winter day.
Ready to pack your bags and visit this vibrant country?
As always, if you want to learn more about travel to Ireland, reach out as we would love to help you 'Seymour of the World with Us!'
