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‘I love Ireland because’ - Americans explain why Ireland is magic

Facebook campaign receives responses from 35,000 people

JANE WALSH,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, October 22, 2011, 7:32 AM

Updated Saturday, October 22, 2011, 8:07 AM

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Ballinskelligs Bay

Ireland is officially the third most popular country searched on Facebook so it made perfect sense for Tourism Ireland to reach out their online fans.

In celebration how beloved Ireland is worldwide they asked their US Facebook fans to finish the sentence “I love Ireland because...”

The response was overwhelming. Since May 2010, Tourism Ireland’s Facebook fan numbers have risen from 5,000 to 165,000 this October.

Orla Carey, from Tourism Ireland said their goal was to use “social media to inspire potential vacation-makers to visit the island of Ireland, and to stimulate positive word of mouth about the Ireland vacation experience.”

The “I love Ireland because” campaign generated 35,000 fans over three weeks. It also shows the true reason why North American visitors continue to come to Ireland.

These are just some of the best entries.

“I LOVE IRELAND BECAUSE.....”

“Your country has ALWAYS called to me..your sweeping landscapes of rich green speckled with whites from happy sheep…music that makes my insides swell with joy! No other place can quite pacify my soul the way Ireland can. Lost in Ireland? Lucky me.”

“Ireland feels like a dear old friend…an old friend who greets me with warmth and cheer no matter what the weather is, who serves up the best food and tea ever to cross my lips. An old friend who makes me feel at home so far away from home.”

“When I visited I wanted to be as close to the everyday folks as possible. Tourist sites are great for photos but for lasting memories it was the Irish people who seemed so familiar…that’s because they reminded me so much of my family.”

“It’s a place where beauty and serenity, laughter and music come together, wrapped up in myths and legends, and sprinkled with fairy dust and little people.”

“The friendliness of the people is absolutely unparalleled and the genuine warmth of a cead mile failte drinking a Guinness by a turf fire and listening to trad music is the best experience in the world.”

“It feels like home. The moment I set foot on Irish soil an overwhelming sense of calm and peace overcomes me. In this age of rushing we often forget to stop and enjoy the beauty of this world. Ireland offers this and so much more.”

“It's like going home. I have clean air and towns; simplicity at it's finest; warm pubs to talk with new lifelong friends; true quietness when I want it; the bustle of a city when I need it; history, music, art, architecture,and something to do every day.”

“On a cold day after overlooking the green hills and amazing views there is always within reach a warm pub, a smiling face, a pint, and a story waiting for you.”

“Everything is so green and lush! Here in America something 100 years old is considered "old". In Ireland, you see things that are older than ANYTHING in America!! It is AWESOME!”

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bunkerhill | Apr 27, 2013, 10:13 AM EDT

We agree with everyone who posted of their love for the tiny island of Ireland. Robaird made a great point with his words from "A little bit of heaven," One of us is not Irish and grew up with American Country music which is quite good. However he fell head over heels for Irish music and pointed out how the Irish sing of the beauty of their country, the beauty of their women, their love for their mothers and fathers which he finds so uplifting. Also the Irish have such beautiful homes and gardens and their food is truly gourmet. We are very lucky to be going their very soon.

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ciaramcp87 | Jul 28, 2012, 06:40 PM EDT

Hi All!!!! I am a qualified Irish Language Teacher offering Skype lessons in the language. So if you're coming to Éire for a visit, or have a genuine interest in learning the language, please contact me at ciaramcparland@hotmail.co.uk for further details! Go raibh maith agaibh! Slán Is mise le meas Ciara

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Blah | Jul 07, 2012, 10:53 PM EDT

“Everything is so green and lush! Here in America something 100 years old is considered "old". In Ireland, you see things that are older than ANYTHING in America!! It is AWESOME!” Watson Brake anyone? 3500 BCE not old enough for you?

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MyTourTalk | Oct 24, 2011, 07:16 AM EDT

Great to see there is so much love for our wee land - The Emerald Isle!

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roibaird | Oct 24, 2011, 02:57 AM EDT

Sure a little bit of Heaven fell from out the sky one day, and nestled in the ocean not so far away. and when the Angels found it sure it looked so peaceful there, they said suppose we leave it somebody finish this!

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firinne | Oct 24, 2011, 02:14 AM EDT

Ireland is and has always been a special place for millions of Irish living in the country, as well as for those many millions of Irish living around the globe. The country could use a major lift financially, and therefore, it would be grand for Ireland if more of the Irish diaspora should pay a visit. However, it would be a sad fact that if more of the diaspora should ever read examples of the venomous, vial, mean spirited comments that some people write here, there would be precious few who would ever attempt a visit. Certainly, there are those in all countries, who feel that they are more “Irish, Polish, American, Russian, French” than everyone else! But, for those sad psychotic few, let us hope that their medication will soon take effect. My friends, life is too short, and all of us no matter where we hail from, or where we call home, we all should try to overcome the old prejudices that have divided us in the past. For all of the Irish, the world over, it is time that we worked together to bring about a stronger Ireland. Slan

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JBRAFTREE | Oct 23, 2011, 06:55 PM EDT

I came back from Holiday in Ireland mid-May, this year, and I NEED to go back again before I cannot. I feel returning to Ireland fulfills needs of my great-Grandfather. I was in his "stompin grounds" in May, and have to go back, because I'm drawn there. I'll need one of my friends to help me with bags, etc. (Trouble walking and carrying things in general.) By God's help, I'll return!!!!

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billie061 | Oct 23, 2011, 07:28 AM EDT

I do not speak like a character from Darby O'Gill, nor anyone I know, as a matter of fact the only time I heard anyone speak like that was in Darby O'Gill. Go see the real Ireland.

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kaydog1 | Oct 23, 2011, 05:15 AM EDT

I love Ireland because everyone there speaks just like the characters in "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" - even the Eastern Europeans....especially the Eastern Europeans. Begorrah, y'all! And because they're mostly Socialist/Progressives....that, too! (I like them - they make me laugh!)

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warrenpoint00 | Oct 23, 2011, 02:00 AM EDT

You can also get fast food, and look around you can see lovely big fat asses and mcdonalds and multi nationals and poverty , and racism and big government ...lots of useless government,Just like America, and Ireland... the beautiful because part of it is still not Ireland is still magical.God save us

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wasqazz | Oct 22, 2011, 11:36 PM EDT

I am 53 yrs old. i can not remember a time in my life where i did not want to go to Ireland. My family came from Ireland. I hope one day to be able to afford to go there. The music and country call to me , like a beacon .. Come home ..come home..

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brianmack | Oct 22, 2011, 08:06 PM EDT

My family came from Kerry and Cork. I have to say that Northern Ireland, especially Belfast, was breathtaking. As with the South, the people from Belfast were extraordinary. Brian

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nicgearailt | Oct 22, 2011, 04:42 PM EDT

I will never be able to describe what it is about the place of my birth,but,it's a tangible belonging.It's where we started out,hanging together as a family.We lost our Dad early,so it was our mother and family of 8,including twins about a year old. It was only later that we realized that there was a strong bond to t his day. I love visiting there I love looking out the window in the morning and thinking this is my home..where I will be laid to rest.It never changes for me....I just love the place.

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Delta19USA | Oct 22, 2011, 03:09 PM EDT

I agree, Ireland is a wonderful country. Some years back when I lived in England, my American wife to be, came over to visit from the USA and asked if we could go to visit Ireland. We jumped on a plane, flew there and spent four glorious days just taking in the sights and having a ball. Now I live in California and she keeps nagging me to take her back. Well, surprise, next year we are going back but this time for at least a month, if not longer.

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antoman | Oct 22, 2011, 01:55 PM EDT

American tourists from what I've seen in Cork are very nice people. Most welcome.

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