What the Irish people taught me about life in just four short days

He was there all of FOUR DAYS,Jasus how much did he drink? was that the high then next morning was the low.

This guy is "is an avid world traveller, based in Columbia". As a graduate of Columbia U, I am curious as to what this means. Does it mean that the author is hanging out in my old haunts on the Upper West Side? Or is he perhaps in Canada, in British Columbia? Or how about Columbia SC, once vilely pillaged and burnt by Sherman's thugs? Don't tell me that our Hibernophile traveler is resident in South America? In that case it's ColOmbia!!!

I agree with much of what Jeremy says. While visiting Ireland with my wife (a New England Methodist) in 2000, we asked for directions to a the home of a farming fasmily about 2 miles away. To our amazement, the lady of the house led us into the yard in her own car. The best thing about Ireland (North and South) is its people). In 2006 We visited a woman in the suburbs of Belfast who has family connections with my wife. This genteel lady took us on a tour of the Ards Penninsula and named the townlandas as she drove us along- all of them of Irish origin. She also translated these place names into English. It is very sad to think of the homeless in Dublin, but my concern is for the 200,000 of my fellow veterans who are homeless in the U.S. The Irish people to whom I best relate are those over 50. Those of the younger generations, including my own nepheews and nieces, are as strange to me as if they were from an other planet.

great well written article i think u have hit the nail on the head ;its the people ;; thoroughly engaging n int rested in hearing what everyone has to say not superficial no airs r graces about them n they they listen cos they love to talk n repeat their stories to their friends n add their bits of humour to every story

I agree with everything the writer says about the homeland of my ancestors. So kindly and so friendly and engaging. I felt so comfortable in Ireland like I belonged. We made some friends along the way, had the greatest time in the pubs lifting pints together. Since coming home I have an insight into my ancestors and understand the heartache of their having to leave Eire. I also miss it so much. I have traveled a lot and I know Ireland is my home and I wish I could visit again,I don't know that I will ever be able to make it back. I want to take my grand kids to Ireland and until stricken with severe arthritis I thought I would be able. It leaves a little empty space in my heart. I make sure they know about Ireland, their ancestors, the struggles and how and why they left. They are assured of their heritage. It is a beautiful country and the people are lovely.

I too was there for the BIG game and a week before and after. Dublin street singage is horrible to nonexistant but the countryside is gorgeous. Homes appeared immaculate,freshly painted and trimmed, incredibly pristine and tranquil and prosperous looking too. Don't know how they do it.