Paul Merton exploring Scotland's Lochs and Islands
If you can't get there by plane, train, or your own two feet, how about grabbing a hot cuppa tea and your tv remote and setting off to explore the Celtic Isles of Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain! It's great for armchair travelers, cozy couch explorers as well as those trying to plan a journey to these wild and wondrous islands.
BBC One's Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (seasons 1-4) and Grand Tours of Scottish Lochs (season 1) are two very impressive travel shows hosted by Paul Merton. This show offers some great scenery but also is engages with the unique Scottish culture and explores the history of land and people. Quite a fascinating show that delves way deeper into the land of the Scots than just the normal tourist destinations. They are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Oliver St. John Gogarty's Bar, Temple Bar Area, Dublin
While there are certainly other things you must do while in Dublin (like see Saint Patrick's Cathedral, visit Kilmainham Gaol, walk the quays of the River Liffey, etc), stopping in a pub for a pint is great way to take part in Irish culture. My first introduction to pub culture was a lovely documentary I watched before ever setting foot in Ireland. PBS produced a wonderful piece called "The Historic Pubs of Dublin" hosted by the late, great Frank McCourt, a native Irishman. He takes you on a tour of some the oldest pubs in Dublin, imparting their rich history and exploring pub culture along the way. It is definitely worth a watch. You can watch the hour long video HERE on YouTube or at the bottom of this page.
M.J. O'Neill's on Suffolk Street Dublin
Inside O'Neill's Pub - lots of little rooms & snugs
We have chased down many of these old ancient pubs, many of which were frequented by some of Ireland's cherished personalities such as James Joyce, Brenden Behan, & Jonathan Swift. You might strike up a conversation with a local, witness a close football (soccer) game on the telly, or be delighted with some traditional music.
The Long Hall Pub on Georges Street
The Brazen Head, oldest pub in Dublin, established in 1198
Garden area of Brazen Head
Traditional Irish music will lure me straight into a pub and one of my favorite things to experience in Ireland. In Dublin, you can take part in a Musical Pub Tour which is a lovely way to visit some historic pubs while listening to great traditional music, learning about Irish music and pub culture from two guides who play for you at each place (this is not a raucous night of pint after pint, pub after pub). I've taken THIS TOUR twice and loved every minute and learned so much.
Our musician guides on the Musical Pub Tour
PBS Historic Pubs of Dublin with Frank McCourt:
The Temple Bar in the area known as Temple Bar - named after Sir William Temple and "Bar" used to refer to a raised estuary sandbank used for walking upon. Now, it seems to refer to a different kinds of bar. This particular pub, The Temple Bar, as well as this area, are considered to be very touristy and peopled by partiers. It's still a very interesting place worth visiting, even if you don't stay long. There are some very old and iconic pubs just up the street from here.
Statue of Saint Patrick outside Carriganass Castle, Kealkil, Cork
Well folks, St. Patrick's Day is creeping up along with the spring bulbs and thunderstorms - less than a month away! I am quite ready to bid farewell to Old Man Winter and welcome the return of Green. Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, falls on a Saturday this year, which makes it even easier to host a celebration. Leading up to the great Irish celebration, I'll share the ways in which I celebrate & decorate for St. Patrick's Days. I'll share some of my Irish journeys and the culture and traditions surrounding the holiday. I'll also be hosting some flash sales in the Emerald Post Shop. Join the Newsletter HERE to get a heads up for flash sales and more. Follow along here, I'll even be hosting a giveaway before the big day!
If you are interested in learning more about Irish History, its far reaching ancient roots, its tangled political roots, or a little bit of your own roots, there is not shortage of materials out there. Documentaries are a great resource though not all are created equal. Some aren't historically accurate, some are boring, but some are beautiful, some are deep and thorough and engaging. While The Story of Ireland is long, it's split into 5 parts and I enjoyed this one done by the BBC and learned a tremendous amount. Cozy up with a cuppa tea on these cold winter days and learn The Story of Ireland, if you are so inclined.
May your All Hallows Eve be safe, joyous & macabre.
I'll be filling packages with extra Emerald Post treats for all purchases made today, Halloween, or tomorrow, All Saints Day. Hope over to the Etsy Shop to browse.
Happy Samhain!
For your enjoyment...some scenes from Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh, Scotland...
Today I'd like to share on of my favorite magazines. Ireland of the Welcomes is one of the most exciting things to grace my mailbox. It's a treat that only arrives 6 times a year, but well worth the $33 (for US). This magazine is a gorgeous full color journey through Ireland's history, culture, & folklore as well as in depth pieces on the modern Ireland of today. The photographs are always gorgeous and the stories and articles top notch. Almost all content - only 6 pages of ads out of 65. You can read a free issue online HERE. And if you are so inclined, you can subscribe HERE.
