Year-long 'Gathering' the perfect excuse to visit Ireland

PRIME – March 2013 By Jane D. O'Donoghue Special to PRIME Ireland welcomes a yearlong celebration of bringing to their shores, the Irish, those of Irish descent, and those who might want to be Irish called "The Gathering." The year of 2013 has been designated for discovery of the island nation's many cultures, traditions, sports, music, and fun. It is fitting that I mention this in the month of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Growing up in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, Mass., I listened to the lilt of brogues and Irish music. Both of my grandmothers were immigrants, but neither spoke of the Old Country often. We heard snippets, and maybe, some songs, but that was it. Many of our neighbors were from Ireland, especially Kerry, and specifically the town of Dingle and its environs. I always wanted to know more and to travel there. On our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband Tom and I took our first trip and meandered through towns and villages of family birthplaces. Tom's parents were both from Kerry and we visited with many cousins still living there, some in their homes. As we meandered around the country, we stopped at local bed and breakfasts and met the people. We checked the neighborhood pubs, listened to the music and lifted a pint with them. We visited many churches and observed ancient ruins. Our two weeks flew by and we knew we'd return. Since then, I've gone back with tour groups and family many times. There are so many beautiful, historical, ancient, religious and spectacular sites it's hard to list my favorites. Twice I've visited Newgrange in the Boyne Valley. Over 5,000 years old, this restored passage tomb leaves you with a sense of awe of the unknown builders. There are many other Stone Age monuments, standing stones, ring forts, and dolmans throughout the country. A random drive will treat you to lush meadows, rocky mountainsides, and lots and lots of sheep. Step into the library at Trinity College in Dublin, where the Book of Kells is on display with all the beauty in the calligraphy and illuminations. Stroll around O'Connell Street, and observe a special plaque on the post office where "The Uprising" began. Enjoy a special time at the Abbey Theater. Everywhere there are old churches and lovely gardens. This cosmopolitan city offers a variety of entertainment and sports, also. The most spectacular scenery is along the West Coast. I know I'd get arguments about that, yet The Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, The Slea Head Drive, and the Burren get my vote. In Galway, you can board a ferry to the Aran Isles and see the barren, yet welcoming spot. Galway has the Claddagh, and many theaters and festivals through the year. A lively town, this hosts the University City of Galway. In tracing our family's Irish villages, we have covered much of the island. Once we were told that my paternal family came from Cobh in Cork. That may be. We have explored that town with the magnificent cathedral overlooking the harbor. There is an Emigrant Museum there also, which tells the sad story of how so many were forced to leave their homeland for survival. We have since learned we came originally from Donegal, way up north. We have yet to set foot on that county, and it is on the bucket list. My maternal grandmother came from Roscommon, a county in the interior. We have driven through farmland and saw castle ruins alongside the road. This lady was not forthcoming about her age, or the exact town of her birth. She did have many stories to tell though, and we cousins compared the details. Still, we have no answers. We're working on that. Recently we learned my maternal great-grandparents emigrated from Mayo. We researched this and visited Louisberg on a cold November day. It's another port town and a claim to fame is Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen. The museum dedicated to her was closed, so I must go back in warmer weather and stroll through it. Once we saw the preparation of the Puck Festival in Kerry, but had to leave before the big celebration. In Killarney there is a Folk Theater with traditional dance, mime and drama. They also host the International Rose of Tralee Festival. There are many other festivals, theaters, sporting events, horse breeding and racing, and spectacular golf courses throughout the country. Craftsmen create, display, and sell their beautiful woolens, traditional knits, ceramics, jewelry, and pottery. A must visit is the prolific number of bookstores featuring Irish writers, scholars, playwrights, and poets. These are always tops on my list. The Bread and Breakfast route for travelers is the friendliest way to know the people. Stop overnight, spend time meeting the family, and enjoy an Irish breakfast the following morning. They will direct you to spots of local interest that you might bypass on the highway. Meeting the natives is the best part of the trip. Many enjoy hiking and biking as the best way to absorb the beauty of the landscape. This invitation to Gather is for everyone. Go, relax, enjoy, and let the spirit of the country and the people welcome you. Jane D. O'Donoghue is a Hungry Hill native and retired school librarian. In addition to her regular column in PRIME, her writing has appeared in local and regional publications.