AFTER 16 ST PATRICK'S DAYS in Ireland, I have developed my own list about what I like best about Ireland. Some of my list reflects my American perspective, some on my list reveal clues about where I've lived in Ireland. But I'm proud of my list and if I could pack these items into a hamper or package the delights into a week-long trip around the island, I think the result would please anybody from any country. My Flickr photostream shows that people from around the world like the Rock of Cashel more than any of my images. The shot at right comes from Lismore Castle, site of some very impressive outdoor art installations. And below the break, a listing in no particular order of the things I love about Ireland.
Irish road signs (i.e., big oak trees)
Immigration officers who say, "Sort yourself out."
Kilkenny Arts Festival
Father Ted
Stag's Head Pub
Irish Creamery butter
Roddy Doyle
"Fierce" water pressure
Glendalough walks
Trad session at the Front Lounge
Towns with three or more names
"Proper food" from Country Choice in Nenagh
Red lemonade
IADT's annual exhibition
Martello towers
The Queens in Dalkey
Inch House black pudding
Shamrock shakes
Joe Higgins in the Dail
Phil Lynott
Bus drivers who take tea breaks in the middle of an R-road
Turf fires roaring defiantly against the Atlantic
Everybody's Bono Story
Swans on the Grand Canal
Toasted Specials
Dennis in the Guinness Bar of the Cashel Palace
Georgian Doors
Shop Street in Galway
Cannelloni from Italian Connection
Cafe Hans in Cashel
Barry's Black Label Tea
Tom Humphries
Nigerians with Dublin accents
Derval O'Rourke
