As I was finishing up the remaining Corned Beef Hash and green beer left over from another St. Paddy's Day, I started thinking about other oddities that people do to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland's day. The Chicago River is dyed green on this day; which leads me to conclude that if they can paint it green for one day, why not paint it blue for 364 of the other days?
But with all that goes on during the celebration on March 17; I thought it would be nice to pay homage to the place where it all started, Ireland.
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Located on the River Shannon, and in 2006, 90,778 folks called Limerick City and the immediate urban area home. The history of this city is full and dates back all the way to 812. The city was redesigned by the Normans in the 12th century and most of the notable architecture was present ? King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral are two structures that represent this style.
Only 15 minutes from Shannon Airport, Limerick City is one of the country's most tourist destinations. Tourism, currently, is growing at a spectacular rate with over 1,000 new beds being opened in the city in 2006 ? thanks to the opening of five new hotels. Along with visiting King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral, attractions include the Hunt Museum, walking tours of the city and along River Shannon, Georgian house and gardens and the Treaty Stone.
In southwestern Ireland there is the town of Killarney. Located north of the MacGillicddy Reeks on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane, Killarney was awarded the ?Best Kept Town? award for 2007 in a cross border competition organized by the Department of Environment and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council. Killarney is another popular tourist destination and, with the exception of Dublin, has the most hotel beds than in any other Irish town or city. Increasingly diverse groups of tourist come to Killarney, as they hail from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and other European countries.
One final spot is Blarney Castle. A medieval stronghold in Blarney, the castle dates from before 1200AD. Destroyed in 1446, it was subsequently rebuilt by the King of Munster, Cormac MacCarthy. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Looking for the gift of eloquence, this is the spot where tourist line up to hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone. Surrounding this castle are beautiful and extensive gardens. Paths throughout the grounds point out natural rock formations that have been given fanciful names such as Druid's Circle and the Wishing Steps. Blarney House, also open to the public is a Scottish baronial-style mansion that was built in 1874.
I did some research on prices to visit these places and I came up with a great offer that includes airfare and a 6 night stay; not to mention a car! A wonderful opportunity to explore what the true meaning of Irish beauty ? now if I can only get myself to finish those green eggs and ham!
