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- George Bernard Shaw
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Free Stories
Glenveagh, Donegal's Camelot
In a solitary northern setting, a kingdom with an American touch
Deep in the Derryveagh mountains, there’s a piece of Donegal that owes its existence largely to America. Glenveagh castle and its exotic gardens, which rise like an apparition over Lough Veagh, were built in the 19th century by John George Adair, a man who was born in County Laois, but who made his fortune in the United States. He had a castle designed to resemble Balmoral, Queen Victoria's Scottish highland residence...
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Offbeat News: Phoning From Heaven
Irish people increasingly take a mobile phone on their last journey
In past decades, families often tucked photos of the kids, favorite jewelry or even a bottle of whiskey into a loved one’s coffin before sending them on to the next world...
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Goodbye To the Countryside?
"Bungalow Blitz" of weird-looking new homes spreads across the landscape
These days, Americans who visit Ireland’s countryside come back singing a slightly different tune. The people, the pubs, the humor are as great as ever. But there’s less talk about the scenic beauty, and more about the scattershot homebuilding that’s rapidly eating up the landscape. In real estate terms, a kind of “perfect storm” is going on...
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Just Beyond Dingle
Spectacular scenery and a great night’s sleep at Ireland’s “western-most farmhouse” are only a few hairpin turns away
On most tours of western Ireland, you can count on making a stop in Dingle. But if you’ve got a car and want to escape the tourist bustle, there are two great spots very close to Dingle town where you can relax in a much quieter, more rural atmosphere. Slea Head farm is relaxing, once you actually get there...
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Ireland's Wacky Dental Tourists
This won't hurt a bit. Flocking to Budapest for the spas, the goulash and the drill
For most, the sign of a good vacation is a tan. For the Irish, it’s often a shiny new filling. In recent years, the sore mouths of Ireland have been traveling all the way to Budapest for dental care. With prices in Hungary as much as 30% lower than those at home, the Irish can save a nice chunk of money, particularly on higher-end cosmetic procedures. But it’s not all pain and suffering...
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Re-Imagining Irish Mythology in Vermont
A mother and son team up to create a novel about the Dedannan tribe
12-year-old Ben Ressler of Castleton, Vermont seemed a lot more likely to play guitar in a rock band than write a book about Irish mythology...
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Salmon - Flavor and Magic
The fish of wisdom and wondrous sight
No fish enjoys a greater reputation in Ireland than wild salmon. For generations, it’s been famed for its fine taste and nutritional qualities. It has even become part of Ireland’s mythological and folk traditions. Magical and health giving, the salmon consorted with saints and heroes and in stories of ancient Ireland...
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Fun Fact: The island of Montserrat is sometimes called "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean," and has a shamrock carved above the door of the governor's home, areas called Cork and Kinsale, and people with names like O'Garra and Riley. This is because the island was originally settled in 1633 by Irish-Catholics, who came from the nearby island of St. Kitts. (After a major volcanic eruption from 1995 - 2003, Montserrat is now partially open to tourism again.) Click here for more fun facts.

That's all for the moment! Until next time, let me know if you've got a great story to tell about Ireland at bob@ireland-fun-facts.com.

Slan,
Robert Sullivan

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