The Wolfe Tones wrote a song called “My heart is in Ireland” and the chorus catches me every time.
My heart is in Ireland, It’s there I long to be.
Her hills and her valleys are calling to me!
My heart breaks every time I hear these lines…
From the moment we land.
We feel it.
Ireland is Home.
Ireland is not just a place. It is a feeling. A feeling that gets under your skin and never wants to leave you. It is the warmth of the people who make you feel welcome always.
Ireland is wild mountain beauty with views of cliffs and the atlantic that make you feel like you are witnessing something special for the first time.
Ireland is where you go to a pub for a ‘trad sesh’ and the locals pull you up to dance or request you go next in the sing song. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t have a note in your head. You are equal. Especially on a day that is made for the high stool. The people are intoxicating – In the best kind of way.
They make you feel welcome. Welcome with every piece of them. With every piece of their land. That warm nod from a stranger or smiles from people driving by. The strongest sense of community.
History and heritage is such a massive part of the land. It survives because Irish people choose to remember the past while also practicing all the old traditions with pride.
Pride is something the Irish have in abundance.
The sea may take people away on new adventures but the sea will always bring us home…..
Helly xx
