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SAGE'S WISE TRAVEL TALK
  • SITE MISSION
    • (Continued)
  • SAUNDRA SPEAKS (Blogs)
    • ADVENTURING vs. PIONEERING TRAVEL . . . *Part 1
    • JEWELS of the BALTICS & SCANDINAVIA . . . . *Part 2
    • DENTAL TOURISM. . . .Why Go Internationally *Part 1
    • IRELAND AWAITS US
  • GALLERY
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
    • IRISH EXPLORER ** June 4 - 12, 217
    • New Page
  • "MEET" SAUNDRA
  • "About" SAGEWISE TRAVEL
  • New Page
  • Blog

              Ireland Awaits Us          by Saundra Sage

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                                                         NOTES FROM THE EDITOR:
The above UTube is lengthy, but take some moments to view its value if you have any curiosity about visiting this Mythical and God-beautiful Country.  

Both UTubes at the end will provide you with more beauty you may want to personally appreciate while traveling through this Historical Country

My offered JUNE TOUR will be visiting many of the cities featured.    
Please click on the Site Mission menu button marked
"Upcoming Events"          IRISH EXPLORER ** June 4 - 12, 2017 for details 


THERE ARE   two destinations most asked about to me as a Travel Agent, and those are Italy and Ireland.     They are so different for so many reasons, and cannot be compared on any level.                 Wanting to see a Country firsthand originates within  each individual's spirit; yet amongst many personal reasons, familiar themes ring true.   Ireland is no exception and of the multitude of reasons I have  listened to,  a majority  ring similar to the following.

Have you ever wanted to be in an Irish Pub enjoying the merriment of Irish Ballads being sung while drinking an Irish Stout;?   
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like driving along Ireland's Lush Green Rolling Hills?
Would you like to listen to  the waves crashing against Ireland's Craggy Cliffs at Ocean Edges?
Ever wanted to walk through a Castle from earlier times  and hear the ghostly echos of monarchs past?
Have you had a curiosity to learn  firsthand about traditions and symbolism, like the Claddagh,  Celtic Cross, Trinity, and others?
Have you considered  satisfying your curiosity  about some of your Irish ancestoral heritage?

       If you can say yes to any of the  above or a list of other "I" questions, then you need to fill your curiosity with answers.  You need to visit the Shamrock Country and experience its beauty, culture, traditions, food, classic drink, history, and music. 

GEOGRAPHY:              
Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea.
Half the size of Arkansas, it occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland.
Ireland resembles a basin--a central plain rimmed with mountains, except in the Dublin region. The mountains are
low, with the highest peak, Carrantuohill in County Kerry, rising to 3,415 ft (1,041 m). The principal river is the Shannon, which begins in the north-central area, flows south and southwest for about 240 mi (386 km), and empties into the Atlantic.


ORIGIN: 
By the Act of Union (1801), Great Britain and Ireland became the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.”
A steady decline in the Irish economy followed in the next decades. The population had reached 8.25 million
when the great potato famine of 1846–1848 took many lives and drove more than 2 million people to immigrate
to North America.

 Ireland is often referred to having two states, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.     

Éire,  or as we call it, Ireland,  is divided into four provinces: Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster.         (See Map Below)


FACTS:  
The climate is mild with an annual temperature of around 50 F.
The coldest months are January and February.
The warmest months are July and August with average temperature reaching 80 F, but can range between 70 to 100 F.


 There are about 18 hours of daylight during July and August, and you will find it only gets truly dark after 11 pm. 
This is called enjoying the "midnight sun". 

Ireland gets a lot of rain, so remember to pack a light coat.


FLAG:
The flag is twice as wide as it is tall. The green side is by the flagpole. This flag was first used in 1848.
Colors in the flag represent the native population and religious beliefs in Ireland.
Green: Signifies the native people of Ireland.
Orange: Represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern      Ireland in the 17th century.
White occupies the center of the flag and signifies peace between these two groups of people.



TRADITION:

Claddagh:  A symbol of Friendship, Love and Loyalty. The Claddagh design is said to originate from the Galway Area,
and the Aran Islands. The Claddagh ring was originally worn by men, but later used as a Marriage Ring for Men and Women.
The symbol is comprised of 2 hands, a heart and a crown. The hands symbolize the parties involved. The heart is the
seat of affection or love with the crown being perfection.



Trinity Symbol:  The Trinity Symbol is an ancient Celtic design. The Trinity emblem is an ancient symbol for a high spiritual dignity. In the Christian faith, it represents the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity symbol has been inscribed in stone, and also has been colored. Red for power, faith, language and sacrifice. Blue -represents faith and trust. Green –color of the plants and trees, suggests hope of life eternal.

Celtic Cross:  The Celtic Cross is possibly the best known symbol of Early Christianity in Ireland. The High Celtic Cross is a self contained monument, and are as high as 20 feet. They are generally made of sandstone, and their main characteristic feature is a circle connecting the arms. The rings around the high cross may have been a symbol of the cosmos, and at the center is the Crucifixion of Christ. Or, the ring may have been a structural piece, to prevent the arms of the cross from snapping off. There are many decorations on the crosses many including scenes from the bible, while others feature animal Interlace, and scroll work. The crosses at Monasterboise and Cross of Scriptures, Clonmacnoise are good examples for the traditional Celtic Cross





















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