Page 24 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2021

Each year, people come from all over the world to kiss Ireland has so many must-see cities and sights that
the Blarney Stone, hoping to be bestowed with the gift of gab. When people think of Ireland, its beauty pushes to the forefront of their minds, blocking out even the folklore that has enchanted so many through the ages.
They think of driving along the Ring of Kerry by seaside villages and verdant rural landscapes.
They imagine standing at the Cliffs of
Moher on the edge of the Burren part
of County Clare. Castles still stand proud on green land that sprawls out – stretching over a fascinating, beautiful history and leaves behind humble, kind- hearted people who are proud of their heritage and work hard to preserve it.
Travelers who visit the Emerald Isle with AAA Member Choice Vacations are truly immersed into its history, culture and, of course, its beauty. Rather than merely looking at the castles across the land, travelers can enjoy an overnight stay on the grounds of one. They can even sit down for a farewell dinner in a castle, depending on the tour. These regal experiences make for once-in-a-lifetime memories.
There are so many ways that Ireland
comes alive on tour in a way that delves into its unique heritage. Listen to folklore and legends with a traditional seanchaí (Irish storyteller); visit a family-owned farm
to learn about organic cider and syrup making. Learn about Derry’s political history on a locally guided tour. See the sheepdogs in action at a working farm. From
an Irish House Party to a local tasting at a whiskey distillery – touring this lovely stretch of country welcomes travelers into daily life. Culture, history and folklore are explored and experienced on the various AAA Members Choice Vacations that visit the Emerald Isle.
are part of the journey – from exploring Dublin to kissing the Blarney Stone and standing in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher. Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s great coastal roads, or even explore Galway’s culinary scene with a local foodie
St. Patricks Cathedral, Dublin
Blarney Castle
on a walking tour. Ireland is filled with experiences that are postcard-worthy moments.
Close your eyes and you can see the beauty of this stunning country. Maybe you can even hear the soundtrack; traditional, jolly music: the fiddle, the
harp, the mandolin, the flute and the whistle – these sounds carry on the wind and bring it all together – the hope, the dreams, the mesmerizing beauty and the enthralling history. That lively music can be experienced everywhere – at pubs, at an Irish house party – and sometimes there’s dancing to really excite the atmosphere. An Irish jig or step-dancing is always a possibility when the music is playing and the warmest locals gather.
Now that your eyes are closed – can you smell the mouth-watering cuisine of Ireland? Can you taste the rich, savory
flavors of the hearty food found in pubs, homes, and throughout the Emerald Isle? There’s this old Irish proverb that says, “Laughter is brightest where food is best.” It rings truer than ever as Ireland experiences a bit of a foodie revolution.
With millennia of agrarian history under their belts, a new generation of Irish chefs is serving up historic flavors with modern ideas and can’t-miss food experiences. Discover for yourself why Ireland has become a rising culinary destination worthy of your attention.
24 I SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
I-stock: Mark 22