Destination: Ireland
by James Langford

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Ireland has always been the home of dreamers, poets, writers of all disciplines, dissidents and warriors. It also has always been charmed.

The capital and the largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, loosely translated, means "black pool." Some of the city's most well-known literary giants include George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and William Butler Yeats. Which is one reason why Dublin is such a rich depository of Irish history.

If you are going to send your clients to Ireland, then give them at least three days in Dublin, a trip to Waterford, which is south of the city, and if possible a trip to the west coast.

Dublin is not only their destination, but for those who crave the true Irish experience, it is a mecca of information. In Dublin you find the history that dates back to the founding of that city by the Vikings in the ninth century. Dublin provides all the Irish charms and sights that your clients could imagine. There are museums, art galleries, boutiques, wonderful pubs, theatres and a population that gives you the feeling of being in the neighborhood you always wanted to live in. Dublin is beyond charm. Dublin provides character.

The Liffey river splits the city in two, so you have north and south Dublin.

But, it doesn't really matter.

In a pub or a restaurant, it's always "what's yours"?

Dublin is the fourth most popular city in Europe, as a travel destination, behind London, Paris and Rome. Over the years the city has been developed with a unique 17th -18th century architecture that is mainly Georgian, but attractively Dublin. With a population that is just over a million, at last count, it's large enough to provide fun and small enough to make getting around not so difficult. It also has a very efficient public transportation system.

Entertainment in Dublin is endless. In most instances, you have to book in advance. But, who wouldn't want to sample the delights of the Guinness Storehouse? Who wouldn't want to attend a classic play, in an historic theatre, which was authored by the likes of Joyce or Wilde? And there are pubs and nightclubs galore.

In all major cities, and sometimes certain countries, as a first time traveler there are always some things you just have to do. It is why your clients are there. Your clients have to see The Trevi Fountain in Rome, The Tower of London, The Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Taj Mahal and The Trinity College Library in Dublin.

Why Trinity? Because of The Book of Kells. One of the most intricate and beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world, it is also one of the oldest and contains the four gospels, summaries and concordances of the gospel passages. It is a constant in art classes throughout the world. Written in approximately 800 AD, the book is reported to have been produced by monks at St. Columcille's Monastery, which was located off the west coast of Scotland on the island of Iona.

The manuscripts were given to Trinity College in the 17th century and are bound in four calfskin volumes. Two of the volumes are normally on display - one to show a major decorated page, which they change on a rotating basis, and the other to show two pages of script.

Beauty is boundless. Ultimate beauty touches the heart. As a writer, I can truly say that there are some objects in this world that do defy description. The Book of Kells is one such object.

The college library is open Monday through Saturday, is the largest research library in Ireland and contains more than four million volumes. It is definitely a place where you can spend a day . or two.

The port town of Dun Laoghaire is only seven miles south of Dublin and easily accessible by public transportation. During the summertime, from June to September, the town has some sort of festival being staged virtually every week. As a friend of mine from Boston once told me, 'I never knew an Irishman who didn't like to have a good time.' Festivals and times of course can be accessed through the internet, but a must day in this party town is a visit to the harbour and a walk along the East Pier promenade.

Further south of Dublin is Waterford. And, who hasn't heard of Waterford Crystal? The first glassmaking factory in the town was established in 1783. This is where your clients can stroll along the quay and will find the "Three Sisters" mix, where the rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir come together.

One thing about Ireland is you can spend a lifetime just going from one cathedral to another. And they all are inspiring. For example, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford is awesome. The building itself is phenomenal. Inside, it is cool and very peaceful. However, how many soaring buttresses do your clients really want or need to see. Waterford is a beautiful city to explore and a place where your clients can walk at their own pace and simply enjoy the pace of Irish life.

I think as travel agents, it is very important that you stress to your clients that even though they might be traveling to an "English" speaking country . the culture is different. Ireland is decidedly different than England. However, I think forewarning your clients on what they can expect keeps them from being surprised and helps to enhance their experience.

The first time I traveled abroad, some thirty-odd years ago, I flew to Gatwick out of Toronto. On my return flight, two weeks later, the Toronto resident sitting behind me remarked to her companion that their vacation in England was almost like traveling to a foreign country.

For first time visitors to Ireland, Dublin and the east coast provides a wide variety of treats and gives the traveler a nice taste for the flavor of the country. It is not hard to discern what they need to see and where they need to go. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Dublin, since it is their largest city.

For the more adventuresome however, traveling inland, and even to the west coast gives one a true feel for the nature and temperament of the people who inhabit what is truly a mystical island.

Jim Langford is the president of the Pharmer Group, a communications consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.