I'd love to see this monument if and when I ever visit the land of my father's lineage again...
This is moving and beautiful, the pride the Irish take in the Ireland-America connection and the Irish and Irish heritage contribution to this great nation. Much to be proud of...
9/11: Never Forget.
Let me know when you come visit again!!
Of course, we had some anti-war protesters demosrating against Bloomberg!
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060822/5073656.asp
When I visited in 1984, I found Ireland to be an absolutely beautiful and majestic country filled with friendly, kind and delightful people. In Dublin, the clean streets, courteous, helpful and personable people and the feeling of safety were all in stark contrast to my impressions of Paris, with it's filthy streets and buildings, breathtakingly rude and low-class people, the overpowering sewer stench , utterly insane drivers and it's threatening mood ( I was accosted by pimps trying to sell their chattel three times in one night, and this was in a 'good' part of town), not to mention the legendary French distaste for modern plumbing and hygiene which is no myth. Even if the French had since that time proven themselves to be upstanding members of the international community, I would still refuse to go there ever again because of what I experienced not only in Paris but throughout France, which I saw in some depth. Since they have instead continued to eagerly embrace the very worst of all societal evils they can all rest assured that this stoat will never knowingly give them another dime of his hard earned money or make any effort to visit the basket-case that they call a 'country".
Ireland, by contrast, is a country that I would enthusiastically visit again and would spend as much time there as I possibly could. Friendly, thoughtful and gracious people abound as does the grandeur of the land and it's fascinating history which is everywhere to be seen. Since Ireland has, unfortunately, had a very violent and oftentimes painful history, most of the towns that I visited had a castle of some sort and there are endless opportunities to learn about not only the history of Ireland but of Western civilization in general. No matter what your areas of personal interest, you will find a multitude of ways to enhance your knowledge base, and you will leave only under duress, as the magic of Ireland will cast a spell over you that will make you insist on returning one day. You will remember Ireland as one of the finest vacation opportunities that you have ever availed yourself of and you will consider every dollar expended there to be very well spent.
My recommendations? Shun the big hotels and stay in the bed-and breakfast inns and houses which are available in far greater numbers than in the USA, and are a great way to learn about the community and the local culture....your hosts will be a fount of knowledge and helpful tips. Rent a car and tour the countryside; rent a bicycle and do the same. If bringing a digital camera, be sure to bring along SEVERAL, LARGE-CAPACITY memory cards as you will find innumerable photo subjects. Be sure to stay awhile....you won't have a meaningful experience if you only visit for a few days.