Another Monday in Ireland. Another start of the week to see the rest of the country. Throughout our trip, we have been hearing that Ireland is a tiny island, and I didn’t really believe it until today. We crossed the country in three hours! From the east coast where Dublin is to the west coast where the Cliffs of Moher reside by the seaside… against all my expectations, we crossed Ireland in record time. Not sure how much time it would take from the north to the south, but I guess that’s a question for the next time I’m here.
We started off the day at the Cliffs of Moher and let me tell you, I was speechless. I had never seen such distance! I was mesmerized by the way the bright blue sky merged into the brilliant gray waves of the Atlantic (from this end of the world) and touched the moss green of the cliffs below. There was a quality of magic to the sight. I thought I was looking at a painting, but sure enough, if I focused on it, I could see the water hit the rocks with a white, bubbly splash. I’m recalling Jane Austen’s words from Pride and Prejudice because today she was proven correct: “What are men to rocks and mountains?”
I loved their self-guided tour inside and I wish I had more time to see it, but we were on a schedule, and I ran for the cliffs (literally). I think Irish tourism, from a business perspective, is just like tourism in any other country. Use something that is only yours and guide people through it in the most entertaining way possible. What I personally find fascinating is how new the attractions are for such old monuments. The juxtaposition there is very interesting to me. These are ancient monuments; in fact, I was wondering while looking out at the sea how the land broke off those cliffs to form that steep, steep drop. And then the Irish decide, within the last 30 years, to build a little house next to it and have people pass through it to buy their merch. This is the case with almost any monument here: cathedrals, buildings, clothes, etc. But in the States, the tourist attractions are practically a child compared to these ones. The business model is the same, but the sight makes the ticket price feel like you traveled back in time. Take a moment and admire it for yourself here:
This country has a lot of selling points:
“Come to Ireland—
–for the greenest green your eyes will ever see!
–for the greatest, warmest food (the lamb slides off the bone!!) you could ever eat!
–for the most alluring, colorful buildings!
–for the richest, proudest history that influences every speck of culture that’s consumed today! You should know this if you don’t already! History-buff background is not required.
Ireland will treat you well. And you will become a new and improved person from this wonderful Irish experience.”
As I start my second and final week in Dublin, I’m feeling so appreciative of this opportunity. We’re hitting two exciting companies tomorrow. See you then!!