True, the most spectacular seascapes could
make adult eyes glaze over, and children
squirm restlessly in their seats. However,
in Ireland monotony disappears like mist
in the sun because of the incredible range.
The beaches themselves vary from pristine
white to rocky; and ruined castles on the
shore and picture-postcard seaside villages
add their stunning touches to this canvas.
Every turn holds some natural wonder.
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hills and valleys are so lovely that they
have inspired song, poetry and literature.
Cliffs plunge to the sea in a shrill of bird
calls, and limestone caves, pillared with
transluscent stalactites and stalagmites
show that creation is still a work in
progress. Ireland is such beauty uninter-
rupted that every journey is as beguiling
as the destination.
Children hate being spectators however
scenic the sight. They want to jump into
it, clamber all over it, creep up to a giant
squirrel, or land a wriggling trout.
Ireland’s natural treasures translate into
ƒ –”‘˜‡ ‘ˆ ‘—–†‘‘” ƒ…–‹˜‹–›ǣ •—”ϐ‹‰ǡ
walking, cycling trail-riding, rock climbing,
„‘ƒ–‹‰ ƒ† ϐ‹•Š‹‰Ǥ ˆ there’s a sight to
see, there’s a sporting challenge to take
on. Not to be outdone, Irish cities and
holiday towns, call out to the kids, ‘Try
me, too”. Amusement arcades offer a
dizzying variety of rides and fun to have
excitements. Everywhere skills develop,
and secrets of the deepest seas and the
outermost space are revealed interac-
tively, without the slightest suspicion that a
lesson is being learnt, memorably. So,
parents and children are both khush.
In fact, just wandering through the cities
is such fun for everyone. Past and
present walk hand in hand. Browse
through the latest labels in a very stylish
‡Žˆƒ•– ƒŽŽǢ ‹–ǯ• ‹•‹†‡ –Š‡ ˆ‘”‡” ‘ˆϐ‹…‡
building of one of Ireland’s once world-
famous linen mills, the Victorian façade
beautifully restored. Or let your eye
wander upwards as you munch on a
creamy bun bought in a funky Galway
arcade, and spot a medieval city wall,
built to keep out not the invading Vikings,
but the ‘barbarian’ natives.
St.Patrick’s Day
4
