Just over the border to Ireland we go. Although governments are political about Northern Ireland, everyone else seems fine (a lot of people in England have Celtic blood). You can sail to Éire (its Gaelic name) from Liverpool (8 hours). Or a quicker route is the notoriously choppy crossing from Holyhead in North Wales (waves ‘fly past porthole windows!’)
Ireland’s politics are more grownup, presently in a power-sharing agreement by two parties. The Green Party movement is tempered by animal welfare issues: greyhounds & racehorses need homes (many Irish hounds end up in Europe, where Spanish charities rescue them).
- Barney Goose is a children’s tale of Tom the lighthouse keeper, who finds an egg washed up on the beach, in West Cork. When it hatches, young Barney Goose lives happily with Tom, until he feels the need to fly. What will Barney find, as he travels the Wild Atlantic Way?
- Everyone in Ireland sings like an Angel. Best-Loved Irish Ballads is a beautiful collection (lyrics, music & chords): Danny Boy, The Rocky Road to Dublin, Whisky in the Jar & The Rose of Tralee.
- Putumayo Celtic Cafe & Putumayo Celtic Women are two wonderful world music CDs, with beautiful liner notes.
- Bailey’s Almande is made with almond milk (it tastes similar, just a bit nutty). Or make your own.
- Booker Prize-nominated writer Paul Kingsnorth is an environmentalist who offers online courses for budding authors, based on courses he runs in Ireland. Rewild Your Words Online includes video lessons, exercises, recommended readings and lifetime access.
Music Break: Beautiful Madness
Here’s an interesting story. Michael is from an Irish family, they sold 20 million records in Germany. But he gave it up to go off and train as a Catholic priest for years. Just before he was ordained, he was told to follow his love for music and find a good woman. So he did! This is a lovely song.