Petunia Rose

Dear Friends, Our adventure has come to an end as I post my final blog post today. It has been a great experience updating everyone on my love for Ireland and informing everyone how beautiful and pure the "wee" country is. It is the most unique country in the world, and I cannot encourage you all to visit this gem. You are missing out big time if you do not tick it off your bucket list. It is a country of people with the biggest hearts; people who welcome everyone into their house. Nobody is a stranger in this country. It is almost like a big family wedding. I have truly loved posting on this blog and recommending various Irish collections. I hope that it has been some help to you. I leave you with the beautiful national anthem of Ireland. Thank you everyone, Amhrán na bhFiann

1. Decriminalising Homosexuality Before 1993, being homosexual was classified as a crime in Ireland. David Norris, a lecturer at Trinity College in Dublin started the ball rolling by starting a campaign - the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform. He eventually became a senator, and in 1988 he confronted the Irish State in the European Court regarding their status on homosexuality - and he won the case. He began to take important steps to achieve his aim - to decriminalise homosexuality. In 1993, Ireland passed Criminal Fraud and homosexuality was officially decriminalised in Ireland. 2. Ireland votes to legalise gay marriage In May 2015, Ireland legalised gay marriage. Leo Vradkar (Ireland's Taoiseach), spoke openly about his homosexuality and wanted to reform the state's law on same-sex marriage. He announced that Ireland would hold a referendum in May of that year. 1.2 million people out of 1,935,907 people voted in favour of the bill, and made Ireland the first country to ...

Similarly to the unawareness of Irish celebrities, there seems to a lack of awareness of Irish films and television shows. So, I hope to inform anyone who is unaware of some of the great media that Ireland produces. 1. Love/Hate  RTÉ (2012). Love/Hate | Coming Soon | RTÉ One [online video]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IipMYjcStwg (Accessed 23rd November 2018). 2. Mrs Brown's Boys BBC (2017). Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Special 2017: Trailer - BBC [online video]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXeMPBMLIJA (Accessed 23rd November 2018). 3. Father Ted VHS Video Vault, (2014). Father Ted trailer  [online video]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZqHYzdwLGo (Accessed 23rd November 2018). 4. TheYoung Offenders Young Offenders (2016). The Young Offenders - Official Teaser Trailer [HD] [online video]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpCuiCTpLnc (Accessed 23rd November...

In today's post, I wanted to share with you my favourite places in Donegal. These places aren't just for tourists - they are places that are close to my heart. They are places that you can bring your family and have a great day out. They are places where you can go to cleanse your mind and relax. These destinations are heartwarming and I cannot recommend them enough. 1. Mount Errigal Moloney, L. (2008) Evening light by Mount Errigal  [online photo] Available athttps://www.flickr.com/photos/tir_na_nog/2245592831 (Accessed on 23rd November 2018) 2. Donegal Castle Wills, B. (2005). Donegal Castle  [online photo]. Available at http://www.geograph.ie/photo/17495 (Accessed 23rd November 2018) 3. Slieve League Asatira, (2012) Slieve League [online photo]. Available at https://pixabay.com/en/slieve-league-ireland-atlantic-2704892/ (Accessed 23rd November 2018) 4. Narin Beach Gagnon, B (2016). Narin & Portnoo Golf Club  [online photo]. Ava...

When I update my friends in America on my adventures in Ireland, they often bring up that they are unaware of anyone from Ireland that is famous or well-known. I usually get slightly offended when they say this, I feel almost overprotective of this little country. However, I wanted to write this post to highlight that there are many, many famous Irish people, such as: 1. Pierce Brosnan: Correll, G. (2013),  Pierce Brosnan [online photo]. Available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/gdcgraphics/10024915095 (Accessed 22nd November 2018). 2. Colin Farrell Shankbone, D. (2010),  Colin Farrell David Shankbone 2010 NYC [online photo]. Available at  https://www.flickr.com/photos/shankbone/4562202116/in/photolist-KxxjG3-KAqVrt-KqZLFU-KtswxM-KxvxsN-ahw1v2-bBVKKe-dcSHJf-dcSJ8V-ieNcXp-ieNdtK-9rhoug-9riw37-9riMeq-9rkKCW-9rhxhn-9rj2g2-9rhTLs-9rj1zL-9rjSXE-9rfBnx-9rkEzd-9riEem-9rhZSy-9riWhH-9ri7Cg-9rj3Mm-JDTkGE-JDSBH9-KtrKd8-JDS8GE-9yEYBk-9rhA38-9rktxo-7hYhq5-XsL2Ae...

What is a seanfhocal? Pronounced "shan-uc-al", it is a word that translates from Irish (Gaeilge) to "old saying" in English. A seanfhocal is a highly important aspect of the Irish language and culture, as it adds to the colloquialism of the language. "Tóg go bóg é" - Take it easy "Nuair a bhíonn an t-ól istigh, bionn an chaill amuigh" - When the drink is in, sense is out the window "Nuair a bhíonn an cat amuigh, bionn an luch ag rince" - When the cat is away, the mouse will play "An rud is annamh is iontach" - What's seldom is wonderful "Beatha duine a thoil" - Everyone to their own tastes "Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam" - A country without a language is a country without a soul "Ní féidir bheith ag feadaíl is ag ithe mine" - You can't whistle and eat a meal at the same time "Ní neart go cur le chéile" - There is strength in numbers "Ní thagann cial...

Something that I have noticed from my time here is the confusion of the faces of foreigners when they hear the Irish speak. Ireland is known for having many broad, distinct and sometimes incomprehensible accents. Below are a few that stand out: 1. Cork Accent 2. Donegal Accent 3. Kerry Accent 4. North Dublin Accent 5. Dundalk  6. Mayo Accent 7. Wexford Accent 8. Galway Accent

I thought that it would be a fun idea to include some of my favourite Irish songs - both traditional and non-traditional. Some of these songs have been either performed by Irish artists or else written by Irish artists. 1. I'll Tell Me Ma - The Dubliners The Dubliners. (2010)  I'll Tell Me Ma - The Dubliners  [video online]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFxb50oETYc (accessed 19th November 2018) 2. The Spanish Lady - The Dubliners The Dubliners. (2012) The Dubliners - Spanish Lady [video online] Available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdGJbsro3tI (accessed 19th November 2018) 3. The Homes of Donegal - Daniel O'Donnell Daniel O'Donnell. (2013) Daniel O'Donnell - Homes of Donegal (performed on Owey Island) [video online]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeeJIWMC8qQ (accessed 19th November 2018) 4. Hall of Fame - The Script The Script. (2012) The Script - Hall of Fame...