Famous Irish quotes that will change how you travel
Republic of Ireland Literary Ireland
It’s true what they say: the Irish have a ‘way with words’. Some Irish wordsmiths have the magical ability to fill our hearts with a wanderlust for Ireland in just a few short phrases. Here are some we adore…
From the land where kissing a stone on a castle bestows you with the gift of eloquence, to the places that inspired the likes of James Joyce, Seamus Heaney and Oscar Wilde. Not forgetting the wise Irish proverbs we often live by. It’s time to let our literary luminaries transport you to the island of Ireland.
Be afraid of nothing.
OSCAR WILDE
Exploring the wilds of Ireland is the ultimate adventure. From soaring cliff top views to adrenaline-fuelled watersports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, take a leaf out of Wilde’s book and jump right in.
Check out: Trekking with alpacas, skydiving over fields of green or whale watching in west Cork.
If you have the words, there’s always a chance that you’ll find the way.
SEAMUS HEANEY
Poet and Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney drew his inspiration from the land of his childhood in beautiful Northern Ireland. Buried in the churchyard in his hometown of Bellaghy in County Derry, admirers of his work can visit Seamus Heaney HomePlace, but there are plenty of ways to fill your heart with the stories of Ireland.
Check out: The landscapes of Ireland that are filled with tales of our best-loved myths and legends.
May the road rise to meet you
IRISH PROVERB
For a small island on the northwest tip of Europe, Ireland has a network of roads – high and low – that can take you to magical locations, where friends you haven’t met yet will welcome you with open arms and the landscapes will be engraved in your mind’s eye forever.
Check out: Refresh the senses with wild Ireland’s mountain beauty, sky-high sea cliffs and tranquil waterfronts.
They lived and loved and laughed and left.
JAMES JOYCE
Are you one of the 70 million people around the world claiming Irish ancestry? It seems our global Irish family has achieved quite a lot over the years. Just take a look at the stories of more than 300 Irish people’s achievements in music, art, sport, fashion, and science at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. Or, if you prefer, kick start your own ancestry search.
Check out: The rest of your Ireland family likes to get connected over on our Facebook/IrelandFamilyHistory page, so come and join the conversation.
With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere.
CS LEWIS
Did you know that the beloved Chronicles of Narnia author, CS Lewis, hailed from Belfast in Northern Ireland? In his honour, begin your walk of the self-guided CS Lewis Trail from outside Holywood Arches Library to CS Lewis Square, which is filled with statues of his fabulous characters. But to find his inspiration for Narnia, you must head to the majestic Mourne Mountains.
Check out: Ireland’s roads to nowhere all began somewhere, as do all these Irish road trips with a twist.
Explore more
Trip idea: Ireland’s literary life
Island of Ireland
Ireland’s literary legends quiz
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