When the Romans under Julius Caesar first began their conquest of Great Britain, they looked to the west and saw the dim outlines of another land. From travelers' tales, they knew it was inhabited by human beings, but they knew nothing about this mysterious tribe or their territory. They believed the island to be hostile in climate, poor in natural resources, and hardly worth conquering. On their maps, they labeled it "Hibernia" after their word hibernus, meaning "wintry."How little those Roman conquerors knew. Because they decided not to cross those 60 miles of choppy water, the small island's Celtic inhabitants were allowed to continue developing their culture for thousands of years without the interference of a colonial master.Today, that mysterious island bears the proud name of Ireland, a name that inspires love, joy, and intense loyalty all over the world – and not just among the Irish and their descendants! As the worldwide popularity of St. Patrick's day shows, there's something universally recognizable about Irish culture. Something in its combination of rich history, joyous music, and irrepressible humor seems to appeal to the depths of every human soul.What is it that makes this island so magical?The only way to understand it is to walk Ireland's hills and forests; to spend time talking with its inhabitants; and to see, taste, touch, and smell the richness of this inimitable corner of the world.This book is a guide to doing exactly that. I want to help you know Ireland, not just visit it. If you can experience it properly, this island will enchant you just as it has enchanted thousands.
