"THE VIKING'S RETURN" a Ireland Travel Page by NinaRira

When I moved to Ireland nine years ago, it didn't take me long to realise that a few of my Danish ancestors had obviously beaten me to it by a thousand years or so. The funny thing about the Nordic invaders who came here was that after the obligatory looting and burning (probably a result of all the Carlsberg) they, like me, decided this was actually a pretty great place to live. So they hung up the horns and swords, married some of the local gals and went on to establish places such as Dublin and Waterford. My guess is, that like me they were blown away by the great mountains and valleys (and maybe the Guinness) and conceeded that back home in Denmark, the landscape in comparison was just a bit undramatic. Can you blame us really?

Like all good Vikings, I ended up settling by the sea and found my haven in the South West corner of county Kerry, where the Gulf stream creates a mild climate all year round and the remote landscape keeps you from remembering which century you are actually in. For me, this is what makes Ireland so unique compared to many other European countries; you can still find a quiet corner and make it your own. Here, surrounded by wild goats and wild geese, you start to wonder why the rest of the world is in such a hurry. But then seeing as I can't get broadband internet here amongst the mountains, or a mobile phone signal, hurrying isn't really an option for me. Instead I make do with art, photography and the surfboard.

Ireland as a whole though is changing rapidly - for better or for worse - and these days, people come to enjoy a city break just as much as a scenic one. The rate at which buildings go up in Ireland is staggering these days and if you park somewhere for an hour or two, chances are a hotel has gone up next to your car while you were away. But the result of this booming economy means that eating out is varied and exciting, cafes and bars are fun and stylish and that Ireland has some exclusive names within spas and luxury hotels. Just be prepared to pay well for it all.

Summing up a whole country on one page is of course impossible and anyone visiting here would no doubt pick an area and explore it thoroughly (unless you want to spend your week in a car taking photos out of the side window - some people do). As value for money goes, I still think the Irish countryside is the place to head for as there is more to experience and more to be enjoyed at no cost at all.

Whether you're coming to Ireland to enjoy a pint, climb a mountain or trace your roots (green pants and Aran sweater are not obigatory for ancestral research), you have to come here for at least one stay in your lifetime.