Written by Jaden Parker
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I couldn’t resist interviewing the most Irish person I know, someone who is also very near and dear to my heart. My best friend Ryan Crossman has dual citizenship in Ireland and America, so I decided to pick her brain a little bit about what Ireland is all about.
Alright, so tell me. How many times have you actually been to Ireland?
I’ve been to Ireland two times. Once when I stayed with family (my grandmother’s brother and his wife) for a few weeks, and another time when I went with my parents and extended family for two weeks for a road trip, where we saw a lot of Ireland that I didn’t get to see the first time.
What was your first time like there, if you can remember?
It was amazing getting to meet my Irish family and live with them. They lived in a fairly remote area, but it was beautiful. And everyone I met while there was incredibly kind and welcoming. While there I tried poutine for the first time, at a little shop in the nearby town and loved it!
Do you have any tips for first-time visitors of Ireland?
I would recommend talking to the locals and asking where they recommend you visit or eat. Also, while the tourist areas are amazing, the general landscape and community are worth exploring.
Good advice! How do you personally celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
I usually celebrate with family. Getting together for games and letting loose. We play cards and the adults always get drunk.
Hehe. That sounds like a good time! What are your favorite things about Ireland?
I think I love the people and the landscape/weather the most. Everyone is kind and welcoming, willing to show you around and give tips on places to go. People often say they hate rainy/windy weather, but it’s some of my favorite weather to be in (maybe that’s just the writer in me). I love going to the windy coasts for a coffee and a 99 (an ice cream cone with a chocolate flake, and I get it with strawberry syrup) while I walk.
No, I totally can relate. I suppose that’s the writer in me, too! What are your favorite places to visit in Ireland? Do you have any recommendations?
One of my favorite places in Ireland was Galway. I visited both times I was in Ireland and just find that there is so much to do and see and being on the coast is really awesome. The people are nice, the food is amazing, and there are some cute places to stay while you’re there!
Well thank you for your time in helping me promote the beauty of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day!
Of course!
All photos courtesy of Ryan Crossman
