The indelible impression I took from Ireland is of the gentle kindness and humor of the people. (Then again, there is a reputation for pugnacity and fierceness in their religious and political conflicts - which I never saw demonstrated.) Nonetheless, the country itself seems generous in spirit. The people I met in large and small towns were sharp, funny and fully engaged in life. Ireland is dotted with castles, farms, pubs, bright shop fronts and Guinness signs. The roads are often narrow and full of blind curves. The country has become home to many eastern Europeans who seem to fit into Irish society without difficulty. Outside of Dublin the country seemed particularly clean - as if people valued its beauty and made a conscious effort to maintain it. (Click a thumbnail image to enlarge; click within the left or right of the image to advance or go back - or use your right and left arrows.)