SNIPPET: Impressions of recent trips to Ireland were shared in a recent issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine published in Dublin: Mary PARKER, Lake Hiawatha, NJ, wrote: .... "My sister and I were very excited about the trip which we had planned to Ireland. We hadn't travelled together since we were children, many years ago. Chris was leaving her husband in charge of teenage children and I was leaving my grandchildren with promises that I would take lots of photographs and buy lots of 'Flakef unthinkable happened - September 11, 2001. Chris lives in NYC, but thankfully up-town. We were grateful that she and her family were safe. I live across the river in NJ and as I drove down the highway on my way home from work, I could see the smoke rising from the rubble. It is a sight that I will never forget. We were among the fortunate ones who did not lose loved ones in the massacre. We realised that we had a decision to make and make quickly. This trip was meant to be a celebration, as my sister had just won a 5-year battle with cancer. Our decision was not to cancel our trip, as we were not ever going to let terrorists stop us. We also felt that we had to set an example for all the children in our lives. We heard so many stories of courage during the days that followed September 11, that we, too, wanted in our small way to show our tenacity. We travelled under tight security by Aer Lingus, but the airline staff could not have been nicer. We stayed in Westbury Hotel, in Dublin, strolled through Trinity College, went to the Abbey Theater and shopped till we dropped. We rented a car and travelled around the country. We saw the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. No matter where we travelled in Ireland, we felt as if we were with family. Everyone was so kind and concerned about our fellow countrymen and us. Photographs of our Irish adventure now cover the wall of my apartment and they remind me of a trip of a lifetime, the beauty of your country and the caring heart of Ireland's people. We do not know what tomorrow will bring - so visit Ireland first! Bob and Averill BINGHAM, Sutherlin, OR, shared: "We have been subscribers .... for several years now and enjoy your delightful magazine, reading it from cover to cover. We always wish that we might visit the land of our ancestors one day. In your May/June 2003 issue, we read with interest your article on Queen Victoria's visit to Ireland - a fascinating journey into the past. In this article there is a reference to a book entitled, 'Book of Household Management' by Mrs. BEETON, published circa 1860. This reference reminded us that we have an old cookbook in our library, a later edition called 'Every Day Cookery and Housekeeping Book,' by Mrs. BEETON. This is a new and revised edition and there is no date to be found printed anywhere in the book to help date it. So thanks to you we now know approximately how old our book is! Marie DUNNE, Clonmel Co. Tipperary, wrote: "I am a widow and an old age pensioner. After I got married, I did not have the opportunity to travel, and then, last year, I had to have two hip replacements due to arthritis. I was finally free to travel - so off I went on my own. I first went to Schull, in West Cork, I went out in a boat to Fastnet Lighthouse, Cape Clear, Sherkin Island and Mizen Head. I went to Knock in Co. Mayo, and then on to Galway and did a day tour of Connemara. The weather was in my favour and I had a most pleasant time. I enjoy "Ireland of the Welcomes" and I hope to travel around again this year, please God." M. Lynne WOOD, Douglasville, GA, commented: "I have just recently returned from a trip to Ireland with several members of my family. We all travelled in Dublin to attend the graduation of one of my cousins from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It was indeed a most memorable experience in all ways. Upon receiving my most recent copy of your magazine with the photograph of the 'Spire of Light' in Dublin - a landmark to use since our B&B was nearby - I couldn't help but recall, with a smile, on one of 'those moments' that occurred while we were all together. During our tour of Dublin, we quickly learnt to appreciate, and in fact to assimilate the sense of humour about day-to-day things that the Dubliners demonstrate. We learned that notable landmarks in the city had nicknames such as the Molly Malone statue, which is known as 'the dish with the fish' or the 'tart with the cart.' And the statue near the Liffey of the ladies resting between purchases was known as the 'hags with the bags.' It was a wonderful trip for all of us, most of whom had not been to Ireland ever before. The glory of the country and the warmth of the people we met are certainly more than enough for us to begin plans for our next visit. Thank you for the memories and the smiles."

SNIPPET: Impressions of recent trips to Ireland were shared in a recent issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine published in Dublin: Mary PARKER, Lake Hiawatha, NJ, wrote: .... "My sister and I were very excited about the trip which we had planned to Ireland. We hadn't travelled together since we were children, many years ago. Chris was leaving her husband in charge of teenage children and I was leaving my grandchildren with promises that I would take lots of photographs and buy lots of 'Flake' chocolate. We planned our trip for September 30, 2001, and then the unthinkable happened - September 11, 2001. Chris lives in NYC, but thankfully up-town. We were grateful that she and her family were safe. I live across the river in NJ and as I drove down the highway on my way home from work, I could see the smoke rising from the rubble. It is a sight that I will never forget. We were among the fortunate ones who did not lose loved ones in the massacre. We realised that we had a decision to make and make quickly. This trip was meant to be a celebration, as my sister had just won a 5-year battle with cancer. Our decision was not to cancel our trip, as we were not ever going to let terrorists stop us. We also felt that we had to set an example for all the children in our lives. We heard so many stories of courage during the days that followed September 11, that we, too, wanted in our small way to show our tenacity. We travelled under tight security by Aer Lingus, but the airline staff could not have been nicer. We stayed in Westbury Hotel, in Dublin, strolled through Trinity College, went to the Abbey Theater and shopped till we dropped. We rented a car and travelled around the country. We saw the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. No matter where we travelled in Ireland, we felt as if we were with family. Everyone was so kind and concerned about our fellow countrymen and us. Photographs of our Irish adventure now cover the wall of my apartment and they remind me of a trip of a lifetime, the beauty of your country and the caring heart of Ireland's people. We do not know what tomorrow will bring - so visit Ireland first! <snip>