SNIPPET: In the July-Aug 2007 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine, readers shared their thoughts on the Emerald Isle: Margaret Ryan DEUTSCH, Downers Grove, IL: "We were heading back to the Great Southern Hotel next to Shannon Airport on a bright summer's day in May, after we had toured the land of my father from Dublin to Co. Wicklow, literally visiting everywhere we could in our short two-week visit. Our rented hatchback car was packed with souvenirs and gifts from our Irish relatives. My daughter, Kathy COSTELLO, was our driver and she decided to take a short cut along a small country road. It was a bit narrow and bumpy; however, we were moving along well. At least that was until another driver behind decided to overtake us. Kathy had to move over on the road to prevent an accident, as the over-anxious driver rushed by. We heard a loud noise, the hatchback popped open and out tumbled several of our treasured packages. Apparently the lock had broken as we hit a pothole in the road while trying to avoid an accident. Kathy stopped the car and walked back to pick up our packages. One bag contained a gift of a bottle of Irish whiskey. My daughter gingerly picked up the bag and the broken bottle of whiskey dripped all over her hands and jacket. Kathy, who never drank anything stronger than a glass of wine at dinner now reeked of whiskey! We had to use the belt from my slacks to secure the hatchback. It was with great joy that we arrived at our hotel and were able to shower and freshen up. We spent a delightful evening before we headed home to the States. We had a lovely dinner and afterwards went into the bar where a wonderful group of singers and musicians delighted all to the strains of 'Danny Boy' and many other well-known melodies. We've laughed many times since about this incident on the road to the airport - although it didn't feel funny at the time. However, it left us with one more great memory while visiting the land of my ancestors." The editor remarked - "What a lucky escape for you both - country roads are for careful drivers, not speeding ones. We hope your experience won't put you off returning to Ireland again." Ed and Mary FLAHERTY, Lake Forest, CA: ... "Ireland's appeal for us is as the birthplace of our ancestors, its churches, castles, monasteries, museums, and the like, in the beautiful timeless countryside, and in its people. The elaborate, high-priced spas, restaurants, and hotels are in our 'nice but not necessary' category. One doesn't have to cross the Atlantic to visit them. Certainly they abound here in southern California ..." Heather WILLIS, Aiken, SC: "... Let me share a dream that began almost 20 years ago. When I was 11 or 12, I saw a movie that was set in Ireland, and a seed was planted in my heart ... I fell in love with the beautiful landscapes, and the wonderful accents of the people ... Well, the years came and went and I always told friends 'someday, I am going to Ireland, even if I have to swim,' while honestly thinking it would never happen. A girl from small town Texas could never afford such a dream. I married a South Carolina man, Brad, shared with him my dream and he said 'on our tenth wedding anniversary I will make your dream come true.' ... We set up a small savings account, put loose change in a jar, collected books about Ireland, etc., subscribed to your wonderful magazine, framed many of your photos. Well, our tenth wedding anniversary came and my preacher husband was called to the mission field in India ... When he returned, he said, 'Let's buy tickets to Ireland, I am keeping my promise to you' ... Soon now I will take my own photographs of Ireland as I walk through your beautiful land. Thanks for such a great magazine. It has shown us so many places we want to see and helped us in planning our trip, and through you, we found a wonderful travel company - 1-2 Travel (now myguideireland.com)." For her letter, the editor sent Heather a copy of "The Irish Landscape - a scenery to celebrate," by Charles Hepworth HOLLAND.