SNIPPET: Readers expressed their impressions of Ireland in the July/August 2006 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine: Joanna and Doug GROSS, Woodstock, IL: "Thank you for your excellent article, 'Newgrange" The World's first Astronomical Calendar,' (Mar-April 2006 issue). My husband and I have been privileged to visit Ireland four times in the last six years and the Bru na Boinne is one of our very favourite places. On our last trip we drove straight to Newgrange from Dublin Airport. My husband and I were so worried that our plans would flop ... but we shouldn't have been! My sister and brother-in-law who joined us on this trip were awed by the solstice recreation in Newgrange. Our wonderful experience there set the tone for what was to be a memorable holiday for all of us. After this trip, I gave my sister a gift subscription to your magazine for Christmas, and the moment this issue arrived, she called me, thrilled with the beautiful cover and excellent article." Gretchen FLYNN, Norco, CA: "I love your magazine ... I was in Kenny's beautiful and crowded bookstore when I was in Ireland and I was very sorry to hear that they are closing their doors in Galway." (My note - Check out Kenny's website when shopping for Irish books). Joseph CARROLL, Milwaukee, WI: "I read with disappointment a letter in the March/April issue from a writer who was criticising a previous writer for wanting to acquire Irish citizenship. The writer states, 'In my view the spectacle of Americans seeking full citizenship in a foreign country or indulging in the fantasy status of so-called dual citizenship, is little more than a very transparent affection.' The writer adds further insult to suggest that rather than to seek dual citizenship, one should simply 'hasten to the nearest Irish pub!' As a dual citizen I am put off by the general presumption that people simply want to display misguided affection for Ireland. I chose to acquire dual citizenship for two reasons. Firstly, it was to permanently recognise the relationship with my family. My father was born in Ireland and was the only one to emigrate to the US - leaving behind his parents and five brothers. Too often, people lose sight of their roots. I want my daughters to know where their family came from and to feel connected, despite being 3,500 miles away. The second and most immediate reason, is that citizenship of one European Union country affords you many rights in any of the other EU countries (for example freedom of movement and the right to diplomatic and consular protection). Obtaining dual citizenship was a practical step in that it afforded me the opportunity to seek employment abroad without having to deal with visas or other travel restrictions. Perhaps, maybe 15 or 20 years ago, most people wanting Irish citizenship were likely doing so for superficial reasons. But times have changed, and for many of us second and third generation Irish, there are real benefits to holding dual citizenship - we're not just walking around Main Street USA with an Irish passport around our necks! Both countries allow and recognise dual citizenship, and if you meet the strict requirements to apply for Irish citizenship and feel that it is important for you to do so - then, by all means do apply."