One of the better larks by the tourism-hungry Irish was to ask the Queen to let them turn Buckingham Palace green for St. Patrick’s Day. Her Majesty kept on smiling and said her decision to pass on this lovely offer was not to take anything away from the very special affection she has for the country and the people of Ireland, especially following her historic State Visit in 2011. Here in Canada, many will have noticed the vigorous campaign by Tourism Ireland to persuade us to visit that land this year. It’s a lovely experience even if — we might say especially if — you are not Irish. Pre-recession Ireland was in a kind Euro-happy high. The streets of Dublin, Cork and other towns were humming with hundreds of thousands of workers from throughout the EU. It was frequently difficult to find an Irishman in Grafton Street, except for the statues of endless poets and patriots guarding every corner. Now, in much harder times, Ireland looks abroad for dollars and as a beautiful, congenial and safe place, there hardly seems a better vacation choice for those with the time and money.Queen declines offer to colour palace green
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One of the better larks by the tourism-hungry Irish was to ask the Queen to let them turn Buckingham Palace green for St. Patrick’s Day. Her Majesty kept on smiling and said her decision to pass on this lovely offer was not to take anything away from the very special affection she has for the country and the people of Ireland, especially following her historic State Visit in 2011. Here in Canada, many will have noticed the vigorous campaign by Tourism Ireland to persuade us to visit that land this year. It’s a lovely experience even if — we might say especially if — you are not Irish. Pre-recession Ireland was in a kind Euro-happy high. The streets of Dublin, Cork and other towns were humming with hundreds of thousands of workers from throughout the EU. It was frequently difficult to find an Irishman in Grafton Street, except for the statues of endless poets and patriots guarding every corner. Now, in much harder times, Ireland looks abroad for dollars and as a beautiful, congenial and safe place, there hardly seems a better vacation choice for those with the time and money.