Blackbird sings, rich and fluty on the sycamore at dawn. Dewdrops jewel the grasses Wren’s nest in the hawthorn hedge: crammed with nestlings, the world young and forever. Celebrates in song. Storybook hens lay among the bluebells. Pheasant in the green triangle, my neighbour’s field. Chestnut tree like a green pyramid towers over me. My tree of ife. I planted it. I grow with it: it grows with me. Old ringed fort, the magic circle overlooks the bay. The ancients hear the mermaids sing: sometimes softly, soothingly, sometimes full of wild delight. Kerry cows move in memory of the fields of clover. Woos and groves, oaks and pine and spreading beech, mystic light woven with the hazy stillness: stillness I can hear. Fox running in the light, sweeping through the trees. Magic made flesh. I am a child again.  I am always a child here. Secrecies of summer. Cuckoo calls to cuckoo flowers, yellow irish, meadowsweet. Frogs like wonder in long grasses. Herons fly to long-legged pools in the estuary.

Egrets fly like white angels over the house. Ruined cottage where my grandparents reared their family by the Laune, window framing the river, music in the tones, soft fiddle, slow melodeon. Fabled fishing pools,.Men, boats, nets, currents, tides: salmon arcing silver in the sky. Channel of light and legend. Caoilte, comrade of Finn ran from Laune to Larne. Diarmuid and Grainne ate salmon there. Turbine, steel seraphim, tossing spiky tresses in the wind. Swan’s re-invent the Children of Lir. They have great gatherings in summer. Rowing,:rhythm of the oars, music of generations, father, granfather, great-grandfather too.

I hear it in my soul. Otter slips into the quiet stream at evening. Sunset throws roses,old moss roses on the tide. Crimson ripples turning. Nearby the Abbey at Killagha. East Window looks to eternity. The White Church. Trees of Fantastic girth. Bluebell, primrose, celandine. Old stones inscribed with love; love inscribed in the air, heard in the songs of birds. Quiet corners everywhere. Gorse smelling of honey down the old boreen. Hare grazing underneath. Honey bees hum in purple thimbles. Stripy badger going by. Apple blossom promising windfall sweetness, taste of autumn, blackberry dews. Mountains shoulder the sky: cinematic sky brushed with lavender and crimson. Angels hang their colours to the flagpoles overhead. The sea still heaving to the slow beat of their wings. Lullabies of evening. Under the hawthorn moon the fairies dance with joy. I dream of the fox at night, the wrens and their young. The stars hang from the apple trees. The moon silvers in the pine. Traffic? The only jam is on my bread. Life in the slow lane. Even the clocks take their time. Gilded pendulums swinging slow “Is minic a bhionn cul mall cona.” Taim sona anseo. Here is a place for poetry. Here is the poetry of place. Where else could I imagine with the colours of the heart?

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There’s a community in action here, reminisced even in Ireland. It makes Manorhamilton an ideal place to live, to bring up your children, where people look out for each other. And just in case you hear the sound of fiddles cranking up behind (we’ll get back to that later) the Bee Park Centre in the centre of Manorhamilton is its pure personification, a hub, and pulsating heart. Here the voluntary sector of the community weaves a safety blanket for its people, new residents and old. Theres the Simon community, and one of the first Men’s “sheds” in the country since 1996, a women’s centre, two community childcare facilities, and the gym. The community spills out of its giant hall after shows. A hive of meetings spaces buzz with a local farmers market every Friday. The Bee Park ground itself opposite, a fine pitch for all sports, tennis grounds and old handball alley that may have seen better days but still in use.

And as you step outside the centre, you catch your breath. You are constantly reminded this is the Glens of Leitrim; the town nestles amid the mountains around you. You’re in the heart of eco tourism country in North Leitrim. Manorhamilton is blessed to have a thriving walking festival calendar and the Glens Run through the heart of the countryside. You are just a stones throw from Glencar, whose waterfall inspired a world famous poet, recognising this area even then as a place of refuge for troubled spirits to come ‘to the waters and the wild”

That sense of resilience continues, as the transition town initiative flourishes, beside the green flag bearing Gaelscoil, one of three primary schools while the town boasts a secondary school with exemplary record. The arts have a special place. Half of Dervish and Kila came and never wanted to leave these parts, so you hear the twang of a fiddle and whistle oft times drifting in the air. The Sculpture centre nurtures skills, its exhibition centre making the arts accessible. And the Glens centre, an intimate old church for gigs and plays.

That past is all around and you feel it calling to you as you pass by Teapot lane, by the new hospital built on the remains of the workhouse, the old hospital for typhoid victims and famine graveyard for the children underfoot.

Perhaps that same past gives Manorhamilton an ability to stand as a community and hold hands together in challenging times against any dark cloud breaking over the mountain.

And as you turn lost in thought of a future, a car goes by, with a smile and salute.
You are home.

Very historic, I’d say?
Very, we trace back to St Colmcille in the 7th century. His well is important still. We’ll celebrate Pattern Day on the 9th June. We have buildings from when Inistioge was a walled town with an Augustinian monastery founded in 1206. It was the estate village of the Tighe family in the 18th and 19th centuries. They lived in Woodstock House, a kilometre away. They had the square laid out as it is today. A school house, an alms house and Methodist hall were built. All still standing though used differently. I live in the Old Methodist Hall, a happy custodian of a part of the fabric of the place.

The Celtic Tiger gone?
Yes, and left a few dirty paw marks, but positives in the last year. On the Square, two new businesses have opened in what were empty premises, three businesses have redecorated/refurbished and a house derelict for years is being restored. We take the long view. Cromwell came and went.

But small, a bit dead?
Au contraire as we say in Inistioge. All 260 of us like to bow to history but not be bound by it. The village faces outwards, offering services, shops, pubs and restaurants that visitors and the wider rural community avail of. The best example of that service ethic is the Cois Abhann Centre, opened by President McAleese in September 2011. Proof in stone of community effort over five years, led by the GAA and the Community Council.

It is a hub of village life, with gym, sports hall and grounds, function and meeting rooms. You could join the scouts, ICA , Club Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta agus do leanaí, Athletics Club, Zumba, set and hip-hop dancing, A favourite thought is the under-six hurling and camogie sessions.

When you’ve had it with social involvement, there’s a walk by the Nore, or through the glory of Woodstock Gardens.

We don’t talk much about intergenerational solidarity, we do it. Recently the Junior Infant class and their teacher from our primary school, St Colmcille’s came to visit Kitty, our post mistress of 52 years’ service, to see how the Post Office works. Afterwards they sent her the biggest, brightest ‘Go raibh maith agat’ card – ever! St Colmcille’s was awarded its green flag recently, the result of a partnership between the Tidy Towns Committee and the school community.

So you know Kitty Drea?
Kitty and Jim live 33 steps away. Kitty dispenses stamps, social protection payments, and friendship to the whole community.

Dervla Murphy wrote of our home places inspiring ‘an absurd pride’. Nothing absurd here. Come see for yourself. Fáilte is fiche.

Most of the activities focus on the centre of the village, around the village green where the post office, handball alley and pub are located.

A magnificent Chestnut tree stands proud on the picturesque village green. This is perfectly lit up every Christmas and along with a crib, is the centrepiece for the Christmas festivities. Each year Santa arrives on his sleigh where he is greeted by the local children singing Christmas Carols. People come from far afield to witness this fantastic sight. Santa then goes into the function room of the pub where all of the children get to sit down with him and tell him their Christmas wishes and get a suitable gift. Then on Christmas morning, baby Jesus arrives in his crib.

The local school is a vital part of the community and is located in the adjacent village of Coolafancy. Each year as part of the Tidy Towns initiative there is an art competition for the schoolchildren with a book token for the winner. The schoolchildren also have their own clean-up and planting in the village in preparation for the Tidy Towns Competition.

The village first entered the National Tidy Towns Competition in 2009 and in those three years we have improved our marks each year. We have also won several awards in the Wicklow County Council Tidy Estates competition .

Every other Friday morning the mobile library visits the school and then stops at the village green.

The Coolboy Handball Club has had great success and currently holds 4 four world titles and 8 world champions, which is quite staggering for a village with a population of 200 people.

There is also the Coolboy GAA club which was first started in 1934.

We also boast of own our local “boy band” – the six Willoughby brothers, are 6 “Cool boys” who are gaining an international reputation.

There is a great feeling of community in the village, with people helping each other out. This really comes to light during difficult times such as during the bad weather in November/December 2010 or during serious illness when fundraisers have been held to help the families out.

There are a number of wonderful walks in the area including one through Tomnafinnoge Wood. This is the last original oakwood in Ireland. Oaks once clothed the hills and valleys of south Wicklow, and as early as 1444 supplied timber for the construction of King’s College, Cambridge. In 1634, the woods were estimated to cover ‘more than many thousand acres’, but from then on they were heavily exploited especially for shipbuilding.

“Where are you from?”

“I’m from Galway”

“The city?”

“Yeah”

At that point most Galwegians have learned to let the moment linger as the questioner floats back to an instant of forgotten fancy; a fierce friendship forged with a stranger in the Crane bar that they never saw again. A midnight dip in Salthill with someone whose language was never understood. Or a moment in the city that stopped them in their tracks, that time when they thought for a split second they had gotten the answer to what IT was all about, only to be distracted by a rhinoceros being pushed along Eglinton street in a wheelchair.

Being from Galway your duty is to be laden with the wild tales of those who have visited. Yet Galway is for life, not just a couple of stolen weeks in the summer. Though nice to visit, it’s better to stay. Galway is that unique geospatial oddity of being at the centre of the periphery. A couple of weeks in Galway affords time to look back at the other 50 weeks of your yearly life, but a life lived in Galway is to look on life with your back to the wall elbows on top, foot against and your knee popping out at right angles. From the edge is the best view on things, from the edge is the greatest perspective. It’s the perspective of its community of its inhabitants that has created a place that is dedicated to what matters in life, culture, heritage, authenticity.

It’s not perfect, hen parties are rarely authentic, but it does possess an energy. Mimicked by its dissecting waterway, it is an energy of frenetic flow that will never see the crowning as Ireland’s best place to live as an endpoint, only a point in the journey in trying to create a city that pays due respect to its people and Geography.

Yet, here we were in a blazing heatwave comparing the many similarities to every other holiday, from Tangier to Calais i had always subconsciously chosen the place most similar to our home.

In truth, when i first saw this place , back in ’77, it took about ten whole minutes for me to decide this was the place on earth that i truly wanted to be. The sense of assurity that assualted me when i said those words ” I’ll buy it ” was overwhelming. After several years of travel , we finally settled here full time in ’92.
Killaloe is a place of blatant truths and spellbinding mystery. All the ingredients to attract the varied population are obvious. The natural beauty of the Lake and hills, the light which changes several times in a day. The local people embrace newcomers with a welcome that is as near to mythical Ireland as could be found.
The music that drifts out of local hostelrys is legendary, from modern to trad to classical, the breakfasts in Woods Brothers has become a destination venue, the coffee and panini in Ponte Vecchio served by the uber charming propriator is an experience, the hearty stew and mouth watering pastries in The Wooden Spoon force one to walk miles up the glorious scented hills, where the hedgerows are peppered with wild garlic, strawberries, blackberries elder flowers and honeysuckle.

The locals call Killaloe ” The Town ” the more recent occupants call it ” The Village ” to me it is neither and both, it is a place of astounding peace and humour, where a friend while telling a story, will always guarantee its ” the pure truth ” The history and knowledge generously gifted to everyone who enters Jimmy Whelans needle to anchor institution shop on Main St is a bounty which sadly is declining in Ireland but Jimmy staunchly keeps the flag of excellency of customer care flying proudly, as he or one of his family load the weekly groceries into his Volvo to deliver to our venered older population who no longer drive to Town.
It is impossible in 500 words to extoll the depth of virtue and wonderment held in the Community and Hills of this place. Everyone needs to make the trip here and share the experience for which every day i give Thanks.

The Heart of Ireland, warm, embracing and beating rhythmically with healthy promise can be found in the wonderful town of Athlone.

Teetering of the edge of city status, the AIT Campus heralding this prospect, Áth Luain a well established historical and geographical Gateway is regarded as the centre of Ireland and is serviced impressively by rail, road and river.

This strategically located town offers good employment, a wide business community, many schools, sports and leisure facilities and promotes a relaxed and harmonious environment. We are proud to offer a major selection of diverse organisations, clubs, and a wide variety of hobby opportunities.

Travelling East to West, North to South, you will cross the wide expanse off the beautiful River Shannon in all its aesthetic glory. A river that meanders its way through lakes Allen, Ree and Derg and encapsulates the heart of every boat and nature lover in its wake, from fishing to bird watching, from regattas and water sports of every type. This azure source is the provider of serene peace to many holiday makers while they cruise quietly past St. Kieran’s City Fair, steeped in all its monastic beauty.

A town that is vibrant, bustling and has so much to offer. Consider the quiet thoughtful gaze of the chess club player pondering the next move, to the captured moment through the lens by the camera club enthusiast, to the golfer taking in the breathtaking views of the lakes around Glasson.

The children on the stage of the local theatre singing their little hearts out in the annual Schools Féile Ceoil, the same stage that hosted the All Ireland Drama Festival, now in its 60th year also the home of the oldest Musical Society in Ireland, with 110 years of proud existence. We are also home to two smaller theatres full of charm and history, together with modern multi screen cinema, a wonderful library and Civic Centre nestled unobtrusively in our Town Centre.

We have, to name a few, Gaelic, Hurling, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Boat and Book Clubs, Literary, Art, Active Age, Singing, Dance and Drama Groups. Support Organisations of every type, Wheelchair Association, Soroptomists, Toastmasters, ICA, Local and Community Radio, not forgetting our now internationally known Tri-Athlone Event.

Graced with a wide community spirit that embraces our now multi-cultural population we are evolving and aspiring to become more metropolitan all the time.

The ultimate understanding of the Best Place to Live is to visit and spend some time in Athlone. Enjoy a wide variety of shops, full of light, life, laughter and luxury. Discover our Castle, our Old Walls, our pretty streets and river walks, our restaurants, hotels, theatres, café’s, bars and our greatest legacy of all, our endearing friendly people. Pass on a sultry summer’s evening the Oldest Pub in Ireland and hear craic, ceol and the undoubted cúpla focal, maybe even in Chinese in the future, who knows?

Céad Míle Fáilte

Huān Yíng

Oh how I love life in the Lough Gowna! No traffic jams, no fumes, no crowds, just the pretty picturesque village, welcoming to all, surrounded by a patchwork of lakes and rivers, open countryside with lush green fields, rolling hills and wildlife all around….

I belong nowhere. My father is Italian-English. My mother Irish-Scottish. Our childhood was about moving: Italy, Scotland, England – back and forth.

Why Birr? Family connections with Wicklow but I’ve never found an eclectic town there. I was floundering in Ireland some 13 years ago: a gloomy affair, which took me to Portlaoise geography. While falling in love I kept hearing one positive remark again and again, “Oh Birr is the place to go and live; it’s a great place to be.” This information I clocked and stored for 13 years. This March, having told my husband for at least 3 years that I hadn’t laughed for 7 years in France, we arrived in Birr. I had been writing to the Earl of Rosse for a year: he writes the most beautiful letters, and suggested lovely homes to rent. The first house we saw I said, “Yes please!”. The castle secretary wrote the terms that morning and we had the keys at lunchtime. All were helpful and efficient – speedily done: the opposite to France’s top-heavy bureaucracy.

The beauty of my new home, the abundance of space. Georgian architecture (no low ceilings, not a wooden beam in sight: my prayers answered). One couldn’t afford to rent such a place in England. In France people are fighting about water. Here, water everywhere and mosses of many velvet greens, the beauty of the collared-and-gloved trees. Endless green trees of the glorious castle gardens and all around: hundreds of years of gentle growth – green, not browned to pieces by the sun.

The roads are great. Yes, it’s the centre of Ireland. Busses passing all the time to Dublin. It’s cool to be in the country but have immediate access to your capital.

Because I don’t want to feel I’m in France, Spain or South, I don’t ‘do Lidl’ but here in Birr we’ve got the works for supermarkets, clothes shops, hairdressers, beauticians – just like Kensington, London, minus the aggression and hurry. People in Birr dress beautifully. It’s a myth that the French look elegant: not in the countryside – it’s 24 hour grunge; no-one brushes their hair. The Birr look is very chic and colourful. They dress for after 6: no jeans for the evening, unlike Denmark. Here in Birr they know how, and enjoy dressing for the day time, afternoon and evening. Birr understands and embraces the glamourous.

I love to shop in the main street. The newsagents have local newspapers and also international papers: very cool. They have a garage that loves 22 year old Mercedes. There are two hardware shops. I’m mad about hardware shops: why, I don’t know as I don’t do D.I.Y. The cashiers at the supermarket are all incredibly witty and have beautiful manners: lots of banter and you can get filled-in about lots of people’s lives whom you’ve never met.

Birr has an abundance of delicious boutique cafés with galleries of lovely things to buy. I enjoy Birr’s cafés – they’re all very different: good for reading and people-watching; full of life. Birr has a theatre which is a gem: marvellously designed building, full of different entertainers and entertainment.

I’m very new here in Birr and very happy. My dogs love the green grass everywhere and no mosquitos (which are killing dogs all over southern Europe).
Thankyou Birr: you are the heart of Ireland.

Ballycumber is covered with beautiful agricultural scenery, you’re never too far from the smell of fresh grass or the view of livestock grazing. In the distance, you can see the Slieve Bloom mountains and no matter where you ramble in the village, you can see Bellair Hill standing proudly in the distance. Along the River Brosna where the local men fish, there is a spectacular view in which you can be drawn into all of nature’s beauty.

Even though there are not many amenities we make the best of what we have. There are two family-owned shops, five taverns and a Post Office. In the old Barracks there is an active retirement club, where the elders gather to sew, bake and reminisce about the old days. Every Friday the BLC development group hosts bingo in the community centre. People come from all over. This group is also responsible for the weekly publication of the Village Voice. Local historians provide the group with old photos and stories in order for them to complete each issue. Local people also write about their own experiences, advertise their businesses and the local National School has its own page, filled with all the goings-on of the school and all of their achievements.

Ballycumber is a great place for Irish tradition. With thriving football, hurling and soccer clubs, it is a place known for its great sporting background. Badminton and Irish dancing also feature strongly in the community. Irish music is a major part of the people’s lives here. They have a fantastic Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann group and a beautiful choir who grace the church with their amazing voices.

In my short year, I have been privileged to visit many towns and cities in Ireland as well as more outside of Ireland and even though these places may claim to offer more, my loyalties will always lie with Ballycumber. As the proverb goes “Nil aon tintean mar do thintean fein”.

Mountmellick has a proud, enduring heritage. During the 18th century, Mountmellick was called the “Manchester of Ireland”. Many industries thrived here, including tanning, breweries, textiles, sugar, weaving, candle-making and malt production. Today, while its businesses may be different, the town remains vibrant and welcoming.

An elegant town, Mountmellick is built on the River Owenass. On driving through the main street, it is easy to feel awed by the beautiful, tall Georgian houses, complete with their stylish original fanlights which lead to the perfect square, at the centre of the town, called O’Connell Square.

The friendliness of the people is particularly notable in Mountmellick and a céad míle fáilte is readily-offered. Mountmellick is busy but its locals are never too busy to greet friends or visitors.

Children are central to life in Mountmellick and education is well-catered-for, with both primary and secondary level schools. Pre-school is also provided. Additionally a playground is a popular addition to the town’s facilities.

Clubs abound here! Too many to mention them all! There is the traditional Irish music organization, Comhaltas as well as a wide-range of sports clubs. Scouts, Tidy Towns, ICA, Pioneers and Macra Na Feirme are also well-established here. And many more …

Naturally, there is a reason why so many clubs and organizations are set-up in the town. They testify to the fine tradition of volunteerism which is part and parcel of Mountmellick’s spirit.

One of the best-known (seasonal) landmarks in Mountmellick, is its Christmas Tree which was previously featured on RTE’s Nationwide. Since 1956, a Christmas Tree has been erected annually in the town for the festive season. And this is no ordinary Christmas Tree! It stands taller than the many-storied houses around it. Gazing upwards to its apex, feels like “rubber-necking” – New York-style! Yet there is no tree that I have heard of anywhere in the world to match it! This Christmas Tree is colourful, with a clever light sequence displaying various seasonal messages like “Peace to All”.

Mountmellick is home to what is probably one of the finest, state-of-the-art libraries in Ireland. The building in which the library is housed is bright and attractive. A wide range of services are provided there and in addition, visitors may find an art exhibition on the upper floor.

Shopping in the town includes a range of local stores, Shaws (almost nationwide) and more recently Supervalu. Ireland’s first-ever Shaws store opened in Mountmellick. A bank and a credit union are also found here.

And so to summarise… why is Mountmellick the best place to live in Ireland? Undoubtedly it is because of its great people with their strong work ethic and their ingrained belief in volunteering as well as the town’s fine offering of social and cultural activities.

And of course, a growing number of people call Mountmellick, home…

“Where we love is home,
Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

An accepting place, where I’m forgiven for not being able to say in Gaelinn blasta, as I am so inimitably able in English, how wonderfully iontach this place is!
Down the stairs each morning, I’m born again. Left, but not bereft on the bothairín by Páirc an Bháicera, Baile Uí Raghaille. My children lived here, learned with blessed unction to function, in city-center Dublin, Canada, Quatar and Dundee. This place made them, young men and women, beautiful, spirited, confident and free. Neighbors and their families their template for how to be, on foreign sands, another Heilbhic, Faill, or Cove, where they learned to live with the draíocht of this place. They are of here, I too, our neighbors, the community, farmers, fishermen, workers, church-goers, young people, wise people, people in trouble, people of delight, people of sadness, mighty people, dog-walkers, pub-talkers, weekenders, ear-benders, storytellers, the teachers the learners, tradition, culture, the nurture of this place, the space, an cheoil, those who sing, or don’t, echoes of Nioclás Toibín, two Áines now, MulQueen, Ó Ceallaigh, agus an file Uí Fhoghlú too. Cór na bhFear. Fond ghosts, Jimmy the post, Foley’s shop, Molly’s, ghosts on the top road shadowing my steps, sea surrounded, smell of spring-yellow gorse, birds and sky, houses, home here, no fear, an bád tarrthála, an strainséar, gan dainséir, the open door, the light on the water, Scent of just-cut grass, summers, the drummers, the philosophers, Helvick harbour, mackerel, eels, Kellys, Whelans, fishing boats at anchor, Dungarvan Bay, An Carraig Dubh, the Comeraghs across, small brave waves, Barty the harbourmaster, remembering the mine disaster. Oiche go dtí maidin, some passed on, Dennis Mooney, the Clancys, antics, morning smiles, bashful faces, acceptance, dawn’s awakening, solitude, solidarity, empathy, neighbors dogs, wagging tails – and tales! Newcomers, scones and tea, the best soda bread, breakfast together, welcoming tables, candles. New roads and old, Spar, short cuts, Calvary, an Linn Buidhe, the café, an Muchán, ginger horses, old houses, new houses, cottages, real fires, planners, exhibitions, artists – Rayleen, Bríd, Blawneen, Róisín, Féile na nOiseirí, the yellow house, new people, the church steeple, sunlight in the graveyard, Fr, Kiely, Scoil Naisiúnta, Meanscoil San Nioclás, the McCraiths, Halla De hIndeberg, ag phlé an cheist, Halla an Phobal, someone in trouble, everyone helping out, a lifeboat shout, a call in the morning, visitors, some married here, Ó’Rónán, O’ Mahony, O’Ceilleachaiir, meandering, the peninsula, Morrisseys, O’Griofaain, Ceann Helvick – wind stinging, dandelions, daisies, blackberries, a buzzard, Declan the guard, visiting, sean daoine, Christmas parties, foreigners, young people, marrying, leaving, emigrating, relations, returning. Sand between the toes, an Colaiste, bean a’ tí, Deireadh Seachtain na Piobairí, lifeboat swim, fishermen lost, boats gone, coming home, light on the road, new paths, hazy days, sunny days, work days, being unwell, friends step in, smiles along the road, giorran beirt bóthar, home, days end, surrounded by community, know when they’re needed, never really alone, light, moon, health, sea, heart of the people, and me, anocht, An Rinn, grá, míle buíochas.

I adore the majestic river Shannon that flows under the old 5 – arched stone bridge giving Carrick its purpose and meaning. Carrick is a riverside gem inviting passers-by to rest a while. ”Come” it says, you won’t be disappointed.

I delight in our pleasure cruisers, and the passenger boat Moonriver moving up and down the water past the sturdy rowers – members of Ireland’s oldest rowing club. My small town has been to the Olympics !

On a spring evening I meander along our attractive quay and riverside walks where I meet nature and wildlife. I follow on into town past the many restored heritage buildings and re-live their history. Everything living is dwarfed by our two churches, their twin spires towering over Main Street while the Costello chapel in the town is reputed to be the smallest to be found anywhere. What a story here !!

When I was young there was no Aura Leisure Centre, Kids Kingdom , animal farm, or multiplex cinema. And what poet serenading old Carrick town could have imagined wandering into the Dock Arts Centre, with art galleries to browse, the Leitrim Design Centre full of crafted work, or into our purpose built theatre to enjoy a three act play or musical evening ? And if he or she were to bike it into town what would they make of our cycling lanes ? Two-wheeled transport never had it so good around here.

Now for a bite to eat ! I have a choice of three highly rated hotels. The Landmark, The Bush, and Cryans, all offering the best in their own specialities. The menu selection in our many Restaurants is wide and varied with some award winning establishments We have plenty of quaint pubs.

Shopping is a pleasure – from specialist boutiques to all the big names. We still retain a traditional and colourful streetscape. We have real butcher shops selling the best quality traceable Irish meat.

Our Thursday Farmers’ Market in the Market Yard has won much praise for its variety, atmosphere, and friendly service, and is improving year on year.

I conclude with the wonderful spirit that holds my town together. Our Tidy Towns’ team of volunteers work tirelessly together with Leitrim Co Council and the business community to keep our town clean and neat. We won a Gold medal in the international ”Entente Florale” competition in 2010 and are going for gold in the Tidy Towns’ competition this year.

Carrick town. I’ve lived here all my life.The people are warm and friendly and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

This large village, ‘in the calm of middle country’, is a fine example in Ireland of where old meets new, of tradition merging with creativity & innovation, and where local doers and thinkers plan to preserve and celebrate the past, with an eye to enhancing the village for all in the future.

We are really looking forward to welcoming President Higgins to Cloughjordan next Wednesday (6th June) and let him experience the warmth and friendliness of our village. He’ll be here to open the Convergence 2012 Festival and visit Ireland’s first ecovillage located just off Main St, on 67 acres.

You know there is something different about this village when you walk down Main Street and get passed out by three girls on unicycles… Whilst many other adult residents of Cloughjordan have written their testimonials as to why it’s such a lovely place to live in, our two sons would like to say a few words about this endearing place:

Ruairí (8)

I like Cloughjordan because it’s a small town, not too busy, and there are no traffic lights. In Cloughjordan there’s no pollution, and I have good friends. It’s also good here because people are working together to get things done. I like the Street Market (which is on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month) ‘cos there are good toys, and the cakes & buns are really nice. I cycle to school with my brother every day. My school is really nice because of its kind and friendly teachers. After school we can walk to pottery class or Circus Club class. The GAA club is also in the village. It has a huge hall and lots of pitches.

Senan (6)

This is a really great place to play in. You can walk everywhere in the town, everyone is happy. There are more animals around as it’s quieter for them. We’ve lots of tadpoles in the stream in the ecovillage at the moment. There are house martins nesting here too. We don’t have to drive to school. We’re getting our 4th green flag soon. I like going to the book shop and buying books. We can play football on the village green. We have loads of places to explore in the ecovillage. Sometimes we go to Lough Derg which is only a short drive in the car.

This place is simply a positive, proactive and inclusive rural village to live in. What more could you ask for?

Being non-Irish, I guess the search for that home-feeling and sense of belonging is greater for us. “Home is where you make it, where your friends and family are” They say …
Well, for Kenny and I, Home is Kilcullen, even though our families are a flight away …

Ben Bulben – table top mountain, feature of Celtic legends, source of inspiration to poets and artists, and area of special conservation for its botanical array – guards with majestic energy. At the other side of Grange, the pulsating energy of the Atlantic Ocean injects at Streedagh strand where wreckage from three lost Spanish Armada ships came ashore in 1588. Thanks to the detailed records of survivor Captain Francisco de Cúellar commemoration is possible through a monument and the summer Celtic Fringe Festival featuring artists from coastal and Celtic regions of Europe whose traditions are linked by the voyage of the Spanish Armada.

Grange has a soulful energy demonstrated by its well renowned community spirit that has seen generations build facilities and groups for all ages and stages. A myriad of indoor and outdoor sporting activities organized through clubs by dedicated volunteers drives a healthy energy keeping young and old fit, active and connected. There is creative energy in abundance in the drama, music and arts activities available to all ages. A recent production of ‘Annie’ involved every child from the primary school’s 5th class. Generations of friends and families came for three nights, sure in the knowledge that as well as giving their support to the children of Grange, they would be guaranteed high quality entertainment.

The newest testament to the wide-ranging energy of Grange is the playground. Locals pulled together resources and overcame many logistical challenges, to realize the embodiment of the value Grange places on its people, particularly its children. It caters for young and old and has become the beating heart of the village. Lines of schoolbags at the entrance, busy parents finding a space to stop and connect, shrieks of fun, all nestled within a park kept beautiful by yet another active community group. A statue of Molaise, the patron saint of nearby Inishmurray, replica of the carved oak figure now ‘Curator’s Choice’ at the National Museum, connects the community with its predecessors of saints and scholars. Opposite the park, beside the green flag school and its thriving organic garden, is a welcoming church. Here the spiritual energy of the community surrounds those who come together in prayer, in grief, in celebration and in song.

Those servicing the village in healthcare, schools, shops, post office, credit union, pubs, restaurants, farms and other small businesses keep going in economically challenging times. They rise to meet the high standards of the community by accommodating all manners of requests and getting involved in sponsoring community activities, participating in events such as the Grange Agricultural show in its 65th year and the St Patrick’s day parade in its 10th.

The energy from a Streedagh sunset radiates across the village of Grange and bounces off the unique rock formation of Ben Bulben.

All these energies shine through in the infectious warmth and dynamism of Grange’s 500 or so people making it the best place to live in Ireland.

My initial return made me feel somewhat uneasy, after all most of my childhood friends had long since left the town for bright lights and big cities. I worried what type of social life I would have there. I need not have worried. For a town of its size the opportunities to meet people were endless. I found myself making more friends than I had ever had in the past. From the local clubs and societies to getting involved in committees for festivals and other events it was a wonderful gateway to a life that now sees me rarely have a moment to sit still. There is an energy here that you simply don’t find in cities, a togetherness and willingness to make the town the best it can be for young and old alike.

When I think of my childhood spent in Birr there is one place that resonates feelings of pure happiness. That place is Birr Castle Demesne. What an amazing amenity to have right on our doorsteps. Today, when I walk through the majestic grounds I find myself hearing the laughter of my 10 year old self racing with my brother and sister through the gardens, shouting at each other as we played Poo Sticks on the bridge of the river camcor. Every wonderful smell and sight that I see floods my senses with these joyful memories. And as we dashed and darted about the gardens little did we realise the fantastic history and scientific importance of the place we played. The great Leviathan telescope now proudly stands restored within the grounds and comes with a story 500 words simply couldn’t describe! I walk these grounds most days with my dog and seeing the faces of the young children who now count this place as their play ground,I cant help but smile at the thought of the wonderful memories they are creating here and how maybe their children and their children’s children will all share in this little piece of heaven.

With my brother soon to be married and my sister working in a high-pressure job in the Capital, Birr is our one haven where we come together and talk and laugh and remember those times. Where I explain to them how things are different here now. Different in a wonderful way. Experienceing Birr as an adult has opened my eyes to the life that a small town can offer. A life I look forward to experiencing for many years to come.

Snowdrops and daffodils
butterflies and bees
sailboats and fishermen
things of that feed me
wishing-wells
wedding bells
early morning dew
all kinds of everything remind me of you

Summertime
wintertime
Spring and Autumn too
Monday Tuesday every day
I think of you

Dances romances
things of the night
sunshine and holidays
postcards to write
Budding trees
autumn leaves
a snowflake or rwo
all kinds of everything remind me of you

Summertime
wintertime
Spring and Autumn too
Seasons will never change
the way that I love you !!

So true funny how it seems ….
that songs convey a feeling and emotion that connect you spiritually to your place of being ,even if this is not the place of your birth , your home ,your special place on earth .
Killarney…. my adopted home ….. the best place to live in Ireland through all seasons .

The above opening line from the poem May Day, written by our own native poet, the 1916 patriot Thomas MacDonagh, is very apt because it refers to Scots Hill overlooking Knocknacree wood, which in turn dominates the skyline of our beautiful village. Well might Thomas MacDonagh write this line as indeed it is a very beautiful place and anybody with a love of things natural would agree. All around our village is a spectacle of the wonders of nature – clean, meandering streams, unspoilt countryside displaying every shade of green imaginable.

Our village is situated in rich farmland and, by its very nature, fosters a strong neighbourly community spirit. There is a plethora of clubs and groups to cater for young and elder citizens alike. Being centrally located in Ireland, we are close to all the major centres and with the new motorway passing 10 km away, we can reach those centres in ever-decreasing times. We have a train station also that provides a regular service to Dublin and Limerick.

Many people have moved here with the siting of the eco village and all of these people have brought many different talents and aspects to our community. We have still retained our original size with no sprawling of houses on approach roads and our village remains a tight-knit one which retains a great sense of originality and friendliness.

We have three different religious communities, two primary schools and all the necessary shops which any community needs to thrive.

I believe our village is a place where any citizen can settle down to a pleasant lifestyle in a calm and peaceful environment which is vital for stress-free living. Obviously we are not unaffected by austerity and unemployment, but the advantages of living here definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Our village motto could be: ‘strangers are friends we haven’t met yet.’

The whole family can grow and develop from living in Clondalkin. Corcagh Park is alive with nature, scenic walks and activities for the young and old alike. A playground for the children, fishing for the enthusiast, a petting zoo, allotments, the Famine Commemorative Arboretum, sports grounds, and lots of other hidden gems.

Clondalkin has something for everyone from the scouts, leisure centre, a vast array of sports to photography, drama society, a unit of Toastmasters International, a pipe band and our award winning youth band. We have a thriving social network, whether you are a young mother struggling, a teen facing challenging times, elderly and living alone or a new comer from abroad, you will find support, encouragement and a community spirit that connects us all.

Not only does Clondalkin have a good selection of schools of various denominations but we also have three Gael Scoils, which is important to help keep Irish alive and recognised as a European language.

Clondalkin is a open door waiting to be explored, .there is so much more to the people and the place than what is on the surface. Even the ghosts of the past are keeping in good spirits!

This is my home – welcome to Clondalkin.

I love living in Blackrock, there is something here for everyone. Some of Blackrock’s residents have never lived anywhere else. It’s that good!
Blackrock benefits from its fantastic position on Dublin bay. It is near the city but also within easy reach of the rural delights of county Wicklow. You can leave Blackrock on a Saturday morning, be up the Sugarloaf and back by lunchtime, shop for the week locally in the afternoon, and still have time to get in to the city centre for a night out.
Blackrock is very self-sufficient having schools, colleges, healthcare, a library, public transport links, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, bookshops, small businesses, public parks, sports facilities and a range of religious worship options.
Blackrock feels very much like a village within a city. Early mornings see hundreds of people walking to school, to work or to reach public transport. The community is very mixed, with young and old, families and singles, Dubliners and people from around Ireland and beyond.
There is a very sociable atmosphere in Blackrock with people connecting through local schools, sporting activities or public amenities. The public parks, playgrounds and green areas are used by everyone and are a great meeting place.
While Blackrock has every facility required for modern living, there is still plenty of room for a slower pace of life. The parks are great for walking dogs, feeding the ducks or just watching the seasons change. There are plenty of foxes around and an incredible range of birdlife. The wildlife heritage of the Blackrock area is further enhanced by its close proximity to the Booterstown Nature Reserve.
Although Blackrock can be a very busy, bustling place, it is so quiet at times you could hear a pin drop. It’s great!

To be honest, it wasn’t my first choice!. I ran to the city to escape places like this.
After stints in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Letterkenny it felt like a backward step. Nevertheless circumstances conspired and I ended up in 1994 – a bit Orwellian and adrift in Ballyshannon.
Our house is called Samaria -images of an obscure religious sect came to mind. We decided to research further with the previous owners. In a way I was right. We live close to an ancient site, Abbey of Assaroe – otherwise known as the Abbey de Samaria.
This marked a turning point – I have a natural interest in history and geography. This was different , it was local and you could touch it
Whether your interest is Inis Saimer, a small island at the mouth of the river Erne where the first people to settle in Ireland landed , the famed Assaroe Falls, the Annals of the 4 Masters , the workhouse or the closure of the railways in the 1950,you will find the history of Ireland and beyond in this parish.
I have had great fun over the years slagging the locals about the oldest town in Ireland and looking every bit of it! It is that kind of place, smallish with all the strengths of a strong local community . Perspective, however comes in many ways, it is about seeing a place through different eyes.
We adopted Holly in 1996 from Guatemala and Jodie in 1999 from Taiwan. The world changes with children. You see familiar things through the eyes of a child and you view your community through the eyes of a parent. The community in Ballyshannon embraced our family and we infiltrated the community in ways couples and adult singles cannot.The girls are graduates of the swimming club surf club, drama and our local choir.

We have exchanged houses with families in other countries .Each exchange enriches us as we see Ballyshannon from the prism of different places.The Austrians didn’t mind 20 days of rain as they loved the lakelands of Leitrim & Fermanagh, on our doorstep. The Americans loved the ebb and flow of the tides and the sunsets setting over the sandbar where the Erne meets the Atlantic. They were fascinated by the ancient game of handball , enjoyed by young and old. The hospitality and the warm embrace they received from our neighbours and friends have never been forgotten.

Up here things are different. We view the world with one foot in Ulster and one in the Republic. We share Rory Gallagher with Cork. Our Allingham Arts Festival captures the place in words and the visual Arts. The kids , young & old face the Atlantic Breakers on surf boards or simply absorb its musical harmonies.
Rossnowlagh Beach – is my escape.When you walk on its sandy shores you are watched from the heavens and the heights of Slieve League , the Bluestacks and Ben Bulben.It is a marriage of Allingham and Yeats.

By Teresa Mee

The best place to live in Ireland is Athlone. It is the centre of Ireland and with the Railway Station, Bus Eireann, one can travel straight to Dublin airport by bus.

The River Shannon flows under the Bridge of Athlone. The Castle with its history and height, stands out on the Square, hundreds of people visit the Castle every year.
St. Peter & Paul’s Church is also in the Square with its marble altar and Harry Clarke stained glass windows. The Garda Barracks and Post Office are on Pearse Street up from the Square.

The Dean Crowe Theatre has hosted the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival for the last 60 years. The presentation of awards is made at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. My friends and I go to The Radisson Blu once a week for our morning coffee and sit back and watch the boats sailing up and down the River Shannon. The Viking Boat is a great sight passing by with its colour and Viking carvings on the bow.

The Shamrock Lodge Hotel is the longest serving hotel with weddings booked two to three years in advance, it has had very special guests over the years such as the late Princess Grace. The new library is on Church Street and our Librarian is Gearoid O’ Brien, both he and his staff will provide any assistance one needs in regards to books. Across the hall is the Civic Centre, Town Council which is managed by Town Clerk, Hugh O’ Reilly with excellent help in regard to form filling etc.

The recession is still on but Athlone is the centre of Ireland and a company has come from China to Athlone, with the intention of buying a large acreage of land to build a China town, it is being negotiated under the guidance of Mr. John Tiernan C.E.O., and with his experience the deal will be completed and will give great employment to hundreds of people in the building of China town.

Athlone is my home town and I am very proud of it and I will continue to live here where I have a good family, long time neighbours and friends.

At the end of the street we turned right and that’s when I fell completely in love with this little gem of a town! There before us was the beautiful harbour! It was a Summer’s evening and the sun was shining – sparkling like a million diamonds on the blue sea. It was high tide and there were all kinds of boats, from fishing boats to cruisers to tiny dinghies.

The harbour faces West, we sit outside the Pier House and have a drink, watching the sail boats while the sun slowly sets. People are chatting and laughing outside the restaurants and bars. After a long days work in the City Centre it feels like we are on holiday in the Mediterranean somewhere. “Imagine living here” I said, “how great would that be?” ….

Sometimes dreams do come true. Twelve years and two children later, my love for this magical place has deepened with each passing year. There’s so much to love… we love it as much in the wild Winter storms as in the warm Summer sun. We love it at Christmas when starlit trees twinkle along our streets. We love the gorgeous Skerries Mills and pond with swans and ducks. We love Ardgillen Castle and gardens, with it’s fantastic playground for the kids and lots of great spaces for picnics and barbeques, stunning views come as standard!

We love walking the beautiful beaches, looking for rare sea glass and pottery. So much history in these little finds. We love all the high quality restaurants and bars, and all the many great local shops. Not many places have their own Silversmith or Upholsterer right in the heart of town.

However, the real beauty of Skerries lies in it’s community spirit, it’s friendly people and the way everyone can pull together when needed. That’s why we won ‘Community of the Year’ award last year. There are too many groups, clubs and organisations to mention, all run by wonderful, dedicated people. Skerries has it’s share of sporting heroes too!

The natural beauty of Skerries seems to attract, inspire and indeed create Artists and Crafts people, Writers and Musicians. People who live here are truly rich – in a way that money can’t buy, in a quality of life that’s hard to find. All this with Dublin City and the Airport just a short drive or train ride away. Perfect location, perfect place to live in Ireland!

Our village, ‘in the calm of middle country’, is a fine example in Ireland of where old meets new, of tradition merging with creativity & innovation, and where local doers and thinkers plan to preserve and celebrate the past, with an eye to enhancing the village for all in the future.

We are really looking forward to welcoming President Michael D. Higgins to Cloughjordan next Wednesday (6th June – all welcome!) where he’ll experience the warmth and friendliness of our village first hand. He’ll be here to open the Convergence 2012 Festival and visit Ireland’s first ecovillage which is located on 67 acres accessed directly from the centre of the village. You know there is something different about this place when you walk down Main Street and get passed out by three girls on unicycles… Never a dull moment!

Whilst many other adult residents of Cloughjordan have written their testimonials as to why it’s such a lovely place to live in, our two sons would like to say a few words about this endearing place:

Ruairí (8)

I like Cloughjordan because it’s a small town, not too busy, and there are no traffic lights. In Cloughjordan there’s no pollution, and I have good friends. It’s also good here because people are working together to get things done. I like the Street Market (which is on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month) ‘cos there are good toys, and the cakes & buns are really nice. I cycle to school with my brother every day. My school is really nice because of its kind and friendly teachers. After school we can walk to pottery class or Circus Club class. The GAA club is also in the village. It has a huge hall and lots of pitches.

Senan (6)

This is a really great place to play in. We like playing football on the village green which has an old stone wall all around it which keeps the ball in. You can walk everywhere in the town, everyone is happy. There are more animals around as it’s quieter for them. We’ve lots of tadpoles in the stream in the ecovillage at the moment. There are house martins nesting here too. We don’t have to drive to school. There is a library on Main Street run by Marie. We’re getting our 4th green flag soon. It’s only a short car journey to Lough Derg.

Tullamore gave its name to the famous Tullamore Dew whiskey, first distilled locally in 1829. This whiskey is now a worldwide top seller and its history is well recorded in the Heritage Centre located in the original Bondstore.

The unrivalled welcoming nature of the local people sets this town apart. This was evident during the many major festivals in the town such as the Fleadh Cheoil, Tullamore Show, International Sheepdog Trials, National Ploughing Championships and Arts Festivals. The International Banjo Festival is here in September!

Sporting and recreational facilities are available in abundance. Clubs and societies flourish with all organised to a high standard. An Indoor Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre and fourteen acre Town Park are icing on the cake!

The Grand Canal reached Tullamore in 1798; its harbour docks many visiting boats and barges and the splendid bridges and gates add to the pleasure of the many walkers and fishermen on its banks.

Tullamore is the “entertainment capital” of the Midlands with a splendid selection of hotels, restaurants, music, pubs and night clubs.

From traditional shops to high street retailers, shopping locally caters for all tastes.

Our long tradition of business innovation and manufacturing has evolved and we are now a major centre for healthcare product manufacturing and research. The local lifestyle and facilities make it easier for employers to attract and retain key staff.

The nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains and the famous Shannon River provide excellent opportunities for trekking, walking, photography, boating and fishing.

Education and Training facilities are available in abundance and variety with eight Primary Schools and four Secondary Schools and facilities for adults available through FAS, VEC and AIT.

Charleville Castle is a real local gem. It is located on the edge of town in Ireland’s ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland’s druids;locals can freely walk through the woods. It was built in that historic year 1798 and designed by leading architect Francis Johnson who also designed the GPO. It is said to be one of the finest examples of gothic- revivalist architecture in Ireland. At the entrance is located the famous “King Oak”, the oldest oak tree in Europe. It is a unique location for festivals, concerts and recitals; it is of course haunted!

Tullamore is surrounded by ancient Monastic Sites as Offaly’s rich monastic heritage played a significant role in early Christian monastic life. The local Durrow Monastic Site is the origin of the famed Book of Durrow and houses the Durrow High Cross. Close by one can also visit the iconic Monastic sites of Clonmacnoise and the relatively undiscovered Monastic settlements at Rahan and Lynally.

“In sweet old Tullamore we truly live well!”

ave its name to the famous Tullamore Dew whiskey, first distilled locally in 1829. This whiskey is now a worldwide top seller and its history is well recorded in the Heritage Centre located in the original Bondstore.

The unrivalled welcoming nature of the local people sets this town apart. This was evident during the many major festivals in the town such as the Fleadh Cheoil, Tullamore Show, International Sheepdog Trials, National Ploughing Championships and Arts Festivals. The International Banjo Festival is here in September!

Sporting and recreational facilities are available in abundance. Clubs and societies flourish with all organised to a high standard. An Indoor Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre and fourteen acre Town Park are icing on the cake!

The Grand Canal reached Tullamore in 1798; its harbour docks many visiting boats and barges and the splendid bridges and gates add to the pleasure of the many walkers and fishermen on its banks.

Tullamore is the “entertainment capital” of the Midlands with a splendid selection of hotels, restaurants, music, pubs and night clubs.

From traditional shops to high street retailers, shopping locally caters for all tastes.

Our long tradition of business innovation and manufacturing has evolved and we are now a major centre for healthcare product manufacturing and research. The local lifestyle and facilities make it easier for employers to attract and retain key staff.

The nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains and the famous Shannon River provide excellent opportunities for trekking, walking, photography, boating and fishing.

Education and Training facilities are available in abundance and variety with eight Primary Schools and four Secondary Schools and facilities for adults available through FAS, VEC and AIT.

Charleville Castle is a real local gem. It is located on the edge of town in Ireland’s ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland’s druids;locals can freely walk through the woods. It was built in that historic year 1798 and designed by leading architect Francis Johnson who also designed the GPO. It is said to be one of the finest examples of gothic- revivalist architecture in Ireland. At the entrance is located the famous “King Oak”, the oldest oak tree in Europe. It is a unique location for festivals, concerts and recitals; it is of course haunted!

Tullamore is surrounded by ancient Monastic Sites as Offaly’s rich monastic heritage played a significant role in early Christian monastic life. The local Durrow Monastic Site is the origin of the famed Book of Durrow and houses the Durrow High Cross. Close by one can also visit the iconic Monastic sites of Clonmacnoise and the relatively undiscovered Monastic settlements at Rahan and Lynally.

“In sweet old Tullamore we truly live well!”

Ballyshannon claims to be Ireland’s oldest town and is indeed steeped in history. It has links to Red Hugh O Donnell, The Four Masters, The Barton Wine Family, Mary Shelley, Speaker Connolly, Bram Stoker. William Allingham was born here. So was Tony Blairs’s mother. An of course the great rock guitarist Rory Gallagher is remembered by a wonderful statue in his ‘Hometown.’ The narrow streets and alleys of Ballyshannon do indeed exude a real sense of history.

The phrase God’s Own Country is widely used in Ireland. Ballyshannon has many reasons to claim this name for itself. The sunsets seen from the Mall Quay, where the Erne rushes to meet Donegal Bay, outshine any to be found in the South Seas. The Atlantic breakers crashing ashore , after their 1000 journeys, on to the nearby three mile long beaches of Rougey and Rossnowlagh are magical. The magnificence of the nearby hills and forests. Yes the town is indeed set in truely heavenly countryside. But many other places on the West Coast are also blest in this way. What makes Ballyshannon unique and the best place in Ireland in which to live is its people.

William Allingham called Ballyshannon ‘The kindly spot, the friendly town.’ And he is right. This town is a special place. We were made part of the community from the moment we arrived. It is easy to become involved here. Ballyshannon looks after its people. What other town of its size has an Arts Centre with three theatres, a swimming pool and leisure center, the Rory Gallagher Festival, the longest running Folk Festival in Ireland, a 60 year old Drama Festival and the Allingham Arts Festival. It has choirs, a brass band, rock bands, traditional music, very active Drama and Musical groups. You want sport? Then play hurling and football with Aodh Ruadh. Be a Man U wannabe with Erne Wanderers. Dunk it with the Basketball Club. Scrum down with the Rugby Club. Swim with the Marlins or ride the wave with the Surf Club.

Ballyshannon has been hit by the economic downturn. But this is a town where the spirit of its people shines through. Education has always been cherished here and the fine National Schools and the excellent Colaiste Cholmcille produce students full of creative energy. The Backing Ballyshannon initiative is making a big difference and its philosophy of ‘doing it for ourselves’ is already paying dividends and will do so for many years to come.

I am proud to be able to say that Ballyshannon is indeed the best place in Ireland in which to live.

But we also have a wonderful community, I know that were my car to break down, just a phone call would get me ten or twenty people willing to come and rescue me. We have just planted 1,500 fruit trees, these belong to everybody, the best things in life are free.

This by far the best place I have ever been and I give great thanks to universe or God or the force whatever you call it for finding this place for me,

John Burke

Galway, a city shaped by the interaction of people and place over its rich history, stretching back to Medieval times, is a place we Galwegians have great pride in. It is vibrant, dynamic, tolerant, creative, welcoming and a fun place to live.

We are fortunate to be able to enjoy a unique natural capital, with Lough Corrib to the north, Galway Bay to the south and Connemara on the western fringes of our city.

Galway has excellent Primary and Secondary schools, including a number of Gaelscoileanna, supporting its role as the bi-lingual capital of Ireland. There are two excellent 3rd Level Colleges, NUI Galway and GMIT. Between them they have approximately 25,000 Students, equating to 33% of the City’s 75,529 population (2011 Census). The high proportion of young people adds to the vibrancy of the city.

Galway is a creative city, the home of the world renowned Druid Theatre company and Macnas. It hosts an array of festivals throughout the year including Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway Film Fleadh, Galway Arts Festival and Galway Races.

The interaction of people and place results in some dynamic landscapes in the city, constantly changing and impacting on all of the senses. The vibrancy of Eyre Square and Shop Street on a sunny day is a tonic for locals and visitors alike. Salthill Prom provides a vista of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills in the background, made famous in song by Bing Crosby.

Volunteerism is strong in Galway and supporting a number of voluntary organisations such as Croi, Cancer Care West and Cope.

Galway has signifincant embedded industrial clusters, with our strong Medical Device and ICT sectors. This, combined with our third level colleges has resulted in a number of important Research Institutes including the Marine Institute, Ryan Institute, DERI (world leader in the semantic web). This will augers well for the future economic development of the city and surrounding region.

We also appreciate that there is scope for improvement and indeed we face significant challenges in developing our city while at the same time protecting our delicate natural environment. A number of voluntary groups are rising to this challenge as evidenced by the Galway 2040 initative and the 2011 Report “Engineering the West to 2020 – Reinventing our Region.” Galway, unfortunately, has developed a reputation as Gridlock city and in an effort to address this, the Galway Transport Forum was established on a voluntary basis in late 2011 to support an initiative by the Mayor to engage with citizens in developing solutions.

We are confident that Galway has a bright future as the capital of the West Region and will develop further as a liveable and sustainable city, benefiting from world class industrial clusters, a vibrant economy and our rich cultural and natural heritage.

The vibrancy and culture in our city is captured by Michael D. Higgins, who has temporarily left us to live in Áras an Uachtaráin, in order to achieve his ambition of being President of Ireland.

It is bordered on its north side by the River Dodder, a watery ribbon offering many pleasures – walks, waterfalls, birds, angling, canoeing. I have lived near the river for over 70 years and I have seen many changes. In my early days we climbed the banks near Orwell Bridge, with the cottage at the waterfall beneath us, where the ladies took in laundry. They were surely never short of water.

“Bewleys park” was formerly a mill race, but now links 2 Dodder walks. I
have seen kingfishers, ducks, swallows and swifts, even cormorants, and the lordly king, the heron. It sometimes stands at the waterfall, swallowing and regurgitating his fish dinner.

The 16th century Rathfarnham Castle, now in public ownership, currently hosts a Costume and Toy museum (free entry). Occasional plays and concerts are held there. In the grounds are ponds, a playground and a soon-to-be-completed pleasure garden, offering something for everyone.

Castle golf club is in the original Castle grounds and is part of a green link with Rathfarnham, Edmonstown, Grange and Kilmashogue golf clubs.

Rathfarnham village itself is now by-passed creating a relatively safe area for pedestrians. All essentials are catered for by the friendly shopkeepers, and three places of worship enjoy harmonious relations.

We are close to several shopping centres as well as only 20 minutes by car from both Dundrum Town Centre and Dublin City Centre. Schools abound.

Rathfarnham is within easy reach of not only the Dodder linear park, with its extensive walks and playing fields, but also of St Enda’s park with the Patrick Pearse museum, streams, tea room, small wildlife museum and walled garden.

A half mile further on lies the mighty Marlay park, the magnificent gift to us all from the Love family. The Saturday market there is not to be missed.

Foxes, cats and badgers frequent our gardens as well as varied bird life with their songs. Many of the roads are tree lined and have views of the
Dublin mountains.

Rathfarnham has extended its boundaries in recent years but is still the welcoming, pleasant and homely area, where residents greet each other and lifts are offered.

However, although the town has a long history, it does not allow itself to live in the past. The local secondary school, which serves much of the mid Louth area, is about to undergo a major expansion to provide the facilities that will enable it to meet the ever growing educational demands of the future while a newly opened children’s playground adds greatly to the lives of young children.

“Big Strand” is the English translation of its apt name as its famous golden sandy beach stretches for 5km, ending with one of nature’s wonders; beautiful sand dunes teaming with wildlife, ready for big and small children to explore.

As a youngster I grew up in the sleepy town of Trá Mhór, not so sleepy anymore, it has awakened into a busy sea side town for locals, visitors, day trippers, “blow ins” and of course the prodigals returning home for a chat and catch-up with family and friends.

Tramore has everything to offer to its guests; Water Sports, Spa Treatments, Horse Riding, Tennis, Golf, Walking, Horse Racing, Festivals and Events, excellent Restaurants and Bars, all the ingredients for a good Irish holiday.

You can enjoy all the thrills and excitement you could want in Tramore’s 50-acre amusement park, and experience fun for all of the family at the all year round indoor leisure water leisure centre.

I can’t say enough about how beautiful the panoramic view from the Doneraile Walk is, or how on a warm summer day you can stroll along the shoreline and cool your heels in the clear waters, or grab a surf board and catch a wave or two before strolling up the long Promenade happy and content after a relaxing day at the beach.

The sunsets are spectacular over Tramore Bay and if you’re lucky enough to be standing on one of the sand dunes looking back at the town you might think you were in heaven as the sky turns watery blue and the setting sun is a golden orange ball, slowly slipping behind the headland and as night falls over the town all the lights of the amusement park sparkle and call you to join in the fun and frolics.

To me Tramore is a very special place, and whereever I travel to around the world I always tell people about my old home town by the sea and its charm and natural beauty and I hope by sharing this with you I can appeal to readers all over Ireland to return to good, old fashioned, fun family holidays at home in our own little, lush island of Ireland.

I came to live in Cloughjordan twenty five years ago with my husband and grown up family.
How lucky we are to have moved to such a vibrant place, no drab commercialism, just real
Beauty and warm friendly people.

There are so many things to do and see. For starters we have three stone built churches that
Cater for all our religious needs, with two national schools to be educated in for the future of our society. A cookery school, a library, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a food store, a street market where you will find arts and crafts, homemade jam, and fresh vegetables. Join Irish Country Women’s Association (ICA) where you will find friendship, learn new skills and have fun, raise funds for the Heart Foundation and Daffodil Day for cancer, collect Coins for Friendship for the under privileged women in the world, to help provide water and sanitation facilities and education. The Active retirement caters for the actively retired people including myself. We meet each week to do various activities such as bingo, bus trips, holidays, parties, exercise and keep fit and many more activities. There are numerous groups that cater for all ages such as heritage, drama, social dancing, pottery, hurling, camogie, handball and not forgetting the cúl camps for the children in the summer time at the Thomas MacDonagh hurling field and pavilion. Places I can proudly recommend for you to go are trout fishing on Knockearl River or go walking in Knocknacree Woods where you can catch a glance of race horses belonging to the famous jockey Charlie Swan, now horse trainer. If you fancy some bird watching, well lofty bog sanctuary is your place where there is peace and tranquility. Kyle bog is another great place to go walking in.

Django’s is a beautiful hostel which caters for up to thirty people where you can come and stay.. There is a very good community farm and last year Richard Corrigan the well known chef with the RTE crew came to visit. He did a barbecue with organic meat from the local butcher and organic vegetables from the local farm. He also showed us how to use the wild herbs we can resource in the area for our daily salads.

Thomas MacDonagh and Michael J. Costello are two well known people in history that were
born in Cloughjordan and have left a huge legacy behind them that will always be respected
and honoured. Now to conclude lets not forget the Railway. If on an occasion you require to
travel you can get a train at 6.20am from Cloughjordan to Dublin for work, business or pleasure
and return at 5.15pm.

So it is never ending what you can do in Cloughjordan.

Peg Murphy

If you really want to know why Killarney is the best place in Ireland to live then you’ve missed your turn. Visit Killarney in December or January. Wait for a dry, clear day (Have patience, it may be a long wait!). Then, when that day arrives, visit Muckross Park early in the morning. Go on your own and don’t take the recommended tourist trail, improvise a little. Winter in Killarney is quite a sight. The lakes are eerily still, the trees are dank and damp but leave off a lustrous shine under a soft winter sunlight. The mountains are often semi-obstructed by mist or fog but this merely adds to their congenital beauty and mystique. This is Killarney at her very finest. I don’t wish to sound contemptuous or arrogant but in moments like this, Killarney is not only the best place to live in Ireland, it’s the best place to live in the world.

The town itself is modest in size and modest in nature. The people are aware of how lucky they are to inhabit a place of such profound wonder. The streets are never too busy and are always squeaky clean. Though Killarney is the second biggest town in Kerry, it has a bucolic feel to it. The people, even people who live in estates, have rural tendencies and mannerisms and it’s difficult to stand in any spot in Killarney without being able to see a bit of greenery.

Killarney people outdo themselves with greeting visitors and our hospitality is world-renowned. But the best way to judge a town is not how it treats strangers but how it treats its own and as a Killarney resident my entire life I can safely say that the Killarney ‘céad míle fáilte’ is extended to its residents as well. This helps create a unique sense of community in Killarney and no more is this sense of community visible than in Killarney’s valiant efforts in winning the Tidy Town Ireland overall title last year. It was the holy grail for Killarney folk and it took a helluva lot of effort. A local councillor who lives near me, Mick Gleeson is his name, a former all-Ireland winner with Kerry, can often be seen litter-picking on the roads and bohereens of Killarney. This is a man who is the wrong side of 60 but still feels the need to make sure his town is of the optimum condition. This epitomises the sense of responsibility Killarney people have for their hometown.

Killarney ain’t perfect. It is no utopia. But it’s very, very, very, very close.

Kenmare is a gorgeous heritage town which retains its historical features as well as highlighting modern features. Kenmare is surrounded in beauty such as the beara and iverage peninsulas , lakes of Killarney , ring of Kerry and many great villages such as Bonane , Tousisy and Sneem.

The town has a great new primary school and an excellent secondary school with a prestigious reputation their also are many primary schools in the nearby villages and valleys .

Shops both big and small , multinational and family owned indigenous shops can be found the town , they sell everything from fabulous art work , high class gifts and jewellery , a wide variety of clothes and all the daily essentials . In recent years Kenmare shopping centre was open with its anchor store Supervalu

Despite the downturn , mayor construction projects are still underway recently opened in the town in the new co-educational St. John’s national school , a new hospital is under construction is a new community hospital and a new lidl supermarket is due to open as well the Dromquinna hotel and glamping park has reopened.

Kenmare has a vibrant pub and restaurant scene , during the day the gourmet cafe’s such as Trufflepig and jam serve great food , Kenmare has great restaurants which serve excellent food . Kenmare has many pubs which are particularly vibrant at weekends and during the summer. Kenmare ice cream from their two premises in town produce and sell a Hugh array of flavours which is extremely popular with locals and visitors a like.

Despite its growth of the last few years, Kenmare still retains it’s character and charm.

I’ll admit that even then, after spending 5 years dreaming of coming back, I had no idea that it would eventually become my home… But after many weeks of traveling, I eventually put my backpack down in Killarney. And little did I know, down it was going to stay. Day after day, I discovered just a little more about the town. First physically of course, being wooed by the many walks in the National Park and the majestic beauty of the Lakes, by Ross Castle in the moonlight… By night I discovered the meaning of “the craic” in many “trad” sessions in the pubs around town. Before long, I was looking for a job and a room to rent. So what made me stay? Might you ask… Well, it wasn’t just the pretty location. Coming from a Canadian city, I fell in love with the way things were in a town, how everything seemed to be close by, the way people saluted each other on the foot path, and the way I quickly got to know and be known by so many people, a feeling you don’t get in a city. The welcoming feeling I received from the people of Killarney was palpable, and truly appreciated.

After more than 10 years spent here now, I know how truly lucky I am to have put my backpack down in this town. The location alone makes it a real jewel. Places like Aghadoe, the Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View and the Black Valley have been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. The McGillycuddy Reeks and Carrantuohill, the highest mountain in Ireland, are on our doorstep. As an outsider, I have of course been charmed by the many historical sites that you tend to take for granted when you have seen them all your life, but I am still amazed when visiting places like Muckross Abbey and the ruins of Innisfallen Island.

Being an artist, and being interested by all arts and culture in general, Killarney has so much to offer… Art and photography galleries, craft galleries and artists’ studios are scattered over the town and on the outskirt. Killarney also has its own drama group, a musical society, and the Gleneagle hotel regularly presents internationally renowned shows, singers and entertainers. Killarney has also been great at developing its image of family destination through initiatives like the Killarney Summerfest and the Christmas in Killarney festival.

Do I miss my family? Of course… I feel extremely proud when one of them comes for a visit… They too cannot help but noticing the happy atmosphere that seems to envelop the whole town. Am I glad that I decided to stay? Absolutely. Do I think I will stay here in Killarney? Most definitely…

Far from being a rural backwater, Cloughjordan’s at the forefront of a host of innovative, forward-looking and pioneering initiatives. We’re lucky enough to have two influential environmental organisations based here – Cultivate (a charity promoting practical sustainability) and Feasta (an Irish-based international think-tank exploring the economic, cultural and environmental characteristics of sustainability). In addition, the Ecovillage extension of Cloughjordan is fast becoming a hub for people from all over Europe to gather, learn, exchange ideas, be inspired and contribute energy and goodwill.

Within the wider community we have ground-breaking initiatives such as Cloughjordan Community Farm – the first community supported agriculture enterprise in Ireland – and work is just starting on a Green Enterprise Centre, which will provide facilities for local small businesses with a green agenda. In addition, we have a thriving heritage group, a very active Tidy Towns group, GAA, a street market, an annual festival, amateur dramatics – and the list goes on. There are so many groups and activities on offer that I’m sure if you wanted to you could be at some event or meeting or group activity every night of the week, and all weekend. And if groups aren’t your thing, you can sign up for yoga, kick-boxing, dance, crafts, gardening, and a host of other classes.

But – for me – the best thing about living in Cloughjordan isn’t the range of activities on offer, it’s the friendliness and sense of community. I moved here four years ago, escaping the anonymity of a northern English provincial city. And I’ve found a deep sense of wellbeing that comes not just from country living and a healthy diet; it’s founded on something less tangible and hard to put into words – real community. The knowing that you’re living amid generous, caring, lively, funny, clever people who are willing to laugh with you and cry with you, if needed. I relish the stimulating and hilarious conversations that can be had in any number of places – over coffee, a drink or a meal. And I‘ve been overawed by the unstinting and unthinking support this community pours on those who have suffered tragedy, loss or adversity. Those, to me, are what makes living anywhere a rich experience. It’s not the place, it’s the people. And that’s what makes Cloughjordan without a doubt the best place to live in Ireland.

I have been lucky enough in my life to see some of the most beautiful and extreme places ever created on our Planet Earth. From the Antarctic ice bergs of the Southern Ocean to the the Galapagos Islands, born of the fire of Pacific volcanos., further extremes you just simply could not imagine.

But imagine if you will, the world as a see-saw, with both of these unbelievably beautiful places at either end, at it’s centre of balance, the pivot, the place where the best of everything merges into one serene beauty, at that exact point lies the place I have chosen to live … the place where I dream of far flung places to visit .. and the place I dream of returning to, when away…. Killarney

I was born in Dublin to a real “Dublin” family with a history in the Art Business in that city stretching back to 1885. One hundred and five years after my great grandfather Dominic started the family business there, I came to Killarney .. just for the weekend ! … or so I thought .. 22 years later The Killarney Art Gallery ,which I started, is still going strong and the beauty which I once gazed upon on the walls of my father’s City Art Gallery now envelops me.
I live in a painting … The most beautiful painting in Ireland !

No words I have could ever portray adequately the sheer beauty of what surrounds me daily .. and if I had ?
.. the 500 words suggested here, simply wouldn’t be enough .. Come see it for yourself . .. Killarney , The best place to live in Ireland … unquestionably !

It is the strong sense of community spirit and volunteerism that makes the village of Our Lady’s Island the greatest place in Ireland to live. The local GAA club, the National School Parents council, the Pilgrimage committee, the Annual Tractor and Vintage Run, the Courtyard Concert, the Tidy Towns: all of these events are possible because people give up their time freely and gladly to help improve the social and cultural enjoyment of both their fellow parishioners and visitors to the area.

The parish is considered to be of great historical and religious significance in the region and each year Our Lady’s Island Pilgrimage is celebrated from the 15th of August to the 8th September. In excess of 40,000 pilgrims will visit the parish during this time and this huge undertaking is conducted by volunteers who willingly donate their time and energies so that all pilgrimage goers can safely experience the peaceful and serene setting that is Our Lady’s Island.

Our local community organise, promote and stage the annual Courtyard Concert which this year will feature a performance by the world famous artists, The Priests. This musical evening, a major event on the County Wexford Arts calendar will see 1000 patrons seated on the lakeshore enjoying a performance of specially chosen music to compliment the location.

To say that I am lucky to live in such a community is an understatement. One can travel the world and not experience the warmest of greetings that you will receive when you visit our locality. Neighbours are more than just “the people who live next door”. They are friends who come together in times of need, who unselfishly donate their time to develop and improve facilities for our children and who think nothing of giving up their free time to help in any way that they can.

And to compliment the strong community spirit, we are blessed to be located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. From the sheltered fishing pier at Carne to the abundance of wonderful sandy beaches, to Irelands oldest surviving Windmill, there is always plenty to see and do.

So please, an open invitation to all, come and visit my village of Our Lady’s Island and experience the “Best Place in Ireland to live” for yourself.

Dazed residents drive from their kept driveways trying to forget their troubles but one just cannot forget when leaving home to supply the protestors with their tea.
It never mattered if you weren’t a local, the larger the community got, the more support intact.

We protest for those tested by bad luck in life. For those that deserve comfort from the Pyrite Fight.

We smile, we greet by name as we pass each other by. We stop to see how each others dogs grow tall and chat about the weather.

We leave doors ajar sharing summer fruits from the Saturday morning market, In winter you come home to find neighbours left vegetables from their patch for your stew.

It isn’t just houses, estates and trains. It isn’t just shops, takeaways and pubs. It isn’t just a lazy village on your way to Sligo or Galway…

It’s our hometown. Cats never stay stuck in trees, if you haven’t got a ladder- a neighbour will. If you haven’t the money, you can get a haircut on tab.

The big smoke is close, but far enough to feel that you have had a break.

Surroundings offer forest parks and canal walks. Local pubs offer ‘Enfield’s got talent’ and wine tasting events.

We have something special here in Enfield Town, the people.

“Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea,” goes the old Percy French song, to which I would add, “Like a short fat lady in a long leather dress”. My home village, Rostrevor, lies between the Mournes and Carlingford Lough; the Mournes are protective, and Rostrevor nestles comfortably under their armpit as snugly as a wee mouse in a cornstack. They deflect the worst snows and the sea breezes ameliorate the worst frosts, and during the Great Famine Rostrevor was untouched by typhoid fever, although the potato blight did hit us hard.

The landscape that inspired the Narnia of C.S. Lewis, the Mournes are accessible and not too rugged, so that you can climb them without Sherpas, drop a bottle of stout in a mountain stream, and when just cool enough share it with the skylarks and the ravens before taking out a big cigar and sending smoke rings floating gracefully down the breeze.Bigness is not necessarily a virtue; there is a defining quality to small things, like a Seurat masterpiece, where omission of even one dot can lose an eye, a smile, even a mood, and irredeemably change the nature of the whole picture.

We may be small, but we’re feisty; our forebears, led by hedge school teacher Tom Dunn, played an honourable role in the United Irishmen rebellion, and we remember their sacrifice in an annual ceremony.
We’re also productive; our sons and daughters include President Mary McAleese and sporting legends like Leo Murphy and Pete McGrath. We have a vibrant GAA club, and a thriving music scene. Our award-winning children’s choir has sung in the Escorial and the Princess Grace Theatre in Monaco. We have regular music sessions and our Fiddlers Green Folk Festival attracts friends from all over the world. Patrick “Giant” Murphy, in his day the tallest man in the world, is buried in our graveyard.

Though we are an ancient people, we are friendly and hospitable, and there is always a welcome for the in-blown wrack that settles on our shores (we understand the importance of genetic diversity).

Bright coloured houses
That add to the scene
North &South Squares
Have each a fair green

A picturesque village
That in Irish means “knot”
Small tidy and neat
One unique beauty spot.

When we arrived in Tullamore we found the energy and positivity inspiring. Offaly had just won two All-Ireland football titles in a row, 1971 and 1972 to be followed by three more decades of success on the hurling and football fields. (7 Senior All-Irelands in all).

The “buzz” around Tullamore was and still is palpable and infectious. Everybody we met was convinced (justifiably) that Tullamore was one of the three best towns in Ireland. The other two nominations varied from person to person but Tullamore was always number one.

After 38 years here we fully agree.

We have found a great place in which to live and raise a family.
Tullamore clubs, schools and societies have also been very successful. The town has four secondary schools, two of which are co-ed. All have their own strengths. One thing they have in common is that they nurture a very high proportion of well rounded, confident, socially secure young adults.

Tullamore has an admirable record in providing for marginalised groups including people with disabilities, foreign nationals and travellers.

The town has a full range of services from the AA to St. Mary’s Youth Club, the Athletics club (Tullamore Harriers) to the Rowing Club; from Barnardo’s to St. Vincent de Paul and the Astronomical Society to the Walking Club.

More importantly the town is awash with facilities and activities, catering for youth and old age and all stages in between.

Tullamore is a planned town located on the banks of the Grand Canal, ten kilometres from the M6 and an hour from the M50. It enjoys a wonderful setting and a mild climate influenced no doubt by the shelter offered by the Sliabh Bloom Mountains and the extensive woodland west of the town.

Tullamore hosts a number of successful festivals including the Queen of the Land and the largest one day County Agricultural Show in the country. Tullamore Harriers hosts up to twenty athletic meetings a year which bring about 1,000 visitors each weekend to the town.
The town is renowned for its nightlife and the former owner of a local nightclub claimed that he had the equivalent of a festival every weekend.

Finally the town has very cosmopolitan rugby and golf clubs found only in places like Wales and New Zealand

We found/find that people in Tullamore have a great handle on welcoming new comers. They are neither too friendly nor too standoffish. This we have found to be extremely rare.

Its major imports are goods and services from the bustling hub of Rathmines, exotic herbs and spices from the Oriental emporium, Germanic produce from Lidl and Aldi along with Irish tools and merchandise from Lenehans hardware.

Its major exports are its people, varied in age and ethnicity. Emigration is at its peak at approximately 8 o’clock each morning as much of the populace makes its way into the wider world to explore the neighbouring environs of Rathgar, Terenure and Harolds Cross while some have even been known to venture as far as the capital city itself. Afternoons see mercenary teams of grasscutters, hedge trimmers and road sweepers enter the estate to keep it in pristine condition. 5:30 or so sees the return of the wandering crowds; in time to relax, chat or read on the plentiful grasslands of the region. Laughter and chatter fill the air until the setting of the sun brings another blissful day to an end.

Botanists and biologists could spend a lifetime studying and admiring Lissenfield’s flora and fauna. Cherry Blossom trees, daffodils and oak trees dot the landscape, leading some to describe it as “the garden of Lower Rathmines Road”. Wildlife is plentiful, the most common species being the household cat (including Clio, pictured) while birdsong fills the air at dusk and dawn.

The currency of Lissenfield is the euro (though rumours of a return to the Punt have been persistent). No matter the state of the wider economy however, the bountiful delights offered by this Irish Eden guarantee happiness for all who set foot in it.

‘Leave me on the road to Nenagh
Where the rippling Shannon calls
And the Arra Mountains join the Silvermines’

If you are heading south on the great new M7 it would be well worth your while to include a visit to the hidden gem of Silvermines village just a few miles south of Nenagh. It is my home town and parish and I am convinced I live in the loveliest spot in Ireland.
Looking out my window daily I have a perfect view of the hills behind the village. I have never taken them for granted, neither in summer days nor mid winter when they are often snow capped. Many a time after coming home from travels abroad I would go to the window and welcome myself home to my own lovely hills.

As suggested by its name, Silvermines has a mining history that goes back to the thirteenth century and there is a wealth of related stories on mining in the parish. The recently formed Silvermines Historical Society hopes to collect and preserve these and other local historical information for future generations to come.
There are of some scars on the landscape after the most recent mining but some repairs have been undertaken.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church commands the best position in the village. It was built in 1961 and we all took part in great 50th anniversary celebrations last December.

The parishioners are great community workers and give their free time willingly. The village is bedecked with flowers and neat gardens and hence has always been a high achiever in the Tidy Towns Competition. The local GAA field is a busy colourful place all year round with boys and girls hurling and training.

From a location point of view Silvermines has a lot of advantages. A few minutes takes you out to the motorway for all connections; be it Shannon airport (30mins), Dublin, Kerry or a trip to scenic Killaloe on Lough Derg.

Beside the village a well signposted winding road, flanked at this time of year by blazing furze, takes you up to ‘Step’, the local viewing point where you are rewarded with a panoramic vista covering many counties and Lough Derg on the Shannon. This an idyllic picnic place.

A little further on up you are into a walker’s paradise – just don the boots and off you go on a walk of your choice through the forestry roads. Or if you are feeling more adventurous you can take off down into Glown and then up the front face of the Keeper Hill standing at 694 metres.

Yes it is a hidden treasure so came and visit and maybe I’ll meet you ‘on the road to Nenagh ’ heading for Silvermines – the best place in Ireland.

Tonight the village of Dunshaughlin welcomed home the ‘Florist of the Year’! Jenny Murphy was awarded the Gold Medal in Chelsea Flower Show in London this weekend. She was also awarded ‘Best Florist of the Year’. What a wonderful Accolade for a young lady from Dunshaughlin.

The young scouts did a guard of honour to welcome her home and the Community came out in hundreds to meet her and to view the amazing Chandelier she created to mark the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Jenny allowed it to be hung in the Court House this evening so that we could all see in close proximity this creative display of genius.
People queued in Chelsea to see it, we queued in Dunshaughlin! Magic!

The Local Retailers supplied, free of charge, drinks and snacks for all there. Balloons and Flowers decorated the newly painted Court house and Eamon Toal entertained us to music and song. He was joined by others including Niamh Collins. It was a great evening for the community. And all just after the visit of Diarmuid Gavin with the ‘Dirty Olde Town’ Team that painted the Court house, tidied up the Famine Graveyard and laid out a Peace Garden only 4 weeks ago.

Thank you to those of you that arranged this afternoons lovely acknowledgement of ‘The Florist of the Year’.

It is Dunshaughlins time! It is the best place to live.com

My children are first generation Dubs and Rathfarnham is family-orientated with a fantastic selection of schools, clubs and other amenities. The Loreto nuns, De La Salle Brothers, Christian Brothers and Church of Ireland parish established a tradition of educational excellence in the area. Primary and secondary schools continue this legacy and a vibrant Educate Together school also caters for Rathfarnham families. Music, art and drama schools and sports clubs abound but the Ratharnham Concert Band Society is one out-standing local institution. For over thirty years local teenagers have had an opportunity to play instruments from the triangle to the tuba in settings from the local school to the National Concert Hall!
Rathfarnham’s appeal is enhanced by the intermingling of past and present, urban and pastoral.It was once a spa resort where wealthy Dubliners came to take the air and famous figures such as Padraig Pearse, Robert Emmet, Sarah Curran, Evie Hone, W.B Yeats and J.M. Synge, all lived in or visited Rathfarnham at some stage in their lives. T he intertwining of Rathfarnham’s past and present is most evident in its three great buildings and parks, Rathfarnham Castle, St Enda’s Museum and Marlay House. Here generations of Rathfarnham folk have walked and jogged, fed the ducks or imperious peacocks, pushed buggies, drank coffee and played in playgrounds. Marlay House and Park also host concerts, plays and craft fairs, and a not-to-be missed Samhain festival. The imposing bulk of Rathfarnham castle reminds you that it was once a bulwark against fractious Irish tribes but now we are welome to tour the castle and its exhibition of costumes and toys. St. Enda’s Museum tells the story of Pearse’s school set in grounds where Emmet is reputed to have walked with Sarah Curran.

Part of me will always be a Galway girl, but when I return from a weekend in my native county the first sight of the Dublin mountains tells me I’m almost home!.

Beautiful Baltinglass is the name of a small town in Co. Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland. Small in size but big in heart! This picturesque, peaceful and prosperous landscaped beauty is nearby some of the world’s most glamorous greeneries like Glendalough and Powerscourt. Baltinglass is popularly called The Right-hand Man of Glorious Glendalough!

If River Slaney adds gleams and sparkles to the greenery, then it is the Baltinglass residents who add oil to the forever-burning fire of hope, aspirations and life of the town’s inner beauty- the people themselves! While Ireland feels a little shaky in present times, it is no doubt she will arise once again because of the determination, strength and courage of people like those of Baltinglass residents! The feet of every nation’s citizen can touch this soil and be witness to the world’s most welcoming smile, warmth and love they have ever experienced. A world of friendship and humour awaits them all!

These people gems can be found in Baltinglass’ Community parks, Library, Churches, Schools, Clubs, Associations, Recreational Centres, Cultural Organisations, Local Stores, Pubs and Supermarkets.

A variety of multi-cultural delicious Hotels and Take-aways cater to the tastes of both locals and foreigners who love to dine out with their families! Along with a Garda Station, Post Office, District Hospital, Butchers, Studios, Key makers, Florists, Clinics, Pharmacies, Hair Dressers, Garages, Solicitors, Real Estates, Petrol Stations and Banks, employment is steady and so is the revenue.

Dedicated Volunteers, Organisers, Participants and Sponsors ensure events and festivals like St’ Patricks Day, Pig Derby, Auto Shows and Street Festivals are never missed out.

The transport system of various bus and taxi services to other Towns/Counties/Airports have encouraged Tourists to not only experience and enjoy these festivals but also visit local historical sites like The Hill Fort and The Courthouse.

Whether Politics, Sports or Arts, Baltinglass is home to historical personalities like Sam McAllister, Richard Crosbie, Jennie Wyse Power and John Thomond O’Brien. Baltinglass residents have participated in many national and international competitions and tournaments and brought home numerous awards and global recognition including Guinness World Records by school students.

Baltinglass, a great frame for photography lovers, was also chronicled as the backdrop for many documentaries, soaps and feature films.

And thus, like I stated in the beginning, Baltinglass, the small town, may be small in size but it definitely is big in heart because of the people who have made this town what it is today. This makes it the best place to live in Ireland.

As passed on by the elders, the children of Baltinglass will surely carry the torch for a more happier, stronger and prosperous tomorrow.

However, for the moment and for the future, this is the place I want to live in and these are the people I want to live with because this is Baltinglass and I am in love with her, my Beautiful Baltinglass!!!

Near an old river ford on the Saimer
Lies a picturesque estuary
At the head of the Shannon
Where live my care and me

After many years of wandrin’
We settled here to stay
The place becomes more perfect
With each passing day

If you see beyond the scenery
And the welcome of the folk
You peer in to a soulful place
That lifts life’s weary yolk

The oldest town in Ireland
Holds myth and legend too
Of battles won and lost
Stories false and true

A thriving port it surely was
With riches of all kinds
No longer so it now resides
But constantly reminds

A garrison town developed here
At a strategic intersection
Many bridges, walls and buildings
Reminders for reflection

It has among its famous sons
A poet of great renown
Allingham was his family name
Ballyshannon was his town

A concrete dam now blocks the ford
For generating power
A renewable source of energy
Charged per Kilowatt hour

A legacy of that dam build it seems
Was a fostering of the arts
Now a town renowned for music
And performance of all sorts

Some say it changed the place for worse
Who knows they may be right
It’s now bypassed by road as well
Adding to it’s plight

But rising to those challenges
Is a spirit in the town
We’re ‘Backing Ballyshannon’
Refusing to go down

It’s now building its reputation
As a Festival Town to visit
The say it’s the oldest town
Oh really. Is it ? Is it ?

Of one thing we can all be sure
It the oldest town by right
And ‘the best place to live in Ireland’
By a ‘dam site’

Near an old river ford on the Erne
Lies a picturesque estuary
At the head of the Shannon
Where live my care and me

After many years of wandrin’
We settled here to stay
The place becomes more perfect
With each passing day

If you see beyond the scenery
And the welcome of the folk
You peer in to a soulful place
That lifts life’s weary yolk

The oldest town in Ireland
Holds myth and legend too
Of battles won and lost
Stories false and true

A thriving port it surely was
With riches of all kinds
No longer so it now resides
But constantly reminds

A garrison town developed here
At a strategic intersection
Many bridges, walls and buildings
Reminders for reflection

It has among its famous sons
A poet of great renown
Allingham was his family name
Ballyshannon was his town

A concrete dam now blocks the ford
For generating power
A renewable source of energy
Charged per Kilowatt hour

A legacy of that dam build it seems
Was a fostering of the arts
Now a town renowned for music
And performance of all sorts

Some say it changed the place for worse
Who knows they may be right
It’s now bypassed by road as well
Adding to it’s plight

But rising to those challenges
Is a spirit in the town
We’re ‘Backing Ballyshannon’
Refusing to go down

It’s now building its reputation
As a Festival Town to visit
The say it’s the oldest town
Oh really. Is it ? Is it ?

Of one thing we can all be sure
It’s the oldest town by right
And ‘the best place to live in Ireland’
By a ‘dam site’

Leenane also hosts two wonderful festivals: the Walking Festival in May and the Food Festival in September. During the Walking Festival people hike in the many mountains, beaches and valleys around Leenane. During the Food Festival lots of people sell delicious foods such as honey and brownies. Not only is food sold but also many items are sold, which is fantastic. Why not stay in our very own hotel, which is most luxurious. An evening stroll is very possible because we have so many places to explore here. The unique thing about Leenane is staring out into the bay because wherever you are you’ll know that it’s definitely Leenane. We recently got a new bridge as the old one was torn down in a storm.
Leenane N.S. is our local school full of very friendly children, who love to learn and play together. We get to do lots of different and unusual things in our school like kayaking and adventure sports.
Leenane has a lot of history, such as mass rocks used in the Penal Times and crannogs from the time of the eight hundreds, also we have a well known film made and set in Leenane called “The Field”. It is a sad and touching story set in Leenane village itself.
“The Field” is an actual field, it is along the road to Westport our local town, which is twenty five minutes from Leenane by car.

Leenane is also famous because it has two of the best fishing rivers in Ireland, the river Eriff which is a short five minutes away from the village where you see the mouth of the river. At the mouth of the river Eriff there is the very large waterfall called Ashleigh waterfall. This was used for one of the scenes in “The Field”. And because you are at the mouth of the river you can see it enter the Killary fjord. Beside the river Eriff there is the Ashleigh lodge where you can enjoy a delicious evening meal after a days fishing or walking, and a good night sleep

The area is in the city but not of the city, we are surrounded by green space and can hear the animals in the zoo at night (many of us would have fed babies to the accompaniment of howling wolves!), abundant bird life (we’ve seen siskins, waxwings, gold-crests and a sparrow-hawk), productive gardens due to the black gold of our soil. Neighbours have chickens, frogs, bees, butterflies. The area has a community lane system where neighbours gather for events, grow vegetables, rear chickens and let children go wild. Our Residents’ Association promotes sharing of gardening knowledge, culminating in a very successful Harvest Festival, bursting with home-grown produce, and handmade cakes, jams and jellies. The Association organises carol singing, the proceeds of which are donated to local charities each year. We also have a facebook page where day-to-day items of interest can be shared. The Phoenix Park is a major part of most of our lives, for walks, picnics, the playgrounds, as a place to run, or play games, to explore.

The Glenbeigh area is a snapshot of inner-city life – some of our residents were born in the houses they still live in, there are several generations of some families living here. The inter-generational nature of the sense of community is special – most of the older people on the street would have someone who looks in on them, or does a bit a shopping, or helps out with clipping a hedge. The play culture of the children is pretty unique too – hopscotch squares, skipping, water fights, races, the way that children of all ages play together and run in and out of one another’s houses – from babies up. The children have a strong sense of place and identity with the ‘Glenbeigh area’ and created a community map full of animated and quirky sketches of houses.

The community pools its resources, sharing information, tips, and ideas – but informally and organically. Many residents are interested in the history and stories of the area. Older residents who lived here as children will recall the area’s origins as farmland (Redmond’s Farm), and going to collect fresh milk from the farm.

The area is steeped in history (especially military history) and there are various amenities and special things nearby – Hole in the Wall, the military cemetery on Blackhorse Avenue, numerous key sites in Cabra itself. We are blessed with independent shops and businesses close by: Lilliput Stores, L. Mulligan Grocer (gastropub), Walshes, Treat and a range of proper shops in Cabra (Clarkes bakery, Ethersons butchers), plus Kish Fish and Little Italy.

There is nothing spectacular, or exceptional about this part of Cabra/Grangegorman, at least at first sight, but the sense of community, of locality, and of sustainability provide a model of the ideal of urban living.

Coming from the north the coast road gently reveals the harbour, beach and town allowing the gradual fusion of land and sea to beguile. From the south the first hint of what is to come is seen at the top of Curkeen Hill, framing the town, beach and the coterie of island against the backdrop of the Cooley & Mourne Mountains. From the sea the windmills, towers & churches punctuate the skyline. Harmony of God-given and Man-made.

From the west, fields yield to park through the railway arch. There’s the park which flows through the town, dividing and uniting old town with new, recreation with residential, sporting with cultural and wildlife with windmills.

There are the beaches, the parks and playgrounds. The food shops, coffee shops, restaurants, art & crafts shops, the restored and working windmill and watermill. The clubs and organisations, the groups and the committees. Man-made mastery and management.

When two local fisherman went missing a year ago almost the entire population of ten thousand people searched, prayed, walked in solidarity and in the final act of this tragedy turned out to lay them to rest. Their loss wasn’t just to their families but was in fact that of the whole community. Family and community inextricably interwoven.

I was a teenager the last time tragedy like this struck in the early 1970′s and it seemed natural then that people would respond like that. Weren’t all towns like this? But over the years I notice how those who have come from elsewhere admire and draw on from this strength of community – as genuine as it is powerful.

Does a certain type of soul just gravitate to a town like this is or does the natural beauty & friendliness of the town evoke such a deep bond, such a strong sense of place and community, that people here seem to work so much harder to build, sustain and preserve the community that inhabits it. And guard it so preciously.

The sea defines Skerries. North Beach, South Beach, the Head, the Harbour, the Captains, the Springers, the Cliffs, the Islands. Its constant changes. With every sunrise, every moonrise, every tide. It surprises, chills, thrills and stills and yet it hems us in. It reminds us of our limits and that we too come and go. As will the next generation. So we learn to enjoy what we have been blessed with, add our mark to it and pass it on improved to those who follow.

The best place to live in Ireland is Athlone. It is the centre of Ireland and with the Railway Station, Bus Eireann, one can travel straight to Dublin airport by bus.

The River Shannon flows under the Bridge of Athlone. The Castle with its history and height, stands out on the Square, hundreds of people visit the Castle every year.
St. Peter & Paul’s Church is also in the Square with its marble altar and Harry Clarke stained glass windows. The Garda Barracks and Post Office are on Pearse Street up from the Square.

The Dean Crowe Theatre has hosted the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival for the last 60 years. The presentation of awards is made at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. My friends and I go to The Radisson Blu once a week for our morning coffee and sit back and watch the boats sailing up and down the River Shannon. The Viking Boat is a great sight passing by with its colour and Viking carvings on the bow.

The Shamrock Lodge Hotel is the longest serving hotel with weddings booked two to three years in advance, it has had very special guests over the years such as the late Princess Grace. The new library is on Church Street and our Librarian is Gearoid O’ Brien, both he and his staff will provide any assistance one needs in regards to books. Across the hall is the Civic Centre, Town Council which is managed by Town Clerk, Hugh O’ Reilly with excellent help in regard to form filling etc.

The recession is still on but Athlone is the centre of Ireland and a company has come from China to Athlone, with the intention of buying a large acreage of land to build a China town, it is being negotiated under the guidance of Mr. John Tiernan C.E.O., and with his experience the deal will be completed and will give great employment to hundreds of people in the building of China town.

Athlone is my home town and I am very proud of it and I will continue to live here where I have a good family, long time neighbours and friends.

As I stroll around Dunshaughlin I sometimes stand and stare
And I am just a child again with no worries and no cares
As I look around me at her ever changing face
I think of all the fun I had with my friends around this place

I can still see Florry and Arthur’s shop on a Sunday after Mass
We’d gaze at all the treats in store as we looked in through the glass
And as we waited there with a penny in our hand
Thinking of all those treats we were in another land

In Johnny King’s we got Bull’s Eyes and sometimes Nougat Bars
Aniseed Balls and Lemon Drops that he kept in big glass jars
Sean Clusker worked in Reilly’s shop and if the truth was told
No child ever went without a sweet for he had a heart of gold.

I remember well my childhood days before life’s big ups and downs
When fags were ten a penny and drink was half a crown
The Chapel where we went to Mass, the familiar sights and sounds
The little shops, the old schoolhouse, the pubs around the town.

And so I’ll end my story as my mind slips back in time
I can hear again the children from the school house chanting rhymes
In Foley’s Forge the Anvil rings its old familiar sound
That takes me back to other days in Dunshaughlin my home town.