Ireland

( Stringer, AFP/Getty Images )

OK, it's a big gimmick. But there's something disarming about the Gathering, Ireland's call summoning all travelers with Irish roots (or just Irish aspirations) to visit this year. For one thing, the promoters forthrightly admit that the country has "had its share of doom and gloom the last couple of years" and that this series of events (arts, sports, food, you name it) is a bid to turn the page. Check the venture's website and you realize that many of these events happen every year, but you can't help but be tempted: bike races in County Clare, an a cappella singing contest in County Cork, a chartered accountants' dinner in Dublin ¿ oh, blast, we've already missed that one. Anyway, the promoters estimate that 70 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry, yet only 6.4 million live there. Clearly, they need company.

Comments (0)

Add comments | Discussion FAQ

Currently there are no comments. Be the first to comment!

Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.