Although Ireland is further north then most of Canada’s big cities it is still warm enough to sport palm trees and fuchsias along its western coastline. The Gulf Stream flows clock-wise from the Caribbean up the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic turning south just above Ireland. The trade winds pick up the heat from the Gulf Stream and carry it over the western coast of Ireland insuring a warm climate.  Temperatures can be as low as 35 F in the winter and as high as 75 F in the summer. Rain is not uncommon but without the rain Ireland would not have the nickname “The Emerald Isle”.
        

   Another lesser known fact about Ireland is that the surfing is great. According to the Irish Surfing Association surfing abounds in 32 counties in Ireland. Surfing, long boarding, knee boarding, body boarding, body surfing and skim boarding are all practiced in Irelands. You can surf all the coast line around the island and the water temperatures can vary greatly. September to May is the best time to surf in Ireland. Donegal Bay is a great spot to surf. Some of the waves are 20ft+. Because Ireland is not well know as a surfing destination you won’t have a lot of competition for the swells. Bring your wet suit!
        

    Receive the gift of eloquence by kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. This is not as easy as one might think. The stone is located in the parapet of the castle with is 90 feet above the ground. You have to sit with your back towards the stone. Then while someone sits on your legs or holds your legs tightly you lean backwards until you are dangling over the edge of the parapet. When you are low enough you can kiss the stone. Only then will you be eloquent….or full of Blarney?
         

   Then there are all the castles to visit, family history to discover, shops to explore and don’t forget the pubs!