Melody Wren

I was in Dublin in April for part of The Gathering, and went across the River Liffey myself, but didn’t dare dance, but yesterday, 1,693 people kicked up their heels to set a new Guiness World Record for the longest Riverdance Line of Dancers.

When I heard about The Gathering taking place in Ireland this year, it tugged at my very core. I knew I had to go.

I came across the photos from last summer’s journey around some of the Newfoundland islands, and realized I was missing the magic of each and every one

Armagh in Northern Ireland is similar to Italy in that it is built on hills.  Filled with Georgian stone  houses, it has the largest Cathedral in all of Ireland.

I began my recent journey in Northern Ireland in Belfast.  What a delightful surprise the whole city was.  I didn’t realize I had so many preconceived ideas about Belfast.

I am headed to Ireland soon to look further for my roots, visit my great grandfather’s farm, apparently Tom Cruise has been on the same page but he got to his roots first.

Toronto’s size and traffic are legendary, so the key to navigating the 140 plus neighbourhoods is knowing where the gems are.

From New York City’s April Bloomfield and the Bay Area’s Cindy Pawlcyn, to Michelle Obama and…George Clooney? Yes. They have all earned a spot on this year’s list.

I can’t wait to go to Ireland in April to do a search for my own roots.  This year with Ireland promoting all of us to do the same, there are massive amounts of special events.

Last summer I island hopped off the coast of Newfoundland.  Islands in Newfoundland?  a common reaction…..but, yes, there are quite a few of them, and they are stunningly beautiful, each one different than the last.