[Níl sí i gcló fós.]
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Esteemed Editor []:

I read with interest Daniel Wood’s article,“The Land of Goodbyes” [July 14, http://tinyurl.com/23g8n6] and I commend him for his perceptive observations of the Irish language, or Gaeilge, during his travels to Ireland’s Connemara and the Aran Islands.

All too often, this living language is given short shrift in reports, studies and histories of Ireland.

Mr. Wood’s article, however, may be indicative of a happier trend, as today’s tourists develop an intelligent and informed interest of peoples and their cultures, rather than the mere visual appreciation of scenic topographies.

For those of your readers considering their own visits to the Gaeltacht, I would recommend that they begin their journey closer to home. This year, the first official Gaeltacht outside of Ireland was opened in Erinsville, Ontario. [www.gaeltacht.ca].

North America’s new Gaeltacht is a boon to those of us who teach, learn, study, speak, enjoy and love the language.
For those who plan a trip to Ireland in the future, a visit to the Erinsville Gaeltacht is a great way to learn and prepare a thoughtful trip to Ireland. Those of us who have the language can hear, understand, and participate in the rich language and culture of that country, as well as enjoy the beautiful landscape.

By all means, do follow Daniel Wood’s footsteps. Visit Connemara and the Aran Islands, as well as the Gaeltacht regions in Mayo, Donegal, Kerry, Cork, Rath Cairn in Meath, An Rinn in Waterford, and even the newly designated Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast.

However, be certain that you go to Ireland by way of Erinsville, Ontario, before you even arrive in either Shannon or Dublin Airport.

It will be a most rewarding experience for any traveler who takes the time and effort.