825 First Timer's Ireland; At Home in Ireland

Rick Steves· Host0:00

[upbeat music] Whether it's your first trip or you're planning a repeat visit, there are plenty of amazing things you can count on seeing and doing in Ireland. Try offering your hand at a demonstration of the ancient sport of falconry.

Susie Miller· Guest0:11

Suddenly, it will swoop down very, very casually and land back on your arm. It's magical.

Rick Steves· Host0:16

Join the crowd at a stadium to watch a uniquely Irish sports match.

Stephen McPhilemy· Guest0:20

My top three, I'd say, would be our unique sports, Gaelic football, hurling, games that you're not gonna see around the globe too much.

Dara Herlihy· Guest0:29

They say it's the fastest game on the ground. It's a wooden stick and a little ball. There's a leather ball. It's called the sliotar.

Rick Steves· Host0:33

And be sure to stop in a pub when a music session's going on. You won't regret it when the dancing starts up.

Cathy Ryan· Guest0:40

Just get up and join. You will have the best time, and you will have friends made before the night is over.

Rick Steves· Host0:46

You can learn a little Irish history from the songs they're singing, too.

Cathy Ryan· Guest0:50

Almost every single historical event is copper fastened in a song.

Rick Steves· Host0:54

So come along. It's Travel with Rick Steves. [upbeat music] It's no surprise that Ireland holds a sentimental place in the hearts of so many of its cousins in the US and Canada. There are seven times as many Americans with Irish ancestry as there are people living in Ireland today. Coming up, we'll help you turn dreams of seeing where the ancestors came from into a chance to make new friends as you explore the Emerald Isle. In just a bit, singer Cathy Ryan tells us how the power of Irish music drew her to return to live in the land of her parents and grandparents.