Episode 1/22

@ Emerald Waterfall
Bjorn Free begins his tour of "The Irish Republic" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Map of Irish Republic
Céad míle fáilte! A hundred thousand welcomes! The Irish Republic, or Eire, as it's called in Irish Gaelic, is not, of course, part of the UK; it is an independent country, but geographically belongs to what are known as the British Isles. Ireland is well known for many things, from Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw, Guinness and Irish whiskey, colcannon and soda bread, music, song and Riverdance, folklore, leprechauns and the legendary Irish hospitality.
Emerald Waterfall
Nestled in the pocket off a lesser traveled road, the beautiful falls in Glencoe, County Donegal. Known to the locals as a place to search for the leprechauns' gold, as there is frequently misting rainbows in the overspray.

Episode 2/22

@ Heather Cliffs
"Hey, Franz! We'll be doing a spot of whale watching later today!"
"Sounds good, Bjorn Free! Apparently we might spot basking sharks, seals, puffins and sea turtles as well!

Heather Cliffs
Climbing upward to through the heather, a native plant to Ireland, as you crest the sloping hill, you can see the shale cliffs standing watch over the sea below. Breathing in the salty sea air, you rest your weary toes, taking in the incredible view.

Episode 3/22

@ Pot of Gold Rainbow Beach
"You see County Galway on the map here?" Bjorn Free asked Stripes. "It has a hamlet with the longest place name in Ireland -- Muck-anagheder-dauhaulia!"
"Goodness, Bjorn Free, whatever does the name mean?"
"A piggery between two expanses of briny water.”
"Not very romantic, Bjorn Free! Whereas that terrifically long Welsh placename we learnt about was really very pretty when translated!"

Pot of Gold Rainbow Beach
County Sligo is home to the sea, and it's beauty and fury. Always, though, is the promise after the storm of an arch of rainbow, and if you've got the luck, a pot of gold at the end.

Episode 4/22

@ Timeless White Castle
"I've been enjoying the comedy shows on the TV in the evening all through our trip, Seth," remarked Bjorn Free. "It's clear humour is very important to those in the British Isles, particularly dry, dark, sarky humour."
"Yes," agreed Seth. "And an inept underdog, or a character who doesn't realise how unpopular he is, is often the star of the show."
Timeless White Castle
Built in 1868, Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a castle but now serves as a monastery for an order of Benedictine nuns, who have been in residence since 1920. Be sure to purchase your tickets early for the tour of the grounds, there are so many things to do and see, and take a taste of the culture.

Episode 5/22

@ Coastal Cliffs of Ireland
"Why do so many names in Ireland start with O’, Beast?" queried Bjorn Free.
"It means 'descendant of', Bjorn Free!" responded Beast. "Also, Mac or Mc at the start of surnames means 'son of'.”
Coastal Cliffs of Ireland
Stretching verdant for as far as the eye can see, along the cliffs the green is dazzling. All the water, churning below, but the sea is not inviting for those seeking to put toes in the water. Be careful not to get to close to the cliff's edge.

Episode 6/22

@ Cliffs of Moher
"We're heading into film territory on this part of the tour, Bjorn Free!" exclaimed Jewel. "The Cliffs of Moher have featured in Harry Potter and the beach of Curracloe Strand was the D-day landing scene in Saving Private Ryan. Scenes from the Italian Job were shot at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, and the island of Skellig Michael and its ancient monastic settlement were in Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
"Wow!" said Bjorn Free. "We've seen quite a few Harry Potter sites in Scotland and England as well, haven't we?"

Cliffs of Moher
Hiking further down the cliffs, it's amazing to see the unending coastline, stretching into the sea. It's a good thing you've got your good walking shoes on, there's so much to explore.

Episode 7/22

@ Green, Green Grass of Home
"I've just been watching the TV news, Cherrie. They showed Ireland's Prime Minister making a speech."
Cherrie frowned. "The Taoiseach, the Taoiseach!"
"Bless you," said Bjorn Free.
Green, Green Grass of Home
Standing on the sea side cliffs, turning for a good panorama shot for your scrapbook, there's a never ending of sea of grass, stretching to the horizon. Amazed at the subtle changes of grasses before you, how can you possibly name all the shades of green?

Episode 8/22

@ Dingle, County Kerry
"Did you know it's possible to see the Northern Lights in Ireland at the right time of year?" asked Tallulah. "The best place to be to have a chance of viewing them would be County Donegal."
"I think you can see the Northern Lights in quite a few places round the British Isles, as they're in a suitably northerly position. I wonder if we'll be lucky, Tallulah?" responded Bjorn Free.

Dingle, County Kerry
A bridge to explore! Built many years ago, wouldn't it be interesting to hear the stories the stones would tell, if only they could?

Episode 9/22

@ Country side relics
Bjorn Free was pleased to bump into DaiDai here! They swapped experiences on what parts of the British Isles they had enjoyed the most so far!
Country side relics
Taking the tour bus, since tired feet are recovering, it's a stop filled with much history to hear of the old church. The tour guide has a lot to offer those paying attention on the relics and ruins left.

Episode 10/22

@ The Fog
"Why do so many names in Ireland start with O’, Anwyn?" queried Bjorn Free.
"It means 'descendant of', Bjorn Free!" responded Anwyn. "Also, Mac or Mc at the start of surnames means 'son of'.”
The Fog
Now who's bright idea was it to tell ghost stories about the fog on the tour bus as we climb the hill into the fog? I think you better hold my hand!

Episode 11/22

@ County Wicklow
The glacial valley of Glendalough is beautiful. There are two mirror-like lakes and nature in abundance. Hidden here is an old monastic settlement – and no one lives there. It’s not really a town, to be fair, but this collection of buildings where monks used to live was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. It’s not hard to see how this spot came to be a site of religious contemplation.
County Wicklow
The beauty of pines standing in groves, beckon the traveler into the cool depths of the forest to explore the flora and fauna of Ireland. Just remember you can't take any home, customs will confiscate it.

Episode 12/22

@ Fly Fishing
"Did you know that Ireland has the highest incidence of redheads in the world, Oksana?" asked Bjorn Free.
"How many is that, Bjorn Free?"
"It's about 10% of the population! Red hair is much more common in the British Isles, particularly in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, than in Europe."

Fly Fishing
Did you pack your fly rod and flies? There's nothing more relaxing than standing in the river bed and casting off, hoping to tease the trout into biting that special hand tied fly Catch and release is the standard rule, just be sure to catch a few photos with your big catch

Episode 13/22

@ Harbor Sunrise
"It says in the tour guide that Ireland was named after a goddess. In Old Irish, she was known as Eriu. In modern Irish Gaelic, it’s Eire," remarked Symphony.
"I was wondering where the Irish name for the country came from, Symphony!" responded Bjorn Free.

Harbor Sunrise
Holding on tightly to your warm cup of tea, it's an amazing sight to behold, watching the sun rise slowly over the horizon.

Episode 14/22

@ River Plain of Ireland
"We're heading into film territory on this part of the tour, Bjorn Free!" exclaimed Nemo. "The Cliffs of Moher have featured in Harry Potter and the beach of Curracloe Strand was the D-day landing scene in Saving Private Ryan. Scenes from the Italian Job were shot at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, and the island of Skellig Michael and its ancient monastic settlement were in Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
"Wow!" said Bjorn Free. "We've seen quite a few Harry Potter sites in Scotland and England as well, haven't we?"

River Plain of Ireland
Farmers will tell you, the best soil for growing barley, wheat and potatoes would be the richness of a flood plain, full of water, and nutrients. And standing on the banks of the river offers a stunning sight.

Episode 15/22

@ Peaceful Beach
The glacial valley of Glendalough is beautiful. There are two mirror-like lakes and nature in abundance. Hidden here is an old monastic settlement – and no one lives there. It’s not really a town, to be fair, but this collection of buildings where monks used to live was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. It’s not hard to see how this spot came to be a site of religious contemplation.
Peaceful Beach
While exploring the countryside of Ireland, with all the different scenery, it's time to put your toes in the sand in the calm waters.

Episode 16/22

@ Ireland by Balloon
Irish is a compulsory subject in schools. Street signs are in English and Irish. There are whole areas (called the Gaeltacht) of the Republic of Ireland where people’s actual first language is Irish, notably in coastal areas of County Mayo and County Cork. Only around 1.7% of the population speaks it daily, however.
Ireland by Balloon
Part of the travel package includes an hour long balloon ride where you can take in the far reaching landscapes of Ireland, so be sure your camera is charged!

Episode 17/22

@ Muglins Lighthouse
"Oh wow, have you seen this in the tour guide for County Meath, Spot?" asked Bjorn Free. "It says 'Prehistoric Newgrange is an amazing passage tomb that dates back to the Neolithic period. We’re talking 3200 BCE. That’s older than Stonehenge, which dates back to around 3000 BCE and the Giza Pyramids built in 2600 BCE.'"
"It's like the grave monument we saw in Northern Ireland, and there's a similar structure in Cornwall, England, Bjorn Free," remarked Spot.

Muglins Lighthouse
Situated on Dalkey Island, off in the coastal waters near Dublin, you'll find this solar powered automated light house. Keeping sailors safe from running into shallow water, who says small packages can't do big things.

Episode 18/22

@ Street Art in Dublin
"Did you know that Halloween traditions as we know them began with the Celtic festival of Samhain, Icicle?" asked Bjorn Free. "In Old Irish, this means 'Summer’s End'. It featured bonfires, hideous masks, terrifying turnip lanterns, and amateur dress-ups."
"Wow! And well over 2000 years later we're carrying on those same traditions, Bjorn Free!" responded Icicle.

Street Art in Dublin
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, but who doesn't love the pop of color and creativity added to a dull grey wall? Standing in front of it would make a great selfie back drop, be sure to smile!

Episode 19/22

@ Samuel Beckett Bridge
"Do you know what creature can't be found in Ireland, Arthur?" asked Bjorn Free.
"The unicorn? The wolf?" said Arthur.
"It's the snake! The legend is that St Patrick drove them all away. But in fact, there were never any snakes here to begin with."

Samuel Beckett Bridge
Named for the playwright, novelist and poet, and other things, this beautiful bridge is not only functional, but a work of art in itself. Opened in 2009, it spans the River Liffey. No trip to Ireland would be complete without taking a taxi and traveling across it to see the wonder and mechanical beauty that this bridge is.

Episode 20/22

@ Dublin Convention Centre
"Do you know what creature can't be found in Ireland, Choose a name?" asked Bjorn Free.
"The unicorn? The wolf?" said Choose a name.
"It's the snake! The legend is that St Patrick drove them all away. But in fact, there were never any snakes here to begin with."

Dublin Convention Centre
Catch the latest show in the convention centre, located on River Liffey. Host to all types of venues, trade shows, and concerts, after a lazy day touring the countryside, it's definitely a change of pace. Glitz, glamour and just fun!

Episode 21/22

@ Howth Village
"It says here that Ireland has its own Olympic Games which predate the actual Olympics!" remarked Bjorn Free.
"What do they call them, Bjorn Free?" asked Sir Precious McPrance.
"They're called the Tailteann Games and they date back to at least 1600 BCE."

Howth Village
Waking up to watch the sea every morning might be for you, and these cozy houses nestled in the cliffs offer a solace and solitude with natural moving art in waves and marine life. Maybe it's time to stop traveling and take up residency?

Episode 22/22

@ Home Again
As Bjorn Free's tour of "The Irish Republic" comes to an end, he rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Midnight Walk Beech Tree
The dark purple beech trees of the countryside have become known as safe-havens for the late night travellers; often hosting small treehouses hidden within their dark plumage.
Home Again
The journey through Ireland has been a fascinating one, but now it's time to cruise on home.
Bjorn Free has completed their tour of "The Irish Republic"! Your PnF tour of "The British Isles" is now over, but PnF will hold a new event again soon!