Ireland Trip Get-together

Are you going to Ireland with us?

Let’s get together before we head off to connect, share excitement, and make sure everyone feels confident and prepared.

Bring your questions, wants, and needs. I’ll share itinerary updates, helpful tips, and suggestions to help you get the most out of our time in Ireland.

👉 Please take a moment to review the updated itinerary before we meet.

***

## 📖 Get in the Ireland Spirit

If you’d like to start soaking up Irish culture ahead of time, here are some wonderful books, films, and podcasts that capture the heart of Ireland—and especially Dublin.

### 📚 Books — Ireland & Dublin

#### Literary Fiction (Classic & Modern)

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  A legendary classic set entirely in Dublin—rich, layered, and iconic.
• Dubliners by James Joyce
  Short stories offering vivid snapshots of everyday Dublin life.
• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  A contemporary look at modern Irish relationships and identity.
• Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
  Intimate, thoughtful, and very much of modern Ireland.

✨ Bonus reading for our visit:
The Book of Kells — a world-famous medieval illuminated manuscript created around 800 AD by Celtic monks, celebrated for its intricate knotwork, vibrant imagery, and extraordinary artistry. It is housed at Trinity College Library in Dublin and is truly a must-see.

***

#### Historical & Cultural

• The Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
  Warm, charming stories of rural Irish life.
• Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
  A powerful memoir of growing up in Limerick (also a film).
• The Story of Ireland by Neil Hegarty
  A helpful overview if you want deeper historical context.

#### Mystery & Crime

• The Dublin Murder Squad Series by Tana French
  Atmospheric, character-driven mysteries set in and around Dublin.
  Start with In the Woods or The Likeness.

#### Travel & Exploration

• Walking Dublin by Paul Tempan
  Perfect for history lovers who enjoy exploring on foot.

***

## 🎬 Movies & Documentaries About Ireland

### Films Set in Dublin

• Once (2007) — A simple, soulful musical romance on Dublin’s streets.
• The Commitments (1991) — Hilarious and energetic, with unforgettable music.
• Sing Street (2016) — A joyful coming-of-age story set in 1980s Dublin.
• The Snapper (1993) — A heartfelt and funny Irish family comedy.

### Ireland-Wide Films

• Brooklyn (2015) — A beautifully filmed period drama.
• In the Name of the Father (1993) — A powerful true story from The Troubles.
• The Guard (2011) — Dark humor with classic Irish wit.
• Michael Collins (1996) — A historical drama about Irish independence.

### Documentaries

• Ireland with Simon Reeve (BBC) — Stunning travel storytelling.
• Dublin: A City Through History (BBC/RTÉ) — Excellent background on the city’s evolution.

***

## 🎧 Bonus: Podcasts

• The Irish Passport Podcast — Irish culture, history, and identity.
• The Ireland History Podcast — Deep dives into Ireland’s past.

***

## ✅ Please Have These Done Before Our Get-Together

To keep things running smoothly, please come prepared with the following:

• ✈️ Airline tickets booked and a copy of your flight itinerary
• 🛡 Travel insurance secured
• A paper copy is helpful—please bring one for me
• 🛂 Passport valid through at least September 2026
• 📱 Fora itinerary downloaded on your phone
• 💬 WhatsApp installed on your phone
• I’ll create a group chat so we can easily communicate while abroad

***

I’m really looking forward to gathering everyone together before we go. These meet-ups are one of my favorite parts of the process—they help us connect, answer lingering questions, and start the adventure together.

See you soon ☘️

Trish