Ireland's Rich Past, Present
Harry Smith: Amid Economic Boom, Tradition Reigns
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Play CBS Video Video All-Access Pass To Ireland Dave Price was able to give a North Carolina woman the "All-Access" vacation of her dreams to Ireland. With "All-Access" passes they visited fairytale castles and an oyster festival.
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Video Comment From London
Gyles Brandreth on how Ireland is stepping out of the shadow of America.
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Video Green Card Envy Irish citizens living in America are urging Washington to make it easier for all undocumented immigrants to earn legal status.
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A sign to Kerry Airport in Irish and English in Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland in this June 22, 2003 file photo. The legal map of Ireland changed Monday March 28, 2005 in a bid to promote the country's little-used official tongue, Gaelic, versus its universally spoken rival, English. The change affects the names of more than 2,300 towns, villages and crossroads. (AP)
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Interactive St. Patrick's Day Celebrate the day with festive parade photos, an Irish quiz and more.
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News Tools Ireland Learn about the people, economy and history.
A thought or two about Ireland on this St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland is one of the great economic success stories of the planet. The old sod has turned into the Celtic tiger. Per capita income is well above the European Union’s average.
Think back a century or so — getting out of Ireland was the only road to a future. Ireland’s an amazing place loaded with history and welcoming people.
Did I ever tell you about Loch Dirge? The lake and the islands within it were once a spiritual center for the ancient Celts. Burial grounds were all laid out in circles, and round and round the Celts would go to summon the power of the diving.
On my visit to Loch Dirge I saw catholic pilgrims pray and solemnly walk around the grounds — yes, in circles. St. Patrick of course brought Christianity to Ireland.
But rigid he was not. The locals seemed pretty tied to their old ways, so Patrick incorporated some of the old with the new, thus the circle on the Celtic cross.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith
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