March 2002

Spotlight: Ireland

Celtic Camera
by John Baker

How I learned to pray again, in an Irish Pub
by Bridget Haggerty

An Irish Welcome
by Sandy Summers

Dun na nGall (Donegal)
by Ruth Mark

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March 2002—Spotlight: Ireland

Celtic Camera
by John Baker

This photo journal by John Baker of Travel Images, Boise, Idaho contains both photos and prose. All photography was taken by the author, and all prose was written by the author. Click on the images below to open John's photo journal in a new window.

I have to confess that I have a passion for all things Celtic. My first 25 years were spent in England, but a move westwards to Celtic Wales stirred something within me. Once immersed in Welsh culture and language I felt as if I had become one with the other Celts and Gaels. I also spent a lot of time in Scotland whenever possible.

My connections to Ireland didn't start until after moving to Idaho in the mid-eighties when I scoured those emerald pastures for the best photo spots. It helped to have friends who still provide photo ops on their farms for Travel Images trips, and after 12 years of going and coming it is a place that fits like a favourite glove.

To know Ireland you really need to get to know the heart of the people, and even though I was born in England, holiday'd in Scotland and lived in Wales, I have found the Irish collectively to be the warmest folk of all on those rolling British isles.

The following photo essay is a mirror of how I see this land of fables,Irish characters and dark beers. Loving Ireland is not unlike a marriage ... I shall love her just as much when the Atlantic squalls batter my face,as when the Chaffinch sings out his song from the mile upon mile of hedgerow and drystone wall.

It's a commitment never to be broken, and for a few moments I invite you to share a few valuable pieces of my Ireland.

Check out our links page for a direct link and summary of John Baker's Travel Images web site.

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