If you love Ireland, you’re a Hibernophile.

The word Hibernophile comes from “Hibernia” (the ancient Roman name for Ireland) and “philo” (the Greek word for love). Sounds cold, right? Yeah, it’s kinda cold. Still, I love Ireland, and feel lucky to live here, because it’s the most beautiful place in the world.

I have some really exciting projects up my sleeve for others who love Ireland. If you are a fellow Hibernophile, you’re going to want to be the first to know.

Belonging…

I’ve heard from lots of Americans that Ireland has this peculiar pull towards it. Even people with only a distant notion of their Irish heritage (or none at all) express this ineffable feeling of belonging when they touch down on Irish soil. That’s a hibernophile.

Why I’m a Hibernophile:

• I love Ireland because it’s stunningly, inspirationally, beautiful! We’re just plain attracted to that.
• The USA is not very old. We are mostly starved for anything ancient. We are as charmed by a crumbling rock wall in the countryside as we are moved by medieval cathedrals.
• I know it’s cliche, but the Irish really do have the gift of the gab. I love Ireland for that. They can chat, they are effortlessly funny, and so welcoming, sociable, genuine, and informal. You just feel comfortable.
• They speak English! Maybe this one is dumb, but I think it goes a long way to why Americans feel so at home here. That accent is just tricky enough to remind you that you’re in another country (but you can still get around).

There’s something else, but that’s the part I can’t figure out exactly…

Can you articulate what else makes you love Ireland? Maybe photographs will do the trick:

So, are you a Hibernophile?

If you’ve visited Ireland before, what was your experience like in terms of belonging? Do you belong to Ireland, or does Ireland belong to you? Do you plan to visit? Why do you love Ireland?

I have some really exciting projects up my sleeve for others who love Ireland. If you are a fellow Hibernophile, you’re going to want to be the first to know.

The Leenane Roadside Foxglove photo above is used with permission from Lauryn Bodde – my “anam cara” 💚 who totally belongs in Ireland.