Mary Krueger

<p>Through my years of travel advising, I have often sent vacationers to Ireland.  It is such a beautiful country.  If you are a nature lover the scenery is some of the best in the world.  In 2015, I coordinated a group trip for a luxury travel club and one of my dear clients asked if I would help her do just a bit more than what was included in the group tour.</p>
<p>Sue was a widow and had planned to research her Irish heritage, but life had gotten too busy and too messy for a time.  This trip was her chance.  So with a dear friend along for the adventure - we sought to find her roots. </p>
<p>We found the small village in central Ireland where her family was from.  I coordinated a car rental and a bed and breakfast as close to the farm site as possible.  We mapped out a few important stops along the way and after touring Ireland with their group - off the ladies went on their adventure! It was magical.  </p>
<p>Sue was able to sit in a local pub and ask questions about her family.  Of course, the locals knew them and shared wonderful stories of her aunts, uncles and cousins.  Then, in that perfect Irish way, one of the town folks offered to take her over to meet some of her cousins.  She was introduced and was able to sit and have tea with them in their home share stories of life in Ireland and family memories. </p>
<p>She came home with her heart full, and a feeling of deep connection to her parents and her heritage.  She passed away peacefully a few years after this journey, and I remember feeling honored that I was able to play a small part in fulfilling this lifelong dream.</p>
<p>My own family is Irish, and this inspired me to replicate this experience for my parents and myself.  So in 2019 I completed the research of our Irish family history and off we went.</p>
<p>We found our family in Randalstown Northern Ireland (the matriarchal side) and Galway, Republic of Ireland (the patriarchal side).  Our tour took us through both the North and the South with sweeping vistas and joyful memories. </p>
<p>Now it is time to return!  Mom and I will be headed back in Sept 2025 for her 70th birthday.  It is such an amazing experience to step back into your heritage.  There were moments on this trip when I would be sitting in a pub or a local diner and the atmosphere, the decor, the smells, and the laughter made me feel like I was back in my grandmother's home as a child.  </p>
<p>My heart felt like it had come home in Ireland.  So, where is your heart's home?  Let's find it together!</p>
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