'This Is The Year To Come Home'

By Jason Gallagher

With the launch of its new campaign, Tourism Ireland has set 2010 as the year for the Irish-American Diaspora to re-connect to their Celtic roots and make a visit to the Emerald Isle.

It should come as no surprise that Ireland has a rich tradition of music and sport that is there for travelers to take full advantage of. Whether you're interested in 'trad' (traditional Irish music), or want to delve into the indie scene, which has spread itself deep into the Irish music psyche, there will be something for everyone in Ireland.

During the summer months, there is a wide range of festivals, gigs and concerts for the visitor to experience, providing a wide range of music to be listened, danced and sang to. One that may be of special interest to the American visitor would be 'An Emigrants Tale Festival' in Waterford, which is held over the summer months and examines the Irish experience in America during the famine period.

For the younger visitor there are music events such as Belsonic in Belfast and the Electric Picnic in Dublin, held in August and September respectively. These events feature the top names across the music world including the likes of Paul Weller, Stereophonics and Florence and the Machine - acts that are sure to have you dancing away the days and nights.

No matter how much money you spend on tickets or travel, in Ireland you will realize that going down to the local pub and hearing the flute, fiddle or banjo will give you as much entertainment as seeing U2 in Croke Park. The tradition of improvised music in a bar goes back hundreds of years and is still providing the locals with the best night's craic... so why can't you join them?

For the sports enthusiasts out there, Ireland has a plethora of opportunities to strengthen your skills, pitch onto the best greens in golf, visit world-famous events such as the Galway Races and experience the competitive and exciting sports that the GAA has to offer.

With the best tracks anywhere, Northern Ireland has become the home of motorcycle road racing. The Ulster Grand Prix, between August 9th and 15th, is sure grab your attention and could well start a love affair with the sport that won't end when you leave.

Arguably the most thrilling of Irish sports to be experienced has to be Hurling and Gaelic Football under the auspices of the GAA. These ancient sports combine the techniques of field hockey and soccer to create a furious battle that makes you wonder how anybody is left standing at the end of it. Although you will most likely associate these sports with Croke Park stadium, you will not have to visit the fourth largest stadium in Europe to enjoy the game, as the passion that can be found in watching more local clubs will outweigh the size of Dublin's finest and captivate your emotions as you join with the crowd in their thunderous support for their team.

With an almost infinite list of things to do, the size of Ireland will not stop you taking advantage of what every county has to offer. All you need when you get there is a car and tank of petrol. After that, the world, or in this case Ireland is your oyster.

The introduction of the Online Census of 1901 and 1911 has given Irish-Americans the ability to trace their ancestors' whereabouts and other important information, making the increasing number of flight routes to Ireland that have opened over America sound even more appealing. And, with exchange rates at their most attractive, there hasn't been a better time to get your feet on Irish soil.

Can you afford it? That really is the million-dollar question (forgive the pun). But, you might be in for a surprise as a visit to discoverireland.com will point you to their partners who are offering vacation deals that are sure to get the thought of drinking Guinness in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter ringing over and over in your head.

Castle stays, golf packages and chauffeur driven trips are only a few of the vacation offers that are available. Senior travelers can even take advantage of free train travel on the island, and there are exclusive hotel and restaurant offers for all.

With all this in mind it would be difficult for anyone to refrain from jumping at the opportunity and, with the benefits that this year has brought such as the Online Census and cheap exchange rates, it has never been a better year to go home.