What is our concept of ourselves and the place we live in? Does it correspond to the image of Ireland and its people which is sent out to foreigners wishing to visit the country? In other words, how near to reality is our tourist propaganda abroad? Well, of course, those in the business; have to do a selling job. Here is a recent example of what we telling Germans As so often, it appears under the heading Europe's Green Holiday Island.
"The first holiday in Ireland is more than merely a short flirtation. It is the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Of a deep relationship with country and people. Of a new view of nature and culture, of history and of stories. A revelation in matters of good taste - for example, of tender salmon, a delight to the palate, of handwoven tweed for your outfit. Pure air makes you want to get out and about rambling, riding, golfing, boating. Warm hospitality comes gratis - enjoy yourself on Europe's "green holiday island."
A coupon at the bottom of the advertisement has the slogan "Holidays for body and soul." It is a big advertisement in a prestigious newspaper. You would hope we live up to all that. Certainly, any German writing to the agency in theirs own country, will get a power of information. Two magazine style brochures packed with information and excellent photographs, not excluding close ups of that delight to the palate, salmon and trout dishes, and shellfish, neat maps, and details of sporting facilities etc.
But do we need the come on about the charm of the people? Mind you, the charm of the people is not something that you will remember reading in French tourist literature about the French, though others may write and say it. And does German tourist literature tell us of their personal charm?
A useful addition this year to the package was a beautifully illustrated brochure given over to Northern tourism. There is, of course, a dramatic mood photograph of the Giant's Causeway and also a long scenic of the White Rocks - they would be called cliffs in another context - which stretch from Portrush to, more or less, Dunluce Castle. The first time, it may strike you, how much that North coast has to offer in beauty.