There is no doubt that the Irish have become America’s most beloved immigrants. From having once been despised newcomers in the 19th century, their story has become embedded in ours as an example of rising beyond poverty and discrimination. Travel to any big city — especially in the Northeast — and you’ll find Irish pubs. And everyone becomes Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

But Do the Irish Still Love America?
I just returned from Ireland, having met up with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids at their home in Arlington, VA. From there we flew to Dublin during the Easter weekend and spent the following week touring Ireland. We didn’t get a chance to travel the whole country, but did take in a good chunk of the northern half, including places like Belfast, Giants Causeway, Derry, Donegal, and Kells before driving back to Dublin. Yes, my son-in-law drove a rental car with the steering wheel on the right and the driving lanes on the left, just as in the United Kingdom.