“A Summer in Ireland”

Book by Taba Dale

“A Summer in Ireland”

Book by Taba Dale

“A Summer in Ireland”

Life and Golf on the Emerald Isle

Fresh-eyed, soulful and witty storytelling about the country of Ireland tourists tend to miss and things locals often take for granted.

 In this collection of short stories you will travel to picturesque places, sometimes along single track roads with centuries old hedgerows defining your way. You’ll drink in the forty shades of green that Ireland is famous for, while working up a thirst for a pint or two in the nearby pub.

A Summer in Ireland – Life and Golf on the Emerald Isle

 

Have you ever dreamed of visiting and playing golf in Ireland? How would you like to live there? You’ll feel like you were transported to this spectacularly beautiful island nation. You’ll venture to picturesque places, sometimes along single track roads with centuries old hedgerows defining your way. You’ll drink in the forty shades of green that Ireland is famous for, while working up a thirst for a pint or two in the nearby pub. Even the tiniest village has at least one pub.

Not only will you get a glimpse of the wit and humor of the Irish people, you’ll be treated to pertinent information about playing golf in Ireland. From the trophy linksland courses to the magical hidden gems, if you love to travel, this book will inspire you to experience the rich Irish culture for yourself.

 

In Taba’s words about her first Summer in Ireland

“I came to Ireland with fresh eyes and an open mind. It was better than I dreamed it would be. I immersed myself in the culture of the island, marveling at every lichen-covered rock and the majesty of the mighty Atlantic Ocean on my doorstep. I took the time, since I had an entire summer, to take in everything that was beautiful and special about Ireland. I discovered what the Irish people themselves perhaps take for granted and what the casual tourist will often miss. I feel like I touched the heart and soul of Ireland and it certainly touched me. I’ll never be the same. It could transform your life too.”

Images of places, events and things
Taba wrote about in “A Summer in Ireland”

(Hover over the picture to get access to the navigation arrows)

Moy House (Photo by Taba Dale)

Rosses Point (Photo by Brian Morgan)

Old Head (Photo by Brian Morgan)

Cliffs of Moher (Photo by Taba Dale)

Poulnabrone Portal Tomb (Photo by Taba Dale)

Old Head Atlantic (Photo by Brian Morgan)

Double Rainbow Castle Course (Photo by Taba Dale)

Connemara Pony (Photo by Taba Dale)

Ballybunion (Photo by Brian Morgan)

Doolin Garden (Photo by Taba Dale)

Ballybunion Sunset (Photo by Brian Morgan)

Waiting by the Wall (Photo by Taba Dale)

Hairy Rocks (Photo by Taba Dale)

Taba at Lahinch Golf Club (Photo by Taba Dale)

Bronze sculpture of J.P. Holland, the inventor of the submarine (Photo by Taba Dale)

Flowering Rock Wall (Photo by Taba Dale)

Taba Lahinch Goat Sculpture (Photo by Taba Dale)

Mystical Music (Photo by Taba Dale)

Liscannor Door Knocker (Photo by Taba Dale)

 

Watch Taba’s interview about her book “A Summer in Ireland”
(broadcasted on PBS in the Greater NYC in “Out of Ireland” program)

Praise for the Book

Taba brings the Emerald Isle to life with love and passion . . .

““Taba Dale has a natural, clear style of writing that brings the Emerald Isle to life with love and passion. It is rare when a writer possesses the ability to convey not only a story effectively and convincingly, but also gives the reader deep insight into the psyche of the writer. A joyful read . . . a travelogue of a truly magical land.”

 ~ Rod Drought

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What Readers Say

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“The stories themselves are well-written and amusing. However, more importantly, in aggregate they convey to the reader a feeling of what Ireland is like. If you think you might like to visit, read this collection. If it resonates with you spiritually, you owe it to yourself to go to the Emerald Isle and experience it yourself.”

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“Just finished reading – for the second time – this lighthearted, lively insight into Taba’s envious time spent with and about the locals in Liscannor in County Clare. With humor, folk lore and a good eye for describing nature’s greener landscapes high above the Atlantic coast, I was transported simply and comfortably to a getaway once visited in the 1970’s. Not experiencing the rawness of the links golf courses in Ireland, as she had, but having played in a driving, bone chilling rain in Wales, I related when the decision to play overrode the prevailing elements and still enjoyed the walk. At any time, this book can be picked up, read and reread while smiling throughout.

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“This book is effectively a diary of the author’s experiences during the summer of 2010. Her hobby is golf, and so a good many of the stories deal with playing or watching golf. But the book is primarily about experiencing Ireland through fresh eyes. Taba is stationed in the small town of Liscannor, located on the west-coast of Ireland near the Cliffs of Moher. Her extended stay allows her to focus on daily items, such as why UK toilets have two buttons, and how different it is to visit a small-town Irish doctor. She takes great interest in the Celtic language, pronunciation, and slang, and makes friends with the neighboring livestock. Taba’s spunk and zest shine through and bring Ireland to life.”

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“Taba Dale’s A Summer in Ireland is a must-read for anyone who enjoys an easy read, unique stories, lots of laughs (no crying) and sharp wit. I so enjoyed learning about Ireland’s gifted storytellers, ancient culture, and food (I drooled a little). And oh yeah, Dale includes some golf to reveal how much more fun the game can be played the Irish way–as only Dale, our fun-loving narrator can describe it. There are truly sweet (but not cloying) revelations about the shared love of Dale her life partner and “Stallion,” Kevin at whose Irish seaside home they spend summer months. Gifted author, Dale writes with simple yet keenly descriptive, witty prose that reveals her talent for painting scenes with words and repeating what she heard with perfect tone and pitch. Not easy to do with Ireland’s form of English, let alone the Gaelic she interprets so easily.”

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