A Celtic vacation can be a dream come true. The Celtic nations are areas where Celtic tribes lived and where a Celtic language is still spoken. These nations bring with them not only a rich history and mythology but also beautiful landscapes and unique cultures of their own. The Celtic nations include Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. Let’s take a short trip through three of these fantastic locales.
Scotland
Scotland is one of the larger Celtic nations and it is part of the United Kingdom. While it shares a border with England, the majority of the country is bordered by water. Scotland has varying geography with high mountainous regions, the Highlands, as well as lowlands. The variety of geography makes Scotland a visually stunning place to visit and it’s ideal for nature lovers.
It’s a modern country with fine dining, culture, and shopping. You can also enjoy the well-preserved history of the country, including a tour of the famous Edinburgh Castle. This ancient castle dates back as far as the 9th century BC. The citizens speak English so traveling is made easier. However, brace yourself for that thick Scottish accent as it can be difficult to get used to.
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the smaller of the Celtic nations. Cornwall has a population of 536,000 and covers an area of about 1,376 square miles. It is part of the United Kingdom and a ceremonial county of England. It borders England though the majority of the county is surrounded by water.
It has a deep and rich Celtic history including several ancient standing stone landmarks. One of the most famous of these ancient landmarks is the Mên-an-Tol, which features a standing stone with a hole in it. Because of its moderate climate and the miles and miles of scenic beaches, it’s a popular vacation destination for England’s residents. The strong seaside culture makes it a favorite destination. Combine that culture with unique foods, ancient landmarks, and beautiful castles and churches and Cornwall is an ideal Celtic destination.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man or Mann as locals call it is an island located in the Irish Sea between Ireland and Great Britain. The island is sparsely populated and one of the most beautiful areas in the world. It’s home to around 80,000 people. The Manx, or people of Mann, have a strong tradition of myth and folklore. It’s easy to see why. Many ancient landmarks are still scattered about the island. The Braaid is just one of these ancient remnants of Celtic-Norse tribes. It’s located in the central Isle of Man and dates to around 650–950 AD.
Any of the half dozen Celtic nations will undoubtedly provide a spectacular and memorable vacation. If you want to take a step back in time, the three destinations highlighted here are ideal choices. A Celtic vacation creates memories of a lifetime.
