What is a Celt? The Celts are one of the ancient races of the world, tracing their origins to before written history, somewhere in Eastern Europe. By 500 BC the Celtic world stretched from Ireland and Scotland in the West to Russia in the East and down to the Mediterranean. By the fourth century BC, they were thought to be one of the four great barbarian races by the Ancient Greeks.
The Celts were never really unified as a people, but they shared a common culture. To this day, a Welsh speaker can make themselves understood to a Breton, or recognize links to Scots or Irish Gaelic.
Today, the Celtic strongholds are Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and Cornwall in the British Isles, and Brittany in France, but you can find evidence of the ancient culture across Britain and parts of Western Europe.
Ireland
When it comes to emigrating, the Irish did it in style. It’s estimated that 80 million people around the world consider themselves to be of Irish descent – that’s 14 times the current population of the Irish Republic. While the Irish government takes no responsibility for these people, it amended its own constitution, the Bunreacht na hÉireann in 1998 to read “the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage.” In many ways, Ireland’s tourist industry is built on its Celtic heritage. Irish tourism is making the most of international interest in Celtic history and heritage. Dozens of tours promise a taste of the myths and legends, the history, the landscape and even the cooking of this Celtic nation. Dublin is a big city, full of history – but you’ll get more of a feel for the Celtic heritage if you head for less cosmopolitan places.
Scotland
“Do you have the Gaelic?” you might hear one Scot ask another. Their ancient Celtic language has been less successful in being dragged back from the brink of oblivion, but inroads are being made. Centuries of conflict with neighboring England have left a nation fiercely proud of its independence. A visit to a more remote area will give you a heady dose of Celtic culture that you will never forget. A trip to the Scottish isles, such as Mull or Skye, will introduce you to many Scottish traditions, including, of course, whiskey. Try to take part in a traditional “Ceilidh” (pronounced kaye-lee), a kind of social evening, musical event and dance all rolled into one, to experience authentic Celtic entertainment at its best.
Interested in discovering your Celtic roots or just exploring the history of Ireland and Scotland? You’re in luck! Check out our Celtic Hearts Tour, where you can travel to Ireland, Scotland, or both this fall! We’d love to have you join us! (Oh, for those of you who enjoy golf, there’s some time for that, too if you wish!)
Have you been to either place? If so, what did you enjoy most? If not, what do you most want to see or experience in Ireland or Scotland?
My wife has family all over Ireland. We haven’t visited Ireland yet but hope to. It looks like a beautiful place to be.
It’s a beautiful country. So much of the land has been left in it’s natural state. Hope you’re able to visit it in person.
I am so glad to learn that the ancient language is not being allowed to go extinct.
The world has become so unified. For some things that’s great, but I still hope we keep some of the differences as well!
Love the picturesque sense of Celts! My husband is Scottish and we would love to visit there soon! great job! P
Another beautiful country! Love that so much is still undeveloped!
I wish I could go! I have heard that region is truly magical. I actually have a family wedding that week otherwise I would seriously consider it. Another time 🙂
It is magical! So much of our lore comes from their mythologies. Keep an eye out, we’ll be hosting other groups to the region.
Scotland is in my bucket list! I’ve seen some pics and I’m in love with that place 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Do you have a particular place in mind to visit: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness (the Highlands)?
I would love to visit these areas! I think it would amazing to experience the culture.
Absolutely, and so much history!
This has always been on my wish list of places to go. Not just for the culture and history, but for the environment. I’ve done study on the Celts and Druids and I would be so happy to get to take it all in. This is one place that I definitely will get to see one day!
Interesting article! I’ve never been to Ireland or Scotland, and don’t have any plans to go as of now. I generally vacation in a tropical paradise. Since I have an eight-year-old, I might have to consider a change in the future!
Both are beautiful countries! There’s a lot to see and do, even with kids. Let me know if you decide to visit. I’m happy to help you with family type things to do and see.
I have only been to Scotland a couple of times. It is very picturesque with some great plays to visit.
Where did you visit? What “must-sees” would you recommend?
I’ve not been to either place but I’d love to visit! 🙂
Both are absolutely beautiful and full of so much history!
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
Asking me to pick one is the same to asking a parent to pick their favorite child! So far, they’ve all be great!
I love the Celtic places, kind of dark and mysterious, Like the King Arthur story. I spent some time in Wales when I was a teenager and it was wonderful. Great castles, great coastline and wonderful culture, with very long words.
having young special needs kids means no travelling at this time in my life— but through your blog I get to do so much travelling anyway! thank you!
I’ve never been to Ireland or Scotland, but I would love to experience the Scottish culture. I think they have a rich and very interesting culture. I’m so excited to learn more about them.
Like many I have roots in Ireland and the Celts for sure! My daughters got to go there for little or nothing because one is an employee of American Airlines so I am very jealous! They got to see some of the vastness of Ireland and it was wonderful. What you described here is just what I want to see! Just need to have the adventure and the means like my girls had! Some day……
Wow.. I would surely love to visit Scotland. The closest I get is the Scottish Highland Games every Labor Day weekend in Alameda County, CA… the pipes are amazing. However, I hear Scotland is amazing and pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
I love this article because I can so relate to it. I would love to visit Ireland because that is where my ancestors are from..Very cool article!