Dublin, Ireland

While Northern Ireland is still under the rule of the Monarchy of England, southern Ireland has won it's own independence as a nation state. They are still attempting to encourage the north to come join them as an independent nation but the ties to the motherland are still strong. 
Both the north and south make reference to their truce decades ago but you have a sense that their diplomacy is a work in progress. I spent the majority of my time in Southern Ireland in the countryside visiting a world famous weaving shop and a cluster of monasteries over 1,000 years old. There is a long and fascinating history in Ireland indeed.

Enjoy...