Ode to Ireland: New to the Victoria Bookshelf

An opulent, gold-toned salon features ornate plasterwork ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and tall windows draped in silk, with gilded mirrors, antique seating, and elegant furnishings arranged in a refined, classical interior.

Legends suggest a cache of riches rests at the rainbow’s end, but as anyone who visits the Emerald Isle can attest, treasures appear from shore to shore. Enchanted by the country’s stunning natural vistas as well as the nation’s warm hospitality, Victoria presents Our Hearts Are in Ireland, a beautifully bound volume designed to stir the soul, suggest sojourns, and share delectable cuisine to enjoy at home.

The Emerald Isle

From the soaring Cliffs of Moher, we wander grassy knolls and misty moors as well as picturesque villages and thriving urban locales such as Dublin and Cork in “The Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes.” Luxurious artisanal wares, including Waterford crystal and fairylike lace capture our fancy in “Celtic Charm,” as do repositories of beauty such as the National Gallery of Ireland and botanic gardens bursting with color.

Sheer sea cliffs stretch along a rugged coastline, their layered rock faces rising above churning blue-green waves, while soft grasses and wildflowers frame the foreground beneath a bright, cloud-dappled sky.

Celtic Charm

Resplendent beauty bursts forth from botanic gardens, gallery walls, and small boutiques tucked into quiet corners. Be it gleaming crystal, fairylike lace, or blankets woven with yarn spun from the finest Irish wool, enduring beauty is the hallmark of creations wrought by Ireland’s skilled artisans, who bring centuries of tradition to their craft.

Left: A vintage-inspired wedding gown with intricate lace overlay and soft tulle skirt is displayed on a mannequin, surrounded by delicate fabrics and romantic décor. Right: An ornate gilded mirror is draped in layers of lace and adorned with trailing florals and strands of pearls, creating a dreamy, romantic vignette.

Stories in Stones & Mist

Pilgrims and pleasure-seekers voyaging across the land can be certain of finding serenity in both vibrant metropolitan centers and more sylvan settings. Landmark hotels and countryside retreats steeped in luxury provide pampering amenities that furnish rest for weary bodies, while historic cathedrals and abbeys offer sanctuary for the soul.

A stately gray stone castle with turrets and battlements sits along the edge of a calm lake, framed by manicured greenery and backed by a dense, verdant hillside.

Noble Heritage

Echoes of gallant gestures and heroic achievements linger behind the façades of glorious castles and grand estates rising from Ireland’s verdant terrain. The venerable edifices and liminal landscapes not only offer a glimpse into the intriguing history and opulent lifestyles of centuries past but also inspire reflection upon more inward realms.

An opulent, gold-toned salon features ornate plasterwork ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and tall windows draped in silk, with gilded mirrors, antique seating, and elegant furnishings arranged in a refined, classical interior.

A Taste of Ireland

Gracious hospitality distinguishes the time-honored Irish tradition of pausing for refreshment, whether alone or in the company of friends. Savor visits to the country’s most renowned tearooms and find inspiration for tables at home with recipes for a repast honoring the nation’s patron saint and a celebratory feast where earthy regional fare shines.

Left: An elegant tearoom with carved wood paneling, patterned wallpaper, and a fireplace hosts a beautifully set table dressed in floral linens, fine china, and tiered stands for afternoon tea. Right: A classic afternoon tea service features a tiered tray of scones, finger sandwiches, and cakes alongside polished silver teapots and delicate china cups on a white-clothed table.

Collect your copy of Our Hearts Are in Ireland in our online shop, and see more about this keepsake book in our March/April 2026 issue, available at newsstands and at victoriamag.com.

Book cover reading “Our Hearts Are in Ireland” by Melissa Lester, featuring a gray stone castle with turrets set beside a tranquil lake, backed by lush green hills.

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