Hiking is a popular pastime in Ireland for both serious hillwalkers and newbies looking to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. For travelers, it can also be a wonderful way to see a beautiful country, to meet new people, and to learn about the history, culture, flora, and fauna of the Emerald Isle. 

Every month here on Wandering Educators, we share the coolest artists and photographers. This fall I found the VERY coolest artist, Liam Hughes, of Liam Shard Jewelry. Liam creates amazing jewelry. I've already seen many, many pieces that I would just love to wear! His unique artistry showcases the best of many different patterns and designs - truly, there is something for everyone.  I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with Liam about his art, and the process of creating it. Here's what he had to say...

The varieties and traditions of music in Ireland run long and deep. Musicians who draw on the heritage and history of music in Ireland for their ideas find as many different ways to take those things forward as they do to connect them with the past.

Music runs deep in Ireland and Scotland, in the landscape, the history, the legends, the stories, and the lives of the people. Though each is a small country, geographically, they both have sent, and continue to send, mighty amounts of music out into the world. Here are three recordings which offer very different gateways into Ireland and Scotland.

Irish music has a way of touching emotions and reaching hearts across time and place and language.