1. Learn the Irish language. It was the lingua franca of your ancestors and will bring you close to them.

2. Read the Irish classic writers. James Joyce's “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” or “ Dubliners” for starters, and WB Yeats' collected works.

3. Learn Irish history. “The Making of Modern Ireland” by JC Beckett is among the best books on the topic.

4. When you visit see the historic sites - Newgrange, Giant’s Causeway, etc. Not the usual tourist spots.

5. Watch modern Irish classic movies “My Left Foot,” “In the Name of the Father” and “The Crying Game."

6. Study the history of The Troubles, the major event of the last 75 years in Ireland. Tim Pat Coogan’s book “The IRA” is a good place to start.

7. Get to know Irish people from Ireland. Local consulates have a list of Irish organizations in your area.

8. Become an expert on pouring a pint of Guinness - everyone in Ireland is!

9. Learn what Irish humor is really about – read any book by Flann O’Brien.

10. Go to Ireland in the off-season when locals have more time to chat and debate - always a good experience.