Looking at Irish-Americans

Two Irish men make U.S. road trip by car

By Stephen Hagan

Liam Hughes and Corey Taratuta back in Co. Kerry.

Hughes and Taratuta ready to enjoy Aunt Inga's Sour Cream Raisin and Coconut Cream at the Irish Shanti in Gunder, Iowa.

‘It has been great craic.’

Corey Taratuta

After thousands of miles on the roads of America, Liam Hughes and Corey Taratuta have discovered what Lewis and Clark found in 1803.

The United States is a pretty big country.

But the two Irish men have also found so much more.

This past week, the pair were close to their final destination of Los Angeles, traveling through Phoenix on their way to completing what they are calling their “Irish-American Road Trip.” Hughes and Taratuta are two Milwaukee businessmen with a passion for travel. Recently, the two started blogging and creating podcasts about those experiences on their Web site at www.irishfireside.com.

"This trip is about Irish-Americans past and present and we're looking forward to getting to know these people," Hughes said.

During the trip, the pair has searched for Irish-American stories.

“So many people have been influenced by the Irish and their decedents,” said Taratuta. “We’re finding on this trip that everyone has a story to tell. We've found Irish pride in some of the most unusual places.”

One of the people they met included Susie O'Connor from Ajo, AZ, who was quick to point out she was as Irish as could be found southern Arizona. Others included Cindy Helgason in Des Moines, Iowa who showed her technique for making Irish Oatmeal soap and Jim and Betty Sanford in Phoenix, AZ who presented Taratuta and Hughes with an Irish-Mexican-American fiesta. The pair even encountered an “Irish ghost” in Oatman, AZ.

“Dáithí Sproule from the musical group Altan shared the roots of songs about ‘cruel wars’ in Ireland,” said Taratuta. “Tom Sweeney in Minneapolis had Irish turf burning on his gas stove when we arrived. It's been a wonderful mix of experiences.”

During their trip, which began Jan. 13, the two blogged along the way. A chronicle of their experiences can be found at www.irishfireside.wordpress.com. Photos of the trip can also be found on their Web site.

“It has been great craic,” said Taratuta.

This being the “You Tube Generation,” those interested can look up several videos of the trip. (Go to www.youtube.com/profile?user=irishfireside&view=videos).

Planning for the trip was on the spur of the moment, the Irish pair setting their sights on a road trip after a one of their flights from Milwaukee to Los Angeles was cancelled. The original trip was supposed to be a visit to Taratuta’s uncle in Palm Springs, Calif. and with friends in Los Angeles.

“We decided to turn it into a road trip adventure,” said Taratuta. “Now, it’s turned into a trip to make new friends, get to know our audience and tell stories along the way.”

Taratuta and Hughes are motoring along in a Toyota Sienna van they have dubbed “Fiona.” Starting from Milwaukee, the pair has roughly followed the path of the old Route 66. They play to return by car to Milwaukee but are still considering their options.

“The path back hasn't completely been determined yet,” said Taratuta. “Maybe a bit North, but we're really enjoying the warm weather in the more southern states.”

Help from friends

The trip is costly but the men have been resourceful, staying with friends and relatives. The planned month-long journey should cost just over $1,000, with expenditures for gas and lodgings.

“So far, we've been able to keep on budget thanks to the generosity of the people we've been visiting,” said Taratuta. “We don't have a revenue-generating Web site, so we're picking up the tab for the trip. But some of our fans have helped us out with contributions via our Web site.”

While the men are self-employed, they also supplement their income while traveling. Taratuta is a writer, designer and new media consultant. Hughes makes jewelry (www.lamplighterstudio.com).

Any money raised from the trip through Web site contributions will be directed to expenses associated with maintaining the site, paying for giveaways and filling the tank of their beloved car “Fiona,” Taratuta said.

Possibly the biggest surprise along the way has been the kindness and generosity of strangers, many of whom have invited the two young men into their homes and into their communities.

“At first it felt kind of weird to be staying with complete strangers, but that feeling completely disappears once we meet,” said Taratuta. “Everyone has been so wonderful - that Irish hospitality has carried over to this side of the Atlantic!”

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