Home of: Taryn Harrison

Polson has been the home of Taryn Harrison for her entire life. But if she could have a second home, it would be Ireland.

Harrison first visited the green-themed, European country as a student at Polson High School. She caught the Irish bug then, traveling back dozens of times to soak up the breathtaking scenery and fascinating history.

"It's beautiful, the scenery is gorgeous, the people are so welcoming," Harrison said. "It's a great country. You really feel at home [in Ireland]."

She has since made a career of sharing her love of the country with other Americans.

Her most recent Irish venture involves business entrepreneurship: In 2009, she started Irish Life Experience, a summer high school study abroad program where American students can spend four weeks living, studying and giving back in different parts of Ireland.

"Students are introduced to Ireland's welcoming and friendly people, magical and beautiful landscape, and rich heritage and tradition, all of which will be celebrated through structured classes and tours," her Web site says.

During their four week stay, students take several classes while living in dorms throughout the country. Harrison teaches the Irish studies course while overseeing the tours. Several other chaperones accompany the students as well. When they aren't attending courses, the students go on tours and also participate in a service day.

Last year, Harrison took 80 students. This year the number is down, but applications are still being accepted.

"It was a big venture," Harrison said of starting her own business. "That was a huge risk I was taking. But I just wanted to do it on my own."

Harrison has guided tours of Ireland for more than 10 years with Tenon Tours, based on the East Coast. One of her bosses there is her partner at the Irish Life Experience. When Tenon Tours was giving away a free trip on Facebook this year, Polson resident Matt Day was chosen as a winner. Day's trip is still being planned, Harrison said.

Her family's roots run deep in Ireland as well.

Harrison's mom comes from the Leitrim area. Her dad's family comes from the County Armagh in Northern Ireland. In 2003, Harrison's mother and aunt visited Ireland with her and found where her great-grandpa came from.

Harrison will be in Ireland for its most famous holiday, St. Patrick's Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday. She's guiding a Tenon Tour.

While St. Patrick's Day in the United States is often celebrated with one-too-many pints of Guinness, the national holiday festivities in Ireland are more than just about going to the pub, Harrison said.

Not that she wants to disappoint anyone here, but there isn't as much green - they don't pinch people who forget to wear it - or even corned beef and cabbage as the day's main meal.

"It's about celebrating their culture," Harrison said. "They're proud to be Irish and celebrate where they come from."

Dublin does host a huge parade to celebrate.

It's the ability experience things like the rich culture that keep her going back and what made her want to share the experience.

Harrison hopes local students can join her tours in the coming years. Scholarships and payment plans are available.

"When I meet [the students] at the airport, then just watch them mature and grow," Harrison said. "They come back as completely different people. Traveling is what truly opens your mind."