Rudy Maxa is blessed with a bit of Irish luck as he takes on Ireland's ruggedly beautiful west coast. Starting in Galway, Europe's fastest growing city, he shops for Irish crystal and Celtic jewelry. Then it's a salt-sprayed boat trip to the fabled Aran Islands, where breathless heights are reached at a Stone Age fort, and traditional hand-knit sweaters are ferreted out. Heading south, he passes through the eerie landscape of the Burren, sampling the best of Irish folk music, and binging on a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. In the lush forests of Killarney, he visits the country manor of Muckross, before touring the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Also: tips are given on renting bicycles. First program in a 13-part season.