First published in Collier's Magazine in 1953, "I Go Back to Ireland" is John Steinbeck's engaging non-fiction essay about his personal pilgrimage to the home of his ancestors. As a man with Irish blood in his veins, Steinbeck sets out to see the "old sod" for himself, envisioning a green paradise filled with heroes, kings, and leprechauns.

However, his journey quickly reveals the humorous disconnect between the romanticized expectations of the American descendant and the down-to-earth reality of the native locals. Steinbeck writes with sharp wit about how natives often view returning pilgrims as slightly crazy, particularly when the visitors adopt nostalgic accents or marvel over everyday rustic living. It is a charming, wonderfully observant piece of travel writing that perfectly captures the inevitable surprises of searching for one's heritage.