Important Notice: Vacation Coaching and Itinerary Services will be paused from April 5 - May 15 while I am leading tours in Ireland. If you want guided assistance please book soon.
County Antrim Travel Guide Legends, Landscapes & Titanic TalesCounty Antrim blends storybook scenery with deep-rooted history – from the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway to Belfast city, where creation and conflict once walked side by side. Planning a full Ireland itinerary? The Ireland Travel Compass helps you connect destinations and build a smooth route…
Just after Easter, Jody is heading back to Ireland—and this trip is filled with experiences, stays, and a few surprises that might inspire your own plans. Ireland trip preview: tours, experiences, and places to stay This upcoming visit blends guided tours, hands-on experiences, and independent exploring across Ireland—from the Causeway Coast to the southeast, with…
Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there’s one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn’t finding castles in Ireland — it’s deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331….
Expert advice for finding the best places to stay in Ireland that fit your vacation dreams, budget, and itinerary.
Whether you’re shopping for the Ireland lover in your life or planning your own adventure, these gifts bring a little bit of Ireland right to your doorstep. From Irish-made crafts and cozy favorites to travel tools and experiences that inspire your next trip, this year’s guide has something for every kind of traveler and dreamer….
Are you fascinated by the paranormal and keen to feel the presence of a wandering spirit? Head to Ireland where hauntings abound. Figures recently released about the fast-growing dark tourism market reveal that people are fascinated by horror, the macabre and the paranormal. Increasingly, travellers want to visit sites associated with tragic events or…
April 16-24, 2026 Irish mythology and modern tragedy… The warmth of whiskey and the cool spray of the North Atlantic… And the opportunity to get hands-on with Irish traditions passed down through the years. From vibrant Belfast to the storied streets of Derry, with coastal wonders and legendary landscapes in between, this tour explores the…
If you’ve waited too long to do your shopping and want to give an Irish gift – or even the gift of Ireland – this year, I’m here to help! Give an Amazing Irish Experience Even if you aren’t sure of your travel dates, many tours and attractions offer vouchers and gift cards. A few…
As I spend more time in Ireland I find myself searching for more stories and striving to have a personal connection to an area. One of the best ways I have found to do this is to hire a private guide. Whether you hire a driver guide for your Ireland vacation or an individual guide for…
In Celtic Ireland, the winter solstice was a highly important event marking the turning point of the year and the coming rebirth of the land.
Few spots in Ireland invoke the imagery of Irish mythology more than the Giant’s Causeway along Antrim’s northern coast. Science may explain the polygonal stones as being caused by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, but in your mind’s eye you can’t help but see the giant, Finn McCool, setting his stepping stones across the…
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast often ranks high on an Ireland vacation bucket list. With marquee sites like Belfast, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, and the walled city of Derry, tourists are drawn to the 120 mile Causeway Coastal Route to experience the dramatic landscape heavily fortified by Irish mythology. But the mistake many visitors make when touring Northern Ireland…
When James Stuart lined the drive to his Georgian mansion with 150 Beech trees in the late 18th century his goal was to add a sense of grandeur to the entry of his estate. Nearly two centuries on about 90 of these trees remain as one of the most photographed locations in Ireland: The Dark Hedges….
Irish mythology is rich with stories that have been passed down through generations, featuring a mix of heroic tales, tragic love stories, and epic battles. These stories are deeply rooted in Irish culture and have influenced literature, art, and even modern popular culture. They are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and the way they reflect…
The Byrne Brothers are a family musical act from originally from County Donegal. This multi-talented family travel through the US entertaining crowds with energetic Irish music and dance shows in pubs and at Irish festivals. Their story is interesting and inspiring, I hope you enjoy it! The Byrne Brothers Favorite Spots in Ireland The Byrne…
The trick to packing light for your Ireland vacation is to choose clothes that can be ‘mixed and matched’ to create different outfits. See my Ireland Packing List here. But if you are staying longer than a week you may find that you need to wash your clothes in something other than a sink. In…
Since my family’s first hawk walk, way back in 2015, we have been hooked on these up-close experiences with birds of prey in Ireland. The Sport of Falconry in Ireland The sport of falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. Falconry has been…
Wondering about the best places to visit in Ireland in 2024? And, if you are planning on visiting one of these tops spots, you’ve probably wondered if there are any secrets to having an amazing visit – and maybe avoiding the crowds (as much as possible). The answers to your questions are below – based…
Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.) In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the…
If you’re planning to explore the Causeway Coastal Route your itinerary probably includes a stop at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Crossing Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge may not be for the faint of heart- but it offers an experience you won’t forget! Constructed of planks and wires suspended 100 feet in the air, the ‘rope bridge’ crosses the…