Glendalough makes an excellent day trip from Dublin or a beautiful stop on your way down the coast. Kids will enjoy Glendalough for its wide open spaces, adults will love the history and gorgeous scenery. If the weather is fine allow for time to explore. Wear good walking shoes and allow for at least half…
Beyond being a chocolate shop and cafe, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland can take you ‘behind the scenes’ of chocolate making. Participate in a Chocolate Workshop and learn where this tasty treat comes from, why really good chocolate costs more and even make your own souvenir chocolate to take home! The Best Hot Chocolate in…
I am directionally challenged. Even on the best of days, when the sun is rising or setting, I can have difficulty knowing east from west. So a cloudy Irish day can really set me backward- even with a sat nav (gps) to help guide my way. Which is how I found myself on a small…
Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow offers an array of stunning landscapes and attractions, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Powerscourt Estate. Powerscourt Estate ticks so many boxes for visitors to Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Vivienne Nyhan, sales manager at Powerscourt Estate. If you prefer to…
Beyond the Trees Avondale (County Wicklow) includes a treetop walk and 10 story viewing tower – along with the tallest slide in Ireland!
County Wicklow Travel Guide Gardens, Grand Houses & GlendaloughJust south of Dublin, County Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, is a peaceful blend of manicured estates, monastic ruins, and scenic trails – perfect for day trips or longer stays. Private Tour of County Wicklow Explore the Garden of Ireland on a private day trip…
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…
The Medieval City of Kilkenny is an easy trip from Dublin – under 2 hours if you travel direct by car – and is a terrific day trip from Dublin by train. But too many travelers consider Kilkenny as a ‘stop through’ in route to another spot (usually Cork), which often leads to regret, as…
Back in the fall of 2014 I received an email asking for a few Ireland trip tips. The fun twist to this was that the family asking for advice was from my own community in Iowa and had 2 daughters near my own daughters’ ages! (cue ‘It’s a Small World’) The family would be staying…
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2024 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
It started with a shared love for sea swimming and a chat at a trade show in San Francisco. Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes, both seasoned professionals in Irish tourism, quickly bonded over their passion for the sea – and soon after, an ambitious idea was born: swim at every single blue flag beach in…
Craft, Culture & Craic A Women-Only Journey through the Fields & Fáilte of Ireland April 26 – May 4, 2026 This women-only small-group tour invites you to explore Ireland through hands-on crafts, delicious local experiences, and unforgettable moments (puffins included!). Join us for a journey of a lifetime, where every day promises a new adventure…
A guide to golf in Ireland. Includes descriptions of the 3 course types you’ll find plus the best golf courses in Ireland.
From ancient monasteries to mighty castles, Ireland’s OPW Heritage Card offers unlimited entry to dozens of incredible sites for one flat fee – making it one of the best travel values on the island. When I travel through the republic of Ireland, whether it be with my family or hosting a tour group, it is…
With Ireland’s tourism numbers increasing annually it’s understandable that many travelers are looking outside the busy summer months to plan their vacation. Ireland Travel Tips for Off-Season Vacations In this article you’ll learn Ireland travel tips for off-season vacations plus my advice on taking your children out of school to visit Ireland. This article is…
The drive from Dublin to Killarney is one of the most popular point-to-point routes in Ireland. It takes about four hours if you’re going straight through—but where’s the fun in that? These routes offer plenty of chances to turn the journey into a full day of exploration, with castles, gardens, and charming towns along the…
Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital and home to the country’s busiest airport, is a no-brainer starting (or ending) point for your Irish adventure. There’s plenty to see and do in Dublin—you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sights, history, and pints—but don’t stop there! Some of Ireland’s most incredible spots are just a…
I am a huge fan of beautiful gardens! We have visited many gardens throughout the years, and while gardens in Ireland always have something to offer, there is a sweet spot if you want to catch the blooms looking their best. Don’t Miss This!Enchanting Irish Gardens to add to your Itinerary Reader Question: I came…
This article focuses on departures from Dublin and Shannon airports for North American visitors to Ireland. At this time no other Ireland airports offer direct flights to North America. How far can you stay from the airport the night before you leave Ireland and still have a relaxed morning and a (mostly) stress-free departure? A…
We have visited in every month of the year and I can honestly say that any time you can go to Ireland is a good time to go! Planning your trip is dependent on your own schedule and the experiences you want to have, but trust me when I say that you can have an…