Ireland’s most memorable experiences aren’t always found on the busiest routes. In County Cavan, travelers trade crowded attractions for quiet waterways, forest walks, and the simple pleasure of having time to enjoy where they are. For visitors who prefer exploring at their own pace, Cavan offers a different side of Ireland. It’s a place where…
Ireland’s Ancient East is filled with famous landmarks, but some of its most memorable experiences happen just beyond the well-trodden stops. Between the sweeping history of the Boyne Valley and the quieter corners of Westmeath, travelers can uncover everything from prehistoric passage tombs to castle kitchens frozen in time. This article is based on podcast…
Kilkenny is often treated as a quick stop between Dublin and Cork, but travelers who spend even a day or two here quickly realize how much they would have missed by rushing through. From medieval streets and castle walks to live music and hurling experiences, Kilkenny combines history, culture, and fun in a way few…
There are places in Ireland that ask travelers to slow down, look around, and settle into the rhythm of a place instead of rushing through a checklist. Clare Island and Clew Bay in County Mayo are exactly that kind of destination. Just off the coast near Westport, Clare Island offers dramatic landscapes, deep history, welcoming…
The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry captures hearts quickly – but the real magic reveals itself when visitors slow down, look closer, and step just slightly off the main path. Dingle Peninsula travel tips: how to experience it beyond the highlights The Dingle Peninsula is often at the top of Ireland itineraries – and for…
Standing on Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge is always unforgettable, but if you’re planning to walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail, a few important updates will shape how you experience it. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail Update: What’s Open and What’s Not The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is fully open, and the Cliffs of…
Westport has long been one of those places travelers stumble upon and wish they’d planned more time for. With new developments at Westport Estate and a new luxury hotel, it’s quickly becoming a destination worth lingering in. Top Reasons to Base Yourself in Westport, County Mayo Set along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo,…
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….
Not far beyond Dublin’s busy streets lies a landscape of forest trails, heather-covered hills, and stories that stretch back thousands of years. The Dublin Mountains are closer than most visitors realize – and packed with history, mythology, and unforgettable views. This article is based on podcast episode 327 featuring Ben Shorten, owner of My Bike…
Skellig Michael rises straight out of the Atlantic, jagged and dramatic, and according to archaeologist Neil Jackman, it’s every bit as challenging as it looks. Visiting this remote Kerry island can be an extraordinary experience – but only if travelers understand what’s involved before they try. Visiting Skellig Michael: What Travelers Need to Know This…
Visiting the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) Dublin didn’t earn its UNESCO City of Literature designation by accident. This is a city shaped – physically, culturally, and emotionally – by writers. Their words echo through streets, pubs, libraries, and public spaces, forming part of everyday life rather than sitting quietly on a shelf. One of…
County Clare is filled with spectacular places to explore, but when I think about the places I’ve returned to multiple times and the ‘wish list’ so many people have for their Ireland vacation, these are my top 3 recommendations: the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and an evening of live trad music. Together they offer…
Discover the enchanting origins of Halloween in Ireland, where the festival of Samhain began over 3,000 years ago.
Ireland’s tales of the undead and Dublin’s Gothic architecture inspired the creation of the world’s most famous vampire. Transylvania may be thought of as Count Dracula’s home, but the fanged fiend began his life in Dublin. The legendary vampire is the creation of Irish writer Bram Stoker, who was born in Dublin in 1847 at…
When most people think of surfing, Ireland probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But along Clare’s Atlantic coast, rolling waves crash onto wide sandy beaches, drawing surfers from around the world. From the lively breaks at Lahinch to the wildest waves that draw pros from across the world, Clare has become one…
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…
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way without getting behind the wheel, good news: it just got a whole lot easier. The brand-new Route 351 now runs from Galway City to Doolin Pier, stopping at Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher along the way. Think of it as your ticket…
The 3 best things to do in Dublin – the museum everyone should visit, a tasty tour, and an amazing castle with fascinating history.
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.