Halloween’s Historic Origins in Ireland
Discover the enchanting origins of Halloween in Ireland, where the festival of Samhain began over 3,000 years ago.
Discover Dracula’s Dublin Roots
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…
Top 3 Dublin Experiences (So Many Tourists Miss These)
The 3 best things to do in Dublin – the museum everyone should visit, a tasty tour, and an amazing castle with fascinating history.
Ireland’s Most Visited Heritage Sites
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2024 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
County Tipperary Beyond the Rock: Make It More Than a Pit Stop
It’s no surprise that most travelers to Ireland have the Rock of Cashel on their list. It’s dramatic, iconic, and completely captivating as it rises unexpectedly from the landscape. But if that’s the only stop you make in County Tipperary, you’re missing so much. Photographer and tour guide John Cash knows the county inside and…
When Not to Visit Blarney Castle (and How to Time It Right)
Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations – and for good reason. But if you show up at the wrong time, your magical visit can quickly turn into a crowded, stressful experience. Here’s a quick planning tip that can make all the difference. How Cruise Ship Schedules Can Make or…
Discovering What Lies Beyond Blarney Castle’s Famous Stone
It is likely the most famous rock in all of Ireland… the Blarney Stone. Though there are many stories of where the stone originated, the powers it holds are not argued: one kiss and you’ve gained the gift of eloquence. Maybe that is why it was set so high in the castle wall? Whether you believe…
Lovely Laois
County Laois (pronounced leash) may not be on your radar when planning your Ireland itinerary, but if you are traveling between Dublin and Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, or Clare, you’re likely to pass through this often overlooked county. This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 149, featuring Aubrey Hutchinson, owner of Abbeyleix…
Day Trips from Dublin (no car required!)
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…
Waterford, Ireland’s European City of Christmas
Waterford, Ireland has been named the 2024 European City of Christmas.
Learn more about Winterval, the largest Christmas Festival in Ireland and get tips for your visit.
Reflection and Reconnection During the Winter Solstice in Ireland
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.
Visiting Kilkenny Castle
Our tour with IrishTourism.com began in Kilkenny and we couldn’t leave without revisiting the castle, where quite a bit has changed since our first visit to Kilkenny Castle in 2008. The biggest change is that my children are older. While they still loved the play area on the grounds, they also enjoyed walking the many…
Visiting the Rock of Cashel
I have yet to see anything more imposing or inspiring than the Rock of Cashel. Breathtaking, spellbinding, awesome… These words don’t even do it justice. And the feeling doesn’t dissipate- each time I visit the ‘Rock’ fills me with awe. Irish legends tell the the rock that Cashel of the Kings is built upon is…
Visiting Glendalough in County Wicklow
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…
Wonderful Glendalough Walks for Families
Our first visit to Glendalough in 2008 focused on the Monastic City. The cold and wet March day was much more suitable to learning about St. Kevin in the visitors center and hot tea in the nearby hotel restaurant than explorations beyond the stone churches. Finally following up that visit in 2015, our day began…
Cahir Castle in Tipperary – Our Most Favorite Castle in All of Ireland
It’s kind of funny to me as I look back at the recommendations made in the last couple years of my Ireland travel coaching business… I recommend Cahir Castle highly, noting that it is a favorite of ours. And yet, I’ve never written about it. Maybe I wanted to keep it as my own little…
Visiting Athassel Abbey in Tipperary with Neil Jackman of Abarta Audioguides
When the opportunity presents itself to join a knowledgeable local at a rarely explored historic site, you take it. (<– important travel tip!) When that knowledgeable local is Neil Jackman, archaeologist and executive director of Abarta Heritage, you happily trudge out in heavy rain to hear the stories he has to tell. Like many of…
Round Towers and High Crosses in Ireland: Visiting Clonmacnoise
When you close your eyes and picture Ireland, what do you see? If the answer includes round towers and high crosses, then you’ll want to be sure Clonmacnoise in County Offaly is part of your Ireland itinerary. Located in the heart of Ireland at what once was a major crossroads where the north/south route of the…
Getting Up to Shenanigans in Kilkenny
Known as the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny offers visitors a unique blend of ancient stories, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you can’t help but feel transported to another time, where each street corner holds a door to a new tale waiting to be discovered. This article is…
Powerscourt Estate: The Crown Jewel of County Wicklow
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…