Once upon a time, before the thought of kids or marriage had entered my mind, I took a vacation to Ireland. Just me, self navigating from the “wrong” side of the road, following a map, often getting lost and having the greatest adventure of my life. I was loading the images from that trip into…
If you’ve watched any movie taking place in Ireland it can seem like a magical and romantic place. And it is! This shot, taken in Killarney National Park, is “the full Irish”. A myriad of green, a thatched roof cottage, jaunting cart and friendly horse. I’m even wearing a lovely tweed. This was the first…
Sometimes you just need a break from history. Castles can get a bit boring after you’ve seen a dozen of them… One more megalithic ruin you can’t climb on is one too many… You just want to play, climb, explore and maybe cuddle a puppy. Kids- and adults- can do all these things just outside…
There is no better way to see and learn about Killarney than from the driver of a jaunting cart. See more handy tips for visiting Killarney.
Killarney may well be the most tourist-ed area of Ireland- and for good reason. Since before Queen Victoria visited in 1861 people have visited Killarney to tour its famous lakes, begin a tour of the Ring of Kerry, or to walk through the Gap of Dunloe. In Killarney you’ll find vast quantities of shops, restaurants…
On even the grayest day in Ireland you’re sure to find a sunny display of colors inside the English Market in Cork. I took this photo of a vegetable stall in the central court from the Farmgate Cafe above. Curious about what you might find in an Irish Market? You’ll want to read about our…
The day we visited Cork City we had many plans for outdoor adventures. Unfortunately the weather had other plans and surprised us with snow. While the weather deterred us from a walking tour of Cork City it did allow us more time to explore the market and have lunch. Here in the states we call…
Our number one rule of traveling with kids: never skip the swings. This photo was taken when we visited Kilkenny Castle. The extensive park grounds had a magnificent playground. For more travel images visit Photo Friday hosted by Delicious Baby.
Note: Be sure to read the updates about visiting Kilkenny Castle! Kilkenny Castle is the type of castle you picture in your mind. Imposing from the outside, opening to a great park at the rear and a garden with fountains at the front. Kilkenny Castle is almost like a fairy tale. Kilkenny Castle belonged to…
I love this shot of Doug as he was carrying Caelan through the cloister at Jerpoint Abbey. They were wandering through looking at carvings when Doug caught me taking pictures as they appeared in an archway. Irish historians say a very famous saint is buried near Jerpoint Abbey. See who it is in my visiting…
Brenna learned to walk just before we left for Ireland. She spent much of our vacation practicing her steps, learning to run away from Mommy and Daddy and getting used to hard soled shoes. It seemed like she spent as much time down as she did up. I love this photo of her in the…
I don’t know about you, but when I think of Ireland beautiful high crosses come to mind. And the Moone High Cross in County Kildare is one of the most spectacular I have seen… We happened across it on our way to Dublin from Kells Priory. Posted signs led us to the cross which sits…
There are really no words to fully describe how awe inspiring and overwhelming it feels as you approach the Rock of Cashel on foot. As you look up the rocky slope at the solid walls looming above you feel very small and rather insignificant. And when you stop to realize the entire imposing structure was…
The Cliffs of Moher has been one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions for at least 200 years. O’Brien’s Tower was built as a viewing spot in 1835. And though the view from the cliffs doesn’t change, the thrill of visiting has yet to waiver. I’ve visited the Cliffs of Moher three times- and never has…
This is one of my favorite images from our time at the Rock of Cashel. But I can never decide if I like it in full color or black & white better… I love the full color version because is shows the brilliant blue sky (it was late November and the weather was incredible), the…
Every time I visit Ireland it seems I bring home at least two packages of Butler’s Chocolates- usually Irish Cream and Whiskey Truffles- so I was thrilled when I saw that the Butler Chocolate factory is now open for tours! I know my girls would adore the interactive mini factory! This is definitely going to…
I was so excited to take my family to Killarney when we visited in 2008 as I had enjoyed the area so much when I visited as a single person in 2002. Yes, it is the most touristed area in Ireland- but that’s for good reason. It’s the base for most Ring of Kerry tours, the lakes…
Every time I see this sign it makes me smile. We had just left the Cliffs of Moher, heading for our B&B in Doolin. Not a quarter mile before this sign the speed limit had increased. It may have been the irony that made it so funny at the time, but I think there…
I took this photo on our second day in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. It was my daughter’s first trip to the Emerald Isle- she had just turned 1- as well as my husband’s. Much about the Cliffs of Moher has changed since that trip- when we returned in 2008 a new visitor’s center…