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.
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Ballynahinch Castle near Clifden – Loftus Family Ireland Vacation Report
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…
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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.
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Swimming Ireland’s Coastline, One Blue Flag Beach at a Time
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…
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Guinness Stories: What You Might Not Know About Ireland’s Iconic Brew
Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it’s the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just…
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Ireland’s Underrated Attractions(how to add them to your itinerary & escape the crowds)
When a new list of “underrated” Irish attractions makes the rounds, I always take a look. Sometimes I nod in agreement. Sometimes I roll my eyes and wonder who decided the Rock of Cashel was a hidden secret. That was my reaction to a ranking from SumUp, which used everything from TripAdvisor reviews to Instagram…
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Ireland’s Blue Flag Beaches: 5 Scenic Spots Worth a Detour
Ireland’s coastline stretches for over 7,500km, so it’s no surprise the island is home to some truly stunning beaches. Whether you’re into brisk seaside walks, cold-water dips, or just want a peaceful place to breathe in some fresh Atlantic air, Ireland delivers. This year, 89 beaches across the country earned Blue Flag status, an international…
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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…
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Booking Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol with (or without) an OPW Card
If Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol are on your Ireland itinerary, you’ll need more than interest to visit – you’ll need a timed ticket. These two OPW-managed sites are incredibly popular, and both strongly recommend advance booking. The good news? Even if you don’t have your OPW Heritage Card yet, you can still reserve your spot….
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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…
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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…
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The Best Deal in Irish History (Literally): Why the OPW Heritage Card Is a Smart Buy
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…
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The 7 Wonders of Ireland
If you’re wondering which spots the Irish think are worth visiting- wonder no more! The Independent, an Irish publication, polled its readers to find the top 7 Wonders of Ireland. If you’ve been around here a while, you know that I love to get tips from my Irish friends on places they think visitors should…
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Discovering Loop Head Peninsula: Ireland’s Rugged Beauty Without the Crowds
If you’ve ever longed for a corner of Ireland that feels untouched, authentic, and refreshingly uncrowded, set your sights on the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. Tucked away from the tourist-heavy paths of the Wild Atlantic Way, Loop Head offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and heartfelt hospitality that rewards those who take…
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The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship in Dublin
Step aboard the Jeanie Johnston in Dublin’s Docklands & hear stories of those who left Ireland for a better life across the ocean.
David Cleary, Head of Sales at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and The Jeanie Johnston, an Irish Famine Story, shares the experience of visiting the Jeanie Johnston as well as his top tips for visiting Dublin. -
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…
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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…
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Derry Guided Tours
Derry or Londonderry? Learn a bit of the city’s history, explore the city walls & murals with Gleann Doherty from Derry Guided Tours.
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Quirky Museums in Ireland
Explore the more unusual aspects of Irish culture with a visit to one of the country’s niche museums. Museums are storytellers that weave their tales around objects from the past. In Ireland, these stories cover everything from fairy folk to the rituals of death and the history of butter. Why not add one of these…
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When is the Best Time to Visit Irish Gardens?
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…
