I’ve had the great fortune to drive the Dingle Peninsula twice; the first time in 2002 when I made my first trip- solo- to Ireland, and more recently with my daughters. Each time the breathtaking scenery has left me entranced. Photo after photo of rugged shorelines, crashing waves, and sites so ancient the time elapsed…
The Dingle Peninsula stretches into the the Atlantic Ocean, windswept and dramatic, as if it were trying to escape County Kerry. There Are Only Two Roads into Dingle As you can see by the map above, only two roads will lead you onto the Dingle Peninsula: the N86 and the R561. The N86 The N86…
From the eastern side of the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way follows 2500 km of Ireland’s most stunning coastline. Soaring cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, and small Irish villages welcome travelers to areas once overlooked by tourists. Only a handful actual cities lie along the Wild Atlantic Way and one…
Killarney is the main tourist hub of south west Ireland for good reason. Within minutes you can be wandering an ancient abbey, touring a castle, wandering through Ireland’s first national park or reliving Victorian splendor- to only name a few popular outings. Killarney is also the base for most Ring of Kerry tours, an easy…
Many thanks to my friend Leigh Maher who writes for the online store Irish Celtic Jewels . On his blog, he gives tips and information about all things Irish, including weddings, history, culture, symbolism, jewelry and the Claddagh ring. Ireland’s Ancient Symbolism Ireland offers families the chance to experience stunning medieval beauty at almost every…
I remember buying a Dublin Pass the first time my family visited Dublin. My eldest daughter was 1 and her favorite thing was the Dublin Zoo. Since that trip in 2005 I’ve used the Dublin Pass multiple times, during solo stays, a couples break, and when exploring Dublin with kids. Get more tips for visiting Dublin…
I’ve visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park three times on vacation to Ireland. The first time was in 2002. I was traveling alone and set to fly out of Shannon the next morning. My incredible hostess Marian O’Meara at Estuary View B&B insisted that a Medieval Banquet should not be missed. As I thawed from a visit to…
In November 2005 Brenna had just had her first birthday, and Doug and I our second anniversary, so we packed up our small family for our first family trip to Ireland. We landed at Shannon Airport shortly after 9am. I had been in contact with our first B&B and knew that, if necessary, we could…
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, a favorite of tourists and locals for over 50 years, just got a facelift! Now, there’s not a lot you can do to a nearly 600-year-old castle that is already regarded as the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in all of Ireland. But you can do quite…
Irish mythology is rich with stories that have been passed down through generations, featuring a mix of heroic tales, tragic love stories, and epic battles. These stories are deeply rooted in Irish culture and have influenced literature, art, and even modern popular culture. They are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and the way they reflect…
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…
The lesser-known castles and abbeys on the island of Ireland tell fascinating stories of the island’s history and culture and are generally crowd free. Thousands of years of history are etched into the landscape of Ireland and told through the castles, fortresses, and monastic sites that greet the traveler around every bend. Some lie in…
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…
Is Westmeath the fairy capital of Ireland? Visitors to this enchanting county certainly seem to think so, with fairy trails winding through scenic landscapes, captivating hearts young and old alike. First stop is Belvedere House, Gardens & Park , a 160-acre estate renowned for its stunning gardens and wonderful playgrounds. Here, tucked away in a magical corner, lies…
Of all the islands off the shores of Ireland, the Aran Islands may be the most well known. About the Aran Islands Located off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are accessible by ferry from County Galway, Rossaveel year-round or Galway City from March thru September, and Doolin from March thru mid-September. There…
County Limerick can often feel ‘untouched’ by tourists. Medieval towns, ancient history, and tranquil countryside await the curious visitor.
Since my family’s first hawk walk, way back in 2015, we have been hooked on these up-close experiences with birds of prey in Ireland. The Sport of Falconry in Ireland The sport of falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. Falconry has been…
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2023 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
Welcome to County Cavan, Ireland’s natural playground nestled along the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In this picturesque region lies Castle Hamilton by the lakes, a serene escape offering a blend of history, adventure, and tranquility. Listen to hosts Alan and Audrey Kells as they unveil the treasures of this hidden…
This morning did not produce those amazing Ring of Kerry views… In fact, the fog was so thick in places that there were no views at all. But it didn’t ruin our day! We had an amazing soak in old Jameson barrels at Sneem Seaweed Baths . This article is also available as a podcast….