It’s the county that inspired W.B. Yeats, yet Fáilte Ireland figures reveal it is the least visited county along the Wild Atlantic Way; the tourists that do find their way here pass through with quick glances through a window as they travel from Point A to Point B. With miles of inland and ocean water ways,…
The protected peninsula of Rosses Point, reaching from Sligo like a small hand between Sligo Harbour and Drumcliff Bay, is a well known local holiday spot. The sandy beach, ocean-side golf course, and marina, draw families searching for an active, yet relaxing, break. Yeats Country Hotel, the only hotel at the end of the quiet peninsula, is…
Situated on the far eastern edge of County Clare, the village of Killaloe was once known as the ‘Capital of Ireland’. Of course, that was in the early 11th century when Brian Boru was High King of Ireland and he ruled from the town of his birth. Now the town, nestled in a bend of…
Join Jody as she chats with Marie Brennan, the Events Manager for Shannon Heritage, about the company’s top attractions and some of the great events they host. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Marie Brennen, the Events Manager for Shannon Heritage. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find…
Our first stop as we explored County Kilkenny was Jerpoint Abbey. Located near Thomastown, just south of Kilkenny, you really can’t miss it as it nestles up to a curve of the N9 (a major roadway). We received a great lesson on the history of Jerpoint Abbey from Sheila in the interpretive center- be sure to…
Jody is in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre chatting with Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen. Stream our podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Libsyn and Google Play Music. Show Notes: (Click on times below to Expand) 00:00 Intro Jody is on location at the…
Fota Wildlife Park is a quick 10km from Cork City, but the 100 acres of parkland feel like they are miles from the bustling town. A zoological park with ‘open and natural’ surroundings for animals, Fota Wildlife Park offers the feeling of a safari in a safe, family friendly environment. Wandering around the spacious grounds can…
It’s true that County Clare lures visitors with a trio of tourist highlights: the towering Cliffs of Moher, the unparalleled surprise of the Burren, and Ireland’s friendliest airport in Shannon. But what else can you expect from this western county in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way? Quite a lot, actually. My most recent…
It was a funny coincidence that had me meeting Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in 2013. As the girls and I waited for our Cliffs of Moher cruise with Doolin2Aran Ferries, we happened to be standing near a woman who was very knowledgeable about the area. She was happy to…
While I am always on the look out for new attractions and activities to share across Ireland it pays to revisit sites I’ve spent time at in the past. This fall the girls and I returned to the Cliffs of Moher. While we had seen the cliffs from a cruise in 2013, we hadn’t been on top…
Knappogue Castle, owned and managed by Shannon Heritage, was once open for public tours. Though the walled garden is still available to visitors, there are only two ways into the castle: the nightly Medieval Banquet from April – October or via castle rental, for an event or lodging. During our 3 night stay at Knappogue…
Donkey Sanctuary, nestled in County Cork. The sanctuary is free to visit and a favorite of families. Ireland vacation tips | Ireland travel | IrelandFamilyVacations.com[/caption] I would have never known about The Donkey Sanctuary had it not been for the helpful advice of Miriam at The Old Bank B&B in Bruff. Miriam arranged for Fergal…
Few drives in Ireland are as breath-taking as the Sky Road in Clifden. We experienced this first hand as we made our way to Ocean Villa B&B, our first lodging in Clifden. We were unprepared for the feeling that we could easily drop over the edge of the road- or the thrill that accompanied the views…
Ireland is a land where magic shimmers over each hill, just ahead – if you could only catch it. It pulls you forward, off the quick motorways and onto the slower, narrower roads lined with stone walls and hedgerows. It’s an unhurried pace Ireland draws you to, and you’re well to heed it, as rushing only leads…
Reader Question: If you had to choose one side of the island for your first visit, which would it be? This is a great question, though it is much like asking a parent which child is their favorite. I love it all! So which ‘side’ of Ireland for a first vacation? That may be entirely dependent…
The Burren, famous for its barrenness, is one of the most unique places in Ireland. Its limestone terrain, hardy vegetation, and rugged animals, both wild and domestic, make the Burren a contrast. Barren limestone gives way to open grazing land. The limestone cliffs drop abruptly into the ocean. And beauty appears out of nowhere. Too often…
A falconry experience in Ireland is not to be missed. During our stay at Mount Falcon we had the opportunity to join Jason Deasey, the owner of the Falconry at Mount Falcon, and his adorable Hungarian Vizsla, Chili, on a hawk walk. The mews at Mount Falcon are located in the circle of Woodland Lodges in…
If the owners of Mount Falcon Estate would let me live in one of their Woodland Lodges I would move in tomorrow. My family arrived after a day spent in the tight quarters of our rental car. From Westport we drove Mayo’s untamed portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, wind and rain alternating their battering of us as we drove…
Please note: The original Doolin Hostel is now the Doolin Inn. Read my Doolin Inn review here. The Doolin Hostel is now in the building across the road and while still a very nice hostel which features dorm & private rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, the information in this article is not…
Enclosed by high walls and water, Enniskillen Castle feels every bit the intimidating stronghold it was built to be. Once inside, however, the feeling is quite different, with exploration waiting around each corner. Built nearly 600 years ago by the Maguires, Enniskillen Castle was important for its strategic placement at the juncture of Upper and Lower…