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…
You’ve probably heard of the Causeway Coastal Route – it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. But Ulster, Ireland’s northernmost province, saves some stunners for people who aren’t afraid to get off the tourist path. Way, way off the tourist path. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Adam Stewart,…
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most popular natural attraction at the edge of the Burren landscape, are experiencing partial trail closures due to necessary repairs on specific trail sections. However, the visitor centre and several trails remain open, with options for guided tours providing safe and comprehensive experiences. The trail closures stem from safety concerns…
The unique offerings of Tralee, the overlooked attractions in North Kerry, and the best ways to experience the region.
I’m not sure why it is, but the places that make the most impact and touch you most deeply are always the most difficult to write about. I’ve been trying to string together words to adequately share our visit to The Lost Valley for a few weeks now. I read and re-read the entry in…
The most remote county in the Republic of Ireland is receiving some much-deserved attention this year. National Geographic Traveller described Donegal as being “in a real sweet spot- off radar and hard to access, but on the cusp of a breakthrough.” And, as any good Star Wars fan knows, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi filmed…
Unlike many castle hotels in Ireland, Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal doesn’t offer a plethora of estate activities. And that’s not a bad thing. My stays at this Donegal castle hotel have been peaceful and unrushed. In fact, it is the most relaxing hotel stay I’ve ever experienced in Ireland. The Lough Eske Castle…
Back in the fall of 2014 I received and email asking for a few 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 in…
The Irish are natural storytellers, and often their tales are best told through song. Such is the ballad of Dan O’Hara. For refusing to pay increased rent (due to increasing the windows size in his cottage), Dan and his family were evicted and forced to emigrate to New York. Dan’s wife and three of his…
Just the name, Connemara, evokes such wondrous imagery. The “wild west” of Ireland, where roads may or may not drop you into the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes against the shore. The place where famed Connemara Marble is cut from The Tweleve Bens mountain range. Where romance tumbles with sadness and ends in hope at Kylemore Abbey. Yes, Connemara…
It had been just over a year since our last visit to Clifden, Connemara in the western-most reaches of County Galway. My husband and mother were with us this trip, which gave us an incentive to return to the area, though one never really needs a reason to return to the beauty that is Connemara….
Looking for the best place to stay in Doolin, Ireland? The Doolin Inn is a boutique hotel in the centre of town. Close to Cliffs of Moher & Burren.
One of the most common questions I receive when helping people plan their Ireland family vacations is, “We want to visit the Dingle Peninsula. Can we do it in a day trip from Killarney/ Adare/ Cork?” I answer honestly – yes, you can. But then I add, “You will likely feel rushed, and you may…
A quick jaunt from Killarney or Limerick, the Dingle peninsula is a terrific destination during an Ireland family vacation. The Dingle Skellig Hotel, perched on the edge of Dingle Bay, offers spacious family rooms, a tasty breakfast buffet and is an easy 5 minute walk from the center of Dingle town. What to Do on…
It was the penguins that drew us to Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle. And by us, I mean my daughters- especially my eldest, who is just crazy about them. While I had fond memories of the staggering beauty of Slea Head Drive and my first view of town from Connor Pass, all Brenna had to see…
It’s one of Ireland’s top destinations, visited by nearly one million people annually. No one can deny the Cliffs of Moher are simply stunning. Standing high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, you can see for miles along the coast and even across the water as far as the Aran Islands on a…
One of the most common questions I receive when helping people plan their Ireland family vacations is, “We want to visit Dingle. Can we do it in a day trip from Killarney/ Adare/ Cork?” I answer honestly – yes, you can. But you will likely feel rushed, and you may have to cut short or…
As if 2020 didn’t bring about enough disaster, late in the year Dingle’s famous dolphin, Fungi, disappeared, never to be seen again. While many hope he just left the waters of Dingle to join a pod of dolphin, it is much more likely that Fungi raced beside his favorite boats as a final goodbye, then…
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…