Important Notice: Vacation Coaching and Itinerary Services will be paused from April 5 - May 15 while I am leading tours in Ireland. If you want guided assistance please book soon.
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…
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…
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.
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2023 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
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. To…
Highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way between Lahinch, County Clare and Sneem, County Kerry. Vandeleur Walled Garden Located in Kilrush, not far from the Shannon Ferry. Lovely walled garden and tasty cafe. Find more enchanting Irish gardens! Carrigafoyle Castle Built in the 1490s by the O’Connor Kerry. Managed by the OPW and open from May…
It’s our second night in Lahinch. Our day began calm – and even a bit sunny – but now the rain is coming down in buckets, the wind is whistling, and the waves are beating the rocks on the beach below. In other words, it was a perfect Irish day. Victorian Village of Kilkee, County…
I am writing this from a lovely seaside apartment in Lahinch, County Clare, just south of the Cliffs of Moher. Lahinch is known for its golf links, a very nice beach, and surfing. Today we spent a few hours at the Aillwee Burren Experience. Originally known as Aillwee Cave, this Burren attraction opened in 1976…
Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country’s ’40 shades of green’ is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you’ll find across the country. While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast’, you can easily…
Wondering about the best places to visit in Ireland in 2024? And, if you are planning on visiting one of these tops spots, you’ve probably wondered if there are any secrets to having an amazing visit – and maybe avoiding the crowds (as much as possible). The answers to your questions are below – based…