Luxury in Mayo – Stay on the Ashford Castle Estate
The only guide you need for staying on the Ashford Castle Estate. Choose Ashford Castle or The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Ashford Castle Experiences
One of Ireland’s most popular luxury escapes, Ashford Castle in Mayo, has added new experiences that take you off the estate and introduce you to the taste, history, and culture of Connemara. Hoping to add a stay at Ashford (or any other castle) to your Ireland itinerary? It’s possible – with a little planning! The…
Relax and Unwind at Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal
Lough Eske Castle in Donegal is the featured castle hotel for A Celtic Experience, my guided tour of Ireland. Learn more about the tour here. 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…
Ashford Castle – 80 Years of Hospitality
Jody welcomes returning guest Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. 80 years of hospitality + an incredible offer for guests in 2019! Welcom to Ashford Castle I still have a few spaces available for A Celtic Experience, my guided tour of Ireland this September. Learn more about this luxury guided tour…
Celebrating Halloween in the West of Ireland
The end of October may not seem like the ideal time to visit Ireland. The days are getting shorter, the air a bit cooler, the pubs a wee bit quieter. But if Halloween is your favorite holiday, I would encourage you to visit Ireland as Samhain (SOW-een) draws near. As the final harvest approaches and…
Learning About the Sport of Falconry in Ireland at Adare Manor with Adare Country Pursuits
Trying your hand at falconry in Ireland ranks high on the list of activities in many Ireland vacation itineraries. And there are quite a few amazing places to try falconry in Ireland. But one of the most unique experiences we had took place at Adare Manor in County Limerick with Willie Forde, owner of Adare…
Behind the Scenes at Knappogue Castle
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…
A Royal Stay at Knappogue Castle
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…
Ballynahinch Castle near Clifden – Loftus Family Ireland Vacation Report
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…
Hawk Walk at Mount Falcon Estate
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…
A Magical Halloween Stay at Ashford Castle
It’s a splurge, to be sure, but if your Ireland vacation won’t be complete without an Ireland castle hotel on the itinerary you can’t beat a stay at Ashford Castle. While I was planning our fall 2014 trip to Ireland, our dates happened to coincide with Halloween. It was only a few days prior that I…
