Long flights can be intimidating for families- especially if young children are in tow. No one wants to be “that family” on an 8 hour flight. A little planning, a bit of preparation and the right tools can make your flight enjoyable for everyone involved. Planning for your Flight A great place to begin your…
It has only happened to me once… but once was enough. A flight delay or cancellation is never fun but a little proactive action + a positive attitude can keep a bad situation from turning worse. My Flight to Ireland Was Delayed Multiple delays began to stack up for our flight out of Chicago, and though…
Ireland is actually quite easy, regarding documentation, for visitors from North America, Australia, and the EU to travel to for vacation. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen. What Documents Do You Need to Enter Ireland? Most visitors need…
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…
Killarney is the major tourist town of south west Ireland; you can get practically anything here. One of our first stops was Christy’s Irish Stores. Yes, Christy’s is quite touristy. But if you are traveling with little ones there is no better place to let them pick out their own trinkets and souvenirs. Enter through…
Most know that stunning Kylemore Abbey was home to a private school for girls for quite a few years. Now, Kylemore Abbey is opening their doors to students again to learn through discovery, creative technologies and adventure sports with the Connemara Maths Academy. After a few conversations with Connemara Maths Academy on Twitter, I requested…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Many thanks to Dr. Jessie Voigts for this incredible Ring of Kerry itinerary! Dr. Jessie Voigts holds a PhD in International Education, focusing on intercultural adjustment for sojourns abroad and acquired disabilities. She co-authored the book ‘Bringing the World Home: A Resource Guide to Raising Intercultural Kids ’, publishes WanderingEducators.com, the online resource for global…
Planning a trip to Ireland is thrilling with so many beautiful places to explore! But if you’re not careful, a few common mistakes could get in the way of your perfect adventure. We All Make Mistakes When Planning an Ireland Vacation In 2 decades of Ireland travel I’ve made my own share of mistakes. My…
Guide to eating in Ireland. Traditional foods to try + tasty food experiences. How to eat in Ireland with food allergies and picky eaters.
Please allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours to depart Ireland from Dublin Airport to the US when traveling from May thru October. Even in January, Aer Lingus recommends 3 hours. Unlike many international airports with many multiple terminals, the Dublin airport has two, aptly named Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2, which opened…
Renting a car in Ireland can be confusing at the best of times, and when you add in considerations for a family or group, the complexity can increase – especially when you are traveling with 5 or more people! In Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland I outline the 8 steps…
One highlight many people look forward to during their Ireland vacation is seeing Irish dancers. But many people want to take their experience a step further and learn Irish step dancing. This question is one I receive quite a lot. We are traveling to Ireland this summer with our 2 daughters. I would love to…
Advice for multigenerational Ireland family vacations. Including transportation, accommodations, and activities.
Tips for amazing Ireland winter vacations in October, November, and December! Plus: Halloween and Christmas Markets.
Reader Question: I’m going to Republic of Ireland in the fall. What kind of raincoat should I bring? What do the Irish wear? What a fabulous question! As I mentioned in my ‘What to Wear in Ireland‘ article, Ireland’s weather can be a bit tricky – and that is definitely the case in fall! The months…