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How long is the ‘perfect’ Ireland vacation? Everyone has an answer but the scientific study may surprise you.
Travel Smart: Packing for a Safe Trip to Ireland
When planning a trip to Ireland you’re probably focused on castles, coastlines, and creamy pints – but don’t overlook something far less exciting (yet super important): keeping your valuables safe. This is part 3 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re talking about packing intentionally, choosing the right bag, and making sure you’re not carrying…
If Walls Could Talk: The Story of a Thatched Cottage in Cork
Step back into Irish history with modern comfort. If your ancestors emigrated from Ireland, you’ve probably wondered about the life they left behind. And if you’re planning your own trip, maybe you’ve dreamed of staying in a traditional thatched cottage. In Mitchelstown, County Cork, one family’s home tells a story that’s been unfolding for more…
Travel Smart: Safety Tips for Getting Around Ireland
Travel days are busy, a little chaotic, and exactly when people tend to misplace things. Whether I’m driving myself or taking the train across the country, I have a few go-to habits to make sure everything stays where it’s supposed to. This is part 2 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re focusing on how…
Ireland’s Most Visited Heritage Sites
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2024 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
Travel Smart: Hotel, Tech & Street Safety in Ireland
When you arrive in Ireland, your focus should be on enjoying the trip – not worrying about your stuff. But once you’re on the ground, the small, everyday decisions you make can go a long way toward keeping your belongings secure. This is part 1 of my Travel Smart series, where I share the simple…
Swimming Ireland’s Coastline, One Blue Flag Beach at a Time
It started with a shared love for sea swimming and a chat at a trade show in San Francisco. Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes, both seasoned professionals in Irish tourism, quickly bonded over their passion for the sea – and soon after, an ambitious idea was born: swim at every single blue flag beach in…
The Beat of Ireland: Ian Gould on the Bodhrán, Trad Music, and Tours
At Iowa Irish Fest, the music flows as easily as the pints. This year, I sat down with Belfast-born musician Ian Gould, who’s been sharing Irish music around the world for years. Known for weaving stories and history into his performances, Ian also hosted a bodhrán workshop during the festival, giving curious festival-goers a hands-on…
Guinness Stories: What You Might Not Know About Ireland’s Iconic Brew
Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it’s the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just…
Two Free Tools to Help You Find the Best Airfare to Ireland
Want to visit Ireland without blowing your entire vacation budget on airfare?You don’t need insider connections or complicated travel hacks – just two easy-to-use (and totally free) tools: Kayak Explore and Google Flights. These platforms make it simple to find the best airfare, whether you’re ready to book or searching for the best deal. These…
Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor
Dublin is often the first stop on an Ireland itinerary, but too often, visitors rush through it. Gráinne Lawlor wants you to slow down, sit down, and taste the city. Through her company, Flavour Trails, she offers food, whiskey, and storytelling tours that highlight the heart of Dublin: its people, its history, and it’s incredible…
Your Invitation to Explore Ireland (with Me)
If you’ve ever listened to the podcast and thought, “I wish you’d just take me to Ireland!” well, I’ve got good news. Next spring, from mid-April through early May, I’m hosting two small-group tours to Ireland. The first leads you along the rugged coastlines and through the rich history of the North – think dramatic…
Ireland’s Underrated Attractions(how to add them to your itinerary & escape the crowds)
When a new list of “underrated” Irish attractions makes the rounds, I always take a look. Sometimes I nod in agreement. Sometimes I roll my eyes and wonder who decided the Rock of Cashel was a hidden secret. That was my reaction to a recent ranking from SumUp, which used everything from TripAdvisor reviews to…
Irish Festival Fun: My 2 Stops + How to Make the Most of Yours
☘️ I’ll be at Iowa Irish Fest and Kansas City Irish Fest this August, chatting all things Ireland travel—tips, ideas, and maybe a laugh or two. If you’re attending, come say hi! I’d love to meet you. At Iowa Irish Fest August 1-3, in downtown Waterlooyou’ll find me speaking all three days in the air-conditioned Elks Lodge (you’re welcome 😉). I’ll be sharing…
Do You Need Travel Insurance for an Ireland Vacation
“Do I need travel insurance for an Ireland vacation?” It’s a question I receive often, and one that doesn’t have the same answer for everyone as it has to do with risk, as well as figuring out the coverage you may already have. Since the question is on the table, lets delve into it piece…
3 Dublin Dining Spots Worth Planning Your Day Around
If you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin, these three picks cover every craving and budget, each one recommended by Gráinne Lawlor of Flavor Trails, who knows this city’s food scene inside and out. Find Grainne’s full podcast interview & article here. Recommended Dublin Dining Spots For a Grab-and-Go Bite Try a spice bag from…
A Golfer’s Guide to Ireland
A guide to golf in Ireland. Includes descriptions of the 3 course types you’ll find plus the best golf courses in Ireland.
Why Don’t Irish Accommodations Have Air Conditioning?
If you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland, you might be surprised to discover that air conditioning is not common in most accommodations. Whether you’re booking a hotel, a B&B, or a self-catering cottage, it’s likely the rooms won’t have A/C – and that’s not a mistake. It’s simply because Ireland hasn’t really needed it….
Ireland for Christmas? Advice You NEED Before Booking Your Flights
I received a question from a podcast listener with some questions about Christmas travel in Ireland. While her inquiry about car rental and things they could consider doing was an easy one for me to answer, it was the conversation that followed that prompted this episode… This article is also available as the Traveling in…
What a “Double Room” Really Means in Ireland (and How to Book the Right Bed)
When planning a trip to Ireland, accommodation details matter—and one common source of confusion is hotel room descriptions that don’t actually match the bed size. While the terms may sound familiar, what you get can be very different from what you’re expecting. Learn more about accommodations in Ireland- from bed & breakfasts to luxury castles….