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…
Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.) In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the…
The only guide you need for staying on the Ashford Castle Estate. Choose Ashford Castle or The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
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…
Jody welcomes returning guest Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. Celebrating 80 years of hospitality! Welcom to Ashford Castle This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Paula Carroll, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the…
Atop a hill overlooking the charming town of Westport in County Mayo, Knockranny House Hotel is a perfect accommodation for travelers looking for affordable luxury along the Wild Atlantic Way. Knockranny House Hotel in Westport After a week in Dublin for Temple Bar Trad Fest we were more than ready to slow down and relax…
Halloween in Ireland, traditionally known as Samhain (SOW-in), marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the ‘darker half’ of the year. Rituals and traditions that we still carry out today were begun in Ireland as far back as 10th century- including pumpkin carving, the wearing of costumes, and trick or treating. Ireland, an already magical…
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…
Jody is speaking with Jonathan Keane, the Executive Head Chef at The Lodge at Ashford Castle . Enjoy this chat about Irish food with the Best Chef in Connaught. This article is based on a podcast episode. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the…
Jody is speaking with Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Thomas Bruin, Activities Manager, for The Lodge at Ashford Castle . Discover how you can enjoy a luxury stay on a castle estate without the huge price! This article is based on a podcast episode. If you prefer to listen to the podcast,…
This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Biddy, from Westport House , in Westport County Mayo. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Exploring Westport House and County Mayo In the beautiful County Mayo, Ireland, Westport House is a treasure trove…
Jody’s guest is Gerard Bourke the 6th generation landowner in Uggool, County Mayo’s Lost Valley . He and his family welcome tourists to take a step back into Ireland’s past. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Gerard Bourke. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at…
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…
If the owners of Mount Falcon Estate would let me live in one of their Woodland Lodges I would move in tomorrow. My family arrived after a day spent in the tight quarters of our rental car. From Westport we drove Mayo’s untamed portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, wind and rain alternating their battering of us as we drove…
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…