Reflection and Reconnection During the Winter Solstice in Ireland
In Celtic Ireland, the winter solstice was a highly important event marking the turning point of the year and the coming rebirth of the land.
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In Celtic Ireland, the winter solstice was a highly important event marking the turning point of the year and the coming rebirth of the land.
When my family visited Jerpoint Abbey in 2008, the legends and tales of the abbey and surrounding area stayed with us. As we explored the unique cloister carvings, one stood out and caught our attention. The carving seemed to be a bishop of some import. Local legend said that a nearby church, the Church of…
An easy drive from Dublin, Kilkenny is a terrific base for touring Ireland’s southeast counties. Located just off the city’s ‘Ring Road’ – the road that circles the town- the Hotel Kilkenny offers modern comfort and amenities for an Ireland family vacation. Staying at Hotel Kilkenny The Hotel Kilkenny was booked as part of our…
Our tour with IrishTourism.com began in Kilkenny and we couldn’t leave without revisiting the castle , where quite a bit has changed since our first visit to Kilkenny Castle in 2008. The biggest change is that my children are older. While they still loved the play area on the grounds, they also enjoyed walking the…
I have yet to see anything more imposing or inspiring than the Rock of Cashel . Breathtaking, spellbinding, awesome… These words don’t even do it justice. And the feeling doesn’t dissipate- each time I visit the ‘Rock’ fills me with awe. Irish legends tell the the rock that Cashel of the Kings is built upon…
Glendalough makes an excellent day trip from Dublin or a beautiful stop on your way down the coast. Kids will enjoy Glendalough for its wide open spaces, adults will love the history and gorgeous scenery. If the weather is fine allow for time to explore. Wear good walking shoes and allow for at least half…
Our first visit to Glendalough in 2008 focused on the Monastic City. The cold and wet March day was much more suitable to learning about St. Kevin in the visitors center and hot tea in the nearby hotel restaurant than explorations beyond the stone churches. Finally following up that visit in 2015, our day began…
Beyond being a chocolate shop and cafe, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland can take you ‘behind the scenes’ of chocolate making. Participate in a Chocolate Workshop and learn where this tasty treat comes from, why really good chocolate costs more and even make your own souvenir chocolate to take home! The Best Hot Chocolate in…
It’s kind of funny to me as I look back at the recommendations made in the last couple years of my Ireland travel coaching business… I recommend Cahir Castle highly, noting that it is a favorite of ours. And yet, I’ve never written about it. Maybe I wanted to keep it as my own little…
When the opportunity presents itself to join a knowledgeable local at a rarely explored historic site, you take it. (<– important travel tip!) When that knowledgeable local is Neil Jackman, archaeologist and executive director of Abarta Heritage , you happily trudge out in heavy rain to hear the stories he has to tell. Like many…
I am directionally challenged. Even on the best of days, when the sun is rising or setting, I can have difficulty knowing east from west. So a cloudy Irish day can really set me backward- even with a sat nav (gps) to help guide my way. Which is how I found myself on a small…
When you close your eyes and picture Ireland, what do you see? If the answer includes round towers and high crosses, then you’ll want to be sure Clonmacnoise in County Offaly is part of your Ireland itinerary. Located in the heart of Ireland at what once was a major crossroads where the north/south route of the…
Many thanks to my friend Leigh Maher who writes for the online store Irish Celtic Jewels . On his blog, he gives tips and information about all things Irish, including weddings, history, culture, symbolism, jewelry and the Claddagh ring. Ireland’s Ancient Symbolism Ireland offers families the chance to experience stunning medieval beauty at almost every…
Known as the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny offers visitors a unique blend of ancient stories, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you can’t help but feel transported to another time, where each street corner holds a door to a new tale waiting to be discovered. This article is…
Michael Londra is an Irish Tenor from Wexford, star of Riverdance on Broadway, and host of Ireland with Micheal on PBS. Wexford Highlights Michael recommends listening to the Bow Tides (featured at the end of the podcast)
Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow offers an array of stunning landscapes and attractions, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Powerscourt Estate. Powerscourt Estate ticks so many boxes for visitors to Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Vivienne Nyhan, sales manager at Powerscourt Estate. If you prefer to…
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…
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…
Hear the story of how Guinness was accidentally created in Cashel, County Tipperary. Plus the next ‘new’ Ireland tourism destination.