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 turn….
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…
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…
It had only been a year since our first visit to Birr Castle Demense and a return wasn’t initially in our plans. Until I received an invitation to come play at their newest attraction. But, as luck would have it, we had just returned from Ireland mere days before – a return trip just wasn’t possible….
We didn’t set out to find the best hot chocolate in Ireland. In fact, the first couple days it entirely slipped my notice that my youngest daughter, Caelan, was ordering hot chocolate every time we sat down to a meal – be it breakfast, tea, or dinner, her request was always the same, “Do you…
Peat bogs have long provided the Irish with the sweet smelling fuel visitors look forward to seeing stacked on hearths across the country. But when the peat has all been cutaway and the land is out of production, what is to be done with it? Ireland’s Lough Boora Discovery Park were once one of the oldest…
When planning a family vacation in Ireland, most people think of the history and the landscape. Few think of science. Yet, that is exactly what you will find at Birr Castle Demense in County Offaly- a world of science spread across the estate of the Earls of Rosse. Visiting Birr Castle Demense Birr Castle is…
Ireland is well known for its walks. No matter where you are in the country, it’s likely that you are near a marked way of some sort. County Offaly is filled with such walks. The Offaly Way, the Slieve Bloom Way and half a dozen Looped Walks weave across and through the county. To combat…
Close your eyes and imagine an Irish Country House. It’s stately, with lovely lands surrounding, a beautiful view and spacious rooms. Ardmore Country House Bed & Breakfast in Kinnity, County Offaly is the house you’ve imagined, complete with stone wall and gated entrance. Arriving at Ardmore House Ardmore House is very easy to find, situated…