Many tourists in Ireland pass through the Ballyhoura region and don’t even realize it. This area of southwest Ireland, stretching from just south of Limerick city through the northern part of County Cork, isn’t marked on any map. And though you will drive through it on the way to destinations like the Rock of Cashel or the…
Ireland is a land filled with true magic. It permeates the earth, promising untold wonders if you will only search just a bit deeper. Lough Gur, in County Limerick, may be the most magical place of all. Long before Ireland became the ‘Land of Saints and Scholars’, it was the land of Druids and Celts. …
Once upon a time, before the thought of kids or marriage had entered my mind, I took a vacation to Ireland. Just me, self navigating from the “wrong” side of the road, following a map, often getting lost and having the greatest adventure of my life. I was loading the images from that trip into…
If you’ve watched any movie taking place in Ireland it can seem like a magical and romantic place. And it is! This shot, taken in Killarney National Park, is “the full Irish”. A myriad of green, a thatched roof cottage, jaunting cart and friendly horse. I’m even wearing a lovely tweed. This was the first…
Sometimes you just need a break from history. Castles can get a bit boring after you’ve seen a dozen of them… One more megalithic ruin you can’t climb on is one too many… You just want to play, climb, explore and maybe cuddle a puppy. Kids- and adults- can do all these things just outside…
There is no better way to see and learn about Killarney than from the driver of a jaunting cart. See more handy tips for visiting Killarney.
Killarney may well be the most tourist-ed area of Ireland- and for good reason. Since before Queen Victoria visited in 1861 people have visited Killarney to tour its famous lakes, begin a tour of the Ring of Kerry, or to walk through the Gap of Dunloe. In Killarney you’ll find vast quantities of shops, restaurants…
On even the grayest day in Ireland you’re sure to find a sunny display of colors inside the English Market in Cork. I took this photo of a vegetable stall in the central court from the Farmgate Cafe above. Curious about what you might find in an Irish Market? You’ll want to read about our…
The day we visited Cork City we had many plans for outdoor adventures. Unfortunately the weather had other plans and surprised us with snow. While the weather deterred us from a walking tour of Cork City it did allow us more time to explore the market and have lunch. Here in the states we call…
It’s pretty much a given that a 18 month old and a 3 year old don’t care a bit about nature or history and even castles get dull after you’ve explored a few. I found an easy way to keep the girls occupied when they were getting a bit bored. Ireland is filled with faeries,…
I was so excited to take my family to Killarney when we visited in 2008 as I had enjoyed the area so much when I visited as a single person in 2002. Yes, it is the most touristed area in Ireland- but that’s for good reason. It’s the base for most Ring of Kerry tours, the lakes…
