Important Notice: Vacation Coaching and Itinerary Services will be paused from April 5 - May 15 while I am leading tours in Ireland. If you want guided assistance please book soon.
I’ve visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park three times on vacation to Ireland. The first time was in 2002. I was traveling alone and set to fly out of Shannon the next morning. My incredible hostess Marian O’Meara at Estuary View B&B insisted that a Medieval Banquet should not be missed. As I thawed from a visit to…
In November 2005 Brenna had just had her first birthday, and Doug and I our second anniversary, so we packed up our small family for our first family trip to Ireland. We landed at Shannon Airport shortly after 9am. I had been in contact with our first B&B and knew that, if necessary, we could…
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, a favorite of tourists and locals for over 50 years, just got a facelift! Now, there’s not a lot you can do to a nearly 600-year-old castle that is already regarded as the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in all of Ireland. But you can do quite…
Want to learn an Irish jig during your Ireland vacation? The Irish Dance Experience in Galway is the place to go! This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page. Riverdance & the Culture of Irish Dance It’s been over 25 years since…
Of all the islands off the shores of Ireland, the Aran Islands may be the most well known. About the Aran Islands Located off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are accessible by ferry from County Galway, Rossaveel year-round or Galway City from March thru September, and Doolin from March thru mid-September. There…
Highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way between Lahinch, County Clare and Sneem, County Kerry. Vandeleur Walled Garden Located in Kilrush, not far from the Shannon Ferry. Lovely walled garden and tasty cafe. Find more enchanting Irish gardens! Carrigafoyle Castle Built in the 1490s by the O’Connor Kerry. Managed by the OPW and open from May…
It’s our second night in Lahinch. Our day began calm – and even a bit sunny – but now the rain is coming down in buckets, the wind is whistling, and the waves are beating the rocks on the beach below. In other words, it was a perfect Irish day. Victorian Village of Kilkee, County…
I am writing this from a lovely seaside apartment in Lahinch, County Clare, just south of the Cliffs of Moher. Lahinch is known for its golf links, a very nice beach, and surfing. Today we spent a few hours at the Aillwee Burren Experience. Originally known as Aillwee Cave, this Burren attraction opened in 1976…
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…
It’s easy to spend 2-3 days exploring everything the Burren in County Clare has to offer! Create your itinerary with these highlights!
In which the podcast is taken over by Ollie Gleeson of Ollies Tours after completing the Cliffs of Moher walk from the cliffs to Doolin.
From engagements atop windswept cliffs to weddings in luxurious castles, Ireland is a perfect spot for romance.
You can easily tour the west of Ireland from Bruff, County Limerick. Things to do near Bruff PLUS easy day trips.
If your Ireland travel plans include exploring the western coast, be sure to consider arrival or departure from Shannon Airport. Smaller than Dublin Airport, and less busy than even Cork Airport, Shannon Airport is a welcoming spot for arrival, and a relaxing departure point at the end of your Ireland vacation. Click here for Shannon…
Searching for terrific Connemara tours look no further than the tours from born & bred ‘Galway Girl’ Colleen Joyce of Colleen Irish Travel.
Best tours in County Clare, Ireland? Ollie’s Tours can take you through the Burren, along the Cliffs of Moher, or to the Aran Islands.
Brohagh O’Rourke and her husband Cathal, a fifth-generation farmer, are your hosts at the Burren Farm Experience in County Clare where you can take a guided walk, try AgriCamping, or taste farm-fresh produce.
Don’t miss Bronagh’s tips on what you should be sure to do when visiting the Burren!
Kylemore Abbey is one of the most recognized buildings in all of Ireland. This romantic castle, nestled at the base of a mountain on the edge of a glistening lake in the wilds of Connemara, brings to mind fairy tales, stories of everlasting devotion, and, as with all good stories, tragedy. The story of Kylemore…