One of the most common questions I receive when helping people plan their Ireland family vacations is, “We want to visit the Dingle Peninsula. Can we do it in a day trip from Killarney/ Adare/ Cork?” I answer honestly – yes, you can. But then I add, “You will likely feel rushed, and you may…
A quick jaunt from Killarney or Limerick, the Dingle peninsula is a terrific destination during an Ireland family vacation. The Dingle Skellig Hotel, perched on the edge of Dingle Bay, offers spacious family rooms, a tasty breakfast buffet and is an easy 5 minute walk from the center of Dingle town. What to Do on…
It was the penguins that drew us to Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle. And by us, I mean my daughters- especially my eldest, who is just crazy about them. While I had fond memories of the staggering beauty of Slea Head Drive and my first view of town from Connor Pass, all Brenna had to see…
It’s one of Ireland’s top destinations, visited by nearly one million people annually. No one can deny the Cliffs of Moher are simply stunning. Standing high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, you can see for miles along the coast and even across the water as far as the Aran Islands on a…
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a short city break, or a full week or two away. Dublin glitters in all its glory this time of year and you will not be disappointed. The capital city is more alive than ever and there are few cities in Ireland which seem to capture the…
One of the most common questions I receive when helping people plan their Ireland family vacations is, “We want to visit Dingle. Can we do it in a day trip from Killarney/ Adare/ Cork?” I answer honestly – yes, you can. But you will likely feel rushed, and you may have to cut short or…
This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Fiona Dalton, the founder of Dalton’s Musical History Tours. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Visiting Dublin? Learn about the Dublin Pass Here Dalton’s Musical History Tour of Dublin Learn about the history…
Ireland’s history is rich and complex, with the Great Famine being one of the most significant events. The Irish Famine, known as an Gorta Mór, the Great Hunger, in Ireland, changed not only Irish history but, arguably, the history and future of countries across the globe as over one million people died from hunger and other…
As if 2020 didn’t bring about enough disaster, late in the year Dingle’s famous dolphin, Fungi, disappeared, never to be seen again. While many hope he just left the waters of Dingle to join a pod of dolphin, it is much more likely that Fungi raced beside his favorite boats as a final goodbye, then…
I’ve had the great fortune to drive the Dingle Peninsula twice; the first time in 2002 when I made my first trip- solo- to Ireland, and more recently with my daughters. Each time the breathtaking scenery has left me entranced. Photo after photo of rugged shorelines, crashing waves, and sites so ancient the time elapsed…
The Dingle Peninsula stretches into the the Atlantic Ocean, windswept and dramatic, as if it were trying to escape County Kerry. There Are Only Two Roads into Dingle As you can see by the map above, only two roads will lead you onto the Dingle Peninsula: the N86 and the R561. The N86 The N86…
From the eastern side of the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way follows 2500 km of Ireland’s most stunning coastline. Soaring cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, and small Irish villages welcome travelers to areas once overlooked by tourists. Only a handful actual cities lie along the Wild Atlantic Way and one…
Killarney is the main tourist hub of south west Ireland for good reason. Within minutes you can be wandering an ancient abbey, touring a castle, wandering through Ireland’s first national park or reliving Victorian splendor- to only name a few popular outings. Killarney is also the base for most Ring of Kerry tours, an easy…
Many thanks to Dr. Jessie Voigts for this incredible Ring of Kerry itinerary! Dr. Jessie Voigts holds a PhD in International Education, focusing on intercultural adjustment for sojourns abroad and acquired disabilities. She co-authored the book ‘Bringing the World Home: A Resource Guide to Raising Intercultural Kids’, publishes WanderingEducators.com, the online resource for global educators,…
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….
I remember buying a Dublin Pass the first time my family visited Dublin. My eldest daughter was 1 and her favorite thing was the Dublin Zoo. Since that trip in 2005 I’ve used the Dublin Pass multiple times, during solo stays, a couples break, and when exploring Dublin with kids. Get more tips for visiting Dublin…
Planning a trip to Ireland is thrilling with so many beautiful places to explore! But if you’re not careful, a few common mistakes could get in the way of your perfect adventure. We All Make Mistakes When Planning an Ireland Vacation In 2 decades of Ireland travel I’ve made my own share of mistakes. My…
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…