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…
Guide to eating in Ireland. Traditional foods to try + tasty food experiences. How to eat in Ireland with food allergies and picky eaters.
Are you considering a visit to Ireland in the off-season? It’s a terrific time to explore the Emerald Isle! In addition to Ireland’s well-known attractions you’ll also find unique festivals, smaller crowds, and plenty of extraordinary experiences. Read on for expert insights on making the most of your off-season trip to Ireland! This article is…
Is Ireland’s capital city on your itinerary? If so, you may be wondering about the best way to get around Dublin! Getting around Dublin is easy- and you have so many options! But first let me begin with this disclaimer: Do not drive in Dublin. Yes, it is do-able. Yes, Google maps work (to a…
Please allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours to depart Ireland from Dublin Airport to the US when traveling from May thru October. Even in January, Aer Lingus recommends 3 hours. Unlike many international airports with many multiple terminals, the Dublin airport has two, aptly named Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 serves Aer…
Irish mythology is rich with stories that have been passed down through generations, featuring a mix of heroic tales, tragic love stories, and epic battles. These stories are deeply rooted in Irish culture and have influenced literature, art, and even modern popular culture. They are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and the way they reflect…
Non-EU visitors to Ireland can file a VAT refund at the airport as they leave Ireland. This refund returns the value added tax (aka VAT) applied to souvenir items purchased by tourists that leave the Republic of Ireland within 90 days of purchase. If you aren’t familiar with the VAT (listen to podcast episode 142)…
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…
Renting a car in Ireland can be confusing at the best of times, and when you add in considerations for a family or group, the complexity can increase – especially when you are traveling with 5 or more people! In Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland I outline the 8 steps…
The Byrne Brothers are a family musical act from originally from County Donegal. This multi-talented family travel through the US entertaining crowds with energetic Irish music and dance shows in pubs and at Irish festivals. Their story is interesting and inspiring, I hope you enjoy it! The Byrne Brothers Favorite Spots in Ireland The Byrne…
Enda Reilly is a singer and songwriter, winner of the IMRO Christie Hennessey Songwriting Competition, and storyteller. Most geologically interesting spots in Ireland Enda Reilly website Follow on Facebook & Instagram
Davy Holden shares his passion for Irish history on his YouTube channel. With over 550 videos it’s easy to get sucked in. Davy Holden HistoryTop 10 Irish Rebel Songs book – ebook Davy Holden YouTube Follow Davy on Instagram – TikTok – Facebook
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)
The lesser-known castles and abbeys on the island of Ireland tell fascinating stories of the island’s history and culture and are generally crowd free. Thousands of years of history are etched into the landscape of Ireland and told through the castles, fortresses, and monastic sites that greet the traveler around every bend. Some lie in…