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…
Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow offers an array of stunning landscapes and attractions, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Powerscourt Estate. Powerscourt Estate ticks so many boxes for visitors to Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Vivienne Nyhan, sales manager at Powerscourt Estate. If you prefer to…
Join me live at Iowa Irish Fest in 2024! I’ll be in the Tour & Travel Workshop area speaking Saturday about solo women’s travel and Sunday on crafting your Irish adventure. Irish Festivals: Where the Craic is Mighty Irish festivals are filled with music, banter, tasty food, and plenty of fun. Sure, you’re not in…
Milwaukee Irish Fest proclaims itself to be the largest Irish festival in the world. After a weekend spent walking back and forth across the 75 acre Henry Maier Festival Park where Irish Fest is held annually, I can attest to that fact. The title of largest celebration of Irish music and culture doesn’t just speak…
One highlight many people look forward to during their Ireland vacation is seeing Irish dancers. But many people want to take their experience a step further and learn Irish step dancing. This question is one I receive quite a lot. We are traveling to Ireland this summer with our 2 daughters. I would love to…
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…
Dublin is a popular city for most visitors to Ireland, and often the first or final location visited due to its proximity to Ireland’s busiest airport. For families visiting with children, from toddlers to teens, Dublin can be a bit overwhelming as some of the more popular attractions – like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s…
Ireland’s Tailteann Games date back almost as far as the ancient Greek Olympics and are testament to the island’s passion for sport. Ireland’s Gaelic games have a long history. In fact, hurling is the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, dating back almost 3,000 years and featuring strongly in Irish mythology. It is…
Is Westmeath the fairy capital of Ireland? Visitors to this enchanting county certainly seem to think so, with fairy trails winding through scenic landscapes, captivating hearts young and old alike. First stop is Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, a 160-acre estate renowned for its stunning gardens and wonderful playgrounds. Here, tucked away in a magical corner, lies the…
The trick to packing light for your Ireland vacation is to choose clothes that can be ‘mixed and matched’ to create different outfits. See my Ireland Packing List here. But if you are staying longer than a week you may find that you need to wash your clothes in something other than a sink. In…
There is a lot to do as you prepare for your Ireland vacation… Flights. Accommodations. Transportation. Tickets for tours and attractions. What to pack. What NOT to pack. The list goes on and on. Which makes it very easy to overlook the three important documents you must check prior to leaving for your Ireland vacation:…
Tourist: a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure. I’m not sure when ‘looking like a tourist’ became taboo, but it is a statement I hear quite often. After a while it became clear that what was really being asked was less about ‘looking’ like a tourist and more about how to…
One of the first things you’ll notice in Ireland is that there is always a hot water kettle available for a cup of tea. Every hotel, and most B&Bs, provide a kettle, tea bags and instant coffee, and often a biscuit, for an easy afternoon pick-me-up or evening refresher. As a tea drinker I much prefer this…
Traditionally, car rental at Dublin Airport has not been the best way to begin an Ireland vacation (even if you use my tips for a smooth car rental experience). After finding the rental desk the wait in line could be long (especially if you are waiting on someone who doesn’t know about the insurance requirements)…
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…
When planning an Ireland vacation there are a few things that MUST be booked in advance of your trip and not left to chance.
From accommodations to attractions and experiences to tours, these are the things you need to arrange prior to arriving in Ireland.
Advice for multigenerational Ireland family vacations. Including transportation, accommodations, and activities.
Tips to declutter your Ireland itinerary to truly experience & enjoy your trip. Free resources to plan your perfect Ireland vacation.
Tips for amazing Ireland winter vacations in October, November, and December! Plus: Halloween and Christmas Markets.
County Limerick can often feel ‘untouched’ by tourists. Medieval towns, ancient history, and tranquil countryside await the curious visitor.