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.
Ireland is well known for its walks. No matter where you are in the country, it’s likely that you are near a marked way of some sort. County Offaly is filled with such walks. The Offaly Way, the Slieve Bloom Way and half a dozen Looped Walks weave across and through the county. To combat…
To wrap up 2012, I wanted to share my 10 most popular posts of the year. The 3rd most popular post came about after a conference with my daughter’s teacher last year. Originally published November 17, 2011, I take on the topic of children missing school to travel and how traveling helps your child’s education….
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. …
Close your eyes and imagine an Irish Country House. It’s stately, with lovely lands surrounding, a beautiful view and spacious rooms. Ardmore Country House Bed & Breakfast in Kinnity, County Offaly is the house you’ve imagined, complete with stone wall and gated entrance. Arriving at Ardmore House Ardmore House is very easy to find, situated…
Nearly a week ago posted an image…. It was my dream itinerary for our trip to Ireland in June. After looking at the amount of time we actually had, I came to the (very sad) realization that there was no way we could cover that many miles in 9 days. In other words, I had…
Planning Your Irish Vacation It’s tempting to take many, many items along on your travels to Ireland. Technology has, fortunately, helped to lighten our load without leaving much behind. Once you’ve planned your clothes to pack for a trip to Ireland, it’s time to look at the gadgets and accessories you may need. Handy Gadgets…
Planning Your Irish Vacation I suppose the question isn’t as much “what should I see while in Ireland” as much as it is “What can I see in the amount of time I’ve got?” While Ireland is a small country, roughly the size of Maine, there is much to see and experience. One visit –…
I haven’t yet enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. One day I will. To give us an idea of how the Irish celebrate their St. Patrick’s Day, I asked Eoin Ó Conchúir to share his thoughts and images. Eoin is a native Irishman who lives in Luimneach (Limerick) Ireland where, among other things, he teaches…
Tourism Ireland is hosting an incredible contest on their Facebook page right now: Unwrap Ireland. Just answer three really easy trivia questions and input your info to enter. It’s worth your time- the prize is quite nice: The Prize consists of a trip for two to Ireland for a seven days/six night tour, which includes: …
There is just something other-worldly about seeing megalithic tombs up close. Poulnabrone Dolmon, in the Burren, predates the Egyptian pyramids. The top stone is about 6 feet off the ground and just over 30 feet long- it’s big! Around this area of the Burren you will find approximately 70 other tombs. The Burren has more…
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…
We love Ireland… It’s magical just by being, well, Ireland. No cartoon creatures necessary. In Ireland you can: Climb to the tops of castles Search for faeries See where giants walked Visit St. Nicholas See dogs taller than your dad and so much more! See all 26 tips for a family vacation in Ireland- from…
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.
We are huge fans of Irish Bed & Breakfasts. From the warm welcomes with hot tea and scones to the filling Irish breakfast, Ireland’s B&Bs have never left us wishing we had stayed in a hotel. 5 Reasons to Choose a Bed & Breakfast in Ireland Your host is your best local resource. Looking for…
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…
Our number one rule of traveling with kids: never skip the swings. This photo was taken when we visited Kilkenny Castle. The extensive park grounds had a magnificent playground. For more travel images visit Photo Friday hosted by Delicious Baby.