Bunratty Castle is familiar to visitors to western Ireland. Located just south of the Shannon Airport, you pass the majestic castle walls on your way to Limerick and destinations south. Famous for their Medieval Banquets, which are fabulous but not a great option with young children, Bunratty Castle also offers a less expensive and livelier…
Traversing heather-pocked peaks and harmonious forests, the Ring of Kerry is a popular tourist trail situated on Ireland’s mystical and unblemished South-West coast. The 120 mile route covers vast expanses of imposing wilderness, welcoming hamlets and secluded waterways, as well as one of Ireland’s most spectacular storm pillaged coastlines. To find out more about what…
We dipped our toes into our first Ireland self catering slowly, at the invitation of Killyhevlin Chalets in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Located just behind the 4* Killyhevlin Hotel, steps away from the waters of Lough Erne, 13 lovely chalets provide the perfect retreat for an Ireland family vacation. Staying at Killyhevlin Chalets on…
Few visitors realize that Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. Established by Viking raiders in 853, the city was established, overthrown by native Irish and re-established a number of times by both Viking and Norman invaders. Today you can revisit over 1000 years of history in three Waterford museums. The Museums of Waterford Treasures Known collectively…
After crossing the glorious south of Ireland during our family vacation with. I knew that I could expect the hotels on our itinerary to be family friendly with a full service of amenities and spacious rooms. But even knowing that didn’t prepare me for the room I walked in to in Adare. If you are…
Horse racing is the sport of Kings, and the birthline of many winners of races across the world can be traced to the Irish National Stud in County Kildare. Only 30 miles from Dublin, the National Stud is a terrific first stop if you’ve just arrived in Ireland, or a great final day exploration…
Peat bogs have long provided the Irish with the sweet smelling fuel visitors look forward to seeing stacked on hearths across the country. But when the peat has all been cutaway and the land is out of production, what is to be done with it? Ireland’s Lough Boora Discovery Park were once one of the oldest…
When planning a family vacation in Ireland, most people think of the history and the landscape. Few think of science. Yet, that is exactly what you will find at Birr Castle Demense in County Offaly- a world of science spread across the estate of the Earls of Rosse. Visiting Birr Castle Demense Birr Castle is…
This post is part of the initiative “100 cities to home swap before you die” from Knok.com Killarney is, undisputedly, the center of southwest Ireland tourism. The “gateway” to the Ring of Kerry and home to some of Ireland’s most scenic views, Killarney draws visitors year round. What to do in Killarney A single, perfect day in Killarney…
Many tourists in Ireland pass through the Ballyhoura region and don’t even realize it. This area of southwest Ireland, stretching from just south of Limerick city through the northern part of County Cork, isn’t marked on any map. And though you will drive through it on the way to destinations like the Rock of Cashel or the…
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…