When you rent a car in Ireland, one of the first choices you’ll face is manual vs automatic. For North American travelers, it’s a question you might not even think to ask – but the difference in price is bigger than you imagine. Why Choosing a Transmission Is a Rental Choice in Ireland In North…
Ireland is a terrific introduction to Europe for Americans because the Irish speak English. Kind of. But you’re likely to hear quite a few words you won’t recognize – or maybe words you recognize, but not in the way they are used. The tips below will help you avoid a scaldy sambo, navigate your morning…
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way without getting behind the wheel, good news: it just got a whole lot easier. The brand-new Route 351 now runs from Galway City to Doolin Pier, stopping at Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher along the way. Think of it as your ticket…
The 3 best things to do in Dublin – the museum everyone should visit, a tasty tour, and an amazing castle with fascinating history.
How long is the ‘perfect’ Ireland vacation? Everyone has an answer but the scientific study may surprise you.
When planning a trip to Ireland you’re probably focused on castles, coastlines, and creamy pints – but don’t overlook something far less exciting (yet super important): keeping your valuables safe. This is part 3 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re talking about packing intentionally, choosing the right bag, and making sure you’re not carrying…
Step back into Irish history with modern comfort. If your ancestors emigrated from Ireland, you’ve probably wondered about the life they left behind. And if you’re planning your own trip, maybe you’ve dreamed of staying in a traditional thatched cottage. In Mitchelstown, County Cork, one family’s home tells a story that’s been unfolding for more…
Travel days are busy, a little chaotic, and exactly when people tend to misplace things. Whether I’m driving myself or taking the train across the country, I have a few go-to habits to make sure everything stays where it’s supposed to. This is part 2 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re focusing on how…
Back in the fall of 2014 I received an email asking for a few Ireland trip tips. The fun twist to this was that the family asking for advice was from my own community in Iowa and had 2 daughters near my own daughters’ ages! (cue ‘It’s a Small World’) The family would be staying…
Learn more about Ireland’s top heritage sites in 2024 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
When you arrive in Ireland, your focus should be on enjoying the trip – not worrying about your stuff. But once you’re on the ground, the small, everyday decisions you make can go a long way toward keeping your belongings secure. This is part 1 of my Travel Smart series, where I share the simple…
It started with a shared love for sea swimming and a chat at a trade show in San Francisco. Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes, both seasoned professionals in Irish tourism, quickly bonded over their passion for the sea – and soon after, an ambitious idea was born: swim at every single blue flag beach in…
At Iowa Irish Fest, the music flows as easily as the pints. This year, I sat down with Belfast-born musician Ian Gould, who’s been sharing Irish music around the world for years. Known for weaving stories and history into his performances, Ian also hosted a bodhrán workshop during the festival, giving curious festival-goers a hands-on…
Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it’s the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just…
Want to visit Ireland without blowing your entire vacation budget on airfare?You don’t need insider connections or complicated travel hacks – just two easy-to-use (and totally free) tools: Kayak Explore and Google Flights. These platforms make it simple to find the best airfare, whether you’re ready to book or searching for the best deal. These…
Dublin is often the first stop on an Ireland itinerary, but too often, visitors rush through it. Gráinne Lawlor wants you to slow down, sit down, and taste the city. Through her company, Flavour Trails, she offers food, whiskey, and storytelling tours that highlight the heart of Dublin: its people, its history, and it’s incredible…
If you’ve ever listened to the podcast and thought, “I wish you’d just take me to Ireland!” well, I’ve got good news. Next spring, from mid-April through early May, I’m hosting two small-group tours to Ireland. The first leads you along the rugged coastlines and through the rich history of the North – think dramatic…
When a new list of “underrated” Irish attractions makes the rounds, I always take a look. Sometimes I nod in agreement. Sometimes I roll my eyes and wonder who decided the Rock of Cashel was a hidden secret. That was my reaction to a ranking from SumUp, which used everything from TripAdvisor reviews to Instagram…
☘️ I’ll be at Iowa Irish Fest and Kansas City Irish Fest this August, chatting all things Ireland travel—tips, ideas, and maybe a laugh or two. If you’re attending, come say hi! I’d love to meet you. At Iowa Irish Fest August 1-3, in downtown Waterlooyou’ll find me speaking all three days in the air-conditioned Elks Lodge (you’re welcome 😉). I’ll be sharing…
“Do I need travel insurance for an Ireland vacation?” It’s a question I receive often, and one that doesn’t have the same answer for everyone as it has to do with risk, as well as figuring out the coverage you may already have. Since the question is on the table, lets delve into it piece…