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.
When most people think of scones they think of a sweet treat, maybe served with a bit of jam and clotted cream, sitting aside a cup of tea. And while these scones would also be terrific served with afternoon tea, you definitely don’t want to top them with jam! These Mini Cheddar Scones are savory….
Join Jody as she reminisces about Temple Bar TradFest with Francesca Mazurkiewicz of Roots Music Rambler. Hear about stand-out TradFest performers, tips to keep in mind as you plan your trip, and a few places in Dublin you shouldn’t miss when you visit. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the…
Plan Your Vacation to Ireland All the tips you need – IN ORDER – to plan your dream vacation to Ireland Ready to Turn Ideas into a Plan? If you’d like to bring all of this guidance together in one clear, step-by-step framework, the Ireland Travel Compass is designed for DIY planners who want structure…
Ireland Family Vacations reader question: As we prepare for our first trip to Ireland this summer with our 7 and 3 year-old, we are a little nervous about the food, and making sure we can find things the kids like. They are finicky eaters as it is — never mind throwing foreign fare into the…
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…
Just after Easter, Jody is heading back to Ireland—and this trip is filled with experiences, stays, and a few surprises that might inspire your own plans. Ireland trip preview: tours, experiences, and places to stay This upcoming visit blends guided tours, hands-on experiences, and independent exploring across Ireland—from the Causeway Coast to the southeast, with…
Cruise stops in Ireland can feel like a whirlwind – but with the right plan, even a few hours can turn into an unforgettable experience. With more cruise ships arriving at Irish ports each year, travelers have more options than ever when it comes to shore excursions. But not all tours, or tour providers, are…
Planning an Ireland vacation can feel overwhelming when you start adding up the numbers -but a memorable trip doesn’t have to be out of reach. With smart choices and a few intentional trade-offs, travelers can enjoy Ireland fully without overspending. This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 324. Use the…
Not all flights to Ireland are created equal. The departure time, route, and arrival hour can completely shape your first few days – for better or worse. Here’s how to choose flights that work for your itinerary, and how to handle jet lag when you get there. Whether you’re flying solo, with family, or meeting…
Discover the enchanting origins of Halloween in Ireland, where the festival of Samhain began over 3,000 years ago.
The Medieval City of Kilkenny is an easy trip from Dublin – under 2 hours if you travel direct by car – and is a terrific day trip from Dublin by train. But too many travelers consider Kilkenny as a ‘stop through’ in route to another spot (usually Cork), which often leads to regret, as…
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…
County Galway Travel Guide Wild Landscapes, Island Adventures & Galway CityFrom the lively streets of Galway City to the windswept hills of Connemara, County Galway blends culture, history, and dramatic landscapes into one unforgettable stop. Planning a full Ireland itinerary? The Ireland Travel Compass helps you connect destinations and build a smooth route through Ireland….
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…
April 16-24, 2026 Irish mythology and modern tragedy… The warmth of whiskey and the cool spray of the North Atlantic… And the opportunity to get hands-on with Irish traditions passed down through the years. From vibrant Belfast to the storied streets of Derry, with coastal wonders and legendary landscapes in between, this tour explores the…
Craft, Culture & Craic A Women-Only Journey through the Fields & Fáilte of Ireland April 26 – May 4, 2026 This women-only small-group tour invites you to explore Ireland through hands-on crafts, delicious local experiences, and unforgettable moments (puffins included!). Join us for a journey of a lifetime, where every day promises a new adventure…
If you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin, these three picks cover every craving and budget, each one recommended by Gráinne Lawlor of Flavor Trails, who knows this city’s food scene inside and out. Find Grainne’s full podcast interview & article here. Recommended Dublin Dining Spots For a Grab-and-Go Bite Try a spice bag from…
I received a question from a podcast listener with some questions about Christmas travel in Ireland. While her inquiry about car rental and things they could consider doing was an easy one for me to answer, it was the conversation that followed that prompted this episode… This article is also available as the Traveling in…