Who could resist the castle fantasy? Lording about in your own manor, swigging from goblets and feasting on, well, feasts! We’ve rounded up the finest former fortresses where you can eat like a king and sleep like one too. Lismore Castle, County Waterford Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of name-dropping? We’re talking old Hollywood, scientific [...]
Bumping along the lush, rugged landscape of Connemara in an air-conditioned coach, Kirsten Fruit can hardly contain her excitement. Each dip in the road brings her closer to a place she’s been dying to visit since seeing its magnificent photo: Kylemore Abbey. My enthusiasm is threatening to overwhelm my neighbour who, for the past half hour, [...]
In the final post of the three-part story about tracing his ancestry in County Tipperary, guest blogger Gerry Britt reaches an emotional conclusion in the fields of Ballyfinnane. The night in the pub was an unforgettable one, but I was determined to keep things moving on the research front. The next day found me in [...]
The road back to your roots can be an emotional one, but it’s nothing if not rich and rewarding. Our guest blogger Gerry Britt embarks on a momentous journey that brings him right to the heart of rural Ireland, to the village his grandfather left in 1906. It was our third trip to Ireland, and [...]
‘Go where Ireland takes you’ we’re always telling you. Well today, we’re giving you hints, especially for those who’ll drive where Ireland takes them. Promise to keep your eyes on the road as guest blogger Fiona Hilliard reveals four of the most scenic drives in Ireland. The Burren, County Clare In a quiet, unassuming corner [...]
Begin the Causeway Coastal Route at Belfast, and ahead you’ll pass the nine Glens of Antrim; glacier-gouged valleys of charming seaside villages and highlands of forests, bogland and waterfalls. As guest blogger Rick Le Vert finds, these landscapes are also weaved with stories, and have much to linger, and gasp over, along your route north. The [...]
To celebrate the release of the film a Shine of Rainbows, which premiered at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival and stars the ever-so-handsome Irish actor Aidan Quinn, we held a contest for a lucky Canadian to win a trip for four people to visit Ireland, including Co. Donegal, where the film takes place. The grand prize winner, Gord, took his [...]
Today – June 16 – marks the celebration of Bloomsday in honour of James Joyce’s beloved book Ulysses, which took place over the course of this day in 1904 and is celebrated by Joyceans world-wide. We, of course, never miss the chance for a great party so festivities are held throughout the island – with one [...]
The blog is on an island-hopping adventure right now. In Part I of our trip around Ireland’s treasured islands, we went from beaches to the Burren, ancient monasteries to modern luxury. But we’re not on dry land yet. Part II is here, and our first stop is Ireland’s West Coast… Clare Island, County Mayo [...]
Readers, there’s something in the water. In the sea and the lakes. Ireland’s glittering portfolio of islands, from isolated outposts in a stormy ocean to near-tropical isles of golden beaches and unique culture, is certainly something. These islands harbour astounding landscapes, unmatched tranquility, distinctive communities and ancient traces of former settlers. So I tried to [...]
