Ireland

I have a great passion for traveling and I would love to inspire others who share the same interest. Below, I have listed some of the places and ideas that have inspired my family's travel plans. I hope they can also inspire you for your own adventures!

These are some of the places that I have researched or intend to go to. Once we visit some place and I have first hand experience, you can read about it in the blog.

Things to Do

Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark - Nature preserve with many unique geological formations, including caves & a massive stalactite.

Craggaunowen - Archaeological park with 1500s castle, recreated Celtic dwellings and hide boat used by Tim Severin.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park - A 15th-century castle and living 19th-century village bring the periods alive at this family museum.

Kissane Sheep Farm - Kerry Farm Experience Step back into the past, on a traditional Kerry Farm of the 1930s. We'll meet a local farmer who will show us around the farmyard and tell of times gone by. Enjoy mountain views of the Ring of Kerry as he demonstrates his skills at herding sheep with border collies.

Ross Castle - Tours of a tower fortress built by 15th-century chieftains, with grounds that are free to wander.

Muckross House - Furnished 19th-century mansion set among mountains and woodland, with shop, cafe and working farms.

Blarney Castle - Ruined castle housing the famed Blarney Stone, a kiss of which is said to grant the gift of the gab.

Rock of Cashel - Limestone outcrop with Medieval edifices, including a 12th-century tower & a Gothic cathedral.

Rothe House & Garden - Restored 1594 house, garden and museum with a notable timber ceiling, home to a genealogy centre.

Dominican Black Abbey - 14th-century Dominican church and priory featuring a huge, original stained-glass east window.

Kilkenny Castle - Riverside castle with an artfully restored interior (tours only), large garden, gallery and tearoom.

St Mary's Medieval Mile - Museum in a 13th-century church & graveyard featuring medieval sculpture & Renaissance-era tombs.

Hill of Tara & Stone of Destiny - Hilltop archaeological site dating from the Iron Age, known as the seat of the High King of Ireland.

Dublinia - Sights and smells bring hundreds of years' worth of history to life at this child-friendly museum.

Dublin Castle - Historic site, dating from 1204, with 2 museums, cafes and gardens, plus state rooms and a library.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral - The Church of Ireland's national cathedral, dating from 1220, with regular musical recitals.

Christ Church Cathedral - Medieval place of worship with a mummified rat & cat plus a cafe & gift shop in the crypt.

Viking Splash Tours - Tour operator for rides through Dublin in amphibious buses that float along the Grand Canal Basin.

Chester Beatty - Museum on castle grounds housing the mining magnate's vast collection of religious & artistic texts.

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Center - Costumed guides bring stories of the city's past vividly to life in this historic museum.

Where to Stay

The Inn at the Dromoland - Stylish rooms in a modern hotel on a country estate, plus an upscale restaurant & a spa in a castle.

Moorepark West House - a modern house set in an ideal location as a base to explore the southern half of Ireland. all guests have full use of kitchen

Authentic Country Home in Kilkenny, Ireland - Air Bnb

Harcourt Hotel - Basic rooms in a lively Georgian hotel with a restaurant, bar/club and beer garden.

Dining Out

Durty Nelly's - 1620-era thatched-roof cottage with lanterns and sawdusty floors, once a bar for castle guards.

Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House - Restaurant decorated with antique lamps, stained glass and artworks, turning out Irish favourites.

Kytelers Inn - Medieval inn on 2 floors with cosy stone and beamed bars, plus food and nightly live Irish music.

Belvedere Irish Nights - Join us for an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish dance and entertainment in the heart of Dublin

An Evening of Food, Folklore and Fairies - Experience an enchanting evening of Irish Folklore and Storytelling as you relax in an intimate setting above The Stag’s Head, voted ‘Ireland’s Best Traditional Irish Pub’ in 2019.

The Irish House Party - Dinner and entertainment packages with Irish dancers and musicians in an elegant Georgian setting.