Céad míle fáilte! The Irish saying that means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’ is something that you’ll hear plenty of times when traveling around Ireland. It’s the unofficial slogan of the Emerald Isle, often considered to be one of the friendliest places on earth and renowned around the world for its iconic symbols: clover leafs, leprechauns, St. Patrick, whiskey and Guinness. Ireland’s ... Read Full Article
Rugged Donegal: Ireland’s Northernmost Hideaway
On my first trip to Ireland, I took a bus from Clifden on the west coast that I thought was headed to Donegal in the far northwest of the Republic of Ireland. (Un)Fortunately, I was wrong and the bus took me to Dublin where I enjoyed the Guiness Blues Festival for the next week. I always wondered how the trip may have differed had I stepped onto the right bus, because Donegal was and still is the ... Read Full Article
Galway – The Stunning Jewel of Ireland’s West Coast
While Dublin pulled well over it’s weight in nightlife craic (an Irish term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation), I’d been told by more than one Irishman along my brief stint in the capital city, that equal, perhaps even more glory might be found a bus ride away in Galway. Galway is located on the precipice of the stunning western peninsula. The western coastline of Ireland is ... Read Full Article
Ireland’s Wonderful West Coast
One of the popular travel routes people take when going to Ireland is up the west coast - starting from Cork and heading north through the Dingle Peninsula - to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, and ending in Galway. This is a fantastic trip, rugged enough to require hardy boots and a good tent, but still peppered the entire way with cozy beds for the weary and some of the best pubs in the ... Read Full Article
Exploring the Irish Traditions of Galway
On the west coast of Ireland lies Galway, the fourth largest city in the country. The city is known as the culture capital of Ireland and is so nicknamed “Ireland’s Cultural Heart” for the plentiful festivals held each year. The Galway Arts Festival, held every July, may be the most famous. Over 100,000 people attend this celebration of the visual and performing arts, including ... Read Full Article