The monastic settlement of the Glendalough Valley in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains is one of the most beautiful and haunting places in Ireland. And, it’s a bit surprising that this isolated area is not far from Dublin, one of Europe’s busiest metropolises. The untouched wilderness of the Glendalough Valley, with its ancient stone buildings, down to earth locals, and circuitous route (there is ... Read Full Article
24(ish) Hours In Cork
Never have I felt closer to home in a foreign land than when I traveled to Ireland's Cork (city). The industrial heart of southern Ireland is practically a reflection of my American Rust Belt home, Cleveland. Yet when my fellow travelers, Vic and Rob, and I decided to visit Cork, we did so on a whim. This whim was the result of a conversation on what cities we wanted to visit while in ... Read Full Article
Dunluce Castle: Northern Ireland’s most Stunning Ruin
Dunluce Castle was an accidental destination on my travels to Northern Ireland. I was on my way into Portstewart, County Antrim when I caught sight of this magnificent ruin shimmering in the last glow of sunlight. The castle is carved into a rocky promontory, so that the cliffs around the castle drop off straight into the ocean. The sea-grass and rocks are slippery from the ... Read Full Article
Visit Gardens in the UK While Keeping the Non-Gardener Happy
Compatible traveling companions do not necessarily share every interest, but it can be trying to spend your precious holidays being dragged around to boring places. You may assume that you have to go golfing even though you read a notice about the Elizabethan doll exhibit at a village museum. You may try to ignore those eyes rolling when you suggest a visit to one more cathedral. But ... Read Full Article
The Belfast Murals: Portrait of a City Divided
Northern Ireland is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful places. Blessed with a stunning coastline and a culture continually voted one of ‘the world’s friendliest’, this small country (of only 6 counties) should be on the must-visit list of every traveler who longs to experience genuine hospitality and a more relaxed way of life. Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast, ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Killarney, Ireland
Where to Stay in Killarney, Ireland The small town of Killarney offers all accommodation types, from top-notch 5-star hotels to authentic Irish B&Bs; and the local hotels are famous for their hospitality. When choosing where to stay, note that the Killarney National Park is within walking distance of the Killarney town center (as are most of the sights in Killarney). Organized by star rating, ... Read Full Article
Ireland’s Dramatic Cliffs of Moher
Here is where the rolling green hills of Ireland come to a screeching halt. Staggering cliffs drop seven hundred feet into the Atlantic, making the Cliffs of Moher one of the highest coastlines in western Europe. Some travel guides recommend waiting for a sunny day to visit the cliffs, which is nice, if you have the luxury of waiting for clear skies in Ireland. But it's better still to go ... Read Full Article
5 Spots in Dublin for a Great Pint of Guinness
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, people around the world have raised a pint of Guinness, the Irish stout that has been brewed in Dublin since 1759. People who have fallen in love with Guinness often comment that a pint poured anywhere else isn’t the same as one poured in Dublin. While this is true, not all pints in Dublin are equal either. Here are 5 spots for a great pint of Guinness in ... Read Full Article
Sights of Literary Dublin
For a reader, there is perhaps no better city in the world than Dublin. Literary sights are integral and plentiful. These are the streets walked by Leopold Bloom, protagonist of James Joyce’s Ulysses; these are the theaters that premiered the groundbreaking works of Synge, Yeats, Shaw and Beckett. Lively, smart Dublin has a long relationship with the written word. It’s probably one of the only ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Dublin – Editor’s Picks
Every traveler has different criteria for where to stay in Dublin. For some people a central location is most important, while others prefer to be off the beaten path. Some want a simple, cozy place to sleep while others are looking for the best amenities and 24-hour room service. Whatever kind of accommodation you’re looking for in Dublin, hotels will all have one thing in common: Irish ... Read Full Article