The town of Shannon in County Clare is a great base for exploring one of Ireland’s most magical regions. The Shannon Region encompasses counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Offaly. The southwest part of Ireland is geographically diverse and boasts a chopped up coastline replete with cliffs, coves and countless towers and forts built to oversee […]
Ireland Tourist Information
Introduction to Ireland The Republic of Ireland is an island nation situated in the North Sea off the northwest coast of Europe. It shares the island with the small nation of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. As an active participant in the European community, Ireland is one of Europe’s richest countries […]
European Beer: Tipple Across Europe on St. Paddy’s Day
In time for another of Europe’s favourite days for a tipple of beer – St. Patrick’s Day – here is a guide to five countries where you’ll get a history lesson with every pint (don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed). When you think European beverages, you probably conjure up French wine, Italian Limoncello, Russian vodka, or […]
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 […]
Newgrange, a Touch of Prehistoric Ireland
About 5,000 years ago, the people who lived in what is now Ireland’s Boyne Valley, built vast monuments to honor their dead. Newgrange, about an hour’s drive from Dublin, is the best known. This United Nations World Heritage Site draws 200,000 visitors per year. If you’re interested in ancient mysteries, prehistoric Ireland’s Newgrange is a must. Newgrange is […]
Cork: Ireland’s Rebellious County
In Ireland, a nation known for rebelliousness, Cork is known as the rebellious county. The Blarney Stone is located in the area (8km from the Cork City), and according to legend, those who kiss the stone are afforded the ability to deliver eloquent empty flattery. Thus, not only are Corkonians prone to shaking a fist at authority, but […]
Kenmare, Ireland – The Jewel on the Ring of Kerry
Kenmare, Ireland, founded in 1670, is a well-preserved little town set at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains. Here the River Roughty meets a sea inlet that reaches deep into the Kerry coast. People who marvel at the natural beauty of the area and the attractive town with colorful houses call it the […]
The Joys and History of Irish Beer
Discussions of Irish beer usually begin and end with one word: Guinness. There is no doubt that Arthur Guiness’ great creation is the most famous beer in the world, let alone in Ireland. But there is much more to the beer scene on the Emerald Isle than just the meal-in-a-glass that draws all the headlines. […]
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 […]
Eco Retreat in the North Leitrim Glens, Ireland
On your next visit to Ireland, take some time away from the pub while you nourish your soul and offer respect to Mother Earth. If you are looking for an Eco Luxury Retreat, then you must visit the Ard Nahoo Hotel, located 30 minutes west of Sligo airport in the hills of Western Ireland. Settled in the unspoiled […]