Thought you needed a DeLorean á la Marty McFly to travel back in time? Nope. Guest blogger Allie Gavette has discovered all you need is a trip to the in and an open mind. I’m here to chat to ‘real’ characters from the 18th and 19th century, right at the doors of their thatched cottages. [...]

County Fermanagh’s patchwork of landscapes, from rocky outcrops and blanket bog, to glacial-carved hollows and limestone-littered hills, makes quite an eclectic quilt of scenery. There’s something very special under this quilt, too; miles of winding, underground caverns of subterranean lakes and bizarre rock formations. In fact, if you consider the thrilling rides (boat journey through [...]

We all love a happy ending but happy endings usually start with tough beginnings. And they don’t come much tougher or more poetic than the story of St Patrick; child to slave, shepherd to savior, saint to legend. It would definitely make an Oscar-winner of a feel-good movie. But the best part of St Patrick’s [...]

Reader, it’s time to let you in on a little secret – you already speak a little Irish (Gaeilge). It’s true. You see, before we even make our first visit to the Gaeltacht you have a head start: You’ll have heard of the word Sláinte (usage was probably followed by chinking glasses and a long [...]

We may have mentioned to you once or twice that we like a good story here in Ireland. The fact is that we’ve been storytelling for years (thousands to be precise) and the first stories ever told are as popular today as they were around the camp fire all those years ago. Now, you’d think [...]

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 Remember [...]

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 [...]

It’s true what they say, the old ones really are the best. Thanks to the Irish Landmark Trust, some of Ireland’s oldest and most historic buildings have been tenderly restored so we can bed down for a night or two in these fascinating places! We’ve cherry-picked a few romantic hideaways where we know we’d like [...]

Having rejoiced at the news of Dublin‘s UNESCO City of Literature status we got to thinking about all of Ireland’s wonderful books. With so many to choose from, we decided to do what we do best and make a little shortlist. But we wanted to be able to show you the books, too, so myself [...]

Fact: Dubliners love a good story. A Dubliner can take something as everyday as buying milk into an epic tale of romance and bravery (or a first date on June 16th into one of the most acclaimed novels of all time – take a bow Mr Joyce). Considering the wit in our words and heritage of [...]