Memories of the Emerald Isle

How do you play “catch up” on 34 years of missed or delayed vacations? Bernie from Germany did his best on an eight-day tour of his ancestral land, with three nights in Cashel, Tipperary followed by two nights each in Kenmare and Dingle, Kerry. We wrapped up his adventure with a stay in Bunratty, County […]

Postcard from Adare

The clouds are a constant source of interest for someone who takes the time to gaze skyward. This scene was captured today just outside of the charming village of Adare, County Clare.

Bunratty Castle

A visit to Bunratty Castle is worth the hassle and the crowds of tourists. It is, after all, the best ancient castle in western Ireland. Built in about 1425 on the site of two previous strongholds, the castle was restored in the 1950s and 60s by Lord Gort and his family to appear much as […]

The Cliffs of Moher

When I first visited this amazing natural site more than a decade ago, it was free. You’d park in a dirt lot and walk about fifty yards and boom – there they were. The Cliffs of Moher would knock your socks off, even if you weren’t wearing any. And, they were free. Now the entire […]

Courtyard Inn Bunratty Great Place to Stay

My first night in Ireland is spent at The Courtyard B&B in the hamlet of Bunratty, an easy 15-minute drive from the Shannon Airport where I’ll greet new guests Margaret, Elisabeth and Jennifer on Sunday. The Courtyard has become like a second home since I first stayed here in 2000 while on a scouting mission […]