Amazing Ireland Experiences Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

Irish mythology is rich with stories that have been passed down through generations, featuring a mix of heroic tales, tragic love stories, and epic battles.

These stories are deeply rooted in Irish culture and have influenced literature, art, and even modern popular culture. They are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and the way they reflect the ancient beliefs and values of Ireland.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

Queen Medb (Maeve)

Best known as the Queen of Connacht and central in the epic tale “The Táin Bó Cúailnge” (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), in which Medb instigates a war with the province of Ulster to capture the Brown Bull of Cooley (Donn Cúailnge), a prized animal which would make her wealth equal to that of her husband, King Ailill.

Find Medb

Cú Chulainn

Tales of Cú Chulainn are filled with feats of extraordinary strength and bravery. He was endowed with supernatural abilities due to his divine heritage as son of the god Lugh and Deichtine, sister of the king of Ulster. Cú Chulainn was a central character in the The Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) as the sole defender of Ulster.

Find Cú Chulainn

As a prolific warrior many locations in Ireland are associated with Cú Chulainn, these are just a few.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool)

Fionn mac Cumhaill was a leader known for his great wisdom and strength. On of the best known tales about Fionn involves the Salmon of Knowledge, a fish that would grant infinite wisdom to whoever ate it.

Find Fionn mac Cumhaill

Tír na nÓg

Oisín, whose father was Fionn mac Cumhaill, encountered Niamh one day while hunting. Niamh, a princess from Tír na nÓg (the Land of Eternal Youth), invited Oisín to return with her so they could live happily ever after. After many years Oisín became homesick and wished to return to Ireland. Though he was warned to not touch the ground, his saddle broke and he fell from his horse, breaking the spell of Tír na nÓg and aging him rapidly.

Find Tír na nÓg

Unfortunately Tír na nÓg is not a real location and is often described as an island far west of Ireland, across the sea. However, a few locations have been symbolically linked to this mythical land.

Children of Lir

One of the most famous Irish myths, it tells the story of the four children of King Lir who are transformed into swans by their jealous stepmother and cursed to wander the lakes of Ireland for 900 years.

Find the Children of Lir

The Sídhe (Wee Folk)

The broad world of the Sídhe (shee) includes leprechauns and fairies. These supernatural beings often seen as remnants of ancient deities, nature spirits, or inhabitants of the otherworld.

Find Leprechauns

This solitary fairy is associated with shoemaking and pots of gold hidden at the end of rainbows. They are said to be quite deceptive and cunning, doing anything to protect their treasure.

See the world from a leprechaun’s point of view at the National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin.

Find Fairies

Fairies come in various forms, from the tiny pixie-like creatures to banshees, pookas (shape-shifting spirits), and Dullahan (headless horsemen). They can be kind and helpful or vengeful and dangerous, depending on how they are treated.

The term “Sídhe” refers both to the fairies themselves and the places they inhabit, such as mounds, hills, and ancient burial sites, which are considered portals to the otherworld.

Throughout Ireland, there are many ancient earthen ring forts, known as fairy forts, and fairy rings (mushroom circles) will appear as if by magic. These places are considered sacred to the fairies and disturbing them is believed to bring bad luck or provoke the wrath of the fairies.

A few of our favorite fairy spots include Lough Gur in County Limerick, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in County Sligo, and Fairy Castle in the Dublin Mountains.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

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My library is filled with dozens of books about Irish legends and tales. A few of my favorites are

Traveling in Ireland Podcast episode 229

The post Encounters with Irish Mythology – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

One of the first things you’ll notice in Ireland is that there is always a hot water kettle available for a cup of tea.

Every hotel, and most B&Bs, provide a kettle, tea bags and instant coffee, and often a biscuit, for an easy afternoon pick-me-up or evening refresher. As a tea drinker I much prefer this over the coffee makers you find in hotel rooms across the US.

A memorable afternoon tea also tops the ‘must do’ list for many people (myself included!) while vacationing in Ireland.

In a word, no.
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Elegant teas, served with scones, delicate sandwiches, and dainty sweets are Afternoon Tea, or ‘Low Tea’. Once a staple of Victorian aristocracy, this repast relieved the mid-day slump between the mid-morning breakfast and the 8pm evening meal. It was often served at a low table near a warm fireplace, hence ‘low tea’.
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High Tea is more of a ‘working class meal’, often taken at high tables or counters, and usually while standing. High tea was a meal of hand-held items like meat pies, hearty sandwiches, and thick slices of bread with butter and jam- served with tea.

When planning your Ireland vacation I recommend making time for at least one terrific afternoon tea.

You’ll find terrific options at luxuries hotels, castles, manor houses, and even some boutique eateries.

A few memorable experiences I recommend: Dunbrody House in Wexford, Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny, Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Kinnitty Castle in Offaly, Kilashee House Hotel in Kildare, and (of course) Vintage Tea Trips in Dublin.

Pro Tip: Most castle hotels are not open to visitors to walk up and explore without a reservation. Make a booking for a lovely afternoon tea to gain access to the castle and the beautiful grounds.

Reminder: You need to book your afternoon tea at least 2 days in advance in most places. For popular locations or if your accommodations offer afternoon tea, book as far in advance as possible.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 215

The post Afternoon Tea in Ireland – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Since my family’s first hawk walk, way back in 2015, we have been hooked on these up-close experiences with birds of prey in Ireland.

The sport of falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural habitat by means of a trained bird of prey.

Falconry has been practiced in Ireland since approximately 3000BC. The first reference to falconry in Ireland was made in the 7th century in reference to the King of Tara owning two hunting hawks.

Twelfth century Norman laws restricted falconry to the upper classes, truly making it the ‘Sport of Kings’.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

While you may be able to experience a falconry or birds of prey demonstration and a hawk walk in the same location, they are not the same thing.

A birds of prey or falconry demonstration is an educational event that allows people to observe multiple predatory birds in a group setting.

These events usually include 2 – 3 different birds, entertaining presentations about each, as well as flight demonstrations that showcase the flying and hunting techniques of each bird.

Depending on the presentation, audience members may be asked to participate and photo opportunities may be available after the show.

A hawk walk is a private session for a couple or small group. In this session you will get ‘up close’ with the birds, possibly meeting a few before you set out with the birds you will be flying, usually Harris Hawks.

The average hawk walk lasts an hour, though some may be longer; be sure to inquire when booking.

Pricing for hawk walks vary by location, but you can expect to pay around €120 per person for a one hour walk.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

The birds in both the demonstrations and walks are predators. If a tasty morsel shows itself during a demonstration or a walk the bird is very likely to hunt, and possibly capture, said treat.

Birds of prey are carnivores. During the performance or the walk they will be given raw meat, which can be recognizable as an animal. If you are sensitive to this you may want to rethink your activity.

You may feel a bit like prey as the bird flies directly at you, focused on the raw meat on your gloved hand. It’s rather exhilarating.

Birds are not trained and won’t always land where you expect.

Many hawk walks have a minimum age requirement; if traveling with small children be sure to check this before booking.

Advance reservations are necessary for all hawk walks.

Each birds of prey experience in Ireland is a bit different but one theme I’ve found to be constant is the passion of the falconers and the incredible care given to the birds.

Our first hawk walk took place at the Mount Falcon Estate in Mayo. After learning about the variety of birds in their mews we enjoyed a walk through the woodlands with two birds and a hunting dog. This is the only hawk walk we have done with a dog accompaniment.

Our second hawk walk experience was with Master Falconer, Jim O’Conner, who can now be found at The Falconry Centre at the Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford. You can visit the birds in their habitats and private falconry demonstrations can be booked.

Adare Country Pursuits at Adare Manor in County Limerick offered the most complete private falconry experience we have had. It began with a personal meeting with 6 birds of prey – from a massive eagle to a wee owl. We then walked our Harris Hawks and ended the day with an eagle flight display.

Ireland School of Falconry at Ashford Castle is Ireland’s oldest falconry school. These are probably the most beautiful grounds to fly a falcon as your walk takes place in the gardens and woodlands.

Hawkeye School of Falconry at Lyrath Estate offers one of the most educational falconry experiences we’ve enjoyed. The walk takes place in an open field surrounded by trees. This is a fabulous location the open area allows for a private flight demonstration and amazing photo opportunities.

Aillwee Burren Experience in County Clare offers a public birds of prey demonstration and private hawk walks. I love the birds of prey demonstration here as it is both entertaining and educational. The audience is invited to participate and photo opps are offered – so don’t be shy!

The private hawk walk at Aillwee is unique as it takes place in a forested area at the edge of the Burren’s rocky landscape. Because the area is not as busy as other spots you may have the chance to see the birds hunt.

The School of Falconry at Dromoland Castle in County Clare offers private hawk walks.

Killarney Falconry offers guided hawk walks with the beautiful background of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Falconry Kerry offers private experiences on a working farm near Killarney – so you may also visit their friendly alpacas and spring lambs.

Falconry Ireland in County Wicklow offers private falconry experiences for individuals and groups.

Mayfield Birds of Prey in Waterford offers daily public shows and private hawk walks.

National Birds of Prey Centre at Russborough House in Wicklow offers multiple private tours and experiences. Public tours are limited so be sure to check the website for times.

Hawk Walks NI on the Antrim coast offers a full falconry experience (a meet & greet of sorts with multiple birds before a hawk walk) and a hawk walk experience.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Some accommodations can also arrange falconry experiences during your stay but do not have an on site falconry mews.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 209

The post Birds of Prey Demonstrations and Hawk Walks – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country’s ’40 shades of green’ is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you’ll find across the country.

While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast’, you can easily add a visit to a magnificent garden to any itinerary.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

While gardens may not be what most people plan their Ireland vacation around, chances are you’ll visit at least one.

And you should.

The combination of nature’s artistry and human design make visiting Irish gardens a truly spellbinding experience worth fitting into your itinerary.

These gardens are well-known and tend to be found on many Ireland itineraries.

Powerscourt Gardens

Nearly every day trip from Dublin to Wicklow includes the 47 acres of immaculate gardens on the Powerscourt Estate. And for good reason.

Everything you look for in a magnificent garden you’ll find here. Walled garden? Check. Japanese garden? Check. Immaculate lawns. Yep. Woodland pathways. You got it. Lake with a fountain? Yes – and it even has a grand stairway leading to the house. You’ll even find a tower, worthy of any fairytale, that you can climb.

Plan to spend a few hours here if you can. And before you leave grab lunch from Avoca to take to the Powerscourt Waterfall- the tallest in Ireland (separate entry fee).

Kylemore Abbey Walled Garden

It’s about a 15-minute speed-walk from stunning Kylemore Abbey in County Galway to the Victorian walled gardens that are nestled beneath the Black Stack Mountains. If you have the time, I highly recommend a more leisurely stroll. If you don’t want to walk a free shuttle is available.

The garden covers approximately 6 acres and is divided by a mountain stream. The eastern half of the garden is the formal flower garden, lush with blooms in all colors and sizes. Crossing the stream to the western half you enter the ‘kitchen garden’ with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.

To fully explore Kylemore Abbey & Gardens allow 3 hours minimum. This will give you time to enjoy the tour and history of the house, walk along the lake to the miniature Gothic church, visit the gardens (where you might also see the Connemara ponies), and enjoy a well-earned treat in the Tea Rooms or the visitors centre.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

The Gardens at Blarney Castle

The Blarney Stone may be the first thing people think of when visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, but I think the castle ruin dims in comparison to the estate’s extensive gardens.

With over 11 gardens ‘areas’ spread over 60 acres you’ll find plenty to explore. My personal favorites are the Poison Garden, which sits just beneath the castle’s famous stone. Harry Potter fans will recognize some of the plants here. The Rock Close is the oldest ‘garden’ on the estate, said to be an ancient druidic settlement.

Not far from this is a circle of nine standing stones, two of which have fallen, known as the 7 sisters. The legend tells of a chieftan with 9 children – 2 sons and 7 daughters. Taking his sons on their first battle against a cattle raider, the sons were killed. Returning home with the bodies of his sons it is said he stopped at this spot and ordered his men to knock over two of the stones.

When visiting Blarney Castle & Gardens allow yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours – though I recommend a full morning or afternoon.

The Gardens at Muckross House

You’ll find Muckross House in the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.

During the 1850s the gardens underwent extensive work for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. In the early 20th century the Bourne Vincent family expanded the gardens with the addition of the Sunken Garden, the Rock Garden and the Stream Garden. Today the gardens are most popular in the summer months when the rhododendrons are in riotous bloom.

You can drive to Muckross House or take a jaunting car tour of the national park that can take you to Muckross House.

Some of these gardens may be a bit off the tourist trail. But that’s definitely to your benefit as you may feel like you have them to yourself!

Lismore Castle Gardens

Though you can’t tour Lismore Castle in County Waterford (though you can rent it if you pockets are deep enough), the idyllic gardens are open to the public. We love the ‘hidden’ natural playground and the more natural trails away from the manicured formal garden.
Tip: just down the road is one of my favorite ‘hidden’ spots – Ballysaggartmore Towers. Be sure to wear your walking shoes!

Vandeleur Walled Garden

The tranquil oasis of Vandeleur Walled Garden near Kilrush in County Clare is known for its stunning rose collection and relaxing garden paths. A small hedge maze and a meditation path take your mind in different directions as you explore. This is a great spot to visit if you are using the Shannon Ferry as you cross from Clare to Kerry (or vice versa).

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Located in County Kildare on the route from Dublin to most points west, these gardens should be on your list, even if you’re not a ‘horsey type’. The magnificent Japanese Garden, often called the finest of their kind in Europe, is a soothing guide through the ‘Life of Man’, allowing you to choose your own path and teaching you a few life lessons along the way. St Fiachra’s garden named for the patron saint of gardeners has a more soothing, natural feel, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Irish National Stud & Gardens feature in the free Horse Country itinerary!

The Gardens at Glenveagh Castle

Located in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal the castle gardens feature both a Victorian Garden and a walled garden. Surrounding this you have acres of ‘wild’ gardens with marked trails to explore. No cars are allowed in Glenveagh National Park so you can opt to walk, rent a bicycle, or take the shuttle to the castle. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering the gardens, touring the castle, and wandering the trails.

The Gardens at Bantry House

Bantry House in West Cork is surrounded by gardens. In front of the house, leading to the bay is the terraced garden with 14 round beds. Behind the house is an ornamental garden overlooked by 100 steps. Climbing to the top of these steps offers a dramatic view of Bantry Bay and an entrance to the woodlands. Beyond this is the walled garden which is slowly being restored.
Tip: You can stay in Bantry House!

Birr Castle Demense

If you want one garden the entire family will love, choose Birr Castle Demense. Beyond the formal gardens and terraces – including the world’s tallest box hedge – you’ll find woodland strolls, waterfalls, river walks, and the ‘Whirlpool Spiral’ of lime trees. In the middle of all of this is the world’s largest telescope (until the early 1900s) and Ireland’s largest treehouse. There is also a wonderful science museum. Birr Castle is still a private residence, but some summer dates do offer castle tours.

Glenarm Castle Gardens

Located along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, the gardens at Glenarm Castle include a formal walled garden with vibrant flower borders and more informal spots like the kitchen garden and herb garden. The walled garden is also home to seven rescued hedgehogs. While visiting you’ll also want to enjoy the woodland walk.
Tip: Glenarm Castle offers a few options to stay onsite, including ocean view pods and the Barbicon Gate.

The final two gardens aren’t full gardens but definitely deserve to be shared.

Garden of Remembrance

On a hill in Ringfinnan seemingly endless rows of trees overlook Kinsale, County Cork. Created by Kathleen Cait Murphy, a New York City nurse originally from Kinsale, the Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to the firefighters and their Chaplain, Father Michael Judge, who died during, and following, the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. Each tree includes information about one of the fallen heroes and many are adorned with personal items left by family and friends.

Dunbrody Abbey Hedge Maze

If you find yourself in County Wexford I highly recommend a stop to complete this hedge maze created of yew trees. In the centre is a tall viewing platform – terrific for yelling hints to those who are still trying to navigate the maze.
Before leaving be sure to visit Dunbrody Abbey, just across the road. This Cistercian Monastery has been standing 850 years.

Ireland’s magnificent gardens are a testament to the country’s natural beauty and rich history. From the grandeur of Powerscourt to the remote wildness of Glenveagh, each garden offers a unique experience that will leave you wishing you could recreate even a bit of that magnificence at home.

Whether you’re a green thumb or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, consider adding a couple of these gardens during your unforgettable trip to Ireland.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 196

The post Enchanting Gardens in Ireland – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.)

In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition.

The monastic settlement of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains, is a popular day trip from Dublin. The round tower stands tall in the ‘valley of the two lakes’, almost presiding over the cemetery, churches, and cathedral. There is quite a lot to see and do here, including some wonderful walks around the lake and along mountain paths.

Clonmacnoise was a major centre of learning and trade from the 8th to 12th centuries, located at one of the most important crossroads of ancient Ireland. You’ll find two round towers here, though one is missing a top. Clonmacnoise also has 3 high crosses; the Cross of Scriptures is 13 feet tall and absolutely magnificent.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster until 1101 when it was donated to the church by the reigning king. The round tower is the oldest structure on the site. The sight of the magnificent castle structure atop the stony outcropping and reigning over the surrounding farmland is one that will leave you in awe.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage to Kells in County Meath as that is where the Book of Kells was held until 1654, before it was presented to Trinity College in 1661 (where you can see it today). The round tower, though still standing, has lost its cap. Five high crosses, in various states, are also here.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

If your itinerary doesn’t take you near any of those popular spots there are plenty more round towers to visit. These are some of my favorites.

Rattoo round tower in County Kerry was the first round tower I saw in Ireland. In 2002 I was following the route that would become the Wild Atlantic Way when I saw the cone in the distance. As I drove the road became more narrow, finally becoming a path. And there it stood. I had it all to myself… It was magical. The Rattoo round tower is the only complete round tower in Kerry and also has a sheela na gig.

Ardmore, County Waterford, is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, founded by St. Declan in the 5th century. Rising from a hill overlooking the town below, the round tower dates to the 12th century. The round tower marks the end of the cliff walk, which begins at the beach, following the coast past St. Declan’s Stone, up the (steep) hill past the Cliff House Hotel (amazing spot to stay), and then to the holy well and the ruined church, before continuing along the cliffs to the cathedral and church yard.

You’re likely to pass near Kilmacdough Monestery in County Galway if you are driving between Galway city and the Cliffs of Moher. The round tower is noted as the tallest standing round tower in Ireland.

Scattery Island, in the Shannon Estuary , is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is (obviously) only reachable by boat. Scattery Island Tours offers daily sailings during the season. The round tower on Scattery is unique as the door is at ground level. The island also has seven small churches, a holy well, a lighthouse, and an artillery battery.

The round tower at Turlough Abbey in County Mayo appears rather short and squat when compared to other towers. This abbey is one of few that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII and, later, Oliver Cromwell. If you visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar the round tower can be seen from there and makes a nice addition to your visit.

A round tower, locally known as The Steeple, still remains from an ancient monastic settlement in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearby is a ‘witches stone’, the story being that a witch, upset by the construction of the tower, climbed to the top and jumped off, landing on the stone and leaving the impression of her knee and elbow. Legend says that one hollow never runs dry.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

The round tower at Glasnevin Cemetery, built in 1855 to commemorate Irish political leader Daniel O’Connell can be climbed, but it is not quite as impressive as scaling an ancient round tower.

Just west of Dublin Kildare Cathedral, also known as St. Brigid’s Cathedral, was built on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey said to have been founded by Saint Brigid. The round tower can be climbed – be sure to note the Romanesque decoration around the doorway -and do visit the cathedral which also has a sheela-na-gig.

St. Canice’s Cathedral, at the opposite end of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle, has a climbable tower which was built in the 9th century. The Cathedral is Early Gothic in design and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, St. Patrick’s in Dublin is longer. Purchase your tickets to climb the 100 foot tower inside the cathedral.

Devenish Island in County Fermanagh had two round towers, though one remains intact and can be scaled. This is the only high tower you can climb that still retains a conical cap. The base of the cap has a decorative cornice with a carved head above each of the 4 rectangular windows, Commercial boat tours of Lower Lough Erne can take you to the island, which also has multiple church ruins and an intricate high cross.

Traveling in Ireland Episode 193

The post Round Towers – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Live from Morrissey's Pub in Abbeyleix, County Laois.

A wee chat with John Nolan, manager of Morrissey's Pub, built in 1775.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring John Nolan, manager of Morrissey's. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

If you're looking for a memorable souvenir from Ireland, making your own Claddagh ring is a unique experience. The Claddagh, a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship, is deeply rooted in Irish culture. Silver Works in Dublin offers a workshop where visitors can craft their own Claddagh ring, making it a special addition to any trip.

This is How Your Ring Looks When You Begin

More Tips for County Laois with Aubrey Hutchinson.

When you start the workshop at Silver Works, the ring’s basic shape has already been cast. The silver is pre-formed into the rough shape of the Claddagh, ready for you to personalize and refine. It’s a great starting point, allowing you to focus on the craft rather than the initial design.

Sizing the Claddagh Ring

The first step after receiving your silver piece is to size the ring. You’ll choose the right size for your finger and adjust the metal accordingly. Using special tools, you’ll make sure the ring fits comfortably before moving on to the next stage of the process.

Beginning to Bend the Claddagh Ring

Once the ring is sized, you’ll begin shaping it into its final form. This part of the process involves bending the metal and gradually bringing the ring into the iconic Claddagh shape, where the two hands will hold the heart. It’s the stage where the Claddagh design starts to take shape, and you can see the traditional symbol emerging.

It's Beginning to Look Like a Ring

At this stage, the ring is really starting to look like the finished product. The heart and hands are forming, and you can see the shape coming together. It’s an exciting part of the process as the craftsmanship begins to shine through.

Filing Away Rough Spots

Once the basic shape is formed, the next step is filing away the rough spots. Using a metal file, you’ll smooth out any imperfections and give the ring a more refined finish. This step ensures the ring is comfortable to wear and gives it a polished, smooth surface.

The Finished Claddagh Ring

After the final polishing and any personal engraving, your Claddagh ring is ready. The design is complete, and you have a custom-made, meaningful piece of jewelry. Not only is it a beautiful symbol of Irish tradition, but it’s also a personal keepsake, something you made yourself while visiting Dublin.

Thanks to my luxury travel partner Ireland Chauffeur Travel for arranging this terrific activity!
When booking your driver guided tour of Ireland with Ireland Chauffeur Travel be sure to use my exclusive code IRFV to save 5% off your tour costs!

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 168

The post Traditional Irish Pubs appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you're a new listener to the Traveling in Ireland podcast you may not have dug into the archives. With over 150 episodes that's a lot of listening time!

So I went back and pulled some of my favorite episodes that are still relevant to listeners today.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

When I began the podcast the entire idea was to introduce my listeners to the people they might meet as they travel through Ireland.

All but three of these ‘best of' episodes are interviews.

An important note: in old episodes you will hear an outdated advertisement for Irish Car Rentals. While my listeners can still receive my exclusive 10% discount, the code mentioned is no longer correct. To get your discount use this link.

Instead of sharing these ‘best of' episodes in order of release, I'm going to group them into similar topics.

You can easily access these episodes in your podcast app or visit the show notes for direct links to the episodes on the website.

The Seanchaí (shawn aw kee), by definition, are custodians of tradition. Ireland has one of the richest traditions of folklore in the world so it makes sense that two of my favorite episodes are with authors.

Mary Pat Kelly (Episode 14) shares her family's emigration story from the Great Hunger to US politics in her books Galway Bay, Of Irish Blood, and Irish Above All. We talk about Mary Pat's passion for Irish culture, her books, and her three favorite places in Ireland.

Felicity Hayes McCoy (Episode 48) has been a storyteller her entire life, working in television and radio before becoming an author. Felicity has written a guide to the Dingle Peninsula, a couple of memoirs, and is well known for her Finfarran novels. In this episode Felicity joins me to talk about old Irish traditions. It's one of the longest episodes I've ever published, but Felicity is a natural storyteller and the time slips away as you listen to her share tales of ancient Ireland. You'll also get local tips for the Dingle Peninsula.

Declan Brady (Episode 88) probably doesn't consider himself a storyteller, but as a genealogist at the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin his job is all about helping people recreate their family stories. In this episode Declan offers tips for tracing your ancestors as well as 3 places to visit on your genealogical journey through Ireland.

Neil Jackman (Episode 25) is another guest who may not fall into the storyteller category naturally, but as an archaeologist he is definitely a custodian of tradition. Neil joined me to talk about Ireland's rich archaeological history and his book Ireland's Ancient East. You'll also hear about the 4 places he loves to visit in Ireland.

As the Republic of Ireland's capital and home of the country's main airport, Dublin ranks among the ‘must see' spots for many visitors.

Temple Bar (Episode 60) is among the most visited spots in the city. This episode features Martin Harte, CEO of the Temple Bar Company which promotes this Cultural Quarter of Dublin. We talk about what Temple Bar is (and isn't), a bit about Temple Bar TradFest, and Martin shares three ‘hidden spots' to seek out when you visit Temple Bar.

Day Trips from Dublin (Episode 57) came about from listener questions. Many people will base in Dublin for their entire trip. These day trips are easy to do as a DIY or with an organized tour – no car required.

Ireland's western coast, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Cork, is an epic road trip. In my 20 years of Ireland travel I've been lucky enough to cover every one of the 2500km. The following podcasts highlight a few spots along the popular route that you may not have heard about.

County Sligo (Episode 66) is a spot people pass through but rarely stop to explore. In this episode restauranteur and host of the Sligo Food Trail, Anthony Gray, shares his love of the county and Sligo locations to add to your itinerary.

The Lost Valley (Episode 21) in Mayo remains virtually untouched since the famine. Join 6th generation landowner Gerard Bourke as he shares his family's history in this remote part of Ireland as well as 3 nearby spots you shouldn't miss.

Scattery Island (Episode 86) is an incredible monastic site only accessible by boat. Irene Hamilton, owner of Scattery Island Tours, runs the only ferry to the island and shares why this spot deserves to be added to your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.

Shannon Ferry (Episode 49) is a ‘shortcut' along the route. Manager Eugene Maher shares information about the car ferries, the crossing, and three spots in Ireland he recommends to visitors.

Top of the Rock Pod Páirc (re-broadcast) was one of the first glamping locations in Ireland. Located in the ‘walking centre' of Ireland David and Elizabeth Ross talk about their location, the camping pods, and 3 places in West Cork that visitors shouldn't miss.

The 6 counties of Northern Ireland are part of the United Kingdom and politically separate from the Republic of Ireland, though the Republic and the North together create the full island of Ireland.

Mid-Ulster – the Heart of Northern Ireland (Episode 97) takes you off the popular Causeway Coastal Route and into the Sperrin Mountains with Jamese McCloy, a 4th generation shepherd. You'll hear about his family's farm, highlights of the area, and 3 places to add to your Northern Ireland itinerary.

A Tasty Trip into County Down (Episode 101) takes us to Tracy's Farmhouse Kitchen with Tracy Jeffery. You'll hear about the highlights of County Down as well as tasty tours to include in your foray into the North and 3 spots not to miss.

For a small country Ireland punches above it's weight. In fact, the most common comment I receive from my vacation coaching and custom itinerary clients is that they are overwhelmed with all the places to see and things to do!

Popular Tourist Destinations (Episode 56) shares data from 2017 including the most and least visited counties of Ireland, as well as some alternate destinations to help visitors avoid the crowds while still getting a similar experience.

7 Wonders of Ireland (Episode 78) shares the result of the Irish Independent of their readers to create the ‘ultimate Irish Bucket List'. You might learn about a new spot or two!

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I hope you've found a lot of inspiration for your Ireland vacation in these, and other, podcast episodes.

When you're ready to plan your Ireland vacation be sure to grab the My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal. This 58 page spiral-bound book walks your step-by-step through your vacation planning process.

3 planning sections plus a dot grid journal with fun prompts make this booklet the key to planning an Ireland vacation you'll never forget!

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 152

The post Traveling in Ireland Podcast Highlights from the First 101 Episodes appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.