Ireland
The Best Pubs in Dublin – According to Locals!
Ireland is my home away from home and holds a special place in my heart and while Galway, which is where I lived, will always be my number 1 I do have a soft spot for Dublin as well. Yes it’s busier and more expensive but its a really great city to explore and has…
Read MoreThe Best Pubs in Galway: Music, Pints, and Irish Craic
Anyone who’s been to Ireland knows that as amazing as Dublin’s pubs may be, the real craic is in Galway. Sure, I may be biased as Galway was once a place that I called home, but I’m not alone in my thoughts. Even the locals agree that Galway’s craic is top notch, with many of…
Read MoreMagical Castle Hotels in Ireland (That You Can Actually Afford!)
As child I used to dream of being a princess who lived in a castle. As an adult, I’m not so interested in being a princess but my castle dreams have come true thanks to some of the magical castle hotels in Ireland. If you too had princess (or prince!) dreams growing up then I…
Read MoreSolo Travel in Ireland: Why I Love and Recommend it
Ireland is my favourite country. As the first place I ever visited I now consider the emerald isle to be my home away from home and have returned multiple times. With stunning scenery, friendly locals, and delicious food I think Ireland is a must-visit for anyone. But, if you don’t have any to go with-…
Read MoreDon’t Skip the Temple Bar District in Dublin
The smell hits me as the door shuts closed behind me. It’s a mix of spilt beer, stale cigarette smoke, and the damp scent of rain. It’s just past 7:30 am but the streets are quiet; the lingering smell of a night out the only reminder that only five hours ago, this same road was…
Read MoreIrish Fairy Tales Come to Life at Ashford Castle Estate
Picture this: a historic castle located in the woods beside a lake. The front of the castle has a stone bridge, spanning the rushing river below and protected by small towers. Once past the bridge, visitors are greeted by a grand entranceway, guarded on either side by statues of Irish wolfhounds. On the lakeside, there…
Read MoreLearning to Surf in Ireland
The cold wind whipped the Atlantic waves into a frenzy as I watched from the safety of the shoreline. Nearly every wave was capped in white foam as they crashed against the empty beach below. I huddled further into the hood of my rain coat as I watched. Not only was the wind bound and…
Read MoreIn Search of the Gift of Eloquence: The Legend of the Blarney Stone
Even if you don’t know much about Ireland, you have probably heard of the Blarney Stone; a stone of legend, with rumoured powers and a mysterious history. Some claim the rock to be a section of the Stone of Destiny, which was gifted to the King of Munster after he sent his men to support…
Read MoreTraditional Irish Folklore Part 1: The Legend of the Leprechaun
I’m a sucker for stories, especially anything to do with legends, myths, and of course, fairy tales. My love for these tales is part of why I originally wanted to go to Ireland and also part of why, after 3 months living in Galway and three visits to the Emerald Isle later, I still want…
Read MoreThe story of the Irish Claddagh Ring
“Excuse me Miss, I saw your ring. I’ve read if it’s pointing out it means that your heart is available- are you single?” A little shocked I looked down at the offending ring on my hand. I had bought my Claddagh Ring over a year ago when I lived in Ireland, and wore it every…
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