Phoenix Park in Dublin is a bit of a curiosity. Surrounded by an 11-kilometre-long and 3-metre-high wall, Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe. As well as offering an essential respite to city dwellers from their hectic urban life, the vast piece of land harbours historical attractions that Irish history fans wouldn’t want to miss.  Fascinating heritage sites can be found within the park’s vast 707 hectares. Among things to do in Phoenix Park, you can visit an ancient tower house, explore a grand mansion, and even a president’s house, or simply take a look at a cross ..read more

I planned a two-day trip to Kilkenny, a remarkable heritage town in South-East Ireland well-known for its rich history and impressive heritage. The brief for the hotel I was looking for was simple: comfortable, central, and with free off-street parking. While browsing booking websites, I came across the River Court Hotel, a luxurious 4-star establishment situated in the heart of Kilkenny city. Overlooking the River Nore, the hotel had stunning views and its central location offered easy access to all the historic attractions on my to-do list, starting with Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cath ..read more

As evidence of the importance of her town in Irish history, our tour guide proudly declared that only two “Parliament Street” existed in Ireland: one in Dublin and one in Kilkenny. Briefly the capital of Ireland between 1641 and 1649, Kilkenny had been a centre of power ever since the conquest of Ireland by Strongbow in the 12th century. Marrying Isabel de Clare, Strongbow’s wealthy heiress, William Marshall launched the construction of Kilkenny Castle and set out to attract rich merchants to his town. Successful in his enterprise, Kilkenny flourished. Today, the town is Ireland’s medieval jew ..read more

From the Wee County to the “garden of Ireland”, all the way down to the sunny southeast, the East coast of the Republic of Ireland will delight many visitors with its rich history and diverse landscapes. I have spent many years travelling around this part of the country, visiting castles and botanic gardens, exploring towns and villages, tasting whiskey and enjoying unspoiled beaches. Still, I haven’t seen it all.  There are so many things to do on the East coast of Ireland that it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. To help you make up your mind, I put together this list of my ..read more

Filled with colourful pubs, craft shops and unequivocally charming, Galway is a bustling city on the Western coast of Ireland. Known as the “City of the Tribes”, a reference to the 14 families who ruled the place centuries ago, Galway is a historic city with many stories to tell, an ideal destination for a day trip from Dublin. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is also a logical base for anyone wanting to discover the wonders of the Connemara, the Aran Islands or the Cliffs of Moher. Is Galway in one day feasible though? Whether you choose to head to Galway for the day or even decide ..read more

With a rich historic heritage and compact size, Galway is best to visit on foot. With this self-guided walking tour of Galway, explore the medieval streets and historic monuments of this bustling capital of the West of Ireland. This itinerary will take you to Galway’s not-to-be-missed attractions, including the vibrant Latin Quarter filled with colourful pubs and boutiques, the city’s modern cathedral and the magnificent 19th century university. It is a great introduction to the city if you are visiting Galway for the first time. Allocate 2 to 3 hours of your time to this tour if you want to e ..read more

Before heading home after a few days in Ireland, you might wonder what the best souvenirs to take home might be and where to find them. If, like me, you are not too fond of tacky souvenirs shops and would prefer to buy local, you will be glad to know there are some great Irish craft shops in Dublin to do just that. The country is full of small producers, artists and designers inspired by nature, the history of Ireland and its culture. From Irish-made contemporary ceramics to handmade knitwear or prints that perfectly encapsulate the Irish landscape, you can find unique and meaningful souvenirs ..read more

The Boyne Valley is one of Ireland’s richest and most important historical areas. The luxuriant and fertile land fed by the river Boyne has been occupied and cultivated by men for centuries. They left behind numerous sites and monuments, going back more than 5,000 years for some, as evidence of the Boyne Valley’s long history. The backdrop of sacred rituals, the scene of critical events, the seats of ancient monasteries and noble families, the Boyne Valley has plenty of stories waiting to be told. Spread across county Meath and county Louth, just north of the Irish capital, the Boyne Valley is ..read more

Co. Wicklow’s attractive landscapes of rolling hills, coastal plains and mountain peaks form the backdrop of some of Ireland’s best historical sites. Often located just an hour south of Dublin, Wicklow’s heritage sites are easily accessible and make for perfect day trips from the Irish capital.  Wicklow’s picturesque, almost magical scenery is home to ancient churches, sprawling mansions and historical arboretum; clues of Wicklow’s rich and ancient history. From the Middle Ages all the way to the 18th century, monks and aristocrats alike were seduced by Wicklow’s beauty. This is their leg ..read more

To those who decide to spend a few days in the Irish capital, I always recommend putting some time aside to visit one or two places around Dublin. Just under 90 minutes from the city centre, picturesque villages, centuries old castles, colourful gardens and an exceptional monastic settlement await. Easily accessible in public transports, these five stunning places around Dublin don’t require renting a car. They are ideal destinations for a short day trip. Even a half-day would suffice to enjoy those great places so close to Dublin. Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, you might need ..read more