“The smell of horse dung and rotten fish, and the ragged individuals lurking in the shadows of badly lit streets were all indicative that, when darkness fell, this part of Dublin was not for the genteel.” This is Temple Bar in the 18th century in the words of Maurice Curtis, a local historian, in his book Temple Bar – A History.  Luckily, Temple Bar has redeemed itself since those unruly days. Its cobbled streets and colourful pubs have turned a place once of danger and sins into Dublin’s most visited and photographed district. To a fault, it seems. Although a stroll down its medieval lan ..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 one day in Galway enough though? Whether you choose to head to Galway for the day or even decide t ..read more

With soaring hotel room prices, expensive car hire, and restaurant prices on the rise, visiting Ireland can quickly turn into a costly trip. When you watch essential spending add up, you might sadly be tempted to cut down on tours and activities. So how do you visit Ireland on a budget without compromising on things to do and losing out on the cultural experience? One way to limit your expenses while in Ireland is to take advantage of all the free activities available during your trip. In fact, there is plenty to do in Ireland even on a shoestring budget. Having lived in the country for the la ..read more

While people typically come to Dublin for its historical monuments and lively pubs, the Irish capital has another ace up its sleeve to attract visitors: its free museums. Whether art or history, Dublin boasts several museums that are worth a visit. From French impressionist masterpieces to illuminated medieval manuscripts, the Irish capital hides cultural treasures that are free to discover. Living in the Irish city myself, I regularly visit the best free museums in Dublin. So here are the ones I recommend adding to your itinerary. Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you cl ..read more

Wicklow’s lush and diverse landscapes, where historic houses are nestled amongst fertile botanic gardens, have firmly established this Irish county as one of my top destinations to explore in the entire country. This picturesque region, conveniently close to Dublin and easily accessible by public transport, offers an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway in the Irish countryside. So, if you want to know the best places to stay in Wicklow, I’m about to reveal my favourite spots. As someone who has thoroughly explored the region, from its coastal towns to mountain lakes, I’m thrilled to share m ..read more

A road trip is always a great way to explore the picturesque beauty of Northern Ireland and its numerous heritage sites. But do you know where to go? Planning a road trip is not always a simple task, especially when you don’t know the destination well enough. Here comes my suggestion: Strangford Lough. On an unusually hot end-of-summer day, I embarked on the picturesque Strangford Lough drive during a two-day road trip in County Down, and I’m here to share all the sights and delights with you. Rich in history dating back thousands of years, the shores of Strangford Lough are a treasure trove o ..read more

Embarking on a road trip is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and historical treasures of Ireland. With its lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, heritage towns, and countless sites going back to 5,000 years ago, the Emerald Isle is an exciting destination to explore on your own as you take the wheel. While Dublin serves as a starting point for numerous road trips, notably around the scenic Co. Wicklow, one route lures visitors to the charms of the North: the Dublin to Belfast drive. I have a particular fondness for historic Belfast and highly recommend a visit to thi ..read more

Wicklow’s lush and diverse landscapes, where historic houses are nestled amongst fertile botanic gardens, have firmly established this Irish county as one of my top destinations to explore in the entire country. This picturesque region, conveniently close to Dublin and easily accessible by public transport, offers an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway in the Irish countryside. So, if you’re asking yourself where to stay in County Wicklow, I’m about to reveal my favourite spots. As someone who has thoroughly explored the region, from its coastal towns to mountain lakes, I’m thrilled to shar ..read more

Brittany, or “la Bretagne!” as the locals proudly announce, is not solely about the food. I know, I can’t resist the sweet smell of bakeries every time I revisit to this splendid region of France. However, let’s not talk about my weakness for buttery almond croissants (with melting chocolate inside) and crêpes. Instead, let’s return to this travel guide to Brittany. Even after the union of the Duchy of Brittany with the Kingdom of France in the 16th century, Brittany has never stopped nurturing and promoting its distinct cultural identity. For visitors, this translates to peculiar place names ..read more

Discover the finest gardens to visit in Wicklow, the scenic county often referred to as the “Garden of Ireland”. For centuries, Wicklow’s mild climate and fertile lands have nurtured the growth of splendid botanic gardens. Whether formal or Japanese in style, planted with exotic trees and rare flowers, featuring romantic fountains and soothing ponds, the gardens of Wicklow are a true joy to explore. Just south of Dublin, Wicklow’s gardens are conveniently accessible from the capital, making them ideal destinations for an afternoon outing or a memorable road trip. From the historic Powerscourt ..read more