At Christmastime, as the creche is unpacked and set up on the mantelpiece, I pause when I take out the old gray donkey and think about the wonderful work done by Paddy Barrett and his dedicated and caring staff at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. Cork. Read more
As a friend and I drove along a curvy stretch of the Atlantic Drive on Achill Island in Co. Mayo this spring, I spotted a sign on the side of the road that said: Aire Ailtreacha Arda. Read more
You can probably imagine that, over my years as a travel writer, I have had the opportunity to stay at countless lovely Irish inns, hotels, and manor houses.
Many of these properties have every amenity you could ever want from a place where you really only hang your hat for a night or two. Despite my acquaintance with so many wonderful accommodations, I stayed this spring at a hotel in Ardmore, Co. Waterford, that beats them all by a country mile. Read more
In case you've questioned whether you should visit Ireland this summer, be aware the country is alive and well despite the current economic crisis gripping most of the world. True, the economy isn't great in Ireland and there are layoffs and businesses closing there, too, but the upside is that there are also some excellent price breaks everywhere you look - in accommodation, flights (Aer Lingus, for instance, has been offering many good deals lately) and other areas. And, as always, Ireland offers so many varied activities to suit every age group and any and every interest that you're absolutely certain to find something you'd like to do. Read more
Isn't yellow the most perfect, bright, cheery color for spring?
The male goldfinch at the thistle feeders have brightened up after a winter of drab coloring; forsythia and daffodils have bloomed and there's no doubt - fingers crossed - that spring is finally here and not a minute too soon for most of us. Read more
