Travel & Tourism in Ireland

BY JUDY ENRIGHT SPECIAL TO THE BIR Is there anyone on earth who hasn’t heard about the Titanic hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912 with the resulting loss of more than 1,500 lives? If so, the uninformed must be living in the back of beyond! It... Read more
BY JUDY ENRIGHT SPECIAL TO THE BIR Summertime is fun time, especially in Ireland. Every visitor can find something fun and something of interest when the weather is fine and the cities and towns are bustling and bursting with activities, events, and... Read more
This Enniskillen hotel is definitely not just another run-of-the-mill accommodation. A magnificent and imposing structure, Manor House Country Hotel sits atop a rise and greets you at the end of a sweeping drive. The friendly front desk staff welcomes you... Read more
BY JUDY ENRIGHT SPECIAL TO THE BIR Have you ever had itchy feet? Nearly 30 years ago, James Kearney, an accountant, did and the result is a boon to those who visit Viewmount House in Co. Longford. In 1989, Kearney, who was tired of working with numbers... Read more
Ireland, some say, is like a doughnut – only the outside matters and there’s nothing much to bother with in the middle. Tourism groups and many others take issue with that comment and say there is much more to Ireland than just the seacoast, as beautiful... Read more
Ireland, some say, is like a doughnut – only the outside matters and there’s nothing much to bother with in the middle. Tourism groups and many others take issue with that comment and say there is much more to Ireland than just the seacoast, as beautiful... Read more
It is especially difficult to pinpoint a favorite place in Ireland because there are so many wonderful spots everywhere. But, after 20-plus years of traveling to and renting a house in the West, I have to say that Achill Island in Co. Mayo is my favorite... Read more
by Judy Enright It’s that time of year again when Ireland and the Irish hop into the world’s limelight to celebrate St. Patrick and his special day. In March, everyone is Irish, as you know, regardless of surname or heritage. Each of us shares equally in... Read more
Although some Irish attractions may not reopen until around St. Patrick’s Day, you will have no trouble finding numerous fun and interesting things to do there in February. As you might expect, cities like Dublin, Galway, Belfast, and Cork, are alive and... Read more
BY JUDY ENRIGHT SPECIAL TO THE BIR Most of us visit the Emerald Isle when fields and hillsides are sparkling with brilliant shades of green. So a snowy mantle across the land may seem a bit out of place. But, this is winter and, yes, it does snow in... Read more
Nothing says success like the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, Ireland’s top tourist attraction. Ten years ago, a new visitor and interpretive center opened there, and from then on the Cliffs have enjoyed ever increasing attendance, a fact highlighted by the... Read more
You might expect Ireland to be quiet now that summer and tourist traffic have fled. But the country is positively hopping. There is no end to the fun and fascinating activities on deck for October – fairs, festivals, Halloween/Samhain happenings, and more... Read more
Ireland is a virtual goldmine for history buffs. There are museums aplenty, multiple monuments, lovely historic homes, and hotels that welcome guests. MANOR HOUSE HOTELS This spring, a friend and I headed north and spent two nights at Beech Hill Country... Read more
Summer may be slipping away, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do in Ireland in August. The country is still buzzing with activities for all ages. 40 YEARS OF CHANGES I’m often asked how Ireland has changed during the four decades or so when I’ve... Read more
It’s such fun to discover and explore different places in Ireland. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new if you just get out and look around. Every spring for the past 20 years, I’ve rented the same house on Clew Bay in Co... Read more
by Judy Enright Special to the BIR As most homeowners know, it can be very expensive to protect property from the ravages of time and weather. So, imagine how costly it must be to maintain a huge 18th Century mansion such as Westport House in Westport,... Read more
By Judy Enright Special to the BIR If you’ve been to Ireland but haven’t visited Northern Ireland, another trip should definitely be on your agenda. We recently visited the glorious Antrim Coast and stayed at a charming hotel – Beech Hill Country House... Read more
By Judy Enright Depending on whether you’re a “glass half empty” or “glass half full” type of person, this was either a bad or good year for St. Patrick in Ireland. While communities on the east and south coasts celebrated the patron saint’s day with... Read more
By Judy Enright Special to the BIR It’s that glorious month when everyone, everywhere is Irish regardless of ancestry or nationality. Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain in Co. Mayo, is known for its association with Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint,... Read more
By Judy Enright Special to the BIR You’re having fun planning your first trip to Ireland and you wonder whether you should take an organized tour? Yes, absolutely. That’s a great idea, especially if you’ve never been before. Generally speaking,... Read more

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