Blog • All Around Ireland

Celebrations, General

10+ Irish Gift Ideas for Nature Lovers and Adventurers!

If you’ve been following my adventures here on my blog or on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll know that I love any excuse to get out and about exploring Ireland. I also love finding Irish businesses that are making and doing some very cool things!

So I’ve put together a list of Irish gift ideas, including a bunch of products and experiences that I think are pretty amazing. These gift ideas are perfect for the nature lovers and adventurers in your life. From kids to adults, budget to luxury, there is something here for everyone. Even the fussiest of people! Read More

Leinster, Wicklow

A Tour of the Wicklow Mountains, including Glendalough

I’ve visited the Wicklow Mountains many times but not as much as I should have, given that I lived only about 30 mins away for much of my life! So I was delighted get the chance to visit recently on a tour of the Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough, thanks to PrivateTour.com. Read More

Connacht, Galway

Exploring Inis Oírr – the smallest of the Aran Islands

Earlier this month we took a trip out to Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest of the three Aran Islands. It is the closest of the islands to the mainland and is only 3 kms long x 2 kms wide approximately. So if you are short on time, this is probably the best of the Aran Islands to visit. You can see a lot in a day or even a half day if that’s all the time you have. Of course if time isn’t an issue, you could easily spend a few days or even weeks here, kicking back and enjoying the relaxed vibes!Read More

Cork, Munster, Uncategorised

A Tour of Spike Island – What to Expect When Visiting

I’d never even heard of Spike Island two years ago, which can probably be forgiven as it is a fairly recent tourist attraction. However, once I did hear about it, it quickly became clear that this little island was something special.

Spike Island or Fortress Spike Island has quickly become a must-do experience for tourists from near and far and is sometimes referred to as “Ireland’s Alcatraz”. In the few short years it has been open to the public, it has won a number of awards including Europe’s leading tourist attraction 2017 at the World Travel Awards.Read More

Dublin, Leinster, Uncategorised

Malahide Castle and Gardens – Why You Should Visit

I’ve been to Malahide a number of times over the years but somehow never made it to Malahide Castle before last week. Which is kind of crazy. Particularly since my mum is from Swords, pretty much just up the road and we spent a lot of time there growing up!

The castle always looks so pretty in pictures and now having seen it, I can confirm that it’s every bit as beautiful in real life! What I didn’t realise was that there is so much to see when you visit Malahide Castle and Gardens. Read More

Events, Leinster, Offaly

Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships – Birr 2018

I’ve probably mentioned (a few times!) that I’m not a morning person. However, there are occasions when an early start is well worth it and this morning was definitely one of those times. Today is the final day of the 48th Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships, which are taking place in Birr this year. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to try and see the balloons in action, particularly as it’s so close to home.Read More

Accommodation, Connacht, Galway

Lough Inagh Lodge – An Overnight Stay in the Heart of Connemara

Are you looking for somewhere to escape reality for a night or two? Do you just want to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings? Or do you fancy the perfect base to explore the beauty of Connemara and all it has to offer? Then look no further than the beautiful Lough Inagh Lodge.

I was lucky enough to stay at Lough Inagh Lodge earlier this year having been gifted a voucher for Original Irish Hotels (formerly Manor House Hotels) by a friend. Browsing the website, I was delighted to see that Lough Inagh Lodge was included in this collection of independent hotels around Ireland.Read More

Hikes, Kerry, Munster

A Picture (& Video) Guide to Climbing Mount Brandon

The weather was not the best during our recent trip to Kerry. So when we saw a potentially nice day coming up, we decided to get out and hike Mount Brandon. My parents, unsure about whether they’d be up for the challenge, were looking online to try and get an idea of how tough it would be. It’s quite hard to tell from the reviews, which describe the walk as easy to strenuous.

Leinster, Westmeath

An Afternoon Exploring Belvedere House, Gardens and Park

Belvedere House, Gardens and Park is described as “A Jewel in Westmeath’s Crown”. It is certainly that. Open daily all year round, Belvedere House, Gardens and Park offers a great day out. Whether you’re visiting alone, with a group, or with family, there is something for everyone. Read More

Hikes, Leinster, Louth

Climbing Slieve Foye. The Easier Way!

In June we booked a night away in Carlingford to celebrate our anniversary. The plan was to have a walk around town, climb Slieve Foye and grab a meal in the evening. However, the weather wasn’t exactly playing ball. When we arrived in the afternoon, Slieve Foye was covered in heavy cloud and it didn’t look like it was going anywhere.Read More