Category: Blog

LIKE MOST THINGS, IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT SANTA HAS A STRONG CONNECTION WITH IRELAND. WHO WAS HE? Saint Nicholas was born in 260 AD in Patara, a coastal town in what is now Turkey. He became known for his generosity and his love for children. In time he became associated with ships, the…

The village of Aughrim lies 5km west of the town of Ballinasloe in Co. Galway. Aughrim is the site of the infamous battle fought on the 12th of July 1691 between the forces of Jacobite General Charles Chalmot de Saint Rhue and the armies of William of Orange, led by Dutch officer, Godert de Ginkel.…

Fionn McCool, the legendary hero of Ireland, received word that a Scottish king was laying claim to his homeland. In response, Fionn began constructing a causeway across the sea to confront the threat. However, upon seeing the sheer size of the Scottish giant, he had second thoughts and hastily retreated back to Ireland. This is…

Visiting the west of Ireland in autumn is an experience that’s both magical and peaceful, with the landscape transforming in ways that are breathtaking. Around Galway and Clare, the cooler air and changing colours of the season make the region even more atmospheric. Starting in Galway, you’ll find that the city itself comes alive with…

Kinsale is an absolute gem, a historic port and fishing town in County Cork. It dates back to the 12th century when it was first established as a Norman settlement. Thanks to its prime coastal location, Kinsale quickly became an important hub for trade and military operations. The town is perhaps best known for the…

I give many walking tours in Galway City, discussing the 14 tribes of Galway, the Claddagh Ring, Humanity Dick Martin, and much more. However, visitors are often most curious about the sculpture depicted in this photo. “The Inquisitive Hare” is a charming artwork by sculptor Donnacha Cahill. When visitors ask, “What’s with the rabbit?” I…

If you ever find yourself in Cobh, County Cork, you might notice a famous statue of Annie Moore. Annie holds the unique honor of being the first person processed through Ellis Island in New York after she set sail from Cobh in 1892. Cobh itself boasts the second-largest natural harbor in the world, making it…

Some fun facts about the pubs of Ireland ●During the Famine, there were over 800 morges houses which became licensed promises. ●The oldest pub in Ireland is Sean’s Bar in Athlone, dates to 900AD, possibly the oldest in the world. ●In the 1860’s, licensed premises were under treat from the Tremperce Movement and strict Victorian…