Relaxing Ireland

Relaxing Guided Tours of Ireland

For families interested in traveling to Europe, consider one of the guided tours offered by several outfits that will take
you and show you the best sights and sounds of Ireland.  Such vacations are often not very expensive when compared to the
rest of Europe and family members of all ages will enjoy the scenery and attractions.
Most guided tours of Ireland will have you fly into Shannon.  This is a small airport on the western side of the island and
it’s close to many attractions you’ll see.  Your first stop will be to the village of Adare, famous for its thatched roof
cottages and quaint charm.  This is your first stop along the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland’s most beautiful natural area. 
You’ll see dramatic mountains, green fields and many archeological sites.
As for your next stop, guided tours of Ireland may take you to some of the sites or to a pub in the Dingle Peninsula.  You
may choose to go dolphin-watching at specified places along the Peninsula road.  Soak up the beautiful scenery and eat some
of the hearty local dishes.  After that, you’ll travel to Killarney and visit the Gap of Dunloe, a four mile gulch carved
out by glaciers. 
Guided tours of Ireland would be remiss if they didn’t take you to the infamous Blarney Castle.  While much of the castle
is in ruins and it doesn’t have a roof, visitors will be amazed by the ancient architecture and will be given a chance to
kiss the Blarney Stone—a feat which is done while lying on your back.  Afterward, you’ll likely go to the picturesque town
of Kinsdale, within County Cork.  Visit one of their gourmet restaurants and walk along the cobblestone streets.
The next logical stop for guided tours of Ireland is the town of Cobh, the departure point for many emigrants to the US and
the last port of call for the Titanic.  Visit the local graveyard where many of the Titanic’s passengers are buried. From
there, travel to the medieval town of Kilkenny, famous for its cathedrals and its history of witchcraft. 
Often, guided tours of Ireland will then bring you into Dublin where there are numerous sites to see, including the site of
Ireland’s first Parliament and the famous Guinness Brewery.  Taste some of Ireland’s finest beer and stay at the Cabra
Castle, complete with a golf course, gardens and beautiful walking paths. 
To get the most out of guided tours of Ireland, you’ll continue on to visit Carrick-on-Shannon, a scenic boating haven and
Boyle, the site of some lovely abbey ruins.  After touring this area, you’ll likely move on to the County Mayo. In Mayo,
you’ll walk the streets of Westport and see its seashore, dotted with a number of tiny islands.  Shop along the traditional
Irish shops and take in the quaint nature of this lovely town. 
Guided tours of Ireland rarely miss Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland.  Take in some traditional Irish music by
visiting one of the town’s several pubs.  After that, you’ll visit the Aran Islands, the place where the famous Irish Aran
sweaters originally came from.  These islands will take you back in time as little has changed over the years.
Most guided tours of Ireland will let you see and taste and listen to Ireland at every possible chance.  It’s a beautiful
country with lovely people and it will be an experience you’ll never forget.

10 Things to Know About Ireland


Ireland has long been an island divided, but is starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 10 things to know about the Emerald Isle.

10 Things to Know About Ireland

An island located close to Britain, Ireland has been in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas, things have changed dramatically in the last ten years as have Ireland’s fortunes. Religious violence seems to have tapered off and economic growth is some of the strongest in Europe.

Here are ten things to know about the amazing country of Ireland.

1. The island is split between two countries, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

2. Prior to 1921, the entire island was part of and controlled by Britain.

3. In 1921, 26 counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This division has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.

5. Ireland has remained neutral during the two World Wars despite the fact Great Britain played a key role in each.

6.  In 1990, Mary Robinson was elected the first female President of the Republic of Ireland.

7. You will find “rag trees” in Ireland. As the name suggests, trees are covered with rags tied to their branches. The rags represent wishes for a variety of things.

8. In some parts of the country, you can go bowling on Sundays. On the public roads! The idea is to roll a heavy ball from the starting point to a finishing point as much as a couple of miles away. The team that does it in the fewest number of throws wins.

9. The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were Irish.

10. The Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, was Scottish!

Ireland has a long and storied history as well as a unique cultural all its own. As you can tell from the above, this is a place you should visit if you get a chance.


by Daniel Ellison