Staycations Ireland

03/11/2023

📚✨ Dive into Irish literature at Dublin Book Festival 2023! ✨📚

Join us in celebrating the love of books in the heart of Dublin from Nov 8th-12th, 2023.

Discover Dublin in a new light with literary walking tours guided by engaging writers. As night falls, the venues transform into intimate settings for author talks, poetry, and spoken word performances.

Be the first to experience DBF After Dark Festival Club held at the Brooks Hotel, featuring haunting book discussions and a poetry slam competition.

One of the venues is the iconic Glass Mask Theatre, where doors open early, and creativity flows in the "Words and Music" event.

Also visit the Festival Hub at The Printworks, Dublin Castle, and experience spine-chilling literary entertainment at "The Unsettling Supernatural."

PJ Gallagher brings humor to the stage as he discusses his new memoir with Aoife Barry. Check out their website for the full program.

Discover the vibrant literary city of Dublin this November. The Festival is part of the Winter in Dublin campaign. Supported by Fáilte Ireland, this campaign runs from Nov 1st to Jan 31st, 2024, showcasing Dublin's cultural vibrancy during the winter.

🌟 For more info, visit https://dublinbookfestival.com

Join us for a last-minute city trip to Dublin and immerse yourself in the Dublin Book Festival – contact us now to be part of this literary adventure!"

31/10/2023

🎃 The Versatile Pumpkin: A Harvest of Possibilities! 🍂

At Halloween the pumpkin takes on special significance. Let's dive into the world of this incredible gourd, offering a myriad of delights:

🍲 Soup: Cozy up with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, a comforting autumn classic that soothes the soul.

🎃 Pumpkin Carving: Unleash your creativity with a pumpkin and a carving kit. From spooky to whimsical, there's no limit to the designs you can create.

🥧 Pumpkin Pie: The sweet aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie – a slice of pure autumn bliss!

🥤 Pumpkin Juice: Sip on the essence of the season with refreshing pumpkin juice, a delightful, unexpected treat.

🌰 Pumpkin Seeds: Don't toss those seeds! Roast them with your favorite spices for a crunchy, savory snack.

This versatile gourd is not just a symbol of Halloween but a canvas for endless creativity and a taste of fall's finest offerings. What's your favorite way to enjoy pumpkins during autumn? Share your pumpkin passion below! 🧡🍁

26/10/2023

Discover Hidden Gems: The Bromore Cliffs are indeed a lesser-known attraction, offering breathtaking views without the crowds of the Cliffs of Moher. This is a great way to enjoy nature in peace and explore off the beaten path.

Avoid Parking in Dublin: It's advisable not to rent a car in Dublin. Parking can be challenging, and public transportation, such as buses and trams, provides a convenient way to explore the city without worrying about parking.

Careful Accommodation Selection: The location of your accommodation is crucial. Ensure it's well-suited to the attractions you wish to explore

Unique accommodation: like a lighthouse can make the trip unforgettable and provide a distinctive charm.

Year-Round Travel: Ireland has much to offer throughout the year. Consider traveling outside the peak season to experience the diversity of the landscape and cultural events in Ireland. Each season has its own appeal.

26/10/2023

25/10/2023

Unforgettable Moments in Ireland

We absolutely adore making our customers happy, and nothing brings us more joy than hearing about their fantastic experience in Ireland. Today, we're sharing the words of a family who experienced a customized trip to Ireland with us

23/10/2023

Planning your bespoke trip to Ireland? Here are 5 crucial tips to consider:

Book a car with a sufficiently spacious trunk

Avoid traveling on holiday weekends.

Ensure you book your flight well in advance.

Remember not to rush and try to see everything in one day - savor each moment.

Consider exploring Northern Ireland to fully embrace the diversity of the Emerald Isle.

13/10/2023

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Woodlands Hotel a bit outside of Adare. 🌿🏨

Escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life and experience a relaxing getaway. The Woodlands Hotel offers a serene retreat

🌟 Nestled amidst lush greenery, this hotel promises tranquillity at its finest. It is ideal for anyone who is travelling from Dublin to the South-West of Ireland or for anyone who is looking for a nice weekend break.

🍽️ Indulge in many dining options, where culinary delights are crafted to perfection.💆‍♀️ Unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments that cater to your every need.



Entdecken Sie die bezaubernde Schönheit des Woodlands Hotel in Adare, Irland. 🌿🏨

Das Hotel ist ideal für alle die von Dublin in den Südwesten der grünen Insel reisen um die lange Fahrtzeit von 3,5 – 4 Stunden zu unterbrechen. 
🌟 Eingebettet inmitten der üppigen Grünflächen außerhalb von Adare, verspricht dieses Hotel Ruhe in ihrer schönsten Form. 
🏞️ Taucht ein in die atemberaubenden Wälder rund um das Hotel, perfekt für einen entspannten Spaziergang. 
🍽️ Genießt die vielen kulinarischen Köstlichkeiten

💆‍♀️ Entspannt euch bei den revitalisierenden Spa-Behandlungen, die auf eure Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten sind.

13/10/2023

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Woodlands Hotel a bit outside of Adare 🌿🏨

Escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life and experience a relaxing getaway. The Woodlands Hotel offers a serene retreat

🌟 Nestled amidst lush greenery, this hotel promises tranquillity at its finest. It is ideal for anyone who is travelling from Dublin to the South-West of Ireland or for anyone who is looking for a nice weekend break.

🍽️ Indulge in many dining options, where culinary delights are crafted to perfection. 
💆‍♀️ Unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments that cater to your every need.




Entdecken Sie die bezaubernde Schönheit des Woodlands Hotel in Adare, Irland. 🌿🏨

Das Hotel ist ideal für alle die von Dublin in den Südwesten der grünen Insel reisen um die lange Fahrtzeit von 3,5 – 4 Stunden zu unterbrechen.🌟 Eingebettet inmitten der üppigen Grünflächen außerhalb von Adare, verspricht dieses Hotel Ruhe in ihrer schönsten Form. 
🏞️ Taucht ein in die atemberaubenden Wälder rund um das Hotel, perfekt für einen entspannten Spaziergang.
🍽️ Genießt die vielen kulinarischen Köstlichkeiten

💆‍♀️ Entspannt euch bei den revitalisierenden Spa-Behandlungen, die auf eure Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten sind.

26/09/2023

Travel Through Time and Space: County Mayo, Achill Island & Castlebar! 🍀

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience authentic Ireland in all its facets? County Mayo, with its natural and cultural wonders, invites you on a journey that goes beyond the usual. 🌿

🌟 Unforgettable Highlights of County Mayo, Achill Island & Castlebar 🌟

Croagh Patrick: A spiritual mountain for an enriching pilgrimage.

Achill Island: Where cliffs and ocean offer a spectacle for the senses.

Westport House: A historical gem with charm and elegance.

Keem Bay: Experience one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches on Achill Island.

Country Life Museum in Castlebar: Dive into Ireland’s authentic culture and history.

Why County Mayo? From exclusive accommodations to bespoke tours, County Mayo offers a luxury holiday that does justice to your precious time.

30/08/2023

Today we would like to introduce you to one of our favourite hotels in County Sligo. The authentic Irish castle hotel offers its guests 31 luxurious rooms with special comfort and style. The history of the castle dates back to the 17th century and has been transformed into a comfortable manor house over the years.
Interesting to know: In 1834 an observatory was built at Makree Castle with the world's first cast-iron telescope with the largest refractor in the world at the time. In 1848, a minor planet or asteroid called Metris was discovered at the observatory, the first and only one discovered in Ireland until 2008.
Today, you can’t imagine a more romantic, characterful and elegant destination than Markree Castle. This historic Irish castle is located in the stunning north-west of Ireland on the route of the world famous Wild Atlantic Way. Perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of staying in a castle. However, it is only possible for individual travellers to book a room on certain dates, as it is otherwise reserved for wedding parties.

28/08/2023

This week we would like to introduce Co. Sligo to you. The county is located in the northwest of Ireland. The county is best known for the legacy of the poet W.B. Yeats, whose grave is in the cemetery in Drumcliff near Mount Benbulbin.
In addition, parts of the popular series "Normal People" (2020) or the film "The Northman" (2022) were also filmed in the county.

One place not to be missed when visiting Co. Sligo is Lissadell House. Lissadell is known as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, her sister Eva Gore-Booth and her brother Josslyn Gore-Booth. Constance was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and was the first woman to be elected to Dáil Eireann, where she served as Minister of Labour (becoming the first woman minister in a modern Western European democracy), and she was also the first woman elected to the House of Commons in Westminster, London (where she did not take her seat). Eva was an eminent poet and active women's rights campaigner, arguing with the young Winston Churchill in 1908 about the rights of bar girls. Josslyn created one of the most important horticultural enterprises in Europe at Lissadell. The great poet W. B. Yeats was a friend of the Gore Booth sisters and stayed at Lissadell in 1892 and 1893.
There are also two beautiful gardens to explore on the grounds. One of the gardens is the Alpine Garden, which was laid out in 1740. In the 1920s it became an exhibition garden for the alpine and perennial plants collected and bred by Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth, a well-known horticulturalist. The other garden is the Kitchen Garden, which was laid out in 1840 to provide fruit, flowers and vegetables for the house. Tickets are required to visit Lissadell House, the gardens and exhibitions, and it is advisable to allow enough time for a visit, as you can spend half a day here.

21/08/2023

This week we introduce you to beautiful Co. Donegal. The somewhat sparsely populated county is known for its stunning scenery, picturesque coastline, mountains and rich cultural history. However, Donegal is often not on the list for tourists visiting Ireland as many places are rather unknown to tourists. Donegal is located in the far northwest of Ireland. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west and counties Leitrim (Rep. Ireland) and Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) to the south.
The landscape in Donegal is diverse, ranging from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to green hills and mountains. Mount Errigal at 751 (2,464 ft) metres is the highest mountain in Donegal and a popular destination for walkers. In Donegal, the Gaelic language (Irish Gaelic) is still spoken and maintained. Many place names and signs are bilingual, with Gaelic recognised as an official language alongside English.
Our insider tip for County Donegal is Glenveagh National Park. The National Park is located in the heart of Co. Donegal amidst the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Here you can explore unspoilt countryside on a variety of walking trails. The National Park is also home to an impressive castle with beautiful gardens on Lough Veagh.
Is Donegal already on your must-see list for Ireland?

14/08/2023

This week we would like to introduce you to another part of the coast of Northern Ireland - the Causeway Coast.
An absolute highlight of the Causeway Coast is undoubtedly the Giant's Causeway, an impressive geological formation of more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder attracts visitors from all over the world and offers a fascinating insight into the geological history of the region.
In addition to the Giant's Causeway, the coastline offers stunning scenery with rugged cliffs, picturesque coves, golden sandy beaches and azure waters. Other attractions include the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside, and Dunluce Castle, an impressive ruined castle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Dunluce Castle is our insider tip for this region. Dunluce Castle is an impressive castle ruin on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. Perched majestically on a steep cliff overlooking the sea, it is a captivating sight that captures the imagination of visitors. This historic site is not only an architectural wonder, but also a window into the past. The picturesque backdrop blending with the rugged coastal landscape makes it a stunning photo opportunity and a place of discovery for history buffs.

09/08/2023

Today we would like to introduce you to the Bushmills Inn. It is located very close to the Antrim Coast - on the Causeway Coast and is therefore a suitable place to stay after a day trip along the Antrim Coast, for example, in order to explore the Causeway Coast the next day.

The Bushmills Inn is one of the finest places to stay along the coast of Northern Ireland. The hotel also houses a large collection of over 300 national flags in the hotel's own flag room. Every day two of these flags are raised to welcome the guests who have travelled the furthest to stay at Bushmills Inn. This goes back to an old tradition at the inn that guests still appreciate today. Who knows, maybe your national flag will be raised when you visit.
Do you know any other traditions in hotels? Have you perhaps even experienced something like this yourself?

31/07/2023

Ireland's highest mountain and mountain pass is in Kerry: The highest mountain and mountain pass is in Kerry and is known as Carrauntoohil, located in the MacGillycuddy Reeks range. Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland with an elevation of 3,409 feet.
Ireland's oldest thatched house is in Kerry: If you are looking for the oldest thatched house in Ireland, check out Sheehan's Thatched House in Finuge Cross near Listowel in County Kerry, which was built over 300 years ago. The thatched house is the oldest standing thatched house in Ireland.
The first transatlantic telegraph cable ran from Kerry to North America: Valentia Island in Kerry was the eastern terminus of the first commercially viable transatlantic telegraph cable, which ran from Valentia Island to Newfoundland in 1866. This transatlantic cable was in operation on Valentia Island for one hundred years.
Our insider tip: Valentia Lighthouse. Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the edge of Europe and facing the prevailing weather, Valentia Island Lighthouse houses the westernmost harbour light on the island of Ireland, guiding ships through the northern entrance to Valentia Harbour.Take in the rugged and exposed elements of the Irish island's south-west coast and glimpse the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families on Valentia Island.

26/07/2023

Accommodation tips on the Wild Atlantic Way. You may have wondered where to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way. We would like to introduce two of our favourites in today's post. Both accommodations offer a beautiful view and great service. Therefore we would like to recommend them to you (unpaid). Which of the hotels do you particularly like? And do you know any other accommodation along the Wild Atlantic Way that should not be missed?

24/07/2023

The Wild Atlantic Way is an approximately 2600km coastal route that stretches along the stunning west coast of Ireland. The route features historic sites and natural wonders, as well as 30 spectacular islands.

The coastal route passes through 9 counties (Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal) and three provinces (Connacht, Munster, Ulster).

Along the Wild Atlantic Way you can discover many highlights in Ireland such as the highest mountain in Ireland the Carrauntoohil or Europe's highest sea cliffs the Slieve League.

To drive along the coastal route takes about 44 hours (pure driving time).

Along the Wild Atlantic Way there are over 180 Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points, each marked with a bronze Wild Atlantic Way sign.

The "official" start and end points are Donegal (Inishowen) and Cork (Kinsale), but you can also walk individual sections of the Way at once.

Which place should you not miss on the Wild Atlantic Way?

21/07/2023

About this week #29 of the year

17/07/2023

This week we introduce you to County Clare. Some of you have probably been here before, because the famous Cliffs of Moher are located here. But the county has much more to offer! From the Wild Atlantic Way and rugged coastline to the karst landscape of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle, you could spend weeks exploring Co Clare.

A few interesting facts:
- John Philip Holland the inventor of the submarine came from Liscannor in County Clare Around 1900 the US Navy officially commissioned the production of these submarines.
- The Burren in Clare is home to about three quarters of the total flora of about 1400 plant species found in Ireland.
- The Cliffs of Moher served as inspiration for the cliffs that Harry and Dumbledore visit in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Our insider tip: Loophead Lighthouse. A visit to the lighthouse offers many contrasts on the headland of the Loop Head peninsula. From here you have a breathtaking view all the way to Di**le and Connemara. There is also the option of booking a unique overnight stay at the Light Keeper's House. In our tour "Ireland Northern Magic" we also regularly book overnight stays in lighthouses for our clients. You can find more information at: https://irlandspezialistin.com/irland-reisen/organisierte-irland-mietwagenrundreise/mietwagenrundreise-irland-noerdliche-magie-leuchtturm/. We can include an overnight stay in a lighthouse with every trip to Ireland.

12/07/2023

One of the most beautiful hotels in Dublin. The pictures make you want to go on vacation or?

10/07/2023

This week we introduce you to Co. Dublin. Co. Dublin is the third smallest county in the country and is located on the east coast of the island, in the province of Leinster. Although it is the third smallest county, it is home to about 1/3 of Ireland's population.

Interesting facts:
- County Dublin is home to Ireland's capital and the country's largest city. The name of the city comes from the Gaelic "dubh linn", meaning "black pond", and refers to a dark tidal pool where the Poddle Stream flows into the river Liffey at Dublin Castle.
- Many great Irish literary figures such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stocker and Sam Beckett originated from County Dublin.
- Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John of England. It was the center of British rule in Ireland until 1922. Today it is used for important state receptions and presidential inaugurations.
- The Brazen Head in Dublin is officially the oldest pub in Ireland and dates back to 1198.

Our insider tip: EPIC - The Irish Emmigration Museum. Here you can discover what it means to be Irish and get to the bottom of the history of Irish emigrants. This will give you a unique insight into the history and culture of Ireland.
Which fact did you find the most interesting?

06/07/2023

Book tip: Eat that Frog - 21 ways to achieve more in less time

Most people, like me, have long to-do lists and not enough time. In Brian Tracy's book "Eat that Frog" you will learn how to get the most important things done first and among other things how to work productively without getting distracted. The title comes from the American proverb "Eat a live frog every morning and you'll be past the worst of what awaits you that day". The book gives you many ideas and hints on how to increase your productivity.

04/07/2023

Things you should not miss while visiting Co. Tipperary:
The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is often referred to as the Irish Acropollis and served as the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years before the Norman invasion. Most of the buildings on the present site date from the 12th and 13th centuries. For me personally, the most beautiful building on the site is the Vicars' Choir Room. The vicars helped sing the services in the cathedral. Probably the most interesting building is Chormacs Chapel from the 12th century with beautiful fresco paintings. However, this building is currently accessible only with a guided tour.
Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland. Located directly on the River Suir, the castle was built in the 13th century and served as a stronghold for the powerful Butler family. Its design was so effective that it was believed to be impregnable, but it finally fell to the Earl of Essex in 1599, when heavy artillery was used for the first time. It was besieged twice more during the Irish Confederate Wars.

At the time of its construction, Cahir Castle was at the forefront of defensive castle design and much of the original structure remains today. An excellent audiovisual show provides visitors with a detailed look at the castle's history. The castle is also popular with visitors as it was used in part as a film and television location for productions of "Excalibur" and "The Tudors".
From Cahir Castle there is a beautiful 35 minute walk to Swiss Cottage, built in the early 19th century. This is just outside the historic town of Cahir. The building is an imaginative realization of an idealized country house that was used for picnics and fishing and hunting parties, and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big city.
Inside there is a graceful spiral staircase and some exquisitely decorated rooms. The wallpaper is partly original and partly the result of a 1980s restoration project.

03/07/2023

This week we introduce you to Co. Tipperary. The county is located in the province of Munster and in the Southern Region. The region is named after the town of Tipperary and was founded in the early 13th century, shortly after the Norman invasion of Ireland.

Facts about Co. Tipperary:
1. it is Ireland's largest inland county.
2. it has a common border with eight counties, more than any other
3. "It's a long, long way to Tipperary" by John McCormack - is perhaps the most famous Irish song ever, although it is seen by most as a British song, it is part of both cultures.
4. Tipperary is famous for its horse breeding. Coolmore Stud is the largest thoroughbred breeding farm in the world.

Our insider tip:
For adventure seekers, we recommend a rental car tour or city break combined with a vacation on the water. Especially beautiful is the 179 km² large lake Loch Derg, embedded in the counties Clare, Tipperary and Galway. There are numerous charming small villages and towns along the shore of Lough Derg. A visit to Larkins Pub in the small village of Garrykennedy should not be missed during a stay in Co. Tipperary - here you can moor your boat almost directly in front of the pub.
General: Houseboats can be rented in Ireland and Northern Ireland from the age of 21 - a boat license is not necessary. A vacation on the water is a great way to really get away from it all in nature. The boats usually have a minimum rental period of 3 days and can be booked in sizes from two to ten people.

28/06/2023

Discover the picturesque Co. Cork! Here are our recommended accommodations that will give you an unforgettable stay in Ireland: From charming bed & breakfasts to luxurious hotels, there's something for everyone.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Ballymaloe Country House, Shanagarry
- Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr
- Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery
- Sunville House B&B, Ballycotton
Which of the accommodations would you like to spend a few days at?

26/06/2023

This week we introduce you to Co. Cork. The county is Ireland's and borders the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest and west as well as counties Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick as well as Kerry. Cork's 640 kilometer coastline has many clean beaches and steep cliffs, making it a very maritime area. The largely rocky coastline is strongly indented by peninsulas and sea bays pushing deep into the land.
A few interesting things you probably didn't know about Co. Cork:
1. Cork has the oldest Yacht Club in the World founded in 1720.
2. The first Steamship to cross the Atlantic (The Sirius) left Cobh in 1838 (It took 18 days).
3. In 1912, Cobh was the Titanic’s last port of call.
4. Dursey Island off the coast of the Beara Peninsula has Ireland’s only cable-car. It is licensed to carry 3 people and 1 cow!

Our Insider Tip: Ballycotton Lighthouse
Built in the late 1840s, Ballycotton Lighthouse is located on pristine Ballycotton Island, across the bay from East Cork. The lighthouse is one of two black lighthouses in Ireland. A passenger ferry will take you to the unspoiled and previously inaccessible Ballycotton Island. Knowledgeable guides accompany you up the lighthouse and onto the bright red lantern balcony, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ballycotton Bay and beyond - a spectacular sight previously reserved, for over 160 years, for lighthouse keepers and their families.
Are you planning on visiting the island and the lighthouse to enjoy some great views?🕯️

23/06/2023

Today I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite books: I personally loved the book "The High 5 Habbit". In the book, Mel Robins gives simple instructions on how to motivate yourself.
For example, she gives tips like make your bed every day, ignore your phone in the morning, brush your teeth and give yourself a high 5. Put on sports clothes right after you wake up and get moving. It's all described very simply and straightforwardly. Tell yourself how fearless and awesome you are and work through the day to get your most important things done to achieve what you really want in life.

12/06/2023

County Kilkenny is located in the southeast of Ireland in the province of Leinster. Kilkenny is crossed by three major rivers known as the "Three Sisters": the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow.

Did you know that
.. Kilkenny was the capital of Ireland in 1641 and remained so for nine years until Oliver Cromwell led the conquest of Ireland in 1649.
.. iconic film producer and animator Walt Disney has roots in Kilkenny. His great-grandfather Arundel Elias Disney emigrated from Gowran, County Kilkenny, in the 19th century.

3. the architect of the White House in Washington, D.C., James Hoban, grew up on the Earl of Desart's estate in Cuffesgrange, near Callan in County Kilkenny.

Our insider tip: take a ride on a hydrobike, for an exciting new water adventure in the town of Kilkenny on the River Nore.